Google Cloud Platform vs Microsoft Azure: Pricing Comparison 2026
Side-by-side pricing comparison of Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure. See all plans, features, and costs at a glance.
Bottom line: Both Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure offer free plans. Google Cloud Platform has 2 pricing tiers while Microsoft Azure has 4.
Last updated: March 16, 2026
Google Cloud Platform vs Microsoft Azure: Quick Pricing Facts
| Feature | Google Cloud Platform | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $10/mo |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 4 |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | usage-based | usage-based |
| Annual Discount | N/A | N/A |
Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure are both priced at Custom pricing, making them equally accessible Hosting & Infra tools. Together they offer 6 pricing plans with 17 features compared, so the best choice comes down to which features match your needs.
Both tools offer free plans, making them accessible for teams on a budget.
Review the detailed tier-by-tier comparison above to see exactly which features are included at each price point and find the best fit for your Hosting & Infra needs.
| Pricing Plans |  Google Cloud Platform Try it free |  Microsoft Azure Try it free |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Tier $0/monthCheapest Includes
| |
| Tier 2 | Custom Pricing Custom pricing Includes
| Standard $10/monthCheapest $120 / year Includes
|
| Tier 3 | — | PremiumPopular $50/monthCheapest $600 / year Includes
|
| Tier 4 | — | Enterprise Custom pricing Includes
|
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Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure offers a free plan, offers 4 tiers vs 2.
Based on pricing data only. Review the full comparison below for your specific needs.
Best value: Microsoft Azure
Try Microsoft Azure freeWhich Should You Choose?
Choose Google Cloud Platform if:
- •You prefer Google Cloud Platform's free tier features—$300 in free credits, 20+ free products
- •You prioritize Google Cloud Platform's user experience and interface over price (both tools are similarly priced)
- •You want Google Cloud Platform's approach to incremental feature unlocking across its 2 pricing tiers
Choose Microsoft Azure if:
- •You prefer Microsoft Azure's free tier features—Basic features, Limited usage
- •You need 4 pricing tiers for flexible team sizing—more options mean less overpaying for features you don't need
- •You want more features built-in—Microsoft Azure offers 5 additional features across its plans
Both Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure offer free plans [1], eliminating cost barriers for evaluation. This means you can test both tools thoroughly with your actual workflows before any financial commitment. The free tiers differ in scope: Google Cloud Platform includes 4 features, while Microsoft Azure includes 2 features. Evaluate which free tier matches your evaluation needs before deciding to upgrade. Your best approach is to activate both free trials and evaluate which tool's workflow, integrations, and user experience align better with your team's needs before committing to paid plans.
Frequently Asked Questions: Google Cloud Platform vs Microsoft Azure
How many pricing plans does Google Cloud Platform have vs Microsoft Azure?
Does Google Cloud Platform or Microsoft Azure offer a free plan?
Can I save money by paying annually for Google Cloud Platform or Microsoft Azure?
What is the most popular Microsoft Azure plan?
Does Google Cloud Platform or Microsoft Azure offer custom enterprise pricing?
How do Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure compare for Hosting & Infra?
Sources
- Google Cloud Platform Official Pricing— Vendor pricing page
- Microsoft Azure Official Pricing— Vendor pricing page
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