AWS Activate vs Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits) (2026): Which Is Better for Startups?

Both are cloud credits for startups. Here is how AWS Activate and Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits) compare on what a startup gets, who qualifies and how to apply, and which one we would pick.

AWS Activate

Up to $5,000 in AWS credits if you are self-funded, or up to $200,000 with an Activate Provider Org ID.

9.0 /10

Pricing: Up to $200k in credits & perks

Pros

Open to self-funded founders as well as funded startups
Up to $200,000 with an Activate Provider Org ID
Covers the broadest cloud catalogue

Cons

The big tier needs a code from a provider investor or accelerator
Founders tier starts at $1,000; more is at AWS discretion

Visit AWS Activate ↗

Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits)

Azure credits from $200 up to $150,000, with higher tiers unlocked by progress or an Investor Network referral code.

8.0 /10

Pricing: Up to $150k in credits & perks

Pros

Up to $150,000 in Azure credits
Credits last up to two years once activated
Access to Azure AI services and Microsoft go-to-market support

Cons

Entry offer without an investor is only $200 then $4,000
Investor Network list is not public; B2B startups only

Visit Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits) ↗

AWS Activate vs Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits) at a glance

	AWS Activate	Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits)
Editor score	9.0 / 10	8.0 / 10
Pricing model	Free	Free
What you get	Up to $200k in credits & perks	Up to $150k in credits & perks
Who qualifies	Pre-Series B, founded within the last 10 years, AWS account on a paid tier plan, new to Activate Credits (or asking for more than before). Portfolio tier needs an Activate Provider Org ID.	Pre-seed to Series B, B2B software/AI/tech startup working towards or at MVP, privately held and independent, headquartered where the program operates. Higher tiers via an Investor Network referral code.
Partner code needed	Yes	Yes
Steps it helps with	claim startup credits, host and deploy, build your mvp, choose your ai coding stack	claim startup credits, host and deploy, build your mvp, choose your ai coding stack
Who it is for	Any stage, Pre-seed, Seed stage, Series A+, Bootstrapped, VC-backed only, AI startups, SaaS	Pre-seed, Seed stage, Series A+, VC-backed only, AI startups, SaaS
Reader upvotes	0	0
Best for	aws, cloud credits, activate	azure, microsoft, cloud credits

Our pick

AWS Activate edges it with a score of 9.0 versus 8.0. AWS Activate is the better fit if you value: open to self-funded founders as well as funded startups, up to $200,000 with an activate provider org id. Choose Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits) instead if you need: up to $150,000 in azure credits, credits last up to two years once activated. Many startups can claim both: see credits by value.