Best cloud management platform in 2025
Being behind major reports like The Mother of All Breaches and RockYou2024, our in-house cybersecurity experts and journalists provide unbiased, real-world testing and in-depth analysis.
We maintain complete transparency by openly sharing our testing methodologies with our audience.
Learn more
Modern businesses depend on cloud-based tools and systems to manage workloads efficiently. Yet, keeping track of their performance, consumption, and security requires a solid strategy. That’s where cloud management software comes in.
These tools are designed for cloud infrastructure management. They help optimize cloud environments, aligning their use with the company’s goals while minimizing costs and security risks.
To help you get the most out of these features, Cybernews tech experts and I have scoured the cloud management platform market and reviewed dozens of tools. Our research led to a curated list of tools and a detailed guide on their functionality and benefits.
Our top cloud management platform shortlist
- Morpheus – best cloud management platform all around
- Flexera Cloud Management Platform – ideal for hybrid cloud management
- Nutanix – perfect for businesses getting into cloud management
- Azure – top-notch billing and cost manager
- Terraform Enterprise – go-to CMP for team collaboration and version control
- IBM Turbonomic – best for AI-powered cloud optimization
- SUSE Racher – best for cluster management
Our team of researchers and IT specialists put IT tools through real-world tests. From cloud management to workflow automation, we check how well they perform, how secure they are, and whether they’re worth your time. Here’s how we test IT tools.
Best cloud management platforms compared
Now that you’re familiar with the best cloud business management software out there, let’s see how they stack up against each other. I’ve outlined their features, pricing, and standout qualities in the table below to give you a clear view of all the options.
| CMP | Best for | Pricing | Key features |
| Morpheus | Full-service cloud platform management | Custom | Intuitive interface and setup, easy deployment capabilities, robust integration lineup |
| Flexera Cloud Management Platform | Complex hybrid cloud management | Not public | Unified public and private cloud visibility and control, detailed cost analytics, valuable budgeting recommendations |
| Nutanix | Cloud management beginners | From $0.058/$0.107 per user or TiB | Consistency in multi-cloud governance, daily task automation and error detection, efficiency and scalability-driven recommendations |
| Azure | Billing and cost management | Consumption-based | Robust cost management framework, web-based resource cost calculator, tailored billing profiles with forecasts |
| Terraform Enterprise | Team collaboration and version control | Custom | Facilitated infrastructure tracking and versioning, simple private repository integration, predefined and custom module utilization |
| IBM Turbonomic | AI-powered cloud optimization | Custom | AI-driven monitoring and forecasts, automatic recommendation and optimization, great reputation |
| SUSE Rancher | Cluster management | Custom | Comprehensive Kubernetes cluster management, simplified security and access control, solid system and platform interoperability |
7 best cloud management platforms – our detailed list
After a table overview of the best cloud management solutions, it’s time to scratch beneath the surface. Read about the top 7 picks and learn why the Cybernews team and I have chosen these platforms over others on the market.
1. Morpheus – best overall cloud management platform
| Best for: | Full-service cloud management |
| Free plan: | No, but a demo is available on request |
| Starting price: | Custom |
| Standout features: | Intuitive interface and setup, easy deployment capabilities, robust integration lineup |
Morpheus offers a self-service engine specialized in monitoring, optimizing, and security in various cloud environments. Yet, it doesn’t take the complicated route but makes its features easy to navigate and fully leverage.
Morpheus streamlines open-container orchestration with the help of pre-built third-party integrations. It’s compatible with a range of DNSs, load balancers, and networks, from Microsoft DNS to ServiceNow. Plus, it offers a no-code setup for private clouds and workflow automation, making deployment simple, even for non-tech-savvy users.
I was really impressed with the software’s self-service provisioning, which allows users to spin up a range of VMs and services without IT help. All of this is accessible from a single interface, saving time and energy for other more complex or important tasks.
