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Nutanix Flow Network Security vs VMware NSX comparison

Nutanix and Broadcom are both solutions in the Microsegmentation Software category. Nutanix is ranked #5 with an average rating of 9.7, while Broadcom is ranked #1 with an average rating of 7.8. Nutanix holds a 5.9% mindshare in MS, compared to Broadcom’s 16.3% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Nutanix users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 88% of Broadcom users who would recommend it.
Nutanix Flow Network Security
Read 9 Nutanix Flow Network Security reviews
  • 1,620 Views
  • 1,523 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
VMware NSX
Read 105 VMware NSX reviews
  • 7,032 Views
  • 3,938 Comparison Views
88% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 4, 2024

VMware NSX and Nutanix Flow compete in the network security solutions category. VMware NSX stands out for its extensiveness and automation, making it favorable for tech buyers seeking comprehensive features. Nutanix Flow, however, is valued for its cost-effectiveness and easy deployment, appealing to those in need of straightforward security solutions.

Features: VMware NSX offers comprehensive security features, including micro-segmentation, extensive automation, and flexible network integration, fostering suitability for complex environments. Nutanix Flow provides simple and effective security measures that are easy to manage, suitable for users seeking straightforward solutions with a focus on ease of use and core functionalities.

Room for Improvement: VMware NSX could enhance encapsulation technology and simplify upgrades to tackle deployment speed issues. It would benefit from advanced routing protocols and improved cloud integration. Nutanix Flow needs improved documentation clarity and a better graphical interface while maintaining its robust core features.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: VMware NSX supports various cloud environments, adding complexity, but benefits from strong customer service with global variance in technical support. Nutanix Flow is easier to deploy and manage, noted for seamless technical support and a clear customer response strategy.

Pricing and ROI: VMware NSX is seen as expensive but justified by its robust capabilities and potential ROI through reduced network overhead and security enhancements. Nutanix Flow offers competitive pricing with subscription-based plans, providing a cost-effective solution appealing to small to medium-sized businesses looking for a balance between functionality and affordability.

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To learn more, read our detailed Nutanix Flow Network Security vs. VMware NSX Report (Updated: July 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Nutanix Flow Network Security vs. VMware NSX
July 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

Nutanix Flow Network Security
Ranking in Microsegmentation Software
5th
Average Rating
9.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.6
Number of Reviews
9
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
VMware NSX
Ranking in Microsegmentation Software
1st
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
6.8
Number of Reviews
105
Ranking in other categories
Network Virtualization (2nd), Cloud and Data Center Security (3rd), Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) (7th), Network Detection and Response (NDR) (9th), Network Automation (5th)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of September 2025, in the Microsegmentation Software category, the mindshare of Nutanix Flow Network Security is 5.9%, down from 8.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of VMware NSX is 16.3%, down from 20.8% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Microsegmentation Software Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
VMware NSX16.3%
Nutanix Flow Network Security5.9%
Other77.8%
Microsegmentation Software
 

Featured Reviews

Gus Thompson - PeerSpot reviewer
Offers great integration capabilities and helps design a disaster recovery plan
My company is still determining how the product has improved network visibility. My organization is still actively developing the product. There are many things my company is doing in the background to make sure that our VMs come up. My company deals with Nutanix Cross Hypervisor Disaster Recovery, so we are moving from an ESXi or VMware to Nutanix AHV, meaning that my company is crossing over from hypervisor technologies and leveraging Nutanix to maintain the networks at our DR facility. The most valuable feature of the product in enhancing the security posture stems from the micro-segmentation provided by the product, but I think that it is a functionality in its early stages. The product's micro-segmentation features are being developed to be made robust against technologies such as NSX from VMware and other hypervisor-dependent technologies such as Guardicore. I can't say that the product has given my company any additional features yet, but we hope that the tool will provide us with additional functionalities in the future. The product's micro-segmentation features seem to be on par with the other technologies in the market when it comes to its ability to isolate workloads. I haven't noticed any improvements in my company due to the automation capabilities of the product, especially since everything is done manually in our organization because we know the application very well, and we also know how we want to protect it. I am sure the product has automatic features, but we haven't used them in our company. There has been a positive impact due to the integration capabilities of the product with the other solutions in our company's IT infrastructure. I recommend the product to those who plan to use it, especially those who use Nutanix AHV as a hypervisor. It would be a good choice to work with the account rep in your company so that you can get a system engineer to help you walk through the majority of the deployment and setup phases since the documentation has certain shortcomings. I rate the overall tool a ten out of ten.
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MagdyRaafat - PeerSpot reviewer
Enhanced security and streamlined management drive efficient connectivity
Open source is a standard solution where you take a gray box or white box and put the software from your end. You can do programming with Ansible and make the network work in the software-defined mode, providing automation and management capabilities. I am currently working with VMware. It integrates easily with everything and can work with any system. When discussing micro-segmentation, it enhances security, providing more secure data in your data center while allowing for extra layers of security outside your data center. If you have an ACI, there is communication between locations, keeping your data secure in your data center and throughout the path it takes, such as to SD-WAN or the cloud. I work with cloud solutions including AWS, Azure, GCP, and private cloud. My overall rating for VMware NSX is 8.5 out of 10.
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

