Link copied to clipboard # AWS Lake Formation vs Databricks Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/aws-lake-formation/databricks/export.csv) AWS Lake FormationDatabricks[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **AWS Lake Formation** Free Trial No pricing available **Databricks** Free Trial **$99.00** Per Feature Per Month · Basic **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **AWS Lake Formation** $$$$$ **Databricks** $$$$$ Average Discount **AWS Lake Formation** Not enough reviews yet **Databricks** 14% Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **AWS Lake Formation** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Databricks** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **AWS Lake Formation** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Databricks** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Pros & Cons** from reviews **AWS Lake Formation** Not enough data **Databricks** Features (288) Ease of Use (278) Learning Curve (112) Expensive (97) Integrations **AWS Lake Formation** Not enough data **Databricks** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_f6ee5c9dddbf5c28b136829c8782ed1b/slack.png "Product Avatar Image") Slack ](https://www.g2.com/products/slack/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/databricks/integrations) Screenshots **AWS Lake Formation** No screenshot available **Databricks** ![Databricks 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/1231334/automated-etl-processing-img.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **AWS Lake Formation** **8.8** /10 Based on 26 responses **Databricks** **9.0** /10 Based on 683 responses Ease of Use **AWS Lake Formation** **8.7** /10 Based on 26 responses **Databricks** **8.8** /10 Based on 1,070 responses Ease of Setup **AWS Lake Formation** **8.5** /10 Based on 11 responses **Databricks** **8.4** /10 Based on 918 responses Ease of Admin **AWS Lake Formation** **8.0** /10 Based on 9 responses **Databricks** **8.4** /10 Based on 203 responses Quality of Support **AWS Lake Formation** **8.3** /10 Based on 25 responses **Databricks** **8.7** /10 Based on 667 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **AWS Lake Formation** **9.0** /10 Based on 8 responses **Databricks** **8.9** /10 Based on 206 responses Product Direction (% positive) **AWS Lake Formation** **10.0** /10 Based on 22 responses **Databricks** **9.6** /10 Based on 673 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Big Data Processing and Distribution **8.5** /10 Based on 20 responses **9.0** /10 Based on 542 responses Business Intelligence Not enough data **8.9** /10 Based on 399 responses Data Visualization Not enough data **9.5** /10 Based on 44 responses Uncover more feature rated insights from real users to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Analytics Platforms Not enough data **9.2** /10 Based on 404 responses Data Governance Not enough data **8.8** /10 Based on 144 responses ETL Tools Not enough data **9.0** /10 Based on 220 responses MLOps Platforms Not enough data **9.0** /10 Based on 99 responses Data Science and Machine Learning Platforms Not enough data **8.7** /10 Based on 244 responses Data Warehouse Not enough data **8.9** /10 Based on 245 responses DataOps Platforms Not enough data **9.1** /10 Based on 102 responses Generative AI Infrastructure Not enough data **9.5** /10 Based on 31 responses AI Agent Builders Not enough data **10.0** /10 Based on 22 responses Big Data Analytics Not enough data **8.9** /10 Based on 286 responses Big Data Not enough data **8.7** /10 Based on 367 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 42.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 27.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 30.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 42.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 27.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 30.3% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 15.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 37.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 47.0% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 15.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 37.