Link copied to clipboard # Azure Virtual Machines vs Google Compute Engine Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/azure-virtual-machines/google-compute-engine/export.csv) Azure Virtual MachinesGoogle Compute Engine[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Azure Virtual Machines** No pricing available **Google Compute Engine** Free Trial **Pay As You Go** Per Month · Beyond Free Tier and Free Trial **Free** Per Month · Try Google Compute Engine Free **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **Azure Virtual Machines** $$$$$ **Google Compute Engine** $$$$$ Average Discount **Azure Virtual Machines** 17% **Google Compute Engine** 17% Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **Azure Virtual Machines** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Google Compute Engine** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **Azure Virtual Machines** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Google Compute Engine** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Azure Virtual Machines** Ease of Use (48) Scalability (30) Complexity (26) Cost Issues (23) **Google Compute Engine** Ease of Use (76) Scalability (69) Pricing Issues (49) Expensive (45) 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) **Google Compute Engine** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_083e9816c543715e87591bf0e68c2734/airbyte.png "Product Avatar Image") Airbyte ](https://www.g2.com/products/airbyte/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_dd1391a4645e8459903fe21583c920c8/docker-hub.png "Product Avatar Image") Docker Hub ](https://www.g2.com/products/docker-hub/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_6f53bf0d0d0e9d6f37be0bcd3ad250ab/google-cloud-load-balancing.png "Product Avatar Image") Google Cloud Load Balancing ](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-load-balancing/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_aeae116c52945fdecd7ed16d621cb315/google-cloud-monitoring.png "Product Avatar Image") Google Cloud Monitoring ](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-monitoring/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/google-compute-engine/integrations) Screenshots **Azure Virtual Machines** No screenshot available **Google Compute Engine** ![Google Compute Engine 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/1247347/Screen-Shot-2022-10-17-at-12.04.26-PM.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Azure Virtual Machines** **9.0** /10 Based on 341 responses **Google Compute Engine** **9.0** /10 Based on 506 responses Ease of Use **Azure Virtual Machines** **8.6** /10 Based on 341 responses **Google Compute Engine** **8.6** /10 Based on 508 responses Ease of Setup **Azure Virtual Machines** **8.6** /10 Based on 208 responses **Google Compute Engine** **8.6** /10 Based on 333 responses Ease of Admin **Azure Virtual Machines** **8.6** /10 Based on 193 responses **Google Compute Engine** **8.5** /10 Based on 212 responses Quality of Support **Azure Virtual Machines** **8.4** /10 Based on 328 responses **Google Compute Engine** **8.4** /10 Based on 467 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Azure Virtual Machines** **8.9** /10 Based on 185 responses **Google Compute Engine** **8.8** /10 Based on 204 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Azure Virtual Machines** **9.2** /10 Based on 329 responses **Google Compute Engine** **9.4** /10 Based on 482 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) **8.7** /10 Based on 77 responses **8.6** /10 Based on 204 responses Server Virtualization **8.7** /10 Based on 35 responses **8.6** /10 Based on 125 responses Cloud Management Platforms Not enough data **8.6** /10 Based on 154 responses Uncover more feature rated insights from real users to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Auto Scaling Not enough data **8.5** /10 Based on 133 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** 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% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 36.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 30.6% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 33.0% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 36.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 30.6% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 33.0% **Reviewers' Industry** [![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% [![Google Compute Engine](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_aeae116c52945fdecd7ed16d621cb315/google-compute-engine.png "Google Compute Engine")](https://www.g2.com/products/google-compute-engine/reviews) Google Compute Engine Information Technology and Services 20.7% Computer Software 19.0% Financial Services 6.5% Computer & Network Security 4.2% Marketing and Advertising 3.2% Other 46.5% Alternatives **Azure Virtual Machines Alternatives** ![VMware vSphere](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/62d35cb2345645716e2f1cf7c8fc97fb/vmware-vsphere.svg "VMware vSphere") [ VMware vSphere ](/products/vmware-vsphere/reviews) ![Amazon EC2](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476475/amazon-ec2.svg "Amazon EC2") [ Amazon EC2 ](/products/amazon-ec2/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) **Google Compute Engine Alternatives** ![Vultr](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/27c97c7af6d802b5402dcad97f585a40/vultr.svg "Vultr") [ Vultr ](/products/vultr/reviews) ![Amazon EC2](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476475/amazon-ec2.svg "Amazon EC2") [ Amazon EC2 ](/products/amazon-ec2/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) ## Azure Virtual Machines vs Google Compute Engine FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Google Compute Engine vs Azure Virtual Machines? Google Compute Engine stands out for its higher G2 rating, larger review volume, and more frequent reviewer-cited strengths in scalability and flexibility, while Azure Virtual Machines is noted for its strong integration with Microsoft services and