AWS Amplify vs Netlify

AWS's 'easy button' for full-stack apps that works great until you need to escape its walled garden meets the og jamstack host. Here's our take.

AWS Amplify

AWS's 'easy button' for full-stack apps that works great until you need to escape its walled garden.

Pros

• Tight integration with AWS services like Cognito, AppSync, and S3 out of the box
• CLI and UI that simplify deployment, hosting, and backend setup for React, Next.js, and other frameworks
• Built-in CI/CD pipelines and environment management for rapid prototyping
• Generous free tier for small projects and startups

Cons

• Vendor lock-in: migrating away from Amplify often requires rewriting chunks of your backend
• Limited customization for complex use cases—you'll hit walls if you need fine-grained control over infrastructure

Netlify

Nice Pick

The OG Jamstack host. Solid but Vercel has the edge.

Pros

• Great free tier
• Form handling
• Split testing
• Mature platform

Cons

• Slower builds
• Less Next.js focus
• DX slightly behind

The Verdict

Use Netlify if: You want great free tier and can live with slower builds.

Use AWS Amplify if: You prioritize tight integration with aws services like cognito, appsync, and s3 out of the box over what Netlify offers.

The Bottom Line

Netlify wins

The OG Jamstack host. Solid but Vercel has the edge.