AWS S3 vs Cloudflare R2: Storage Performance Comparison
Object storage is a core requirement for modern applications, powering backups, media storage, content delivery, analytics, and distributed workloads. Amazon S3 has been the industry-leading object storage service for more than a decade. Cloudflare R2, introduced as a cost-efficient competitor, aims to solve one of the biggest challenges of S3: high egress fees.
Both services offer scalable, durable, and globally accessible object storage. However, performance, latency, integration, and cost models differ significantly. This comparison focuses on performance and related factors to help you decide which storage solution suits your application needs.
Overview of AWS S3 and Cloudflare R2
What is AWS S3
Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) is a fully managed object storage service provided by AWS. It offers high durability, global availability, multiple storage classes, and seamless integration across the AWS ecosystem. It is widely used in enterprise applications, backups, big data workloads, and content delivery.
What is Cloudflare R2
Cloudflare R2 is an object storage service designed to be low-cost, developer-friendly, and optimized for global distribution. Its key advantage is the elimination of egress fees when data is accessed over the public internet or delivered through Cloudflare’s network. R2 is highly suited for applications focused on CDN-driven data delivery and cost efficiency.
Performance Comparison: Key Metrics
Performance depends on several factors such as latency, throughput, geographic distribution, and request processing time. Below is a detailed comparison of core performance aspects.
Latency
Latency varies based on where data is stored and where requests originate.
| Factor | AWS S3 | Cloudflare R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Network Coverage | Relies on S3 regions and CloudFront edge nodes | Global edge network by default |
| Average Latency | Lower near AWS regions and VPC workloads | Often lower for global distribution due to edge proximity |
| Best Fit | Applications hosted in AWS | Applications requiring global low-latency access |
Cloudflare R2 often provides better latency for users located outside a single compute region because of Cloudflare’s large global edge network. S3 performs best when clients or workloads are inside AWS.
Throughput and Data Transfer Speed
Throughput depends on storage architecture and request patterns.
| Evaluation | AWS S3 | Cloudflare R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Data Transfer Speeds | High within AWS ecosystem and CloudFront | Good through Cloudflare, slightly slower for large sequential uploads |
| Optimal Workloads | High-volume data processing, analytics, ML training, backups | Web assets, media, API content, global app storage |
| Multi-part Uploads | Mature support with high performance | Supported but newer and still improving |
S3 maintains an edge in high-throughput scenarios, especially for large data sets or internal AWS workloads.
API Performance
AWS S3 provides standardized and mature APIs. Cloudflare R2 is S3-compatible, but performance varies slightly based on specific use cases.
| Metric | AWS S3 | Cloudflare R2 |
|---|---|---|
| API Compatibility | Native S3 APIs | S3-compatible APIs |
| Request Performance | Fast and consistent due to optimized infrastructure | Slightly higher variation based on region and routing |
| Reliability | Very high | High, improving rapidly |
For mission-critical workloads needing consistency, S3 still leads due to maturity and extensive optimization.
Data Distribution and Availability
Both platforms emphasize availability, but the distribution model differs.
| Feature | AWS S3 | Cloudflare R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 99.999999999 percent (11 nines) | Comparable durability, built on Cloudflare network |
| Replication | Multi AZ and cross-region replication available | Global redundancy built into network |
| Data Residency Control | Strong regional control options | Still evolving |
S3 offers more granular control for compliance-focused industries. R2 provides global distribution with minimal configuration.
Cost and Egress Considerations Linked to Performance
Although this guide emphasizes performance, costs affect performance decisions.
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AWS S3 charges for egress, which impacts performance architecture because developers must optimize data flow to minimize costs.
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Cloudflare R2 eliminates egress fees, enabling free data transfer and more flexible design for global applications.
Applications that need to deliver large content to users worldwide may achieve better effective performance on R2 since data can be served freely without routing workarounds to avoid egress charges.
Best Use Cases for Each Platform
Best Use Cases for AWS S3
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Enterprise and large-scale applications running inside AWS
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Data lakes, analytics, AI, and machine learning storage
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Regulatory workloads needing strict data residency and compliance
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Frequent internal AWS service integrations
Best Use Cases for Cloudflare R2
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Global content delivery with minimal latency
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Media assets, static website resources, API content caching
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Cost-sensitive workloads with high egress requirements
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Applications running on multi-cloud or edge-first architecture
Which One Should You Choose
Select AWS S3 if your workload:
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Heavily relies on AWS compute, database, and analytics services
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Requires high throughput for large data operations
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Needs enterprise-grade compliance and fine-grained data control
Select Cloudflare R2 if:
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Your application delivers data globally and latency matters for worldwide users
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You want to avoid egress costs for public-facing workloads
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You operate in a multi-cloud or edge-distributed architecture
Conclusion
AWS S3 remains the strongest choice for high throughput, enterprise workloads, and deep integration with AWS services. Its maturity, reliability, and rich ecosystem make it suitable for large-scale cloud applications.
Cloudflare R2 offers competitive performance for globally distributed applications while eliminating egress costs. Its design is ideal for modern edge-first architecture, digital products, and developer-driven projects requiring cost efficiency and faster global access.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on workload location, access patterns, performance expectations, and cost priorities. Many organizations adopt a hybrid model to balance S3’s reliability with R2’s cost and distribution advantages.