security features. | [Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/products/google-compute-engine/reviews) | [Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-virtual-machines/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.5/5 (953 reviews) | 4.4/5 (393 reviews) | | Small-Business | Mid-Market | | 8.6 | 8.6 | | 8.4 | 8.4 | | Scalability (60 all-time mentions) | Security (19 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of Google Compute Engine and Azure Virtual Machines compare? Google Compute Engine and Azure Virtual Machines are rated at parity for price satisfaction, with both products receiving similar reviewer sentiment on value. - **Google Compute Engine:** In recent reviews, many cite cost-effectiveness and pay-as-you-go flexibility, but also mention complex pricing and the need for careful cost management. - **Azure Virtual Machines:** Reviewers highlight flexible pricing options and cost optimization features, but also note that costs can be unpredictable and high for long-term or resource-intensive workloads. ### What are the best alternatives to Google Compute Engine and Azure Virtual Machines? The top three alternatives to Google Compute Engine and Azure Virtual Machines are Vultr, VMware vSphere, and Amazon EC2. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/products/google-compute-engine/reviews) | 4.5/5 (953 reviews) | Small-Business | Cost-effective, but complex pricing | Scalability | | [Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-virtual-machines/reviews) | 4.4/5 (393 reviews) | Mid-Market | Flexible pricing, but can be unpredictable | Security | | [Vultr](https://www.g2.com/products/vultr/reviews) | 4.3/5 (288 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Ease of use | | [VMware vSphere](https://www.g2.com/products/vmware-vsphere/reviews) | 4.5/5 (772 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Enterprise-grade virtualization | | [Amazon EC2](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-ec2/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1200 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Scalability and reliability | ### Which Auto Scaling features should I prioritize when comparing Google Compute Engine and Azure Virtual Machines? Buyers should prioritize scalability, integration capabilities, cost management, and security when comparing Google Compute Engine and Azure Virtual Machines. - **Scalability:** Google Compute Engine (60 all-time mentions), Azure Virtual Machines (29 all-time mentions) - **Integration Capabilities:** Google Compute Engine (42 all-time mentions for integrations), Azure Virtual Machines (16 all-time mentions for integrations) - **Cost Management:** Google Compute Engine (42 all-time mentions for pricing issues), Azure Virtual Machines (23 all-time mentions for cost issues) - **Security:** Azure Virtual Machines (19 all-time mentions), Google Compute Engine (security cited in recent reviews, but below publish floor for all-time count) ### What are the pros and cons of Google Compute Engine vs Azure Virtual Machines? Google Compute Engine's headline strength is scalability and flexibility, while Azure Virtual Machines is most noted for security and integration with Microsoft services. - **Google Compute Engine strengths:** Scalability (60 all-time mentions), flexibility (45), ease of use (65), integrations (42), performance (40), reliability (36), customization (28), cost-effectiveness (23) - **Google Compute Engine trade-offs:** Pricing issues (42), expensive (38), cost management (29), complexity (28), complex pricing (23) - **Azure Virtual Machines strengths:** Security (19 all-time mentions), ease of use (45), cloud storage (29), scalability (29), flexibility (19), integrations (16), automation (8), reliability (8) - **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 Google Compute Engine or Azure Virtual Machines better for small businesses? Google Compute Engine is the better fit for small businesses, as it is most frequently reviewed by small-business users and receives strong sentiment for ease of use and cost-effectiveness. - **Google Compute Engine:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers highlight ease of setup, flexibility, and cost-effective scaling for small teams. - **Azure Virtual Machines:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers note strong integration with Microsoft services but mention higher costs and complexity for smaller organizations. ### Which Auto Scaling platform has better integrations? Google Compute Engine is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited integration mentions than Azure Virtual Machines. - **Google Compute Engine:** Integrations with Docker (14 all-time mentions), Google Cloud Platform services, and BigQuery are frequently cited. - **Azure Virtual Machines:** Integrations with Kubernetes (4 all-time mentions), Microsoft 365, and Azure AD are highlighted in recent reviews. ### How do Google Compute Engine and Azure Virtual Machines compare on customer support? Google Compute Engine and Azure Virtual Machines are rated at parity for Quality of Support, both scoring 8.4. - **Google Compute Engine:** Reviewers describe support as helpful but note that premium support can be costly and response times may vary for non-enterprise plans. - **Azure Virtual Machines:** Reviewers highlight reliable support and 24/7 availability, but some mention slow response times unless on higher-tier support plans. ### Which is easier to implement, Google Compute Engine or Azure Virtual Machines? Google Compute Engine and Azure Virtual Machines are rated at parity for Ease of Setup, both scoring 8.6, with reviewers describing both as straightforward to implement. - **Google Compute Engine:** Reviewers frequently mention easy initial setup, intuitive UI, and quick VM provisioning, though some note a learning curve for advanced configurations. - **Azure Virtual Machines:** Reviewers highlight simple deployment, fast VM creation, and helpful documentation, with some noting initial complexity for beginners.