11 Amazon S3 Alternatives for Modern Cloud Storage

Pricing and product information are correct as of November 29, 2024, and subject to change.

Applications now routinely handle massive amounts of unstructured data—from user uploads and application logs to video content and IoT device data. Local servers face significant challenges in managing the scale of digital content, leading many organizations to adopt cloud object storage solutions that offer more flexible scaling and global distribution options.

Amazon S3 established the foundations of cloud object storage and maintains significant market share. However, as applications grow more complex and data needs diversify, organizations may seek alternative object storage solutions that align with specific requirements around pricing structure, management overhead, regional deployment, and performance characteristics. Whether you need more predictable pricing, simplified management, or improved cloud computing performance for particular use cases, these Amazon S3 alternatives could be the right fit.

Why you might need an Amazon S3 alternative

Amazon S3 is a powerful cloud storage solution, but some organizations may be better served with a different platform. A better fit for your storage infrastructure can help you lower costs, boost your cloud ROI, improve performance, or simplify cloud operations.

Here are some key reasons to consider S3 alternatives:

• Cost predictability: AWS pricing can become complicated with various storage tiers, data transfer fees, and API request charges. Businesses often need simpler, more transparent pricing structures to better forecast their cloud storage costs.

• Geographic requirements: Different regions have specific data residency requirements and compliance standards. Alternative providers may offer data centers in locations that better align with your regulatory needs or user base.

• Integration flexibility: Your development stack might work more efficiently with other storage providers (especially if you’re using multiple cloud services or specific development tools). Some alternatives will provide better integration with your existing cloud infrastructure.

• Management overhead: S3’s extensive feature set can create unnecessary complexity for teams that need straightforward storage solutions. Simpler alternatives can reduce the time spent on storage management and configuration.

• Performance optimization: Specific workloads will run more efficiently with alternative solutions, especially when it comes to content delivery, backup storage, or high-frequency access patterns.

• Support accessibility: Some organizations prefer specialized storage providers with more accessible support options that don’t require expensive high-tier enterprise plans.

How to choose the right cloud storage platform

Cloud storage platforms aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions.The right cloud storage platform will help optimize your data management and application performance. Before building on a cloud provider, consider the following factors:

• Storage features and scalability: Find a platform that supports your expected storage volumes and object sizes. Look for features like storage classes for different access patterns and automatic scaling capabilities.

• Data transfer and pricing: Evaluate the total cost of ownership. Think about storage costs, data transfer fees, and API requests. Watch for hidden costs and consider how predictable the pricing structure is for your use case.

• Geographic distribution: Check if the provider’s data center locations work for your user base and compliance requirements. Consider features like multi-region replication and CDN integration for global content delivery.

• Security and compliance: Look for strong security features like encryption, access controls, versioning, object locking, and necessary compliance certifications.

• Performance and reliability: Consider the provider’s SLAs, access latency, and throughput capabilities. Make sure the platform can handle your expected request rates and performance requirements. Always err on the side of more bandwidth rather than a perfect fit—this gives you breathing room for scale and spikes.

• Integration capabilities: Find a platform that works well with your existing tools and development stack. S3 API compatibility helps maintain functionality with current applications.

• Management features: Evaluate the platform’s user interface, cloud monitoring tools, and automation capabilities. Look for features that simplify day-to-day operations and maintenance.

11 Amazon S3 alternatives to consider

Hyperscalar cloud providers like Google Cloud Storage, Azure Blob Storage, and IBM Cloud Object Storage offer solid S3-compatible solutions, while established alternatives like DigitalOcean, Backblaze B2, and Wasabi have built strong offerings in the object storage space. Each platform combines core S3 compatibility with its own technical and pricing approach, from simplified interfaces to usage-based billing models. These alternatives are mature, tested solutions that give organizations practical choices for integrating object storage into their infrastructure.

1. DigitalOcean Spaces

DigitalOcean Spaces is a powerful, S3-compatible object storage service that helps developers and startups store and serve large amounts of data. It provides built-in CDN functionality and straightforward pricing to make it easy to deliver content to users worldwide. The service integrates with DigitalOcean’s ecosystem—including products like Droplets, Managed Databases, and App Platform—while maintaining compatibility with existing S3 tools and applications.

Key features:

• Built-in CDN integration for faster content delivery across global regions

• Native integration with DigitalOcean’s platform services and API

• Full S3 API compatibility for easy migration and familiar tooling

• Automated data redundancy and multi-region availability

• Comprehensive access control and encryption options

Pricing information:

• Standard pricing: $5/month includes 250 GiB storage and 1 TiB outbound transfer

• Additional storage: $0.02/GiB per month

• Additional transfer: $0.01/GiB per month

• Free inbound data transfer

• No charges for API requests

2. Google Cloud Storage

Google Cloud Storage provides a scalable object storage solution that integrates with Google’s cloud ecosystem. It provides multiple storage classes to optimize costs based on data access patterns and automated data lifecycle management. The Google Cloud Platform offers strong data analytics integration and machine learning capabilities that make it a great fit for organizations heavily invested in data processing.

