Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2 instances are fantastic for running your applications in the cloud, but they can also rack up costs if you’re not careful. Here are some simple tips to help you save money without compromising on performance or reliability.
1. Choose the Right Instance Type
Picking the most suitable instance type for your workload is crucial. AWS offers a wide range of instance types optimised for different use cases—from general-purpose instances like t3.nano to memory-optimised ones like r5.large. Opting for the right type ensures you're not paying for more computing power or memory than you actually need.
2. Power Off Instances When Not in Use
This might seem like common sense, but it's often overlooked. If you have instances that are not needed 24/7, consider powering them off during off-hours or weekends. This simple action can lead to significant cost savings, as you only pay for instance usage when they are running.
3. Utilise Reserved Instances (RIs)
Reserved Instances allow you to reserve EC2 capacity for a fixed term (1 or 3 years) and receive significant discounts compared to On-Demand pricing. If you have predictable workloads, RIs can lead to substantial savings over time. AWS also offers Convertible RIs, which provide flexibility to change instance types.
4. Spot Instances for Flexible Workloads
For non-critical and flexible workloads, Spot Instances can be a game-changer. These instances are available at steep discounts (up to 90% off On-Demand prices) and can be reclaimed by AWS at short notice if the Spot price exceeds your bid. They are perfect for batch processing, testing, and development environments.
5. Use Auto Scaling Wisely
Auto Scaling helps you adjust the number of EC2 instances automatically based on demand. By setting up Auto Scaling policies correctly, you can ensure that you have enough capacity during peak times and scale down during
off-peak times, thus optimising costs without sacrificing performance.
6. Monitor and Optimise Usage
AWS provides detailed monitoring and reporting tools through CloudWatch and Cost Explorer. Regularly review your usage patterns and identify opportunities to optimise. Look for unused or underutilised instances that can be resized, stopped, or terminated to save costs.
7. Take Advantage of AWS Free Tier
If you’re just starting out with AWS, take full advantage of the AWS Free Tier. This offering allows you to use certain AWS services—including EC2—within specified limits for free for the first 12 months. It's a great way to learn and experiment without incurring costs.
8. Consider Managed Services
AWS offers managed services like AWS Fargate and AWS Lambda, which abstract infrastructure management away from you. These services charge you based on actual usage rather than provisioned capacity, potentially saving costs if your workload aligns with their capabilities.
Need Help Implementing These Practices?
If you find implementing these best practices daunting, consider reaching out to experts like Innablr. We specialise in AWS consulting and can assist you in optimising your EC2 usage to save costs effectively while ensuring your infrastructure meets your business needs. Check out Innablr to learn more about how they can help you streamline your AWS operations and maximise your savings.
Saving money on AWS EC2 doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding your workload requirements, leveraging AWS pricing models effectively, and seeking expert assistance when needed, you can keep your cloud costs in check while enjoying the scalability and flexibility of AWS EC2. Happy optimising!