AWS DataSync review
A broad migration service for moving files and objects across diverse storage environments.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
AWS DataSync is a managed online service for migrating, replicating, archiving, and transferring files and objects. It is suited to organizations moving data between on-premises storage, edge locations, other cloud providers, and AWS services. Connectivity spans NFS, SMB, HDFS, self-managed and S3-compatible object storage, Azure Files, Azure Blob Storage, Amazon S3, Amazon EFS, and Amazon FSx. Its focus is batch-oriented movement with controls for recurring transfers and migration cutover workflows.
Pricing is usage-based rather than subscription-based. Basic mode costs $0.0125 per GB and supports all DataSync location types while sequentially preparing, transferring, and verifying files and objects. Enhanced mode costs $0.015 per GB and supports virtually unlimited numbers of objects. The published plans show no free plan, so buyers should evaluate expected transfer volume and the storage environments involved before choosing a mode. Additional AWS service, request, storage, logging, and data-transfer charges may apply.
DataSync’s strongest fit is a migration or transfer program that needs more than basic copying. Incremental transfers, scheduled recurring tasks, bandwidth throttling, and transfer filtering support controlled operations, while encryption in transit and data integrity validation address transfer safeguards. Metadata, ownership, permissions, ACLs, timestamps, and object tags can be handled during movement, and CloudWatch metrics, logs, and task reports provide operational visibility. Choose it for mixed storage estates and structured migration workflows; a simpler, low-volume transfer need may not justify a paid, usage-based service.
AWS DataSync pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Connects on-premises, cloud, edge, and AWS storage locations
- Preserves metadata, ownership, permissions, ACLs, timestamps, and object tags
- Adds scheduling, incremental transfers, validation, monitoring, and reports
- Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- Usage-based pricing starts at $0.0125 per GB
- Enhanced mode costs $0.015 per GB
AWS DataSync fact sheet, pricing and score →
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