Apstra Operating System vs VMware NSX comparison

Juniper and VMware are both solutions in the Network Automation category. Juniper is ranked #14, while VMware is ranked #6 with an average rating of 7.6. Juniper holds a 2.0% mindshare in NA, compared to VMware’s 3.6% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Juniper users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 88% of VMware users who would recommend it.

Apstra Operating System

Read 1 Apstra Operating System review

370 Views
15 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

VMware NSX

Read 103 VMware NSX reviews

639 Views
56 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

Apstra Operating System

VMware NSX

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Apstra Operating System and VMware NSX based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out what your peers are saying about Red Hat, Cisco, VMware and others in Network Automation.

To learn more, read our detailed Network Automation Report (Updated: May 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Network Automation

May 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Apstra Operating System

Ranking in Network Automation

14th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

VMware NSX

Ranking in Network Automation

6th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

103

Ranking in other categories

Network Virtualization (2nd), Cloud and Data Center Security (2nd), Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) (8th), Network Detection and Response (NDR) (9th), Microsegmentation Software (1st)

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2025, in the Network Automation category, the mindshare of Apstra Operating System is 2.0%, down from 2.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of VMware NSX is 3.6%, down from 6.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Network Automation

Featured Reviews

Hezio Fernandes

Works at wolterskluwer

Highly secure, useful AB test, and stable

I am using Apstra Operating System for some classes and for my personal use Apstra Operating System's most important features are the security and AB test to define what approach we need to take in my company. Additionally, the solution does not take a lot of maintenance. The report data could…

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DanielBass

Senior IT Strategy Consultant at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees

Improves network security with micro-segmentation but setup is complex

I value the ability to dynamically configure our network on the fly using VMware NSX. This flexibility is a huge advantage because it allows us to avoid static configurations that come with traditional hardware setups. Additionally, the micro-segmentation feature is beneficial for adhering to strict security regulations from our security department.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"Apstra Operating System's most important features are the security and AB test to define what approach we need to take in my company. Additionally, the solution does not take a lot of maintenance."

"The most valuable features are its security aspects, especially the IPS and IDS for intrusion detection and protection."

"Though I haven't been working a lot on VMware NSX, it's good to have. What I like the most about it is that its console is good, and it doesn't take a lot of effort in terms of doing my daily tasks on it or what it's meant for. VMware NSX is still a preferred product in the market."

"It operates on a logical level, providing a comprehensive and centralized way to manage your network resources."

"From a distributed firewall perspective, it's a solid solution."

"You can easily integrate this with other VMware products. It is a robust solution."

"I have found VMware NSX to be easy to use."

"The most powerful feature of VMware NSX is the micro-segmentation that allows us to separate the different protocols our application works with."

"I really like the management dashboard, the tailor-made assurance, the telemetry, and the ease of integration with all other solutions of VMware, such as vSphere."

More VMware NSX pros

Cons

"The report data could improve in Apstra Operating System."

"They could branch out to the physical layer."

"One drawback is this solution requires a lot of other products in the VMware ecosystem to have a full end-to-end operation orchestration monitoring. You have to buy a lot of add-ons to fully utilize the functionality."

"There is room for improvement in VMware NSX's workload management, particularly in the orchestration layer and in managing workloads across multiple clouds."

"In the future, the solution should be compliant with internet NIC."

"The integration with other brands is not the best."

"Everybody needs a network to connect to, and VMware doesn't readily provide one."

"VMware NSX can improve the migration tools from the older environments to the new environment. For example, the NSX-V has become a legacy solution, it's out of support, but customers are able to keep using it. For migration purposes, it's better for them to provide a proper tool. It will be easy to migrate from an old environment to a new one."

"It's not feature-rich."

More VMware NSX cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The price of the solution is competitive."

"We haven't had to hire a dedicated network engineer because NSX handles 90 percent of it. The reduced overhead in terms of managing networks has been the biggest plus."

"Pricing and licensing could be improved as we are a government entity. Lower pricing could always help."

"The product pricing ranges from medium to expensive. I rate the pricing a seven out of ten."

"I'm unable to give information on the pricing or licensing cost of VMware NSX because I've never been someone who looks into the economic part of any security or virtualization solutions. That's handled by an entirely different team, and I don't even have the slightest idea about the costs associated with the solution, though I've heard pricing for VMware NSX is on the higher side."

