AWS Secrets Manager vs CyberArk: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between AWS Secrets Manager and CyberArk comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: AWS Secrets Manager is our overall pick for security workflows. Pick CyberArk if you need identity & access.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AWS Secrets Manager
AWS service for storing and rotating secrets securely
Best for you if:
- • You need security features specifically
- • AWS Secrets Manager helps you securely store and rotate database credentials, API keys, and other secrets
- • It integrates natively with AWS services and supports automatic rotation for RDS and other databases
CyberArk
Secure every identity across human, machine, and AI with intelligent privilege controls.
Best for you if:
- • You need identity & access features specifically
- • Secures all identities (human, machine, AI) with intelligent privilege controls.
- • Unifies identity security across hybrid, SaaS, and multi-cloud environments.
| At a Glance |  AWS Secrets Manager |  CyberArk |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.4/month per secretPer Secret | Contact us/moContact Sales |
Best For | Security | Identity & Access |
Rating | - | - |
Choose AWS Secrets Manager or CyberArk?
Choose AWS Secrets Manager if
AWS service for storing and rotating secrets securely
- Managed secrets storage
- Automatic rotation
- Audit logging
- Your work is security-shaped, not identity & access-shaped
Choose CyberArk if
Secure every identity across human, machine, and AI with intelligent privilege controls.
- Comprehensive security for all identity types (human, machine, AI)
- Unified platform simplifies security stack and management
- Advanced AI capabilities enhance threat detection and automation
- Your work is identity & access-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | AWS Secrets Manager | CyberArk |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 22 reviews | ★3.2/5 878 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityCloud & Infrastructure | Identity & AccessSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
AWS Secrets Manager
AWS service for storing and rotating secrets securely
Strengths
- +Managed secrets storage
- +Automatic rotation
- +Audit logging
- +Integration with AWS services
- +Cross-account access
Weaknesses
- -Per-secret pricing adds up
- -AWS only
- -Less flexible than Vault
- -Rotation setup complex
- -Region-specific
Key features
CyberArk
Secure every identity across human, machine, and AI with intelligent privilege controls.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive security for all identity types (human, machine, AI)
- +Unified platform simplifies security stack and management
- +Advanced AI capabilities enhance threat detection and automation
- +Strong focus on privilege controls and least privilege principles
- +Supports hybrid, multi-cloud, and SaaS environments
Weaknesses
- -No free tier or trial explicitly mentioned
- -Complexity of implementation and management for large enterprises
Key features
Pricing: AWS Secrets Manager vs CyberArk
| Plan | AWS Secrets Manager | CyberArk |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0.4 month per secret Per Secret | Contact us Contact Sales |
| Tier 2 | $0.05 /10,000 calls API Calls | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on AWS Secrets Manager pricing and CyberArk pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: AWS Secrets Manager
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: AWS Secrets Manager
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: AWS Secrets Manager
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
AWS Secrets Manager is a security tool. CyberArk is in identity & access. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
AWS Secrets Manager
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 3.2/5
- Our pick for this comparison
CyberArk
- Larger review base (878 reviews)
- Better fit for identity & access
The Bottom Line
AWS Secrets Manager is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS Secrets Manager or CyberArk better?
AWS Secrets Manager is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are AWS Secrets Manager and CyberArk used for?
AWS Secrets Manager: AWS service for storing and rotating secrets securely. CyberArk: Secure every identity across human, machine, and AI with intelligent privilege controls..
What does AWS Secrets Manager cost vs CyberArk?
AWS Secrets Manager is a paid tool. CyberArk is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.