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# AWS DataSync vs AWS Import/Export Snowball Comparison - What are their main differences?

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AWS DataSyncAWS Import/Export Snowball[+ Add Product](#)

Reviews

**AWS DataSync** [

4.2/5(14)

](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-datasync/reviews#reviews)

**AWS Import/Export Snowball** [

4.1/5(29)

](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-import-export-snowball/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**AWS DataSync**
No pricing available

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**AWS DataSync**
Not enough reviews yet

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**AWS DataSync**
Not enough reviews yet

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**AWS DataSync**
Not enough reviews yet

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**AWS DataSync**
Not enough reviews yet

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**
Not enough reviews yet

Pros & Cons

**AWS DataSync**
Not enough data

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**
Not enough data

Integrations

**AWS DataSync**
[

 ![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)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-datasync/integrations)

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**
Not enough data

Ratings

Meets Requirements

**AWS DataSync**

9.1

9.19

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**

8.7

8.721

Ease of Use

**AWS DataSync**

8.1

8.19

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**

8.5

8.521

Ease of Setup

**AWS DataSync**
Not enough data

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**

7.8

7.89

Ease of Admin

**AWS DataSync**
Not enough data

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**

8.7

8.79

Quality of Support

**AWS DataSync**

8.5

8.59

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**

8.5

8.521

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**AWS DataSync**
Not enough data

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**

8.7

8.79

Product Direction (% positive)

**AWS DataSync**

8.8

8.810

**AWS Import/Export Snowball**

7.8

7.821

Features

Cloud Migration[Hide 12 FeaturesShow 12 Features](javascript:void(0);)

10.0

5

Not enough data

Functionality

Data Migration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Variety

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts and Logging

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Replication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Management

Real time Monitoring

10.0(won by default)

5

Not enough data

Backup and Recovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Integration Variety

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access and Security

Not enough data

Not enough data

Security

Data Protection

Not enough data

Not enough data

Agentic AI - Cloud Migration

Autonomous Task Execution

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-step Planning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Decision Making

Not enough data

Not enough data

Show 3 feature categories with incomplete data

ETL Tools[Hide 57 FeaturesShow 57 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Management

Reporting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Auditing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Functionality

Extraction

Not enough data

Not enough data

Transformation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Loading

Not enough data

Not enough data

Automation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Scalability

Not enough data

Not enough data

Non-Relational Transformations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Extraction

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Data Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Charting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Integration Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Ad hoc Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Match & Merge

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Metadata Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Pipeline Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Job Scheduling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Dashboard Creation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Storage Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multiple Data Sources

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Quality Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Connectors

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Single Sign On

Not enough data

Not enough data

Version Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Visual Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Accounting Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

eCommerce Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

CRM

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

SSL Security

Not enough data

Not enough data

Search/Filter

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Capture and Transfer

Not enough data

Not enough data

Collaboration Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Performance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Drag & Drop

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Replication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Database Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Workflow Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Predictive Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Migration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Analysis Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Replication[Hide 7 FeaturesShow 7 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Management

Real-Time Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Solution Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Infrastructure Compatibility

Not enough data

Not enough data

Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Solution Provision

System Failover

Not enough data

Not enough data

Pay by Usage

Not enough data

Not enough data

Service Provision

Not enough data

Not enough data

Backup[Hide 11 FeaturesShow 11 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Management

Disaster Recovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Remote Backup

Not enough data

Not enough data

Storage Formats

Not enough data

Not enough data

Scheduled Backups

Not enough data

Not enough data

On-Demand Restoration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting

Activity Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Documentation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Security

Data Encryption

Not enough data

Not enough data

Security and Compliance

Not enough data

Not enough data

Deduplication 

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![AWS DataSync](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3a7a925cc43d97814fa81ec2d6c06f45/aws-datasync.jpeg "AWS DataSync")](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-datasync/reviews)

AWS DataSync

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

42.9%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

42.9%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

14.3%

[![AWS Import/Export Snowball](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476502/aws-import-export-snowball.svg "AWS Import/Export Snowball")](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-import-export-snowball/reviews)

AWS Import/Export Snowball

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

26.9%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

42.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

30.8%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

42.9%

26.9%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

42.9%

42.3%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

14.3%

30.8%

Reviewers' Industry

[![AWS DataSync](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3a7a925cc43d97814fa81ec2d6c06f45/aws-datasync.jpeg "AWS DataSync")](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-datasync/reviews)
AWS DataSync

