AWS Direct Connect Reviews

Name: AWS Direct Connect
Brand: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Rating: 4.5 (11 reviews)

4.5 out of 5

11 reviews
100% willing to recommend

What is AWS Direct Connect?

AWS Direct Connect offers low-latency, reliable connectivity with secure data transfers between on-premise infrastructures and AWS environments. It ensures high availability and cost-effectiveness for large data transfers, integrating seamlessly with existing systems.

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AWS Direct Connect is the #13 ranked solution in top Enterprise Infrastructure VPN solutions. PeerSpot users give AWS Direct Connect an average rating of 9.0 out of 10. AWS Direct Connect is most commonly compared to Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks: AWS Direct Connect vs Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks. AWS Direct Connect is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 51% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 13% of all views.

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Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

July 2025

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Featured AWS Direct Connect reviews

Flavio Gomes Figueira Camacho Junior

Network Engineer at Telecall

AWS Direct Connect allows me to connect our on-premise infrastructure directly with AWS infrastructure. This is particularly beneficial because it helps me use our infrastructure for databases and testing while leveraging AWS's computing power for production purposes. I also do not need to expose management of our machines to the public internet, enhancing security by using a private connection.

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Raul G. Cortina

IT Manager at CONCRETOS LA SILLA

We are planning to work with an Active Directory in the near future, but at this moment, we don't have this functionality. We are using EBS and EIPs. We have the servers, space, EBS, IPs, Route 53. We are using a VPN connection where AWS provides a configuration file, which we download to our routers. It is a connection used by the internet through a public link. We are using an enterprise VPN for a public link, not AWS Direct Connect. We are using DrayTek routers. I rate this solution a 10 out of 10 because we have high availability and good response time.

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Priyam Vaidya

AWS Administrator at Vohra Wound Physicians

I am utilizing EC2, RDS, S3, VPN, DynamoDB, VPC, and a variety of protocols The most valuable feature of Direct Connect is its low latency to the users. It also provides stable connectivity to AWS, which is essential for our requirements. There is no room for improvement in Direct Connect right…

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AWS Direct Connect mindshare

As of August 2025, the mindshare of AWS Direct Connect in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category stands at 2.1%, down from 2.5% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Aug 17, 2025

Valuable Features

AWS Direct Connect is valued for its robust network performance, providing high security, low latency, and stable connectivity. It ensures reliable connections across AWS regions and enhances infrastructure security with private access. Users appreciate its ease of migration, user-friendly interface, low maintenance, and scalability. It is beneficial for transferring data between on-premise and cloud environments, offering excellent performance and cost-effectiveness, particularly for industries requiring secure data transfer like healthcare and finance.

"Overall, I rate the solution ten out of ten."
"AWS Direct Connect allows me to connect our on-premise infrastructure directly with AWS infrastructure."
"AWS Direct Connect allows me to connect our on-premise infrastructure directly with AWS infrastructure."

Room for Improvement

AWS Direct Connect setup and credential configuration could be simpler. Terminology precision and better patch upgrade processes are advised. BGP configuration is complex. Different network connections and more data center locations would enhance user experience. Improved traffic visibility and increased throughput security are needed for certain organizations. Cross-cloud support for Azure and AWS migrations could enhance disaster recovery. Some users report inconsistent VPN connections and generally seek more information to fully leverage the platform's capabilities.

"AWS Direct Connect should support cross-cloud connections, such as migrations between Azure and AWS, for disaster recovery purposes on different cloud platforms."
"Having more locations could improve the convenience of using the service."
"AWS Direct Connect is straightforward and performs well for me."

ROI

AWS Direct Connect significantly decreased latency and data transfer costs, making connections faster and more reliable. Users noted substantial improvements in application performance and network connectivity, leading to enhanced user experiences and efficiency. The direct link to AWS cloud services facilitated better bandwidth management, resulting in reduced downtime and enhanced scalability. Additionally, AWS Direct Connect provided a stable and dedicated connection, reinforcing security and ensuring consistent service availability with noticeable cost savings.

Pricing

AWS Direct Connect pricing includes port hour fees and data transfer charges, varying by port speed and region. Users find the service reliable for dedicated network links, but costs can increase with higher data usage. Connectivity charges are based on the port speed, and higher speeds incur higher rates. Data transfer out charges also apply, making it crucial for enterprises to assess their bandwidth needs and usage patterns to manage costs effectively.

