What is the difference between Fly.io and AWS Amplify?

Fly.io is best for Developers wanting to run apps close to users globally, while AWS Amplify is best for AWS developers wanting fast frontend hosting. Fly.io starts at Free and AWS Amplify starts at Free.

Is Fly.io or AWS Amplify cheaper?

Fly.io starts at Free with a free tier. AWS Amplify starts at Free with a free tier.

Is there a free alternative to AWS Amplify?

Both Fly.io and AWS Amplify offer free tiers.

Fly.io vs AWS Amplify (2026)

At a glance

	Fly.io	AWS Amplify
Best for	Developers wanting to run apps close to users globally	AWS developers wanting fast frontend hosting
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	—	—
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	—	—
API	—	✓
Auth	—	✓
CI/CD	—	✓
Edge Computing	✓	—
GPU Support	✓	—
Global Deploy	✓	—
Hosting	—	✓
Machines API	✓	—

Fly.io

Strengths

Includes Edge Computing as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
Includes Global Deploy as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
Generous free tier — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
Includes gpu support alongside the core feature set — fewer separate tools needed

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Developer-oriented tooling may not suit non-technical team members
Costs can spike unexpectedly during traffic surges if limits aren't configured
Limited team/admin features if your organization eventually scales up

Try Fly.io → Full review

AWS Amplify

Strengths

Built-in CI/CD pipelines automate testing and deployment on every push
Includes Auth as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
Generous free tier — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
Includes api alongside the core feature set — fewer separate tools needed

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Developer-oriented tooling may not suit non-technical team members
Costs can spike unexpectedly during traffic surges if limits aren't configured
Mobile experience lags behind the desktop version in features and polish

Try AWS Amplify → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Both tools offer free tiers, so you can test each before committing. Fly.io's free plan: Generous free tier. AWS Amplify's free plan: Generous free tier.

Feature gaps: Fly.io offers Edge Computing, GPU Support and Global Deploy that AWS Amplify lacks. AWS Amplify brings API, Auth and CI/CD that Fly.io does not have.

Team fit: Fly.io is geared toward small teams teams, while AWS Amplify is aimed at any size teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.

Where each tool shines: Fly.io's biggest strengths are: includes edge computing as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. includes global deploy as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. AWS Amplify's biggest strengths are: built-in ci/cd pipelines automate testing and deployment on every push. includes auth as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows.

Watch out for: With Fly.io, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With AWS Amplify, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.

Choose Fly.io if...

Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting to run apps close to users globally
You specifically need Edge Computing and GPU Support
You care about includes global deploy as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
Your team size fits the small teams profile Fly.io is designed for
The free tier works for you: generous free tier

Choose AWS Amplify if...

You need a tool built for aws developers wanting fast frontend hosting
You specifically need API and Auth
You care about includes auth as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
Your team size fits the any size profile AWS Amplify is designed for
The free tier works for you: generous free tier