Information Technology and Services

21.4%

Computer Software

21.4%

Consulting

7.1%

Sports

7.1%

Logistics and Supply Chain

7.1%

Other

35.7%

[![AWS Import/Export Snowball](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476502/aws-import-export-snowball.svg "AWS Import/Export Snowball")](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-import-export-snowball/reviews)
AWS Import/Export Snowball

Computer Software

23.1%

Financial Services

15.4%

Information Technology and Services

11.5%

Telecommunications

3.8%

Non-Profit Organization Management

3.8%

Other

42.3%

FAQs

## AWS DataSync vs AWS Import/Export Snowball FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 15, 2026

### What is the difference between AWS Import/Export Snowball vs AWS DataSync?

AWS Import/Export Snowball and AWS DataSync differ primarily in their approach to large-scale data transfer, with Snowball using physical appliances for petabyte-scale migrations and DataSync providing automated, network-based transfers for ongoing synchronization.

| [AWS Import/Export Snowball](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-import-export-snowball/reviews) | [AWS DataSync](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-datasync/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.1/5 (29 reviews) | 4.2/5 (14 reviews) |
| — | — |
| 7.8 | — |
| 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Petabyte-scale data transport using secure, shippable appliances | Automated, incremental synchronization and data validation for large-scale transfers |

### How do the pricing models of AWS Import/Export Snowball and AWS DataSync compare?

Reviewers rate AWS DataSync higher for value, as reflected in satisfaction scores for price and cost.

- **AWS Import/Export Snowball:** In recent reviews, several users mention that while Snowball is effective for large data transfers, the pricing is considered steeper than hoped, though still justified by the speed and scalability.
- **AWS DataSync:** Recent reviewers describe DataSync as cost-effective and easy to use for secure data transfer, with particular praise for its affordability compared to alternatives.
- **Switching reasons:** Reviewers note that for very large data migrations, they may choose Snowball over DataSync due to time and resource constraints with network-based transfers.

### What are the best alternatives to AWS Import/Export Snowball and AWS DataSync?

The top three alternatives to AWS Import/Export Snowball and AWS DataSync are Veeam Data Platform, HubSpot Data Hub, and Fivetran.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [AWS Import/Export Snowball](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-import-export-snowball/reviews) | 4.1/5 (29 reviews) | — | Prices are steeper than hoped but justified for large-scale, secure transfers | Petabyte-scale data transport using secure, shippable appliances |
| [AWS DataSync](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-datasync/reviews) | 4.2/5 (14 reviews) | — | Described as cost-effective and easy to use for secure data transfer | Automated, incremental synchronization and data validation for large-scale transfers |
| [Veeam Data Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/veeam-data-platform/reviews) | 4.6/5 (749 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive backup and recovery capabilities |
| [HubSpot Data Hub](https://www.g2.com/products/hubspot-data-hub/reviews) | 4.5/5 (578 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Strong data integration and automation features |
| [Fivetran](https://www.g2.com/products/fivetran/reviews) | 4.3/5 (828 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Automated data pipeline management |

### Which ETL Tools features should I prioritize when comparing AWS Import/Export Snowball and AWS DataSync?

Buyers should prioritize data transfer scale, automation and synchronization, ease of setup, security, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AWS Import/Export Snowball and AWS DataSync.

- **Data transfer scale:** AWS Import/Export Snowball is frequently cited for petabyte-scale data transport, while AWS DataSync is noted for large but network-based transfers.
- **Automation and synchronization:** AWS DataSync is highlighted for automated, incremental synchronization and data validation, with a Meets Requirements score of 9.1 versus 8.7 for AWS Import/Export Snowball.
- **Ease of setup:** AWS Import/Export Snowball scores 7.8; AWS DataSync reviewers describe setup as straightforward, especially for ongoing migrations.
- **Security:** Both products are praised for secure data transfer, with Snowball specifically noted for end-to-end encryption and physical appliance security.
- **Cost-effectiveness:** AWS DataSync is described as cost-effective in recent reviews, while Snowball is considered justified in price for large-scale needs.

### What are the pros and cons of AWS Import/Export Snowball vs AWS DataSync?

AWS Import/Export Snowball's headline strength is petabyte-scale, secure physical data transfer, while AWS DataSync excels in automated, incremental synchronization and ease of use for ongoing migrations.

