Azure Kubernetes Service vs Amazon EKS
AKS and EKS both run Kubernetes workloads, but the surrounding identity, networking and storage integrations differ. Existing Azure or AWS infrastructure and operating skills should be part of the decision alongside cluster features.
Which option fits the requirement?
AKS and EKS both run Kubernetes workloads, but the surrounding identity, networking and storage integrations differ. Existing Azure or AWS infrastructure and operating skills should be part of the decision alongside cluster features.
Seven differences that change the shortlist
| Buying question | Azure Kubernetes Service | Amazon EKS |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud provider | Microsoft Azure | AWS |
| Platform | Managed Kubernetes | Managed Kubernetes |
| Deployment object | AKS clusters and node pools | EKS clusters and chosen compute arrangement |
| Image ecosystem | Azure Container Registry integration | Amazon ECR integration |
| Identity context | Azure identity integration | AWS IAM integration |
| Network context | AKS and Azure networking | EKS and AWS VPC networking |
| Cost components | Cluster configuration, compute, storage and networking | Cluster configuration, compute, storage and networking |
Four worked buying briefs
These are hypothetical scenarios with explicit assumptions. They do not establish equal capabilities, measured usability or a negotiated price.
| Requirement | Proposed exercise | Accept when |
|---|---|---|
| Application manifests | Deploy the representative application and its dependencies. | The workload becomes ready and all mandatory integrations work. |
| Persistent data | Restart a stateful test workload using its volume configuration. | The workload recovers the expected data. |
| Workload identity | Access one cloud service through the intended workload identity. | Only the required permissions are granted. |
| Upgrade exercise | Rehearse a supported non-production upgrade. | Downtime, rollback and remaining operating tasks are documented. |
Application manifests
Can the team deploy the representative application and its dependencies?
Azure Kubernetes Service: With Azure Kubernetes Service, deploy the representative application and its dependencies.
Amazon EKS: With Amazon EKS, deploy the representative application and its dependencies.
The workload becomes ready and all mandatory integrations work.
Persistent data
Can the team restart a stateful test workload using its volume configuration?
Azure Kubernetes Service: With Azure Kubernetes Service, restart a stateful test workload using its volume configuration.
Amazon EKS: With Amazon EKS, restart a stateful test workload using its volume configuration.
The workload recovers the expected data.
Workload identity
Can the team access one cloud service through the intended workload identity?
Azure Kubernetes Service: With Azure Kubernetes Service, access one cloud service through the intended workload identity.
Amazon EKS: With Amazon EKS, access one cloud service through the intended workload identity.
Only the required permissions are granted.
Upgrade exercise
Can the team rehearse a supported non-production upgrade?
Azure Kubernetes Service: With Azure Kubernetes Service, rehearse a supported non-production upgrade.
Amazon EKS: With Amazon EKS, rehearse a supported non-production upgrade.
Downtime, rollback and remaining operating tasks are documented.
Scope and architecture
AKS and EKS both run Kubernetes workloads, but the surrounding identity, networking and storage integrations differ. Existing Azure or AWS infrastructure and operating skills should be part of the decision alongside cluster features.
A common Kubernetes API does not make cloud storage, ingress, workload identity and network policy configuration automatically portable. OpenShift also adds its own platform conventions and administration model.
Azure Kubernetes Service product information ↗ · Amazon EKS product information ↗
Cost and migration planning
For Azure Kubernetes Service, include cluster configuration, compute, storage and networking. For Amazon EKS, include cluster configuration, compute, storage and networking. Use the same workload and resilience assumptions, then confirm current vendor terms for the selected configuration.
Deploy the actual manifests, images, secrets, ingress and persistent volumes in a non-production environment. Document remaining node, upgrade, security-policy and capacity responsibilities for the exact selected operating mode.
Questions before you choose
How should we choose between Azure Kubernetes Service and Amazon EKS?
AKS and EKS both run Kubernetes workloads, but the surrounding identity, networking and storage integrations differ. Existing Azure or AWS infrastructure and operating skills should be part of the decision alongside cluster features.
Which costs belong in the comparison?
For Azure Kubernetes Service, include cluster configuration, compute, storage and networking. For Amazon EKS, include cluster configuration, compute, storage and networking. Use the same workload and resilience assumptions, then confirm current vendor terms for the selected configuration.
What should we validate before a production move?
Deploy the actual manifests, images, secrets, ingress and persistent volumes in a non-production environment. Document remaining node, upgrade, security-policy and capacity responsibilities for the exact selected operating mode.
Turn the comparison into your own evaluation
Use the same criteria and priorities for both products, keep unknowns unassessed and record the plan and evidence behind your ratings.
Build a Azure Kubernetes Service vs Amazon EKS scorecard →Keep the assumptions with the figures
Use the date, billing cycle, units and limits with each example. Check current account terms before purchasing. Unverified prices and model costs stay unpriced.
Download the buying examples as JSON ↓Share the comparison
Use these examples when discussing the shortlist with your team.