# Best Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Providers *By [Rachana Hasyagar](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/rachana-hasyagar)* Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) describes the various ways in which third-party vendors provide cloud-driven, cloud-hosted infrastructure to businesses. This infrastructure comes in a variety of forms, including (but not limited to) public clouds, virtual machines (VMs), bare metal servers, and high-performance computing (HPC). Because of the incredible diversity of IaaS tools, any organization or user within a business could find benefit from the business employing IaaS. Companies use IaaS for a wide variety of reasons, most commonly including convenience, ease of accessibility, flexible scaling, and reduced operational expenditure (OpEx) costs. The latter two benefits are facilitated by the pay-as-you-go nature of cloud services; with IaaS, businesses only pay for what use, eliminating the large upfront costs typically associated with purchasing infrastructure. Companies also don’t have to worry about infrastructure management, as with IaaS that responsibility falls to the cloud service provider (CSP). IaaS is ultimately used to build or expand business capabilities and can be especially beneficial during times of extreme growth. Once a business has determined which IaaS tools they’d like to utilize, integration capabilities are the next big considerations, followed by how that infrastructure will be secured. IaaS presents no benefit to a company if it doesn’t integrate with its existing systems, and once it does integrate, the company needs to properly secure any data and transactions that might go through that infrastructure. IaaS security falls to the service user, not the CSP; however, many CSPs will offer compatible security solutions for that infrastructure or build basic security features into the service. IaaS is the cloud computing representative of the “aaS" trio: IaaS, developer-focused [platform as a service](https://www.g2.com/categories/cloud-platform-as-a-service-paas) (PaaS), and generalist software as a service (SaaS). To qualify for inclusion in the Infrastructure as a Service category, a product must: - Provide third-party-hosted infrastructure - Allow businesses to run computing, virtualization, storage, and/or other core infrastructure needs - Function on a pay-as-you-go or utilization-based purchase model - Provide live usage and performance tracking and reporting ## Category Overview **Total Products under this Category:** 233 ## Trust & Credibility Stats **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 14,000+ Authentic Reviews - 233+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Top Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Providers at a Glance | # | Product | Rating | Best For | What Users Say | |---|---------|--------|----------|----------------| | 1 | [Amazon EC2](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-ec2/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (1,135 reviews) | On-demand compute with granular instance control | "[Flexible and powerful, but pricing transparency could be better](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/amazon-ec2-review-12760619)" | | 2 | [VMware Cloud Foundation](https://www.g2.com/products/vmware-cloud-foundation/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (574 reviews) | Unified SDDC lifecycle automation with NSX | "[VCF: Strong Foundation for Modern Infrastructure](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/vmware-cloud-foundation-review-12581225)" | | 3 | [Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/products/google-compute-engine/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (875 reviews) | Custom VM sizing with per-second billing | "[Streamlined AI Training with Google Compute Engine, But Needs Longer Sessions](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/google-compute-engine-review-12611767)" | | 4 | [Akamai Cloud Computing](https://www.g2.com/products/akamai-cloud-computing/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (387 reviews) | Developer-friendly VPS with transparent flat-rate pricing | "[A Simple, Cost-Effective Cloud Platform with Strong Deployment and Billing Control](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/akamai-cloud-computing-review-12101478)" | | 5 | [DigitalOcean](https://www.g2.com/products/digitalocean/reviews) | 4.6/5.0 (735 reviews) | Developer-friendly VPS with predictable flat-rate pricing | "[Full Control and Flexible Scaling for Growing Projects](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/digitalocean-review-12730597)" | | 6 | [Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-virtual-machines/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (375 reviews) | Windows workload migration with hybrid cloud extension | "[Flexible, Scalable Azure Virtual Machines with Strong Reliability and Ecosystem Integration](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/azure-virtual-machines-review-12495876)" | | 7 | [UltaHost](https://www.g2.com/products/ultahost/reviews) | 4.9/5.0 (426 reviews) | Multi-client hosting with unmanaged VPS control | "[UltaHost Delivers Stable Performance, Fast Deployment, and Truly Helpful Support](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/ultahost-review-12787529)" | | 8 | [Google Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)](https://www.g2.com/products/google-virtual-private-cloud-vpc/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (74 reviews) | Global VPC networking with regional subnet isolation | "[GVP Review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/google-virtual-private-cloud-vpc-review-10987757)" | | 9 | [Amazon AWS Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-aws-platform/reviews) | 