Akeyless vs AWS Secrets Manager

AWS Secrets Manager is the best choice for teams fully invested in AWS, offering native integration that Akeyless can't match. Akeyless offers multi-cloud support and secure remote access that AWS Secrets Manager lacks.

Updated Feb 2026
How we compare:This comparison is based on official documentation, public pricing, community discussions, and aggregated user feedback, not hands-on testing by our team. We organize what real users and practitioners are saying across the web.

The Bottom Line

Choose AWS Secrets Manager if you're all-in on AWS and want the simplest managed experience with native service integration. Choose Akeyless if you need multi-cloud support or secure remote access capabilities.

Choose Akeyless if:

  • You use multiple cloud providers
  • You need secure remote access features
  • You want a vendor-agnostic secrets platform
  • You need zero-knowledge encryption architecture
  • You're planning to move workloads across clouds

Choose AWS Secrets Manager if:

  • You're fully committed to the AWS ecosystem
  • You want zero infrastructure management
  • You need native RDS, Redshift, and Lambda integration
  • You prefer pay-per-use pricing over custom quotes
  • You're already using AWS IAM for access control

Feature Comparison

FeatureAkeylessAWS Secrets Manager
Cloud IntegrationMulti-cloud via gatewaysDeep AWS-native
PricingCustom pricing$0.40/secret/month + API calls
Secret RotationCustom rotation policiesBuilt-in for AWS services
Multi-CloudAWS, Azure, GCPAWS only
InfrastructureSaaS with gatewayFully managed
Secure Remote AccessBuilt-in SSH/RDPNot available
EncryptionZero-knowledge DFCAWS KMS
Vendor Lock-inMedium (proprietary)High (AWS)

Sources

Related

Akeyless AlternativesAWS Secrets Manager AlternativesAkeyless OverviewAWS Secrets Manager Overview