The 7 Best Cloud Migration Services for 2026 and Beyond
Choosing the right cloud migration partner is a critical business decision. A flawed selection leads to budget overruns, operational disruption, and unrealized ROI. This guide provides a direct, data-driven framework for evaluating the best cloud migration services. We focus on proven execution, transparent pricing, robust post-migration support, and the specific expertise required for complex AWS, Azure, and GCP projects.
This is a playbook for action. We dissect the top services, from native hyperscaler tools like AWS MGN and Azure Migrate to enterprise-grade consultancies and specialized software. You will gain a clear understanding of each option’s core strengths, ideal use cases, and potential limitations. Each profile includes key details to help you quickly assess fit and build an intelligent Request for Proposal (RFP).
Our analysis helps you compare offerings, whether you are optimizing a sub-$500K cloud budget or navigating regulated industry requirements. The goal is to equip you with the insights needed to select a partner that delivers sustainable value, not just a lift-and-shift project.
1. AWS Application Migration Service (AWS MGN)
For organizations committed to the AWS ecosystem, the AWS Application Migration Service (MGN) is the primary native solution for rehosting workloads. As AWS’s main “lift-and-shift” tool, MGN is designed to minimize downtime when moving physical, virtual (VMware/Hyper-V), or other cloud-based servers into Amazon EC2. It automates the conversion process, allowing teams to replicate entire servers without performance impact on the source systems.
The service enables a clear, phased approach: rehost first, then replatform or refactor later once the application is stable in the cloud. This strategy de-risks the initial migration, allowing businesses to exit data centers quickly and then focus on modernization. Its core technology uses continuous, block-level replication to keep the AWS target environment in sync with the source, ensuring minimal data loss during the final cutover.
Key Features and Operational Model
MGN’s console-based interface provides a centralized dashboard for managing and tracking the migration of thousands of servers. Users install a lightweight agent on source servers, which then initiates replication to a low-cost staging area within your target AWS account.
A key benefit is the ability to conduct non-disruptive testing before the final cutover. This allows infrastructure teams to launch test instances, validate application performance, and resolve any dependencies or configuration issues without impacting production workloads. This “test-and-validate” cycle is a critical differentiator that provides confidence before the final go-live event.
Pricing and Cost Considerations
AWS MGN is free for a 90-day period for each server migrated. During this time, you only pay for the AWS resources provisioned for the migration, such as staging area EC2 instances and EBS volumes used for replication. After 90 days, you are charged a low hourly fee per server. This pricing model makes it cost-effective for executing large-scale migrations within a defined timeline.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Fee | Free for 90 days per migrated server. |
| Infrastructure Costs | Pay for staging resources (low-cost EC2, EBS). |
| Post-Migration | Standard AWS pricing for running EC2 instances and related services. |
Practical Guidance for CIOs
While MGN excels at rehosting, it is not a portfolio assessment tool. View it as a powerful execution engine within a broader migration strategy. For initial discovery and dependency mapping, you may need other tools like AWS Migration Hub or partner-led solutions. For a deeper dive into structuring your move, you can explore detailed guidance on AWS migration best practices. This service provides one of the most direct paths to moving legacy applications into AWS, setting the stage for future cloud-native transformation.
2. Microsoft Azure Migrate
For enterprises standardizing on Microsoft Azure, Azure Migrate serves as the central hub for the entire migration and modernization journey. As a comprehensive native platform, it provides an integrated set of tools for discovery, assessment, and migration of on-premises workloads, including servers, databases, web applications, and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). It is designed to be the single control plane for planning and executing a move to Azure.
Azure Migrate’s primary strength is its end-to-end approach, guiding teams from business case development through to post-migration optimization. It excels in the critical assessment phase, providing dependency analysis, right-sizing recommendations, and detailed cost projections. This allows organizations to build a data-driven migration plan, ensuring both technical readiness and financial alignment before committing to the move.
