Quick Verdict
AWS for the widest service catalog and ecosystem, Google Cloud for data/ML workloads and the friendliest pricing model, Azure if you're in a Microsoft enterprise. For most startups and independent devs, GCP offers the best price-to-power ratio in 2026.
Scorecard
| Category | AWS | Google Cloud | Azure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free tier value | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3/5 |
| Compute performance | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Ease of use | 3/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Service catalog | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Docs & community | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
Choose AWS if...
- • You need a specific niche service (they have 200+)
- • Hiring: most cloud engineers know AWS
- • Enterprise compliance requirements
Choose GCP if...
- • AI/ML and big data are core to your product
- • You want sustained-use discounts automatically
- • You value a clean, simple console
Choose Azure if...
- • Your company runs on Microsoft 365 / AD
- • You need Windows Server & .NET integration
- • Hybrid on-prem + cloud architecture
Free Tiers Compared
12 mo
AWS free tier (t2.micro + always-free services)
$300
GCP credit, 90 days + always-free e2-micro
$200
Azure credit, 30 days + 12 mo free services
Want the full 12-page benchmark report?
Subscribe to our newsletter and get the PDF with all raw numbers.
Get the Report