Moving a large amount of data out of Azure Blob Storage

Hello JohnDoe Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Q&A platform.

This is something many Azure customers think about when dealing with large datasets. Let me walk you through the available options for moving data out of Azure Blob Storage, from the most cost-effective offline methods to network-based alternatives.

Option 1: Azure Data Box (Export Order) — Best for Large Offline Transfers

Azure Data Box is the go-to solution when you need to move tens to hundreds of terabytes out of Azure without relying on network bandwidth. You create an export order in the Azure portal, Microsoft copies your Blob data onto a physical device, and ships it to your location. You then copy the data locally and return the device.

Key details:

• Data Box 120 — up to 120 TB usable capacity. Includes 10 days of free device usage with Microsoft-managed shipping (where available).
• Data Box 525 — up to 525 TB usable capacity. Includes 20 days of free device usage.
• Data Box Disk — up to 35 TB across 5 encrypted SSDs. Best for smaller exports.

Important: While the Data Box device service fee is now free for standard use, standard egress charges still apply for export orders, along with storage transaction fees and extra day fees if the device isn't returned within the allotted period. However, this can still be significantly cheaper and faster than downloading over the internet, especially for large datasets where the per-GB cost at high volumes drops (e.g., ~$0.05/GB above 150 TB).

Official docs:

• Quickstart: Export data from Azure using Data Box
• Tutorial: Create an export order for Azure Data Box
• Azure Data Box pricing

Option 2: Azure Import/Export Service : Ship Your Own Drives

If you prefer to supply your own SATA HDD/SSD drives, the Azure Import/Export service is a solid alternative. You create an export job in the Azure portal, ship empty drives to an Azure datacenter, Microsoft copies your Blob Storage data onto them, encrypts the drives with BitLocker, and ships them back.

Key details:

• You control the hardware useful if you already have drives available.
• Supports export from Azure Blob Storage.
• Per-drive handling fee applies, plus standard egress charges and return shipping costs.

Official docs:

• What is Azure Import/Export service?
• Tutorial: Export data from Azure Blob Storage with Import/Export

Option 3: AzCopy (Network Transfer) : For High-Bandwidth Scenarios

If you have moderate to high network bandwidth (1 Gbps+), AzCopy is a free, high-performance command-line tool that supports concurrent and resumable downloads from Azure Blob Storage. The tool itself is free, but standard internet egress charges apply based on volume:

Official docs:

• Azure Bandwidth pricing
• Choose an Azure data transfer solution

Option 4: Free Egress When Leaving Azure

It's worth mentioning that Microsoft now offers free egress for customers who are leaving Azure entirely i.e., switching to another cloud provider or moving data back on-premises. If you're transferring more than the free 100 GB/month and intend to cancel and delete your Azure subscription, you can apply for egress credits through Azure Support. The data transfer must be completed within 60 days.

Official reference:

• https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/offers/commitment-to-cloud/free-egress/

Please have a look into the below table for quick comparision:

For large datasets (tens of TBs or more), Azure Data Box export is typically the most practical and cost-effective option, it avoids tying up your network for days or weeks and the device itself has no service fee. For smaller transfers, AzCopy over a fast connection may be simpler. And if you're planning to leave Azure entirely, definitely explore the free egress credit option to eliminate bandwidth charges altogether.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you need further clarification on any of these options.

Thanks,

Suchitra.