Key Features and Operational Model
Azure Migrate functions as a centralized hub that integrates a portfolio of first-party and third-party partner tools. Users start by creating a project and deploying an appliance in their on-premises environment to discover servers and applications. This discovery phase populates the portal with a comprehensive inventory and maps application dependencies, a critical step for de-risking complex migrations.
The platform’s built-in assessment tooling is a key differentiator. It analyzes discovered workloads to provide Azure readiness reports, performance-based sizing recommendations for Azure VMs and databases, and detailed cost estimations. This allows leadership to model migration scenarios and build a robust business case. For the migration itself, the service offers specialized tools for rehosting servers (Azure Site Recovery technology), modernizing web apps (App Service migration), and migrating databases (Azure Database Migration Service).
Pricing and Cost Considerations
The core Azure Migrate tools for discovery, assessment, and server migration are provided at no additional cost. Costs are incurred for the underlying Azure resources consumed during and after the migration. This includes storage for replicated data and compute resources for test migrations. If you leverage integrated third-party tools from partners, their own licensing fees may apply.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Fee | Core Azure Migrate tools are free to use. |
| Infrastructure Costs | Pay for Azure resources (storage, log analytics, test VMs). |
| Partner Tools | Independent software vendor (ISV) tools may have separate license fees. |
| Post-Migration | Standard Azure pricing for running workloads and related services. |
Practical Guidance for CIOs
Azure Migrate is the definitive starting point for any significant migration into the Microsoft cloud. Its integrated assessment capabilities make it a strategic planning platform. Leverage its cost modeling and dependency analysis features early in the planning cycle to validate the business case and define migration waves. For organizations evaluating multiple destinations, it’s essential to understand how different platforms stack up; you can find more information when you compare cloud service providers. While Azure Migrate is one of the best cloud migration services for Azure-bound workloads, its utility is limited for multi-cloud strategies that don’t center on Microsoft’s ecosystem.
3. Google Cloud Migration Center + Migrate to Virtual Machines
For enterprises standardizing on Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Google’s native migration tooling offers an integrated, end-to-end experience. The combination of Migration Center for strategic planning and Migrate to Virtual Machines for tactical execution provides a cohesive solution. Migration Center acts as the central hub for discovery, portfolio assessment, and cost estimation, giving leaders the data needed to build a business case and plan the program.
This dual-tool approach connects high-level program management with the mechanics of moving workloads. It allows teams to discover on-premises or other cloud assets, group them into migration waves, and then seamlessly transition to the Migrate to Virtual Machines service to handle replication and launch into Google Compute Engine. This unified workflow reduces the friction between planning and execution, making it one of the best cloud migration services for organizations committed to the GCP ecosystem.
Key Features and Operational Model
Migration Center provides agentless discovery tools to scan your existing environment, collecting data on infrastructure, dependencies, and performance. This feeds into a TCO calculator and provides readiness assessments, helping you prioritize applications for migration. Once a plan is set, Migrate to Virtual Machines takes over the rehosting process. It uses an agent-based, streaming replication technology to move VMs from sources like VMware vSphere, AWS, or Azure into GCP.
A significant benefit is the ability to perform in-cloud testing before cutover. The service creates a clone of the replicated VM within your GCP project, allowing your team to validate everything from network connectivity to application functionality in an isolated environment. This “test-clone” capability minimizes the risk of production issues post-migration and provides a reliable rollback path if needed.
Pricing and Cost Considerations
Google Cloud Migration Center is offered at no cost; you only pay for the underlying Google Cloud resources consumed. Migrate to Virtual Machines is also free to use for migrating into Google Cloud. Costs are incurred for the GCP resources used during the process, such as persistent disks for replication and test instances. New customers often receive credits that can be applied to offset these costs.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Fee | Both Migration Center and Migrate to Virtual Machines are free to use. |
| Infrastructure Costs | Pay for GCP resources (e.g., Persistent Disk, Compute Engine for testing). |
| Post-Migration | Standard GCP pricing for running virtual machines and associated services. |
Practical Guidance for CIOs
This combined offering is a powerful toolkit for executing a lift-and-shift or move-and-improve strategy into Google Cloud. View it as an execution platform that excels once a clear decision to migrate to GCP has been made. While Migration Center provides excellent assessment capabilities, its insights are geared toward GCP compatibility and cost modeling. For a truly vendor-neutral initial assessment, a third-party tool might be a better starting point. The platform’s real strength lies in providing a prescriptive and cost-effective path for moving existing virtualized workloads directly into Google’s infrastructure.
