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What's the Difference Between AWS Transform MGN and AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)?

Compare AWS Transform MGN and AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) side by side — features, pricing, and ideal use cases to help you choose the right product.

Compare side-by-side

Comparisons
AWS Transform MGN
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
Category

Migration & Modernization

Migration & Modernization

Description

Rehosts source servers to AWS as native Amazon EC2 instances with continuous replication and minimal-downtime cutover

Securely migrates databases with minimal downtime and zero data loss

Best for
  • Server migration
  • Lift and shift
  • Data center migration
  • Cross-region migration
  • Database migration
  • Continuous replication
  • Cross-engine migration
  • Data warehouse loading
Key features
  • Continuous replication
  • Non-disruptive testing
  • Automated cutover
  • Post-launch actions
  • Multi-server migration
  • Homogeneous & heterogeneous migration
  • Continuous replication
  • Schema conversion
  • Multi-AZ
  • Serverless
Pricing model

Free for 90 days per server; then per server/hour

Pay per replication instance hour

Free tier

Yes (90 days per server)

Yes

Expert take

“AWS Transform MGN replicates servers to AWS with continuous block-level replication. Cut over with minutes of downtime when ready.”
— Didier Durand, re:Post Top Contributor [profile]

“DMS handles both homogeneous and heterogeneous migrations with continuous replication. The serverless option auto-scales for variable workloads without capacity planning.”
— Riku Kobayashi, re:Post Top Contributor [profile]

Product page

When to use AWS Transform MGN or AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)

Use AWS Transform MGN when:

  • Server migration
  • Lift and shift
  • Data center migration
  • Cross-region migration

Learn more about AWS Transform MGN

Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) when:

  • Database migration
  • Continuous replication
  • Cross-engine migration
  • Data warehouse loading

Learn more about AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)

AWS product comparisons

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