Tech Matchups: PrivateLink vs VPC Endpoints
Overview
AWS PrivateLink enables secure, private connectivity between VPCs and AWS services or third-party services across accounts, without internet exposure.
VPC Endpoints provide private access to AWS services within a single VPC, bypassing the public internet for services like S3 or DynamoDB.
Both ensure private AWS service access: PrivateLink for cross-account or SaaS, VPC Endpoints for intra-VPC efficiency.
Section 1 - Connectivity Scope
PrivateLink connects VPCs to services across accounts or regions—e.g., accessing a partner’s SaaS API hosted in their VPC. Uses an Elastic Network Interface (ENI) in the consumer VPC.
VPC Endpoints connect a VPC to AWS services within the same account—e.g., accessing an S3 bucket privately. Two types: Gateway (S3, DynamoDB) and Interface (others).
Scenario: PrivateLink for a cross-account analytics service; VPC Endpoint for in-VPC S3 access.
Section 2 - Security and Isolation
PrivateLink ensures private|private traffic stays within AWS’s private network, secured via Security Groups and NACLs—e.g., restricting access to a specific CIDR. No internet or NAT Gateway required.
VPC Endpoints also avoid internet exposure, with Gateway Endpoints using route table entries and Interface Endpoints using ENIs with Security Groups.
Scenario: PrivateLink secures a third-party SaaS; VPC Endpoint protects S3 access from a private subnet. Both prioritize privacy.
Section 3 - Cost and Scalability
PrivateLink charges per hour ($0.01 per ENI in us-east-1) and data processed ($0.01/GB). Example: 1TB/month across 10 ENIs costs ~$122.40 ($72 hourly + $50.40 data).
VPC Endpoints vary: Gateway Endpoints are free; Interface Endpoints cost $0.01/hour per ENI + $0.01/GB. Example: 1TB/month via Interface Endpoint costs ~$50.40.
PrivateLink scales to thousands of services; VPC Endpoints scale within VPC limits (e.g., 50 Interface Endpoints).
Scenario: PrivateLink for multiple SaaS integrations; VPC Endpoint for single-service access.
Section 4 - Use Case Scenarios
PrivateLink suits cross-account or third-party services—e.g., accessing a partner’s Snowflake instance from your VPC without internet.
VPC Endpoints fit intra-VPC AWS service access—e.g., a private subnet accessing DynamoDB for low-latency queries.
Scenario: PrivateLink for a multi-tenant SaaS; VPC Endpoint for internal S3 backups.
Section 5 - Comparison Table
| Aspect | PrivateLink | VPC Endpoints |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cross-account, SaaS | Intra-VPC |
| Endpoint Type | Interface | Gateway/Interface |
| Cost | Hourly + Data | Free (Gateway) or Hourly + Data |
| Security | SGs/NACLs | SGs or Route Tables |
| Best For | Third-party Services | AWS Services |
PrivateLink for external services, VPC Endpoints for internal AWS access. Use both for comprehensive privacy.
Conclusion
PrivateLink and VPC Endpoints secure private access to services without internet exposure. PrivateLink excels in cross-account or SaaS integrations, ideal for multi-tenant or partner services. VPC Endpoints optimize intra-VPC AWS service access, perfect for internal workloads.
Weigh scope (cross-account vs. intra-VPC), cost (data vs. free Gateway), and service type (SaaS vs. AWS). Use PrivateLink for external integrations, VPC Endpoints for internal efficiency—or combine: PrivateLink for SaaS, VPC Endpoints for S3/DynamoDB.