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Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) Reviews & Insights

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Community Insights for Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)

Synthesised from 6 verified reviews.


Synthesised from 6 reviews | Last Published May 27, 2026


In TrustRadius reviews, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is primarily utilized by organizations to provide scalable infrastructure for various applications, including machine learning services and hosting backend and web services. Reviewers frequently highlight its ability to automatically adjust server usage according to demand, particularly for handling traffic spikes during peak seasons. Its extensive variety of instance types and configuration options is a significant strength, allowing for precise resource allocation and customization, alongside superior application performance and the continuous release of higher-performing, lower-cost instances.

EC2 also contributes to improved system reliability, user experience, and business agility, enabling faster development cycles and quicker market entry. However, instance management complexity is a primary area for improvement, with half of reviewers expressing concerns about the intricate initial setup process and manual effort required for operating system versioning. Reviewers suggest a more streamlined user interface to enhance usability. Overall, reviewers view EC2 as a robust and cost-effective platform that supports core business objectives despite its learning curve.


  • Extensive variety of instance types and configuration options for precise resource allocation
  • Seamless integration with other AWS services like RDS and S3
  • Ability to handle performance and scalability through auto-scaling and Elastic Load Balancing
  • Efficient instance management, including fast creation and bulk deployment via launch templates
  • Inherent security features, encompassing firewalls and regular security patches
  • Complex initial setup and configuration of EC2 instances
  • Significant manual effort required for operating system versioning
  • User interface could be more streamlined with clearer mandatory fields
What other products like Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) have you used or evaluated?

From 6 reviews | Last Published May 27, 2026

Reviewers evaluating Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) have experience with alternative cloud computing platforms, primarily citing DigitalOcean and Microsoft Azure. Each of these platforms was mentioned by two of six reviewers as services they have used or evaluated. Both DigitalOcean and Azure were referenced in a positive context, suggesting their standing as recognized and viable alternatives in the cloud services market. The mentions indicate that users often compare and contrast EC2 with other established providers, considering their respective offerings for various cloud computing requirements.

DigitalOcean

DigitalOcean Droplets

Azure

Azure Cloud Services

What positive or negative impact (i.e. Return on Investment or ROI) has Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) had on your overall business objectives?

From 6 reviews | Last Published May 27, 2026

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) has a predominantly positive impact on business objectives, primarily through significant cost reductions, enhanced operational performance, and improved business agility. A substantial majority of reviewers, 4 out of 6, reported direct cost savings, often attributing this to optimized instance usage and strategic purchasing options. Beyond financial benefits, EC2 contributes to improved system reliability and user experience, as noted by 3 of 6 reviewers who highlighted its ability to handle peak loads and reduce downtime. Furthermore, 2 of 6 reviewers cited EC2's role in fostering greater business agility, enabling faster development cycles and quicker market entry for new applications. These combined factors indicate that EC2 effectively supports core business objectives by optimizing expenditures, ensuring robust service delivery, and accelerating innovation.

Cost Savings

Using EC2 Spot Instances reduced costs by 39%

Performance and Availability

We can easily handle crunch periods where usage is at its peak due to its scaling functionality.

Business Agility

business agility

Besides Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), what other software do you regularly use? How likely would you be to recommend it to a friend or colleague?

From 6 reviews | Last Published May 27, 2026

Beyond Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), reviewers frequently utilize other cloud services, with a notable emphasis on database and compute offerings. Two distinct cloud platforms were highlighted by reviewers for their utility and reliability. Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) was mentioned by 2 of 6 reviewers as a key component of their infrastructure, indicating its role in managing relational databases. Similarly, Google Cloud Services, encompassing offerings like Cloud Run and Compute Engine, was also cited by 2 of 6 reviewers, suggesting a preference for diversified cloud environments or specific Google Cloud capabilities. The consistent positive sentiment across all mentioned services indicates a high likelihood of recommendation, reflecting satisfaction with their performance and integration into existing workflows. This suggests that users are not solely reliant on a single cloud provider's ecosystem but are willing to integrate services from different vendors based on specific needs or perceived strengths.

Amazon RDS

Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS)

Google Cloud Services

Google Cloud Run

Describe how you use Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) in your organization. What are the business problems the product addresses and what is the scope of your use case?

