Virtual networks, subnets & IP addressing · AWS vs Google Cloud
Elastic IP addresses (and BYOIP) vs Static external IP addresses and BYOIP
Elastic IP addresses map to static external IP addresses, regional or global, and BYOIP lets you bring your own public ranges.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Elastic IP addresses (and BYOIP) | Static external IP addresses and BYOIP |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | Static public IPv4 addresses you allocate to your account and remap between resources. You can also bring your own IP ranges (BYOIP). | Reserved regional or global external IP addresses, including bring-your-own IP ranges. |
| Pricing model | Per public IPv4 address-hour (in use or idle). BYOIP addresses aren't charged. | Hourly charge per static or ephemeral external IP in use by a VM and per reserved-but-unused static IP. |
| Docs | Elastic IP addresses (and BYOIP) docs | Static external IP addresses and BYOIP docs |
| Pricing page | Elastic IP addresses (and BYOIP) pricing | Static external IP addresses and BYOIP pricing |
Key differences
- Global static IPs are anycast addresses for global load balancers.
- A static IP is charged when reserved but unused, and also while attached to a VM (running or stopped); IPs on forwarding rules are not charged.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Per public IPv4 address-hour (in use or idle). BYOIP addresses aren't charged. Elastic IP addresses (and BYOIP) pricing →
- GCP
- Hourly charge per static or ephemeral external IP in use by a VM and per reserved-but-unused static IP. Static external IP addresses and BYOIP pricing →
And on Azure?
Direct match Azure's equivalent is Public IP addresses and prefixes. AWS vs Azure comparison →
FAQ
What is the Google Cloud equivalent of Elastic IP addresses (and BYOIP)?
Elastic IP addresses map to static external IP addresses, regional or global, and BYOIP lets you bring your own public ranges.
How does pricing compare between Elastic IP addresses (and BYOIP) and Static external IP addresses and BYOIP?
AWS: Per public IPv4 address-hour (in use or idle). BYOIP addresses aren't charged. Google Cloud: Hourly charge per static or ephemeral external IP in use by a VM and per reserved-but-unused static IP. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
What is the Azure equivalent?
Public IP addresses and prefixes (direct match). Elastic IP addresses map to Azure Standard public IP addresses.