"The price of this product is too high."

"We are using a perpetual license to use the solution and we have support."

"The subscription is on a yearly basis."

"There is a license required for this solution and there is also a support license available. The price of the solution could be better."

More VMware NSX pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

22%

University

12%

Government

10%

Financial Services Firm

Computer Software Company

16%

Financial Services Firm

13%

Government

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

Questions from the Community

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What are the biggest differences between Cisco ACI and VMware NSX?

There are some very major differences between both the Products and to name a few. -Cisco ACI have physical network gear (9K Switches) where the Code runs in ACI Policy Mode & the UCS server wh...

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What are the biggest differences between Cisco ACI and VMware NSX?

Once you know your way around the Cisco ecosystem, using Cisco ACI is not so difficult. It is a global product, so when you change one interface, changes are automatically reflected on every switch...

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What do you like most about VMware NSX?

The product has valuable features for security and network extension.

See all answers

Comparisons

Cisco DNA Center vs Apstra Operating System

Compared 67% of the time

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Compared 20% of the time

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Compared 18% of the time

Akamai Guardicore Segmentation vs VMware NSX

Compared 16% of the time

Cisco Secure Workload vs VMware NSX

Compared 8% of the time

Cisco ACI vs VMware NSX

Compared 7% of the time

More VMware NSX Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Network Automation

May 2025

Download Apstra Operating System product report

Buyer's Guide

VMware NSX

May 2025

Download VMware NSX product report

Also Known As

Apstra OS, AOS

VMware Nicira, Lastline Defender

Overview

The Apstra Operating System (AOS) is a turn-key automation solution that dramatically simplifies the process of designing, deploying and operating data center networks. Apstra AOS provides a singular view into the relationships and interdependencies of millions of data center elements. With real continuous validation, Apstra AOS enables you to instantly pinpoint and quickly resolve issues across all infrastructure silos, regardless of vendor or hardware.

Juniper

VMware NSX is a sophisticated solution utilized for micro-segmentation, network security, software-defined networking, and private cloud construction. It aids in the transition from physical to virtual infrastructure, ensuring efficient network virtualization and security of production workloads.

VMware NSX empowers organizations to manage network functions, implement distributed firewalls, and enhance security within virtual environments. Crucial for disaster recovery and load balancing, it supports cloud-native application development and enterprise clients. Its ease of use, scalability, and seamless integration with existing VMware solutions ensure streamlined network management and swift deployment. Despite its extensive features, areas like pricing, routing functionality, and compatibility with certain platforms require attention.

What are the key features of VMware NSX?

Ease of Use: Simplifies network management with an intuitive interface.
Scalability: Adapts to growing infrastructure needs seamlessly.
Micro-Segmentation: Enhances security by dividing networks into smaller, manageable segments.
Integration: Seamlessly works with existing VMware solutions and third-party applications.
Dynamic Routing: Optimizes network traffic efficiently.
Security Options: Offers robust firewall features and security measures.
Automation: Facilitates quick deployment through comprehensive automation capabilities.
High Bandwidth: Ensures high-performance network operations.

What benefits and ROI should users look for?

Enhanced Network Security: Superior protection for virtual environments.
Efficient Disaster Recovery: Reliable support for business continuity.
Reduced Deployment Time: Fast implementation and configuration.
Improved Network Management: Centralized and streamlined control of network resources.

VMware NSX is widely implemented across industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Organizations in these sectors utilize it to bolster security, enhance network efficiency, and support cloud-native applications. By extending on-premise networks into provider spaces and managing virtual access networks, VMware NSX significantly optimizes infrastructure operations.

VMware

Sample Customers

Bloomberg Television, Energy Corporation, A mid-sized financial services company

City of Avondale, Lumeta, Kroll Ontrack, Heartland Payment Systems, Baystate Heallth, Exostar, Tribune Media, iGATE, NTT Communications, Synergent, California Natural Resources Agency, Bloomington Public Schools, Columbia Sportswear, Join Experience S.A, Schuberg Philis

Find out what your peers are saying about Red Hat, Cisco, VMware and others in Network Automation. Updated: May 2025.

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