NoSQL (key-value, document, wide-column, graph)
Amazon DynamoDB Streams vs Azure Cosmos DB change feed
DynamoDB Streams maps to the Azure Cosmos DB change feed.
Both expose an ordered log of item changes that Lambda or Azure Functions can trigger on.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Amazon DynamoDB Streams | Azure Cosmos DB change feed |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | Time-ordered log of item-level changes kept for 24 hours, consumed by Lambda triggers or the Kinesis adapter. Kinesis Data Streams is an alternative change destination. | Persistent, ordered (per partition key) log of changes, read with the change feed processor, Azure Functions triggers, or Spark. Latest-version mode by default, plus an all-versions-and-deletes mode. |
| Pricing model | Stream read requests (free for Lambda triggers) per 100,000 requests. | Reading the change feed consumes RUs from the container's throughput. |
| Docs | Amazon DynamoDB Streams docs | Azure Cosmos DB change feed docs |
| Pricing page | Amazon DynamoDB Streams pricing | Azure Cosmos DB change feed pricing |
| Exams | DVA-C02 Retiring SAA-C03 | DP-420 |
Key differences
- Retention. DynamoDB Streams keeps changes for 24 hours. The Cosmos DB change feed in latest-version mode is persistent for as long as the item exists, and you can read it from the beginning.
- Deletes. DynamoDB Streams includes deletes and old and new item images. The Cosmos DB default (latest version) mode omits deletes and intermediate versions; the all-versions-and-deletes mode adds them for a retention window.
- Consumers. DynamoDB Streams uses Lambda triggers or the Kinesis adapter. Cosmos DB uses Functions triggers, the change feed processor, the pull model, or Spark.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Stream read requests (free for Lambda triggers) per 100,000 requests. Amazon DynamoDB Streams pricing →
- Azure
- Reading the change feed consumes RUs from the container's throughput. Azure Cosmos DB change feed pricing →
Certification exam mapping
| Exam | Provider | Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Developer – Associate DVA-C02 | AWS | Associate | retiring Being updated to DVA-C03. Registration for DVA-C03 opens Oct 27, 2026. Last day to take DVA-C02 is Nov 30, 2026. |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate SAA-C03 | AWS | Associate | current Italian version retires after Dec 31, 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. |
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 Streams?
DynamoDB Streams maps to the Azure Cosmos DB change feed. Both expose an ordered log of item changes that Lambda or Azure Functions can trigger on.
How does pricing compare between Amazon DynamoDB Streams and Azure Cosmos DB change feed?
AWS: Stream read requests (free for Lambda triggers) per 100,000 requests. Azure: Reading the change feed consumes RUs from the container's throughput. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C02) [retiring]; AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); Microsoft Certified – Azure Cosmos DB AI Developer Associate (DP-420).