AWS PrivateLink vs Azure Virtual Network

by Gralio Feb 21, 2025

AWS PrivateLink and Azure Virtual Network both offer private networking solutions. AWS PrivateLink is a good choice if you primarily use AWS services. Azure Virtual Network is a better option if you need cross-cloud compatibility or deeper integration with the Microsoft ecosystem.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 165 reviews and 60 websites, saving 1 hour, 25 minutes of reading.

AWS PrivateLink

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Azure Virtual Network

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About

AWS PrivateLink lets you connect your cloud services privately and securely, without using the public internet. This means your data stays safe within Amazon's network, whether it's moving between your own virtual networks, accessing AWS services, or connecting to applications you host outside of AWS.

Azure Virtual Network lets you create a secure, private network within Microsoft's cloud platform. This allows your company's cloud resources, like servers and applications, to communicate with each other and with on-premises networks, safely and privately. This service is beneficial for businesses of all sizes that want enhanced security and control over their cloud networking.

Summary

Main difference

AWS PrivateLink excels at simplifying and securing connections within the AWS ecosystem, while Azure Virtual Network offers broader cross-cloud networking capabilities and tighter integration with the Microsoft ecosystem.

Relative strengths of AWS PrivateLink (compared to Azure Virtual Network)

Seamless integration with AWS services.
Simplified network management within AWS.
Enhanced security for intra-AWS communication.

Relative weaknesses of AWS PrivateLink (compared to Azure Virtual Network)

Limited cross-cloud compatibility.
Less flexible than Azure Virtual Network for complex network setups.
Potential vendor lock-in with AWS.

Who should use AWS PrivateLink VS. Azure Virtual Network

AWS PrivateLink offers secure, private connections between your cloud services, simplifying network management and accelerating cloud migrations. Users praise its enhanced security and seamless AWS integration but note the initial setup complexity. It's best for small to medium businesses needing private cloud connectivity.

Azure Virtual Network provides secure, private networking for cloud resources. Businesses appreciate its user-friendly interface, seamless Microsoft integration, and scalability. However, some users find the pricing complex and certain features challenging to learn. It's ideal for companies seeking enhanced security and control over their cloud networking, especially those with existing on-premise infrastructure.

Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses prioritizing data security.
Suitable for various industries requiring secure cloud and hybrid connectivity.

Ideal for small, medium, and enterprise businesses.
Best fit for Software, IT, and Telecommunications companies.

AWS PrivateLink and Azure Virtual Network features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Company History Resources

Not supported

Company History Resources are not supported.

Not supported

Company history resources are not supported.
Secure Traffic within AWS

Supported

AWS PrivateLink secures traffic by keeping it within the AWS network, avoiding the public internet.

Supported

Azure Virtual Network secures traffic within the Azure network using features like Network Security Groups and Azure Firewall.
Simplified Management Rules

Supported

AWS PrivateLink simplifies network management and access control by keeping traffic within the AWS network.

Supported

Azure Virtual Network Manager simplifies network configurations and access control.
Azure integration

Not supported

AWS PrivateLink does not directly integrate with Azure. Use VPN or interconnects for cross-cloud connectivity.

Supported

Azure Virtual Network allows Azure services to connect to and work with resources within the network.
Command Line Interface

Not supported

Azure resources are managed via the Azure CLI, not AWS PrivateLink.

Supported

Azure Virtual Network can be managed via the Azure command-line interface.
Azure DevOps integration

Not supported

Azure DevOps integration is not supported by AWS PrivateLink.

Partially supported

Azure Virtual Network can be integrated with Azure DevOps for automated security scanning and reporting using pipelines.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

-0.25

Neutral sentiment

-0.15

Neutral sentiment
Customer Service

+0.6

Rather positive sentiment

+0

Neutral sentiment
Ease of Use

+0.67

Rather positive sentiment

+0.6

Rather positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

+0.78

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.57

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Implementation

+0.56

Rather positive sentiment

+0.3

Rather positive sentiment
Scalability

+1

Strongly positive sentiment

+1

Strongly positive sentiment

AWS PrivateLink and Azure Virtual Network Pricing

AWS PrivateLink pricing is based on data processed through the VPC endpoint and hourly charges for provisioned endpoints. Interface endpoints are used for accessing services inside and outside your VPC, with tiered pricing for data processed per GB. Gateway Load Balancer endpoints are used for injecting network security services into traffic flow. Resource endpoints are used for accessing shared VPC resources in other VPCs. Cross-region connectivity is available with standard PrivateLink charges and AWS cross-region data transfer rates.

See full Pricing page

No data

User sentiment

Neutral

-0.15

We couldn't find a pricing page for Azure Virtual Network.