From 6 reviews | Last Published May 27, 2026

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is primarily utilized by organizations for its robust capabilities in providing scalable infrastructure for various applications. A significant majority of reviewers, 4 of 6, highlighted EC2's ability to support highly scalable machines and automatically adjust server usage according to demand, particularly for machine learning services and handling traffic spikes during peak seasons. The platform serves as a core component for hosting backend applications and web services, a use case cited by half of the reviewers, running critical applications and web servers that enable user interaction. Beyond scalability, reviewers also noted the product's performance and cost-effectiveness, with 2 of 6 reviewers specifically mentioning its superior application performance compared to other cloud providers and the continuous release of higher-performing, lower-cost instances. Additionally, 2 of 6 reviewers appreciated EC2 for its reliability in hosting client sites and the straightforward process for adjusting server sizes.

Scalability and Auto-Scaling

Our organization uses Amazon EC2 to operate highly scalable machines for various machine learning services.

Performance and Cost-Effectiveness

It addresses the application performance issue comparing to other Cloud service provider which despite being configured with higher CPU and RAM resources still underperform Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2).

Hosting Backend and Web Services

We use our EC2 instances to host our backend app. It runs our web server that allows users to interact with our app via a browser.

Please provide some detailed examples of areas where Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) has room for improvement.

From 6 reviews | Last Published May 27, 2026

Reviewers of Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) identified instance management complexity as a primary area for improvement. Half of the reviewers (3 of 6) expressed concerns regarding the intricacies involved in setting up and configuring EC2 instances. Specifically, users noted that the initial setup process can be challenging, requiring significant manual effort for tasks such as operating system versioning. There is a perceived need for a more streamlined user interface, with suggestions to simplify the configuration pages and clearly mark mandatory fields to enhance usability. These observations suggest that while EC2 offers robust capabilities, the initial learning curve and ongoing management overhead for individual instances could benefit from simplification to improve the user experience.

Instance Management Complexity

Complex setup/configurations to get it running.

Please provide some detailed examples of things that Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) does particularly well.

From 6 reviews | Last Published May 27, 2026

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is frequently highlighted for its robust and flexible virtual machine offerings, enabling users to tailor computing resources to specific needs. A significant strength, noted by 4 of 6 reviewers, is the extensive variety of instance types and configuration options available, allowing for precise resource allocation and customization. This flexibility extends to the ability to adjust instance sizes and personalize virtual machines with custom scripts and packages. Beyond configuration, reviewers consistently praise EC2's operational capabilities. Its seamless integration with other AWS services, such as RDS and S3, is a key advantage cited by 2 of 6 reviewers, facilitating comprehensive cloud architectures. The platform's ability to handle performance and scalability through features like auto-scaling and Elastic Load Balancing (ELB) is also a positive point for 2 of 6 reviewers, ensuring applications can adapt to varying demands. Furthermore, the efficiency of instance management, including fast creation of new instances and the use of launch templates for bulk deployment, contributes to its appeal. Finally, the inherent security features, encompassing firewalls and regular security patches, provide a secure environment for deployed applications.

Instance Variety and Configuration

Huge Diverse range of machine shapes are available which cater to our demand.

Integration with AWS Services

Ability to combine the machines and integrate them with any other service in AWS (Ex: RDS, S3)

Scalability and Performance

Handling performance and scalability using auto-scaling, ELB configuration and high performance machine shapes.

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) Reviews

73 Reviews

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) helps to achieve faster time-to-market with a scalable cost-effective infrastructure

Rating: 9 out of 10
Incentivized

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is the core piece of our backend. We run almost all of our applications there. Our business requirements meet what the AWS cloud offers to us in terms of scalable capacity, specially Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) because we can setup the software we need, set up the services we want to run, the firewalls and the security patches and in few minutes have a running service for our backend. Also, it connects perfectly with other AWS services.

Pros

  • setup services
  • preconfigured services in marketplace
  • firewalls and security patches

Cons

  • the amount of information spread out in the internet seems confusing
  • there must be more real use case examples with real architectures

Likelihood to Recommend

Cloud architecture. The relationship between other pieces of the application (database, frontend, CDN, etc) Scalable computing capacity.
Vetted Review
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)
8 years of experience

Continuous Evolving Cloud

Rating: 9 out of 10
Incentivized

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) are being used for our production, sandbox, and development ERP environment, PRTG network monitoring and Veeam and Commvault backup solutions. It addresses the application performance issue comparing to other Cloud service provider which despite being configured with higher CPU and RAM resources still underperform Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2). Additionally, AWS regularly releases new Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) with higher performance but at a lower cost.

