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What's the Difference Between AWS DataSync and AWS Transfer Family?

Compare AWS DataSync and AWS Transfer Family side by side — features, pricing, and ideal use cases to help you choose the right product.

Compare side-by-side

Comparisons
AWS DataSync
AWS Transfer Family
Category

Management & Governance, Data Transfer

Management & Governance, File Transfer

Description

Simplify and accelerate secure data migration to AWS storage services.

Fully managed file transfer service supporting SFTP, FTPS, FTP, and AS2 protocols to Amazon S3 and EFS.

Best for
  • Data migration
  • Data replication
  • Cold data archival
  • Data protection
  • B2B file exchange
  • Data distribution
  • Supply chain data
  • Compliance file transfers
Key features
  • Automated data transfer
  • Encryption in transit
  • Data validation
  • Bandwidth throttling
  • Scheduling
  • SFTP/FTPS/FTP/AS2
  • S3 & EFS backends
  • Custom identity providers
  • Managed workflows
  • Logical directories
Pricing model

Pay per GB of data copied

Pay per protocol enabled per hour + data transferred

Free tier

No

No

Expert take

“DataSync moves data between on-premises storage and AWS at speeds up to 10x faster than open-source tools. It handles encryption, integrity validation, and bandwidth throttling.”
— Didier Durand, re:Post Top Contributor [profile]

“Transfer Family provides managed SFTP, FTPS, FTP, and AS2 endpoints backed by S3 or EFS. It replaces self-managed file transfer servers without changing partner workflows.”
— Giovanni Lauria, re:Post Top Contributor [profile]

Product page

When to use AWS DataSync or AWS Transfer Family

Use AWS DataSync when:

  • Data migration
  • Data replication
  • Cold data archival
  • Data protection

Learn more about AWS DataSync »

Use AWS Transfer Family when:

  • B2B file exchange
  • Data distribution
  • Supply chain data
  • Compliance file transfers

Learn more about AWS Transfer Family »

AWS product comparisons

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