_________ ____ / ____/ | / __ \ / /_ / /| |/ / / / / __/ / ___ / /_/ / /_/ /_/ |_\___\_\

S3 Price Comparison Tool - FAQ

What is the S3 Price Comparison Tool?

The S3 Price Comparison Tool is a web-based application designed to help users compare pricing across various S3-compatible object storage providers. It allows you to input your storage, bandwidth, and operation requirements and see estimated costs for different providers side by side.

How does it work?

  1. Enter your storage amount and select the unit (B, KB, MB, GB, or TB).
  2. Enter your bandwidth requirements and select the unit.
  3. Input the number of Class A and Class B operations you expect to perform.
  4. Click the "Calculate Prices" button.
  5. View the results in a sortable table and a stacked bar chart.

How are the prices calculated?

I use a combination of factors to calculate the total cost for each provider:

  1. Storage Cost: This is calculated by multiplying your storage amount by the provider's per-GB storage price. Some providers offer free storage tiers, which are accounted for in the calculation.
  2. Bandwidth Cost: This is calculated by multiplying your bandwidth usage by the provider's per-GB bandwidth price. I account for free bandwidth tiers and special conditions (e.g., Wasabi's free egress up to the storage amount).
  3. Operation Costs: Class A and Class B operation costs are calculated by multiplying the number of operations by the provider's per-operation price. Free operation tiers are considered when applicable.
  4. Retrieval Cost: For providers with cold storage options, retrieval costs are calculated based on the bandwidth amount.
  5. Base Price: Some providers have a minimum monthly charge. This is added to the total cost regardless of usage.

The total cost is the sum of all these components.

What is "Base Price" and why do some providers have it?

The "Base Price" is a minimum monthly charge that some providers require, regardless of your actual usage. This is common for providers that offer a certain amount of resources (storage, bandwidth, operations) bundled together for a fixed price.

For example:

I add this base price to the calculated costs for these providers, ensuring that the minimum charge is always accounted for.

How does the tool handle providers with minimum charges or bundled resources?

For providers with minimum charges or bundled resources, I calculate costs in two steps:

  1. I first calculate the cost based on your actual usage.
  2. Then I compare this cost with the provider's minimum charge (base price) and use the higher of the two.

Let's take DigitalOcean Spaces as an example:

How does the tool handle free tiers?

Many providers offer free tiers for storage, bandwidth, or operations. I account for these in my calculations. For example:

I subtract these free amounts from your usage before applying the provider's pricing.

What are Class A and Class B operations?

Operations are typically divided into two categories:

The exact definition can vary between providers, so always check the provider's documentation for specific details.

How does the tool handle providers with multiple storage tiers?

Some providers offer multiple storage tiers with different pricing. For example, Google Cloud Storage offers Standard, Nearline, Coldline, and Archive tiers. I include each tier as a separate entry in the comparison, allowing you to see how costs vary across different storage classes.

How accurate are these price estimates?

While I strive for accuracy, there are some limitations:

  1. Prices may change over time, and I may not always reflect the most up-to-date pricing.
  2. I use simplified pricing models and may not account for all nuances in a provider's pricing structure.
  3. Prices shown are typically for the cheapest region of each provider, which may not be the case for all regions.
  4. I don't account for potential volume discounts or custom pricing.

Always verify the pricing with the provider's official website before making any decisions.

Can I use this tool for exact billing predictions?

While this tool provides a good estimate for comparison purposes, it should not be used for exact billing predictions. Actual costs can vary based on factors such as:

Always consult with the provider directly for accurate billing estimates.

How often is the pricing data updated?

I strive to keep the pricing data as current as possible, but due to the frequent changes in cloud pricing, there may be occasional discrepancies. If you notice any outdated information, please contact me.

Can I suggest a provider to be added to the comparison?

Absolutely! I'm always looking to improve the tool. If you'd like to suggest a provider, please contact me with the provider's name and publicly available pricing information.

Is this tool affiliated with any of the providers?

No, this tool is an independent project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the storage providers listed.

How can I contact you for more information?

For more information, suggestions, or to report any issues, please email me at [email protected], or reach out to me on Telegram (click) or Twitter (click).

Privacy and Data Usage

This tool does not store any of the data you input. All calculations are performed client-side in your browser. I do not track individual usage or collect personal information.

Disclaimer

This tool is provided for informational purposes only. While I strive for accuracy, I make no warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk.

I hope this tool helps you make informed decisions about your object storage needs. Remember to always verify pricing and features directly with the providers before making any commitments.

«Back to S3 Comparison Tool»
•
«Support my work»