Kubernetes, without a doubt, has won the orchestration war. Now, all the giant cloud providers are offering managed Kubernetes services for their customers. No matter what, whether you’re planning to test Kubernetes to deploy applications or planning to use cloud provider’s Managed Kubernetes services, it is better to get a complete understanding before making a final decision.

This blog will give you a complete review of the Kubernetes services offered by three cloud providers, i.e., Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS), Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE).

Let’s dig into each service,

Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS)

As per the survey conducted by Kubernetes, more than 70% of container users are using the AWS cloud. This means that EKS is well-positioned to become a popular way to manage the containers. Even after having the most in-depth portfolio of services in the cloud market, AWS is still on the backfoot to offer comprehensive services with EKS.

Advantages:

AWS has an extensive collection of well-written documentation and the backing of a large community ready to offer high-level expertise.

Integration of well-established services through AWS products easily.

EKS ensure Kubernetes management infrastructure across multiple Availability Zones (AZs).

Disadvantages:

EKS is not beginner-friendly. It is not just a click-and-play.

The price is high.

Slow build time.

Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE):

If any Kubernetes expert is biased towards GKE, then it is not biased it is merely their expertise talking. Google is responsible for the development of Kubernetes, which is later handed over to the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) to govern it as an open-source project. Google integrates several products from its service portfolio to give immediate advantages to the users. One of the key benefits of using GKE is that service upgrades and new versions are instantly available while other providers take time to catch up.

Advantages:

Organizations that are looking for better-automated deployments and integrate the cloud into the internal networks then GKE is an attractive choice. Google also offers users a pro-DevOps platform experience.

It is just a 2-click deployment.

Quicker cluster creation with affordable prices.

Disadvantages:

Lack of proper integration of supporting services through the entire platform.

Lack of adequate documentation for supportive information.

Do not have the same level of small business support that AWS and Azure can provide.

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

Azure in the past one or two years has increased its pace of innovation, and the same is reflected in its managed Kubernetes services, i.e., Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). Moreover, if you are already using Microsoft and its services, then AKS becomes a natural choice. Still, users have to limit themselves to some features, and Microsoft is continually improving the services.

Advantages:

AKS has an improved interface but not clear and concise as GKE.

It is offered as a free service; you need to pay for the resources that you use.

Azure cloud environment offers high-end business intelligence tools, and AKS integrates with the entire platform with no significant issues.

Disadvantages:

GUI interface and CLI interactions are the two most significant drawbacks while using AKS.

Lower adoption rate at present, so, not enough community support.

The user might have to go through unnecessary steps to achieve elements of the process.

Here’s a tabular comparison between EKE vs GKE vs AKS under the different criteria: