ECS vs. EKS: Which container orchestration service should I use?

AWS Elastic Container Service (ECS) and AWS Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS) are two of the most widely used managed service options for deploying containers in the cloud. While both services facilitate the deployment and management of containerized applications, they differ significantly in their approach, features, and costs.

Two ways to host containers on AWS - ECS vs. EKS.

Introduction

There are myriad cloud-based container orchestration services to choose from and picking the right one for your project or organization can be a time consuming task. In this article, we'll explore two of the most popular container orchestration services - AWS Elastic Container Service (ECS) and AWS Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS). While both services facilitate the deployment and management of containerized applications, they differ significantly. This document provides a simple comparison between the two, highlighting their pros and cons, use cases, and cost implications.

AWS ECS

ECS is a fully managed container orchestration service that makes it easy to deploy, manage, and scale containerized applications using containers. ECS eliminates the need for users to install and operate their own container orchestration software, making it a straightforward solution for managing containerized applications. It is the most secure, reliable, scaleable and cost effective way to run containers in the cloud.

Elastic Container Service Logo

AWS EKS

On the other hand, AWS Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS) is a managed Kubernetes service that simplifies running Kubernetes on AWS. This service provides a secure, reliable way to run Kubernetes based workloads on AWS without needing to install and operate a Kubernetes cluster. EKS provides the full functionality of Kubernetes, allowing users to leverage the extensive Kubernetes ecosystem for container orchestration. This option is best for teams that need to deploy using Kubernetes, though want to take advantage of a fully managed service.

AWS EKS

Why use ECS?

When running containerized workloads on AWS, ECS has a number of advantages. Below are a few pros and cons to consider when considering ECS.

Pros

  1. Simplified Management: ECS is fully managed solution that does not require the overhead of a separate control plane.
  2. Cost-Effective: ECS has no additional costs for the control plane, making it a more cost-effective option compared to EKS.
  3. Quick Setup: ECS is easier and faster to set up and get running compared to EKS, especially for users already familiar with AWS.
  4. Deep AWS Integration: ECS provides deep integration with AWS services, making it easier to leverage the full suite of AWS tools and services such IAM, CloudWatch, and CloudTrail, providing a cohesive ecosystem.

Cons

  1. AWS only: One key consideration is that ECS is exclusive to AWS. The trade-off is that if you decide you want to change cloud providers, you will need to use a different orchestration structure offered by another provider such as Google Compute Engine or Azure.
  2. Doesn't use Kubernetes tools: Common open source tools for container orchestration such as `kubectl` and `helm` can't be used with ECS.

When to use EKS

If you have an existing architecture dependent on Kubernetes, you may choose EKS instead. The advantage is that Kubernetes cluster can continue to be managed like other clusters with tools such as `kubectl`. Additionally, if your workloads require Helm charts, EKS would be a viable choice.

Below are the major pros and cons of EKS when compared to ECS.

Pros

  1. Kubernetes Compatibility: EKS provides the full capabilities of Kubernetes, allowing users to take advantage of the vast Kubernetes ecosystem.
  2. Portability: Applications deployed on EKS can be more readily be migrated to other Kubernetes environments.
  3. Extensive Features: Kubernetes offers advanced features such as custom resource definitions, operators, and a wide range of third-party integrations.
  4. Community Support: EKS benefits from the large and active Kubernetes community, providing access to a wealth of knowledge, tools, and best practices.

Cons

  1. Complexity: EKS introduces additional complexity due to the need to manage and understand Kubernetes concepts and configurations.
  2. Higher Costs: EKS incurs additional costs for the control plane, making it more expensive than ECS.
  3. Management Overhead: Although EKS is a managed service, it still requires a significant amount of operational effort to manage Kubernetes clusters effectively.
  4. Longer Setup Time: Setting up and configuring EKS can be more time-consuming compared to ECS, especially for users new to Kubernetes.

Why is ECS cheaper?

  • No Control Plane Costs: ECS does not charge for the control plane, whereas EKS has an additional cost for the control plane, which can add up significantly over time.
  • Simpler Resource Management: ECS’s simpler management model can lead to lower operational costs compared to the more complex Kubernetes setup and maintenance in EKS.
  • Optimised AWS Integration: ECS's deep integration with AWS can result in cost savings by optimising resource usage and reducing the need for third-party tools.

Conclusion

Both AWS ECS and AWS EKS offer powerful solutions for container orchestration, each with its own strengths and trade-offs. ECS is a cost-effective, straightforward option well-suited for AWS-centric applications, while EKS provides a managed service for architectures leveraging Kubernetes.

Because FlexStack operates on AWS, and integrates deeply with your AWS account, we help you leverage the cost saving benefits of running your workloads on ECS.

References

  1. Amazon Web Services. (2024). Amazon ECS.
  2. Amazon Web Services. (2024). Amazon EKS.
  3. Kubernetes. (2024). Kubernetes Documentation.
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