Microsoft Azure → Amazon Web Services
AWS equivalent of Azure SQL Database
The closest AWS equivalent of Azure SQL Database is Amazon RDS for SQL Server.
About Azure SQL Database
| Provider | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|
| Status | Generally available |
| What it is | Managed database-scoped SQL Server engine (always the latest version) in vCore (General Purpose, Business Critical, Hyperscale up to 128 TB) or DTU models, with serverless compute, elastic pools, active geo-replication, failover groups, and ledger tables. |
| Documentation | learn.microsoft.com |
| Pricing | Official pricing page |
AWS mappings (1)
| Capability | AWS equivalent | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Managed Microsoft SQL Server | Amazon RDS for SQL Server | Partial match |
Managed relational engines(1)
Managed Microsoft SQL Server Partial match
Amazon RDS for SQL Server maps to Azure SQL Managed Instance (instance-level compatibility, closest to RDS) or Azure SQL Database (database-scoped PaaS). Azure is the native home of SQL Server, so it has more options and deeper engine features than RDS.
- Compatibility. SQL Managed Instance offers near-100% Enterprise Edition compatibility, including SQL Agent, cross-database queries, CLR, and native VNet integration. RDS for SQL Server supports many instance-level features, but without sysadmin or OS access.
- Versions. RDS runs specific SQL Server versions and editions you choose and upgrade. Azure SQL Database and Managed Instance always run the latest engine (Managed Instance also offers an update policy aligned to SQL Server versions).
- Licensing. RDS is license-included (or Developer Edition for non-production). Azure lets you bring existing licenses with Azure Hybrid Benefit for a lower vCore price.