Link copied to clipboard # Amazon EC2 vs Azure Virtual Machines Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/amazon-ec2/azure-virtual-machines/export.csv) Amazon EC2Azure Virtual Machines[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Amazon EC2** Free Trial **Contact Vendor for Pricing** ยท Basic **Azure Virtual Machines** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **Amazon EC2** $$$$$ **Azure Virtual Machines** $$$$$ Average Discount **Amazon EC2** 14% **Azure Virtual Machines** 17%3% more Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **Amazon EC2** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Azure Virtual Machines** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **Amazon EC2** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Azure Virtual Machines** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Amazon EC2** Ease of Use (55) Scalability (37) Complexity (25) Expensive (25) **Azure Virtual Machines** Ease of Use (48) Scalability (30) Complexity (26) Cost Issues (23) Integrations **Amazon EC2** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_b3390b4cc3d92e87d570895f7358c003/amazon-cloudwatch.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Amazon CloudWatch ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-cloudwatch/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_6f7467a9095411d659210c508d7bb82a/amazon-elastic-kubernetes-service-amazon-eks.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Amazon Elastic Kubernetes... ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-elastic-kubernetes-service-amazon-eks/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_3a7a925cc43d97814fa81ec2d6c06f45/amazon-rds-on-outposts.jpeg "Product Avatar Image") Amazon RDS on Outposts ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-rds-on-outposts/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_0148ca76408710a295015ec26b43fd3e/amazon-relational-database-service-rds.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Amazon Relational Database... ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-relational-database-service-rds/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-ec2/integrations) **Azure Virtual Machines** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_f176b4154a751d10150daa67a57b7dc5/azure-active-directory-domain-services.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Azure Active Directory... ](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-active-directory-domain-services/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_ff5277ce9b8cd86724144bb4ee05ddc3/ispbills.jpg "Product Avatar Image") ISPbills ](https://www.g2.com/products/ispbills/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_da16878589afcd15c61bcb8a7b6b66a7/kubernetes.png "Product Avatar Image") Kubernetes ](https://www.g2.com/products/kubernetes/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_a88b2780387383b18354f5380936359f/vmware-esxi.jpg "Product Avatar Image") VMware ESXi ](https://www.g2.com/products/vmware-esxi/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-virtual-machines/integrations) Screenshots **Amazon EC2** ![Amazon EC2 screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/41423/uploads_2Fe6088a7d-654a-4b1d-9aa4-bfbbe33cd2f4_2FAmazon_EC2.png) **Azure Virtual Machines** No screenshot available **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Amazon EC2** **9.2** /10 Based on 1,016 responses **Azure Virtual Machines** **9.0** /10 Based on 341 responses Ease of Use **Amazon EC2** **8.6** /10 Based on 1,024 responses **Azure Virtual Machines** **8.6** /10 Based on 341 responses Ease of Setup **Amazon EC2** **8.5** /10 Based on 549 responses **Azure Virtual Machines** **8.6** /10 Based on 208 responses Ease of Admin **Amazon EC2** **8.6** /10 Based on 481 responses **Azure Virtual Machines** **8.6** /10 Based on 193 responses Quality of Support **Amazon EC2** **8.7** /10 Based on 976 responses **Azure Virtual Machines** **8.4** /10 Based on 328 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Amazon EC2** **9.0** /10 Based on 470 responses **Azure Virtual Machines** **8.9** /10 Based on 185 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Amazon EC2** **9.2** /10 Based on 932 responses **Azure Virtual Machines** **9.2** /10 Based on 329 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) **8.9** /10 Based on 253 responses **8.7** /10 Based on 77 responses Server Virtualization Not enough data **8.7** /10 Based on 35 responses AWS Marketplace **9.3** /10 Based on 8 responses Not enough data User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 40.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 34.6% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 25.2% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 40.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 34.6% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 25.2% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 31.