Summary IconKey takeaways
  • Hevo in one line: Hevo is a transparent, fully managed ETL platform for automating real-time data movement from 150+ sources, with zero maintenance overhead.
  • AWS DMS in one line: AWS Database Migration Service enables database migrations within the AWS ecosystem, supporting select JDBC sources with minimal downtime.
  • Why Hevo wins: Hevo stands out for its effortless setup, broad connector support, advanced transformations, clear pricing, and live support – making it the preferred choice for modern teams seeking simplicity and reliability.

Choosing the right ETL tool often comes down to Hevo vs AWS DMS. Both move data, but the paths they take – and the reliability they offer – are very different.

If you’re looking for a system that “just works” and handles change with minimal oversight, picking the right platform is key.

This side-by-side analysis breaks down how Hevo and AWS DMS meet real-world data pipeline challenges across seven key parameters.

Let’s look closer at how each matches up – and why Hevo may be the safer choice for data teams focused on accuracy and simplicity.

What is Hevo Data ?

Hevo logo

G2 Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (235)

Gartner Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (3)

Hevo Data is a fully managed, no-code ELT platform that makes data movement simple, reliable, and scalable. It helps teams connect over 150 sources to leading data warehouses in minutes, without requiring engineering effort or ongoing maintenance. With automated scaling, fault-tolerant pipelines, transparent pricing, and complete end-to-end visibility, Hevo ensures your data flows seamlessly and stays trustworthy at every stage.

Key Features

Easy to Use

Get started in minutes with a guided, no-code setup that requires no scripting or infrastructure management. Build, monitor, and scale data pipelines through a simple visual interface designed for speed and ease.

Scalable

Hevo automatically scales to handle growing data volumes and high-throughput workloads without downtime or manual tuning. Its performance-first design ensures consistent speed, even as pipeline complexity increases.

Reliable

Built for resilience, Hevo features auto-healing pipelines, intelligent retries, and a fault-tolerant architecture that keeps data flowing even when sources fail. Automatic schema handling adjusts to API or structure changes without breaking workflows.

Predictable Pricing

Hevo’s event-based pricing model provides complete cost transparency, allowing teams to forecast spend accurately as data scales. There are no hidden fees, usage credits, or surprise overages, only clear and consistent billing.

360° Visibility

Track every pipeline in real time through unified dashboards, detailed logs, and data lineage views. Batch-level checks help detect anomalies early, keeping your data accurate, consistent, and fully trustworthy across all systems.

What is AWS DMS ?

Hevo vs DMS: DMS Logo

G2 Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (49)

AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) enables you to move data between relational databases, data warehouses, and some cloud databases, primarily within AWS.
DMS’s key features include support for select JDBC-compatible sources, minimal-downtime migrations, and integrated monitoring through AWS.
Most teams choose AWS DMS for simple point-to-point database migrations, particularly inside AWS environments or for one-off cloud transitions.

Key Features of AWS DMS:

  1. Supports JDBC data sources: Works with MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, Oracle, and limited additional sources.
  2. Minimal downtime: Keeps the source database running during migration, reducing disruption.
  3. AWS Console Integration: Migration tasks can be managed from the AWS dashboard.
  4. Basic Transformation Rules: Offers elementary options like column skips or prefixes.
  5. Integrated Monitoring via CloudWatch: Allows task monitoring and alerting through AWS tools.

Hevo vs DMS AWS – An Overview

Feature / FactorHevoAWS DMS
Supported Sources & Types✅ 150+ connectors (JDBC, SaaS, NoSQL, SDKs, marketing, others)⚠️ Limited to JDBC sources; workaround needed for SaaS
Data Transformations✅ Advanced, in-flow (Python, drag-and-drop, enrichment)❌ Only basic transformations, lacks scriptability
Schema Handling✅ Visual mapping, auto-detects and manages changes❌ No schema UI; manual fixes on failure
Redshift Integration✅ Direct Redshift sync, flexible S3 configuration⚠️ Manual S3 setup, region alignment required
Notifications✅ Slack, Email, CloudWatch (with details)⚠️ CloudWatch only; manual email config required
Audit Logs & Dashboards✅ User-level history, all-pipeline dashboard⚠️ Task-only logs, limited dashboard, CloudWatch only
Data Modeling✅ Joins, aggregates, materialized views at destination❌ None (migration only)
Pricing Model✅ Transparent fixed pricing⚠️ Usage-based, can spike unpredictably
Maintenance & Support✅ Fully managed, 24/7 live chat support⚠️ AWS support only, separate from DMS

Hevo provides more reliable data flows, wider source coverage, stronger transformation capabilities, and transparent support. AWS DMS excels at specific AWS-to-AWS migrations but is restrictive for hybrid stacks or workflows needing automation and customization.

1. Supported Data Sources

HevoAWS DMS
USPUnified connector suite: 150+ sources (cloud, SaaS, NoSQL), automated mappingJDBC limited: only relational databases natively supported
Best Use CaseScaling diverse data pipelines with minimal custom code, fast onboardingAWS point-to-point migrations, simple cloud DB replication

Hevo removes complex scripting with direct connectors for cloud apps, NoSQL, and flat files. DMS restricts modern analytics pipelines, as SaaS and semi-structured data require custom ETL code or S3 staging.

