AWS vs Scaleway: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between AWS and Scaleway comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AWS
The cloud infrastructure that powers half the internet
Best for you if:
- • The largest cloud platform
- • 200+ services for any workload
Scaleway
European cloud infrastructure provider
Best for you if:
- • Scaleway is a European cloud provider with competitive pricing
- • It offers compute, storage, and Kubernetes with data sovereignty
| At a Glance |  AWS |  Scaleway |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | $1.83/monthSTARDUST1 |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose AWS or Scaleway?
Choose AWS if
The cloud infrastructure that powers half the internet
- Most comprehensive cloud platform
- Global infrastructure (200+ services)
- Industry standard for enterprise
Choose Scaleway if
European cloud infrastructure provider
- European cloud
- Good pricing
- Good bare metal
| Feature | AWS | Scaleway |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 17,730 reviews | ★4.3/5 65 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
AWS
The cloud infrastructure that powers half the internet
Strengths
- +Most comprehensive cloud platform
- +Global infrastructure (200+ services)
- +Industry standard for enterprise
- +Excellent documentation
- +Strong security and compliance
Weaknesses
- -Complex pricing model
- -Steep learning curve
- -Bill surprises common
- -UI dated and confusing
- -Vendor lock-in risk
Key features
Scaleway
European cloud infrastructure provider
Strengths
- +European cloud
- +Good pricing
- +Good bare metal
- +GDPR compliant
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Less features than AWS
- -Smaller ecosystem
- -Documentation gaps
- -Support varies
- -Learning curve
Key features
Pricing: AWS vs Scaleway
| Plan | AWS | Scaleway |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free Tier | $1.83 month STARDUST1 |
| Tier 2 | Usage-based Pay-as-you-go | $7.99 month DEV1-S |
| Tier 3 | Up to 72% off Savings Plans | $21 month GP1-XS |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on AWS pricing and Scaleway pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: AWS
Want the highest-rated option?
AWS: 4.4/5 (17,730 reviews). Scaleway: 4.3/5 (65 reviews).
Go with: AWS
Value user reviews?
AWS: 17,730 reviews (4.4/5). Scaleway: 65 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: AWS
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are cloud & infrastructure tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
AWS is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
AWS
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (17,730 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Scaleway
- Choose if you want european cloud infrastructure provider
The Bottom Line
AWS is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS or Scaleway better?
AWS is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are AWS and Scaleway used for?
AWS: The cloud infrastructure that powers half the internet. Scaleway: European cloud infrastructure provider.
What does AWS cost vs Scaleway?
AWS is a paid tool. Scaleway is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.