Object storage
Amazon S3 Express One Zone vs Premium block blob storage accounts
S3 Express One Zone maps most closely to Azure premium block blob storage accounts.
Both use SSDs and trade higher storage prices for lower latency and lower request costs, but they differ in zone placement and API.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Microsoft Azure |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Amazon S3 Express One Zone | Premium block blob storage accounts |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available |
| What it is | A single-AZ, high-performance storage class in directory buckets, designed for consistent single-digit-millisecond access and very high request rates. 99.95% availability design; data isn't replicated across AZs. | SSD-backed block blob accounts with low, consistent latency and lower per-transaction prices (higher storage price). LRS or ZRS. They can't use hot, cool, cold, or archive tiering. |
| Pricing model | Per GB-month at a higher rate than S3 Standard, with lower per-request charges. | Higher per GB-month than hot, with lower per-operation charges. Microsoft shows it is cheaper overall for transaction-heavy workloads. |
| Docs | Amazon S3 Express One Zone docs | Premium block blob storage accounts docs |
| Pricing page | Amazon S3 Express One Zone pricing | Premium block blob storage accounts pricing |
| Exams | SAA-C03 SAP-C02 Retiring | AZ-305 |
Key differences
- Placement. Express One Zone lives in one AZ you choose (to sit next to your compute) and isn't replicated across AZs. Premium block blob accounts support LRS or ZRS, and you don't pick the zone.
- API. Express One Zone uses directory buckets and session-based authentication (CreateSession), with some API differences. Premium block blob uses the normal Blob API, so tools work unchanged.
- Tiering. Neither can use the colder tiers. To move data to cheaper storage you copy it to a standard bucket or GPv2 account.
Pricing summary
Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.
- AWS
- Per GB-month at a higher rate than S3 Standard, with lower per-request charges. Amazon S3 Express One Zone pricing →
- Azure
- Higher per GB-month than hot, with lower per-operation charges. Microsoft shows it is cheaper overall for transaction-heavy workloads. Premium block blob storage accounts 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 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 S3 Express One Zone?
S3 Express One Zone maps most closely to Azure premium block blob storage accounts. Both use SSDs and trade higher storage prices for lower latency and lower request costs, but they differ in zone placement and API.
How does pricing compare between Amazon S3 Express One Zone and Premium block blob storage accounts?
AWS: Per GB-month at a higher rate than S3 Standard, with lower per-request charges. Azure: Higher per GB-month than hot, with lower per-operation charges. Microsoft shows it is cheaper overall for transaction-heavy workloads. 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 Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).