AWS offers a cloud platform for various businesses, with over 200 services ranging from computing and storage to machine learning and artificial intelligence. The pay-as-you-go pricing ensures users only pay for what they use, but the "free tier" may not be entirely free due to hidden costs or limitations. There are three types of free tiers: Always Free, 12-month free tier, and short-term trials. The Always Free tier offers a range of services, but usage limits apply, while the 12-month free tier provides access to approximately 36 services for a limited time before exceeding free trial limits can incur charges. Short-term trials are available for various services, but users must be cautious not to incur unexpected bills. After 12 months of using the AWS free tier, services will transition to pay-as-you-go rates unless they fall under the Always Free category, and users should conduct a review of their AWS account to optimize costs and usage.