Microsoft Azure vs Google Cloud
Microsoft Azure: Microsoft's cloud platform. Google Cloud: Google's cloud platform.
Pricing, free tier, and features on this page come from each tool's own site. Google autocomplete (suggestqueries.google.com, client=firefox, hl=en) for "<tool> vs", fetched 2026-10-14; a pair is kept when the suggestion appears from both sides (2+ hits). Sorted by how much you can use for free (free or open source first, then free plan with paid tiers, then paid only), then by the number of documented features, then alphabetically. No ratings or reviews are used. Read the comparison methodology. How benchmark evidence is labeled.
| Microsoft Azure | Google Cloud | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Microsoft's cloud platform. | Google's cloud platform. |
| Category | Hosting | Hosting |
| Pricing | Freemium (free plan + paid tiers) | Freemium (free plan + paid tiers) |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Who it's for | Organizations and developers, including small and medium businesses and startups. | For businesses that need AI and cloud computing services. |
| Key features | Run Linux and Windows virtual machines | Cloud computing and AI services |
| Build and scale apps on managed Kubernetes | Security tools, including AI threat defense | |
| Create, test, and deploy generative AI agents | Data management for hybrid and multi-cloud setups | |
| Use relational, NoSQL, and caching databases | Deploy and scale applications | |
| Move SQL Server databases with little or no code changes | AI infrastructure and orchestration | |
| Website | azure.microsoft.com | cloud.google.com |
Who should pick which
Pick Microsoft Azure if…
- Its stated audience fits you (organizations and developers, including small and medium businesses and startups).
- You need: Run Linux and Windows virtual machines.
Pick Google Cloud if…
- Its stated audience fits you (for businesses that need AI and cloud computing services).
- You need: Cloud computing and AI services.
FAQ
Is Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud free?
Microsoft Azure: Freemium (free plan + paid tiers). Google Cloud: Freemium (free plan + paid tiers). Both can be used without paying.
What is the difference between Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud?
Microsoft Azure: Microsoft's cloud platform. Google Cloud: Google's cloud platform.
Data comes from each tool's homepage and pricing page. Pair chosen from search suggestions (google cloud vs azure; microsoft azure vs google cloud).