AWS Cloud9 review
A capable free browser IDE for AWS development, with separate infrastructure charges.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
AWS Cloud9 is a browser-based integrated development environment for writing, running, testing, and debugging software. It combines a code editor, integrated terminal, AWS CLI access, code completion, debugging with breakpoints and variable inspection, and support for multiple languages. Its serverless tooling includes local AWS Lambda debugging, while real-time editing and chat support collaboration. Environments can run on Amazon EC2 or connect over SSH to an existing Linux server, including an on-premises server, making it suited to AWS developers who want browser-based access to cloud or remote development environments.
AWS Cloud9 itself has no additional charge, but the AWS compute and storage resources behind an environment are billed separately. The published product details identify a free plan and persistent storage, with environments supported on web, Linux, and API platforms. Its AWS ecosystem fit is a major strength: integrations include Amazon EC2, Amazon EBS, AWS CodeCommit, AWS CodeStar, AWS CodeBuild, AWS CodePipeline, AWS CodeDeploy, AWS Lambda, AWS SAM, Amazon Lightsail, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon S3, Amazon SNS, AWS CloudShell, and AWS CDK. That breadth makes it practical for development workflows centered on AWS services.
The main buying constraint is availability: AWS Cloud9 is no longer available to new customers, while existing customers can continue using it. For eligible users, the feature set covers editing, terminal work, debugging, collaboration, SSH access, revision history, and serverless development in one browser workspace. However, the supplied workspace configuration and modern prebuild or IDE options are limited. Existing AWS users who value the service’s AWS integrations and free IDE layer should consider it; new customers or teams seeking newer workspace configuration and prebuild capabilities should choose another cloud development environment.
AWS Cloud9 pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free AWS IDE with browser editor, terminal, and AWS CLI access
- Supports Lambda workflows, debugging, collaboration, and SSH connectivity
- Connects with EC2, CodeBuild, CodePipeline, S3, DynamoDB, and more
- Where it doesn't
- No longer available to new customers
- AWS compute and storage resources are billed separately
- Limited workspace configuration and modern prebuild or IDE options
AWS Cloud9 fact sheet, pricing and score →
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