Virtual machines & images · AWS vs Google Cloud
EC2 Image Builder vs Packer with Cloud Build
Google Cloud has no managed image pipeline like EC2 Image Builder.
Google documents building images with HashiCorp Packer running in Cloud Build.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Service | EC2 Image Builder | Packer with Cloud Build |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | Managed pipelines that build, test, and distribute hardened AMIs and container images on a schedule. | Google-documented pattern for building Compute Engine images with HashiCorp Packer running in Cloud Build. Not a dedicated managed image service. |
| Pricing model | There's no charge for Image Builder itself. You pay for the EC2 instances, EBS, and other resources used during builds and for stored images. | Cloud Build is billed per build-minute (with a monthly free allowance), plus the temporary VM and image storage. |
| Docs | EC2 Image Builder docs | Packer with Cloud Build docs |
| Pricing page | EC2 Image Builder pricing | Packer with Cloud Build pricing |
Key differences
- You own the Packer template, scheduling, testing, and distribution steps that Image Builder manages for you.
- Image families let consumers always pick up the latest image you publish.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- There's no charge for Image Builder itself. You pay for the EC2 instances, EBS, and other resources used during builds and for stored images. EC2 Image Builder pricing →
- GCP
- Cloud Build is billed per build-minute (with a monthly free allowance), plus the temporary VM and image storage. Packer with Cloud Build pricing →
And on Azure?
Direct match Azure's equivalent is Azure VM Image Builder. AWS vs Azure comparison →
FAQ
What is the Google Cloud equivalent of EC2 Image Builder?
Google Cloud has no managed image pipeline like EC2 Image Builder. Google documents building images with HashiCorp Packer running in Cloud Build.
How does pricing compare between EC2 Image Builder and Packer with Cloud Build?
AWS: There's no charge for Image Builder itself. You pay for the EC2 instances, EBS, and other resources used during builds and for stored images. Google Cloud: Cloud Build is billed per build-minute (with a monthly free allowance), plus the temporary VM and image storage. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
What is the Azure equivalent?
Azure VM Image Builder (direct match). EC2 Image Builder maps to Azure VM Image Builder.