OpenAI Select PartnerAWS vs Azure vs Google Cloud for Startups: How to Choose Your Cloud
AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud can all run a startup product reliably, and all three have data centre regions in India. The differences that matter for most startups are your team's experience, the managed services you need, startup credits and how well you control costs.
In this guide 8 sections
The cloud choice feels big, but for most startups it is not the decision that makes or breaks the product. What matters more is setting it up properly: in your own accounts, with backups, monitoring and a budget alert from day one.
The short version
Pick the cloud your team knows, use managed services for databases and storage, and set cost alerts on the first day.
The three at a glance
| AWS | Microsoft Azure | Google Cloud | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Known for | Widest range of services | Strong fit with Microsoft tools | Data, analytics and Kubernetes |
| Common with | Startups of every kind | Enterprises on Microsoft 365 and .NET | Data-heavy and container-based teams |
| Startup programme | AWS Activate | Microsoft for Startups | Google for Startups Cloud Program |
Each provider's own site covers its services in detail: AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.
How to decide
- Team experience: the cloud your engineers know well will be set up more safely and quickly.
- Customers: enterprise buyers sometimes prefer or require a particular cloud.
- Services needed: managed databases, AI services, queues, video or maps.
- Credits: early credits can cover a significant part of your first year.
- Data location: use India regions when your users and rules call for it.
Choosing or reviewing your cloud?
Book a free 30-minute call. We will look at your product and recommend a cloud setup and cost plan.
Book a free 30-minute call →Keeping costs under control
- Set budgets and alerts in the billing console on the first day.
- Right-size servers and databases; start small and scale on evidence.
- Switch off development environments when not in use.
- Use storage tiers and lifecycle rules for old files and backups.
- Review the bill monthly and tag resources by product or team.
Our cloud cost optimisation service covers this in depth.
A sensible starting setup
- Separate accounts or projects for production and development.
- A managed database with automatic backups.
- Containers or serverless functions for the application.
- Automated deployment through CI/CD.
- Monitoring, error tracking and uptime alerts.
- Access with individual logins and multi-factor authentication, never shared passwords.
Avoiding lock-in
Some dependence on a provider is normal and worth it for managed services. To keep options open, use standard databases such as PostgreSQL, package the application in containers and define infrastructure as code. Our guide on choosing a tech stack covers the wider decisions.
Own your accounts
Make sure the cloud accounts are in your company's name with your own billing, and that your development partner works through access you grant and can revoke.
How we set it up
At Creuto we set up cloud infrastructure in the client's own accounts, with backups, monitoring, security and cost alerts from the start. Moving an older system? See legacy software modernisation.
Frequently asked questions
Which cloud is cheapest for a startup?
There is no single answer. Prices for comparable services are broadly similar, and the bill depends far more on how you design and run the system. Startup credit programmes can also cover early costs.
Do all three have data centres in India?
Yes. AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud all operate regions in India, which helps with speed for Indian users and with data location requirements.
What are startup cloud credits?
Programmes such as AWS Activate, Microsoft for Startups and the Google for Startups Cloud Program offer credits and support to eligible startups. Eligibility and amounts change, so check each programme directly.
Can we move to another cloud later?
Yes, but it takes effort. Using containers, standard databases and infrastructure as code makes a future move easier.
Should a small product use serverless?
Serverless can be a good fit for products with uneven traffic and small teams, because you pay for use and manage fewer servers. It suits some workloads better than others.
Want your cloud set up properly?
We design cloud infrastructure with backups, monitoring, security and cost controls, in your own accounts.
About Nihar Ranjan Rout
Founder & CEO of Creuto. Over the past 8+ years Nihar has led product strategy and engineering for 50+ products, including mobile apps, custom ERPs and B2B platforms. Creuto is an OpenAI Select Partner. He works directly with founders to turn an idea into a clear plan and a launched product.
More about Nihar · LinkedIn