NoSQL (key-value, document, wide-column, graph)
Amazon Neptune (Database and Analytics) vs Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Gremlin
Amazon Neptune maps to Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Gremlin for property graphs.
Azure has no managed RDF/SPARQL or openCypher service, so those Neptune workloads need another design on Azure.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Amazon Neptune (Database and Analytics) | Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Gremlin |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | Managed graph database supporting property graphs (Gremlin and openCypher) and RDF (SPARQL), with read replicas, serverless capacity, and global databases. Neptune Analytics adds in-memory graph analytics and vector search. | Property-graph database using the Gremlin (Apache TinkerPop) query language on Cosmos DB, with RU throughput and global distribution. |
| Pricing model | Per instance-hour or serverless NCU-hour, plus storage and I/O. Neptune Analytics bills per memory-optimized capacity-hour. | RU-based pricing (provisioned, autoscale, or serverless) plus storage. |
| Docs | Amazon Neptune (Database and Analytics) docs | Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Gremlin docs |
| Pricing page | Amazon Neptune (Database and Analytics) pricing | Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Gremlin pricing |
| Exams | SAA-C03 | DP-420 |
Key differences
- Query languages. Neptune supports Gremlin, openCypher, and SPARQL (RDF). Cosmos DB for Gremlin supports Gremlin only.
- Analytics. Neptune Analytics adds in-memory graph algorithms and vector search. On Azure, graph analytics usually runs in Fabric or third-party graph databases from Azure Marketplace.
- Scaling. Cosmos DB for Gremlin is partitioned by a key you choose, with RU throughput and global distribution. Neptune scales with instances (or serverless capacity) and read replicas.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Per instance-hour or serverless NCU-hour, plus storage and I/O. Neptune Analytics bills per memory-optimized capacity-hour. Amazon Neptune (Database and Analytics) pricing →
- Azure
- RU-based pricing (provisioned, autoscale, or serverless) plus storage. Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Gremlin 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. |
| 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 Neptune (Database and Analytics)?
Amazon Neptune maps to Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Gremlin for property graphs. Azure has no managed RDF/SPARQL or openCypher service, so those Neptune workloads need another design on Azure.
How does pricing compare between Amazon Neptune (Database and Analytics) and Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Gremlin?
AWS: Per instance-hour or serverless NCU-hour, plus storage and I/O. Neptune Analytics bills per memory-optimized capacity-hour. Azure: RU-based pricing (provisioned, autoscale, or serverless) plus storage. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
Which certification exams cover this topic?
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03); Microsoft Certified – Azure Cosmos DB AI Developer Associate (DP-420).