Kubernetes
Amazon EKS Auto Mode vs AKS Automatic
Amazon EKS Auto Mode maps to AKS Automatic.
Both run Karpenter-based node provisioning and preconfigure networking, storage, and security, while still exposing the full Kubernetes API.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Amazon EKS Auto Mode | AKS Automatic |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | AWS also manages the cluster's compute (Karpenter-based), pod networking, load balancing, DNS, block storage, and GPU support. Nodes are EC2 instances that AWS patches and replaces. | An AKS SKU where Azure also manages nodes (node autoprovisioning, Karpenter-based), system components, networking, security defaults (deployment safeguards, workload identity), monitoring (Managed Prometheus), and upgrades. Uses the Standard tier. |
| Pricing model | EKS cluster fee plus EC2 instances plus a per-instance Auto Mode management fee. | AKS Standard-tier cluster fee plus the VMs that node autoprovisioning creates. |
| Docs | Amazon EKS Auto Mode docs | AKS Automatic docs |
| Pricing page | Amazon EKS Auto Mode pricing | AKS Automatic pricing |
| Exams | SAA-C03 DOP-C02 | AZ-104 AZ-305 |
Key differences
- Scope. EKS Auto Mode manages compute autoscaling, pod and service networking, load balancing, cluster DNS, EBS block storage, and GPU support. AKS Automatic also preconfigures node autoprovisioning, deployment safeguards, workload identity, Managed Prometheus, and automatic upgrade channels.
- Enablement. EKS Auto Mode can be turned on for existing clusters. AKS Automatic is a cluster SKU chosen at creation, and AKS Standard clusters can enable node autoprovisioning on their own.
- Billing. EKS Auto Mode adds a management fee per managed EC2 instance on top of the instance price. AKS Automatic runs on the Standard tier (per-cluster fee) plus node VMs.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- EKS cluster fee plus EC2 instances plus a per-instance Auto Mode management fee. Amazon EKS Auto Mode pricing →
- Azure
- AKS Standard-tier cluster fee plus the VMs that node autoprovisioning creates. AKS Automatic pricing →
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate SAA-C03 | AWS | Associate | current Italian version retires after Dec 31, 2026. |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional DOP-C02 | AWS | Professional | current Korean version retires after Dec 31, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Administrator Associate AZ-104 | Azure | Associate | current |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305 | Azure | Expert | current English version updated Apr 17, 2026. |
Relevance is based on each exam's published scope, not a line-by-line objective match. Check the official study guide.
FAQ
What is the Azure equivalent of Amazon EKS Auto Mode?
Amazon EKS Auto Mode maps to AKS Automatic. Both run Karpenter-based node provisioning and preconfigure networking, storage, and security, while still exposing the full Kubernetes API.
How does pricing compare between Amazon EKS Auto Mode and AKS Automatic?
AWS: EKS cluster fee plus EC2 instances plus a per-instance Auto Mode management fee. Azure: AKS Standard-tier cluster fee plus the VMs that node autoprovisioning creates. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional (DOP-C02); Microsoft Certified – Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104); Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).