Difference between full snapshots and incremental snapshots

The differences between full snapshots and incremental snapshots in Amazon EBS are:

Snapshot Type:
  • Incremental snapshots: These snapshots only store the changed data blocks since the last snapshot, making them more efficient and cost-effective for frequent backups.
  • Full snapshots: When you archive an incremental snapshot, it is converted to a full snapshot that includes all the blocks written to the volume at the time the snapshot was created.
  • Incremental snapshots store only changed data blocks since the last snapshot, making them efficient and cost-effective for frequent backups. 
  • When the increamental snapshot is archived, they are converted to full snapshots, that including all blocks written to the volume at the time of snapshot creation.
Storage Tier:
  • Incremental snapshots are stored in the Standard tier by default.
  • Full snapshots are stored in the Archive tier after being converted from an incremental snapshot.
Retrieval and Cost:
  • Incremental snapshots in the Standard tier can be retrieved quickly and without additional charges.
  • Full snapshots in the Archive tier have lower storage costs but incur additional charges for data retrieval, typically around $0.03 per GB.
Use Cases:
  • Incremental snapshots are suitable for frequent backups and fast recovery.
  • Full snapshots in the Archive tier are more suitable for long-term, infrequently accessed backups, such as compliance or regulatory requirements.

Also, refer Snapshot storage tier types and cost difference 

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