AWS vs Azure vs GCP: Which Is Better?

Imagine you're ready to launch a new business. You know that using the cloud is crucial, but with so many options, where do you start? The big three—AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud—stand out as top players, each offering unique strengths. But how do you choose the right one when everything promises high performance, strong security, and flexible tools?

Did you know?

• AWS sees around 54% of enterprises spending $1.2 million on its services. (Source: Cloudzero)
• Azure takes a 24% share with similar spending. (Source: HGInsights)
• Google Cloud is gaining ground, with 9% of companies investing the same amount. (Source: Kinsta)

In this comparison of AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud, we’ll look at performance, pricing, security, and services to help you make an informed decision. Join us as we explore which cloud platform best suits your business needs—whether you’re launching a startup or scaling a global enterprise.

A Quick Overview: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud

AWS, Azure, and GCP are the leading cloud service providers, each offering unique features and advantages. Before diving into their differences, let’s take a quick look at the basics of these three giants:

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services, or AWS, is Amazon’s cloud infrastructure platform, launched in 2006. Today, it’s the leading cloud provider, holding about 32% of the market share as of Q1 2023. 

AWS offers a broad mix of services across infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and software-as-a-service (SaaS). These services range from computing power and storage to advanced tools like AI, machine learning, and content delivery. 

Whether you’re a startup or a large enterprise, AWS provides flexible solutions to scale your needs effectively. Many businesses hire AWS developers to unlock the full potential of its offerings.

Pros of Amazon Web Services (AWS) 

• Easy of use
• An incredibly diverse array of tools
• Unlimited server capacity
• Global availability
• Scalability and versatile
• Fast application deployment

Cons of Amazon Web Services (AWS)

• Limitations of Amazon EC2
• Security limitations
• General cloud computing issues

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure, Microsoft’s cloud platform, offers solutions across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Originally called “Azure” before rebranding in 2014, this platform supports virtual computing, analytics, storage, networking, and more. 

Azure works seamlessly with Microsoft products like Office 365 and Windows, making it ideal for organizations already using these tools. 

It supports a variety of programming languages and frameworks, so developers can build applications using their preferred tools.

Pros of Microsoft Azure

• Integration with Microsoft Products
• Data Security
• Cost-Effective
• App-friendly
• Extensive Documentation and Support

Cons of Microsoft Azure

• Cost Management Challenges
• Steep Learning Curve
• Difficult Migration

Google Cloud Platform

Google Cloud Platform, or GCP, provides a vast range of cloud services, from networking, storage, and big data to IoT, cloud management, and machine learning. 

GCP delivers infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and software-as-a-service (SaaS), with an emphasis on AI and data analytics. 

It’s built on the same infrastructure that powers Google’s services such as YouTube, Gmail, and Search, ensuring reliability and performance for enterprise needs. 

GCP’s integration with Google’s G-Suite tools makes it an attractive option for businesses already using Google products.

Pros of Google Cloud Platform

• G-Suite
• Insights from AI
• Highly Secure
• Extensive Range of Services
• Strong Security Features

Cons of Google Cloud Platform

• Poor documentation
• Need Management

Key Differences: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud

Which is the best cloud platform: Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud? This question often arises as businesses explore their cloud options. Comparing GCP vs. AWS vs. Azure allows businesses to determine which provider best meets their needs. Each platform has unique features and strengths. Here’s a quick look at key aspects to consider when choosing the right cloud platform.

Let's dive in!

Regions and Availability: Azure vs AWS vs Google 

Regions and availability are key factors when choosing a cloud provider. They affect performance due to latency and compliance issues, especially when handling data.

Here’s a snapshot of the “Big Three” as of March 2023:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS covers 30 global regions, including two in India (Mumbai and Hyderabad). It has 96 availability zones and over 410 Points of Presence worldwide.
• Microsoft Azure: Azure operates in 54 regions, including many in India (Pune, Chennai, Mumbai, and a planned one in Hyderabad). Each region has at least three availability zones and 116 edge locations.
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP): GCP has 35 cloud regions, including the Delhi National Capital Region. It offers 106 zones and more than 200 edge locations worldwide.

Each provider offers a different number of regions and zones, so choose one that best meets your performance and compliance needs.

Compute Services: Amazon Web Services vs Google Cloud vs Azure 

Now, you will see what services the three cloud giants offer. 

• AWS leads with over 200 services, benefiting from a five-year head start. Its services are highly evolved and rich in features. 
• Azure follows with 100+ services, providing a strong range of offerings. 
• Google Cloud, though newer, is catching up, offering around 60+ services. When comparing AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, it's important to look at their domain offerings to understand which platform meets your needs.