2. Flexera Cloud Management Platform – best for complex hybrid cloud management
| Best for: | Complex hybrid cloud management |
| Free plan: | No, but a demo is available on request |
| Starting price: | Not public |
| Standout features: | Unified public and private cloud visibility and control, detailed cost analytics, valuable budgeting recommendations |
Flexera is among the longest-standing technological management brands on the market for a reason. I found it to be the best hybrid cloud management tool for governance policies and cost control.
Flexera Cloud Management Platform offers a rich toolkit for complete visibility and in-depth insights into your entire IT ecosystem. It covers private and public clouds, facilitating model-driven orchestration and provisioning, data deployment, and security and compliance enforcement.
The praise this platform gets for its cost analytics also stood out to us. Flexera Cloud Management Platform seems to be far ahead of many competitors in tracking expenditures, identifying waste cloud spending, and offering resizing and budgeting recommendations. It’s the perfect choice for companies looking to reduce expenses without sacrificing efficiency.
3. Nutanix – best for cloud management beginners
| Best for: | Cloud management beginners |
| Free plan: | No, but a trial is available on request |
| Starting price: | From $0.058/$0.107 per user or TiB |
| Standout features: | Consistency in multi-cloud governance, daily task automation and error detection, efficiency and scalability-driven recommendations |
Nutanix is a leader in hybrid multi-cloud computing for a reason. Its long track record in the field allowed it to develop a simplified cloud management platform.
The team behind this brand built the solution aiming to eliminate the complexity typically associated with hybrid cloud services encompassing multiple environments. This clear focus on simplicity makes it my top pick for new startups and tech newbies.
Nutanix strikes a great balance between intuitive design and flexibility. Its hyperconverged infrastructure ensures consistent governance across both private and public clouds. It helps you automate tasks without coding, recognizes deviations and omissions with ease, and sends timely alerts and notifications.
The platform also analyzes your cloud-based software's capacity requirements, offering easy-to-follow suggestions to improve your business’s efficiency and scalability.
4. Azure – best for billing and cost management
| Best for: | Billing and cost management |
| Free plan: | No, a 30-day free trial is available |
| Starting price: | Consumption-based |
| Standout features: | Robust cost management framework, web-based resource cost calculator, tailored billing profiles with forecasts |
Azure is a Microsoft-backed platform for multi-cloud environment supervision and management. Despite a somewhat steep learning curve, I found its cost management to be really effective.
The platform analyzes and monitors your cloud expenses, aiming to lower your spending without disrupting your workflow. Users report that it accurately tracks different tool usage, spots errors, and forecasts expenses on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis.
Azure also features a web-based calculator that I found very useful. The tool estimates costs associated with a particular workload and resource configuration. It pairs well with the custom billing profiles the platform creates, helping you manage resources more strategically.
My main issue with Azure relates to Microsoft’s strict policies, which may cause an eventual vendor lock-in – a dependency on Azure’s cloud services.
5. Terraform Enterprise – best for team collaboration and version control
| Best for: | Team collaboration and version control |
| Free plan: | No, only at lower pricing levels |
| Starting price: | Custom |
| Standout features: | Facilitated infrastructure tracking and versioning, simple private repository integration, predefined and custom module utilization |
Terraform Enterprise comes with a toolset similar to the others here, but it’s the collaboration capabilities and version control that made it stand out.
This cloud management software offers a controlled and centralized work environment for remote teams. It enables collaborative tracking, versioning, and reviewing of resources and applications, helping to implement changes and minimize errors.
Terraform Enterprise also integrates with private repositories and supports custom module creation for a more efficient workflow. These features can help keep your infrastructure consistent and well-organized. Meanwhile, you’ll be leveraging version control to manage and update modules as necessary.
The issue my Cybernews colleagues and I noticed during our research pertains to functionality. The platform suffers occasional lags due to task cancellation or traffic jams, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
6. IBM Turbonomic – best for AI-powered cloud optimization
| Best for: | AI-powered cloud optimization |
| Free plan: | No, only a 30-day free trial |
| Starting price: | Custom |
| Standout features: | AI-driven monitoring and forecasts, automatic recommendation and optimization, great reputation |
IBM Turbonomic ranks among cloud management tools that best utilize artificial intelligence to further their effectiveness. My team and I have come across countless user testimonies commending this feature in the context of cloud optimization.
