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AWS CloudFormation vs Apache CloudStack Comparison

Last updated:

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…

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

AWS CloudFormation vs Apache CloudStack — at a glance

FeatureAWS CloudFormationApache CloudStack
Rating4.3 / 54.2 / 5
Reviews26862
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
CategoryNew SaaS SoftwareCloud Management Platform
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modes24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, OnlineOnline
Data residencyGlobal

Key differences between AWS CloudFormation and Apache CloudStack

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

AWS CloudFormation vs Apache CloudStack — 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 New SaaS Software 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.

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

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

AWS CloudFormation

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

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 typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. Apache CloudStack 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

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

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

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

Not Available

8.6/10

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

If you're the owner of this profile, add your demo.Contact us

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How do AWS CloudFormation and Apache CloudStack Compare on Features?

Total Features

6 Features

10 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare AWS CloudFormation and Apache CloudStack 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

      AWS CloudFormation User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      Rating Distribution

      121

      59

      2

      1

      2

      18

      12

      0

      0

      0

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      Buyer sentiment

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

      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

      Pros and Cons

      No pros or cons available for this product

      • 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

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      List of Customers

      Customers

      Deloitte

      Deloitte

      Expedia

      Expedia

      Coinbase

      Coinbase

      No Customers information available.

      Media and Screenshots

      Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      No videos available.

      Top Alternatives to AWS CloudFormation and Apache CloudStack 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, AWS CloudFormation or Apache CloudStack?
      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 AWS CloudFormation and Apache CloudStack offer a free trial?
      Neither AWS CloudFormation nor Apache CloudStack currently lists a free trial.
      What is the starting price of AWS CloudFormation vs Apache CloudStack?
      AWS CloudFormation starts at Contact for pricing. Apache CloudStack starts at Contact for pricing.
      What are the top alternatives to AWS CloudFormation?
      Top alternatives to AWS CloudFormation include Jelastic, Clustered Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Qualified, Workvivo.
      What are the top alternatives to Apache CloudStack?
      Top alternatives to Apache CloudStack include Flexera Cloud Management Platform, Cloudify, SWAZM, OpenStack, UnityOneCloud.

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