Varnish Cache

Self-Hosted

High-performance HTTP reverse proxy and caching server

Overview

Varnish Cache is an open-source HTTP reverse proxy and caching server built to accelerate web application performance. It reduces server load and latency by storing frequently accessed content in memory, delivering cached responses in milliseconds. Key features include HTTP/2 support, customizable caching rules via Varnish Configuration Language (VCL), and seamless integration with backend servers like Apache or Nginx. Deployable on Linux systems (via package managers or Docker), it’s ideal for high-traffic websites needing fine-grained control over content delivery and performance optimization.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  varnish_cache:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: varnish-cache
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

In-memory caching for sub-millisecond response times
Customizable rules via Varnish Configuration Language (VCL)
HTTP/2 and TLS support for modern web standards
Seamless integration with Apache/Nginx backend servers
Scalable for high-traffic websites

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Varnish Cache hard to install?

Basic installation is easy on Linux systems via package managers like apt or yum, or using Docker images. However, mastering advanced configurations (e.g., custom VCL rules for edge cases) requires time and familiarity with its syntax.

? Is it a good alternative to Cloudflare CDN?

Varnish is a self-hosted alternative to Cloudflare’s caching features, offering full control over caching logic. It lacks Cloudflare’s global CDN network and built-in security tools but excels at on-premises or private cloud deployments where control is prioritized.

? Is it completely free?

Yes! Varnish Cache is open-source under the BSD license, so it’s free to use, modify, and distribute. Commercial support and enterprise editions are available from Varnish Software, but the core software has no costs.

Top Alternatives

Cloudflare CDN Search Google

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Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Web Servers

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Dramatically improves web performance and reduces latency
⊕ Open-source with no licensing costs
⊕ Flexible configuration for complex use cases
⊕ Lightweight and resource-efficient

Cons

⊖ Steeper learning curve for advanced VCL configurations
⊖ No native Windows support (Linux-only deployment)
⊖ Requires a backend web server (not a standalone solution)
⊖ Limited beginner-friendly documentation for complex setups