"It has reasonable pricing in terms of the features offered."
"It is an expensive solution."

Popular Use Cases

Users primarily utilize AWS Direct Connect for data migration, virtual interface creation, and hybrid cloud connectivity. It facilitates the connection of on-premise infrastructure to AWS, supports database and cloud storage, and is used in operations such as QGIS and application deployment. Direct Connect aids in connecting data centers, setting up call center services, and shifting data between servers. Users employ VPNs and elastic IPs for security and connectivity.

Service and Support

AWS Direct Connect's customer service is appreciated for its team but could enhance response speed. Users report minimal need for technical support. They manage many tasks automatically within the system, reducing interaction. Chat support is utilized occasionally with positive outcomes. Amazon's team is valued when engaged, indicating satisfaction with their chat interaction. Issues rarely escalate, showing a reliable service experience, though a quicker service would enhance satisfaction further.

Deployment

Users experienced varied initial setups with AWS Direct Connect. Some faced challenges integrating it with existing data centers and configuring security, extending the setup to five to six months. Others without similar complexities found the process easy, thanks to accessible guidelines and AWS documentation. A few needed technical assistance or initial training. Deployment duration varied by infrastructure, with fiber connections taking two weeks but new constructions much longer.

Scalability

AWS Direct Connect demonstrates impressive scalability, with industries ranging from enterprises to small entities benefiting. Many rate its scalability at a perfect ten, highlighting its capacity to support connections with interfaces up to a hundred gigabit. Some groups report having hundreds utilizing it seamlessly, highlighting its adaptability to various organizational needs. Users express high satisfaction in its ability to expand as requirements grow, emphasizing that scalability meets diverse operational demands without issue.

Stability

AWS Direct Connect is considered stable by users, with some citing its perfect reliability since deployment. Most have not faced issues, though a few note minor glitches during patch upgrades and suggest stability enhancements. It receives high ratings for stability, often a nine out of ten. Users appreciate its high availability but mention concerns with link aggregation and bandwidth options, particularly for remote users who may struggle with minimum speeds of 50 Mbps.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

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Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

13%

Computer Software Company

13%

Comms Service Provider

11%

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

University

Educational Organization

Government

Retailer

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Outsourcing Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Construction Company

Insurance Company

Logistics Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Non Profit

Marketing Services Firm

Engineering Company

Transportation Company

Performing Arts

Media Company

Renewables & Environment Company

Legal Firm

Hospitality Company

Sports Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Compare AWS Direct Connect with alternative products

Learn more about AWS Direct Connect

AWS Direct Connect is recognized for its robust network and security, providing minimal latency and reliable connectivity. It seamlessly integrates with on-premise infrastructure, enabling secure and fast data transfers. Users benefit from its high availability and low maintenance, making it cost-effective for large data transfers. Multi-account environment support is a key feature. Despite a complex configuration process compared to cloud GUIs, it enhances security by avoiding public internet exposure. Room for improvement includes the setup of credentials and terminology, upgrade process, BGP configuration, multi-network connections, traffic visibility, stability, and throughput security. Expanding data center locations and cross-cloud connections can be advantageous. Promotion is necessary for awareness. Some report VPN connection issues while some are content with its performance.

What are the key features of AWS Direct Connect?

Secure Connectivity: Enhances security by avoiding public internet exposure
Low Latency: Provides minimal latency for fast data transfers
High Availability: Ensures continuous connectivity with low maintenance
Cost-Effective: Reduces costs for large data transfers and multi-account environments
Seamless Integration: Easily integrates with on-premise infrastructure

What benefits and ROI should users look for?

Reliability: Sturdy and consistent connectivity minimizes downtime
Efficient Data Transfers: Cost reduction and efficiency for large data volumes
Security: Avoids exposure to the public internet, enhancing data protection
Resource Integration: Facilitates hybrid cloud environments by integrating on-premises and cloud resources

In industries like finance, healthcare, and media, AWS Direct Connect is implemented to ensure secure and efficient connectivity between on-premises data centers and AWS environments. It supports operations like database management and application deployment, facilitating data and application migration while enabling hybrid cloud connectivity.