Apache Traffic Server
Apache Traffic Server: A self-hosted proxy CDN with caching, TLS termination, WebSockets, and plugins. Ranked #7 of 33 in Content Delivery Networks by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Open source; best for teams operating a self-hosted proxy CDN.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forTeams operating a self-hosted proxy CDN
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports forward and reverse proxy deployments with response caching
- Includes TLS termination, WebSocket proxying, and connection controls
- Extends HTTP processing through a plugin API and rate-limit plugin
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosted installation, configuration, and ongoing administration
- Does not provide a vendor-hosted managed global CDN service
- Configuration relies on command-line tools and configuration files
Our verdict on Apache Traffic Server
Apache Traffic Server is open-source software for caching and proxying HTTP/1.1 and HTTP/2 traffic. It supports both forward and reverse proxy operation, making it a fit for enterprises, internet service providers, backbone providers, large intranets, content providers, and CDN environments that want to operate the delivery layer themselves. The project runs on macOS and Linux and is positioned for high-volume traffic rather than for teams seeking a hosted CDN dashboard.
Its strongest capability is the combination of response caching, cache storage, and traffic handling controls. Apache Traffic Server can terminate TLS/SSL connections with certificate selection, proxy WebSocket connections, and apply connection controls. The plugin API extends HTTP processing and protocol behavior, while the rate-limit plugin provides request rate limiting. Logging, monitoring, and statistics support operational visibility. Administrators can install the software from source or operating-system packages and manage it through command-line tools and configuration files.
The trade-off is operational ownership. Apache Traffic Server is self-hosted software, so teams must provide the infrastructure, deployment process, configuration, monitoring, and maintenance needed to run a proxy CDN. It is a strong choice for organizations that need control over caching, proxy behavior, TLS termination, WebSockets, and extensibility. Teams that want a vendor-hosted global CDN service, managed infrastructure, or a simpler setup should choose a managed CDN alternative instead.
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Apache Traffic Server pricing
Apache Traffic Server fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Edge locations | Not verified |
| Image optimization | Not verified |
| Video delivery | Not verified |
| Origin shield | Not verified |
| Edge compute | Not verified |
| Real-time logs | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | trafficserver.apache.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Apache Traffic Server
- Amazon CloudFrontA full-featured CDN with strong AWS integration and plans from free to custom.9.2
- Cloudflare CDNA broad CDN with a free plan, edge services, image tools, video delivery, and logging.8.9
- Azure Front DoorA capable Azure CDN for teams that need delivery, routing, failover, and security.8.8
See all Apache Traffic Server alternatives →
Apache Traffic Server vs the competition
- Apache Traffic Server vs Amazon CloudFront
- Apache Traffic Server vs Cloudflare CDN
- Apache Traffic Server vs Azure Front Door
- Apache Traffic Server vs Bunny.net
- Apache Traffic Server vs KeyCDN
- Apache Traffic Server vs Gcore CDN
Compare Apache Traffic Server with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Apache Traffic Server is ranked in 6 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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