Hey there, if you’ve landed here, chances are you’ve heard people talking about blockchain in the cloud, and you’re trying to figure out whether Azure or AWS is the smarter choice.
Maybe you’ve seen both names pop up in tech discussions and wondered:
“What’s the difference between Azure Blockchain and AWS Blockchain?”
“Is Azure still offering blockchain services?”
“Which one should I pick for my project or business?”
You’re in the right place. Let’s sit down, talk through this like colleagues over coffee, and make sense of the Azure Blockchain vs AWS comparison.
What Even Is Blockchain in the Cloud?
Before comparing, let’s make sure we’re on the same page.
At its core, blockchain is like a digital notebook that multiple people can share but no one can secretly edit. Every entry (called a block) is linked to the previous one, making the whole thing tamper-proof.
Now, running a blockchain system requires:
- Lots of computing power,
- Secure networking,
- Storage for transaction data, and
- Maintenance of all the “nodes” (computers that validate transactions).
That’s where cloud computing comes in.
Instead of setting up all that hardware yourself, cloud giants like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS) let you deploy blockchain systems on their global infrastructure.
This approach is called Blockchain as a Service (BaaS); think of it like renting a managed blockchain playground.
The Azure Blockchain Story
Let’s start with Microsoft’s side.
Azure’s Early Jump Into Blockchain
Back in 2015, Microsoft made waves by launching Azure Blockchain Service. It let businesses set up blockchain networks (like Ethereum or Hyperledger) in minutes, with templates, management tools, and integration with Azure’s ecosystem.
It sounded amazing and developers could:
- Spin up private blockchain networks quickly,
- Connect them to existing apps, and
- Experiment with smart contracts using the Azure Blockchain Workbench.
At the time, Azure was ahead of the curve. Big names like JPMorgan and GE Aviation were testing blockchain solutions on it.
Then Microsoft Pulled the Plug
Here’s the twist: in 2021, Microsoft officially retired Azure Blockchain Service.
They gave customers until September 10, 2021, to migrate their data and networks elsewhere.
Why? Because maintaining a full blockchain-as-a-service platform didn’t fit Microsoft’s long-term focus. They saw more value in partnering with specialized blockchain providers rather than running one themselves.
What Remains on Azure Today
Although the official service is gone, Azure isn’t completely out of the blockchain game.
You can still:
- Deploy blockchain networks manually using Azure Virtual Machines,
- Use partner solutions like ConsenSys Quorum (an enterprise version of Ethereum),
- Or find templates in the Azure Marketplace that help with setup.
But let’s be clear, Azure doesn’t have a first-party managed blockchain service anymore.
If you use Azure today for blockchain, it’s through third-party providers or self-managed deployments.
Where Microsoft Is Focusing Now
Microsoft’s energy has shifted to areas like:
- Decentralized Identity (DID) via Azure Active Directory and Entra,
- AI and data integration, and
- Supporting blockchain developers through partnerships instead of running blockchain infrastructure themselves.
In short: Azure has moved from hosting blockchains to supporting blockchain builders.
AWS Blockchain is Still Running Strong
Now, let’s talk about AWS (Amazon’s cloud platform).
Unlike Microsoft, AWS never stepped away. It continues to actively support blockchain services through Amazon Managed Blockchain (AMB).
What Is Amazon Managed Blockchain?
Imagine you want to build your own blockchain network, but you don’t want to deal with setting up nodes, scaling servers, or configuring complex frameworks.
That’s exactly what Amazon Managed Blockchain solves.
It’s a fully managed service that:
- Lets you create and operate blockchain networks with just a few clicks,
- Supports multiple frameworks (like Hyperledger Fabric and Ethereum), and
- Handles all the “boring” infrastructure work, so you can focus on building apps.