4.7/5.0 (77 reviews) | Pay-as-you-go cloud infrastructure with global availability | "[Comprehensive AWS Ecosystem with Great Support, but Steep Learning Curve](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/amazon-aws-platform-review-11803934)" | | 10 | [SAP Business Technology Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-business-technology-platform/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (393 reviews) | SAP ecosystem integration with cloud extensibility | "[Scalable platform for building and integrating enterprise applications](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sap-business-technology-platform-review-12388393)" | ## Which Type of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Providers Tools Are You Looking For? - [Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Providers](https://www.g2.com/categories/infrastructure-as-a-service-iaas) *(current)* - [Managed Hosting Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/managed-hosting) - [Cloud Platform as a Service (PaaS) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cloud-platform-as-a-service-paas) - [VPS Hosting Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/vps-hosting-platforms) - [Database as a Service (DBaaS) Providers](https://www.g2.com/categories/database-as-a-service-dbaas) - [Server Virtualization Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization) - [Container Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/container-management) - [Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/virtual-private-cloud-vpc) --- **Sponsored** ### UpCloud UpCloud is European cloud service provider. 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[Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=80&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=80&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=page_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=80&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=17906&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=80&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Finfrastructure-as-a-service-iaas&secure%5Btoken%5D=5abeb0a30b31e858d897d24b19b1eaffc9cc036e879619e04388a8a1d7350d94&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fsignup.upcloud.com%2F%3Fpromo%3Ddeploy250&secure%5Burl_type%5D=custom_url) --- ## Buyer Guide: Key Questions for Choosing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Providers Software ### What does Infrastructure as a Service software do? I view Infrastructure-as-a-Service software as the cloud layer that provides teams on-demand access to compute, storage, networking, and server capacity without owning the underlying hardware. Across the G2 feedback I analyzed, users connect this category with virtual machines, VPS hosting, GPU servers, cloud instances, private cloud, hybrid environments, storage, backups, security controls, dashboards, and resource scaling. These platforms let teams provision servers, run applications, adjust capacity, and manage infrastructure through a cloud console or API. The category matters most when teams need infrastructure that can be launched, resized, secured, and monitored without waiting on physical servers or data center changes. ### Why do businesses use Infrastructure as a Service software? When I reviewed G2 feedback for this category, I saw businesses using IaaS to move faster on hosting, compute, storage, and infrastructure scaling. The repeated need was simple: teams wanted server resources ready when projects, traffic, or workloads changed. - **Fast provisioning:** Reviewers value being able to launch virtual machines, VPS instances, and compute resources without physical hardware setup. - **Scalable capacity:** Users rely on IaaS when applications need more CPU, memory, storage, GPUs, or traffic handling. - **Cost flexibility:** Pay-as-you-go pricing, affordable VPS plans, and reduced hardware spend are often mentioned in G2 reviews. - **Infrastructure control:** Admins use dashboards, security rules, networking settings, backups, and monitoring to manage environments. Pricing surprises, support delays, setup complexity, documentation gaps, backups, and resource limits need close review. ### Who uses Infrastructure as a Service software primarily? After reviewing G2 reviewer profiles, I found that IaaS is used by technical teams that build, run, and maintain cloud infrastructure. The category also serves smaller teams that need reliable hosting without managing physical servers. - **IT administrators:** Provision servers, manage resources, configure access, monitor uptime, and review infrastructure health. - **Developers and engineering teams:** Deploy applications, test environments, APIs, databases, and backend services. - **Infrastructure and cloud teams:** Manage compute, storage, networking, security, scaling, and hybrid cloud environments. - **MSPs and consultants:** Set up and manage client infrastructure, cloud migrations, hosting, and managed environments. - **Founders and small business users:** Host websites, apps, trading systems, AI workloads, or business services without owning hardware. ### What types of Infrastructure-as-a-Service software should I consider? When I compared G2 feedback for IaaS, I saw users separating the software by workload size, infrastructure control, and deployment model: - **Public cloud compute platforms:** Suited to virtual machines, autoscaling, storage, networking, and application hosting across large cloud regions. - **VPS and cloud server providers:** Built around affordable virtual servers, quick setup, web hosting, development projects, and smaller workloads. - **GPU and AI compute providers:** Useful for model training, inference, rendering, high-performance computing, and AI-heavy