Top 5 S3 Compatible Object Storage: Features & Benchmark

We benchmarked leading S3 compatible object storage providers across 9 key criteria based on key criteria (e.g. ease of migration, data transfer fees, storage costs, retrieval times, and mount-ability).

See the most suitable option for businesses and developers and avoid unnecessary code changes during migration:

S3-Compatible object storage providers’ prices

** Reviews are based on Capterra and G2. Vendors are ranked based on their ratings.

*** Free trial period is included if it is publicly shared.

Differentiating features of selected providers

*Wasabi, Backblaze B2, Scaleway, MinIO, and Medyanova all support S3 API compatibility. Wasabi offer additional migration tools like Cloud Sync Manager, Direct Connect, and physical transfer devices (Wasabi Ball), while others MinIO depend entirely on the user’s self-hosted infrastructure for migration.

To see the explanation for each feature please follow the link.

Top S3-Compatible object storage tools analyzed

Backblaze B2

Backblaze B2 provides flat-rate object storage, optimized for scalability and compatibility with S3-based applications. It does not offer a native archive storage option, meaning all stored data remains readily accessible.

Pros

• The platform provides flexible file versioning options, enabling users to manage data retention according to their specific needs.
• Backblaze B2 supports numerous integrations, enhancing its versatility across various applications and workflows. 

Cons

• Backblaze B2’s documentation blacks SDKs for various programming languages, which can make integration more challenging for developers. 
• Backblaze B2 operates data centers primarily in North America, which may result in higher latency for users in other regions.

Medianova

Medianova provides regional object storage with no egress fees, making it a competitive option for businesses operating within its network coverage. Medianova focuses on providing a local alternative to global storage providers, potentially benefiting organizations that require regional compliance or lower latency in specific locations.

Pros

• Users appreciate Medianova CDN’s ability to handle high traffic efficiently, ensuring a smooth experience even during peak times.
• The platform offers quick and effective support, with users noting rapid response times and solution-oriented assistance.

Cons

• Some users feel that the user interface could be more intuitive and user-friendly, suggesting room for improvement in design and navigation.
• There are reports that the dashboard offers only basic features, lacking detailed analytics and customizable alerts, which could enhance user experience. 

Scaleway

Scaleway offers a multi-tier storage system, including Standard, Infrequent Access (IA), and Glacier (Cold Storage), providing flexibility in cost and retrieval times. The service includes built-in static web hosting support, distinguishing it from other providers. Scaleway offers regional availability zones across Europe and provides free intra-region data transfers, which can be useful for applications hosted within its ecosystem.

Pros

• It provides complimentary archiving and restoration features, enhancing data management flexibility. 
• The platform is compatible with S3 tools, facilitating integration with existing workflows. 

Cons

• There have been instances where the object storage service experiences slowness, impacting data retrieval times.
• Standard security features were developed later than expected, which may concern users prioritizing security.

Wasabi

Wasabi follows a single-tier storage model, meaning all data is treated as “hot” storage and is immediately accessible. It does not have archive or cold storage tiers. The service is fully S3 API compatible, allowing integration with existing cloud applications.

Pros

• The simplicity of setup is highlighted, with many finding the integration process straightforward and user-friendly. 
• Wasabi’s compatibility with various tools is valued, allowing seamless integration into existing workflows. 

Cons

• Some users report that handling a large number of files within the same bucket can lead to performance slowdowns.
• Wasabi only offers a single-tier storage model, which may not be ideal for users needing cost-effective archival or warm storage solutions.

MinIO

MinIO is an open-source, self-hosted object storage solution designed for high-performance workloads. It is S3-compatible but differs from traditional cloud providers because users must deploy it on their own infrastructure. MinIO supports advanced enterprise features, including erasure coding, encryption, and high availability configurations, making it suitable for organizations needing local or private cloud storage.

Pros

• Users find MinIO straightforward to set up and operate, appreciating its user-friendly interface.
• The platform allows for easy deployment, enabling users to quickly establish storage solutions.

Cons

• Some users feel that MinIO’s features are not as comprehensive as those offered by other storage solutions.
• There are reports of insufficient documentation, which can pose challenges during implementation and troubleshooting.
• A few users have expressed concerns regarding the pricing model of MinIO.

Differentiating features explained

1. Migration Ease

Each provider supports S3 compatibility, allowing easy migration without requiring code changes. However, some providers offer additional migration tools:

• Wasabi stands out with multiple migration options, including Cloud Sync Manager for cloud-to-cloud migrations, Direct Connect for dedicated high-speed transfers, and Wasabi Ball, a physical transfer device for moving large datasets from on-premises environments.
• Backblaze B2 and Scaleway provide basic S3 API compatibility, making it easy to integrate with existing applications, but they do not offer dedicated migration tools like Wasabi.
• MinIO is self-hosted, meaning migration depends entirely on the underlying infrastructure rather than pre-built migration tools.
• Medyanova (Stook Cloud Storage) supports direct migration from other S3-compatible storage services, though it does not offer additional migration utilities.