As an application resource management (ARM) platform, Turbonomic monitors cloud infrastructure, focusing on its performance and resource allocation. Its sophisticated machine learning technology aims to improve the system's efficiency while reducing costs.
Adjustments are made automatically, and recommendations are generated regularly, so there’s little need for manual intervention. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the initial setup.
The tool isn’t the most intuitive and requires quite a bit of configuration, so you’ll likely have to invest time and effort into fine-tuning it to make sure it works for and not against you in the long run.
7. SUSE Racher – best for cluster management
| Best for: | Cluster management |
| Free plan: | No |
| Starting price: | Custom |
| Standout features: | Comprehensive Kubernetes cluster management, simplified security and access control, solid system and platform interoperability |
SUSE Rancher is an open-source management software that made our top list because of its cluster management features.
The brand is a fantastic choice for corporate-scale organizations that handle a large number of projects, resources, and users at once. It provides an intuitive platform for deploying, managing, and scaling Kubernetes clusters across different environments.
It also enhances security and access control by allowing teams to define user roles and permissions for various clusters. These features reduce administrative overhead and ensure consistency in workflow and resource management.
The main reason I didn’t feature it higher on the list is its configuration issue. SUSE Rancher doesn’t respond well to edits and new setups, which leads to glitches and long loading times.
How we picked the best cloud management tools
The growing demand for smarter cloud management has led to an explosion of CMPs. However, only a handful have what it takes to rank among the best on the market. Here’s the methodology my Cybernews team and I used to identify, test, and rank them.
- Performance and functionality (35%). Modern cloud management platforms must offer real-time performance monitoring and optimization capabilities. That’s why we look for brands that seamlessly integrate with various infrastructures, easily identify bottlenecks and anomalies, and efficiently automate and support wordflow distribution across public and private cloud environments.
- Security and compliance (30%). Quality cloud management platforms must continuously guard against data breaches and other security risks. I make sure that’s the case with all our recommendations by checking the protocols they use to encrypt your data and ensure regulatory compliance. Meanwhile, my team focuses on the platforms’ scalable and role-based access control, vulnerability insights, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Pricing versus value (15%). Rather than settling for the cheapest cloud management providers, my colleagues and I look for the best value for money. We evaluate features, performance, scalability, and ease of use, factoring in user feedback and competitor comparisons to identify the best investments.
- Use and scalability (20%). Powerful cloud management software often comes with a learning curve. I test its setup, navigation, and management tools to ensure it’s not overly complex. I also go through onboarding materials and check support channels. Meanwhile, my team focuses on flexibility, assessing whether the tool can scale with your business size and evolving needs.
What is a cloud management solution?
Cloud management platforms (CMPs) may be a hot topic, but the term itself can feel a bit abstract. The easiest way to understand these is to focus on what they actually do.
Think of a cloud management solution as a digital toolkit for businesses. It offers mechanisms that control data, systems, and resources across different cloud environments. More specifically, it provides insights into the performance, compliance, costs, and security of cloud services used frequently and makes recommendations for their optimization.
The scope of a CMP depends on its design. Some are built for specific cloud models (private, public, multi-cloud, or hybrid), while others cater to niche industries or broader enterprise needs. Regardless of their primary goal, most offer tools for:
- Budgeting and governance optimization. Keeping cloud expenses under control and enforcing financial policies.
- Cloud infrastructure monitoring. Recognizing system inefficiencies and preventing downtime.
- Workflow automation and scaling. Automating tasks and adjusting cloud resources in real-time.
- Multi-cloud orchestration. Ensuring different cloud services work together smoothly.
- Security and regulatory compliance audits. Protecting sensitive data, upholding security protocols, and meeting regulatory standards.
