Workflows & orchestration · AWS vs Google Cloud
AWS Step Functions vs Workflows
AWS Step Functions maps partly to Workflows, a managed orchestrator whose steps are written in YAML or JSON.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Service | AWS Step Functions | Workflows |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | Visual state-machine workflows (Amazon States Language). Standard workflows are exactly-once and run up to a year. Express workflows are at-least-once and run up to 5 minutes. Optimized and AWS SDK service integrations are available. | Fully managed orchestration that runs steps written in YAML or JSON, calling Google Cloud services and HTTP APIs, billed per step executed. |
| Pricing model | Standard is billed per state transition. Express is billed per execution plus duration and memory. | Billed per workflow step executed, with internal and external steps priced differently. |
| Docs | AWS Step Functions docs | Workflows docs |
| Pricing page | AWS Step Functions pricing | Workflows pricing |
Key differences
- Workflows has no visual designer like Step Functions Workflow Studio; definitions are code.
- Workflows calls Google Cloud APIs through connectors and any HTTP endpoint.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Standard is billed per state transition. Express is billed per execution plus duration and memory. AWS Step Functions pricing →
- GCP
- Billed per workflow step executed, with internal and external steps priced differently. Workflows pricing →
And on Azure?
Partial match Azure's equivalent is Azure Logic Apps. AWS vs Azure comparison →
FAQ
What is the Google Cloud equivalent of AWS Step Functions?
AWS Step Functions maps partly to Workflows, a managed orchestrator whose steps are written in YAML or JSON.
How does pricing compare between AWS Step Functions and Workflows?
AWS: Standard is billed per state transition. Express is billed per execution plus duration and memory. Google Cloud: Billed per workflow step executed, with internal and external steps priced differently. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
What is the Azure equivalent?
Azure Logic Apps (partial match). AWS Step Functions maps to Azure Logic Apps for visual, service-integration workflows.