Why Businesses Use AWS for Blockchain
Let’s break it down simply:
| Feature | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Fully Managed Setup | AWS runs the blockchain nodes, maintains uptime, and applies updates; you don’t have to manage servers. |
| Scalability | As your network grows, AWS automatically adjusts resources. No downtime. |
| Security | Integrates with AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), Key Management Service (KMS), and Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs). |
| Multi-Framework Support | Choose between Hyperledger Fabric (private networks) or Ethereum (public). |
| Blockchain Data Querying | AWS’s AMB Query lets you easily pull blockchain transaction data for analytics. |
Basically, AWS gives you a stable, enterprise-grade blockchain foundation, without needing a blockchain Ph.D.
Uses of AWS Blockchain
- Finance: Banks use AWS to share transaction data securely and verify digital assets.
- Supply Chain: Companies trace product origins using blockchain on AWS.
- Public Blockchain Development: Ethereum developers can run reliable nodes via AWS instead of maintaining their own.
Downsides to Keep in Mind
Nothing’s perfect, right?
Here are a few trade-offs with AWS Blockchain:
- Costs can grow as your network scales.
- Less low-level control; AWS handles infrastructure, so you can’t tinker as deeply.
- Still requires blockchain logic knowledge; AWS doesn’t write your smart contracts.
Even so, AWS’s managed blockchain service remains one of the most powerful and reliable options in 2025.
Azure Blockchain vs AWS Blockchain (Head-to-Head)
Let’s put them side by side for a clean comparison.
| Feature | Azure (Partner/Self-Hosted) | AWS (Managed Blockchain) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Status | Native service discontinued in 2021 | Actively maintained and expanding |
| Ease of Setup | Manual deployment or partner integration | Simple setup via AWS Console |
| Maintenance | You maintain it or rely on partners | AWS maintains everything |
| Scalability | Depends on your setup | Fully automatic |
| Supported Frameworks | Ethereum (via partners), Hyperledger (manual) | Hyperledger Fabric, Ethereum |
| Ecosystem Integration | Integrates with Azure tools | Integrates with full AWS stack |
| Cost Predictability | Varies by partner | Transparent pay-as-you-go pricing |
| Best For | Existing Azure users or custom setups | New projects needing managed blockchain |
Which Platform Fits You Best?
Let’s make it personal. Here’s how to decide based on your situation.
1. You’re Building Something New
Go with AWS. It’s faster to deploy, easier to scale, and backed by active support. Perfect for startups or enterprises just getting into blockchain.
2. You’re Already Deep in Azure
If your company runs most systems on Azure, switching to AWS might be expensive.
Instead, use ConsenSys Quorum on Azure or deploy your own blockchain nodes manually.
3. You Need Blockchain Data Analytics
AWS has the edge with AMB Query, which lets you analyze blockchain data easily.
On Azure, you’d need to build your own analytics layer or use external tools.
4. You Need Strict Privacy or Regulation Compliance
Both platforms can meet enterprise-grade compliance, but AWS’s Hyperledger Fabric support gives you a cleaner, pre-audited setup.
Pros and Cons
Azure (Partner-Based)
- Great for Azure loyalists.
- Highly customizable if you self-host.
- Native service retired; fewer updates.
- More setup and maintenance work.
AWS Blockchain
- Fully managed; minimal infrastructure hassle.
- Supported by Amazon’s robust ecosystem.
- Actively updated and supported.
- Can be pricier for large deployments.
- Less deep control of infrastructure.
Where Things Are Heading
Microsoft is doubling down on AI, security, and decentralized identity instead of blockchain hosting. Azure will likely keep relying on partners for blockchain.
Amazon, on the other hand, is still investing in blockchain services. Expect AWS to keep adding more frameworks, better querying tools, and tighter Web3 integration.
Final Thoughts
The “Azure Blockchain vs AWS” debate isn’t about competition anymore; it’s about direction.
Microsoft pivoted toward partnerships and identity tech. Amazon built a sustainable managed service that keeps evolving.
If your goal is to build, experiment, and scale blockchain apps quickly, AWS gives you the smoothest path forward.
If you value control, customization, and existing Azure integration, Azure can still serve you, just know it’s more DIY now.
At the end of the day, both platforms share a vision: making blockchain practical, scalable, and business-ready. They just take very different roads to get there.
