Azure Database Migration Service
Azure Database Migration Service: A focused Azure migration service with online, offline, automated, and private-connectivity options. Ranked #15 of 29 in Cloud Migration Tools by our editors (7.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free-to-start database migration to Azure.
At a glance
- Editor score7.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree-to-start database migration to Azure
- Free planYes
- Discovery & assessmentNo
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB migrations
- Offers online, offline, and continuous migration options
- Includes PowerShell, Azure CLI, and private endpoint connectivity
Where it doesn't
- Focused on migrations to Azure rather than broader destination coverage
- Online migration support is tied to Premium Compute
- Not designed as a general discovery and dependency-mapping tool
Our verdict on Azure Database Migration Service
Azure Database Migration Service is a Microsoft-managed service for moving databases, schemas, and database objects from on-premises systems or other clouds to Azure. It is aimed at teams migrating SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB workloads into Azure services, including Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines. The service is available through the Azure portal, PowerShell, and Azure CLI, making it suitable for both portal-led projects and automated migration workflows.
The published plans show a free plan alongside compute tiers. Standard Compute supports offline, one-time migrations and is available in 1-, 2-, and 4-vCore options. Premium Compute supports online and offline migrations, continuous migration, and a 4-vCore option. Online migration can help reduce downtime, while offline migration provides a simpler path for one-time moves. Teams should select the tier based on whether continuous migration and online workloads are required, rather than treating the plans as interchangeable.
Azure alignment is the service’s clearest strength. Azure portal migration creation and monitoring, Azure Blob Storage, PowerShell, Azure CLI, private endpoint connectivity, and a self-hosted integration runtime support common operational and network requirements. The runtime can access network backups, while private connectivity supports source and target access. Organizations already standardizing on Azure should find the ecosystem fit straightforward. Those seeking a broader cloud-to-cloud migration destination or a separate discovery and dependency-mapping layer should evaluate alternatives alongside it.
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Azure Database Migration Service pricing
All 2 Azure Database Migration Service plans and prices →
Azure Database Migration Service fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Discovery & assessment | No |
| Dependency mapping | No |
| Continuous replication | Yes |
| Database migration | Yes |
| Deployment model | Saas |
| Included workload limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: Azure portal, PowerShell, Azure CLI, Azure Blob Storage, Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance … |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | azure.microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Azure Database Migration Service integrations
Azure Database Migration Service lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- Azure portal
- PowerShell
- Azure CLI
- Azure Blob Storage
- Azure SQL Database
- Azure SQL Managed Instance
- SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines
Alternatives to Azure Database Migration Service
- Azure MigrateA broad Azure migration workspace with free assessment tools and time-limited server migration licensing.9.4
- CloudamizeA broad cloud migration workspace for discovery, dependency mapping and migration-wave planning.9.1
- Huawei Cloud Migration Center (MgC)A free Huawei Cloud migration center covering discovery, planning, workflows, and monitoring.9.0
See all Azure Database Migration Service alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Azure Database Migration Service is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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