# AWS Secrets Manager vs HashiCorp Vault: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[AWS Secrets Manager](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aws-secrets-manager) is a commercial [secrets management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/secrets-management) solution by [Amazon Web Services, Inc](https://cybersectools.com/companies/amazon-web-services-inc). [HashiCorp Vault](https://cybersectools.com/tools/hashicorp-vault) is a commercial [secrets management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/secrets-management) solution by [HashiCorp](https://cybersectools.com/companies/hashicorp). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | AWS Secrets Manager | HashiCorp Vault |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | Secrets Management | Secrets Management |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Amazon Web Services, Inc. | HashiCorp |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | AWS Secrets Manager | HashiCorp Vault |
|---|---|---|
| AWS | Yes | – |
| Secrets Management | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | – | Yes |
| Policy | – | Yes |

### Core features

**AWS Secrets Manager**

No features listed.

**HashiCorp Vault**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [AWS Secrets Manager](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aws-secrets-manager) fits if you want a cloud product and you are a startup.
- [HashiCorp Vault](https://cybersectools.com/tools/hashicorp-vault) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.

## AWS Secrets Manager vs HashiCorp Vault FAQ

Common questions when comparing AWS Secrets Manager vs HashiCorp Vault for secrets management.

### What is the difference between AWS Secrets Manager and HashiCorp Vault?

**AWS Secrets Manager**: A fully managed service that securely stores, rotates, and manages sensitive data such as database credentials and API keys, built by Amazon Web Services, Inc.

**HashiCorp Vault**: Identity-based secrets mgmt platform for credentials, certs, keys & encryption, built by HashiCorp.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes AWS Secrets Manager and HashiCorp Vault?

**AWS Secrets Manager** is made by Amazon Web Services, Inc. **HashiCorp Vault** is made by HashiCorp. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is AWS Secrets Manager a good alternative to HashiCorp Vault?

Often, yes. AWS Secrets Manager and HashiCorp Vault are both Secrets Management products, and both cover Secrets Management. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [AWS Secrets Manager vs CipherStash Stash](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-secrets-manager-vs-cipherstash-stash)
- [AWS Secrets Manager vs enclaive Vault](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-secrets-manager-vs-enclaive-vault)
- [AWS Secrets Manager vs Crypto4A QxVault™](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-secrets-manager-vs-crypto4a-qxvaulttm)
- [HashiCorp Vault vs CipherStash Stash](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cipherstash-stash-vs-hashicorp-vault)
- [HashiCorp Vault vs enclaive Vault](https://cybersectools.com/compare/enclaive-vault-vs-hashicorp-vault)
- [HashiCorp Vault vs Crypto4A QxVault™](https://cybersectools.com/compare/crypto4a-qxvaulttm-vs-hashicorp-vault)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all AWS Secrets Manager alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aws-secrets-manager)
- [See all HashiCorp Vault alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/hashicorp-vault)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-secrets-manager-vs-hashicorp-vault

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/aws-secrets-manager.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on AWS Secrets Manager and HashiCorp Vault: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md