AWS
Reviewed by Alexis Morain · Updated July 10, 2026
AWS delivers compute, storage, databases, and hundreds of cloud services billed by usage. Free tier included, pay-as-you-go pricing.
The richest cloud on the market, unmatched in depth but complex and worth watching closely on the bill.
- The broadest catalog: a service for almost any need
- Pay-as-you-go pricing, no upfront commitment
- Real complexity: number of services and pricing can be confusing
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most complete and most widely used cloud provider. It offers more than two hundred services, from virtual servers to storage, databases, and AI, billed by usage rather than a fixed subscription.
What is AWS used for?
It's used to host applications and websites, store data, run databases, run on-demand compute, build data pipelines, and run AI models. The core building blocks are EC2 (servers), S3 (storage), and RDS (databases). Docker containers and Kubernetes orchestration run natively on it. AWS's strength is depth: nearly every infrastructure need has a dedicated service.
AWS or another cloud?
Compared to Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure, AWS keeps its lead on catalog breadth and maturity. The trade-off is complexity: the number of services and the pricing logic can be confusing, and a bill can spiral without active monitoring. For simple hosting, lighter platforms are often enough.
How much does AWS cost?
AWS runs on pay-as-you-go pricing with no commitment: you only pay for what you use. A free tier covers more than thirty services within monthly limits, and new accounts get up to 200 $ in credits. Data can be hosted in Europe, including the Paris region, a key point for GDPR compliance.
Pros & Cons
- The broadest catalog: a service for almost any need
- Pay-as-you-go pricing, no upfront commitment
- European regions, including Paris, for GDPR compliance
- The most mature cloud ecosystem and documentation
- Real complexity: number of services and pricing can be confusing
- A bill that can spiral without active cost monitoring
- Overkill for simply hosting a website
Key features of AWS
EC2
On-demand, resizable virtual servers
S3
Durable, scalable object storage
RDS
Managed databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, etc.)
Global regions
Hosting close to users, including the EU
AWS pricing
AWS doesn't work on a subscription model but on pay-as-you-go pricing: the bill depends on what you consume. A free tier and up to 200 $ in credits let you get started at no cost. Large organizations negotiate commitment-based discounts through the Enterprise Discount Program.
Free plan / trial
Free tier: 30+ services usable within monthly limits, plus up to 200 $ in credits over the first 6 months. Beyond that, usage-based billing applies.
Free tier
30+ services always free · Up to 200 $ in credits · Monthly limits
0 $
Pay-as-you-go
Usage-based billing · No commitment · EU regions available
Variable pay-as-you-go
Enterprise
Commitment-based discounts (EDP) · Dedicated support · Account architect
Custom
Pricing verified on July 10, 2026
Try AWSWho is AWS for?
Best for
- Companies and startups building serious infrastructure
- Technical teams that need specialized services (data, AI)
- Projects requiring certified European hosting
Not recommended for
- Simple showcase site hosting, often overkill
- Teams without cloud expertise to control the bill
Want to try AWS?
Head to the official site and the current offer.
Frequently asked questions about AWS
Is AWS free?▼
Can AWS data stay in Europe?▼
AWS or a simpler cloud?▼
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