If you're new to cloud computing or just starting your journey with Microsoft Azure, you’ll be happy to know that Azure offers a wide range of free services to help you learn, build, and test without spending a dime. Whether you're a student, developer, or aspiring cloud professional, these services are a great way to explore Azure's capabilities at no cost.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top free Azure services you should know about, especially in 2025, and how you can start using them today.
What Is the Azure Free Tier?
Microsoft Azure provides a free tier that includes:
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12 months of free popular services
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Over 25 services that are always free
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A $200 credit for the first 30 days to explore any paid service
All you need is a copyright and a credit or debit card for verification. You won’t be charged unless you choose to upgrade.
Top Free Azure Services You Should Explore
Here are some of the most useful free services offered by Microsoft Azure:
1. Azure Virtual Machines (Linux and Windows)
Free for 750 hours/month for 12 months
Run virtual machines to test software, deploy apps, or learn cloud infrastructure. Perfect for practicing system administration or exploring DevOps.
2. Azure Blob Storage
Free for 5 GB for 12 months
Store large amounts of unstructured data such as images, videos, and backups. Blob storage is a great way to get started with cloud data management.
3. Azure SQL Database
Free for 250 GB for 12 months
Try out managed relational databases in the cloud without setup hassles. Ideal for practicing queries, building apps, and learning database management.
4. Azure Functions
Always free (1 million requests/month)
A serverless compute option that lets you run small pieces of code without managing infrastructure. Great for developers and automation projects.
5. Azure Cosmos DB
Always free (up to 400 RU/s and 5 GB storage)
A fast and flexible NoSQL database service for building high-performance, globally distributed apps.
6. Azure DevOps
Free tier with 5 users
Get tools for source control, CI/CD pipelines, and agile planning. Perfect for teams or individuals looking to implement DevOps practices.
7. Azure App Service
Free tier available
Host web apps and APIs in the cloud. Supports multiple programming languages and integrates easily with GitHub and Visual Studio.
8. Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
Free cluster management
Practice deploying and managing containerized applications using Kubernetes. While compute is not free, AKS management is.
9. Azure Logic Apps
Limited free usage
Automate workflows across your apps and services—ideal for learning how to integrate tools and services without writing code.
10. Azure Machine Learning Studio
Free tier available
Experiment with machine learning using drag-and-drop tools. A great place to learn AI without advanced coding.
Bonus Tip: Learn with Purpose
If you're serious about building a career in the cloud, start exploring these free services while learning through hands-on training. If you’re focused on data and want to work with tools like Azure Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, and Azure SQL, consider joining a course like the Azure Data Engineer Training in Hyderabad. It’s a practical way to move from beginner to job-ready professional.
Final Thoughts
Azure’s free tier is an incredible resource for beginners and professionals alike. It allows you to test, learn, and build without worrying about upfront costs. Take advantage of these free services to gain confidence and develop real-world cloud skills.