4. AWS Marketplace – Migration Solutions
For organizations seeking a streamlined procurement process for third-party migration tools, the AWS Marketplace offers a curated digital catalog. It is a centralized platform to find, buy, and deploy software and professional services from vetted vendors directly through an existing AWS account. This model simplifies vendor management and consolidates billing, making it a powerful resource for teams looking to augment native AWS tools with specialized capabilities for discovery, data mobility, or project monitoring.
The primary advantage of the AWS Marketplace is its ability to accelerate the procurement cycle. Instead of lengthy, independent contract negotiations, enterprises can leverage pre-approved AWS agreements and standardized terms. This allows technology leaders to quickly acquire solutions, from data migration specialists like WANdisco to comprehensive workload mobility platforms, all within a familiar commercial framework. It provides a flexible yet controlled environment for sourcing the best cloud migration services to fill specific gaps in a migration plan.
Key Features and Operational Model
The Marketplace organizes its offerings into logical categories, such as Migration & Transfer, which simplifies the discovery process. Users can browse listings for both software and professional services, comparing features, reviews, and pricing models. Many listings offer flexible consumption options, including free trials, hourly or monthly subscriptions, and bring-your-own-license (BYOL) models.
A significant feature is the ability to engage in private offers. This allows buyers to negotiate custom pricing and end-user license agreement (EULA) terms directly with a vendor for a specific software or service package. Once agreed upon, the offer is extended through the Marketplace, retaining the benefits of consolidated AWS billing while accommodating unique enterprise requirements.
Pricing and Cost Considerations
Pricing on the AWS Marketplace is determined by the individual vendor. The platform supports a wide variety of models, and costs are added directly to your monthly AWS bill, providing a unified view of migration-related expenditures. This integration simplifies cost allocation and budget tracking.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Fee | No direct AWS Marketplace fee; pricing is set by vendors. |
| Infrastructure Costs | Pay for AWS resources consumed by the deployed software or service. |
| Billing Model | Varies by vendor (e.g., hourly, monthly, annual, BYOL). Billed via your AWS account. |
Practical Guidance for CIOs
View the AWS Marketplace as a strategic procurement channel. The quality and suitability of offerings vary, and thorough due diligence on each vendor is essential. Before purchasing, verify that a tool aligns with your specific migration pattern (rehost, replatform, etc.) and security requirements. Use the platform to compare solutions and initiate pilot projects quickly, but always supplement your decision with independent vendor analysis. For a comprehensive overview, you can explore the AWS Marketplace Migration Solutions directly.
5. G2 – Cloud Migration Services Category
For organizations looking to de-risk their partner selection process, G2’s Cloud Migration Services category offers a data-driven approach. G2 is a peer-review platform that aggregates verified user feedback, leader grids, and vendor comparisons for over 200 service providers. This makes it an indispensable research hub for shortlisting systems integrators and managed service providers based on real-world customer satisfaction.
The platform empowers procurement teams and CIOs to move beyond vendor marketing claims and evaluate potential partners through actual client experiences. G2’s proprietary Grid reports visually segment vendors into Leaders, High Performers, Contenders, and Niche players, providing a quick-to-digest market landscape. This crowdsourced intelligence helps identify partners with a proven track record of delivering successful outcomes for businesses of a similar size and industry.
Key Features and Operational Model
G2’s platform provides a centralized, filterable database to streamline the initial discovery phase of vendor selection. Users can apply filters for company size, industry focus, and geographic region to narrow down the extensive list of providers to a manageable shortlist. Each vendor profile includes detailed, verified reviews that often cover project management, technical expertise, and post-migration support.
