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# Azure HDInsight vs Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Azure HDInsightGoogle Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark[+ Add Product](#)

Reviews

**Azure HDInsight** [

3.9/5(17)

](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-hdinsight/reviews#reviews)

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark** [

4.3/5(18)

](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-managed-service-for-apache-spark/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**Azure HDInsight**
No pricing available

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Azure HDInsight**
Not enough reviews yet

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**Azure HDInsight**
Not enough reviews yet

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**Azure HDInsight**
Not enough reviews yet

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Azure HDInsight**
Not enough reviews yet

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**
Not enough reviews yet

Pros & Cons

**Azure HDInsight**
Not enough data

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**
Not enough data

Integrations

**Azure HDInsight**
Not enough data

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_7c23f7efbbad335c53ed6bdca9953572/etl-tools.png "Product Avatar Image")

ETL tools

](https://www.g2.com/products/etl-tools/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-managed-service-for-apache-spark/integrations)

Ratings

Meets Requirements

**Azure HDInsight**

8.6

8.611

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**

8.6

8.611

Ease of Use

**Azure HDInsight**

8.0

8.011

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**

8.8

8.811

Ease of Setup

**Azure HDInsight**

8.0

8.05

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**
Not enough data

Ease of Admin

**Azure HDInsight**

9.0

9.05

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**
Not enough data

Quality of Support

**Azure HDInsight**

8.3

8.39

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**

8.8

8.811

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Azure HDInsight**
Not enough data

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**
Not enough data

Product Direction (% positive)

**Azure HDInsight**

7.9

7.911

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark**

8.9

8.911

Features

Big Data Processing and Distribution[Hide 10 FeaturesShow 10 Features](javascript:void(0);)

9.1

13

8.7

10

Database

Real-Time Data Collection

8.9(won by 0.8)

6

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

8.1

8

Data Distribution

9.4(won by 0.6)

6

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

8.8

8

Data Lake

Feature Not Available

8.1(won by default)

8

Integrations

Hadoop Integration

8.9

6

9.0(won by 0.1)

8

Spark Integration

9.3(tied score)

7

9.3(tied score)

9

Platform

Machine Scaling

9.0

7

9.1(won by 0.1)

9

Data Preparation

9.3(won by 1.4)

7

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

7.9

8

Spark Integration

9.3(tied score)

7

9.3(tied score)

9

Processing

Cloud Processing

8.6

7

9.1(won by 0.5)

9

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

Workload Processing

9.0(won by 0.7)

7

 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors)

8.3

8

Show 2 feature categories with incomplete data

ETL Tools[Hide 57 FeaturesShow 57 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Management

Reporting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Auditing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Functionality

Extraction

Not enough data

Not enough data

Transformation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Loading

Not enough data

Not enough data

Automation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Scalability

Not enough data

Not enough data

Non-Relational Transformations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Extraction

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Data Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Charting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Integration Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Ad hoc Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Match & Merge

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Metadata Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Pipeline Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Job Scheduling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Dashboard Creation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Storage Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multiple Data Sources

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Quality Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Connectors

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Single Sign On

Not enough data

Not enough data

Version Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Visual Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Accounting Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

eCommerce Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

CRM

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

SSL Security

Not enough data

Not enough data

Search/Filter

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Capture and Transfer

Not enough data

Not enough data

Collaboration Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Performance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Drag & Drop

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Replication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Database Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Workflow Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Predictive Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Migration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Analysis Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Big Data[Hide 17 FeaturesShow 17 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Building Reports

Data Transformation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

WYSIWYG Report Design

Not enough data

Not enough data

Integration APIs

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Platform

Mobile User Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customization 

Not enough data

Not enough data

User, Role, and Access Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Internationalization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Sandbox / Test Environments

Not enough data

Not enough data

Performance and Reliability

Not enough data

Not enough data

Breadth of Partner Applications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Metadata Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![Azure HDInsight](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_f8a2fdaa6a98b6c3313197f7d8472d1b/azure-hdinsight.jpg "Azure HDInsight")](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-hdinsight/reviews)

Azure HDInsight

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

28.6%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

42.9%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

28.6%

[![Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0c51d2c2e5f85fe45126eb818f748267/google-cloud-managed-service-for-apache-spark.png "Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark")](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-managed-service-for-apache-spark/reviews)

Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

25.0%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

43.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

31.3%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

28.6%

25.0%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

42.9%

43.8%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

28.6%

31.3%

Reviewers' Industry

[![Azure HDInsight](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_f8a2fdaa6a98b6c3313197f7d8472d1b/azure-hdinsight.jpg "Azure HDInsight")](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-hdinsight/reviews)
Azure HDInsight

Computer Software

28.6%

Education Management

14.3%

Retail

7.1%

Information Technology and Services

7.1%

Higher Education

7.1%

Other

35.7%

[![Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0c51d2c2e5f85fe45126eb818f748267/google-cloud-managed-service-for-apache-spark.png "Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark")](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-managed-service-for-apache-spark/reviews)
Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark

Information Technology and Services

25.0%

Retail

12.5%

Marketing and Advertising

6.3%

Hospital & Health Care

6.3%

Higher Education

6.3%

Other

43.8%

FAQs

## Azure HDInsight vs Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark vs Azure HDInsight?

Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark stands out for its higher G2 rating and reviewer satisfaction, while Azure HDInsight is noted for its ease of setup and strong Data Lake integration.

| | [Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-managed-service-for-apache-spark/reviews) | [Azure HDInsight](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-hdinsight/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.3/5 (18 reviews) | 3.9/5 (17 reviews) |
| Ease of Setup score | — | 8.0 |
| Quality of Support score | 8.8 | 8.3 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Automated scaling and integration with BigQuery and Cloud Storage | Integrated HDFS with Azure Data Lake and Ambari UI for configuration |

### How do the pricing models of Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark and Azure HDInsight compare?

Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to Azure HDInsight.

- **Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark:** Reviewers appreciate cost-saving features like idle cluster deletion and autoscaling, but note that pricing visibility can be confusing for longer-running jobs.
- **Azure HDInsight:** Reviewers mention that the platform is cost-effective for enterprise-grade analytics, but some find it pricey for continuous or large-scale use.

### What are the best alternatives to Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark and Azure HDInsight?

The top three alternatives to Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark and Azure HDInsight are Databricks, Cloudera, and Azure Data Factory.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-managed-service-for-apache-spark/reviews) | 4.3/5 (18 reviews) | Reviewers highlight cost-saving features and autoscaling | Automated scaling and integration with BigQuery and Cloud Storage |
| [Azure HDInsight](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-hdinsight/reviews) | 3.9/5 (17 reviews) | Cost-effective for enterprise analytics, but can be pricey for continuous use | Integrated HDFS with Azure Data Lake and Ambari UI for configuration |
| [Databricks](https://www.g2.com/products/databricks/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1366 reviews) | — | — |
| [Cloudera](https://www.g2.com/products/cloudera/reviews) | 4.1/5 (136 reviews) | — | — |
| [Azure Data Factory](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-data-factory/reviews) | 4.6/5 (101 reviews) | — | — |

### Which Big Data Processing and Distribution features should I prioritize when comparing Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark and Azure HDInsight?

Buyers should prioritize Data Lake integration, automated scaling, ease of setup, quality of support, and integration with cloud storage when comparing Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark and Azure HDInsight.

- **Data Lake integration:** Azure HDInsight is frequently cited for its integration with Azure Data Lake, while Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark integrates with BigQuery and Cloud Storage.
- **Automated scaling:** Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark is praised for autoscaling and idle cluster deletion features.
- **Ease of setup:** Azure HDInsight scores 8.0 for Ease of Setup; Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark has qualitative praise for quick cluster creation and job startup.
- **Quality of support:** Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark scores 8.8, Azure HDInsight scores 8.3.
- **Integration with cloud storage:** Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark integrates with BigQuery and Cloud Storage; Azure HDInsight integrates with Azure Data Lake.

### What are the pros and cons of Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark vs Azure HDInsight?

Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark's headline strength is automated scaling and integration with Google Cloud services, while Azure HDInsight's is its Data Lake integration and ease of setup.

