Link copied to clipboard # AWS Key Management Service (KMS) vs Vault Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/aws-key-management-service-kms/hashicorp-vault/export.csv) AWS Key Management Service...IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault)[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** No pricing available **Vault** Free Trial No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** Not enough reviews yet **Vault** 2 months Based on 7 responses Return on Investment **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** Not enough reviews yet **Vault** 8 months Based on 7 responses Perceived Cost **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** $$$$$ **Vault** $$$$$ Average Discount **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** Not enough reviews yet **Vault** Not enough reviews yet **Pros & Cons** from reviews **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** [ Azure Services (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-key-management-service-kms/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2281986&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Cloud Services (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-key-management-service-kms/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2281975&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Access Issues (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-key-management-service-kms/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2281965&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Connectivity Issues (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-key-management-service-kms/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2281993&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **Vault** [ Useful (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/hashicorp-vault/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2509403&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Authentication (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/hashicorp-vault/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2509401&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Complexity Issues (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/hashicorp-vault/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2509426&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Complex Usage (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/hashicorp-vault/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2509405&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_cacdec8b8edeace9b3c89e0c2cded695/amazon-ec2.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Amazon EC2 ](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-ec2/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-key-management-service-kms/integrations) **Vault** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_3e48424a2018bcf0ee79be458ca923cb/vmware-vsphere.png "Product Avatar Image") VMware vSphere ](https://www.g2.com/products/vmware-vsphere/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/hashicorp-vault/integrations) Screenshots **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** No screenshot available **Vault** ![Vault 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/103377/Vault-writing-a-secret.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** 9.0 9.023 **Vault** 8.7 8.742 Ease of Use **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** 8.5 8.523 **Vault** 7.6 7.651 Ease of Setup **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** 8.9 8.911 **Vault** 6.8 6.836 Ease of Admin **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** 8.5 8.510 **Vault** 7.5 7.523 Quality of Support **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** 8.8 8.822 **Vault** 7.9 7.934 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** 8.5 8.510 **Vault** 8.1 8.118 Product Direction (% positive) **AWS Key Management Service (KMS)** 8.4 8.422 **Vault** 9.4 9.441 **Features** ratings from reviews Database Security Not enough data 8.0 19 Encryption Key Management Not enough data 8.9 13 Secrets Management Tools Not enough data 8.5 12 Data Center Security Solutions Not enough data 8.1 6 Password Managers Not enough data 8.9 27 User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 22.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 19.4% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 58.1% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 22.6% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 19.4% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 58.1% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 24.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 30.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 45.5% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 24.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 30.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 45.5% **Reviewers' Industry** [![AWS Key Management Service (KMS)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476489/aws-key-management-service-kms.svg "AWS Key Management Service (KMS)")](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-key-management-service-kms/reviews) AWS Key Management Service (KMS) Computer Software 29.0% Information Technology and Services 9.7% Computer & Network Security 6.5% Retail 6.5% Program Development 6.5% Other 41.9% [![Vault](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/0ee75f8aa7a545be51fce5cd41f4741e/hashicorp-vault.svg "Vault")](https://www.g2.com/products/hashicorp-vault/reviews) Vault Computer Software 19.3% Information Technology and Services 17.5% Telecommunications 7.0% Banking 7.0% Financial Services 5.3% Other 43.9% Alternatives **AWS Key Management Service (KMS) Alternatives** ![Azure Key Vault](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/azure-key-vault.svg "Azure Key Vault") [ Azure Key Vault ](/products/azure-key-vault/reviews) ![Egnyte](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/91bb854a397a0e939339a805a61acf75/egnyte.svg "Egnyte") [ Egnyte ](/products/egnyte/reviews) ![Virtru Email Encryption](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9566ba6338388ab7e15b634d2d6fc7ba/virtru-email-encryption.svg "Virtru Email Encryption") [ Virtru Email Encryption ](/products/virtru-email-encryption/reviews) ![Google Cloud Key Management Service](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0c51d2c2e5f85fe45126eb818f748267/google-cloud-key-management-service.png "Google Cloud Key Management Service") [ Cloud Key Management Service ](/products/google-cloud-key-management-service/reviews) **Vault Alternatives** ![Keeper Business Password Manager](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_01594bd607354336a9061abbe06a71a2/keeper-business-password-manager.png "Keeper Business Password Manager") [ Keeper Password Manager ](/products/keeper-business-password-manager/reviews) ![1Password](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/44a92221962a61e97eaf7f9b7327e4fc/1password.svg "1Password") [ 1Password ](/products/1password/reviews) ![Akeyless Identity Security Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7e75241041bf98f88097af7d2cceb929/akeyless-identity-security-platform.svg "Akeyless Identity Security Platform") [ Akeyless Identity Security... ](/products/akeyless-identity-security-platform/reviews) ![LastPass](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9020c8120331d4c9d0995cb91a5b1f9d/lastpass.svg "LastPass") [ LastPass ](/products/lastpass/reviews) ## AWS Key Management Service... vs IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between AWS Key Management Service... vs IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault)? AWS Key Management Service... stands out for higher Ease of Setup and Quality of Support scores, while IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) is noted for its security and integration strengths. | | [AWS Key Management Service...](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-key-management-service-kms/reviews) | [IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault)](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-vault-formerly-hashicorp-vault/reviews) | | --- | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.4/5 (34 reviews) | 4.3/5 (53 reviews) | | Ease of Setup score | 8.9 | 6.7 | | Quality of Support score | 8.8 | 7.9 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Centralized encryption key management and AWS integration | Security and easy integrations | ### How do the pricing models of AWS Key Management Service... and IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) compare? AWS Key Management Service... is rated higher for value, with a stronger Price/Cost satisfaction score than IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault). - **AWS Key Management Service...:** In recent reviews, many highlight satisfaction with its value, noting it is "very cheap" and removes the complexity of manual key management. - **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault):** Recent reviewers mention that unlocking all enterprise capabilities can be expensive, and some cite the pricing model as a trade-off for smaller teams. ### What are the best alternatives to AWS Key Management Service... and IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault)? The top 3 alternatives to AWS Key Management Service... and IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) are Keeper Password Manager, Azure Key Vault, and 1Password. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [AWS Key Management Service...](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-key-management-service-kms/reviews) | 4.4/5 (34 reviews) | Enterprise | "Very cheap" for centralized key management | Centralized encryption key management and AWS integration | | [IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault)](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-vault-formerly-hashicorp-vault/reviews) | 4.3/5 (53 reviews) | Enterprise | Enterprise capabilities can be expensive | Security and easy integrations | | [Keeper Password Manager](https://www.g2.com/products/keeper-password-manager/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1235 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Password management | | [Azure Key Vault](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-key-vault/reviews) | 4.5/5 (55 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Integration with Microsoft Azure ecosystem | | [1Password](https://www.g2.com/products/1password/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1810 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Ease of use and secure password storage | ### Which Encryption Key Management features should I prioritize when comparing AWS Key Management Service... and IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault)? Buyers should prioritize centralized key management, ease of setup, integration capabilities, security features, and audit logging when comparing AWS Key Management Service... and IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault). - **Centralized Key Management:** AWS Key Management Service... is frequently cited for centralized encryption key management; IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) is noted for centralized secret management and dynamic secret access control. - **Ease of Setup:** AWS Key Management Service... scores 8.9, IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) scores 6.7. - **Integration Capabilities:** IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) is highlighted for integrations with CICD partners and cloud services; AWS Key Management Service... is praised for native AWS integration. - **Security Features:** IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) has 3 all-time security mentions; AWS Key Management Service... is cited for security protection and HSM-backed key storage. - **Audit Logging:** AWS Key Management Service... is noted for audit logging through CloudTrail; IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) is cited for audit logging and compliance support. ### What are the pros and cons of AWS Key Management Service... vs IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault)? AWS Key Management Service... is strongest for ease of setup and AWS integration, while IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) excels in security and integration flexibility. - **AWS Key Management Service... strengths:** Centralized encryption key management, automatic key rotation, granular IAM policies, audit logging, and native AWS integration. - **AWS Key Management Service... trade-offs:** Reviewers note complexity in understanding customer-managed keys and key policies, and mention API request costs for high-volume operations. - **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) strengths:** Security (3 all-time mentions), dynamic secret access control, centralized secret management, integrations with CICD and cloud services, and audit logging. - **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) trade-offs:** Reviewers cite a learning curve, complexity in setup and configuration, and higher costs for full enterprise capabilities. ### Is AWS Key Management Service... or IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) better for small businesses? 1Password is the top-rated alternative for small businesses, but between AWS Key Management Service... and IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault), AWS Key Management Service... is better suited for small-business needs based on ease of setup and reviewer sentiment. - **AWS Key Management Service...:** Largest segment is Enterprise, but reviewers highlight straightforward setup and ease of use for encryption needs, which benefits small teams. - **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault):** Largest segment is Enterprise, and reviewers note a steeper learning curve and more complex setup, which can be challenging for small businesses. ### Which Encryption Key Management platform has better integrations? IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) is favored for integration capabilities, with reviewers highlighting its flexibility and broad integration support. - **AWS Key Management Service...:** Reviewers cite strong integration with AWS services, including S3, EBS, RDS, and Lambda, but do not mention third-party integrations in recent reviews. - **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault):** Recent reviews highlight integrations with CICD partners, cloud services, Kubernetes, Terraform, and GitHub Actions, with 2 all-time mentions for integrations and easy integrations. ### How do AWS Key Management Service... and IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) compare on customer support? AWS Key Management Service... leads IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) on Quality of Support by 0.9 points, a material difference. - **AWS Key Management Service...:** Reviewers consistently rate support highly, with a Quality of Support score of 8.8 and frequent mentions of helpful AWS support and documentation. - **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault):** Quality of Support score is 7.9, with reviewers noting knowledgeable product and account teams but also citing documentation gaps and slower response for enterprise inquiries. ### Which is easier to implement, AWS Key Management Service... or IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault)? AWS Key Management Service... is significantly easier to implement than IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault), with a 2.2-point higher Ease of Setup score. - **AWS Key Management Service...:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward, with scores of 8.9 for Ease of Setup and frequent praise for quick deployment within AWS environments. - **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault):** Reviewers report a steeper learning curve and more complex setup, reflected in a 6.7 Ease of Setup score, with several noting the need for planning and configuration expertise. ## AWS Key Management Service (KMS) vs Vault When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found AWS Key Management Service (KMS) easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with AWS Key Management Service (KMS) overall. - Reviewers felt that AWS Key Management Service (KMS) meets the needs of their business better than Vault. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that AWS Key Management Service (KMS) is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Vault over AWS Key Management Service (KMS).