Pros

  • Instance type
  • Storage options
  • Purchase model
  • Security

Cons

  • Allow Spot instances to auto switch to on-demand when the capacity is need, instead of sudden interruption

Likelihood to Recommend

Suitable for companies that are looking for performance at a competitive price, flexibility to switch instance type even with RI, flexibility to add-on IOPS, option to lower running cost with the regular introduction of new instance type that comes with higher performance but at a lower cost.
Vetted Review
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)
8 years of experience

Honest Review - AWS EC2

Rating: 9 out of 10
Incentivized

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Our organization uses Amazon EC2 to operate highly scalable machines for various machine learning services. We use a fleet of EC2 cluster groups combined with an auto scaling group and reserved / spot instances configuration for high performance.
The service addresses the problems of manual maintenance by automatically scaling machines based on demand and traffic.

Pros

  • Huge Diverse range of machine shapes are available which cater to our demand.
  • Ability to combine the machines and integrate them with any other service in AWS (Ex: RDS, S3)
  • Handling performance and scalability using auto-scaling, ELB configuration and high performance machine shapes.

Cons

  • More options and affordability for GPU machines.
  • Spot / Reserved Instances plans can be better
  • More flexibility in AWS CLI to handle ec2 machines.

Likelihood to Recommend

Suitable: For running monolithic applications. EC2 offers very good services for those kinds of use cases. Cloud-native applications focused on AWS exclusively can be deployed on EC2.

Not Suitable: Microservices-based applications are not suitable for EC2 as they take up more memory and are slow. Alternative services include using Docker, Kubernetes, etc to deploy lightweight applications.
Vetted Review
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)
3 years of experience

Excellent platform for scalable on-demand compute servers

Rating: 9 out of 10
Incentivized

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

For hosting our web platform on multiple Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances with the use of launch templates and auto scaling groups. This helps whenever we get a spike in the requests during peak season to handle the platform. The availability of multiple instances types according to cpu, memory also helps in right fitting of the infrastructure. Also the availability of public AMI with updated packages also removes the installation overhead.

Pros

  • Customising virtual machines with your own scripts and packages.
  • Auto scaling the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances based on events and thresholds
  • Creating multiple Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances in a single go with launch templates

Cons

  • Portal to check all Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances from different regions at single place
  • Configuration page for Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances can be made simpler. Make required fields as mandatory.

Likelihood to Recommend

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances works well for hosting applications that can be monolithic or microservices. Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) are easy to be provisioned with the features of launch templates and auto scaling groups which provides a way to handle load at peaks or spikes on platform. These can also be customized with the use of userdata for running user specific scripts.
Vetted Review
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)
7 years of experience

userec2.aws.

Rating: 7 out of 10
Incentivized

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use our EC2 instances to host our backend app. It runs our web server that allows users to interact with our app via a browser. The product helps us deliver/process our user's designs and emails, send out automated emails and notifications, and run periodic security checks to ensure data integrity.

Pros

  • Easy to interact with instances via ssh.
  • Many different options and configurations to choose from.
  • Widespread compatibility with other cloud services especially AWS.

Cons

  • Interaction via amazon's console.
  • Complex setup/configurations to get it running.
  • Operating system versioning is done manually.

Likelihood to Recommend

It works well when you work at scale. For example, if you are hosting a web application, having EC2 in auto-scaling groups would make it very easy to handle all traffic volumes, given that the scaling configuration is set up accordingly. It can be used with a load-balancing layer to improve availability.
Vetted Review
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)
4 years of experience

Easy and flexible deployment solutions.

Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

EC2 allows us to scale our server usage as needed and automatically. There are a ton of price points and options for every need. We host several client sites on EC2 and can depend on it to be reliable and work. Upgrades and downgrades to server sizes are also straightforward.

Pros

  • Changing instance sizes.
  • Fast creation of new instances.
  • Automated backups.

