AWS vs Azure vs GCP Complete Comparison

Cloud computing has redefined how businesses manage their IT operations. Among the numerous providers, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) stand out as the dominant forces in the global cloud market. 

Organizations across industries increasingly migrate from on-site servers to cloud or multi-cloud setups to reduce operational costs. There are 3 largest cloud service providers in the market currently, and most companies choose any one of them.

In this article, we will compare AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud and understand the differences in their pricing, services, and features to see what fits best for your needs. The difference between AWS, GCP, and Azure is shown in a tabular manner so that it is easy to compare and understand.

First, let's briefly understand these big three cloud service providers.

An Overview of the Big Three - AWS, Azure & GCP

Let's quickly look at the three cloud technology giants, understand their history, and current market growth, and look at their pros and cons.

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS) 

As the first mover in the cloud industry, AWS leads the market with unmatched maturity and extensive services. Launched in 2006, AWS provides over 200 fully featured services across domains, making it a preferred choice for enterprises, startups, and government entities.

With a 37% annual growth rate, AWS generates significant revenue, constituting 54% of Amazon's total operating income in 2023. 

Key Clients: Expedia, Netflix, Coca-Cola, Formula 1, Airbnb, Lyft, FDA. 

Pros: 

● Ease of Use 

● Incredibly Diverse Array of Tools 

● Unlimited Server Capacity 

● Reliable Encryption & Security 

● Managed IT Services Are Available 

● AWS Offers Flexibility & Affordability 

Cons: 

● Complexity in pricing  

● Amazon’s EC2 Limits 

● High cost 

Read More About AWS Cloud Basics

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2. Microsoft Azure

Launched in 2010, Microsoft Azure is the second-largest cloud provider, rapidly gaining traction with a 46% annual growth rate. Azure’s seamless integration with Microsoft services makes it the ideal choice for enterprises already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.

With 95% of Fortune 500 companies using Azure, its extensive AI, ML, and analytics offerings have made it indispensable for modern businesses. 

Key Clients: Starbucks, NHS, HSBC, Renault, CDC. 

Pros: 

● Improved data security, 

● Scalability 

● Simple disaster and recovery services 

● Stronger analytics 

● Integration compatibility 

● Compliance-oriented frameworks that adhere to major regulations 

Cons: 

● Complexity 

● Problem in data transfer  

● Lack of support 

● Complicated pricing 

Read More About Microsoft Azure 

3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) 

Despite being the smallest of the three, GCP is growing at a remarkable 54% annual rate. Known for its exceptional containerized workload support and global fiber network, GCP excels in innovation and open-source integration. 

Key Clients: Spotify, Toyota, Target, UPS, Nintendo. 

Pros: 

● Wide Range of Services 

● Global Reach 

● Security 

● Innovative Features 

Cons: 

● Limited Support 

● Security Concerns 

● Complex pricing 

Read More about the Google Cloud Platform features

Comparing Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud

The table below shows a general comparison of three cloud providers:

Now we will compare the three cloud service providers on different services and understand which platform is better for a particular service.

Comparing AWS, Azure, and GCP Compute Services 

Here's a comparison of some of the Database and Storage offered by AWS, Azure, and GCP:

Comparing AWS, Azure, and GCP Database and Storage Services 

Here's a comparison of some of the Database and Storage offered by AWS, Azure, and GCP: 

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Comparing AWS, Azure, and GCP Networking Services 

Here's a comparison of some of the Networking Services offered by AWS, Azure, and GCP:

Comparing AWS, Azure, and GCP Specialized Services 

Here's a comparison of some of the specialized services offered by AWS, Azure, and GCP: 

Choosing the Right Cloud Provider: Key Considerations 

When selecting a cloud provider for your business, it’s important to carefully evaluate various factors that can impact performance, cost, and long-term success. Below are some key aspects to consider when choosing between Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP): 

1. Market Leadership and Experience 

AWS is the most established and widely adopted cloud platform with a strong market share and a vast array of services. 

Azure is growing rapidly, especially among enterprises using Microsoft technologies, and it is particularly strong in hybrid cloud environments. 