AWS PrivateLink and Azure Virtual Network review insights

165 reviews analysed from

Users love

Enhances security for data transfer within AWS environment.
Easy implementation using VPC simplifies networking.
Seamless integration with various AWS services.
Cost-effective data transfer using VPC.
Improved performance and scalability for applications.

User-friendly interface and easy to use.
Wide range of services and features catering to diverse needs.
Seamless integration with other Microsoft products and services.
Flexible and scalable resources for easy adjustment to workloads.
High availability and reliable performance.

Users dislike

Complex initial setup can be challenging for new users.
Limited service availability restricts its applicability in certain scenarios.
Cost considerations and potential hidden expenses can be a concern.
Not all AWS services are supported, limiting its use cases.
Requires a learning curve, especially for advanced configurations and integrations

Complex pricing model can make cost estimation difficult.
Occasional complexities in navigation.
Steep learning curve for some advanced features.
Technical limitations and non-intuitive implementations for certain functionalities.

AWS PrivateLink and Azure Virtual Network Ratings

G2

4.4/5

(37)
Glassdoor

3.7/5

(206324)

G2

4.5/5

(136)

Company health

Employee growth

11% increase in the last year

3% increase in the last year

Web traffic

10% increase in the last quarter

11% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

No data

How does AWS PrivateLink's AWS-specific integration compare to Azure Virtual Network's broader cloud support?

AWS PrivateLink focuses its integration specifically within the AWS ecosystem, enabling seamless private connectivity between VPCs, AWS services, and on-premises environments extending into the AWS cloud. Azure Virtual Network, while deeply integrated with Azure services, also supports hybrid and multi-cloud environments, allowing connections across different cloud providers and on-premises networks. This makes Azure Virtual Network potentially more suitable for organizations utilizing a broader range of cloud platforms or requiring interoperability between them.

Which product offers simpler network management for hybrid cloud environments?

AWS PrivateLink offers simpler network management for hybrid cloud environments due to its focus on keeping traffic within the AWS network. This simplifies security rules and management compared to Azure Virtual Network, which requires more complex configurations for hybrid scenarios involving on-premises connections and potentially traversing the public internet.

What are the advantages of AWS PrivateLink?

AWS PrivateLink offers enhanced security by keeping traffic within the Amazon network, avoiding the public internet. It simplifies network management and access control while also accelerating cloud migrations by securely connecting on-premises environments to AWS services. It seamlessly integrates with various other AWS services.

What are the disadvantages of AWS PrivateLink?

AWS PrivateLink can have a complex initial setup, potentially challenging for users unfamiliar with AWS networking concepts. It doesn't support all AWS services, limiting its applicability in certain scenarios. Finally, cost can be a concern, with potential hidden expenses related to data processing and transfer within the AWS ecosystem.

Alternatives to AWS PrivateLink and Azure Virtual Network

Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Microsoft Defender for Cloud enhances the security of your cloud resources. It helps find and fix vulnerabilities, protect against cyber threats, and maintain compliance with security standards. It provides a range of security features covering applications, data, and infrastructure across multiple cloud platforms, not just Microsoft's. Defender for Cloud helps organizations of all sizes manage their cloud security posture more effectively.

Azure Private Link

Azure Private Link lets you connect to Azure and other services privately from your company's network. It keeps your data safe by avoiding the public internet, and it makes your network setup simpler. It's like having a dedicated, secure line to the services you need.

VNS3:net

VNS3:net lets you create a secure and controlled network connecting all your company's cloud resources, even across different providers like AWS and Azure. It's like having your own private network in the cloud. With VNS3:net, you can control data flow, improve security, and simplify network management through one central system. This makes it easier to ensure compliance, manage access, and get a clearer picture of your cloud network.

Safetica

Safetica is a data security solution that helps businesses prevent sensitive information leaks and manage insider risks. It offers tools to discover and classify data, control data flow, and detect potentially risky user behavior. Safetica provides insights into how data is used and can help enforce compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. Its user-friendly interface and flexible deployment options make it suitable for businesses of all sizes looking for an easy-to-manage data protection solution.

WatchGuard Network Security

WatchGuard Network Security offers a range of solutions, including firewalls and Unified Threat Management (UTM) software, designed to protect businesses of all sizes. Their focus is on providing enterprise-grade security that's easy to deploy and manage, even for companies without dedicated IT teams. They emphasize a simplified approach to security management through their platform, making it accessible for businesses looking for a comprehensive yet user-friendly security solution.

Vanta

Vanta is a security and compliance platform designed to help businesses automate their compliance processes for various standards like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA. It enables you to connect existing tools, receive guidance on fixing security gaps, and prepare for audits more efficiently. Vanta aims to simplify compliance, manage risk, and build trust with stakeholders through automation and continuous monitoring, making it easier for businesses to meet regulatory requirements and gain a competitive advantage.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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