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Free alternatives to Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services (AWS) by Amazon: The largest public cloud: virtual servers, databases, storage and hundreds of managed services. Pricing: pay as you go (limited free tier). Here are 3 free options that cover the same job.

AlternativeTypePlatformsBest for
Proxmox VEFree to use; paid support subscriptions are optional.
Open sourceServerRunning VMs and containers on your own hardwareGet it
OpenStack
Open sourceSelf-hostedBuilding a full private cloud for a company or providerGet it
Oracle Cloud Free Tier logo
Oracle Cloud Free TierCheck the current free-tier limits before you rely on it.
Free planWebAlways-free virtual machines and databases for small projectsGet it
Amazon Web Services (AWS) logo
Amazon Web Services (AWS)The paid original
Pay as you go (limited free tier)–Cloud computingVisit

The alternatives in detail

01/ Proxmox VE

Open source

Best for: Running VMs and containers on your own hardware.

Free to use; paid support subscriptions are optional.

Runs on: Server

Visit Proxmox VE

02/ OpenStack

Open source

Best for: Building a full private cloud for a company or provider.

Runs on: Self-hosted

Visit OpenStack
Oracle Cloud Free Tier logo

03/ Oracle Cloud Free Tier

Free plan

Best for: Always-free virtual machines and databases for small projects.

Check the current free-tier limits before you rely on it.

Runs on: Web

Visit Oracle Cloud Free Tier

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free alternative to Amazon Web Services (AWS)?

Yes. Proxmox VE is a strong free option for running vms and containers on your own hardware. Other choices include OpenStack, Oracle Cloud Free Tier.

Which Amazon Web Services (AWS) alternative is open source?

Proxmox VE, OpenStack are open source.

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