GCP is the smallest of the big three but is quickly gaining popularity, particularly for its strengths in machine learning and big data. 

2. Global Reach and Availability 

AWS has the largest geographic footprint with 33 regions and 105 availability zones. 

Azure operates in 64 regions and is expanding quickly, with 126 availability zones. 

GCP covers 40 regions and is continually expanding, particularly in Europe and Asia. 

3. Pricing Structure 

AWS tends to be higher in pricing but offers flexibility with a wide range of pricing options and services. 

Azure is often considered more cost-effective for Microsoft-centric enterprises and for hybrid cloud setups. 

GCP offers competitive pricing, particularly in containerized and open-source solutions. 

4. Services and Product Portfolio 

AWS provides the most extensive range of services across compute, storage, networking, security, and machine learning. 

Azure is ideal for enterprises using Microsoft tools (e.g., Windows Server, Active Directory) and offers strong AI, machine learning, and analytics services. 

GCP is a leader in big data, machine learning, and AI, and integrates well with Google’s popular tools like TensorFlow and BigQuery. 

5. Compliance and Security 

AWS offers a comprehensive range of security and compliance certifications, making it suitable for industries requiring strict data protection. 

Azure provides advanced identity and governance tools, especially for organizations using Windows-based environments. 

GCP has strong security features but doesn’t yet have the same breadth of compliance offerings as AWS or Azure. 

How to Choose Between AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud 

Here is a table highlighting key differences between AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP): 

When deciding between AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, the first key factor to consider is the availability of services in the regions where your business operates.

Regional availability directly influences performance, including aspects like network latency and data transmission speed. Additionally, compliance regulations, particularly regarding cybersecurity, vary by region and need to be taken into account. 

As of July 25, 2024, here's how the major cloud providers compare in terms of regional coverage: 

AWS offers 33 geographic regions and 105 availability zones, with plans to add seven more regions and 21 availability zones soon. It serves over 600 edge locations and 12 regional edge caches. 

Microsoft Azure operates in 64 regions, with 15 additional ones under development, and 126 availability zones, with 37 more in the pipeline. It has 192 edge locations worldwide, including four in the US government cloud. 

GCP provides 40 cloud regions and plans to expand by adding eight more regions. It operates 121 zones and 187 edge locations. 

Each of these platforms also offers specialized cloud solutions for government use, and both AWS and Azure provide services tailored to the Chinese market through local data centers. 

All three cloud providers are globally distributed and continue expanding their coverage to meet the growing demand for computing resources. 

Common Services of the Big Three Cloud Providers 

AWS offers the largest catalog of cloud services, exceeding 250 options. 

Azure follows closely with over 200 services, particularly excelling in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and analytics. 

GCP is catching up with Azure in the number of services offered, especially in AI and data analytics. 

Pricing Considerations 

Pricing structures vary across these platforms, with all three competing on cost and value. Factors influencing pricing include customer requirements, service usage, and selected features. 

In general, Microsoft Azure is known for having the lowest on-demand pricing, especially for enterprises already using Microsoft tools (e.g., Windows, Active Directory, MS SQL), making it a more economical option.

AWS is typically priced in the middle range, while GCP also offers competitive pricing but can be more specialized for workloads like containerized services and machine learning. 

Ultimately, your decision should reflect factors like regional service availability, cost structure, and the specific services that align with your business needs. 

Conclusion 

While AWS currently leads the market in both capacity and service offerings, Microsoft and Google are rapidly closing the gap, each working to challenge AWS's dominance. To compete, both companies are expanding their infrastructure, introducing innovative services, and enhancing their pricing and package options. 

Microsoft is targeting the enterprise market to compete directly with AWS, offering solutions tailored to large organizations. Meanwhile, Google is carving out a niche by integrating various open-source projects and third-party services, providing unique value. 

Which cloud provider is best for your business? When comparing Azure, AWS, and GCP, the right choice depends on your company’s specific needs. In today’s fast-evolving cloud landscape, many businesses are adopting multi-cloud strategies to leverage the strengths of each provider without being tied to just one.