AWS Cost Optimization Tools: A Comprehensive Guide
Tags: cloud, aws, serverless, devops
Published: 2023-03-17 15:34:54

In today's highly competitive business world, cost optimization has emerged as a crucial factor for achieving success. For [cloud computing](https://dev.to/msmello_/cloud-computing-the-key-to-scaling-your-applications-25b3), businesses worldwide have gravitated towards AWS (Amazon Web Services) as their preferred solution. However, managing the associated costs can be overwhelming with complex cloud infrastructures. 

Fortunately, AWS provides cost optimization tools that can be game changers for businesses. In this article, we aim to present you with an all-inclusive guide on AWS cloud cost optimization tools, highlighting their benefits and outlining effective ways to utilize them.

## What are AWS cost optimization tools?

AWS cost optimization tools refer to a comprehensive range of tools specially crafted to aid businesses in minimizing their AWS expenses while maintaining the desired performance and user experience. These tools facilitate organizations by analyzing AWS usage, detecting any cost ineffectiveness, and suggesting ways to optimize AWS resources. 

AWS cloud cost optimization tools are available in multiple forms, including native AWS tools, third-party tools, and managed services.

## Native AWS cloud cost optimization tools

AWS offers a variety of native tools that help businesses optimize their [AWS costs](https://dev.to/sougatamaity420/5-tips-for-optimizing-your-costs-on-aws-1198). Some of the most popular ones include:

### 1. AWS Cost Explorer

AWS Cost Explorer is a free tool that provides a detailed breakdown of AWS costs. It helps businesses understand their spending patterns, identify cost drivers, and forecast future costs. With AWS Cost Explorer, businesses can create custom reports, set cost and usage alerts, and view recommendations on reducing costs.

### 2. AWS Budgets

AWS Budgets is another free tool that helps businesses monitor and manage their AWS costs. It allows businesses to set custom budgets, track their spending against those budgets, and receive alerts when it exceeds the budget. AWS Budgets also provides recommendations on how to optimize costs.

### 3. AWS Trusted Advisor

AWS Trusted Advisor is a managed service that provides businesses with personalized recommendations on optimizing their AWS resources. It covers cost optimization, security, performance, and fault tolerance. AWS Trusted Advisor is available to AWS Support customers and comes in four different plans: Basic, Developer, Business, and Enterprise.

## Third-party cost optimization tools

Apart from native AWS tools, several third-party tools can help businesses optimize their AWS costs. Some of the most popular ones include:

### 1. CloudCheckr

As a cloud management platform, CloudCheckr furnishes enterprises with an all-encompassing overview of their AWS usage, enabling them to spot cost inefficiencies and receive actionable recommendations for optimizing AWS resources. CloudCheckr provides a complimentary trial period and offers flexible pricing plans based on the number of AWS accounts and specific features that businesses require.

### 2. CloudHealth

As a cloud management platform, CloudHealth is dedicated to helping businesses streamline their AWS costs. The tool delivers valuable insights into AWS usage patterns, detects cost inefficiencies, and suggests optimization strategies for AWS resources. Besides cost optimization, CloudHealth provides security, governance, and automation features. With a free trial, CloudHealth offers flexible pricing plans depending on the number of AWS accounts and desired features.

## Benefits of AWS cloud cost optimization tools

[AWS cloud cost optimization](https://www.simform.com/blog/aws-cloud-cost-optimization/) tools offer several benefits to businesses, including:

### 1. Reduced costs

AWS cost optimization tools help businesses identify cost inefficiencies and offer suggestions on optimizing AWS resources. By implementing these suggestions, businesses can significantly reduce their AWS costs without sacrificing performance or user experience.

### 2. Increased efficiency

AWS provides cost optimization tools that offer businesses a valuable overview of their AWS usage, enabling them to pinpoint any areas of resource overutilization or underutilization. By optimizing these resources, businesses can boost their operational efficiency and curtail waste.

### 3. Improved performance

As businesses rely on AWS resources, managing costs effectively while ensuring optimal performance is essential. Fortunately, AWS provides cost optimization tools that aid in identifying performance issues and offer suggestions on improving resource utilization. By incorporating these suggestions, businesses can enhance their overall performance and provide a better user experience.

## How to use AWS cost optimization tools effectively

To use AWS cost optimization tools effectively, businesses should follow these best practices:

### 1. Monitor AWS usage regularly

Monitoring AWS usage regularly is essential to identify cost inefficiencies and optimize AWS resources. Businesses should track their AWS usage daily or weekly and use AWS cost optimization tools to analyze their usage patterns.

### 2. Set custom budgets and alerts

Setting custom budgets and alerts can help businesses stay on top of their AWS spending and avoid unexpected costs. AWS cloud cost optimization tools offer the ability to set custom budgets and alerts, which businesses should use to monitor their AWS spending.

### 3. Review and optimize AWS resources

For businesses seeking to reduce costs and increase efficiency, regular review and optimization of their AWS resources are paramount. Utilizing AWS cost optimization tools is crucial in identifying overutilized or underutilized resources, enabling businesses to optimize them and achieve optimal results.

### 4. Implement cost-saving measures

Implementing cost-saving measures is an effective way to reduce AWS costs. AWS cost optimization tools offer suggestions on implementing cost-saving measures such as using reserved instances, rightsizing instances, and leveraging spot instances.

## Conclusion

AWS cloud cost optimization tools are essential for businesses to manage their AWS costs effectively. Native AWS tools such as AWS Cost Explorer, AWS Budgets, and AWS Trusted Advisor provide businesses with a starting point to optimize their AWS costs. Third-party tools such as CloudCheckr and CloudHealth offer more advanced features and functionalities. 

By following best practices such as monitoring AWS usage regularly, setting custom budgets and alerts, reviewing and optimizing AWS resources, and implementing cost-saving measures, businesses can reduce their AWS costs without sacrificing performance or user experience.