Varnish Cache
Web server accelerator software
Web accelerator software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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What is Varnish Cache
Varnish Cache is an HTTP reverse-proxy cache used to accelerate web applications by storing and serving cacheable responses closer to users than the origin application. It is typically deployed in front of web servers and application servers to reduce backend load and improve response times for high-traffic sites and APIs. The product is known for configurable caching behavior via VCL (Varnish Configuration Language) and support for modern HTTP features when paired with appropriate TLS termination. It is commonly used by operations and platform teams running self-managed infrastructure.
High-performance HTTP caching
Varnish Cache is designed specifically for HTTP reverse-proxy caching and can serve cached objects efficiently from memory. It supports common acceleration patterns such as cache warming, grace mode (serving stale content while revalidating), and request coalescing to reduce origin load. These capabilities fit deployments where a dedicated caching layer is preferred over a full edge network service.
Fine-grained cache control (VCL)
VCL allows teams to implement detailed caching rules, header manipulation, routing decisions, and custom logic based on request/response attributes. This helps handle complex scenarios such as personalized content exclusions, device-based variants, and selective caching of API endpoints. The configuration model is explicit and versionable, which suits infrastructure-as-code workflows.
Flexible deployment and integration
Varnish Cache runs on standard Linux servers and can be placed in front of common web servers, application servers, and load balancers. It supports multiple backends and health checks, enabling patterns like failover and backend sharding. This flexibility makes it suitable for on-premises and cloud VM/container environments where teams manage their own network and scaling.
No built-in TLS termination
Varnish Cache historically does not terminate TLS directly in the core open-source daemon, so HTTPS typically requires a separate component (for example, a proxy or TLS terminator) in front. This adds operational complexity and additional moving parts in the request path. Teams must also coordinate certificate management and cipher policy outside of Varnish.
Steeper learning curve (VCL)
While powerful, VCL introduces a specialized configuration language and execution model that can be unfamiliar to teams used to simpler cache rules. Misconfigurations can lead to cache poisoning risks, incorrect caching of personalized content, or reduced hit rates. Effective use often requires careful testing, observability, and disciplined change management.
Not a full edge platform
Varnish Cache is primarily a self-managed caching proxy and does not inherently provide globally distributed points of presence, DDoS protection, or managed edge compute. Organizations needing worldwide acceleration and integrated security controls may need additional services or infrastructure. Scaling across regions typically requires designing and operating multi-site deployments.
Plan & Pricing
Varnish Cache (open-source) Pricing model: Permanently free / open-source License: 2‑clause BSD (Free to download and use). Notes: No paid tiers for the open-source Varnish Cache distribution; download and documentation available on vendor site.
Varnish Enterprise (commercial offering from Varnish Software) Pricing model: Custom / Contact sales (enterprise subscriptions and site-based licensing) Free tier/trial: Free trial available (vendor offers trials of Varnish Enterprise). Example/Published costs on official pages (product-specific):
- Artifact caching: “Flat‑rate pricing starts at $10K per server” (official Varnish Software artifact-caching page).
- Private CDN: “After the trial period, subscription starts from $15,000 for small and medium enterprises” (official Varnish Private CDN info page).
Varnish CDN (official Varnish CDN product site) Tiered plans (as published on the vendor's CDN product site):
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Developer (Free) | Free — 0.5 TB included + €30/TB overage | Dev/testing tier; no credit card required; limited custom cache rules (10) |
| Growth | €69 / monthly | 2 TB included + €25/TB overage; 100 custom cache rules; WAF - Standard; Image Optimization |
| Business | €299 / monthly | 10 TB included + €20/TB overage; DDoS protection; increased custom rules and image transforms |
| Custom Contract | Contact Sales | >100 TB included; enterprise features and bespoke support |
Discount options / Licensing notes: Volume/commitment pricing and custom enterprise bundles are handled by sales/quote (contact sales).
Seller details
Varnish Software AS
Oslo, Norway
2006
Private
https://www.varnish-software.com/
https://x.com/varnishsoftware
https://www.linkedin.com/company/varnish-software/
