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What's the Difference Between AWS Transform MGN and AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)?

Compare AWS Transform MGN and AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) side by side — features, pricing, and ideal use cases to help you choose the right product.

Compare side-by-side

Comparisons
AWS Transform MGN
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
Category

Migration & Modernization

Migration & Modernization
Description

Rehosts source servers to AWS as native Amazon EC2 instances with continuous replication and minimal-downtime cutover

Securely migrates databases with minimal downtime and zero data loss
Best for
  • Server migration
  • Lift and shift
  • Data center migration
  • Cross-region migration
  • Database migration
  • Continuous replication
  • Cross-engine migration
  • Data warehouse loading
Key features
  • Continuous replication
  • Non-disruptive testing
  • Automated cutover
  • Post-launch actions
  • Multi-server migration
  • Homogeneous & heterogeneous migration
  • Continuous replication
  • Schema conversion
  • Multi-AZ
  • Serverless
Pricing model

Free for 90 days per server; then per server/hour

Pay per replication instance hour
Free tier

Yes (90 days per server)

Yes
Expert take

“AWS Transform MGN replicates servers to AWS with continuous block-level replication. Cut over with minutes of downtime when ready.”
— Didier Durand, re:Post Top Contributor [profile]

“DMS handles both homogeneous and heterogeneous migrations with continuous replication. The serverless option auto-scales for variable workloads without capacity planning.”
— Riku Kobayashi, re:Post Top Contributor [profile]
Product page

Learn more about AWS Transform MGN

Learn more about AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)

When to use AWS Transform MGN or AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)

Use AWS Transform MGN when:

  • Server migration
  • Lift and shift
  • Data center migration
  • Cross-region migration

Learn more about AWS Transform MGN

Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) when:

  • Database migration
  • Continuous replication
  • Cross-engine migration
  • Data warehouse loading

Learn more about AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)

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