A key benefit is the ability to perform direct, side-by-side vendor comparisons. This feature allows decision-makers to evaluate up to four providers simultaneously across key metrics like “Ease of Doing Business With” and “Quality of Support.” This comparative analysis is critical for building a business case and justifying partner selection before engaging in lengthy RFP processes.
Pricing and Cost Considerations
Accessing G2’s reviews, comparison tools, and standard reports is free for technology buyers. The platform’s business model is based on vendors paying for enhanced profiles and lead-generation tools. This means there are no subscription fees or hidden costs to leverage the platform for research and due diligence.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Fee | Free for technology buyers to access all reviews and reports. |
| Infrastructure Costs | Not applicable; G2 is a research platform. |
| Post-Migration | Not applicable. |
Practical Guidance for CIOs
While G2 is an invaluable tool for discovery and validation, it is not a direct marketplace. Use G2 to build an evidence-based shortlist and gather intelligence for RFP questions, but always follow up with direct vendor engagement and reference checks. For more details on the providers, visit the official G2 Cloud Migration Services category. This approach ensures you are leveraging one of the best cloud migration services research platforms to select a partner aligned with your technical and business requirements.
6. Accenture – Cloud Migration Services (US)
For large enterprises facing complex, regulated, and high-stakes cloud transformations, Accenture provides a global systems integrator’s scale and process maturity. Their cloud migration services are engineered for enterprise challenges, moving beyond simple rehosting to deliver comprehensive modernization programs across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Accenture is a strategic partner for organizations that require a factory-style execution model, deep industry expertise, and end-to-end management from planning through post-migration operations.
The firm differentiates itself with its “industrialized migration factory” approach. This model leverages a combination of proprietary multi-cloud tooling, automation accelerators, and a global talent pool to execute migrations at a velocity and scale that smaller firms cannot match. This is particularly valuable for sectors like federal government, financial services, and healthcare, where compliance and security requirements add significant complexity. Their large-scale reference architectures and demonstrated experience on major projects provide assurance for high-risk transformations.
Key Features and Operational Model
Accenture’s operational model is built around a full-lifecycle partnership. Engagements typically begin with a deep strategic assessment and business case development, followed by the deployment of their migration factory to execute the move. Post-migration, they offer extensive managed services, allowing organizations to offload the operational burden of their new cloud environment.
A core advantage is their sector-specific expertise and pre-built solutions. For instance, their experience with Azure Government Cloud is critical for public sector clients, while their knowledge of HIPAA and GxP regulations is invaluable for healthcare and life sciences migrations. This industry specialization ensures that the migration strategy aligns not just with technical goals but also with critical compliance mandates.
Pricing and Cost Considerations
Accenture operates on a quote-based, enterprise-grade pricing model. Engagements are typically large-scale, and project minimums are substantial, reflecting the comprehensive nature of their services. The total cost will depend on the scope of the migration, complexity of workloads, and the extent of post-migration managed services required. The sales and onboarding cycle is generally longer than that of boutique consultancies due to the detailed scoping involved.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Fee | Custom quote-based pricing for enterprise-scale projects. |
| Infrastructure Costs | Pass-through costs for AWS, Azure, or GCP resources consumed. |
| Engagement Model | Typically large-scale, multi-year strategic partnerships. |
Practical Guidance for CIOs
View Accenture as a strategic partner for transformational programs rather than a vendor for discrete, lift-and-shift projects. Their strength lies in handling immense complexity, untangling legacy dependencies, and managing the organizational change required for successful enterprise cloud adoption. CIOs in regulated industries will find their deep compliance knowledge compelling. To better understand the landscape of these partnerships, you can explore this overview of top-tier cloud migration consulting services. While pricing is at a premium, the value lies in de-risking mission-critical migrations that are foundational to future business strategy.
