DSQL vs DynamoDB global tables

Both Amazon Aurora DSQL and DynamoDB global tables with multi-Region strong consistency are designed for building highly available, globally distributed applications, but they serve different use cases and have distinct characteristics.

Aurora DSQL is a serverless, distributed SQL database that offers virtually unlimited scale and highest availability. It's designed for applications that require SQL compatibility, ACID transactions across multiple regions, and strong snapshot isolation. Aurora DSQL is ideal for complex queries and applications that need the full power of SQL, including secondary indexes and joins. It's particularly well-suited for applications that require both high availability and strong consistency across regions without compromising on SQL functionality.

On the other hand, DynamoDB global tables with multi-Region strong consistency is an extension of DynamoDB's existing global tables feature. It's designed for NoSQL workloads that require a simple key-value or document data model with the added benefit of strong consistency across regions. This feature is particularly useful for applications with strict consistency requirements, such as user profile management, inventory tracking, and financial transaction processing, where you need to ensure you're always reading the latest version of data regardless of the region.

Choose Aurora DSQL when you need:

1. SQL compatibility and complex query capabilities
2. ACID transactions across regions
3. Virtually unlimited scale with SQL functionality
4. Strong consistency without compromising on SQL features

Choose DynamoDB global tables with multi-Region strong consistency when you need:

1. A simple key-value or document data model
2. Strong consistency for reads across regions
3. The existing benefits of DynamoDB like low latency and easy scalability
4. To build applications with a recovery point objective (RPO) of zero

It's important to note that both services are relatively new and in preview. Aurora DSQL offers more complex SQL capabilities, while DynamoDB global tables with multi-Region strong consistency provides a simpler, highly scalable solution for applications that can work within the constraints of a NoSQL model but require strong consistency across regions.
Sources
Introducing Amazon Aurora DSQL | AWS Database Blog
Global tables with multi-Region strong consistency – preview - Amazon DynamoDB
Amazon DynamoDB global tables previews multi-Region strong consistency - AWS