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 47.0% **Reviewers' Industry** [![AWS Lake Formation](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/5383be31b099738701f86724a8b5cf9a/aws-lake-formation.svg "AWS Lake Formation")](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-lake-formation/reviews) AWS Lake Formation Information Technology and Services 25.0% Banking 9.4% Retail 6.3% Computer Software 6.3% Management Consulting 6.3% Other 46.9% [![Databricks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/135d1c9e39e19ef56dc8d0bf90fce20f/databricks.svg "Databricks")](https://www.g2.com/products/databricks/reviews) Databricks Information Technology and Services 13.5% Financial Services 11.9% Computer Software 7.7% Consulting 4.8% Manufacturing 4.7% Other 57.4% Alternatives **AWS Lake Formation Alternatives** ![Google Cloud BigQuery](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/875b8a68eca98ce3458f26e9dd34cdf9/google-cloud-bigquery.svg "Google Cloud BigQuery") [ BigQuery ](/products/google-cloud-bigquery/reviews) ![Snowflake](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1544409170/snowflake.svg "Snowflake") [ Snowflake ](/products/snowflake/reviews) ![Microsoft SQL Server](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-sql-server.svg "Microsoft SQL Server") [ MS SQL ](/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews) ![Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/18effe7340087cf76270e479644d3e42/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform.svg "Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform") [ Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform ](/products/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform/reviews) **Databricks Alternatives** ![Cloudera](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/dcfb9e6879febb34cef773ddde921835/cloudera.svg "Cloudera") [ Cloudera ](/products/cloudera/reviews) ![Snowflake](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1544409170/snowflake.svg "Snowflake") [ Snowflake ](/products/snowflake/reviews) ![Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/18effe7340087cf76270e479644d3e42/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform.svg "Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform") [ Teradata Autonomous Knowledge Platform ](/products/teradata-autonomous-knowledge-platform/reviews) ![Qubole](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1542306394/qubole.svg "Qubole") [ Qubole ](/products/qubole/reviews) ## AWS Lake Formation vs Databricks FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: November 13, 2026 ### What is the difference between Databricks vs AWS Lake Formation? Databricks is the stronger-rated, broader unified platform, while AWS Lake Formation is most distinguished by secure data-lake setup and centralized access governance. | Dimension | [Databricks](https://www.g2.com/products/databricks/reviews) | [AWS Lake Formation](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-lake-formation/reviews) | | --- | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.6/5 (1.4k+ reviews) | 4.4/5 (30+ reviews) | | Largest Segment | Enterprise | Small-Business | | Ease of Setup score | 8.4 | 8.5 | | Quality of Support score | 8.7 | 8.3 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Features, 200+ mentions | Secure data-lake setup and centralized access control | ### How do the pricing models of Databricks and AWS Lake Formation compare? Databricks reviewers report stronger value satisfaction, scoring 8.9 versus AWS Lake Formation’s 9.0 on Ease of Doing Business With, so AWS Lake Formation leads by 0.1 points on that measure. - **Databricks:** In recent reviews, users value its unified capabilities, while noting that cost visibility can be difficult. - **AWS Lake Formation:** In recent reviews, users value the time saved setting up a governed data lake. - **Switching considerations:** Recent Databricks reviews cite consolidating separate data engineering, analytics, and AI tools; AWS Lake Formation reviews cite simplifying secure data-lake setup and governance. ### What are the best alternatives to Databricks and AWS Lake Formation? BigQuery, Snowflake, and Cloudera are the top three G2-ranked alternatives to Databricks and AWS Lake Formation. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Databricks](https://www.g2.com/products/databricks/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1.4k+ reviews) | Enterprise | Recent reviewers cite concerns about rising compute costs. | Unified data engineering, analytics, and AI platform | | [AWS Lake Formation](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-lake-formation/reviews) | 4.4/5 (30+ reviews) | Small-Business | — | Secure data-lake setup and centralized governance | | [BigQuery](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-bigquery/reviews) | 4.5/5 (1.2k+ reviews) | Enterprise | — | — | | [Snowflake](https://www.g2.com/products/snowflake/reviews) | 4.6/5 (700+ reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — | | [Cloudera](https://www.g2.com/products/cloudera/reviews) | 4.2/5 (200+ reviews) | Enterprise | — | — | ### Which Big Data Processing and Distribution features should I prioritize when comparing Databricks and AWS Lake Formation? Prioritize unified data processing, governance and access control, integration with your data