Company snapshot

CategoryUploadcare CDNVercara
Statusactiveactive
Founded
Headquarters
Website
Docs

Overview

Uploadcare CDN, part of Uploadcare, is a file management platform and content delivery network designed for web and mobile applications. It specializes in handling file uploads, processing, and delivery, with a focus on media optimization for images and videos. The service caters to developers and businesses, offering tools for content creators and engineers. Its customer base includes startups, SMBs, and enterprises needing efficient media workflows. Uploadcare is headquartered in Palo Alto, USA, and has been operational since 2011.
Vercara, formerly Neustar Security Services, is a cloud-based provider of CDN, DNS, and cybersecurity solutions, focusing on enterprise-grade services. It offers UltraDNS for managed authoritative DNS and UltraDDoS Protect, UltraWAF, UltraAPI, and UltraEdge for security and performance. Acquired by DigiCert in September 2024, Vercara serves over 2,000 enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies, across industries like finance, e-commerce, and healthcare. Its solutions emphasize uptime, security, and scalability for complex digital infrastructures. Vercara handles approximately 30% of global internet traffic, processing over 9 trillion DNS queries daily.

Network & Architecture

Uploadcare CDN operates a global network, though specific details on the number of Points of Presence (POPs) are not publicly disclosed. The platform leverages a multi-vendor CDN approach to ensure reliable content delivery across regions, including North America, EMEA, APAC, and others. It integrates with major cloud providers for storage and processing, optimizing for low-latency delivery of media assets. The architecture is developer-centric, prioritizing API-driven workflows and seamless integration with web and mobile apps.
Vercara operates a global network with points of presence (POPs) across 16 regions, including a recently added node in Toronto. Its UltraDNS service ensures low-latency DNS resolution, and its DDoS mitigation network has a capacity exceeding 15 Tbps. The platform is designed for high availability, with a reported 100% uptime for DNS services. It has strong regional coverage in North America, EMEA, and APAC, serving global enterprises with hybrid cloud setups. Specific peering and routing details are not publicly disclosed, but Vercara’s infrastructure supports major hyperscalers and high-traffic verticals.

Feature comparison

FeatureUploadcare CDNVercara
waf
bot_mitigation
ddos
rate_limit
http3_quic
tls13
tiered_cache
origin_shield
instant_purge
stale_while_revalidate
stale_if_error
image_optimization
video_vod
video_live
drm
hls_dash_packaging
websockets
signed_urls
edge_compute
functions
kv_storage
api_first
realtime_logs
log_push
terraform

Legend: ✓ = Supported, ✗ = Not supported, — = Not listed

Pricing

Uploadcare CDN uses a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model with a free tier for low-volume users. Paid plans start at $20/month, with per-GB pricing for CDN traffic and storage. For example, the Regular plan includes 100 GB of CDN traffic for $49/month. A free tier offers limited monthly CDN traffic, suitable for testing or small projects. Enterprise plans are available for custom needs. Full details are at https://uploadcare.com/pricing/.
Vercara operates on an enterprise-only model, with pricing tailored to customer needs and no public per-GB rates disclosed. It does not offer a free tier or pay-as-you-go options, focusing on committed contracts for large organizations. Specific pricing details are available only through direct sales consultation. No public pricing page is provided.

Integrations & DevEx

Uploadcare provides a REST API and webhooks for programmatic control, with SDKs for JavaScript, Python, and other languages. Its React Uploader component simplifies file uploads in React applications. Real-time logs are available for monitoring, and instant purge is supported via API. No Terraform or CI/CD pipeline integrations are documented. The platform includes a dashboard for managing files and monitoring usage, aimed at developers and content teams.
Vercara supports Terraform for infrastructure automation, integrating with DevOps workflows. Its API-first design enables programmatic control of DNS and security services. Real-time logs are available for monitoring, though log push or streaming capabilities are not explicitly documented. Integration with HashiCorp Consul-Terraform-Sync enhances DNS management automation. Migration tools or specific SDKs are not publicly detailed, but Vercara’s enterprise focus suggests customized onboarding support.

When it fits

  • Small to medium businesses needing a developer-friendly CDN for media-heavy web or mobile apps.
  • Projects requiring robust image optimization and video-on-demand delivery with simple API integration.
  • Teams on a budget leveraging the free tier or PAYG pricing for low-to-moderate traffic.
  • Large enterprises needing robust DNS and DDoS protection with 100% uptime guarantees.
  • Organizations with hybrid cloud setups requiring integrated DNS and certificate management.
  • High-traffic industries like finance or e-commerce needing scalable security solutions.

When it doesn’t

  • Enterprises needing advanced security features like WAF, DDoS protection, or bot mitigation, which are not offered.
  • Applications requiring live video streaming, DRM, or complex edge compute capabilities.
  • Organizations needing detailed network transparency or extensive POP coverage, as specific network details are limited.
  • Small businesses or startups seeking pay-as-you-go or free-tier CDN options.
  • Users needing transparent pricing or self-service onboarding without sales consultation.
  • Applications requiring advanced video streaming features like HLS/DASH packaging or DRM.

History & Notes