Link copied to clipboard # Amazon Kinesis Data Streams vs Confluent Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams/confluent/export.csv) Amazon Kinesis Data StreamsConfluent[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** No pricing available **Confluent** Free Trial No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** Not enough reviews yet **Confluent** 4 months Based on 5 responses Return on Investment **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** Not enough reviews yet **Confluent** 14 months Based on 5 responses Perceived Cost **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** $$$$$ **Confluent** $$$$$ Average Discount **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** Not enough reviews yet **Confluent** 9% **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** [ Real-time Data (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2306703&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Real-Time Processing (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2306712&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Difficult Setup (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2306736&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Expensive (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2306700&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **Confluent** [ Cloud Computing (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/confluent/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2311123&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Cloud Services (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/confluent/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2311173&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Cost Estimation (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/confluent/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2311235&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Expensive (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/confluent/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2311185&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_b3390b4cc3d92e87d570895f7358c003/amazon-redshift.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Amazon Redshift ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-redshift/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_cacdec8b8edeace9b3c89e0c2cded695/amazon-s3-glacier.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Amazon S3 Glacier ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-s3-glacier/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_b3390b4cc3d92e87d570895f7358c003/aws-lambda.jpg "Product Avatar Image") AWS Lambda ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-lambda/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams/integrations) **Confluent** Not enough data Screenshots **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** ![Amazon Kinesis Data Streams screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1249563/HIW-KDS.png) **Confluent** ![Confluent screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/201434/Screen-Shot-2022-02-15-at-2.54.15-PM.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** 9.1 9.153 **Confluent** 8.8 8.888 Ease of Use **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** 8.4 8.453 **Confluent** 8.2 8.2112 Ease of Setup **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** 8.6 8.620 **Confluent** 7.6 7.660 Ease of Admin **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** 8.4 8.418 **Confluent** 8.1 8.139 Quality of Support **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** 8.6 8.648 **Confluent** 8.3 8.382 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** 8.6 8.618 **Confluent** 8.5 8.536 Product Direction (% positive) **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams** 8.1 8.144 **Confluent** 9.0 9.089 **Features** ratings from reviews Event Stream Processing 9.1 21 8.8 82 Big Data Processing and Distribution Not enough data 8.4 28 Big Data Analytics Not enough data 8.3 26 User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 27.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 37.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 35.8% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 27.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 37.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 35.8% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 33.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 30.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 36.0% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 33.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 30.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 36.0% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Amazon Kinesis Data Streams](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/5383be31b099738701f86724a8b5cf9a/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams.svg "Amazon Kinesis Data Streams")](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams/reviews) Amazon Kinesis Data Streams Computer Software 14.8% Information Technology and Services 13.6% Financial Services 12.3% Consumer Services 4.9% Banking 4.9% Other 49.4% [![Confluent](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_b087379a1153e7d513f37c83481c8ced/confluent.png "Confluent")](https://www.g2.com/products/confluent/reviews) Confluent Computer Software 20.3% Information Technology and Services 14.3% Financial Services 12.8% Banking 7.5% Retail 5.3% Other 39.8% Alternatives **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams Alternatives** ![Apache Kafka](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_809aa88d3571ee805a47d8fb156ba412/apache-kafka.jpg "Apache Kafka") [ Apache Kafka ](/products/apache-kafka/reviews) ![Google Cloud Dataflow](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0c51d2c2e5f85fe45126eb818f748267/google-cloud-dataflow.png "Google Cloud Dataflow") [ Google Cloud Dataflow ](/products/google-cloud-dataflow/reviews) ![Spark Streaming](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_2986a90abde9fb618861f2052b30d907/spark-streaming.jpg "Spark Streaming") [ Spark Streaming ](/products/spark-streaming/reviews) ![Google Cloud Pub/Sub](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_aeae116c52945fdecd7ed16d621cb315/google-cloud-pub-sub.png "Google Cloud Pub/Sub") [ Google Cloud Pub/Sub ](/products/google-cloud-pub-sub/reviews) **Confluent Alternatives** ![Cloudera](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/dcfb9e6879febb34cef773ddde921835/cloudera.svg "Cloudera") [ Cloudera ](/products/cloudera/reviews) ![Lenses](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/00711a899e586e752321ee33312a1509/lenses.svg "Lenses") [ Lenses ](/products/lenses/reviews) ![Apache Kafka](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_809aa88d3571ee805a47d8fb156ba412/apache-kafka.jpg "Apache Kafka") [ Apache Kafka ](/products/apache-kafka/reviews) ![Amazon Managed Streaming for Apache Kafka (Amazon MSK)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/5383be31b099738701f86724a8b5cf9a/amazon-managed-streaming-for-apache-kafka-amazon-msk.svg "Amazon Managed Streaming for Apache Kafka (Amazon MSK)") [ Amazon Managed Streaming... ](/products/amazon-managed-streaming-for-apache-kafka-amazon-msk/reviews) ## Amazon Kinesis Data Streams vs Confluent FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Confluent vs Amazon Kinesis Data Streams? Confluent stands out for its managed Kafka infrastructure and integration features, while Amazon Kinesis Data Streams is favored for AWS-native scalability and real-time analytics. | [Confluent](https://www.g2.com/products/confluent/reviews) | [Amazon Kinesis Data Streams](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams/reviews) | | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews): 4.4/5 (114 reviews) | G2 Rating (reviews): 4.3/5 (90 reviews) | | Largest Segment: Enterprise | Largest Segment: Enterprise | | Ease of Setup score: 8.2 | Ease of Setup score: 8.6 | | Quality of Support score: 8.3 | Quality of Support score: 8.6 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength: Managed Kafka infrastructure and connectors | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength: Real-time data processing and AWS integration | ### How do the pricing models of Confluent and Amazon Kinesis Data Streams compare? Amazon Kinesis Data Streams is rated higher for value, with a stronger Price/Cost satisfaction score than Confluent. - **Confluent:** In recent reviews, several reviewers mention that costs can escalate with higher data volumes and that some features are only available in higher editions. - **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams:** Reviewers highlight its cost-effectiveness and pay-as-you-go model, but note that costs can rise if streams are not monitored or sharding is not managed efficiently. - **Switching reasons:** Reviewers cite switching to Amazon Kinesis Data Streams for better integration with AWS services and to avoid the operational overhead of managing Kafka infrastructure. ### What are the best alternatives to Confluent and Amazon Kinesis Data Streams? The top three alternatives to Confluent and Amazon Kinesis Data Streams are Cloudera, Lenses, and Apache Kafka. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Confluent](https://www.g2.com/products/confluent/reviews) | 4.4/5 (114 reviews) | Enterprise | Costs can escalate with data volume | Managed Kafka infrastructure and connectors | | [Amazon Kinesis Data Streams](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams/reviews) | 4.3/5 (90 reviews) | Enterprise | Cost-effective, but can rise with usage | Real-time data processing and AWS integration | | [Cloudera](https://www.g2.com/products/cloudera/reviews) | 4.1/5 (136 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Enterprise data management and analytics | | [Lenses](https://www.g2.com/products/lenses/reviews) | 4.2/5 (17 reviews) | — | — | Kafka monitoring and management | | [Apache Kafka](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-kafka/reviews) | 4.5/5 (132 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Open-source event streaming platform | ### Which Event Stream Processing features should I prioritize when comparing Confluent and Amazon Kinesis Data Streams? Buyers should prioritize integration capabilities, real-time processing, scalability, ease of setup, and support quality when comparing Confluent and Amazon Kinesis Data Streams. - **Integration capabilities:** Confluent has 1 all-time mention for integrations; Amazon Kinesis Data Streams has 1 all-time mention for AWS Lambda integration. - **Real-time processing:** Confluent and Amazon Kinesis Data Streams both have 1 all-time mention for real-time processing. - **Scalability:** Both products are frequently cited for scalability in recent reviews. - **Ease of setup:** Confluent scores 8.2, Amazon Kinesis Data Streams scores 8.6. - **Support quality:** Confluent scores 8.3, Amazon Kinesis Data Streams scores 8.6. ### What are the pros and cons of Confluent vs Amazon Kinesis Data Streams? Confluent's headline strength is managed Kafka infrastructure and connectors, while Amazon Kinesis Data Streams excels in AWS-native real-time data processing and integration. - **Confluent strengths:** Managed Kafka infrastructure, connectors, data integration, ease of use, real-time streaming, reliability (each with 1 all-time mention). - **Confluent trade-offs:** Cost estimation, expense, initial difficulties, learning curve, limited features (each with 1 all-time mention). - **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams strengths:** Real-time data, real-time processing, streaming, API integration, fast processing, performance, real-time analytics (each with 1-2 all-time mentions). - **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams trade-offs:** Difficult setup (2 all-time mentions), expense (2 all-time mentions), resource-intensive learning (2 all-time mentions), complexity, integration issues, learning curve, limitations, pricing issues (each with 1 all-time mention). ### Is Confluent or Amazon Kinesis Data Streams better for small businesses? Amazon Kinesis Data Streams is a better fit for small businesses, as reviewers highlight its cost-effectiveness and ease of scaling without infrastructure management. - **Confluent:** Largest segment is Enterprise; reviewers note a steep learning curve and higher costs for small businesses. - **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams:** Largest segment is Enterprise; recent reviews from small-business users highlight its pay-as-you-go pricing and minimal operational overhead as advantages for smaller teams. ### Which Event Stream Processing platform has better integrations? Amazon Kinesis Data Streams is favored for integrations, especially within the AWS ecosystem. - **Confluent:** Integrations are mentioned in recent reviews, with 1 all-time mention for connectors and easy integrations. - **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams:** AWS Lambda integration is cited in recent reviews, with 1 all-time mention, and reviewers frequently highlight its strong integration with other AWS services. ### How do Confluent and Amazon Kinesis Data Streams compare on customer support? Amazon Kinesis Data Streams scores higher on Quality of Support, with a 0.3-point lead over Confluent (8.6 vs 8.3). - **Confluent:** Reviewers describe support as knowledgeable and helpful, with several citing positive experiences and timely assistance. - **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams:** Reviewers consistently praise support quality, noting excellent AWS customer support and effective troubleshooting. ### Which is easier to implement, Confluent or Amazon Kinesis Data Streams? Amazon Kinesis Data Streams is rated higher for Ease of Setup, with a 0.4-point advantage over Confluent (8.6 vs 8.2). - **Confluent:** Reviewers mention straightforward setup for those familiar with Kafka, but note a learning curve and some complexity for beginners. - **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams:** Reviewers highlight easy setup, especially for AWS users, though some mention initial complexity with shards and throughput concepts. ### Which product has better Integration? Confluent and Amazon Kinesis Data Streams are both cited for integration, with reviewers noting strong integration capabilities for each. - **Confluent:** Integration is mentioned in recent reviews, with 1 all-time mention for connectors and easy integrations. - **Amazon Kinesis Data Streams:** Integration with AWS Lambda is cited in recent reviews, with 1 all-time mention, and reviewers highlight its integration with AWS services.