"We appreciate the fact that this solution allows us to segregate two virtual machines that are in the same cluster."
"It allows for policies that enable complete visibility and traffic control."
"Nutanix Flow has a lot of data protection features. It's also valuable for operations and management. It's a big solution that works well with different solutions and is suitable for most business cases."
"The network view was excellent as it allowed us to expand the server view and visualize all connections it made within the environment. This was particularly useful in identifying the path of our data and not just its location within the data center."
"Nutanix Flow is straightforward to install. You only need to select a checkmark that you want to enable Nutanix Flow."
"It is a very stable solution. Stability-wise, I rate the solution a ten out of ten."
"Flow Network Security's most valuable features are user-friendliness, the console, and policy creation."
"Nutanix Flow Network Security is a simple solution that is usable, easy to understand, and easy to deploy."
More Nutanix Flow Network Security pros
"It has reduced the number of people on the network team along with the system engineer involved in the security process. So, it is valuable."
"You can easily integrate this with other VMware products. It is a robust solution."
"NSX's stand-out function is the distributed firewall. The firewall system is just top-notch, and I haven't seen another solution like it."
"The microsegmentation allows me to sleep at night. My job is reducing risk, plugging security holes, and working with the automated layer security. Even if somebody spins up a new server, it has to have a tag in NSX."
"The ability to scale from different clouds. At the moment, the scalability of the product is the number one thing that I saw."
"Any administrator with basic networking knowledge, in a couple of days, can be in full control of their networking without going through a networking engineer."
"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."
"The solution is very stable and reliable."
More VMware NSX pros
 

Cons

"I would rate Flow Network Security's stability seven out of ten - it could be improved."
"The documentation offered by the product is an area with certain shortcomings where improvements are required."
"Nutanix Flow's networking features could use some improvement. Also, I don't know if it's currently supporting load balancing or not."
"The solution’s pricing could be improved."
"We would like the reporting functionality of this solution to be improved."
"While the graphical interface of Nutanix Flow Network Security could have been improved, and some of the reporting features needed extra work, the product's features were similar to VMware's NSX. The difference lay more in the presentation and user interface."
"The most difficult part is the configuration of the initial blueprints."
"Last time I used it, it was not handy to see or to analyze traffic logs."
More Nutanix Flow Network Security cons
"VMware NSX could improve by having more compatibility with other none Window-based operating systems."
"It's a good product, but the way that it has got so many multiple levels that need to be purchased makes it expensive and cumbersome."
"The ticket support response time from VMware could be improved. Often, callbacks are delayed, which can be problematic if the servers are in production."
"They have to work more and more on the integration for public cloud services and have cyber security platform integration."
"The training costs a minimum of $3,000, which is expensive and should be reduced."
"It isn't easy to deploy."
"We would to have a reverse proxy. This would add great value to the solution."
"VMware NSX should be able to scale for different customers, even the big ones. Its scalability needs improvement. Stability for it should also be improved."
More VMware NSX cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"In comparison to other options available in the market, I would rate their pricing as very competitive, probably a two or three out of ten for cost."
"The product is available for free use."
"There are different licensing models."
"There is an annual subscription to use this solution. There is a 60-day trial to use the solution, it gives you time to decide if you want to continue using the solution."
"This model is very accessible to implement."
"Flow Network Security is available on a three-year license, with annual renewals of the maintenance fee."
"On a scale from one to ten, where one is cheap and ten is expensive, I rate the solution's pricing a seven out of ten."
"I was not involved in the purchase of the solution but I hear it is on the expensive side."
"The price of this product is too high."
"I would rate the pricing of VMware NSX as seven out of ten"
"The product pricing ranges from medium to expensive. I rate the pricing a seven out of ten."
"If five is a good price and one is a high price, I would rate the price a one out of five."
"All the institutions have to pay monthly for the services in the cloud. They have to pay $30,000 every month for this service every three years."
"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."
"The subscription is on a yearly basis."
More VMware NSX pricing and cost advice
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
20%
Financial Services Firm
10%
Healthcare Company
9%
Manufacturing Company
7%
Computer Software Company
15%
Financial Services Firm
12%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Government
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business3
Midsize Enterprise2
Large Enterprise4
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business33
Midsize Enterprise23
Large Enterprise68
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Nutanix Flow?
Nutanix Flow Network Security is a simple solution that is usable, easy to understand, and easy to deploy.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Nutanix Flow?
There are different models like Nutanix AOS Pro or Ultimate license. The prices are different, but it's not in the same price range as Cisco ACI, for example.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Nutanix Flow?
Last time I used it, it was not handy to see or to analyze traffic logs. As a Check Point partner as well, we have some more expectations to log in. Probably, it's possible to forward all the traff...
See all answers
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...
See all answers
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...
See all answers
What do you like most about VMware NSX?
The product has valuable features for security and network extension.
See all answers
 

