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Nutanix Flow Network Security vs VMware NSX comparison

Nutanix and VMware are both solutions in the Microsegmentation Software category. Nutanix is ranked #5 with an average rating of 9.7, while VMware is ranked #1 with an average rating of 7.6. Nutanix holds a 6.3% mindshare in MS, compared to VMware’s 16.9% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Nutanix users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 88% of VMware users who would recommend it.
Nutanix Flow Network Security
Read 9 Nutanix Flow Network Security reviews
  • 1,617 Views
  • 86 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
VMware NSX
Read 103 VMware NSX reviews
  • 4,233 Views
  • 1,591 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: April 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Nutanix Flow Network Security vs. VMware NSX
April 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
6.9
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), Network Automation (6th)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2025, in the Microsegmentation Software category, the mindshare of Nutanix Flow Network Security is 6.3%, down from 8.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of VMware NSX is 16.9%, down from 22.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
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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DanielBass - PeerSpot reviewer
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

"Nutanix Flow Network Security is a simple solution that is usable, easy to understand, and easy to deploy."
"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."
"They also introduced that they develop API first and the rest follows."
"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 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."
More Nutanix Flow Network Security pros
"The performance is good."
"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."
"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."
"NSX can reduce costs and has good service. It is easy for you and your users to use."
"Has a great firewall."
"Overall, for me, it's a good solution and has been working well."
"The solution is very stable and reliable."
"The product has valuable features for security and network extension."
More VMware NSX pros
 

Cons

"The most difficult part is the configuration of the initial blueprints."
"The solution’s pricing could be improved."
"For customers who are running Nutanix Flow and AHV, the largest area for improvement is in the disaster recovery environments. To automate the populate of rules from one side to the other side in case of disaster you report everything on the disaster recovery site, and you have all the rules automatically applied. This was something that was being built when I left Nutanix. It might already be available. Additionally, the usability of the rules editor could improve."
"We would like the reporting functionality of this solution to be improved."
"I would rate Flow Network Security's stability seven out of ten - it could be improved."
"Last time I used it, it was not handy to see or to analyze traffic logs."
"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."
More Nutanix Flow Network Security cons
"In the future, the solution should be compliant with internet NIC."
"Despite being somewhat behind in the cybersecurity field, VMware should develop a cloud and a red team to continuously monitor for new malware and ransomware."
"Since most people are very much used to physical networking, they find it difficult to use VMware NSX in the initial stage."
"Their licensing model should make it easier to purchase licenses."
"The network-extending capabilities for the physical environment need improvement."
"They need to enhance their technical support."
"The integration with other brands is not the best."
"NSX could better integrate with open-source products. Of course, it integrates with some, but I know many people are uncomfortable deploying NSX with certain open-source solutions, such as Radar."
More VMware NSX cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"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."
"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."
"This model is very accessible to implement."
"The product is available for free use."
"There are different licensing models."
"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."
"Flow Network Security is available on a three-year license, with annual renewals of the maintenance fee."
"We can't go without NSX, so it's invaluable from this perspective."
"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."
"The product pricing ranges from medium to expensive. I rate the pricing a seven out of ten."
"The price is based on the virtual desktop infrastructure(VDI) side and also is dependant on the size of the environment. The price is expensive and it could attract more purchasers in smaller organisations if it was reduced."
"I would rate the pricing of VMware NSX as seven out of ten"
"VMware has a subscription and perpetual license. In the New Year, they're changing many things about the licensing model. Previously, NSX was licensed according to the number of sockets inside the appliance, so we bought VMware licenses based on that. However, that may have changed this year. We are still contacting the vendors to understand the new licensing strategy."
"The price of VMware NSX is reasonable."
"The price is pretty high."
More VMware NSX pricing and cost advice
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
20%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Healthcare Company
8%
Computer Software Company
16%
Financial Services Firm
13%
Government
9%
Manufacturing Company
9%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

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

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Compared 3% of the time
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Compared 20% of the time
Akamai Guardicore Segmentation vs VMware NSX Logo
Akamai Guardicore Segmentation vs VMware NSX
Compared 16% of the time
Cisco Secure Workload vs VMware NSX Logo
Cisco Secure Workload vs VMware NSX
Compared 8% 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 3% of the time
More VMware NSX Competitors
 

Product Reports

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

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
April 2025
Free Report: Nutanix Flow Network Security vs. VMware NSX
Find out what your peers are saying about Nutanix Flow Network Security vs. VMware NSX and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
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