βοΈ AWS vs Azure vs GCP in 2025: Which Cloud Platform Should You Choose?

Table of contents

In today's cloud-first world, choosing the right platform is crucial for developers, DevOps engineers, and startups.
The top 3 cloud giants are:
π‘ Amazon Web Services (AWS)
π΅ Microsoft Azure
π΄ Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
But which one is right for you? Letβs explore the differences, strengths, and best use cases in 2025! π
π§ Market Share & Maturity
Cloud Provider | Market Share (2025 est.) | Launched |
π‘ AWS | ~32% | 2006 |
π΅ Azure | ~23% | 2010 |
π΄ GCP | ~10% | 2008 |
β AWS is the most mature and widely adopted platform, giving it an edge in services and documentation.
βοΈ Services: Breadth & Depth
AWS π
200+ services
Industry-leading in compute, storage, security, DevOps
Serverless with Lambda, containers with ECS/EKS
Azure π΅
Deep integration with Microsoft ecosystem
Best for enterprise IT, hybrid cloud, .NET apps
Azure DevOps, Azure Active Directory, etc.
GCP π΄
Strongest in AI/ML & Big Data
Tools like Vertex AI, TensorFlow, BigQuery
Cleaner UI & strong developer experience
π If you want versatility, go for AWS.
πΌ If youβre in enterprise environments, pick Azure.
π€ If you love AI/ML & analytics, explore GCP.
π Global Infrastructure
AWS: 33 Regions, 105 AZs β highest resilience
Azure: 65+ Regions β highest global reach
GCP: Efficient global backbone (same infra as YouTube & Google Search)
π Azure wins in region count, but AWS leads in availability zones and edge infrastructure.
π οΈ DevOps & CI/CD Tools
Feature | AWS | Azure | GCP |
CI/CD | CodePipeline | Azure Pipelines | Cloud Build |
Container Orchestration | ECS, EKS | AKS | GKE (best in class) |
IaC | CloudFormation | ARM Templates | Deployment Manager |
Terraform Support | β Full | β Full | β Full |
π¦ AWS is the most DevOps-friendly overall.
π― GCPβs GKE is the best managed Kubernetes platform.
π§± Azure Pipelines is great for enterprises with Microsoft workflows.
πΈ Pricing & Free Tiers
AWS: Pay-as-you-go, tiered, 12-month free tier
Azure: Competitive, similar model
GCP: Most generous for beginners ($300 credit over 90 days)
π‘ GCP wins for trial & experimentation.
AWS offers deep pricing tools like Cost Explorer and Savings Plans.
π Security & Compliance
All 3 platforms are highly secure, but:
AWS: Largest list of certifications, shared responsibility model is well-documented
Azure: Great for Active Directory and hybrid security
GCP: Focus on encryption, privacy, and built-in security defaults
π If you want enterprise-level security and compliance β AWS and Azure are your best bet.
π§ When to Choose Which?
Use Case | Best Platform |
General-purpose DevOps & startups | AWS π‘ |
Enterprise workloads with Microsoft | Azure π΅ |
Big Data, Machine Learning | GCP π΄ |
Hybrid cloud/on-prem integration | Azure π΅ |
Kubernetes at scale | GCP (GKE) π΄ |
π― Final Thoughts
So, which one should you learn?
β AWS: Best for job opportunities and flexibility
β Azure: Best if you're targeting enterprises or already use Microsoft products
β GCP: Best for cutting-edge AI/ML, and startups on a budget
No matter where you start, understanding cloud fundamentals is key. Each platform has its strengths, and the skills are transferable. Learn one β and youβll adapt easily to others!
βοΈ Start with AWS if unsure. Then explore Azure & GCP based on projects, employers, or career goals.
π¬ Let's Connect!
Did you find this breakdown helpful? Follow me for more cloud, DevOps, and career tips. Drop a comment or share your cloud journey below! π
βοΈ Keep learning, keep building. π
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Written by

Tanvir Mulla
Tanvir Mulla
Hello, I'm Tanvir Mulla , an aspiring DevOps and Cloud Engineer with a strong passion for automation, continuous integration, and cloud technologies. Though I am at the beginning of my professional journey, I have dedicated myself to learning and building a solid foundation in the dynamic world of DevOps and Cloud Computing.