How to choose object storage without overpaying on egress?
Object storage is for files, media, and backups—but the biggest cost driver is usually egress and API calls, not storage size. Choose based on access pattern and network paths.
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If you're evaluating Object Storage, you may also need:
Object storage decision finder
Decide based on access patterns and network paths. Storage $/GB is rarely the dominant cost driver once egress and requests are real.
What’s your primary workload shape?
If you need enterprise integrations, what’s your cloud gravity?
How strict is your S3-compatibility requirement?
Pick answers to see a recommended starting path
This is a decision brief site: we optimize for operating model + cost/limits + what breaks first (not feature checklists).
Pre-built recommendation paths
Each path narrows the field based on a specific constraint pattern — click to see which products fit and why.
Build your shortlist
Filter object storage providers by your cloud alignment, workload type, and cost sensitivity.
Freshness
2026-02-09 — SEO metadata quality pass
Refined SEO titles and meta descriptions for search quality.
2026-02-06 — Added decision finder and freshness block
Introduced a decision finder (access pattern first) and a visible freshness section to reduce stale cost guidance on category hubs.
Top picks in Object Storage
These are commonly short‑listed options based on constraints, pricing behavior, and operational fit — not review scores.
Amazon S3
Hyperscaler object storage standard for unstructured data with deep AWS integrations and broad tooling support; total cost is often driven by egress and request…
Google Cloud Storage
GCP-native hyperscaler object storage for unstructured data; strong GCP integration, but total cost is often driven by egress and requests rather than storage a…
Azure Blob Storage
Azure-native hyperscaler object storage aligned to Microsoft identity and governance; total cost is often driven by egress and transaction patterns, not storage…
Cloudflare R2
S3-compatible object storage often evaluated to reduce egress-driven spend and support edge-adjacent workflows; fit depends on access pattern, requests, and Clo…
Wasabi
Cost-driven, S3-compatible object storage commonly evaluated for backups and large footprints; fit depends on pricing mechanics, policies, and real access patte…
Backblaze B2
Cost-driven object storage for backups and media, often evaluated versus Wasabi and S3 when the decision is pricing mechanics (egress + requests), not storage p…
DigitalOcean Spaces
Developer-friendly object storage for SMB teams already using DigitalOcean, chosen for simplicity and straightforward operations rather than enterprise governan…
Linode Object Storage
S3-compatible object storage for SMB teams, especially those on Linode, chosen for straightforward operations and predictable workflows over hyperscaler breadth…
Vultr Object Storage
S3-compatible object storage for SMB and developer teams, chosen for straightforward operations and predictable workflows without hyperscaler governance overhea…
IDrive e2
S3-compatible object storage focused on affordable pricing with zero egress fees and immutable storage for ransomware protection, often evaluated versus B2 and …
Pricing and availability may change. Verify details on the official website.
Popular head-to-head comparisons
Use these when you already have two candidates and want the constraints and cost mechanics that usually decide fit.
How to choose the right Object Storage platform
Egress and network paths (the real cost driver)
Storage cost is rarely the problem at scale. Egress, transfers, and access patterns usually dominate—especially for media delivery and restores.
Questions to ask:
- Where do reads come from (CDN, app servers, users) and how much data leaves the provider each month?
- Is the workload read-heavy (delivery) or write-heavy (backups/ingest)?
- Do you have cross-region replication or cross-cloud transfers that compound egress?
S3 compatibility vs pricing mechanics reality
Many providers advertise S3-compatible APIs, which helps portability—but compatibility does not mean identical pricing, limits, or behavior.
Questions to ask:
- Which S3 features do you rely on (multipart uploads, lifecycle rules, replication, encryption controls)?
- How many requests will you generate (GET/PUT/LIST) under real usage?
- Are there policy minimums or constraints that change economics for backups and archives?
How we evaluate Object Storage
Source-Led Facts
We prioritize official pricing pages and vendor documentation over third-party review noise.
Intent Over Pricing
A $0 plan is only a "deal" if it actually solves your problem. We evaluate based on use‑case fitness.
Durable Ranges
Vendor prices change daily. We highlight stable pricing bands to help you plan your long-term budget.