# ElastiCache Redis OSS → Valkey Checklist (July 2026)

## Why migrate (pricing — verify current page)

- Node-based ElastiCache for Valkey: typically **~20% lower** than Redis OSS engines
- Serverless Valkey: typically **~33% lower**; lower minimum cache size (e.g. 100 MB vs 1 GB class of Redis OSS Serverless)
- Existing Redis OSS reserved nodes often continue to apply after engine switch (confirm with AWS)

## Technical

- [ ] Clients are Redis 7.2–compatible (ioredis, redis-py, go-redis, etc.)
- [ ] In-place modify to `engine=valkey` (rolling; multi-AZ preferred)
- [ ] Rehearse failover; verify AUTH/TLS still green
- [ ] Parameter group for Valkey 8.x as needed

## Cost-saving uses beyond cache

Sessions · rate limits · locks · short queues — compare vs DynamoDB/API Gateway usage plans before adding another AWS meter.