AWS Step Functions Reviews

Name: AWS Step Functions
Brand: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Rating: 4.2 (14 reviews)

4.2 out of 5

14 reviews
84% willing to recommend

What is AWS Step Functions?

AWS Step Functions enables orchestration of complex workflows, parallel task execution, and seamless integration with AWS services, simplifying ETL automation and data pipeline management.

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AWS Step Functions is the #11 ranked solution in BPM Software and #12 ranked solution in top Workload Automation solutions. PeerSpot users give AWS Step Functions an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. AWS Step Functions is most commonly compared to Camunda: AWS Step Functions vs Camunda. AWS Step Functions is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 72% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 29% of all views.

Helped 865,295 peers since 2012

Featured AWS Step Functions reviews

Carlos Alberto Marangon

Senior AWS Tech Lead at Nextios

Step Functions provide seamless integration with AWS services, which enhances the speed of application development. The JSON app launched recently allows us to define data execution more easily. The Standard Workflows feature includes error replay capabilities, which are crucial for efficient error management. The Amazon State Language (ASL) in JSON format facilitates workflow automation and accelerates the deployment of Step Functions.

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Mahender Nirwan

Software developer at TAIGLE LLC

There are two main features I like. You can use the UI or write basic JSON to define the workflow. If you write JSON, it converts it into a visual workflow in the UI. This allows you to visualize what's happening. When you get an error, it's easy to find in any large workflow, and debugging is also pretty easy. I like their UI, to be honest. It has the best profit UI.

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Hamza Iqbal

Senior Data Analyst at VerticalScope Inc.

For Step Functions error handling, one must use function calls and logging for error detection within state machines. Comparatively, AirFlow offers more room for improvement. It's like drag and drop. If you have to scale it, your diagram becomes too big. AWS suggests using a scripting language for easier measurement. I rate the initial step an eight out of ten.

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AWS Step Functions mindshare

Product category:

As of August 2025, the mindshare of AWS Step Functions in the Business Process Management (BPM) category stands at 2.1%, down from 2.5% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Business Process Management (BPM)

PeerResearch reports based on AWS Step Functions reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Business Process Management (BPM)	Aug 19, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Aug 19, 2025	Download
Comparison	AWS Step Functions vs Camunda	Aug 19, 2025	Download
Comparison	AWS Step Functions vs Automation Anywhere	Aug 19, 2025	Download
Comparison	AWS Step Functions vs Apache Airflow	Aug 19, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Camunda	4.1	19.1%	89%	77 interviews Add to research
Control-M	4.3	N/A	98%	126 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

AWS Step Functions integrates with AWS services, offering a user-friendly graphical interface for seamless app development. It supports parallel task execution and automation with JSON. Users appreciate its efficient error management with replay features and scalable task parallelization via the "map" state. It enhances workflow visibility, ease of use, and reduces delays. The visual UI aids debugging and provides a dashboard-like view, facilitating microservices integration and data execution in data lake scenarios.

"AWS Step Functions was stable, and there were no problems that I can recall."
"Overall, I would rate AWS Step Functions at least nine out of ten."
"The JSON app launched recently allows us to define data execution more easily."

Room for Improvement

AWS Step Functions users express concerns about the 256 KB data limit and high pricing. They find the integration with IDEs and other applications lacking. Data transformation features and enhanced profiling and logging are desired. The licensing model is unclear and dependency on the AWS ecosystem is problematic. A need for better visibility and support for third-party products is highlighted. Users also seek UI improvements and an increase in available integrations.

"There is room for improvement in terms of integration with other products. It would benefit from more integration with different applications or services."
"One area for improvement is the payload size. Currently, I sometimes have to save data as a file since I cannot pass it within Step Functions, necessitating caching in processes."
"Increasing the payload size would be beneficial."

ROI

Users reported a significant boost in task automation and orchestration efficiency using AWS Step Functions, resulting in reduced time-to-market and lower operational costs. They highlighted how AWS Step Functions improved workflow management and scalability, contributing to better resource allocation and process optimization. Users also noted enhanced integration with other AWS services, streamlining complex applications and increasing overall productivity. The simplified development and monitoring of microservices further added value, resulting in substantial returns.

Pricing

AWS Step Functions pricing is variable and determined by usage factors like the number of requests and workflow duration. While some users find it reasonable and cost-effective—especially for limited daily consumption—others describe it as expensive and complex due to added costs from data transfers and runtime limitations. This pricing complexity can be challenging for enterprises, which may lead them to consider alternative services for clearer cost management.