- Cloud-based tool integration support. Connecting with third-party apps for a seamless workflow.
Without the help of cloud-based management software, companies often struggle with scattered cloud services, succumb to hidden costs, and suffer high-security risks.
What types of cloud management tools exist?
Not all cloud business management software works the same way – I’ve researched and evaluated enough to see that firsthand. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key categories to help you understand how they differ and what that means for you.
Multi-cloud management platforms
Multi-cloud management platforms help businesses manage their digital assets across multiple cloud providers. They offer a centralized dashboard that allows users to monitor and control applications and workloads in public and private clouds simultaneously.
This approach automates everyday operations, strengthens security, reduces costs, and optimizes performance without the hassle of switching between different tools and interfaces. It’s a more efficient and long-term solution compared to focused cloud management tools.
Hybrid cloud management platforms
Hybrid cloud management tools are built for companies that store digital resources across public and private clouds. They facilitate monitoring and optimization for both environments and establish seamless communication through customizable tools.
This functionality allows businesses to keep sensitive data private and use the powerful computing resources of the public cloud while maintaining control over both. In turn, enterprises boost workflow flexibility, security, and scalability without compromise.
Cost optimization-focused cloud management platforms
Cost optimization platforms can fall into either of the above categories. What defines them is their focus on budget control.
These cloud management solutions include specialized toolkits that help users visualize and track resource costs. They can create detailed financial profiles for the entire IT system, with breakdowns by department, project, or user.
These practices can help businesses foster transparency regarding resource use and improve their financial health. Companies can identify unnecessary expenditures, devise cost-cutting measures, and forecast future expenses and savings.
Security-focused cloud management platforms
Every cloud management provider offers tools to help maintain security and compliance, but security-focused platforms go the extra mile.
They’re on a constant watch for potential security risks and prevent data breaches by spotting and addressing vulnerabilities before they can cause harm.
On top of that, these platforms offer identity and role-based access control features, making it easier to manage user permissions across multi-cloud environments. They also ensure regulatory compliance through automations, regular audits, and reporting to clients and regulators.
Common features of cloud management solutions
Cloud-based management software comes with a range of features that vary from brand to brand. That said, there are a few core capabilities common to all top players. I’ve outlined those below so you know what to keep an eye out for when choosing the right tool.
- Automated provisioning and orchestration. Cloud management software is designed to handle the setup and coordination of resources without your involvement. They ensure that servers, storage, and networks are ready for use and function seamlessly. This streamlines deployments, minimizes errors, and keeps everything running efficiently.
- Multi-cloud support. Multi-cloud management platforms allow businesses to manage several cloud providers from a single interface. This benefit simplifies daily operations and offers more flexibility. It also prevents vendor lock-in, cuts costs, fortifies security, and streamlines the entire ecosystem’s performance.
- Cost optimization tools. Best CMPs cut down on cloud spending through expense analysis and saving recommendations. They detect wasted resources, recommend smarter pricing plans, and enforce budget controls. As a result, companies save money while keeping performance sharp.
- Security and compliance management. Cloud management tools help companies stay compliant by constantly monitoring for risks and vulnerabilities. They track compliance standards, automate security policies, and offer detailed reports. It takes the stress out of compliance, reducing the chances of data breaches or legal issues.
- Performance monitoring and analytics. A key feature of cloud management solutions is tracking the overall health of the system. They check resource usage, monitor system performance, and identify potential bottlenecks. This enables businesses to fine-tune their infrastructure, spot problems early, and maximize efficiency.
- Self-service portals. Top cloud management platforms help users deploy cloud resources without IT assistance. Their easy-to-use interfaces simplify selection and provisioning, giving users greater control over their cloud environment. It also boosts productivity while maintaining proper governance.
Benefits of cloud management software
I’ve touched on the many benefits of using cloud management platforms throughout this guide. But it doesn’t hurt to go over the key ones again so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
- Cost savings. CMPs offer insights into your resource use and create tailored budgeting recommendations based on them. Together with forecasts for future expenses and reductions, companies can minimize waste and cut costs.