Cons

  • Shutting down memory locked servers can be slow.
  • Upgrades between different architectures is very tedious.

Likelihood to Recommend

It is great for large-scale computing needs that need to scale up and down. However, it's not great for running virtual computers for Remote Desktop and similar tasks.
Vetted Review
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)
12 years of experience

AWS EC2 is so e-c-2-use!

Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use EC2 for almost all our operations, they are an excellent option for workloads like Web Servers like Apache and nginx, Application Servers like WebLogic, Java Servers, and even as Database Servers with Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server running on them. There plenty of choices to choose on how the EC2 is so they accommodate almost any software on them.

Pros

  • They start and stop quit fast
  • They can be created and terminated (deleted) very fast
  • They can scale-up or scale-down almost immediately (just require a restart)

Cons

  • You can not scale up or down without a restart
  • You can increase the size of the volumen (hard disk) but you can't decrease its size
  • By default any Linux OS on EC2 doesn't have a GUI

Likelihood to Recommend

AWS EC2 is well suited for almost any scenario, you can run any software that is compatible (x86_64, arm, mac), and you have plenty of instances types to choose with little or massive memory, the same for CPU and disk space.
You even can run in a non-virtual EC2, that is a physical server we you have all the resources available to you, perfect for some very strict industries or by some licenses rules.

I can't think of an scenario where EC2 is not appropriate.

Highly available, instant access servers for your workloads!

Rating: 9 out of 10
Incentivized

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We primarily use Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances for running our Splunk deployments on AWS, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) gives us the flexibility to choose from a wide range of server types at an hourly rate, or for even lower prices with upfront commitment - it allows us to quickly make changes to the instance types we are interested in and perform testing before then making long-term savings by committing to instances for the next 12 months.

Pros

  • Instant access to servers
  • Wide range of instance types available
  • Ultimate flexibility

Cons

  • Switching hardware types may require application changes
  • Security patching can be onerous if not automated
  • It is easy to end up having more running than you need

Likelihood to Recommend

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is particularly good for running monolithic workloads which are not easy to containerise or run on microservices with other AWS services. This includes off-the-shelf applications from vendors who supply closed-source software and expect a full server for installation. There are other benefits depending on instance types which are an advantage over function-as-a-service type resource, such as direct attached fast storage, high memory, network or graphics requirements.
Vetted Review
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)
5 years of experience

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) - A Great Solution

Rating: 9 out of 10
Incentivized

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

- Cloud Linux Virtual Machines
- Cloud Windows Virtual Machines
- VPC and Security Groups
- Key Pairs
- LoadBalancers

Pros

  • Great Response time on GUI as well as automation with Terraform
  • Very effective and crisp functioning with all API's
  • Easy User Management with IAM
  • Secure Key Pair Management

Cons

  • Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) is very well placed and doing quite well and they might increase default resource limits.
  • Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) can add Project management feature like Resource Groups or Projects.
  • Better Cost Control like Budget High Limit utilization can be help

Likelihood to Recommend

- Perfect for Virtual Machine Environment on Cloud with Security in Place
- Perfect for automations with API's or Terraform
- Perfect for multi-user Cloud Management platforms.
- Perfect for flexible Security Groups with Ports and Rules controlled by Engineers.
- Great for easy setup and migrations with databases and dynamic functions.

EC2 - All in one solution

Rating: 9 out of 10
Incentivized

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use EC2 to rapidly and efficiently scale up or down as needed for our customers while still providing a secure and dependable environment. It enables us to swiftly supply new instances and adjust resource allocation as necessary.We also use EC2 to provide high-performance computing, process data, and do analytics.

Pros

  • its pay-as-you-go pricing approach
  • effectively provide and manage compute resources
  • adjust resource allocation

Cons

  • nothing as such but some more cross functional policies can be added

Likelihood to Recommend

Good Scenario : EC2 is a wonderful option when you need to execute a lot of compute-intensive tasks, like producing videos or performing scientific calculations. It is the best option for applications that call for a lot of processing power due to its fast CPUs and potent GPUs.Bad Scenario : The best option for conducting lengthy tasks might not be EC2. Since EC2 instances are made to be quickly spun up and down, they might not be the greatest option for jobs that call for prolonged compute cycles.