- **Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark strengths:** Automated scaling, idle cluster deletion, integration with BigQuery and Cloud Storage, reduced manual cluster management, and faster job startup.
- **Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark trade-offs:** Reviewers note confusing pricing for long-running jobs, documentation gaps, and occasional autoscaling delays.
- **Azure HDInsight strengths:** Integrated HDFS with Azure Data Lake, Ambari UI for configuration, high Ease of Setup score, and cost-effectiveness for enterprise analytics.
- **Azure HDInsight trade-offs:** Reviewers mention high costs for continuous use, occasional errors with large data loads, and a learning curve for new users.

### Is Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark or Azure HDInsight better for small businesses?

Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark is the better fit for small businesses, with reviewers highlighting its cost-saving features and ease of use.

- **Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark:** Reviewers highlight the $300 free cloud credit, cost-saving features like idle cluster deletion, and ease of use for small website users.
- **Azure HDInsight:** Reviewers note its cost-effectiveness for enterprise analytics, but also mention high costs for continuous use and a steeper learning curve for new users.

### Which Big Data Processing and Distribution platform has better integrations?

Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark and Azure HDInsight are at parity for integrations, with reviewers citing strong integration with their respective cloud ecosystems.

- **Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark:** Reviewers mention integration with BigQuery and Cloud Storage.
- **Azure HDInsight:** Reviewers highlight integration with Azure Data Lake and Ambari UI.

### How do Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark and Azure HDInsight compare on customer support?

Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark has a higher Quality of Support score (8.8 vs 8.3), but the difference is below the materiality threshold, indicating near-parity in support satisfaction.

- **Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark:** Reviewers describe helpful support for critical issues and generally positive experiences with the support team.
- **Azure HDInsight:** Reviewers report positive support experiences, with several noting responsive assistance and helpful documentation.

### Which is easier to implement, Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark or Azure HDInsight?

Azure HDInsight is rated higher for Ease of Setup, with a score of 8.0 and multiple reviewers citing straightforward implementation, while Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark receives qualitative praise for ease of use but lacks a scored metric.

- **Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark:** Reviewers mention quick cluster creation and reduced manual setup, but also note occasional delays in cluster startup and configuration challenges.
- **Azure HDInsight:** Reviewers highlight simple cluster setup, fast infrastructure provisioning, and a high Ease of Setup score of 8.0.

### Which product has better Data Lake?

Azure HDInsight is more frequently cited for Data Lake capabilities, with reviewers highlighting its integration with Azure Data Lake and HDFS.

- **Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark:** Reviewers mention integration with Cloud Storage and BigQuery for data lake use cases, but with less frequency than Azure HDInsight.
- **Azure HDInsight:** Reviewers consistently cite Data Lake integration as a key strength, with specific mentions of HDFS and Azure Data Lake working together for big data workloads.

Alternatives

**Azure HDInsight Alternatives**

 ![Databricks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/135d1c9e39e19ef56dc8d0bf90fce20f/databricks.svg "Databricks")

[
Databricks
](/products/databricks/reviews)

 ![Cloudera](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/dcfb9e6879febb34cef773ddde921835/cloudera.svg "Cloudera")

[
Cloudera
](/products/cloudera/reviews)

 ![Amazon EMR](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476487/amazon-emr.svg "Amazon EMR")

[
Amazon EMR
](/products/amazon-emr/reviews)

 ![Snowflake](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1544409170/snowflake.svg "Snowflake")

[
Snowflake
](/products/snowflake/reviews)

**Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark Alternatives**

 ![Databricks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/135d1c9e39e19ef56dc8d0bf90fce20f/databricks.svg "Databricks")

[
Databricks
](/products/databricks/reviews)

 ![Cloudera](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/dcfb9e6879febb34cef773ddde921835/cloudera.svg "Cloudera")

[
Cloudera
](/products/cloudera/reviews)

 ![Azure Data Factory](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_f176b4154a751d10150daa67a57b7dc5/azure-data-factory.jpg "Azure Data Factory")

[
Azure Data Factory
](/products/azure-data-factory/reviews)

 ![Amazon EMR](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476487/amazon-emr.svg "Amazon EMR")

[
Amazon EMR
](/products/amazon-emr/reviews)

## Azure HDInsight vs Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark

- Azure HDInsight and Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark both meet the requirements of our reviewers at a comparable rate.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark over Azure HDInsight.