2. Data Transfer Fees

Data transfer pricing varies significantly between providers:

• Wasabi does not charge for inbound or outbound data transfers, making it cost-efficient for users who frequently move data.
• Backblaze B2 offers free inbound data transfers, but applies an egress limit—users can transfer three times their average monthly storage for free, after which a $0.01 per GB fee applies.
• Scaleway provides 75GB of free outbound transfer per month, beyond which a €0.01 per GB fee applies. Intra-region transfers are free, making it beneficial for users working within Scaleway’s infrastructure.
• MinIO, being self-hosted, does not impose any transfer fees, but costs depend on the user’s chosen infrastructure provider.
• Medyanova does not charge egress fees, similar to Wasabi, making it a competitive choice for businesses that need frequent outbound transfers.

3. Storage Fees (Archive / Non-Archive)

Storage models differ in pricing and structure:

• Wasabi and Backblaze B2 follow a single-tier model where all data is “hot” and available immediately. Wasabi charges $6.99 per TB/month, while Backblaze B2 costs $6 per TB/month.
• Scaleway provides multiple storage classes, including Multi-AZ Standard (€0.0146/GB per month), One Zone – Infrequent Access (IA) (€0.012/GB per month), and Glacier (Cold Storage) for long-term archiving. This flexibility allows cost optimization for different use cases.
• MinIO operates on a self-hosted model, meaning storage costs depend entirely on the chosen infrastructure and hardware.
• Medyanova follows a single-tier pricing structure, but its specific costs are available only upon request.

4. Retrieval Time

Data retrieval performance is an important factor for applications requiring frequent access to stored information:

• Wasabi, Backblaze B2, MinIO, and Medyanova provide instant access to stored data since they do not have archive storage tiers.
• Scaleway offers Glacier (Cold Storage) for long-term archiving, which introduces retrieval delays of up to 12 hours, making it more suitable for data that is rarely accessed.

5. Static Web Hosting

While most providers focus on object storage, Scaleway is the only provider that natively supports static website hosting, allowing users to serve HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files directly from object storage.

• Wasabi, Backblaze B2, MinIO, and Medyanova do not offer built-in static web hosting, requiring integration with external services for hosting capabilities.

6. Mountable (S3 Fusing Support)

The ability to mount object storage as a virtual disk varies:

• Wasabi, Backblaze B2, Scaleway, and Medyanova support s3fs integration, allowing object storage to be mounted as a virtual drive on servers.
• MinIO also supports mounting, but since it is a self-hosted solution, setup and performance depend on the underlying infrastructure.

Why Are the Differentiating Features Important?

S3-Compatible object storage providers may share a common API standard, but their unique features define their efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. These differentiating factors help businesses and individuals make informed decisions based on their specific storage, retrieval, and integration needs.

1. Cost Optimization

Pricing structures for object storage are more complex than just storage per terabyte. Many S3 compatible object storage providers charge additional fees for data retrieval, API requests, and outbound data transfers (egress fees). Without clear pricing models, businesses may face unexpected costs, particularly if they frequently move data across multiple cloud services or require large-scale backups.

• Predictable pricing models reduce financial uncertainty, allowing better long-term budget planning.
• Egress fees can significantly impact businesses that need to retrieve large amounts of data regularly, such as media companies streaming high-resolution video or organizations running frequent backups.
• Multi-tier storage models provide a balance between performance and cost by allowing less frequently accessed data to be stored at lower prices. However, retrieval fees and access times vary, making it essential to align storage selection with usage patterns.

2. Performance & Data Accessibility

S3 compatible object storage is commonly used for applications that require on-demand data access, such as AI/ML workloads, content delivery networks (CDNs), cloud backups, and big data analytics. The efficiency of a storage provider is measured by:

• Data consistency and replication: Applications needing high reliability should look for strong consistency guarantees to avoid data conflicts when multiple users or applications access the same files.
• Retrieval time (latency): Some providers offer instant data access, while others use tiered storage models where data retrieval can take minutes or even hours. Businesses requiring real-time data access (e.g., AI-driven analytics or cloud applications) should prioritize low-latency storage.
• Storage redundancy: Data is often distributed across multiple availability zones to enhance reliability and minimize downtime risks. Providers offering multi-zone redundancy improve data durability but may have higher costs.

3. Scalability & Integration

As data needs grow, scalability becomes a critical factor. Object storage solutions should allow businesses to expand capacity without disruptions while remaining compatible with existing applications.

• Integration with cloud-native applications: Many organizations rely on cloud-based AI models, machine learning pipelines, or SaaS applications. S3 compatible object storage providers that seamlessly integrate with cloud platforms enable smooth workflows without requiring major infrastructure changes.
• Multi-cloud compatibility: Some businesses prefer to distribute data across multiple cloud providers to avoid vendor lock-in. Object storage solutions that support multi-cloud environments give organizations greater flexibility.
• Mountable storage (S3 Fusing): Some S3 compatible object storage solutions can be mounted as a virtual drive, allowing applications to access data as if it were a local file system.

4. Migration & Ease of Use

The ability to seamlessly migrate data between storage providers without downtime is essential for businesses aiming to optimize costs, improve security, or scale their operations.

• S3 API compatibility ensures that businesses can switch between providers with minimal changes to their codebase. This compatibility is crucial for organizations that use AWS S3-based applications but want to explore alternative providers for cost savings or regulatory compliance.
• Automated migration tools reduce complexity when transferring large datasets across cloud environments. Features like data synchronization, cross-region replication, and automated backups help businesses manage transitions without operational disruptions.
• User-friendly management consoles and intuitive APIs simplify administration, reducing the need for extensive technical expertise. Organizations with smaller IT teams benefit from providers that offer simple deployment processes and well-documented APIs.