AWS Free Tier – Services You Can Use Without Paying

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Discover AWS Free Tier services like EC2, S3, and Lambda to build projects for free in 2025. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to get started!

Introduction

Hey! Want to try cloud computing without spending any money? The AWS Free Tier makes it possible! New customers get up to $200 in free credits to explore over 150 AWS services. Whether you’re a student, a beginner, or just curious, this guide will walk you through everything step by step. Let’s dive in and start your free cloud journey today at 05:15 PM IST on August 30, 2025!

Step 1: Sign Up for a Free AWS AccountLet’s get you started with an AWS account:

  • Visit AWS Free Tier and click “Create a Free Account”.
  • You’ll get hands-on experience with AWS tools for up to 6 months at no cost if you stay within limits.
  • A credit card is required to sign up, but you won’t be charged unless you switch to the Paid Plan.

Pro Tip: It’s super easy, and you can start right now!

Step 2: Understand Your Free Plan vs. Paid PlanAWS offers two options:

  • Free Plan: Perfect for trying out AWS for 6 months with no cost. You get:
    • Up to $200 in credits.
    • Free use of select services (more on that below).
    • No charges unless you switch plans.
    • Limited to basic workloads (can’t scale too big).
    • Access to some, but not all, AWS services.
  • Paid Plan: For bigger projects with:
    • Up to $200 in credits too.
    • Free use of select services.
    • Pay only if you go beyond the credits.
    • Workloads can scale as needed.
    • Access to all AWS services and features.

For now, let’s focus on the Free Plan to get you started!

Step 3: Explore the Free ServicesOnce you’re in, check out the “Explore our offers” section.

Here are the top free services you can use, divided into categories:Compute

  • Amazon EC2: Run virtual servers in the cloud. Great for hosting websites! (Check my previous EC2 blog (link-to-ec2-blog) for a setup guide.)
  • AWS Lambda: Run code without managing servers. Perfect for small apps! (See my Lambda blog (link-to-lambda-blog) for details.)

Storage

  • Amazon S3: Store files, photos, or even a simple website. (Learn more in my S3 blog (link-to-s3-blog).)
  • AWS Backup: Manage and protect your data automatically.

Databases

  • Amazon RDS: Set up databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL.
  • Amazon DynamoDB: Use a fast NoSQL database for apps.
  • Amazon Aurora DSOL: A quick database for always-available apps.

AI

  • Amazon Bedrock: Build AI apps with easy tools.
  • Amazon SageMaker AI: Learn machine learning as a beginner.
  • Amazon Lex: Create chatbots with conversational AI.

Networking

  • Amazon Virtual Private Cloud: Set up a secure network for your projects.

Security

  • AWS IAM Access Analyzer: Keep your account safe with easy controls.
  • AWS CloudHSM: Add extra security with hardware modules.

More Tools

  • Amazon ElastiCache: Speed up real-time apps.
  • AWS Budgets: Track your spending to stay within limits.

These services are available on both plans, but the Free Plan has usage limits (e.g., 750 hours of EC2 or 5 GB of S3 storage). Stick to these, and you’re good to go!

Who Can Benefit from AWS Free Tier?

  • Students: Learn cloud computing skills for free to boost your resume.
  • Developers: Test apps, APIs, or serverless functions without a budget.
  • Bloggers/Freelancers: Host a WordPress site or portfolio on EC2 or S3.
  • Startups: Build a minimum viable product (MVP) without upfront costs.

Step 4: Start Using Your Favorite ServicePick a service to try first. For example:

  • Want to host a blog? Use Amazon EC2 or S3.
  • Interested in coding? Try AWS Lambda.
  • Need a database? Go with Amazon RDS.

Click on any service in the “Explore our offers” section, and follow the setup steps.

My previous blogs on EC2 (link-to-ec2-blog)

Lambda (link-to-lambda-blog)

and S3 (link-to-s3-blog)

can guide you through setting them up!

FAQ Section

Here are some common questions about the AWS Free Tier to help readers and boost your chances of landing a Google Featured Snippet.

Q1: Is AWS Free Tier really free?
Yes, AWS Free Tier is free within the usage limits. Exceeding limits (e.g., running EC2 beyond 750 hours) can incur charges, so monitor your usage.

Q2: How long does the AWS Free Tier last?
The 12-Month Free Tier lasts for one year after signup. Always Free services have no time limit but come with usage caps.

Q3: Can I host a website on AWS Free Tier?
Absolutely! Use Amazon S3 for static websites or EC2 for dynamic sites like WordPress, all within Free Tier limits.

Q4: Who is eligible for AWS Free Tier?
Anyone with a new AWS account can use the Free Tier. You’ll need a credit card for signup, but you won’t be charged if you stay within limits.

Mahesh Wabale
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