AWS vs Fly.io: Complete Platform Comparison for 2025

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Fly.io represent two different approaches to cloud hosting. AWS is a comprehensive cloud platform offering hundreds of services with global infrastructure, while Fly.io specializes in edge computing with a focus on developer experience and containerized applications. This comparison examines both platforms across key factors to help you make an informed decision.

Platform Overview and Core Philosophy

AWS launched in 2006 as a comprehensive cloud platform that offers over 200 services, from basic compute and storage to advanced machine learning and analytics tools. AWS operates through a vast global infrastructure with multiple availability zones across dozens of regions worldwide.

Fly.io takes a different approach, focusing specifically on edge computing and containerized application deployment. The platform deploys applications as individual Firecracker microVMs rather than traditional containers, providing enhanced isolation between applications. Fly.io emphasizes developer experience and global edge deployment for reduced latency.

Pricing and Cost Structure

AWS Pricing Model

AWS uses a pay-as-you-go model with multiple pricing options:

On-Demand Instances: T2.micro instances start at $0.0058 per hour
Reserved Instances: Up to 72% savings with 1-3 year commitments
Spot Instances: Up to 90% discount using spare capacity
Savings Plans: Flexible pricing with up to 72% savings
Free Tier: 750 hours of t2.micro instances monthly for 12 months

Additional costs include: - Public IPv4 addresses: $0.005 per hour (~$3.60/month) starting February 2024 - Data transfer: 100GB free monthly, then region-specific rates - EBS storage: Varies by volume type and size

Fly.io Pricing Model

Fly.io uses a simpler, per-second billing model:

Shared CPU instances: Starting at $0.0027 per hour (~$1.94/month for 256MB)
Dedicated CPU: Significantly higher, with 2 CPU/4GB costing ~$62/month
Reserved pricing: 40% discount with annual commitments
Storage: $0.15 per GB per month for persistent volumes
Outbound data: $0.02 per GB in North America/Europe, up to $0.12 in other regions

Fly.io no longer offers a traditional free tier, but usage under $5/month is often waived for new accounts.

Cost Comparison

For small applications, Fly.io often provides better value. A developer on Hacker News reported reducing costs from $70/month on AWS Lambda/API Gateway to $2/month on Fly.io. However, for dedicated compute resources, AWS typically offers better pricing at scale.

Deployment and Ease of Use

AWS Deployment Experience

AWS provides multiple deployment methods but comes with complexity:

AWS Management Console: Web-based interface with extensive options
AWS CLI: Command-line interface for automation
SDKs: Available for multiple programming languages
Infrastructure as Code: CloudFormation, CDK, and Terraform support
Learning curve: Steep, with extensive documentation and numerous service options

The platform's flexibility comes at the cost of complexity, requiring significant expertise to configure and optimize properly.

Fly.io Deployment Experience

Fly.io prioritizes simplicity:

fly.toml configuration: Declarative configuration file for version control
Simple CLI: Streamlined command-line interface
Docker-based: Applications deploy as containerized microVMs
Quick deployment: Fast iteration and testing cycles
Minimal configuration: Fewer options but faster setup

The platform targets developers who want to deploy applications quickly without managing complex infrastructure.

Performance and Scalability

AWS Performance Characteristics

AWS offers extensive performance options:

Global infrastructure: Multiple availability zones across 30+ regions
Instance types: Hundreds of configurations optimized for different workloads
Auto scaling: Comprehensive scaling options with predictable rules
CDN integration: CloudFront for global content delivery
Database services: Managed options like RDS, DynamoDB, and Aurora
Enterprise features: VPC peering, dedicated hosts, and compliance certifications

Fly.io Performance Features

Fly.io focuses on edge performance:

Edge deployment: Applications run closer to users globally
Anycast routing: Automatic traffic routing to nearest instance
Firecracker microVMs: Enhanced isolation compared to traditional containers
Global load balancing: Built-in traffic distribution
Limited auto-scaling: Basic scaling options, less predictable than AWS
No VPC peering: Limited enterprise networking features

Features and Capabilities

AWS Service Ecosystem

AWS provides a comprehensive platform:

