In terms of digital storage, Amazon Simple Storage Service, or Amazon S3, covers many different functions needed by both individuals and business owners. Amazon S3 offers unlimited storage, regular backups, data protection, and so much more. While they may provide the exact functions you’re looking for in data storage software, there are many other similar alternatives that may be worth considering. The programs listed below are all online object storage options that offer many features worthy of being compared to Amazon S3.
Top 8 Best Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) Alternatives and Competitors
- Google Cloud Storage – Most Customizable Alternative
- Backblaze – Most Usable Alternative
- Azure Blob Storage – Most Administratable Alternative
- Zadara – Most Optimized Alternative
- IBM Cloud Object Storage – Most Flexible Alternative
- Storj DCS – Most Affordable Alternative
- Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage – Most Universal Alternative
- Digital Ocean Spaces – Most Non-Traditional Alternative
1. Google Cloud Storage – Most Customizable Alternative
PRICING: quotes given on an individual basis
Google Cloud Storage is a digital storage option that is optimized for the storage needs of both individual users and big corporations. They offer a reliable storage system that makes accessing and retrieving files simple and easy.
Google Cloud Storage is free to set up and offers a customized payment plan depending on your individual needs or the needs of your business.
KEY FEATURES:
- Customizable payment plan depending on need
- Easily retrieve data
- Integration
- Mobile compatibility
REASONS TO BUY:
- Flexible
- Easily access files from mobile device
- Functional for individuals and corporations
- No set up cost
- Secure
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Costly
- Files import one-by-one
2. Backblaze – Most Usable Alternative
PRICING: roughly $5/TB/month
Backblaze is a lesser-known digital storage system that was designed with the individual in mind. Geared toward personal computers and devices, this system allows users to pay a monthly fee per device using the software. Backblaze also offers a mobile app that, once set up, does all the work hands-free.
KEY FEATURES:
- Backup personal devices
- Automated mobile application
- Integrations
REASONS TO BUY:
- No hidden costs
- No fees for deleting
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Might not be best for large corporation use
- Only saves deleted files for 30 days
- Not as known as other software options
- No free trial option
3. Azure Blob Storage – Most Administratable Alternative
PRICING:
- Free trial
- Price dependent on devices and product
- Offers a price calculator
This cloud-based software is owned by Microsoft and works as a high-volume storage platform. Azure Blob Storage offers many different databases and backup solutions to fit all your digital needs. The main focus of this software is storing large amounts of data in a safe and reliable database.
KEY FEATURES:
- High volume storage
- Diverse services
REASONS TO BUY:
- Best for large amounts of data
- User-friendly
- Easy to transition to software
- Flexible
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Inconsistent customer support
- Slow
4. Zadara – Most Optimized Alternative
PRICING:
- Free trial
- Price dependent on data type, capacity, and term
Zadara is a cloud-based digital storage option, best optimized for developed businesses. They offer foundational tools such as secure storage, management options, and cloud optimization. Zadara is universal and is most commonly used in the enterprise sector.
KEY FEATURES:
- Integratable
- Cloud-based storage
- Secure storage
- Management options
- Cloud optimization
REASONS TO BUY:
- Integratable among many other cloud-based services
- Pay for only what you use
- Flexible
- User-friendly
- Dependable
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Few updates
- Lack of compatibility with other programs
5. IBM Cloud Object Storage – Most Flexible Alternative
PRICING:
- Offers a free plan with limited features
- Price determined with “cost estimator” feature
This flexible storage service offers business storage at a personalized cost. IBM Cloud Object Storage provides users with unlimited, secure storage that is easily integrated. Through this system, individuals can view analytics and stay on top of managing their stored data from any remote location.
KEY FEATURES:
- Unlimited storage
- Backups
- Additional services offered through the system
- Integratable
- Cloud-based
REASONS TO BUY:
- Flexible
- Secure storage
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Costly
6. Storj DCS – Most Affordable Alternative
PRICING: starts at $4/TB/month
Storj DCS is an affordable, cloud-based storage solution that allows users to safely store their data in a decentralized location. This ensures that your data is protected from data leaks. Storj DCS is optimized for larger data files. Their pricing is affordable and they also offer a free plan that works best with smaller files.
KEY FEATURES:
- Decentralized
- Cloud-based
- Privacy features
REASONS TO BUY:
- Data is guaranteed to be secure
- Data remains private
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Clunky
- Might be difficult to set up
- Not as user friendly as its alternatives
7. Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage – Most Universal Alternative
PRICING: starts at $5.99/TB/month
Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage is a universal digital storage solution that provides customers with safe, secure data storage at any size. This software is used by both individuals and larger corporations. Wasabi focuses on being a one-size-fits-all storage platform.
With an affordable monthly fee, Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage allows unlimited cloud-based storage for you or your business.
KEY FEATURES:
- Cloud-based storage
- No storage tiers
- Universal storage
REASONS TO BUY:
- Universal
- Bulk storage
- Optimized for businesses and individuals
- One-size-fits-all
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Might not fit your price needs
8. Digital Ocean Spaces – Most Non-Traditional Alternative
PRICING:
- Starts at $4/month
- Offers a free app platform
Digital Ocean Spaces is a more underground digital store option. It offers a $4/month plan, a $12/month plan, and a free mobile application feature plan. This software is suitable for both individual users and developed businesses
KEY FEATURES:
- CDN included
- Cloud-compatible
- Networking
- Databases included
REASONS TO BUY:
- Affordable
- Many included features at a low cost
- Supports business growth
- Simple interface
- User-friendly
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Not affiliated with any of the big 3 storage providers
- Not as known
References and Links
- https://aws.amazon.com/s3/
- https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-simple-storage-service-s3/competitors/alternatives
- https://cloud.google.com/storage
- https://www.trustradius.com/products/google-cloud-storage/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons#overview
- https://www.backblaze.com/
- https://www.trustradius.com/products/backblaze-business-backup/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons
- https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/
- https://www.zadara.com/
- https://www.peerspot.com/products/zadara-pros-and-cons
- https://www.ibm.com/cloud/object-storage
- https://www.peerspot.com/products/ibm-cloud-object-storage-reviews#review_2123714
- https://www.taloflow.ai/blog/8-amazon-s3-alternatives
- https://www.storj.io/
- https://www.softwareadvice.com/backup/storj-profile/
- https://wasabi.com/
- https://www.digitalocean.com/