Answer Details

For SaaS startups, the top cloud providers are: AWS (Amazon Web Services) Most comprehensive service offering with 200+ services Best for startups needing advanced features, global scale, or specific tools Strong ecosystem with AWS Activate program (credits and support for startups) Steeper learning curve but maximum flexibility Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Excellent for data analytics, machine learning, and Kubernetes workloads Competitive pricing and strong discounts for sustained usage Google for Startups program offers credits Great developer experience and documentation Microsoft Azure Ideal if you're building on Microsoft stack (.NET, Windows Server) Strong enterprise features and hybrid cloud capabilities Good startup programs through Microsoft for Startups Growing rapidly with solid B2B integration DigitalOcean Significantly simpler than the big three Transparent, predictable pricing (no surprise bills) Great for early-stage startups that need straightforward hosting Limited advanced services compared to AWS/GCP/Azure Vercel/Netlify/Railway Platform-as-a-Service options built on top of AWS Extremely fast deployment for web apps and APIs Best for getting to market quickly with modern frameworks Can become expensive at scale Most startups choose AWS or GCP because of their mature ecosystems, generous startup credits (often $100k+), and ability to scale. AWS leads in market share and service breadth, while GCP often wins on pricing and specific technical capabilities. The best choice depends on your tech stack, team expertise, and specific requirements. Many startups start with one of the simpler options and migrate to AWS/GCP as they scale.