GCP Cloud Run vs. AWS ECS: What We Recommend for Event-Driven Apps

Virtual machine deployments are no longer the standard for running modern software. If you’re using Docker for event-driven applications, choosing the right hosting solution is essential. At Keyhole Software, we often get asked about the difference between GCP Cloud Run and AWS ECS, and which one makes the most sense for container hosting. Below, we’ll explain how these two options compare, what strengths each offers, and our recommendations to help you pick the best fit for your project.

Understanding Docker Hosting Options

The Shift to Containerized Deployments

If you’re deploying software in 2025, chances are you’re using Docker in some form. Docker simplifies the process of packaging and running applications, and it’s become the backbone of modern DevOps practices. But once you’ve containerized your applications, you face an important decision: where will you host them?

GCP Cloud Run and AWS ECS: Two Powerful Choices

For companies using Google Cloud Platform (GCP), GCP Cloud Run is a reliable choice that’s straightforward to set up. On the other hand, AWS ECS (Elastic Container Service) is the leading choice on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Each platform has strengths and potential challenges that you’ll want to weigh carefully.

GCP Cloud Run and AWS ECS: Key Features and Differences

GCP Cloud Run: Simplicity and Speed

On GCP, Cloud Run is known for its simplicity and speed. Setting up a container in Cloud Run is easy, with minimal configuration required. It’s especially useful for event-driven applications that need to spin up quickly and handle customer-facing workloads without a lot of manual tuning.

Here’s why our clients often choose GCP Cloud Run:

• Quick Startup: Cloud Run automatically scales up or down based on demand.
• Easy Configuration: Less setup means less to manage daily.
• Great for Prototypes: Cloud Run is a favorite for teams that want to get up and running fast.

AWS ECS: Power and Flexibility

If you’re on AWS, ECS is the container orchestration service that provides much more control. It’s a robust choice that can support a wide range of configurations—perfect if you have a mature DevSecOps practice and want to fine-tune your environment.

Here’s why some of our clients prefer AWS ECS:

• Custom Scaling: ECS lets you set detailed scaling and load balancing rules.
• Network Controls: Fine-tune how containers communicate and interact.
• More Setup, More Power: ECS requires more upfront work to configure, but it rewards that effort with flexibility.

Practical Considerations for Choosing Between GCP Cloud Run and AWS ECS

Start-up and Scaling Requirements

One of the biggest factors to consider is how your application needs to start and scale. If your application must spin up instantly to handle unpredictable traffic, GCP Cloud Run might be a better choice because of its managed scaling and fast startup times. But if you want to control every aspect of scaling and deployment, AWS ECS gives you that power.

Configuration and Management

When we talk with clients, we often find that ease of management can be just as important as performance. Cloud Run is more turnkey, so teams can spend less time managing configurations and more time delivering features. ECS, in contrast, requires a deeper understanding of container orchestration and networking.

Security and Compliance

Both GCP Cloud Run and AWS ECS offer strong security features, but the complexity of ECS means you need to be more proactive in setting up security policies and networking rules. If your team is well-versed in these areas, ECS can be an excellent fit. If not, Cloud Run can help reduce the risk of configuration errors.

GCP Cloud Run and AWS ECS: Use Cases We See Most Often

When to Choose GCP Cloud Run

• Prototyping and fast iteration cycles
• Applications with unpredictable traffic patterns
• Teams that want minimal configuration and quick deployments

When to Choose AWS ECS

• Applications that require advanced networking and security configurations
• Mature DevSecOps teams that want complete control
• Workloads that benefit from fine-grained tuning and optimization

Key Takeaways

• Both GCP Cloud Run and AWS ECS are solid choices for Docker hosting in 2025, each with unique strengths.
• Cloud Run is best for simplicity, quick startup, and scaling needs.
• ECS is better if you need advanced control and are comfortable managing more complex setups.
• Understand your event-driven app’s needs, especially around scaling, security, and ease of management, before choosing.
• We’re here to help: At Keyhole Software, we’ve helped countless teams choose and configure the best container hosting solutions for their needs.

Conclusion: Let’s Talk About Your Project

Choosing between GCP Cloud Run and AWS ECS doesn’t have to be a guessing game. We bring nearly two decades of experience in software development and architecture, and we’re ready to help you find the best hosting solution for your event-driven applications. Reach out to us today, and let’s start a conversation about how we can make your container deployment smooth and secure.