- Operational efficiency. Automation and orchestration capabilities of these solutions work wonders for business efficiency. They streamline and coordinate resources for better accessibility and utilization while automating manual tasks to save time.
- Improved security. Cloud management software offers tools that uphold the highest security standards. They keep track of risks and threats and ensure all services meet the regulatory compliance requirements. They also implement encryption technology and enforce strict access control to protect data.
- Scalability. CMPs make scaling effortless by letting businesses adjust resources based on demand. Their provisioning and de-provisioning tools contribute to more effective resource and cost management, which keeps the company agile and performance up to par.
- Better visibility. These platforms provide a clear view of resource usage, performance, and costs in real-time through intuitive dashboards. This level of visibility helps businesses make quick decisions, troubleshoot issues with ease, and manage cloud assets more effectively.
How to choose the right cloud management platform for my needs
A great cloud management platform won’t deliver results if it isn’t suited to your business’s unique needs. That’s why I’ve put together a guide featuring the most important factors you should focus on during your selection process.
- Your needs and objectives. Your CMP must cover the type of cloud environment your company uses and offer the storage, computing power, and automation tools you need most. It should also be flexible enough to respond to changes in market demand and support your growth.
- Integration capabilities. The cloud management solution you end up using must be compatible with the third-party tools you rely on. It should seamlessly integrate into your existing system and facilitate data migration.
- Use and support. The design of your cloud-based management software should match your team’s experience level. The dashboard needs to be user-friendly and easy to navigate. It should also come with onboarding material and responsive customer support to help beginners adapt or prevent downtime and other issues.
- Pricing. Most cloud management tools don’t offer free plans, so you must choose one whose cost fits your budget. You should consider each brand’s pricing model (subscription, pay-as-you-go, or tiered), check for hidden fees and add-ons, and pick the one that offers all the features you need without breaking the bank in the long run.
Final word on the best cloud management platform
Cloud management platforms make it easier for businesses to streamline their cloud operations with a unified approach.
When tailored to your needs, they can help remote teams manage resources, strengthen security, reduce costs, and develop better cloud strategies, all from a single dashboard. Ultimately, this makes cloud environments more efficient, scalable, and simple to navigate.
To help you take advantage of these benefits, my team at Cybernews and I have researched and analyzed dozens of CMPs. Led by Morpheus, our curated list features top 7 contenders, one of which could be the perfect fit for your business. Take a look at our reviews, skim our guide, and make a well-informed choice.
FAQ
What is a cloud management platform (CMP)?
A cloud management platform is a digital toolkit for monitoring and managing different cloud environments. Depending on the type of clouds they cover, they can be focused, multi-cloud, and hybrid cloud platforms. They offer resource, workload, cost, security, and governance management services, and Morpheus serves as a perfect example.
Who should use a cloud management platform?
Cloud management platforms can be useful for small and large businesses in a range of industries. For instance, they may help finance businesses to reinforce security and compliance, provide entertainment companies easy access to media, or improve cost efficiency for e-commerce organizations.
Does a CMP help with cost optimization?
Yes, CMPs help with cost optimization in several ways. They track cost consumption in real time, offering insights into spending by department, project, or user. They’re also great at detecting underutilized resources and developing more efficient and cost-effective ways to maximize cloud usage.
What are the key security features of a CMP?
The key features include security task automation, encryption, threat detection, and compliance enforcement. These tools protect stored and transferred data, detect vulnerabilities and potential threats, and enforce access control. They also identify compliance gaps and meet regulatory requirements to help businesses avoid legal penalties.
Is a CMP necessary for small businesses?
Yes, CMPs may be necessary for a small business, depending on its needs and scaling goals. They ensure efficient resource use, enhance performance, reinforce security and compliance, and keep expenses under control. Early adoption can set the stage for faster, smoother growth.