Comparisons

Akamai Guardicore Segmentation vs Nutanix Flow Network Security Logo
Akamai Guardicore Segmentation vs Nutanix Flow Network Security
Compared 11% of the time
Illumio vs Nutanix Flow Network Security Logo
Illumio vs Nutanix Flow Network Security
Compared 10% of the time
Cisco Secure Workload vs Nutanix Flow Network Security Logo
Cisco Secure Workload vs Nutanix Flow Network Security
Compared 4% of the time
More Nutanix Flow Network Security Competitors
Illumio vs VMware NSX Logo
Illumio vs VMware NSX
Compared 18% of the time
Akamai Guardicore Segmentation vs VMware NSX Logo
Akamai Guardicore Segmentation vs VMware NSX
Compared 15% of the time
Cisco Secure Workload vs VMware NSX Logo
Cisco Secure Workload vs VMware NSX
Compared 7% of the time
Cisco ACI vs VMware NSX Logo
Cisco ACI vs VMware NSX
Compared 7% of the time
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs VMware NSX Logo
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs VMware NSX
Compared 4% of the time
More VMware NSX Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Nutanix Flow Network Security
August 2025
Nutanix Flow Network Security reportDownload Nutanix Flow Network Security product report
Buyer's Guide
VMware NSX
August 2025
VMware NSX reportDownload VMware NSX product report
 

Also Known As

Nutanix Flow Microsegmentation
VMware Nicira, Lastline Defender
 

Overview

Flow Network Security is a stateful, distributed, microsegmentation firewall. It is provided as part of NCI Ultimate or as part of the optional Security Add-On package for NCI Pro.
Nutanix

VMware NSX is a comprehensive tool for network virtualization and security, offering advanced features like micro-segmentation and multi-cloud networking to enhance scalability and management efficiency within enterprises.

VMware NSX revolutionizes enterprise networking by integrating security and scalability into one streamlined platform. With capabilities like dynamic policy updates and automation, it simplifies complex configurations and provides robust API integration. Its support for Layer 4 and 7 load balancing, along with its seamless integration in multi-cloud environments, makes it a preferred choice among companies. Although deployment speed and management console features require refinement, NSX is an effective solution for private cloud and hybrid environments, enabling centralized orchestration and management of complex networks.

What are the key features of VMware NSX?

  • Micro-segmentation: Provides secure, granular network segmentation for enhanced security.
  • Distributed Firewall: Offers policy-driven firewall capabilities across all network endpoints.
  • Automation: Enables dynamic policy updates and simplifies network configurations.
  • API Integration: Facilitates seamless third-party integrations and improves configuration processes.
  • Multi-Cloud Networking: Supports seamless integration across various cloud environments.

What benefits and ROI should users consider?

  • Scalability: Offers significant improvements in network scalability and management efficiency.
  • Security: Ensures enhanced security through advanced features like micro-segmentation.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Potential to reduce costs through network automation and efficiency improvements.
  • Flexibility: Supports various enterprise requirements with its comprehensive feature set.

In the tech industry, VMware NSX is instrumental in managing private and hybrid cloud environments, allowing companies to replace traditional networking with software-defined networks. In finance, it helps secure transactional data through micro-segmentation. Healthcare organizations leverage its flexibility for managing sensitive patient information securely and integrating cloud services.

Broadcom
 

Sample Customers

JetBlue, International Speedway Corporation, Volkswagen SAIC, Brighton and Hove City Council, Foresters Financial, Janus International Group, Cloud Comrade, Serco
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
Buyer's Guide
Nutanix Flow Network Security vs. VMware NSX
July 2025
Free Report: Nutanix Flow Network Security vs. VMware NSX
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