Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) vs Azure Virtual Network

by Gralio Feb 19, 2025

AKS simplifies containerized application deployment and scaling within the Azure ecosystem, while Azure Virtual Network prioritizes secure and private networking for cloud resources. AKS is better for modernizing applications with containers, while Azure Virtual Network suits businesses needing enhanced network security and control.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 319 reviews and 60 websites, saving 2 hours, 16 minutes of reading.

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

Website LinkedIn Twitter

Azure Virtual Network

Website LinkedIn Twitter

About

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) simplifies using Kubernetes, a popular container orchestration technology. It streamlines managing and deploying applications packaged in containers, small units of software. This Microsoft Azure service offers a managed Kubernetes experience, handling complex tasks so you don't have to. AKS is beneficial for companies looking to modernize their applications and benefit from cloud efficiencies.

Azure Virtual Network lets you create a secure, private network within Microsoft's cloud platform. This allows your company's cloud resources, like servers and applications, to communicate with each other and with on-premises networks, safely and privately. This service is beneficial for businesses of all sizes that want enhanced security and control over their cloud networking.

Summary

Main difference

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) is a managed Kubernetes service ideal for containerized applications, simplifying deployment and scaling. Azure Virtual Network, conversely, focuses on creating secure, private networks within Azure, enhancing control and communication between cloud resources.

Relative strengths of Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) (compared to Azure Virtual Network)

Simplified Kubernetes Management: AKS handles complex Kubernetes tasks, reducing management overhead.
Scalability and Flexibility: AKS allows for easy scaling of applications based on demand.
Integration with Azure Ecosystem: AKS seamlessly integrates with other Azure services, enhancing functionality and management.

Relative weaknesses of Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) (compared to Azure Virtual Network)

Higher Cost: AKS can be more expensive than managing Kubernetes yourself.
Steeper Learning Curve: Requires familiarity with Kubernetes concepts.
Less Control: Limited customization compared to self-managed Kubernetes.

Who should use Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) VS. Azure Virtual Network

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) simplifies deploying and managing containerized applications, especially for tech companies. Users praise its easy scalability and seamless Azure integration but note slow Azure CLI operations and high costs. It's best for those wanting a managed Kubernetes experience in the Azure cloud.

Azure Virtual Network is a secure, private network solution ideal for businesses of all sizes wanting enhanced control over their cloud networking. Users praise its seamless integration with other Microsoft products, user-friendly interface, and high availability. However, some find the pricing complex and certain features require a learning curve. It's particularly beneficial for those with existing on-premise infrastructure.

Ideal for small, medium, and enterprise-sized businesses.
Best fit for the software, IT, and telecommunications industry.

Ideal for small, medium, and enterprise businesses.
Best fit for Software, IT, and Telecommunications.

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and Azure Virtual Network features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Company History Resources

Not supported

Company history resources are not supported.

Not supported

Company history resources are not supported.
Press Resources

Not supported

Press releases and media resources are not directly supported by AKS.

Not supported

Azure Virtual Network does not directly support press resources.
Media & Analyst Resources

Not supported

AKS is a container orchestration service and does not directly provide media resources.

Not supported

Azure Virtual Network is for cloud networking and security, not media resources.
Azure integration

Supported

AKS is deeply integrated with Azure, allowing seamless interaction with various Azure services.

Supported

Azure Virtual Network allows Azure services to connect to and work with resources within the network.
Command Line Interface

Supported

AKS clusters can be managed through the Azure CLI and kubectl.

Supported

Azure Virtual Network can be managed via the Azure command-line interface.
Cloud integration

Supported

AKS integrates with various Azure services for efficient application management.

Supported

Azure Virtual Network integrates with other Azure services and on-premises infrastructure.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

-0.28

Neutral sentiment
-0.15

Neutral sentiment
Customer Service

+0.2

Neutral sentiment
+0

Neutral sentiment
Ease of Use

+0.82

Strongly positive sentiment
+0.6

Rather positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

+0.6

Rather positive sentiment
+0.57

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Implementation

+0.42

Rather positive sentiment
+0.3

Rather positive sentiment
Scalability

+1

Strongly positive sentiment
+1

Strongly positive sentiment

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and Azure Virtual Network Pricing

No data

User sentiment

Neutral

-0.28

We couldn't find a pricing page for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).

No data

User sentiment

Neutral

-0.15

We couldn't find a pricing page for Azure Virtual Network.