Compute: EC2, Lambda, ECS, EKS, Batch, Lightsail
Storage: S3, EBS, EFS, FSx, Glacier
Databases: RDS, DynamoDB, Aurora, Redshift, ElastiCache
Machine Learning: SageMaker, Comprehend, Rekognition
Analytics: Kinesis, EMR, Athena, QuickSight
Security: IAM, Certificate Manager, GuardDuty, Inspector
Developer Tools: CodeCommit, CodeBuild, CodePipeline, CodeDeploy

Fly.io Feature Set

Fly.io offers focused capabilities:

Container deployment: Docker-based application hosting
Persistent volumes: Block storage for applications
Postgres: Managed database service
Metrics and logging: Built-in monitoring tools
SSL certificates: Automatic certificate management
Private networking: Secure inter-application communication
Limited third-party integrations: Fewer plug-and-play services than competitors

Developer Experience and Tooling

AWS Development Tools

AWS provides extensive tooling but requires expertise:

Comprehensive documentation: Detailed guides and API references
Large community: Extensive third-party resources and tutorials
Multiple SDKs: Support for all major programming languages
Integration options: Thousands of third-party tools and services
Complex setup: Requires understanding of multiple services for typical applications

Fly.io Developer Experience

Fly.io emphasizes developer productivity:

Simple onboarding: Quick application deployment process
Version-controlled configuration: fly.toml files integrate with Git workflows
Fast feedback loops: Quick deployment and testing cycles
Limited complexity: Fewer configuration options reduce decision overhead
Missing enterprise features: No alerting by default, fewer monitoring options

Security and Compliance

AWS Security Model

AWS offers enterprise-grade security:

Compliance certifications: SOC, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and dozens of other standards
Identity and Access Management: Granular permissions and role-based access
Network security: VPCs, security groups, and network ACLs
Data encryption: At-rest and in-transit encryption options
Audit capabilities: CloudTrail for comprehensive logging
Shared responsibility model: Clear delineation of security responsibilities

Fly.io Security Features

Fly.io provides basic security features:

Firecracker isolation: Enhanced security through microVM architecture
Private networking: Secure communication between applications
SSL/TLS: Automatic certificate management and HTTPS
Limited compliance: Fewer certifications compared to AWS
Basic access controls: Simple user management system
Newer platform: Less mature security ecosystem

Support and Documentation

AWS Support Options

AWS provides multiple support tiers:

Basic support: Included with all accounts
Developer support: $29/month or 3% of usage
Business support: $100/month or 10% of usage for first $10k
Enterprise support: $15,000/month or percentage-based pricing
Extensive documentation: Comprehensive guides, tutorials, and best practices
Large community: Active forums and third-party resources

Fly.io Support Structure

Fly.io offers more limited support:

Community support: Primary support through forums and documentation
Email support: Available for technical issues
Growing documentation: Improving but less comprehensive than AWS
Smaller community: Fewer third-party resources and tutorials
Direct access: Easier contact with platform developers

When to Choose Each Platform

Choose AWS When You Need:

Enterprise-scale applications requiring comprehensive cloud services
Complex architectures involving multiple integrated services
Regulatory compliance with specific industry standards
Predictable auto-scaling with detailed configuration options
Mature ecosystem with extensive third-party integrations
Global enterprise support with guaranteed response times
Long-term scalability from startup to enterprise level

Choose Fly.io When You Need:

Simple containerized applications with minimal infrastructure complexity
Edge deployment for global low-latency access
Fast development cycles with quick deployment and testing
Cost-effective hosting for small to medium applications
Developer-focused experience without infrastructure management overhead
Modern deployment workflow with declarative configuration
Geographic distribution without complex CDN setup

Conclusion

AWS and Fly.io serve different segments of the hosting market. AWS excels as a comprehensive cloud platform suitable for enterprises and complex applications requiring extensive services, compliance certifications, and predictable scaling. The platform's maturity and breadth make it ideal for organizations with dedicated DevOps teams and complex infrastructure requirements.

Fly.io targets developers seeking simplicity and edge performance for containerized applications. Its streamlined developer experience and edge-focused architecture make it particularly suitable for modern web applications, APIs, and services that benefit from global distribution without infrastructure complexity.

The choice between platforms depends on your specific requirements: AWS for comprehensive enterprise needs and complex architectures, Fly.io for simple deployment with edge performance and developer productivity. Consider your team's expertise, application requirements, compliance needs, and long-term scaling plans when making this decision.