ecosystem, administration, and support when evaluating Databricks and AWS Lake Formation. - **Unified processing and platform:** Databricks’ recent reviews emphasize bringing engineering, analytics, and AI workflows together; its Integrated Platform theme has 60+ all-time mentions and Unified Platform has 50+. - **Governance and data management:** Databricks scores 9.0 on Meets Requirements versus 8.8 for AWS Lake Formation. Databricks’ Data Management theme has 100+ all-time mentions; recent AWS Lake Formation reviews highlight centralized permissions and access control. - **Administration:** Databricks scores 8.4 on Ease of Admin versus 8.0 for AWS Lake Formation, a 0.4-point advantage. - **Support:** Databricks scores 8.7 on Quality of Support versus 8.3 for AWS Lake Formation, a 0.4-point advantage. ### What are the pros and cons of Databricks vs AWS Lake Formation? Databricks’ headline strength is its unified data engineering, analytics, and AI environment; AWS Lake Formation’s is secure data-lake setup and centralized governance. - **Databricks strengths:** G2 reviewers cite broad features, data management, collaboration, scalable processing, and Unity Catalog governance. Its all-time themes include Features, 200+ mentions; Data Management, 100+; Integrated Platform, 60+; Unified Platform, 50+; and Centralized Management, 30+. - **Databricks trade-offs:** Recent reviewers note rising compute costs, cost visibility challenges, a learning curve for advanced configuration, and dashboard or monitoring limitations. - **AWS Lake Formation strengths:** Recent reviewers value secure data-lake creation, centralized permissions, cataloging, and integration with AWS analytics services. - **AWS Lake Formation trade-offs:** Recent reviewers describe permission design and troubleshooting as complex, and cite reliance on AWS expertise and limited integration beyond AWS. ### Is Databricks or AWS Lake Formation better for small businesses? AWS Lake Formation is the stronger small-business fit by reviewer segment, with Small-Business as its largest segment; Databricks’ largest segment is Enterprise. - **Databricks:** Enterprise is the largest reviewer segment. Recent reviewers value its all-in-one platform and scalability, while noting that configuration can require close management. - **AWS Lake Formation:** Small-Business is the largest reviewer segment. Recent reviewers describe secure data-lake setup and centralized governance as useful, while noting that AWS expertise is needed for more complex configurations. ### Which Big Data Processing and Distribution platform has better integrations? Databricks has the stronger integration signal in recent reviews, which describe connections across diverse source systems and cloud platforms; AWS Lake Formation reviewers emphasize integration within AWS. - **Databricks:** Recent reviewers cite integrations with S3, Azure Data Lake Storage, dbt, and BI and ML tools, supporting workflows across data sources and services. - **AWS Lake Formation:** Recent reviewers cite AWS Glue, Athena, and Redshift for cataloging, access, and analytics workflows, while describing integration outside AWS as a trade-off. ### How do Databricks and AWS Lake Formation compare on customer support? Databricks leads AWS Lake Formation on Quality of Support by 0.4 points, scoring 8.7 versus 8.3. - **Databricks:** Recent reviewers describe responsive account and support teams, including help during setup and access to engineering guidance; others note that documentation and answers for specific functions could improve. - **AWS Lake Formation:** Reviewers describe helpful service and support experiences, while also noting that the knowledge base could be stronger. ### Which is easier to implement, Databricks or AWS Lake Formation? AWS Lake Formation leads Databricks on Ease of Setup by 0.1 points, scoring 8.5 versus 8.4; Databricks leads on Ease of Admin by 0.4 points, scoring 8.4 versus 8.0. - **Databricks:** Recent reviewers report quick workspace and pipeline setup, including Terraform-based deployment, while noting that permissions, governance, and advanced configuration can add complexity. - **AWS Lake Formation:** Recent reviewers describe basic data-lake setup as manageable and centralized, while scalable governance and fine-grained permissions require AWS experience. ### Which product has better Data Lake? Data Lake is the most frequently mentioned feature across Databricks and AWS Lake Formation reviews. - **Databricks:** Reviewers describe a lakehouse environment combining data processing, analytics, and governance; its Data Management theme has 100+ all-time mentions. - **AWS Lake Formation:** Recent reviewers highlight secure data-lake creation, cataloging, and centralized access control, including use with AWS analytics services.