HomeAWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud

    AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud

    Choose the right cloud platform for your infrastructure and applications

    Amazon Web Services (AWS)

    The market leader with the most comprehensive service catalog.

    Advantages

    • Largest service catalog (200+ services)
    • Mature ecosystem and marketplace
    • Most availability zones globally
    • Strongest for startups (credits, programs)
    • Best documentation and community

    Considerations

    • Complex pricing model
    • Steeper learning curve
    • Premium pricing on some services
    • Console UX can be overwhelming

    Best For:

    Startups, enterprises needing breadth, innovation-focused organizations

    Microsoft Azure

    Strong enterprise integration, especially for Microsoft-centric organizations.

    Advantages

    • Best Microsoft integration (365, AD, Windows)
    • Strong enterprise relationships
    • Hybrid cloud strength (Azure Arc)
    • Comprehensive compliance certifications
    • Enterprise support and SLAs

    Considerations

    • Some services less mature than AWS
    • Frequent service name changes
    • Can be expensive for non-Microsoft workloads
    • Documentation inconsistency

    Best For:

    Microsoft shops, enterprises, hybrid cloud requirements

    Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

    Strong in data, analytics, ML, and Kubernetes.

    Advantages

    • Best-in-class data and analytics
    • Kubernetes leadership (GKE)
    • Competitive pricing
    • Clean, intuitive console
    • Strong ML/AI capabilities

    Considerations

    • Smaller service catalog
    • Fewer enterprise relationships
    • Less mature in some areas
    • Perception of product discontinuation

    Best For:

    Data-intensive workloads, ML/AI, Kubernetes-native organizations

    Key Decision Factors

    Consider these factors when making your decision.

    Existing Technology

    Microsoft shops often choose Azure; Google Workspace users may prefer GCP

    Workload Type

    Data/ML favors GCP; general compute is strong on all three; Microsoft workloads fit Azure

    Team Expertise

    Choose what your team knows or can learn quickly

    Pricing Sensitivity

    All offer competitive pricing; reserved capacity and committed use discounts matter

    Multi-Cloud Strategy

    Consider avoiding lock-in with portable architectures

    Our Recommendation

    There's no universally best cloud. AWS offers the most breadth; Azure excels for Microsoft environments; GCP leads in data/ML. Many organizations use multiple clouds for different workloads. Focus on your specific requirements and team capabilities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which cloud is cheapest?

    Pricing varies by service and usage. GCP often has competitive compute pricing. Azure offers benefits for Microsoft customers. AWS credits and reserved instances can be cost-effective. All require optimization to avoid waste.

    Can I use multiple clouds?

    Yes. Multi-cloud strategies are common, using each platform's strengths. This adds complexity but reduces vendor lock-in. Kubernetes and containers help with portability.

    Which cloud is best for startups?

    AWS has strong startup programs and credits. GCP offers competitive startup credits. Azure has programs for Microsoft-focused startups. All can work; consider your team's expertise and product requirements.

    Need Help Deciding?

    We can help you evaluate your options and make the right choice for your organization.