Market Shares: AWS vs Google Cloud vs Azure

Take a quick look at the cloud market shares to determine which is the best: AWS vs Microsoft Azure vs Google Cloud.

Market Leaders:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) holds the largest share at 32%.
• Microsoft Azure follows with a 22% market share.
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP) ranks third with approximately 12%.

Revenue Insights:

In Q3 2024, AWS generated $27.5 billion, while Azure earned $24.1 billion, and Google Cloud reported $11.4 billion in revenue24.

Growth Rates:

Google Cloud is currently the fastest-growing, with a revenue increase of 35% year-over-year, compared to Azure's 20% and AWS's 19% growth.

Enterprise Adoption:

About 76% of enterprises use AWS, while 69% utilize Azure, and only 34% are on Google Cloud13.

Service Offerings:

AWS provides over 200 services, Azure offers more than 600, and Google Cloud has around 100 services, catering to diverse business needs34.

Geographical Coverage:

AWS operates in 66 availability zones, Azure in 54 regions, and Google Cloud in about 20 regions, illustrating their global reach12.

Market Trends:

The cloud market is expanding rapidly, with North America leading at a 41% share, while Asia Pacific shows significant growth potential45.

Future Outlook:

While AWS currently leads, both Azure and Google Cloud are making strides in functionality and market presence, indicating a competitive future landscape in cloud services

Hybrid and Multi-cloud Options: AWS Vs. Azure Vs. Google Cloud

While all three vendors are still evolving in hybrid and multi-cloud offerings, they each provide different tools to offer more flexibility to their customers.

AWS Hybrid and Multi-cloud

• AWS Snowball
• AWS Snowcone
• AWS Outposts
• AWS Local Zones
• VMware Cloud on AWS
• AWS Wavelength
• Amazon ECS Anywhere
• Amazon EKS Anywhere

Azure Hybrid and Multi-cloud

• Azure Arc
• Azure Backup
• Azure Active Directory
• Azure Security Center
• Azure Blob Storage
• Azure Stack
• Azure Centinel

Google Cloud Hybrid and Multi-cloud

• Anthos
• Traffic Director
• Looker
• Cloud Build
• Operations
• Cloud Run for Anthos

Pricing: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud Provider Comparison

When it comes to choosing a cloud provider, pricing is one of the most important elements to consider, as you will likely be locked into the pricing of your chosen provider for several years. 

Businesses must compare the pricing models of AWS, Azure, and GCP. This is key to finding the best fit for their needs and budget.

AWS Pricing

• Smallest Instance: Includes 2 virtual CPUs and 8 GB of RAM, costing about $69/month.
• Largest Instance: Features 128 vCPUs and 3.84 TB of RAM, at $3.97/hour.
• Important Note: AWS offers pay-per-minute billing, similar to Azure, though Google provides pay-per-second billing, which can yield extra savings.

Azure Pricing

• Smallest Instance: It comes with 2 vCPUs and 8 GB of RAM, priced at around $70/month.
• Largest Instance: Contains 128 vCPUs and 3.89 TB of RAM, costing about $6.79/hour.

Google Cloud Pricing

• Small Instance: Google’s most basic instance is generally 25% cheaper than AWS or Azure, at $52/month for 2 virtual CPUs and 8 GB of RAM.
• Largest Instance: This option includes 160 vCPUs and 3.75 TB of RAM, priced at $5.32/hour.

Famous Brands Using Them: AWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud

• AWS: AWS is a leading cloud provider with strong community support and a large user base. It also offers features like Dynamic DNS in AWS, enabling users to manage domain names dynamically for cloud applications. Many major brands rely on AWS, including Netflix, Airbnb, Unilever, BMW, Samsung, MI, Zynga, Twitch, LinkedIn, Facebook, Baidu, and ESPN. 

• Azure: Azure has gained a prestigious client list, serving almost 80% of Fortune 500 companies. Well-known brands using Azure include eBay, Boeing, Samsung, HP, Polycom, Johnson Controls, BMW, Fujifilm, and Apple.

• Google Cloud: With its strong brand value, Google also holds a respected place in cloud services. Google Cloud's clients include HSBC, Vimeo, Twitter, PayPal, Snapchat, 20th Century Fox, Bloomberg, Domino's, and Spotify.

Wrapping Up

AWS, Azure, and GCP are well-known hyperscale cloud providers, each with its strengths. AWS offers broad reach and scalability. Azure is strong in integration and security. GCP stands out in data management and machine learning.

As the industry evolves, many businesses are adopting multi-cloud strategies to leverage the benefits of each provider. Remember, no cloud is better than another. Your choice depends on what best meets your organization’s needs.

If you're ready to explore cloud infrastructure or need help choosing the right solution, we are happy to shake hands with you.