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 32.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 35.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 31.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 32.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 35.3% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Amazon EC2](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476475/amazon-ec2.svg "Amazon EC2")](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-ec2/reviews) Amazon EC2 Information Technology and Services 25.3% Computer Software 23.9% Computer & Network Security 3.6% Financial Services 3.1% Internet 3.0% Other 41.2% [![Azure Virtual Machines](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_f176b4154a751d10150daa67a57b7dc5/azure-virtual-machines.jpg "Azure Virtual Machines")](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-virtual-machines/reviews) Azure Virtual Machines Information Technology and Services 30.2% Computer Software 17.7% Computer & Network Security 7.4% Accounting 4.2% Information Services 2.4% Other 38.1% Alternatives **Amazon EC2 Alternatives** ![Google Compute Engine](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_aeae116c52945fdecd7ed16d621cb315/google-compute-engine.png "Google Compute Engine") [ Google Compute Engine ](/products/google-compute-engine/reviews) ![DigitalOcean](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/6028813119dc32d698afd6e25ff33d5b/digitalocean.svg "DigitalOcean") [ DigitalOcean ](/products/digitalocean/reviews) ![Akamai Cloud Computing](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/88a10113936d5d26cc5455decf5a8817/akamai-cloud-computing.svg "Akamai Cloud Computing") [ Akamai Cloud Computing ](/products/akamai-cloud-computing/reviews) ![Vultr](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/27c97c7af6d802b5402dcad97f585a40/vultr.svg "Vultr") [ Vultr ](/products/vultr/reviews) **Azure Virtual Machines Alternatives** ![Google Compute Engine](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_aeae116c52945fdecd7ed16d621cb315/google-compute-engine.png "Google Compute Engine") [ Google Compute Engine ](/products/google-compute-engine/reviews) ![VMware vSphere](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/62d35cb2345645716e2f1cf7c8fc97fb/vmware-vsphere.svg "VMware vSphere") [ VMware vSphere ](/products/vmware-vsphere/reviews) ![DigitalOcean](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/6028813119dc32d698afd6e25ff33d5b/digitalocean.svg "DigitalOcean") [ DigitalOcean ](/products/digitalocean/reviews) ![Vultr](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/27c97c7af6d802b5402dcad97f585a40/vultr.svg "Vultr") [ Vultr ](/products/vultr/reviews) ## Amazon EC2 vs Azure Virtual Machines FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Amazon EC2 vs Azure Virtual Machines? Amazon EC2 stands out for its higher G2 rating and reviewer-cited scalability, while Azure Virtual Machines is favored for its flexibility and ease of use. | [Amazon EC2](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-ec2/reviews) | [Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-virtual-machines/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.6/5 (1,200 reviews) | 4.4/5 (393 reviews) | | Mid-Market | Mid-Market | | 8.5 | 8.6 | | 8.7 | 8.4 | | Scalability (37 all-time mentions) | Flexibility (19 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of Amazon EC2 and Azure Virtual Machines compare? Amazon EC2 is rated higher for price satisfaction, indicating reviewers consider it the stronger value compared to Azure Virtual Machines. - **Amazon EC2:** In recent reviews, many cite cost-effectiveness and the ability to pay only for what is used, but note that pricing can be complex and costs can rise if resources are not managed carefully. - **Azure Virtual Machines:** Reviewers frequently mention that while Azure VMs offer flexible pricing and cost optimization options, the pricing structure is complex and can be expensive for long-term or high-resource workloads. ### What are the best alternatives to Amazon EC2 and Azure Virtual Machines? The top 3 alternatives to Amazon EC2 and Azure Virtual Machines are Google Compute Engine, DigitalOcean, and VMware vSphere. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Amazon EC2](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-ec2/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1,200) | Mid-Market | Cost-effective, but pricing can be complex | Scalability | | [Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-virtual-machines/reviews) | 4.4/5 (393) | Mid-Market | Flexible pricing, but can be expensive for long-term workloads | Flexibility | | [Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/products/google-compute-engine/reviews) | 4.5/5 (953) | Small-Business | โ€” | Performance and reliability | | [DigitalOcean](https://www.g2.com/products/digitalocean/reviews) | 4.6/5 (756) | Small-Business | โ€” | Ease of use | | [VMware vSphere](https://www.g2.com/products/vmware-vsphere/reviews) | 4.5/5 (772) | Enterprise | โ€” | Enterprise-grade virtualization | ### Which Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) features should I prioritize when comparing Amazon EC2 and Azure Virtual Machines? Buyers should prioritize scalability, flexibility, integrations, security, and cost management when comparing Amazon EC2 and Azure Virtual Machines. - **Scalability:** Amazon EC2 (37 all-time mentions), Azure Virtual Machines (29 all-time mentions) - **Flexibility:** Amazon EC2 (30 all-time mentions), Azure Virtual Machines (19 all-time mentions) - **Integrations:** Amazon EC2 (19 all-time mentions), Azure Virtual Machines (16 all-time mentions) - **Security:** Amazon EC2 (16 all-time mentions), Azure Virtual Machines (19 all-time mentions) - **Cost Management:** Amazon EC2 (25 all-time mentions for Expensive), Azure Virtual Machines (19 all-time mentions for Expensive) ### What are the pros and cons of Amazon EC2 vs Azure Virtual Machines? Amazon EC2's headline strength is scalability, while Azure Virtual Machines is most praised for flexibility and ease of use. - **Amazon EC2 strengths:** Scalability (37 all-time mentions), flexibility (30), ease of use (55), reliability (23), integrations (19), cost-effectiveness (15) - **Amazon EC2 trade-offs:** Complexity (25), expensive (25), pricing issues (17), learning difficulty (14), not user-friendly (14), overwhelming choices (12) - **Azure Virtual Machines strengths:** Flexibility (19), ease of use (45), cloud storage (29), scalability (29), security (19), integrations (16) - **Azure Virtual Machines trade-offs:** Complexity (26), cost issues (23), expensive (19), learning difficulty (13), poor customer support (10), slow performance (9), complex pricing (8) ### Is Amazon EC2 or Azure Virtual Machines better for small businesses? DigitalOcean is the top-ranked alternative with the strongest small-business fit, but between Amazon EC2 and Azure Virtual Machines, both primarily serve the mid-market segment. - **Amazon EC2:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; small-business reviewers highlight cost-effectiveness and scalability, but note a steep learning curve and complex pricing. - **Azure Virtual Machines:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; small-business reviewers appreciate ease of use and flexibility, but mention higher costs and complex pricing structures. ### Which Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) platform has better integrations? Amazon EC2 and Azure Virtual Machines are rated nearly equally for integrations, with both products frequently cited for their integration capabilities. - **Amazon EC2:** Docker (11 all-time mentions), Python (7 all-time mentions), integrations cited in 19 reviews - **Azure Virtual Machines:** Kubernetes (4 all-time mentions), integrations cited in 16 reviews ### How do Amazon EC2 and Azure Virtual Machines compare on customer support? Amazon EC2 scores higher on Quality of Support (8.7 vs 8.4), but the difference is below the materiality threshold, indicating near parity. - **Amazon EC2:** Reviewers frequently mention responsive support and helpful documentation, though some note complexity in troubleshooting and a learning curve for new users. - **Azure Virtual Machines:** Reviewers describe support as reliable and professional, with 24/7 availability, but some mention slow response times and the need for paid support tiers for faster resolution. ### Which is easier to implement, Amazon EC2 or Azure Virtual Machines? Amazon EC2 and Azure Virtual Machines score within a tenth of a point on Ease of Setup (8.5 vs 8.6), indicating near parity in implementation experience. - **Amazon EC2:** Reviewers highlight quick provisioning, a wide variety of instance types, and strong documentation, but note that initial setup can be complex for beginners due to the number of configuration options. - **Azure Virtual Machines:** Reviewers praise the straightforward deployment process, easy VM creation, and helpful templates, but mention that initial configuration and permission management can be overwhelming for new users. ## Amazon EC2 vs Azure Virtual Machines When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found them equally easy to use and administer. However, Azure Virtual Machines is easier to set up, while Amazon EC2 is easier to do business with overall. - Reviewers felt that Amazon EC2 meets the needs of their business better than Azure Virtual Machines. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Amazon EC2 is the preferred option. - When assessing product direction, Amazon EC2 and Azure Virtual Machines received similar ratings from our reviewers.