workloads. - **Private and hybrid cloud platforms:** Designed for teams that need cloud-like control on owned infrastructure or regulated environments. - **Managed cloud infrastructure providers:** A strong match for teams that want hosting, monitoring, backups, support, and infrastructure help bundled together. ### What are the core features to look for in Infrastructure as a Service software? From the G2 feedback for IaaS, I saw that users look for software that gives them control over compute, cost, performance, and recovery: - Compute provisioning with virtual machines, instance sizes, GPU options, operating systems, templates, and rapid server launch. - Scaling and performance controls covering CPU, memory, storage speed, load handling, autoscaling, and network limits. - Infrastructure management through dashboards, APIs, monitoring, alerts, resource groups, access controls, and usage views. - Security and networking across firewalls, private networks, IAM, SSH keys, certificates, VPCs, and segmentation. - Backup and recovery with snapshots, backup schedules, restore options, storage redundancy, and data protection controls. ### What trends are shaping Infrastructure as a Service software right now? My analysis of the G2 reviews and recent market signals points to these shifts in IaaS: - **AI-optimized infrastructure** is becoming a core IaaS lane, with GPU, accelerator, and inference capacity shaping comparisons among cloud providers. - **FinOps** is moving from cost control to value control as teams connect cloud spend with workload value and usage patterns. - **Sovereign cloud** is becoming a serious buying path for regulated teams that need data location, regional control, and local compliance support. - **Kubernetes** is becoming the operating layer for cloud workloads as teams run applications, services, and AI workloads in containerized environments. - **Data center capacity** is influencing cloud strategy as power limits, high-density compute, and regional availability affect infrastructure planning. ### How should I choose Infrastructure-as-a-Service software? My advice would be to choose IaaS around the workload that will put the most pressure on your infrastructure. Application-hosting teams should prioritize compute options, uptime, storage speed, networking, and scaling controls. AI or data-heavy teams need stronger GPU availability, quota handling, cost visibility, and performance reporting. Regulated or hybrid environments should place more weight on security controls, private networking, backups, data location, and support quality. I also suggest reviewing billing clarity, documentation, console usability, restore testing, and customer support, as G2 reviewers often tie those details to performance post-deployment. --- ## Parent Category [IT Infrastructure Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/it-infrastructure) ## Related Categories - [Managed Hosting Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/managed-hosting) - [Cloud Platform as a Service (PaaS) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cloud-platform-as-a-service-paas) - [VPS Hosting Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/vps-hosting-platforms) - [Database as a Service (DBaaS) Providers](https://www.g2.com/categories/database-as-a-service-dbaas) - [Server Virtualization Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization) - [Container Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/container-management) - [Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/virtual-private-cloud-vpc) --- ## Buyer Guide ### What You Should Know About Infrastructure as a Service ### What is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)? Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that outsources IT infrastructure. IaaS providers purchase and manage expensive, physical computing resources while providing a wide range of cloud services in return. Companies essentially rent out the provider’s processing power to virtualize servers, store data, and facilitate network traffic. IaaS offerings allow businesses to create and utilize virtual hardware tools without buying, building, or hosting them. These tools are provided externally as virtualized servers, databases, or bandwidth, as well as other tools. **What Does IaaS Stand For?** IaaS stands for infrastructure as a service. The products deliver virtualized infrastructure deployed on the physical resources of a cloud services provider. They deliver these virtualized solutions in the form of a managed service, hence it is called infrastructure “as a service.” #### What Types of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Exist? It is common for IT departments to use a patchwork of IaaS solutions to manage web applications across multiple environments. However, this complex architecture needs to be evaluated constantly to maintain efficiency and meet business goals. Deciding between using public, private, or hybrid clouds usually comes down to performance and cost. **Public cloud** Public clouds are the most cost-effective route when choosing an IaaS provider, as they allow businesses to reduce upfront spending on hardware and maintenance costs. Technical benefits of public cloud options include scalability, reliability, and broader feature sets. Public cloud options are popular among startups and small businesses; however, they may not be the best fit for businesses operating in industries regulated by data security laws (HIPAA, PCI, etc.). **Private cloud** Private clouds offer better security and compatibility for legacy web applications, as well as an easier migration process than public clouds. Private clouds can be housed in onsite data centers; however, most mid-market to enterprise-level businesses that use private clouds opt to use third-party IaaS service