"The solution is expensive."
"The solution's price is reasonable."

Popular Use Cases

AWS Step Functions are primarily used for executing parallel processing workflows, orchestrating tasks across AWS services, automating tasks, and managing data pipelines. They facilitate microservice orchestration, integrate with various AWS services, and ensure workflow continuity in case of failures. Entities employ Step Functions to coordinate Lambda functions, automate ETL jobs, and streamline data migration. They are valued for simplifying development, optimizing infrastructure orchestration, and handling complex workflows efficiently.

Service and Support

AWS Step Functions customer service is generally positive. Support is available and helpful, with an eight out of ten rating. Ticket responses are swift, solving issues effectively. Some express a need for greater support and responsiveness, assigning a seven out of ten. Enterprise users experience excellent service, with replies under fifteen minutes. Business interactions occur via chat or web. Larger organizations receive critical help, but smaller ones may have limited access. Pricing is considered expensive.

Deployment

AWS Step Functions' initial setup is generally straightforward, leveraging a GUI for easy configuration with drag-and-drop features. Most find the setup process quick, requiring minimal time, especially with prior AWS familiarity. However, complexity arises with dependencies or using Terraform. Familiarity with ASL or additional documentation could benefit newcomers. Challenges include initial learning curves and understanding connectors, but many rate the experience highly once accustomed to the platform's features.

Scalability

Organizations find AWS Step Functions highly scalable, rating it between seven to ten out of ten. Teams with varying sizes report successful scaling, adapting to demand fluctuations efficiently. AWS Step Functions easily handles dynamic workloads, making it suitable for medium-sized businesses and large operations. Companies appreciate its automatic capabilities, allowing multiple simultaneous requests. AWS's scalability features are crucial, especially during high-demand periods, helping businesses maintain performance without incurring excessive costs.

Stability

AWS Step Functions provide high stability, as it spans across multiple availability zones to ensure high availability. Users consistently report stability without experiencing issues. They highly emphasize reliability, with proactive strategies to prevent failures. Ratings for stability mostly range from seven to ten out of ten, reflecting user confidence. Their operations include automatic restoration and additional instance creation to maintain uptime, underscoring robust contingency plans.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our AWS Step Functions Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

29%

Manufacturing Company

11%

Insurance Company

Computer Software Company

Healthcare Company

Retailer

Educational Organization

Government

Comms Service Provider

Real Estate/Law Firm

Media Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Non Profit

University

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Outsourcing Company

Construction Company

Performing Arts

Hospitality Company

Engineering Company

Marketing Services Firm

Legal Firm

Wholesaler/Distributor

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Compare AWS Step Functions with alternative products

Learn more about AWS Step Functions

With AWS Step Functions, developers streamline task automation and ensure smooth microservices orchestration. It simplifies development and manages interdependencies, validates data, and integrates AWS services for cost-effective workflows. It offers a user-friendly graphical interface for creating pipelines, scalable parallelization via the "map" state, control over historical events, and visualization with JSON. Enhanced by a dashboard-like view, it aids in visual workflows and debugging.

What are the most valuable features?

Seamless AWS Integration: Easily integrates with the entire AWS suite for efficient workflow creation.
User-Friendly Graphical Interface: Simplifies creating and managing workflows with visual tools.
Scalable Parallelization: Utilizes the "map" state for efficient parallel processing tasks.
Control Historical Events: Manages and controls historical data and events effectively.
Visualization and Debugging: Provides a dashboard-like view to enhance understanding and debugging.

What are the benefits and ROI to look for?

Streamlined Development: Simplifies orchestration and automates task management.
Cost-Effective Workflows: Creates efficient, cost-saving workflows by integrating with AWS services.
Enhanced Data Validation: Ensures data correctness by managing interdependencies.
Automation of ETL Jobs: Automates data extraction, transformation, and loading processes seamlessly.

In specific industries such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, enterprises implement AWS Step Functions to manage data pipelines, orchestrate microservices, and automate complex ETL jobs. They benefit from seamless integration with AWS services, enhanced data validation, and streamlined development, resulting in efficient and cost-effective workflows tailored to their operational needs.

AWS Step Functions was previously known as Amazon Step Functions, Step Functions.