AWS Secrets Manager is a managed service designed to handle secure storage, rotation, and retrieval of secrets like database credentials and API keys, integrating tightly with AWS services for ease of use within the AWS ecosystem. In contrast, HashiCorp Vault is a source-available tool for secrets management, encryption as a service, and privileged access management, offering a centralized place to store and access secrets in dynamic environments. Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, with AWS Secrets Manager being suitable for organizations heavily invested in the AWS ecosystem, while HashiCorp Vault offers a highly-customizable solution for multi-cloud environments. Alternatively, Infisical, an open-source secret management platform, provides a developer-friendly solution with low maintenance overhead and seamless integration across technology stacks and systems. Ultimately, a thorough evaluation aligned with organizational security policies, compliance requirements, and infrastructure needs will guide the choice between these solutions.