The 11 Major Cloud Service Providers in 2025

If the cloud were a city, each service provider would feel like a different district. One is built for speed, another for scale, another for innovation, and another for security and privacy.

Today, more than 90 percent of organisations rely on cloud infrastructure to run their operations. The question is no longer whether to use the cloud. The real question is which provider aligns best with your goals.

This guide explores the 11 leading cloud providers in 2025, what they offer, and what makes each one stand out.

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Amazon Web Services remains the largest cloud provider with an estimated 30 percent market share in Q2 2025.

Key capabilities

• Hundreds of services covering compute, storage, AI and machine learning, analytics, and serverless computing
• Extensive global network with more than 100 Availability Zones
• Strong cost management tools such as Cost Explorer and Savings Plans

Why it matters
AWS represents the highest standard of cloud scalability and reliability. It is often the first platform developers choose when building modern applications.

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure holds about 20 percent of the global cloud market.

Key capabilities

• Deep integration with Microsoft 365, Active Directory, and enterprise software
• Comprehensive hybrid cloud tools such as Azure Arc and Azure Stack
• Strong compliance support and global data sovereignty options

Why it matters
Azure is the preferred platform for enterprises modernising legacy systems within Microsoft environments.

3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Google Cloud has approximately 13 percent market share and is known for its data-driven innovation.

Key capabilities

• BigQuery and Looker for industry-leading analytics
• Advanced AI and machine learning tools including Vertex AI and TensorFlow
• Long-standing commitment to sustainability with 100 percent carbon-neutral operations since 2017

Why it matters
GCP powers many of the world’s most data-intensive workloads with advanced analytics and AI capabilities.

4. Alibaba Cloud

Alibaba Cloud holds around 4 percent global market share and leads the Asia-Pacific cloud market.

Key capabilities

• Strong presence in e-commerce, logistics, and financial services
• Data centres across more than 25 countries
• Localised compliance and billing for APAC businesses

Why it matters
Alibaba Cloud is a strong choice for companies expanding throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

5. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)

Oracle Cloud has about 3 percent market share and is particularly strong among enterprises that rely on Oracle databases.

Key capabilities

• High-performance computing for analytics and transactional workloads
• Autonomous Database for automated management and patching
• One of the lowest outbound data transfer costs available

Why it matters
OCI is built for performance, cost efficiency, and enterprise-grade database workloads.

6. IBM Cloud

IBM Cloud focuses on hybrid cloud and regulated industries.

Key capabilities

• Watson AI for improved automation and insights
• Integration across mainframe, hybrid, and public cloud environments
• Government-level encryption and compliance controls

Why it matters
IBM Cloud connects traditional enterprise systems with modern cloud agility.

7. Salesforce Cloud

Salesforce is the global leader in SaaS and CRM solutions.

Key capabilities

• End-to-end CRM, analytics, and marketing automation tools
• AI-driven personalisation with Einstein GPT
• A large AppExchange ecosystem with more than 7,000 integrations

Why it matters
Salesforce unifies customer data and interactions across the entire business ecosystem.

8. VMware Cloud

VMware Cloud supports businesses migrating workloads without needing to re-architect them.

Key capabilities

• Native integration with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud
• Consistent operations across on-premise and public environments
• Built-in tools for performance monitoring and cost optimisation

Why it matters
VMware Cloud provides one of the easiest paths to hybrid and multi-cloud adoption.

9. DigitalOcean

DigitalOcean is designed for simplicity and developer friendliness.

Key capabilities

• Fast provisioning for compute, databases, and Kubernetes
• Predictable flat pricing without hidden fees
• Strong developer community and API-driven workflows

Why it matters
DigitalOcean delivers reliable cloud services with straightforward pricing suited for startups and small businesses.

10. Tencent Cloud

Tencent Cloud is a major provider in Asia with increasing global influence.

Key capabilities

• Expertise in gaming, live streaming, and media workloads
• Advanced edge computing and real-time data delivery
• Expanding data centre presence in North America and Europe

Why it matters
Tencent Cloud supports some of the largest gaming and media platforms worldwide.

11. Huawei Cloud

Huawei Cloud has expanded significantly across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Key capabilities

• Strong support for AI, IoT, and 5G-integrated infrastructure
• Competitive pricing for compute and data services
• More than 85 Availability Zones across 30 regions

Why it matters
Huawei Cloud increases cloud accessibility in emerging markets through affordability and regional reach.

Comparison summary of the top 11 cloud providers

Below is a clean and concise comparison in point form, replacing the table:

AWS

• Strength: Largest service catalog and global reliability
• Best for: Enterprises and startups
• Unique advantage: Leading scalability and ecosystem depth

Microsoft Azure

• Strength: Enterprise and hybrid cloud integration
• Best for: Organisations using the Microsoft stack
• Unique advantage: Seamless Microsoft environment

Google Cloud

• Strength: AI and analytics
• Best for: Data-focused businesses
• Unique advantage: BigQuery and Vertex AI

IBM Cloud

• Strength: Hybrid cloud and compliance
• Best for: Regulated industries
• Unique advantage: Watson AI and enterprise-grade security

Oracle Cloud

• Strength: Database and analytics performance
• Best for: Enterprise database workloads
• Unique advantage: Autonomous Database technology

Alibaba Cloud

• Strength: APAC presence and cost efficiency
• Best for: Businesses expanding into Asia
• Unique advantage: Regional market dominance

Salesforce Cloud

• Strength: CRM and SaaS capabilities
• Best for: Sales and marketing teams
• Unique advantage: Unified customer experience platform

VMware Cloud

• Strength: Virtualisation and hybrid operations
• Best for: Enterprises migrating existing workloads
• Unique advantage: Smooth on-premise to cloud transition

DigitalOcean

• Strength: Simplicity and affordability
• Best for: Startups and small businesses
• Unique advantage: Developer-friendly experience

Tencent Cloud

• Strength: Gaming and media optimisation
• Best for: Real-time entertainment workloads
• Unique advantage: High-performance delivery

Huawei Cloud

• Strength: Global hybrid cloud and affordability
• Best for: Emerging markets
• Unique advantage: Cost-effective global scaling

Conclusion

Every cloud provider serves a different purpose. Some are built for scale, others for flexibility, performance, or cost efficiency. AWS offers the widest range of services, Google Cloud leads in data intelligence, and DigitalOcean stands out for simplicity. The best cloud platform is the one that aligns with your business model, technical needs, and long-term strategy.

Whether you are building an AI-driven application or scaling a growing SaaS product, understanding these providers will help you make informed decisions that support both performance and growth.