What are the differences between AWS CloudHSM and AWS KMS

Question

How do AWS CloudHSM and AWS KMS differ from each other? I want to know what sets them apart and how they serve different purposes.

Answer 1

AWS CloudHSM and AWS KMS are both used to manage encryption keys, but they serve different needs. Let me differentiate for you:

Feature	AWS CloudHSM	AWS KMS
Encryption Type	Hardware-based encryption with dedicated HSMs	Managed encryption by AWS
Control Level	Full control of encryption keys	Limited control; AWS manages storage
Compliance Level	Best for strict compliance (FIPS 140-2 Level 3)	Suitable for general encryption needs
Key Management	User manages keys manually	AWS manages key lifecycle with permissions
Cost	Higher cost due to dedicated hardware	Lower cost, pay-as-you-go for key usage
Ideal Use Case	High security, full control	Easy integration with AWS services