Key features:

• Multiple storage classes (Standard, Nearline, Coldline, and Archive) for cost optimization

• Automatic data lifecycle management to move data between storage tiers

• Native integration with Google Cloud’s analytics and AI/ML services

• Strong consistency model for all storage operations

• Built-in versioning and object retention policies

Pricing information:

• Standard Storage: $0.020/GB per month

• Nearline Storage: $0.010/GB per month

• Coldline Storage: $0.004/GB per month

• Archive Storage: $0.0012/GB per month

• Data retrieval costs vary by storage class

• Egress charges: $0.08-$0.23/GB depending on destination

• Operations pricing: Varies by operation type (Class A, B, and free operations)

3. Azure Blob Storage

Azure Blob Storage provides scalable object storage within Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem. This integration with Azure services and enterprise tools makes Blob Storage a good option for enterprise environments already using Microsoft service. The platform’s tiered storage systems and built-in data management tools make it great for handling large-scale data workloads and providing extensive options for data redundancy and cloud disaster recovery.

Key features:

• Multiple access tiers (Hot, Cool, and Archive) for cost-effective data storage

• Automated data lifecycle management with rule-based policies

• Strong integration with Azure Active Directory for identity management

• Advanced data protection with soft delete and point-in-time restoration

• Native support for both block and append blobs

Pricing information:

• Hot tier: From $0.018/GB per month

• Cool tier: From $0.01/GB per month

• Cold tier: From $0.0036/GB per month

• Archive tier: From $0.00099/GB per month

• Outbound data transfer: Starting at $0.087/GB

• Free inbound data transfer

• Operation costs vary by tier and operation type

• Additional charges for early deletion from cool and data archiving tiers

4. Wasabi

Wasabi takes a simplified approach to cloud storage with a single storage tier and straightforward pricing model. Unlike traditional providers, Wasabi eliminates complex storage tiers and data egress fees to give businesses more predictable storage costs. The platform maintains S3 compatibility while focusing on performance and cost-effectiveness for all data types.

Key features:

• Single storage tier with hot storage performance for all data

• S3-compatible API for easy integration with existing tools

• No data egress or API request fees

• Immutable storage options for data protection

• Multi-region options with active/active replication

Pricing information:

• Pay as You Go: Starting at $6.99/TB per month

• No charges for egress or API requests

• 90-day minimum storage duration for objects

• Reserved capacity pricing available for volume discounts

• Free ingress (upload) to all regions

• Multi-region replication available at additional cost per GB

5. Backblaze B2

Backblaze B2 offers competitive pricing while maintaining enterprise-grade features. The platform provides S3-compatible storage with a focus on simplicity and transparent pricing. It integrates with Cloudflare’s global network and offers free data egress to Cloudflare’s edge locations.

Key features:

• S3-compatible API with native CLI and web interface

• Free egress with Cloudflare Zero Egress program

• Lifecycle rules for data management and cost optimization

• Built-in file versioning and snapshot capabilities

• Cross-region replication for improved availability

Pricing information:

• Storage: $6/TB per month

• Download costs: $0.01/GB (free through Cloudflare)

• Class B transactions (downloads): $0.004/10,000

• Class C transactions (uploads): $0.004/1,000

• First 10GB of storage free

• No minimum storage duration

• Free unlimited uploads

6. Storj DCS

Storj Decentralized Cloud Storage (DCS) leverages a decentralized network of nodes instead of traditional data centers. This distributed architecture provides improved security and availability while typically offering lower costs than traditional cloud storage providers. The platform maintains S3 compatibility while providing built-in encryption and file splitting across its global network.

Key features:

• End-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge security architecture

• Data splitting across thousands of independent nodes

• S3-compatible API for seamless integration

• Multi-region availability without additional costs

• Native content delivery through decentralized network

Pricing information:

• Storage: $0.004/GB per month

• Download bandwidth: $0.007/GB

• Upload bandwidth: Free

• 30 day free trial

• No minimum retention period

• Simple per-project billing with no complex tier structure

7. IBM Cloud Object Storage

IBM Cloud Object Storage combines enterprise-grade reliability with flexible storage options for diverse workloads. The platform’s strong security features and hybrid cloud capabilities make it a fitting choice for enterprises with strict compliance requirements. Its integration with IBM’s Watson AI services and broader cloud ecosystem helps businesses looking to leverage advanced data analytics.

