Azure vs AWS vs Google Cloud: A No-BS Comparison for SMBs

Choosing a cloud platform is one of the most consequential technology decisions for a growing business. After migrating dozens of businesses, here’s our honest comparison.

Microsoft Azure

Best for: Businesses running Microsoft 365, Active Directory, Windows Server, or .NET applications.

Strengths: Seamless M365 integration, hybrid identity, strong compliance certifications (HIPAA, PCI, SOC 2), familiar tools for Windows IT teams, generous reserved instance discounts.

Weaknesses: Overwhelming portal, complex pricing, some services feel bolted on.

Typical SMB cost (25 users): $2,000-$5,000/month

Amazon Web Services

Best for: Tech-forward companies, startups, businesses needing the broadest service catalog.

Strengths: Largest service catalog, most mature ecosystem, strongest serverless and container offerings, most global regions.

Weaknesses: Not natural for Microsoft shops, shocking bills without guardrails, steeper learning curve.

Typical cost: $1,800-$4,500/month

Google Cloud Platform

Best for: Data-intensive businesses, Google Workspace users, Kubernetes-native organizations.

Strengths: Best data analytics (BigQuery), simplest pricing with automatic sustained-use discounts, strongest Kubernetes (GKE).

Weaknesses: Smaller enterprise market share, less mature support, smaller partner ecosystem.

Typical cost: $1,500-$4,000/month

Our Recommendation

For the typical business on Microsoft 365 with Windows desktops, Azure is usually the right choice. The M365 integration and hybrid identity capabilities are too valuable to ignore. Tech companies or data-heavy businesses may benefit from AWS or GCP.

Reality check: most businesses end up using multiple clouds. The key is a clear primary platform with intentional reasons for any secondary usage.

Get an Honest Assessment

CLIMB IT Solutions has migrated businesses to all three cloud platforms. Book a free cloud assessment for a platform recommendation based on your actual needs.