NoSQL (key-value, document, wide-column, graph)
Amazon DynamoDB global tables vs Azure Cosmos DB global distribution and multi-region writes
DynamoDB global tables map to Cosmos DB global distribution with multi-region writes.
Both replicate every write to all regions and let any region accept writes.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Amazon DynamoDB global tables | Azure Cosmos DB global distribution and multi-region writes |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | Multi-Region, multi-active tables with multi-Region eventual consistency (the default) or multi-Region strong consistency (MRSC, same-account only). The mode is fixed at creation. | Add or remove regions at any time, with single-region or multi-region writes, automatic or manual failover, and conflict resolution (last writer wins or custom). |
| Pricing model | Replicated write request units in each Region plus storage per Region and cross-Region transfer. | Provisioned RU/s and storage billed in every region. Multi-region writes multiply RU costs across regions. |
| Docs | Amazon DynamoDB global tables docs | Azure Cosmos DB global distribution and multi-region writes docs |
| Pricing page | Amazon DynamoDB global tables pricing | Azure Cosmos DB global distribution and multi-region writes pricing |
| Exams | SAA-C03 SAP-C02 Retiring | DP-420 AZ-305 |
Key differences
- Consistency. Global tables offer multi-Region eventual consistency (default) or multi-Region strong consistency (MRSC), and all replicas in a table must use the same mode. Global tables can also span multiple AWS accounts. Cosmos DB applies its account consistency level, and strong consistency isn't available with multi-region writes.
- Conflicts. Global tables use last writer wins (in eventual mode). Cosmos DB offers last writer wins (on a timestamp or custom property) or custom merge procedures.
- SLA. Cosmos DB offers a 99.999% read and write availability SLA with multi-region writes. DynamoDB global tables also have a 99.999% SLA.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Replicated write request units in each Region plus storage per Region and cross-Region transfer. Amazon DynamoDB global tables pricing →
- Azure
- Provisioned RU/s and storage billed in every region. Multi-region writes multiply RU costs across regions. Azure Cosmos DB global distribution and multi-region writes pricing →
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate SAA-C03 | AWS | Associate | current Italian version retires after Dec 31, 2026. |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional SAP-C02 | AWS | Professional | retiring 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 Cosmos DB AI Developer Associate DP-420 | Azure | Associate | current Renamed from Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty and moved to Associate level on Oct 6, 2026. |
| Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305 | Azure | Expert | current 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 Amazon DynamoDB global tables?
DynamoDB global tables map to Cosmos DB global distribution with multi-region writes. Both replicate every write to all regions and let any region accept writes.
How does pricing compare between Amazon DynamoDB global tables and Azure Cosmos DB global distribution and multi-region writes?
AWS: Replicated write request units in each Region plus storage per Region and cross-Region transfer. Azure: Provisioned RU/s and storage billed in every region. Multi-region writes multiply RU costs across regions. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (SAP-C02) [retiring]; Microsoft Certified – Azure Cosmos DB AI Developer Associate (DP-420); Microsoft Certified – Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).