Ubuntu Server delivers services reliably, predictably, and economically. Ubuntu is the world's most popular Linux distribution for cloud environments and is suitable for small to large-scale Linux operations, making it a well-tested base on which to build your instances. Ubuntu Server for AWS runs on an AWS-optimized kernel, which includes optimized, Canonical-maintained device drivers, like ENA, and out-of-the-box support for accelerators like GPUs. This means faster instance starts and better runtime performance for your workloads. For more information, visit https://ubuntu.com/aws.
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS images for EKS are based on the official Minimal Ubuntu images published by Canonical, and include everything you need to attach instances to your EKS nodes. They have been built specifically for the EKS service, therefore are not intended as general OS images.
Ubuntu is free and will always be, with the option to access additional security features, management tools and technical support when you need it through additional commercial offerings from Canonical.
You can upgrade to Ubuntu Pro to get enhanced security features, compliance and uptime and grant your cluster the capability to run an unlimited number of Ubuntu Pro containers.
Why developers and devops choose Ubuntu Server for AWS
Production-ready: Ubuntu is the leading Linux in the public cloud with > 50% of Linux workloads
Developer friendly: Ubuntu is the #1 Linux for developers offering the latest library and tools to innovate with the latest technologies
No mandatory licenses: Ubuntu Server is freely available, with no mandatory licenses and unlimited VMs
Continuous security updates: Canonical publishes images on a daily basis, ensuring security is built-in from the moment an instance launches
Optimized performance: optimized kernel, with improved boot speed, outstanding runtime performance and advanced device support
Portability: Ubuntu is available in all regions with content mirrors to avoid the need to go across regions or out to the Internet for updates
5 years of patching and maintenance: Ubuntu 26.04 LTS for EKS offers 5 years of standard security maintenance from its release date. This can be extended to a total of 10 years with an Ubuntu Pro subscription. Furthermore, the maintenance can be extended for an additional 5 years using the Legacy add-on. For more information, visit https://ubuntu.com/aws/pro.
Highlights
Run your EKS clusters on Ubuntu worker nodes
Based on minimal Ubuntu for best performance and security
Upgrade to Ubuntu Pro to get access to Pro containers
AWS Marketplace now accepts line of credit payments through the PNC Vendor Finance program. This program is available to select AWS customers in the US, excluding NV, NC, ND, TN, & VT.
This listing carries no software fee — the Ubuntu operating system for EKS worker nodes is free to use. Every dimension maps to a specific Arm-based EC2 instance type, billed by the hour. You pick the instance that matches your compute needs, and the hourly rate reflects that instance's size and family. Options span general-purpose, compute-optimized, memory-optimized, storage-optimized, and GPU-accelerated families, plus burstable and bare-metal variants. Within each family, rates scale with size, from small nodes up to the largest multi-CPU and metal configurations. You only pay standard AWS infrastructure charges for the instances you run.
Top-of-mind questions for buyers
What does one hourly unit cover for each dimension?
Each dimension maps to one specific Arm-based EC2 instance type. One unit is one running instance of that type, billed per hour. The rate reflects that instance's size and family. You choose the instance that matches your worker node compute needs.
Am I charged when a worker node is stopped or idle?
The Ubuntu software carries no fee, so there is no software charge here. You pay standard AWS infrastructure rates for running instances. Stopped instances stop accruing compute charges, though attached AWS storage may still incur separate fees under your AWS account.
What differentiates the instance families I can pick from?
Options span general-purpose, compute-optimized, memory-optimized, storage-optimized, and GPU-accelerated families, plus burstable and bare-metal variants. Within each family, rates scale with instance size. Ubuntu runs on an AWS-optimized kernel with support for accelerators like GPUs and improved device drivers.
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An AMI is a virtual image that provides the information required to launch an instance. Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) instances are virtual servers on which you can run your applications and workloads, offering varying combinations of CPU, memory, storage, and networking resources. You can launch as many instances from as many different AMIs as you need.
Version release notes
Automated version update for new release
Additional details
Usage instructions
For Ubuntu Cloud Guest it is suggested to manually configure your Security Group/Firewall settings. The 1-Click Security Group opens only port 22 so that you can access your instance via ssh using login 'ubuntu'. If you chose the 1-Click Security Group, you may change it later to enable applications using the AWS Console or API.
AWS Support is a one-on-one, fast-response support channel that is staffed 24x7x365 with experienced and technical support engineers. The service helps customers of all sizes and technical abilities to successfully utilize the products and features provided by Amazon Web Services.
This product has charges associated with it for seller support. Ubuntu 26 is a robust, secure, and customizable Amazon Machine Image (AMI) designed for seamless deployment within the EC2 cloud environment. It features the latest updates and enhancements to Ubuntu's performance, security, and support for cloud-native applications. With built-in compatibility for popular frameworks and tools, users can easily develop, test, and scale their applications on a reliable infrastructure. Ideal for developers and businesses, Ubuntu 26 facilitates efficient workload management, high-availability architecture, and effortless integration with other AWS services. Whether you're running web servers, databases, or microservices, this AMI enables rapid deployment while maintaining industry-standard security protocols, making it the perfect choice for your cloud-based solutions. Elevate your cloud experience with Ubuntu 26 today!
Ubuntu Pro FIPS is a FIPS 140-3 out of the box certified image for AWS. It includes security coverage for 25,000+ open source packages, CIS and DISA-STIG assisted hardening, and 10 years of support.
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