FFmpeg Micro vs Cloudflare Stream
Cloudflare Stream is a serverless video pipeline that handles encoding, storage, and delivery through Cloudflare's global CDN. FFmpeg Micro is a focused FFmpeg API you plug into automation tools like n8n and Make.com.
They solve different problems: Cloudflare Stream hosts and delivers your videos, while FFmpeg Micro transforms and processes them with full FFmpeg flexibility.
What each product does
FFmpeg Micro
- Provides an FFmpeg-based API for video editing and transcoding
- Supports custom FFmpeg commands, filters, and multi-video composition
- Does not host or stream videos; works with your existing storage/CDN
- Designed to plug into n8n, Make.com, Zapier, and custom backends
Cloudflare Stream
- Serverless video pipeline: upload, encode, store, and deliver
- Encoding is free; you pay for storage ($5/1k min) and delivery ($1/1k min)
- Built-in adaptive bitrate streaming and embedded player
- Deep integration with Cloudflare Workers and CDN
Pricing at a glance
| Component | FFmpeg Micro | Cloudflare Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Encoding | Included in plan | Free |
| Storage | 8-hour temp retention (auto-cleanup) | $5 per 1,000 min stored/month |
| Delivery | Download link (no CDN) | $1 per 1,000 min delivered |
| Monthly plans | Free (100 min), $19 (2k), $89 (12k), $349 (60k) | Pure pay-as-you-go, no tiers |
| 5,000 min/month example | $89 (Pro plan, processing only) | ~$30 (storage + delivery, hosting included) |
Cloudflare Stream is cheaper when you need hosting and delivery. FFmpeg Micro gives you full FFmpeg flexibility that Cloudflare Stream does not offer.
Key differences
FFmpeg Micro advantage
- Full FFmpeg flexibility — pass any FFmpeg command, filter, or codec
- Multi-video composition — stitch, overlay, and mix multiple inputs
- Custom filters — color grading, LUTs, watermarks, audio mixing
- No vendor lock-in — standard FFmpeg, portable anywhere
- Predictable monthly pricing — fixed tiers, no usage surprises
Cloudflare Stream advantage
- Free encoding — no cost to transcode
- Built-in hosting and CDN — global delivery included
- Adaptive bitrate streaming — HLS/DASH out of the box
- Embedded player — drop-in video player widget
- Cloudflare ecosystem — Workers, Access, CDN integration
When to choose FFmpeg Micro vs Cloudflare Stream
Choose FFmpeg Micro if…
- You need custom FFmpeg operations beyond basic transcoding
- You stitch, overlay, or compose multiple videos together
- You build automation workflows in n8n, Make.com, or Zapier
- You already have your own hosting or CDN solution
- You want predictable monthly costs, not pay-per-use
Choose Cloudflare Stream if…
- You need video hosting, storage, and delivery in one package
- Basic transcoding presets are sufficient for your needs
- You want a built-in player with adaptive streaming
- You are already in the Cloudflare ecosystem (Workers, CDN)
- You prefer pure pay-as-you-go with no monthly commitment
Use both together when…
- You want FFmpeg Micro for custom processing and Cloudflare Stream for delivery
- You automate video production, then host the results on Cloudflare
- You need advanced editing that Cloudflare Stream cannot do, plus global CDN hosting
Need more than basic transcoding presets?
Start a free FFmpeg Micro account and get full FFmpeg power through a simple API. Process your first video in under 10 minutes.
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