Best Cloud Compute & Storage (2025)
Ranked picks for cloud compute & storage. No "it depends."
AWS Lambda
Serverless computing that makes you feel like a wizard—until you get hit with cold starts and vendor lock-in.
Full Rankings
AWS Lambda
Nice PickServerless computing that makes you feel like a wizard—until you get hit with cold starts and vendor lock-in.
Pros
- +No server management—just upload code and it runs automatically
- +Auto-scales from zero to thousands of concurrent executions
- +Pay-per-use pricing model (you only pay for compute time)
- +Integrates seamlessly with other AWS services like S3 and API Gateway
Cons
- -Cold starts can cause unpredictable latency spikes
- -Vendor lock-in with AWS ecosystem makes migration painful
- -Limited execution time and memory constraints (up to 15 minutes)
The internet's universal storage closet: infinitely scalable, but watch out for those surprise bills.
Pros
- +11 nines of durability means your data is basically immortal
- +Seamless integration with the entire AWS ecosystem
- +Static website hosting that's dead simple to set up
Cons
- -Costs can spiral if you forget to clean up old versions or misconfigure lifecycle policies
- -Complex permission model (IAM) that's a headache for beginners
Serverless edge computing that actually works, because who wants to babysit servers?
Pros
- +Globally distributed edge network for ultra-low latency
- +No server management or cold starts to worry about
- +Supports JavaScript, WebAssembly, and other languages
- +Built-in DDoS protection and security features
Cons
- -Pricing can get tricky with high-volume usage
- -Limited execution time per request (10ms CPU time for free tier)
- -Debugging edge-specific issues can be a pain
Managed databases for people who'd rather not manage databases. It's like having a DBA on retainer, but cheaper and less opinionated.
Pros
- +Automates backups, patching, and scaling, so you can focus on your app instead of babysitting servers
- +Supports multiple engines like PostgreSQL and MySQL, making it easy to switch or standardize
- +Built-in high availability with Multi-AZ deployments, because downtime is for amateurs
Cons
- -Costs can sneak up on you with instance sizes and storage, especially if you forget to turn things off
- -Limited control over the underlying OS and some database settings, which can be frustrating for power users
The VPS that makes cloud hosting feel like a breeze, not a hurricane of complexity.
Pros
- +Simple, predictable pricing with no hidden fees
- +One-click app installations and pre-configured stacks
- +Scalable resources with easy vertical and horizontal upgrades
- +User-friendly interface and extensive documentation
Cons
- -Limited advanced features compared to AWS or Azure
- -No built-in managed services like databases or serverless functions
The cloud provider that actually lets you spin up a server without needing a PhD in cloud architecture.
Pros
- +Simple, no-nonsense pricing with hourly billing
- +Global data centers with consistent performance
- +Easy-to-use control panel and API for quick deployments
- +Wide selection of OS and app templates for rapid setup
Cons
- -Fewer advanced enterprise features compared to AWS or Azure
- -Support can be slow for non-critical issues
The cloud provider that doesn't make you feel like you're navigating a corporate maze just to spin up a server.
Pros
- +Transparent, predictable pricing with no hidden fees
- +Simple, intuitive web interface that actually makes sense
- +Excellent documentation and responsive support
- +High-performance SSD-based VPS with global data centers
Cons
- -Fewer advanced enterprise features compared to AWS or Azure
- -Managed services can be limited for complex workloads
Head-to-head comparisons
Missing a tool?
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