> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.archera.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.archera.ai/help-center/aws-faq/why-not-cost-explorer.md). # Why Not Just Use AWS Cost Explorer? ## Why Are the Free AWS Tools Not Enough? Cost Explorer doesn't necessarily help you save in the most effective ways. The UI leads you down paths that work best for AWS; it will suggest you save money in ways that are fairly short-sighted if you think about your spend and your infrastructure holistically. It's an absolutely brilliant piece of software for AWS — they optimize in ways that save them money and pass along part of the savings to you. But is it the way to critically examine your infrastructure and make the best decisions for your organization? Not even close. Additionally, the complexity of the tool and the fact that it is very limited in the actions it can take on your behalf means that there is a steep learning curve and a lot of time investment needed to achieve meaningful savings with it. Archera offers a free platform as an alternative to AWS Cost Explorer that takes the analysis and management overhead of AWS costs off your plate, finding you the best deals and savings strategies that can be implemented in one click. ## Related Resources * [Why does AWS Cost Explorer show a cost increase after Archera commitment purchases?](/help-center/aws-faq/cost-explorer-increase.md) * [Why do I see new monthly charges from AWS Cost Explorer after installing Archera?](/help-center/aws-faq/cost-explorer-charges.md) * [What are Guaranteed Commitments?](/help-center/guaranteed-commitments/what-are-guaranteed-commitments.md) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.archera.ai/help-center/aws-faq/why-not-cost-explorer.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.