- **AWS Import/Export Snowball strengths:** Petabyte-scale data transport, secure shippable appliances, end-to-end encryption, and robust for large migrations.
- **AWS Import/Export Snowball trade-offs:** Steeper pricing, physical shipping delays, learning curve for non-technical users, and less suited for small or one-time transfers.
- **AWS DataSync strengths:** Automated, incremental synchronization, data validation, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use for ongoing or repeated migrations.
- **AWS DataSync trade-offs:** Less efficient for very large, one-time data migrations compared to Snowball, and initial setup requires deploying a DataSync agent and configuring network connectivity.

### Is AWS Import/Export Snowball or AWS DataSync better for small businesses?

HubSpot Data Hub is the top-ranked alternative with a strong small-business segment, while AWS Import/Export Snowball and AWS DataSync do not have a dominant small-business segment share.

- **AWS Import/Export Snowball:** No dominant small-business segment; reviewers note it is less necessary for smaller companies and better suited for large-scale transfers.
- **AWS DataSync:** No dominant small-business segment; reviewers describe it as cost-effective and easy to use, but for very small or one-time transfers, simpler tools may suffice.

### Which ETL Tools platform has better integrations?

Reviewers do not cite a clear integrations leader between AWS Import/Export Snowball and AWS DataSync.

- **AWS Import/Export Snowball:** Reviewers mention integration with AWS services and IoT solutions in recent reviews.
- **AWS DataSync:** Reviewers highlight integration with Amazon S3, Amazon FSx, and on-premises storage, as well as use with AWS DirectConnect and VPC endpoints.

### How do AWS Import/Export Snowball and AWS DataSync compare on customer support?

AWS Import/Export Snowball and AWS DataSync are rated at parity for Quality of Support, both scoring 8.5.

- **AWS Import/Export Snowball:** Reviewers describe support as generally responsive, though some mention repeated follow-ups were needed for resolution.
- **AWS DataSync:** Reviewers note support is fast and efficient, with positive experiences resolving issues and answering questions.

### Which is easier to implement, AWS Import/Export Snowball or AWS DataSync?

AWS Import/Export Snowball and AWS DataSync are rated at parity for Ease of Setup, with Snowball scoring 7.8 and DataSync described as straightforward to implement in recent reviews.

- **AWS Import/Export Snowball:** Reviewers describe setup as easy and straightforward, though some note a learning curve for non-technical users.
- **AWS DataSync:** Reviewers highlight that setup is simple, especially for ongoing migrations, with positive feedback on deployment and automation features.

Alternatives

**AWS DataSync Alternatives**

 ![Veeam Data Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a179f521693e62ccbdd5f80b4da072ec/veeam-data-platform.svg "Veeam Data Platform")

[
Veeam Data Platform
](/products/veeam-data-platform/reviews)

 ![HubSpot Data Hub](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/623d45935338f8a4283f9a911c18780c/hubspot-data-hub.svg "HubSpot Data Hub")

[
HubSpot Data Hub
](/products/hubspot-data-hub/reviews)

 ![Fivetran](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1526948884/fivetran.svg "Fivetran")

[
Fivetran
](/products/fivetran/reviews)

 ![Salesforce Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/b2a749c6cf5119ab76e497c1082c3161/agentforce-360-platform-formerly-salesforce-platform.svg "Salesforce Platform")

[
Salesforce Platform
](/products/agentforce-360-platform-formerly-salesforce-platform/reviews)

**AWS Import/Export Snowball Alternatives**

 ![HubSpot Data Hub](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/623d45935338f8a4283f9a911c18780c/hubspot-data-hub.svg "HubSpot Data Hub")

[
HubSpot Data Hub
](/products/hubspot-data-hub/reviews)

 ![Fivetran](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1526948884/fivetran.svg "Fivetran")

[
Fivetran
](/products/fivetran/reviews)

 ![Salesforce Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/b2a749c6cf5119ab76e497c1082c3161/agentforce-360-platform-formerly-salesforce-platform.svg "Salesforce Platform")

[
Salesforce Platform
](/products/agentforce-360-platform-formerly-salesforce-platform/reviews)

 ![Workato](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/5e21242185438a3b63b0b3cc5eb921b0/workato.svg "Workato")

[
Workato
](/products/workato/reviews)

## AWS DataSync vs AWS Import/Export Snowball

- Reviewers felt that AWS DataSync meets the needs of their business better than AWS Import/Export Snowball.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, AWS DataSync and AWS Import/Export Snowball provide similar levels of assistance.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of AWS DataSync over AWS Import/Export Snowball.