Cloud Equivalents

Network-to-network & hybrid connectivity

AWS Direct Connect vs Azure ExpressRoute

AWS Direct Connect maps to Azure ExpressRoute.

Both offer provider-hosted circuits and direct ports at colocation facilities.

Direct match Use it to: Get predictable bandwidth and latency between your data center and the cloud over a private circuit, not the internet.

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Side-by-side comparison

Dedicated private connection to the cloud: AWS vs Azure side by side
AspectAmazon Web ServicesMicrosoft Azure
ServiceAWS Direct ConnectAzure ExpressRoute
LifecycleGenerally availableGenerally available
What it isDedicated or hosted private connections from your network to AWS at Direct Connect locations, with private, public, and transit virtual interfaces.Private connections from your network to Microsoft through a connectivity provider or ExpressRoute Direct, with private peering (virtual networks) and Microsoft peering (Microsoft 365 and public PaaS).
Pricing modelPer port-hour plus data transfer out per GB, by location.Monthly circuit fee by bandwidth, metered (per GB outbound) or unlimited data plans, plus the gateway, and Premium add-on if needed.
DocsAWS Direct Connect docsAzure ExpressRoute docs
Pricing pageAWS Direct Connect pricingAzure ExpressRoute pricing
ExamsSAA-C03 ANS-C01 Retiring SAP-C02 RetiringAZ-700 AZ-305

Key differences

  • Speeds. Direct Connect ranges from 50 Mbps (hosted, through partners) to 400 Gbps dedicated ports. ExpressRoute provider circuits range from 50 Mbps to 10 Gbps, and ExpressRoute Direct ports are 10, 100, or 400 Gbps.
  • Microsoft services. ExpressRoute Microsoft peering reaches Microsoft 365 and Azure public services. Direct Connect public virtual interfaces reach AWS public endpoints.
  • Scope. An ExpressRoute circuit reaches all regions in its geopolitical region (Standard), or worldwide with Premium. Direct Connect reaches any Region through a Direct Connect gateway.
  • Encryption. Neither encrypts by default. Both support MACsec on dedicated or direct ports, or IPsec VPN over the circuit.

Pricing summary

Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.

AWS
Per port-hour plus data transfer out per GB, by location. AWS Direct Connect pricing →
Azure
Monthly circuit fee by bandwidth, metered (per GB outbound) or unlimited data plans, plus the gateway, and Premium add-on if needed. Azure ExpressRoute pricing →

Certification exam mapping

ExamProviderLevelStatus
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate SAA-C03AWSAssociatecurrent
Italian version retires after Dec 31, 2026.
AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty ANS-C01AWSSpecialtyretiring
The exam is being retired. The last day to take it is Dec 31, 2026. Existing certifications stay active for their three-year period.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional SAP-C02AWSProfessionalretiring
Being updated to SAP-C03. Registration for SAP-C03 opens Oct 27, 2026. Last day to take SAP-C02 is Nov 16, 2026.
Microsoft Certified – Azure Network Engineer Associate AZ-700AzureAssociatecurrent
Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305AzureExpertcurrent
English version updated Apr 17, 2026.

Relevance is based on each exam's published scope, not a line-by-line objective match. Check the official study guide.

FAQ

What is the Azure equivalent of AWS Direct Connect?

AWS Direct Connect maps to Azure ExpressRoute. Both offer provider-hosted circuits and direct ports at colocation facilities.

How does pricing compare between AWS Direct Connect and Azure ExpressRoute?

AWS: Per port-hour plus data transfer out per GB, by location. Azure: Monthly circuit fee by bandwidth, metered (per GB outbound) or unlimited data plans, plus the gateway, and Premium add-on if needed. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.

Which certification exams cover this topic?

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (ANS-C01) [retiring]; AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (SAP-C02) [retiring]; Microsoft Certified – Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700); Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).

Related comparisons

Official sources