providers. Private clouds are popular among businesses in industries such as finance, healthcare, and commerce, where data security is held to a higher standard than in other industries. **Hybrid cloud** Hybrid clouds provide a combination of the two options mentioned above. Hybrid clouds are popular among large enterprises and other businesses looking to find common ground between security and cost. This approach to IaaS allows businesses to process certain parts of a web application in a public cloud while storing and processing confidential data in a private cloud. ** ** ### What are the Common Features of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)? The following are some core features within IaaS that can help users build, deploy, and manage cloud services: **Virtual machines (VMs):** IaaS software provides virtualized networks, applications, and operating systems. These solutions deliver emulated tools using the provider’s physical resources. VMs expand a user’s access to operating systems and host environments without requiring expensive hardware. **Storage management:** IaaS software provides management tools for data storage, database configuration, and scaling. These solutions give users access to a variety of databases and cloud storage applications that scale as use increases. Cloud-based storage can become especially important for preventing data loss. **Networking:** IaaS software lets users provision networks, deliver content, balance loads, and manage traffic. Networking features allow users to choose how data is connected and networks are communicating. **Cloud migration:** IaaS software allows data and VM transfers during adoption and maintenance. Digital transformation has caused many businesses to shift from on-premises infrastructure to cloud-based solutions. Cloud migration tools simplify and expedite the process of transferring systems to the cloud. **Analytics** : IaaS software lets users analyze storage, performance, and connectivity. Analytics features can help optimize performance for users by managing traffic and resource allocation. Some IaaS solutions also have big data analytics features to help users process enormous data sets. **Maintenance:** IaaS software enables maintenance to existing VMs to improve functionality and security. Maintenance features help users centralize control over their users, their endpoints, and the VMs they access. **Database management:** IaaS software supports managing different types of databases and integration methods. Database support can give users access to cloud databases and sync them to facilitate live updates. ### What are the Benefits of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)? **Outsourced infrastructure:** IaaS solutions can be a great fit for all businesses. For example, small businesses can avoid the costly process of building or buying in-house software solutions by using IaaS solutions. These tools can require heavy maintenance but are managed by the service provider rather than the small business. Instead of hosting the tools onsite, they are distributed through multiple data centers and maintained by the IaaS provider. **Scaling:** IaaS solutions are ideal for growing businesses. They are highly scalable and are offered on a pay-per-use basis. This means that companies don’t have to worry about surprises in cost. As the company grows and utilizes an existing plan, they are already presented with the price for additional usage. **Flexibility:** Small businesses with limited physical resources can subscribe to an IaaS solution and multiply their potential infrastructure. New, larger databases allow companies to use scalable storage solutions. Virtual desktops enable customers to utilize products across any platform. Companies are also provided with as much bandwidth as they need. **Outsourced management:** If a company has limited staff or time, they can also benefit from the automation of multiple tasks. This includes IT administrative duties, deployments, application monitoring, and others (depending on the provider). Providers control resources to optimize a company’s services or an application’s productivity. **Application lifecycle management:** Tech companies developing new software can benefit from IaaS solutions significantly during the development and testing phases. Application hosting and testing can be much cheaper through remote servers than through self-hosting. Users are able to test and deploy a tool multiple times without requiring in-house servers. They can then either keep an application hosted remotely or deploy it on in-house resources once the application is ready to be made publicly available. ### What are the Alternatives to Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)? Alternatives to IaaS can replace this type of software, either partially or completely: [Managed hosting providers](https://www.g2.com/categories/managed-hosting): Managed hosting is essentially the precursor to IaaS. These providers will offer servers, VMs, and other hosting services on a smaller scale. IaaS offers a wider variety of services and a higher maximum performance and scalability threshold. [Virtual private servers (VPS) providers](https://www.g2.com/categories/virtual-private-servers-vps):  Both VPS and IaaS can be used to create individual servers, but IaaS has a significantly larger scope. IaaS operates with pay-per-use pricing and in many cases can virtualize entire data centers.  [Virtual private cloud (VPC) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/virtual-private-cloud-vpc): IaaS and VPC solutions both rely on third-party infrastructure and shared, fixed resources, but most VPC offerings can manage numerous servers and VMs to build their own cloud services rather than a single VPC.  