AWS Direct Connect Reviews

Name: AWS Direct Connect
Brand: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Rating: 4.5 (9 reviews)

4.5 out of 5

9 reviews
100% willing to recommend

What is AWS Direct Connect?

AWS Direct Connect offers secure, low-latency, and high-speed connectivity for migrating storage, managing databases, and creating virtual interfaces, supporting users' cloud operations efficiently.

Get the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about AWS Direct Connect, Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet FortiClient and more!

AWS Direct Connect is the #12 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 56% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 16% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

May 2025

Get the category report

Helped 856,873 peers since 2012

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.

Read full review

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…

Read full review

Cuneyt-Gurses

Director of Cloud Solution Group at DTech Cloud Corporation

In our experience, AWS offers a robust portfolio of AI services that cater to a wide range of needs. They provide two primary AI services, which are quite comprehensive and deeply integrated. AWS provides many options and functionalities for those looking to leverage AI, especially for complex applications like chain AI. Comparing AWS with Azure, the choice largely depends on specific use cases and organizational requirements. We've found AWS particularly strong in generative AI and other advanced AI capabilities, which are crucial for our security and monitoring needs. It's essential to assess these factors carefully to ensure the chosen platform aligns effectively with your AI deployment goals and operational strategies. I rate it a seven out of ten.

Read full review

AWS Direct Connect mindshare

As of June 2025, the mindshare of AWS Direct Connect in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category stands at 2.1%, down from 2.8% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Apr 13, 2025

Valuable Features

AWS Direct Connect offers secure, encrypted, and low-latency connectivity between on-premise and AWS environments, enhancing performance and scalability. Its robust network supports high availability, efficient data transfers, and stable connections across AWS regions. Users benefit from a user-friendly interface, managed service features, and minimal maintenance requirements. It provides security advantages by avoiding public internet for communications, essential for sectors like healthcare and finance. Cost-effective for large data transfers, suitable for multi-account environments.

"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 needs easier setup and configuration of credentials. Its terminologies should be more precise, and the patch upgrade process can improve. Additional BGP configuration presents complexity. Customers desire connectivity from various networks and better platform stability. There is a need for improved traffic visibility and security, and more location options for convenience. Increased support for cross-cloud connections is wanted, allowing better disaster recovery between different cloud platforms.

"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

AWS Direct Connect is primarily used by entities for data migration and creating secure cloud connections. They utilize it to transfer storage to AWS, connect on-premises infrastructure with AWS, and set up virtual interfaces for database management and application deployment. Organizations employ Direct Connect for configuring AWS resources and testing connectivity. It facilitates connecting data centers to the cloud, supporting hybrid environments, and integrating operations like VoIP calls and instance monitoring.

Service and Support

AWS Direct Connect's customer service sometimes lacks quick response. However, Amazon's support is generally praised as excellent. Many users manage tasks independently without needing technical support, but those who have interacted with Amazon's team through chat report successful issue resolutions. Escalation to technical support for Direct Connect issues appears rare among users, indicating a seamless experience with the service installation and maintenance.

Deployment

Users experienced mixed levels of complexity with AWS Direct Connect's initial setup. While some found it straightforward with available documentation, others struggled with architectural issues, security policies, and BGP configuration. Training was recommended, and setup time varied based on infrastructure, taking up to six months for integration with existing data centers. Some found it quick and easy if familiar with the service, while others noted that on-premise locations with fiber took two weeks for deployment.

Scalability

Users find AWS Direct Connect highly scalable, rating its scalability favorably. It supports both small and enterprise-level operations, accommodating hundreds of users. With flexibility such as a hundred gigabit interface, it allows for extensive expansion, ensuring it meets diverse needs efficiently. Many rate its scalability a ten, appreciating no scalability issues even with significant usage levels. Many organizations utilize it frequently, reflecting confidence in its capacity for growth and efficient performance.

Stability

AWS Direct Connect is often described as stable, with several entities using it for migration and networking without issues. High availability and a lack of bugs are highlighted, although some express concerns about stability during patch upgrades. Users generally rate it highly, though some seek enhancements in link aggregation and bandwidth options, noting potential problems with low minimum speeds for remote users.

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

Download our Enterprise Infrastructure VPN Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

16%

Computer Software Company

15%

Manufacturing Company

University

Insurance Company

Comms Service Provider

Retailer

Government

Educational Organization

Non Profit

Construction Company

Healthcare Company

Logistics Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Energy/Utilities Company

Outsourcing Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Media Company

Performing Arts

Engineering Company

Mining And Metals Company

Hospitality Company

Sports Company

Transportation Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Marketing Services Firm

Legal Firm

Compare AWS Direct Connect with alternative products

Learn more about AWS Direct Connect

AWS Direct Connect enhances migration processes by providing a stable and encrypted connection, facilitating database management, cloud storage operations, and virtual interface creation. It supports testing connectivity and security, as well as operational tasks in QGIS, VoIP calls, instance monitoring, and application deployment across multiple AWS regions. Offering a user-friendly approach, it ensures minimal latency and reliable connectivity, making resources and communications accessible privately over the Internet.

What are the most important features?

High Security: Ensures encrypted and private connections for sensitive data transfers.
Low Latency: Provides rapid data transfer, reducing waiting periods and bottlenecks.
Stable Connectivity: Guarantees reliable access to AWS resources across regions like Ohio.
User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies management and configuration processes.
Slas: Offers service-level agreements to ensure performance standards.

What benefits or ROI should users look for in the reviews?

Enhanced Security: Users should expect secure data transmission with encryption.
Increased Speed: Look for feedback on faster data transfer compared to traditional networks.
Improved Uptime: Reviews should highlight consistent and reliable connectivity.
Efficient Management: Check for comments on easy configuration and control.

AWS Direct Connect is utilized across industries like GIS for QGIS operations, telecommunications for VoIP calls, and IT services for instance monitoring and application deployment. Its robust performance and security make it suitable for challenging environments requiring dependable data transfer and connectivity.