7. OpenText Carbonite Move (formerly Carbonite Migrate)
For organizations seeking a predictable, platform-agnostic solution, OpenText Carbonite Move offers a robust engine for migrating workloads with near-zero downtime. It is engineered to move physical, virtual, and cloud-based servers between disparate environments, making it a versatile tool for complex hybrid and multi-cloud strategies. Carbonite Move excels at simplifying the orchestration of server migrations, ensuring data integrity and business continuity throughout the process.
The platform’s core strength lies in its use of continuous, real-time byte-level replication. This technology captures changes as they happen and transmits them efficiently using built-in compression and bandwidth throttling, minimizing impact on production systems. This approach allows businesses to keep source and target environments perfectly synchronized until the moment of the final cutover, which can be executed in minutes or even seconds.
Key Features and Operational Model
Carbonite Move provides a unified console for managing all migration jobs, offering automated and repeatable workflows that reduce manual effort and risk. It supports scripting and SDK integration, allowing teams to embed migration tasks into larger automation frameworks. This centralized control is crucial for managing projects at scale, whether handled by in-house teams or Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
A significant advantage is the ability to conduct unlimited, non-disruptive cutover testing. This feature lets you create a clone of the target server for validation without shutting down the source, allowing you to thoroughly test applications, dependencies, and performance. Once testing is complete, the test environment is discarded, and replication continues, ensuring a high degree of confidence before the live migration.
Pricing and Cost Considerations
Carbonite Move’s pricing is quote-based and not publicly listed, requiring direct engagement with OpenText or its partners. This model allows for tailored licensing based on the number of servers, project scope, and support requirements. The cost is typically a per-server license fee, which can be more predictable for defined projects compared to consumption-based models.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Fee | Quote-based, typically a per-server license. |
| Infrastructure Costs | You are responsible for target infrastructure costs during migration. |
| Support Model | Varies by license agreement; options for standard and premium support. |
Practical Guidance for CIOs
Carbonite Move is a purpose-built migration engine, not a discovery or assessment tool. It is one of the best cloud migration services for organizations with a clear migration plan that need a reliable, low-downtime execution tool for moving workloads across different platforms (P2V, V2V, V2C, C2C). CIOs should consider it when minimizing business disruption is a primary goal, especially for critical applications. For more on its technical capabilities, you can find information on the OpenText cybersecurity blog. When evaluating, ensure its feature set does not overlap with native tools from your target hyperscaler to avoid redundant costs.
Top 7 Cloud Migration Services Comparison
| Solution | Implementation complexity | Resource requirements | Expected outcomes | Ideal use cases | Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Application Migration Service (AWS MGN) | Moderate — set up replication, testing, and cutover workflows | AWS account, replication EC2/EBS storage, network bandwidth, optional partner support | Rehosted VMs in EC2 with automated conversion and test launches | Large-scale rehosting into AWS where native integration matters | Deep AWS integration, scalable, non-disruptive test launches |
| Microsoft Azure Migrate | Low–Moderate — portal-driven assessments and migration orchestration | Azure subscription, Log Analytics/compute resources, possible partner tools | Centralized discovery, cost modeling, and migration into Azure | End-to-end Azure migrations and cost-driven modernization planning | Unified dashboard, built-in cost guidance, free tooling to start |
| Google Cloud Migration Center + Migrate to VMs | Moderate — discovery plus agent-based VM replication and cutover | GCP account, agents on sources, target Compute Engine resources, regional setup | Portfolio assessment plus agent-driven VM migration to Compute Engine | Program-level planning with practical VM migrations into GCP | Combined estimation/tracking and hands-on VM migration tooling |
| AWS Marketplace – Migration Solutions | Low — procurement and onboarding of third-party tools/services | Procurement budget, AWS billing account, vendor implementation resources | Procure and deploy specialized migration tools or turnkey services | Buying vetted vendor solutions for AWS-based migrations | Fast procurement under AWS billing and broad vendor choice |