VPC is often offered by IaaS providers, but isolates services from customers, improving control and security for the customer.  #### Software Related to Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Related solutions that can be used together with IaaS include: [Cloud platform as a service (PaaS)](https://www.g2.com/categories/cloud-platform-as-a-service-paas) **:** IaaS is typically considered the most bare bones offering model for cloud-based solutions. IaaS provides a wider range of functionality and customization compared to PaaS and software as a service (SaaS) offerings. IaaS delivers computing power and management capabilities, while PaaS and SaaS provide a range of prebuilt tools and applications. ### Challenges with Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) **Security and compliance:** During the evaluation process, the buyer will need to take into consideration the data they plan on processing in the IaaS solution. Sensitive data such as intellectual property, medical records, and payment information require strict security controls. As regulations like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) dictate how confidential data is stored and transferred, businesses governed by these will have to make sure their IaaS provider can meet these standards. **Existing infrastructure:** Businesses with existing cloud infrastructure will have to consider the cost and effort necessary to migrate to or integrate with a new cloud solution. While migrating to a private cloud can be easier for businesses with existing infrastructure, public clouds offer broader feature sets and lower costs. Furthermore, several IaaS providers offer entire ecosystems around their solutions which can also influence buying decisions. ### How to Buy Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) #### Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) The first step to purchasing an IaaS solution is to outline the options. Companies should include the dominant cloud computing service providers, but also explore alternatives with additional features, services, and integrations. Additional considerations should also include costs, staffing limitations, and required services_. _ #### Compare Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Products **Create a long list** Once the requirements are outlined, buyers should rank the tools by priority and identify the ones with as many of the features that fit the budget window. It is recommended to restrict the list to products with desired features, pricing, data center locations, and deployment methods to identify a dozen or so options.  **Create a short list** Once the long list is limited to affordable products with the desired features, it’s time to search for third-party validation. At this point, for each tool, the buyer must analyze end-user reviews and analyst reports. Combining these specified factors should help rank options and eliminate poorly performing products. _ _ **Conduct demos** With the list narrowed down to three to five possible products, businesses can reach out to vendors and schedule demos. This will help to get first-hand experience with the product, ask targeted questions, and gauge the vendors quality of service._ _ #### Selection of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Providers **Choose a selection team** To choose a selection team, decision makers need to involve subject matter experts from all teams that will use the system. For IaaS software, this primarily involves IT managers, developers, and security staff. Any manager or department-level leader should also include individuals managing any solution the backup product will be integrating with.  **Negotiation** Depending on the maturity of the business, the seniority of the negotiation team may vary. It is advisable to include relevant directors or managers in the security and IT departments as well as from any other cross-functional departments that may be impacted. **Final decision** If the company has a chief technology officer, that individual will likely make the decision.  If not, companies must trust their security professionals’ ability to use and understand the product.  ### What Does Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Cost? IaaS offerings are virtually all priced using the pay-per-use model. This means companies can pick and choose which services they would like to utilize and pay only for those services. The cost is typically determined by the kind of services a customer is licensing and how much computing capacity they use. Additionally, services may be available for companies to purchase future, scheduled services, or ad-hoc instances, or both. Some providers also include volume-based discounts for high-scale usage and packaged discounts that include numerous services.  #### Return on Investment (ROI) ROI for IaaS is typically determined by the cost of adoption relative to the cost of purchasing and managing in-house, on-premises infrastructure. The former will be faster and cheaper, as it requires no physical implementation or perpetual maintenance staffing. The latter, on-premises infrastructure will cost more upfront, but ROI will still depend on the staff available and the long-term scaling plans._ _ ### Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Trends **Microservices:** Infrastructure is the backbone of any cloud service offering. Microservices architecture is an evolving approach to building, deploying, and maintaining software systems. Microservices typically provide a suite of applications or plug-and-play modules to support a company’s specific needs. Microservices control how independent applications communicate with each other. Often powered by an IaaS solution, microservices can be used to develop virtually any software solution from wearable technology to fintech solutions.