How to Deploy with Cloudflare’s Free Stack
After months of experimentation, I’ve streamlined a zero-cost deployment strategy for apps using Cloudflare’s ecosystem. Whether you’re building a side project or a scalable SaaS tool, this stack eliminates infrastructure costs while maintaining performance and security. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Deployment: Cloudflare Workers
Cloudflare Workers is a serverless platform that executes JavaScript/Typescript/Wasm code at the edge across 300+ global data centers. Benefits include:
- Zero cold starts and sub-10ms latency.
- Free tier: Up to 100,000 daily requests.
- Seamless integration with other Cloudflare services.
Ideal for APIs, microservices, or full-stack apps.
2. Database: Cloudflare D1
D1 is a serverless SQLite database designed for simplicity and scalability:
- ACID-compliant with automatic backups.
- Free tier: 5 million read operations/day (5 GB storage).
- Direct integration with Workers via
wranglerCLI.
No need to manage database instances—perfect for small to medium workloads.
3. Object Storage: Cloudflare R2
R2 replaces expensive AWS S3 with a budget-friendly alternative:
- No egress fees (unlike S3).
- Free tier: 10 GB storage, 1 million operations/month.
- Integrates with Workers for file uploads/downloads.
Use this for storing user-generated content, static assets, or logs.
4. Domain & SSL: Cloudflare Pages or Custom Domains
- Cloudflare Pages: Free static hosting with built-in CI/CD for frameworks like React, Next.js, or Hugo.
- Custom Domains: Connect your own domain with free DNS management, SSL certificates, and global CDN.
Both options include automatic HTTPS and DDoS protection.
5. Security: Cloudflare Free Plan
Even $0/month apps need robust security:
- DDoS Protection: Mitigate attacks at the edge.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Block common exploits.
- Bot Management: Filter out malicious traffic.
Why This Stack Works
- Cost Efficiency: All services are free under basic usage tiers.
- Unified Ecosystem: Tight integration between Workers, D1, R2, and security tools reduces complexity.
- Global Edge Network: Ensures low latency and high availability.
By combining these services, I’ve deployed multiple apps—from portfolio sites to analytics dashboards—without ever hitting a paywall. The only limit is your creativity (and Cl