AWS Directory Service Reviews

Name: AWS Directory Service
Brand: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Rating: 4.3 (15 reviews)

4.3 out of 5

15 reviews
93% willing to recommend

What is AWS Directory Service?

AWS Directory Service lets you run Microsoft Active Directory (AD) as a managed service. AWS Directory Service for Microsoft Active Directory, also referred to as AWS Managed Microsoft AD, is powered by Windows Server 2012 R2. When you select and launch this directory type, it is created as a highly available pair of domain controllers connected to your virtual private cloud (VPC). The domain controllers run in different Availability Zones in a region of your choice. Host monitoring and recovery, data replication, snapshots, and software updates are automatically configured and managed for you.

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AWS Directory Service is the #16 ranked solution in top Identity and Access Management as a Service providers. PeerSpot users give AWS Directory Service an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. AWS Directory Service is most commonly compared to Microsoft Entra ID: AWS Directory Service vs Microsoft Entra ID. AWS Directory Service 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 computer software company, accounting for 18% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS)

June 2025

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Featured AWS Directory Service reviews

MassimilianoCollavo

Computer Area Instructor of the Municipality of Asolo at Comune di asolo

I've been working with AWS Directory Service as part of a broader solution for moving our infrastructure to a hybrid cloud model. Initially, the goal was to replicate our on-premises server to the cloud and then eventually shut down the on-premises server entirely. My work with AWS Directory Service is focused on migrating to the cloud and finding a suitable document management system that allows for online editing, document sharing, and workflow management. I rate it an eight out of ten.

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Basa Saiteja

Consultant at Infosys

The solution is scalable, and we can scale according to our needs. I rate the scalability a nine out of ten. In our organization, our access to our AWS comes from IAM. We use AWS consoles using our credentials and don't have route access, so each person will log in through our IAM programmatic access, and everyone on our team can work on cloud. Over 10,000 people in our organization utilize the solution.

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VamsiMohan

CTO at Huber

The initial setup can be simple. Most of our Active Directories, as well as previous engagements, have been straightforward with other Active Directories, but some of the directories are not directly straightforward when we bring this to AWS. It is straightforward if we use AWS identity services. However, it is somewhat critical in the case of migration. It took one week to complete the installation. We have a core team of four who maintain and support this solution.

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AWS Directory Service mindshare

As of June 2025, the mindshare of AWS Directory Service in the Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS) category stands at 1.5%, down from 2.3% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS)

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Apr 13, 2025

Valuable Features

Valuable features of AWS Directory Service include ease of use, manageability, and security with role-based mechanisms. Redundancy eliminates power concerns and CapEx costs. Cloud-based infrastructure management removes hardware expenses. AD identity extension to AWS resources, disaster recovery, and access management enhance control. Integration support with single sign-on and network protocols boosts value. High availability and two-step authentication increase reliability. Performance, scalability, and cost-cutting are notable along with data accessibility through Cognito and analytics services.

"I would rate AWS Directory Service nine out of ten."
"The pricing is very good because it is low and there is no management cost."
"The AD Connector is very good and easy to implement."

Room for Improvement

AWS Directory Service needs improvements in CloudWatch configuration for monitoring, integration with Exchange servers, and enhanced group policy features. Users find difficulties in security protocols, database access, and region consistency, particularly in the Northeast. Better integration with business solutions and other AWS services is desired. On-premises access through IAM and added domain controller functionalities like those in on-premises Active Directory are necessary. Processing efficiency, UI/UX enhancements, and compatibility with network environments require attention.

"Accessing the data needs improvement."
"Currently, there is no option to integrate our on-premises Cisco AWS Directory Service, requiring some manual configuration. If AWS Active Directory Service provided additional domain controller functionalities, like other on-premises Active Directory, it would be very helpful."
"Currently, there is no option to integrate our on-premises Cisco AWS Directory Service, requiring some manual configuration."

Pricing

AWS Directory Service pricing is viewed as reasonable, with the advantage of no extra licensing fees and inclusion of directory objects. Users benefit from monthly payment options and pricing calculators provided by AWS for estimates based on organizational needs. While some perceive costs as complicated, others appreciate the absence of management costs and hidden fees. Savings are possible with careful usage, and upfront payments typically offer cost reductions. Enterprise buyers find the cost aligned with value provided.

"We pay an annual subscription fee."
"AWS' pricing is fair, and costs can be cut if you look carefully at when you're using it."
"The pricing depends because with AWS there are two types of directory objects: 30,000 and 500,000. It varies. AWS provides the pricing calculators so we can get an estimate from there as per the company requirement of how many users and objects that we need to create. So we can go to that portal, put in the data, and get the quotation.There are no extra licensing fees. It's all included."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use AWS Directory Service for managing user access to cloud infrastructure, integrating with VMware hosts, Azure, and AWS servers. It facilitates domain authentication, applies policies, supports multi-factor authentication, and enhances security in financial services. Many employ it for Identity and Access Management, enabling 1,000+ users, and for EC2 Windows machine authentication. It integrates protocols like LDAP, supporting data governance, compliance, and quality, closely aligning with Microsoft Active Directory Services.

Service and Support

AWS Directory Service customer interactions are generally positive. Many highlight the availability of assistance 24/7, immediate responses, and high expertise levels. Costs associated with support are seen as significant. Some prefer handling issues independently, indicating satisfaction with their internal capabilities. While certain users provide very high ratings for knowledgeability and promptness, others report no direct experience seeking support, suggesting varied reliance on AWS support services.

Deployment

Users find the initial setup of AWS Directory Service straightforward, with deployment times varying from minutes to two weeks. Having prior knowledge aids ease, and AWS documentation is praised for clarity. Challenges occur during complex directory migrations, but identity services help simplify the process. Teams, usually between four and five people, manage the deployment, with some highlighting instances of lost data. Beginners find it easy thanks to user-friendly instructions.

Scalability

AWS Directory Service is recognized for its scalability. Many organizations plan to expand usage, supporting significant user bases without maintenance concerns. Transitioning from other environments like VMware to containerized instances is common. It integrates well with existing infrastructures, offering ample directory object support. Scalable functionality allows flexible adjustments though upgrading instance sizes isn't always straightforward. Access through IAM is noted, enabling broad organizational use. This service efficiently meets future expansion demands.

Stability

AWS Directory Service is consistently stable, achieving a 99.99% availability rate when used correctly. Users report effective performance without significant CPU demands. However, challenges like schema uploading and DNS issues were noted, although AWS support efficiently assists in these cases. Maintenance mainly involves updating Windows server patches and managing user permissions. The service is praised for its stability, especially within containerized enclosures, despite occasional cloud-related concerns. Stability is commonly rated highly, often around eight to nine out of ten.

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

Download our Identity and Access Management as a Service (IDaaS) (IAMaaS) Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.