AWS vs Azure vs GCP: The Only Comparison Guide You Need

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 top 3 cloud service providers.

Organizations across industries increasingly migrate from on-site servers to cloud or multi-cloud setups to reduce operational costs, but among AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, which one is best for you?

In this article, we will compare AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud to find the differences in their pricing, services, and features. This guide will help you choose the correct cloud service for your needs.

Furthermore, if you are interested in building a career in cloud computing, you can check out our Cloud Computing Courses for certification training with virtual labs.

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 of AWS

● Ease of Use

● Incredibly Diverse Array of Tools

● Unlimited Server Capacity

● Reliable Encryption & Security

● Managed IT Services Are Available

● AWS Offers Flexibility & Affordability

Cons of AWS

● Complexity in pricing

● Amazon’s EC2 Limits

● High cost

Read More About AWS Cloud Basics

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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 of Azure

● Improved data security,

● Scalability

● Simple disaster and recovery services

● Stronger analytics

● Integration compatibility

● Compliance-oriented frameworks that adhere to major regulations

Cons of Azure

● Complexity

● Problem in data transfer

● Lack of support

● Complicated pricing

Read More About Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Azure Certifications

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 of GCP

● Wide Range of Services

● Global Reach

● Security

● Innovative Features

Cons of AWS

● Limited Support

● Security Concerns

● Complex pricing

Read More about the Google Cloud Platform features

Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Comparison

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.

Compute Services offered by AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud

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

Database and Storage Services of GCP, Azure, and AWS

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Specialized Services of AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud

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

Which is the Right Choice?

When selecting a cloud provider between GCP, Azure, and AWS 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.

Which Cloud Platform is Best to Build a Career?

All three of these cloud platforms not only provide cloud services, but they also help students start their careers in cloud computing. AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud have free and paid learning portals where they train students in cloud computing and their products:

● AWS Skill Builder

● Microsoft Learn (Azure)

● Google Cloud Skills Boost

These cloud platforms also offer various certifications and career paths for students to start their professional journey in cloud computing. Some popular certifications and average salaries from each platform are:

● AWS Certified Solutions Architect: $150,000–$200,000/year

● Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate: $110,000–$135,000/year

● Google Associate Cloud Engineer: $135,000/year

Things to consider before choosing a cloud platform for your career:

● AWS: Largest market share, extensive certification ecosystem, strong enterprise adoption.

● Azure: Deep integration with Microsoft products, popular in government and enterprise sectors.

● GCP: Strong in data analytics, AI/ML, and academic research.

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.