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and Azure Virtual Network review insights

319 reviews analysed from

Users love

Easy scalability and simple UI for AKS.
Seamless integration with Azure DevOps and GitOps support in AKS.
AKS simplifies Kubernetes management, handling master nodes and other complexities.
Powerful control over production-grade servers through the Azure UI console.
AKS's managed identity simplifies integration with Azure Container Registry (ACR).

User-friendly interface and easy to use.
Wide range of services and features catering to diverse needs.
Seamless integration with other Microsoft products and services.
Flexible and scalable resources for easy adjustment to workloads.
High availability and reliable performance.

Users dislike

Slow Azure CLI operations for AKS clusters.
AKS cluster upgrades can be challenging.
Limited customization for AKS, like lack of support for Karpenter and spot node eviction.
Lag and slowness when using Azure CLI with AKS.
High cost of AKS compared to other cloud providers.

Complex pricing model can make cost estimation difficult.
Occasional complexities in navigation.
Steep learning curve for some advanced features.
Technical limitations and non-intuitive implementations for certain functionalities.

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and Azure Virtual Network Ratings

G2

4.4/5

(193)

G2

4.5/5

(136)

Company health

Employee growth

3% increase in the last year

Web traffic

11% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

No data

How does AKS's Kubernetes management compare to manually managing Kubernetes on Azure Virtual Network?

AKS simplifies Kubernetes management by handling tasks like master node management, upgrades, and scaling. Manually managing Kubernetes on Azure Virtual Network requires you to handle these tasks yourself, demanding more expertise and operational overhead. This means AKS reduces the complexity and time investment required to run Kubernetes compared to a manual setup on Azure Virtual Network.

Which product better integrates with existing on-premise infrastructure, AKS or Azure Virtual Network?

Azure Virtual Network better integrates with existing on-premise infrastructure. Its product description explicitly states its ability to connect cloud resources with on-premises networks, while AKS focuses on container orchestration within the Azure cloud environment. While AKS can connect to on-premise infrastructure, Azure Virtual Network is designed specifically for hybrid cloud networking and facilitating that connection.

What are the advantages of Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)?

AKS offers simplified Kubernetes management, handling complex tasks like managing master nodes, and seamless integration with other Azure services. This allows for easier containerized application deployment and scaling within the Azure ecosystem. Users also appreciate the easy scalability and simple UI.

What are the disadvantages of Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)?

AKS can be costly compared to other Kubernetes services, has a complex upgrade process, and offers limited customization options. Users have reported slow performance with the Azure CLI and challenges with cluster upgrades. The lack of support for certain features, like Karpenter and spot node eviction, might limit its suitability for some users.

Alternatives to Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and Azure Virtual Network

Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Microsoft Defender for Cloud enhances the security of your cloud resources. It helps find and fix vulnerabilities, protect against cyber threats, and maintain compliance with security standards. It provides a range of security features covering applications, data, and infrastructure across multiple cloud platforms, not just Microsoft's. Defender for Cloud helps organizations of all sizes manage their cloud security posture more effectively.

Azure Kubernetes Services

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) is like a magic platform for your apps. It helps you build, manage, and run applications that can grow and shrink easily. It's secure, reliable, and works seamlessly with other Azure tools. Whether your apps live in your own data center, on Azure, or even on other clouds, AKS can handle it.

VNS3:net

VNS3:net lets you create a secure and controlled network connecting all your company's cloud resources, even across different providers like AWS and Azure. It's like having your own private network in the cloud. With VNS3:net, you can control data flow, improve security, and simplify network management through one central system. This makes it easier to ensure compliance, manage access, and get a clearer picture of your cloud network.

Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform offering a wide range of services, from basic infrastructure like virtual servers and storage to advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence tools. Favored by many large corporations, Azure allows you to build and manage applications and services on a global network. Its flexibility allows for on-site, hybrid, and cloud-based solutions to meet your company's specific needs.

Safetica

Safetica is a data security solution that helps businesses prevent sensitive information leaks and manage insider risks. It offers tools to discover and classify data, control data flow, and detect potentially risky user behavior. Safetica provides insights into how data is used and can help enforce compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. Its user-friendly interface and flexible deployment options make it suitable for businesses of all sizes looking for an easy-to-manage data protection solution.

Azure App Service

Azure App Service is Microsoft's fully managed platform for building, deploying, and scaling web apps. It supports various programming languages and frameworks, allowing your developers to focus on building great apps without managing infrastructure. It simplifies API creation and consumption, and scales to meet your business needs.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

How are we doing?

Is this information helpful to you? Is there anything we are missing?

Did this help you select your product?

Other issues? Vote & Let us know