2. Data Transformations

HevoAWS DMS
USPAdvanced transformations (Python, drag-and-drop, enrichment)Basic changes only (case changes, skips, simple rules)
Best Use CaseReal-time data cleanup and enrichment at scaleBasic field mapping during database migrations

Hevo automates data preparation with built-in tools; DMS is restricted to simple type conversions, so any business logic requires manual post-processing or external ETL steps.

3. Schema Handling

HevoAWS DMS
USPVisual schema mapper, auto-detects and resolves changesNo direct mapping UI; manual error correction required
Best Use CaseHandling evolving source structures with zero disruptionStable database-to-database migrations where schema rarely changes

Hevo shields users from schema drift with live mapping and automatic alerts. DMS errors out on structural changes, often needing engineering intervention, which can introduce delays and risk.

4. Redshift Integration

HevoAWS DMS
USPDirect, flexible Redshift integration, region-agnosticRequires matching regions and manual S3 config
Best Use CaseMulti-region analytics or dynamic Redshift scalingStrict AWS region deployments, infrequent movement

Hevo connects to any Redshift seamlessly, skipping S3 setup. DMS requires aligned regions and added S3 management, complicating multi-region or flexible architectures.

5. Notifications & Monitoring

HevoAWS DMS
USPAlerts via Slack, Email, detailed logs for faster fixesOnly CloudWatch; email setup is manual
Best Use CaseProactive pipeline management with adjustable alertingOps-centric teams using AWS dashboards exclusively

Hevo’s cross-platform notifications help respond quickly – without needing DevOps intervention for custom alert routing. DMS’s AWS-first approach limits out-of-the-box alerting flexibility.

6. Statistics & Audit Logging

HevoAWS DMS
USPEnd-to-end dashboard, user-level audit trailOnly task-level logs, dashboard is limited
Best Use CaseMulti-pipeline observability for complianceSingle-task tracking and troubleshooting

Hevo’s dashboards and history support regulated environments and broad team oversight. DMS focuses on migration task health, making retrospectives or compliance reporting slower.

7. Data Modeling & Workflow

HevoAWS DMS
USPDestination-side joins, aggregates, materialized viewsMigration tasks only, no modeling
Best Use CaseAnalytics-ready data warehouse, faster queryingMoving tables/rows as-is to cloud

Hevo accelerates analytics by letting you shape data post-load. DMS only delivers raw migration, leaving modeling as a manual or third-party concern.

Hevo vs DMS AWS – Which ETL Tool Should You Pick?

Hevo provides a reliable, fully managed ETL platform with clear business logic, live support, and advanced self-healing pipelines – making it the go-to for teams seeking reliability without overwhelm.
For simple, one-off AWS migrations between relational databases, DMS can suffice – but its configuration overhead and limited transformation make it less suited for agile analytics needs.

In rare cases, DMS fits if you operate entirely inside AWS and your data never changes shape. For broader analytics, cross-cloud integrations, and real automation, Hevo is the sounder choice.

Hevo Data, understand the complex processes involved in migrating your data from a source to a destination and Hevo has been built just to simplify this for you. With a superior array of features as opposed to DMS, Hevo ensures a hassle-free data migration experience with zero data loss.

Sign up for a 14-day free trial and simplify your data integration process. Check out the pricing details to understand which plan fulfills all your business needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between DMS and SCT?

AWS DMS (Database Migration Service) is used for transferring data from one database to another, while AWS SCT (Schema Conversion Tool) helps convert database schemas and code, especially when moving between different database types.

2. What is AWS DMS for?

AWS DMS is for moving data between databases easily and securely. It supports migrations from on-premises to the cloud, cloud-to-cloud, and even between different database engines.

3. Is AWS DMS reliable?

Yes, AWS DMS is generally reliable for continuous data replication and migration. It has built-in failover and monitoring, and supports minimal downtime, but performance can vary with network and configuration factors.

4. What’s the core difference in pricing between Hevo and AWS DMS?

Hevo uses fixed, transparent pricing; AWS DMS charges based on resource hours and data volume, so costs can spike with heavy use.

5. Can Hevo replace AWS DMS for classic database migration tasks?

 Yes – Hevo’s JDBC connectors, change data capture support, and fully managed pipelines cover all typical migration and continuous sync cases.

6. Is Hevo easier to configure than AWS DMS?

Hevo’s no-code setup, live schema mapping, and automatic error handling make initial configuration significantly faster than DMS’s manual setup.

7. Which tool is better for diverse data sources, including SaaS and NoSQL?

Hevo supports over 150 connectors, including SaaS apps and file formats, while DMS focuses on relational databases only.

8. Does Hevo support real-time monitoring like DMS’s CloudWatch integration?

Hevo offers real-time dashboards, audit trails, and instant notifications through Slack, Email, and CloudWatch for quick troubleshooting.

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Associate Director, New Initiatives, Hevo Data

Rajashree has extensive expertise in driving global sales strategy and accelerating growth in the data industry. Her experience lies in product architecture, and digital marketing within tech-focused organizations.