| G2 – Cloud Migration Services Category | Low — research and vendor shortlisting via reviews | Time for research, stakeholder evaluation; no deployment resources | Shortlist providers based on verified customer feedback | Vendor selection and comparative research before engagement | Real-world reviews and comparison filters to de-risk selection |
| Accenture – Cloud Migration Services (US) | High — enterprise program planning, governance, long engagements | Significant budget, project team, governance, multi-cloud tooling | End-to-end migration and modernization with managed post-migration services | Complex, regulated, large-scale enterprise migrations | Deep sector expertise, factory execution, managed services scale |
| OpenText Carbonite Move (formerly Carbonite Migrate) | Moderate — deploy agents/console, configure replication and cutover | License costs, agents, bandwidth controls, staff to run migrations | Low-downtime, byte-level replication with fast cutover and rollback | Mixed environments requiring predictable, minimal-downtime moves | Platform-agnostic, byte-level replication, testable cutovers |
Your Next Move: How to Turn This List into Action
Navigating the landscape of the best cloud migration services requires strategic foresight. We’ve dissected options from hyperscaler-native tools like AWS Application Migration Service and Azure Migrate, to consulting powerhouses like Accenture. We’ve also covered flexible third-party solutions like OpenText Carbonite Move and aggregator platforms such as G2 and the AWS Marketplace. The takeaway is clear: the “best” service depends on your organization’s specific technical, financial, and strategic parameters.
Your decision-making must be a disciplined evaluation. A simple feature comparison is insufficient. Instead, weigh each service against your unique business drivers, from regulatory compliance to the scalability demands of a high-growth platform. The right partner is a strategic asset that understands your industry’s nuances and can guide your transformation beyond the initial migration.
From Analysis to Action: A Practical Framework
To bridge the gap between reading this guide and making a confident decision, follow this structured, three-step approach. This framework forces you to define your requirements before engaging vendors, ensuring you control the conversation and drive toward a solution that fits.
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Define Your Migration Archetype: First, classify your primary migration driver. Are you executing a “lift-and-shift” for speed and cost-efficiency, where a tool like AWS MGN excels? Is this a “refactor and modernize” initiative, requiring the deep application expertise of a partner like Accenture? Or is it a “data center exit” with a hard deadline, prioritizing velocity and risk mitigation, where a tool like Carbonite Move is essential? Defining your archetype narrows the field immediately.
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Scorecard Your Internal Constraints and Assets: Next, perform an honest internal audit. Create a simple scorecard with these key factors:
- In-House Skill Level (1-5): A low score suggests you need a full-service consulting partner, not just a tool.
- Compliance Burden (Low/Medium/High): Are you governed by GDPR, HIPAA, or FedRAMP? High-burden scenarios require partners with proven, certified experience.
- Technical Debt (1-5): A high score necessitates a partner with strong discovery, assessment, and application modernization capabilities.
- Budget Flexibility (Fixed vs. Outcome-Based): This influences whether you lean toward predictable, tool-based pricing or a value-driven consulting engagement.
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Initiate a Targeted Request for Information (RFI): With your archetype defined and scorecard complete, you can move beyond generic sales pitches. Ask pointed questions:
- “We are a mid-market manufacturing firm with high technical debt (score 4/5) executing a data center exit. Provide two case studies of similar clients, detailing how you managed legacy system dependencies.”
- “Our primary driver is application modernization. How do you measure the ROI of refactoring versus re-platforming, and what is your methodology for helping us choose?”
This data-driven approach transforms your procurement process from a passive evaluation into an active, strategic selection. It ensures the partner you choose is not just technically competent but is also aligned with your business reality, risk tolerance, and long-term vision.
Finding the right partner to navigate this complex journey is critical. Instead of sifting through countless websites, use the free tools at CloudConsultingFirms.com to accelerate your due diligence. We aggregate data on certified partners, allowing you to filter by industry, project size, and specific cloud competencies to find the best cloud migration services for your needs. Visit CloudConsultingFirms.com to generate your tailored shortlist in minutes.