Side by side
AWS Config vs Azure Policy
Both stand on cloud governance software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Paid APIWeb
AWS Config combines configuration history, policy evaluation, querying, and multi-account views. Its rules report compliance status but cannot prevent later noncompliant changes, and usage charges vary with recorded items and evaluations.
Visit AWS Config
Free plan Web
Choose Azure Policy if you need a free web service to define, test, enforce, and report on policies across the listed infrastructure-as-code formats. Consider another option if you need a platform other than web or formats beyond those listed.
Visit Azure PolicyThe facts
| AWS Config | Azure Policy | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Not published | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Web | Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | aws.amazon.com | azure.microsoft.com |
| On cloud governance software | #17 of 26 | #13 of 26 |
AWS Config: what it does well
- Records configuration history for review through console, API, or CLI.
- Custom rules can assess policies using AWS Lambda.
- Aggregators centralize compliance views across accounts and Regions.
- Advanced queries search current configuration state.
- Supports policy as code and drift detection.
What to know first
- Usage charges depend on recorded items and evaluations.
- S3, SNS, and Lambda charges may also apply.
- Rules report status but do not ensure ongoing compliance.
- Accounts have a default limit of 150 Config rules.
Azure Policy: what it does well
- Uses JSON for policy language.
- Supports ARM templates, Bicep, and Terraform.
- Includes policy testing and admission control.
- Supports runtime enforcement.
- Offers CI/CD integration and policy reporting.
What to know first
- The listed platform is web.
- The listed IaC formats are ARM templates, Bicep, and Terraform.
Alternatives to AWS Config Alternatives to Azure Policy The whole list