AWS vs Azure vs GCP for Linux 2025: Comprehensive Cloud Provider Comparison

Choosing between AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) for Linux workloads is one of the most critical decisions for DevOps teams and organizations. Each platform offers unique advantages, pricing models, and features that cater to different use cases. This comprehensive guide helps you understand the differences and make the best choice for your Linux infrastructure.

Overview of the Three Major Cloud Providers

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

AWS is the market leader with the largest market share (32% as of 2024). It offers the most comprehensive service portfolio with over 200+ services. AWS has the longest history in cloud computing and the largest user base.

The platform is known for:

• EC2 instances with extensive customization options
• Largest marketplace of third-party integrations
• Most mature DevOps tooling and services
• Strongest ecosystem and community support
• Best pricing for long-term commitments through Reserved Instances

Microsoft Azure

Azure has captured significant market share (23% as of 2024) by targeting enterprises already invested in Microsoft products. It provides seamless integration with Windows Server, SQL Server, and Office 365.

Key characteristics:

• Best for organizations using Microsoft stack
• Strong hybrid cloud capabilities with on-premises integration
• Azure DevOps offers complete CI/CD pipeline
• Competitive pricing for enterprises with Microsoft licenses
• Growing Linux support and open-source initiatives

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

GCP holds 11% market share but is gaining momentum rapidly. Google’s data analytics and machine learning capabilities are unmatched. The platform is known for its developer-friendly tools and innovative features.

Distinctive features:

• Superior data analytics and BigQuery capabilities
• Best machine learning and AI services
• Kubernetes (invented by Google) is first-class service
• Strong container and microservices support
• Competitive per-minute billing (no hourly minimums)

Linux Support Comparison

Operating System Options

Linux Community Support

All three platforms maintain strong relationships with the Linux community. However, GCP has closer ties with open-source projects, particularly Kubernetes and container technologies. AWS has the most extensive documentation and community resources due to market dominance. Azure has been investing heavily in Linux support and open-source initiatives through Microsoft’s commitment to the community.

Pricing Analysis for Linux Workloads

Compute Instance Pricing

AWS EC2 Standard On-Demand (t3.medium, US East 1):

• Hourly Rate: $0.0416/hour
• Monthly (730 hours): ~$30.37
• Annual: ~$364.40
• With Reserved Instance (1-year): ~$240 (~34% savings)
• With Spot Instance: ~$12/month (~60% savings)

Azure VM Standard (B2s, US East):

• Hourly Rate: $0.0416/hour
• Monthly: ~$30.37
• Annual: ~$364.40
• With Reserved Instance (1-year): ~$219.50 (~40% savings)
• With Spot VM: ~$10/month (~67% savings)

GCP Compute Instance (e2-medium, US Central 1):

• Hourly Rate: $0.033/hour
• Monthly (730 hours): ~$24.09
• Annual: ~$289.08
• Per-minute billing (no hourly minimums)
• With Committed Use Discount (1-year): ~$184 (~36% savings)
• With Preemptible VM: ~$7.50/month (~69% savings)

Data Transfer Costs

Storage Pricing

Block Storage (SSD) – 100GB:

• AWS EBS gp3: $8/month
• Azure Premium SSD: $10.24/month
• GCP Persistent Disk: $8.50/month

Object Storage – 1TB/month:

• AWS S3 Standard: $23
• Azure Blob Storage: $20.48
• GCP Cloud Storage: $20.48

Kubernetes and Container Support

Container Orchestration Services

AWS Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS)

• Cluster Management Fee: $0.10/hour per cluster (~$73/month)
• Worker nodes charged separately (EC2 pricing)
• Strong AWS service integration (RDS, S3, CloudWatch)
• Mature ecosystem with extensive third-party support

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

• Cluster Management: Free (only pay for nodes)
• Excellent integration with Azure DevOps
• KEDA for serverless workloads
• Best for enterprises using Microsoft stack

Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)

• Cluster Management: Free (only pay for nodes)
• Kubernetes originated at Google – deepest expertise
• GKE Autopilot (fully managed, serverless-like experience)
• Best integration with Google Cloud ecosystem
• Advanced networking and security features

Container Registry and Image Management

Networking and Security

Virtual Networks

AWS VPC

• Unlimited VPCs per account
• Customizable subnetting and routing
• Security Groups (stateful firewall)
• Network ACLs (stateless firewall)
• No additional charges for VPC itself

Azure Virtual Networks

• Unlimited VNets per subscription
• Network Security Groups (similar to Security Groups)
• Application Security Groups
• Stronger hybrid connectivity (ExpressRoute)
• No additional charges for VNet

GCP VPC

• Global VPC (unlike AWS regional VPCs)
• Firewall rules (more granular than other options)
• Service Controls for advanced security
• Better inter-region connectivity
• No additional charges for VPC

Security Features Comparison

DevOps Tools and CI/CD

Native CI/CD Solutions

AWS

• CodePipeline: $1 per active pipeline/month
• CodeBuild: $0.005 per build minute (Linux)
• CodeDeploy: Free for EC2/on-premises
• CodeCommit: $1 per active user/month (Git service)

Azure

• Azure Pipelines: 1800 minutes free per month for public projects
• Azure Pipelines: $40/month for 1 self-hosted agent (private)
• Azure DevOps Repos: Free (unlimited repos)
• Superior integration with Microsoft ecosystem

GCP

• Cloud Build: $0.003 per build minute (100 minutes free/day)
• Cloud Source Repositories: Free for public, $4/month private
• Artifact Registry: Integrated container management
• Best for Google-centric stacks

Monitoring and Logging

Real-World Cost Comparison

Scenario: Small Web Application

Infrastructure:

• 2x medium compute instances
• 200GB block storage
• 50GB monthly data transfer
• 2 managed databases (multi-zone)
• Monitoring and logging

AWS Estimated Cost:

• EC2 (2x t3.medium on-demand): $60.74
• EBS (200GB gp3): $16
• Data Transfer: $4.50
• RDS (2x db.t3.micro): $60
• CloudWatch Logs: $5
• Miscellaneous (S3, etc.): $10
• Total: ~$156/month
• With Reserved Instances (1-year): ~$110/month

Azure Estimated Cost:

• VMs (2x B2s): $60.74
• Managed Disks (200GB): $20.48
• Data Transfer: $4.35
• MySQL Database (2 instances): $55
• Log Analytics: $8
• Miscellaneous: $8
• Total: ~$156.57/month
• With Reserved Instances (1-year): ~$95/month

GCP Estimated Cost:

• Compute (2x e2-medium): $48.18
• Persistent Disk (200GB): $17/month
• Data Transfer: $6/month
• Cloud SQL (2x db-f1-micro): $50
• Cloud Logging: Free
• Cloud Monitoring: Free
• Miscellaneous: $5
• Total: ~$126.18/month
• With Committed Use Discount (1-year): ~$85/month

Use Case Recommendations

Choose AWS If You Need:

• Maximum service diversity and ecosystem breadth
• Largest community and third-party support
• Mature, battle-tested infrastructure
• Lowest total cost of ownership with Reserved Instances
• Working with multiple regions and complex architectures
• Enterprise support with guaranteed response times

Choose Azure If You Need:

• Integration with Microsoft products (Windows Server, SQL Server)
• Hybrid cloud with on-premises data centers
• Professional services and enterprise consulting
• Azure DevOps for complete CI/CD pipeline
• Compliance with Microsoft-certified solutions
• Strong enterprise support and SLAs

Choose GCP If You Need:

• Best-in-class machine learning and AI capabilities
• Data analytics and BigQuery
• Kubernetes-native infrastructure
• Per-minute billing for cost efficiency
• Best developer experience and tools
• Cloud-native and microservices architectures

Migration Path Considerations

AWS Migration Services

• AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
• AWS Server Migration Service
• DataSync for file system migration
• Application Migration Service
• Cost of migration: ~$1000-5000 for typical workloads

Azure Migration Services

• Azure Migrate for assessment and planning
• Azure Site Recovery for replication
• Azure Database Migration Service
• Cost of migration: Similar to AWS (~$1000-5000)

GCP Migration Services

• Google Cloud Migration Center
• Migrate for Compute Engine
• Database Migration Service
• Cost of migration: Similar pricing

Multi-cloud strategies are increasingly popular. Many enterprises run workloads on 2-3 cloud platforms to avoid vendor lock-in and optimize costs.

Conclusion

There is no universal “best” cloud provider for Linux workloads. Your choice depends on your specific requirements, existing technology investments, and long-term cloud strategy.

AWS dominates in market share and service breadth. It’s the safest choice for enterprise deployments and offers the most mature ecosystem. If you’re starting fresh and need maximum flexibility, AWS is often the default choice.

Azure excels in hybrid scenarios and Microsoft integration. For organizations with significant Windows Server, SQL Server, or Office 365 investments, Azure provides the best total cost of ownership and integration benefits.

GCP offers the best developer experience and data analytics. For data-driven applications, machine learning, and Kubernetes-native deployments, GCP provides superior tooling and innovative features.

Many successful organizations use a multi-cloud strategy, leveraging each provider’s strengths for different workloads. As your infrastructure grows, you’ll likely benefit from understanding all three platforms and making informed decisions for each specific application.

Start with evaluating your immediate needs, estimated costs, and existing technology investments. Then choose the platform that aligns best with your current requirements, with the flexibility to expand to other providers as your needs evolve.