Key features:

• Multiple storage tiers with flexible resiliency options

• Built-in encryption and key management services

• Smart tier functionality for automatic cost optimization

• Integrated IAM controls and activity tracking

• Native compatibility with IBM Watson AI services

Pricing information:

• Smart tier: Starting at $0.02/GB per month

• Standard tier: Starting at $0.023/GB per month

• Vault tier: Starting at $0.013/GB per month

• Cold Vault tier: Starting at $0.006/GB per month

• Data retrieval charges vary by storage class

• Outbound data transfer starting at $0.083/GB

• Free inbound data transfer

8. Telnyx Storage

Telnyx Storage is an S3-compatible object storage solution with a focus on high performance and global availability. It’s built on a private network backbone to better handle real-time and latency-sensitive workloads. The platform integrates with Telnyx’s edge network to make it more reliable for organizations requiring fast content delivery and edge computing capabilities.

Key features:

• Global edge network for reduced latency and faster content delivery

• Private network backbone for improved performance

• Full S3 API compatibility for easy integration

• Built-in redundancy across multiple regions

• Advanced encryption and access control options

Pricing information:

• Storage: Starting at $0.006/GB per month

• API operations: $0.04/10,000 requests for PUT, COPY, POST

• API operations: $0.004/10,000 requests for GET

• Free egress

• No minimum storage duration

• Volume discounts available for larger deployments

9. Oracle (OCI) Object Storage

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Object Storage provides enterprise-grade storage capabilities with a focus on performance and security. It offers deep integration with Oracle’s database and application services while maintaining S3 compatibility. The platform can handle large-scale enterprise workloads and offers competitive pricing (with a generous free tier for new users).

Key features:

• Multiple storage tiers (Standard and Archive) with automatic tiering

• Built-in data resilience with cross-region replication

• Native integration with Oracle Cloud services and applications

• Advanced security features with Oracle Identity and Access Management

• Automated data lifecycle management policies

Pricing information:

• Standard tier: $0.025/GB per month

• Archive tier: $0.0026/GB per month

• Free tier: 10GB storage and 50,000 API requests per month

• Outbound data transfer: First 10TB at $0.0085/GB

• Inbound data transfer: Free

• Operations charges vary by request type

10. Impossible Cloud

Impossible Cloud’s unique approach to object storage combines decentralized infrastructure with enterprise-grade performance. The platform leverages unused data center capacity worldwide to provide resilient storage with built-in redundancy. Impossible Cloud appeals to organizations looking for eco-friendly storage solutions (without compromising on performance or reliability) with sustainable practices and competitive pricing.

Key features:

• Distributed architecture for enhanced data availability

• Enterprise-grade SLAs with 11 nines durability

• S3-compatible API for seamless integration

• Automated data distribution across multiple locations

• Green storage solution using existing infrastructure

Pricing information:

• Pay-per-Use: Starting at $7.99/TB per month

• Trial: Up to 5TB for 30 days

• Operations: $0.04/10,000 PUT/POST/COPY requests

• Operations: $0.004/10,000 GET/SELECT requests

• No minimum retention period

• Volume discounts available

11. MinIO Enterprise Object Store

MinIO provides high-performance, Kubernetes-native object storage that can be deployed anywhere—from edge to cloud. MinIO allows organizations to run their own S3-compatible storage infrastructure, making it a great fit for enterprises that need complete control over their data infrastructure. Its architecture is specifically optimized for large-scale private cloud deployments and AI/ML workloads.

Key features:

• Kubernetes-native architecture for cloud-native deployments

• High-performance object storage with up to 183 GB/s per tenant

• Built-in ransomware protection and encryption

• Advanced data lifecycle management capabilities

• Compatible with all major cloud providers and platforms

Pricing information:

• Starting at $20/TB per month

• Custom pricing based on deployment size

• Free tier available for testing and development

• Pay-as-you-go option through marketplace deployments

• Enterprise support included with paid subscriptions

Do more with DigitalOcean Spaces Object Storage

DigitalOcean Spaces simplifies cloud storage while providing all the must-have features your applications need. Whether you’re storing user uploads, hosting static assets, or managing large datasets, Spaces provides an intuitive solution with predictable pricing and powerful capabilities.

• Built for developers: Spaces integrates easily with your development workflow to offer a user-friendly control panel and comprehensive API access.

• Predictable pricing: Pay only for what you use with straightforward pricing—no complicated tiers or hidden fees to manage.

• Global distribution: Built-in CDN functionality helps deliver your content faster to users worldwide without additional configuration.

• S3 compatibility: Use your existing tools and workflows with full S3 API compatibility to make migration and integration simple.

• Enterprise-grade security: Built-in encryption, access control, and monitoring tools help keep your data secure and compliant.

Spaces helps you focus on building great applications instead of managing complex storage infrastructure. Features like automatic scaling, cross-region replication, and built-in CDN give you enterprise-grade capabilities without the enterprise-grade complexity.

Sign up now and experience the simplicity of DigitalOcean Spaces.