Buildstash is a build-to-release and binary artifact management platform for software teams. This page compares Buildstash to S3 for teams considering alternatives. Buildstash is better for: Having a purpose-built tool for managing software binaries and releases, with extensive integration support, and integrated features for collaboration, workflows, and distribution. Key differences: S3 is just storage, Buildstash is a purpose-built platform for build and release workflows. Buildstash offers flexible distribution options, including distribution groups, share links, and branded portals.

Markdown version of this Buildstash vs S3 comparison (for AI and crawlers)

Buildstash vs S3 comparison

Buildstash vs S3

Amazon's S3 provides scalable object storage, with extensive integration support, allowing simple and relatively cost-effective storage of software binaries and other artifacts.

This also means that any tooling required to support workflows, collaboration, or distribution need to be custom-built, at considerable expense.

Buildstash is a platform purpose-built for build and release workflows, with extensive integration support, and integrated features for collaboration, workflows, and distribution. Teams can opt to either use provided storage, or connect their own - including S3-compatible storage.

Amazon S3
Around since
2006
Similar to
Cloudflare R2, Backblaze B2, etc
Best known for
Durable, scalable object storage
Useful for
Teams who just want raw storage and are happy to build custom tooling.
Buildstash is better for
Having a purpose-built tool for managing software binaries and releases, with extensive integration support, and integrated features for collaboration, workflows, and distribution.
Try Buildstash free

Key differences

  • S3 is just storage, Buildstash is a purpose-built platform for build and release workflows.

  • Buildstash offers flexible distribution options, including distribution groups, share links, and branded portals.

  • Powerful custom workflows and automation capabilities are provided by Buildstash out of the box.

What people like about S3

  • Simple file storage, with extensive integration support.

  • Relatively cost-effective for most use cases.

What people don't like about S3

  • It is just file storage, lacking a user interface designed for managing binaries and software, or functionality around collaboration or distribution.

  • Not user-friendly for non-technical team members to use effectively.

  • Requires building custom tooling for any more complex workflows.

Feature comparison

Feature comparison: Buildstash vs S3. Each row shows a feature and whether Buildstash and S3 support it (✓, Partially, or ✕).
Feature
Buildstash
S3
Summary
Universal software binary management
✓
✓
S3 stores any object; Buildstash adds release workflow and UX
Extensive CI/CD integrations
✓
✓
Both have good integration support; S3 often community supported
QA & sign-off workflows
✓
✕
Buildstash has QA workflows and approval flow
Agnosic distribution targets
✓
✕
Buildstash supports distribution; S3 is just storage
Artifact promotion workflows
✓
✕
S3 is just storage
Metadata management
✓
Partially
S3 can store any file; Buildstash has real metadata management
Retention policies
✓
Partially
S3 has lifecycle; Buildstash has powerful retention policies
Share links
✓
Partially
S3 has presigned URLs; Buildstash has simple share links in the UI
Branded download portals
✓
✕
Buildstash offers branded portals
Distribution groups
✓
✕
S3 is just storage
iOS & Android beta distribution
✓
✕
Buildstash has integrated beta distribution
Connect your own storage
✓
✓
Buildstash can use S3; S3 is the storage layer
Powerful API
✓
✓
Both have APIs
Webhooks
✓
Partially
S3 has events; Buildstash has webhooks
Automations
✓
✕
Buildstash has automations; S3 needs custom-built
Enterprise SSO
✓
Partially
Buildstash supports SSO; S3 uses IAM

Still not sure?

Read our docs to discover more.Book a call to speak with us and answer any questions.Or start a free trial and demo it today.