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Apache CloudStack vs AWS CloudFormation Comparison

Last updated:

Apache CloudStack

4.2(62 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Apache CloudStack is a cloud management platform that makes it easier to build, deploy, and operate private clouds. CloudStack is an open source software for automating datacenter provisioning, management, and orchestrat…

AWS CloudFormation

4.3(268 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

AWS CloudFormation is a simple cloud provisioning tool designed to streamline and optimize workflows. Users can model their entire cloud environment in text files and open-source languages like JSON or YAML for easy, com…

AWS CloudFormation leads on user satisfaction with a 4.3-star rating across 268 reviews.

Apache CloudStack vs AWS CloudFormation — at a glance

FeatureApache CloudStackAWS CloudFormation
Rating4.2 / 54.3 / 5
Reviews62268
Starting priceContact for pricingContact for pricing
Free trial No No
Free version No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryCloud Management PlatformCloud Management Platform
PlatformsSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modesOnline24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, Online
Data residencyGlobal

Key differences between Apache CloudStack and AWS CloudFormation

  • User satisfaction: AWS CloudFormation scores higher with a 4.3-star average.
  • Deployment: Apache CloudStack supports SaaS/Web/Cloud; AWS CloudFormation supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.

Apache CloudStack vs AWS CloudFormation — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Cloud Management Platform tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

Apache CloudStack - Cloud Management Platform
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AWS CloudFormation - New SaaS Software
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Talk to an expert

Free PDF comparison

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Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Apache CloudStack

Best for managing private clouds with robust multi-hypervisor virtualization support.

Choose if
  • You need an open-source platform to avoid licensing costs.
  • Your team has cloud infrastructure expertise to handle medium complexity setup.
  • You require strong multi-hypervisor and advanced networking capabilities.
Consider alternatives if
  • You rely heavily on extensive third-party marketplace integrations and apps.
  • Your team lacks cloud infrastructure experience or dedicated support resources.

AWS CloudFormation

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

Apache CloudStack typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. AWS CloudFormation tends to fit Large Enterprises and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

Apache CloudStack is a cloud management platform that makes it easier to build, deploy, and operate private clouds. CloudStack is an open source software for automating datacenter ... Read More about Apache CloudStack

AWS CloudFormation is a simple cloud provisioning tool designed to streamline and optimize workflows. Users can model their entire cloud environment in text files and open-source languages ... Read More about AWS CloudFormation

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • No free trial

SpotScore

What's this? ↗

8.6/10

Not Available

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.2

(62)

Best Company Size

Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

Software Demo

Demo

No software demo available

Apache CloudStack has not given any software demo yet

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How do Apache CloudStack and AWS CloudFormation Compare on Features?

Total Features

10 Features

6 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare Apache CloudStack and AWS CloudFormation on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

      Pricing Plans

      • Not Available
      • Not Available

      Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Small Business
      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals
      • Small Business
      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals

      Platforms Supported

      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Available
      • Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      Security & Compliance

      Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

      Data Residency

      🌐 Global

      Apache CloudStack User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      Rating Distribution

      18

      12

      0

      0

      0

      121

      59

      2

      1

      2

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      Buyer sentiment

      Users generally praise Apache CloudStack for its robust features, stability, and cost-effectiveness, while noting a learning curve for new users and limited marketplace options.

      What buyers like

      • Virtualization management capabilities
      • Ease of use via self-service portal and APIs
      • Active open-source community

      Common complaints

      • Complexity for new users
      • Limited marketplace integrations

      Buyer sentiment

      Buyer sentiment is positive across 185 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction.

      What buyers like

      • Reviewers value managing infrastructure as code with reusable YAML or JSON templates.
      • It rapidly provisions, duplicates, and rolls back cloud resources, saving time on repetitive tasks.
      • Templates enable consistent, repeatable infrastructure across multiple environments and accounts.

      Common complaints

      • It only works within AWS, so the same code can't be reused on other cloud providers.
      • The designer tool is seen as complicated to use.
      • Setting dependencies between stacks can be challenging, and manual deletions aren't tracked.

      Pros and Cons

      • Robust virtualization management with multi-hypervisor support

      • User-friendly self-service portal and API-driven architecture

      • Active and supportive open-source community

      • Complexity for newcomers due to feature richness and customization options

      • Limited marketplace apps and connectors restricting advanced functionality

      • Reviewers value managing infrastructure as code with reusable YAML or JSON templates.

      • It rapidly provisions, duplicates, and rolls back cloud resources, saving time on repetitive tasks.

      • Templates enable consistent, repeatable infrastructure across multiple environments and accounts.

      • It only works within AWS, so the same code can't be reused on other cloud providers.

      • The designer tool is seen as complicated to use.

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      Used Apache CloudStack or AWS CloudFormation? Tell buyers what actually differs.

      List of Customers

      Customers

      No Customers information available.

      Deloitte

      Deloitte

      Expedia

      Expedia

      Coinbase

      Coinbase

      Media and Screenshots

      Videos

      No videos available.

      video-0

      2 Videos

      Top Alternatives to Apache CloudStack and AWS CloudFormation in 2026

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      Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

      Frequently asked questions

      Which is better, Apache CloudStack or AWS CloudFormation?
      AWS CloudFormation edges out the other on user ratings (4.3 vs 4.2). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do Apache CloudStack and AWS CloudFormation offer a free trial?
      Neither Apache CloudStack nor AWS CloudFormation currently lists a free trial.
      What is the starting price of Apache CloudStack vs AWS CloudFormation?
      Apache CloudStack starts at Contact for pricing. AWS CloudFormation starts at Contact for pricing.
      What are the top alternatives to Apache CloudStack?
      Top alternatives to Apache CloudStack include Flexera Cloud Management Platform, Cloudify, SWAZM, OpenStack, UnityOneCloud.
      What are the top alternatives to AWS CloudFormation?
      Top alternatives to AWS CloudFormation include Jelastic, Clustered Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Qualified, Workvivo.