Comparison

Using a CDN vs No CDN (Origin Only)

Compare websites with and without a CDN. Learn how Content Delivery Networks affect load times, Core Web Vitals, and SEO rankings for different use cases.

Using a CDN

Any site with users across multiple geographic regions

5 pros4 cons

No CDN (Origin Only)

Small local business sites with geographically concentrated audience

5 pros4 cons

Detailed Comparison

Using a CDN Pros

Dramatically faster global load times
Lower TTFB from edge servers
DDoS protection included
Reduces origin server load
Better Core Web Vitals scores

No CDN (Origin Only) Pros

Simpler setup
No additional cost
Direct control over all requests
No cache invalidation issues
Fine for local audience

Using a CDN Cons

Additional cost
Cache invalidation complexity
Potential cache issues
Another point of configuration

No CDN (Origin Only) Cons

Slow for distant users
Higher server load
No edge caching benefits
Worse Core Web Vitals for global users

Our Verdict

Use a CDN if you have any global audience - the performance benefits directly improve Core Web Vitals and user experience. Modern CDNs like Cloudflare offer free tiers that make this a no-brainer. Only skip a CDN if your audience is entirely local and your origin server is fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

It varies by original server location and user distance. A user in Australia accessing a US-based server might see TTFB drop from 500ms to 50ms with a CDN. Users close to your origin see smaller improvements. Typical improvements range from 50-90% faster load times for distant users.

Yes, free CDN tiers (Cloudflare Free, Vercel, Netlify) provide substantial performance benefits. They handle caching, edge delivery, and often include DDoS protection. Paid tiers add advanced features but aren't necessary for basic SEO performance gains.

Rarely, but possible through misconfiguration. Common issues: caching HTML pages too long (outdated content), cache headers preventing indexing, or edge redirects creating issues. Properly configured CDNs only help SEO.

Cloudflare is the most popular free option with WordPress plugins for easy setup. WP Rocket includes CDN features. For maximum performance, consider managed WordPress hosts (WP Engine, Kinsta) that include integrated CDN solutions.

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