Network security & firewalls · AWS vs Google Cloud
AWS Shield (Standard and Advanced) vs Google Cloud Armor
AWS Shield maps to Google Cloud Armor.
Cloud Armor provides always-on protection from Layer 3 and Layer 4 volumetric attacks for supported load balancers, and Cloud Armor Enterprise adds advanced network DDoS protection with attack monitoring and alerting, like Shield Advanced.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Service | AWS Shield (Standard and Advanced) | Google Cloud Armor |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | DDoS protection. Shield Standard is automatic and free. Shield Advanced adds protection for specific resources, the Shield Response Team, cost protection, and attack visibility. | WAF and DDoS protection for load balancers, in Standard and Cloud Armor Enterprise pricing models. |
| Pricing model | Shield Standard is free. Shield Advanced is a monthly fee plus data transfer usage fees. | Standard usage pricing, or a Cloud Armor Enterprise subscription. |
| Docs | AWS Shield (Standard and Advanced) docs | Google Cloud Armor docs |
| Pricing page | AWS Shield (Standard and Advanced) pricing | Google Cloud Armor pricing |
Key differences
- Shield Standard is automatic for all AWS customers; Cloud Armor protection applies to traffic through Google Cloud load balancers and protected IP addresses.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Shield Standard is free. Shield Advanced is a monthly fee plus data transfer usage fees. AWS Shield (Standard and Advanced) pricing →
- GCP
- Standard usage pricing, or a Cloud Armor Enterprise subscription. Google Cloud Armor pricing →
And on Azure?
Direct match Azure's equivalent is Azure DDoS Protection. AWS vs Azure comparison →
FAQ
What is the Google Cloud equivalent of AWS Shield (Standard and Advanced)?
AWS Shield maps to Google Cloud Armor. Cloud Armor provides always-on protection from Layer 3 and Layer 4 volumetric attacks for supported load balancers, and Cloud Armor Enterprise adds advanced network DDoS protection with attack monitoring and alerting, like Shield Advanced.
How does pricing compare between AWS Shield (Standard and Advanced) and Google Cloud Armor?
AWS: Shield Standard is free. Shield Advanced is a monthly fee plus data transfer usage fees. Google Cloud: Standard usage pricing, or a Cloud Armor Enterprise subscription. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
What is the Azure equivalent?
Azure DDoS Protection (direct match). AWS Shield maps to Azure DDoS Protection.