StarWind Virtual SAN Reviews

Name: StarWind Virtual SAN
Brand: StarWind
Rating: 4.8 (192 reviews)

Vendor: StarWind

4.8 out of 5

192 reviews
100% willing to recommend

686 followers

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What is StarWind Virtual SAN?

StarWind Virtual SAN provides high availability and fault tolerance for virtualized environments without the need for dedicated SAN hardware. It allows for real-time replication between servers, shared storage for Hyper-V clusters, and enables vMotion and High Availability features for VMware vSphere. The solution reduces costs and leverages existing hardware while providing a scalable and reliable infrastructure. Valuable features include ease of use, scalability, top-tier support, hardware agnosticism, and the ability to use off-the-shelf standard servers to increase storage space. StarWind VSAN has helped organizations improve performance, data availability, and data security while reducing downtime and providing cost-saving storage options.

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StarWind Virtual SAN is the #1 ranked solution in top Software Defined Storage (SDS) solutions and #4 ranked solution in HCI Software. PeerSpot users give StarWind Virtual SAN an average rating of 9.6 out of 10. StarWind Virtual SAN is most commonly compared to Red Hat Ceph Storage: StarWind Virtual SAN vs Red Hat Ceph Storage. StarWind Virtual SAN is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 58% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 17% of all views.

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Featured StarWind Virtual SAN reviews

WJHG

Soporte IT at Sildan Security

Although I am generally satisfied with VSAN and its performance, there are some areas that could be improved to enhance its effectiveness even further. One area that could benefit from improvement is scalability. While the tool works well in its current configuration, allowing for greater ease and flexibility in adding new nodes to the cluster without complications would be very beneficial, especially in growing environments. Additionally, I would like to see additional features in the next version, such as better support for automated resource management. This could include proactive suggestions for optimizing storage and memory usage, as well as preventive alerts about the health status of the servers. A more intuitive interface or an improved dashboard for monitoring the cluster would also be helpful, as it would facilitate performance tracking and help identify potential issues before they affect services.

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MIT

IT System Administrator at Ludwig Meyer GmbH & Co. KG

Feature-wise we are only waiting for the release of a "planned disaster" feature that would allow us to patch a hypervisor node without having to take the full storage offline. ATM (20220609) is still necessary, since taking a node offline without properly activating the maintenance mode on the vSAN would trigger a full sync of the vSAN nodes. This is fine and a good thing since it ensures data integrity. However, there is something in the making that would ensure integrity without a full sync after a node goes down, which, as stated above, one could "abuse" to patch (and boot = take down) the hypervisors during business hours 😁 Other than that, the thing is rock stable and chugging along without issues. We are an SMB so we "only" have around 50 VMs on our FO cluster, which is a medium load for SSDs. If you plan to go more to the "max" side of performance use, do proper testing!

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Kyle Buxton

Manager, Field Support at a outsourcing company with 10,001+ employees

The best features are the software's ease of setup and the excellent technical support. My company relies heavily on technical support from experts to maintain reliability, as our crew is not very IT savvy. StarWind Virtual SAN helps us keep customer satisfaction and provides the solutions we need without having to hire many IT specialists.

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StarWind Virtual SAN mindshare

Product category:

As of May 2025, the mindshare of StarWind Virtual SAN in the Software Defined Storage (SDS) category stands at 7.2%, down from 8.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Software Defined Storage (SDS)

PeerResearch reports based on StarWind Virtual SAN reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Software Defined Storage (SDS)	Apr 30, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Apr 30, 2025	Download
Comparison	StarWind Virtual SAN vs Red Hat Ceph Storage	Apr 30, 2025	Download
Comparison	StarWind Virtual SAN vs Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)	Apr 30, 2025	Download
Comparison	StarWind Virtual SAN vs Nutanix Unified Storage (NUS)	Apr 30, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Red Hat Ceph Storage	4.1	21.1%	81%	25 interviews Add to research
Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)	4.3	5.3%	94%	197 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

StarWind Virtual SAN's most valuable features include its cost-effectiveness, high availability, seamless integration with existing hardware and software, ease of installation and management, performance enhancements from caching, and detailed support. Users appreciate the flexibility to use commodity hardware, reducing vendor lock-in, while also benefiting from the robust redundancy and fault tolerance provided. Its intuitive interface and strong technical support are significant advantages for organizations seeking dependable virtualization storage options.

"Azure AD is much more user-friendly and has a better integration with our existing infrastructure."
"The best features are the software's ease of setup and the excellent technical support."
"The feature I have found most valuable in VSAN is its high availability capability."

Room for Improvement

StarWind Virtual SAN's documentation often needs updates and clarity. Users seek better management tools, like a centralized web interface and automated alerts. Enhancements in networking and setup processes are desired. Users find iSCSI and PowerShell integration needing refinement, and seek more Linux support. Improved scalability, a modern GUI, and seamless cloud integration are also requested. Some mention high pricing and express interest in improved monitoring and reporting features. Implementing encryption and deduplication could address compliance needs.

"More comprehensive reporting and educational resources for error resolution would enhance the user experience."
"Scalability should be further improved, especially considering the possibility that environments may grow exponentially."
"While the tool works well in its current configuration, allowing for greater ease and flexibility in adding new nodes to the cluster without complications would be very beneficial, especially in growing environments."

ROI

StarWind Virtual SAN users report substantial cost savings due to reduced downtime and maintenance expenses. They appreciated the affordability of the software and the ability to leverage existing hardware, leading to efficient deployment and high performance. Many witnessed quick returns on investment within months, with some stating the system's cost-effectiveness and high availability contribute to impressive financial advantages. StarWind's support and minimal hardware dependency contributed further to the positive experiences.

Pricing

StarWind Virtual SAN offers a cost-effective and competitive pricing model highly regarded by enterprises for its affordability. Users appreciate the simplicity of licensing, with options for perpetual licenses. Setup costs are minimal, with clear and straightforward pricing structures. The solution's flexibility allows for easy upgrades, making it suitable for various business needs. Many users recommend engaging with StarWind's support early to ensure optimal configuration and to take advantage of trial versions before committing to a purchase.

"For two nodes, it cost us $10,000, and we spend $2,000 a year on support."
"We found that the pricing was perfect; simple and clear."
"This solution is very accessible and the pro-level for support is well worth the cost."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily utilize StarWind Virtual SAN for shared storage and high-availability environments. It enables virtual server clustering, data replication, and failover for business-critical applications. The platform is preferred for its cost-efficiency compared to traditional SANs, allowing smaller servers to perform high-availability tasks. Users value its simplicity, support, and ability to leverage existing hardware, creating a robust, scalable environment without requiring additional, pricey infrastructure.

Service and Support

StarWind Virtual SAN support receives high praise for responsiveness, technical knowledge, and quick resolution of issues. Customers highlight the staff's proficiency in Microsoft systems, proactive assistance, fast response times, and thorough follow-ups. The technical support is especially valued for its competence, dedication, and ability to handle complex environments. Users appreciate the friendly and professional approach, considering it a significant factor in choosing and sticking with StarWind services.

Deployment

Many found StarWind Virtual SAN's initial setup straightforward and quick, thanks to detailed documentation and responsive support. Although some complexity occasionally arises, StarWind's team assists efficiently. Users appreciate the user-friendly interface, the ease of using existing hardware, and the cost-saving benefits. Some noted additional guidance when dealing with specific configurations but welcomed the proactive assistance from StarWind personnel. Overall, the setup process was smooth, aided by comprehensive resources and support.

Scalability

StarWind Virtual SAN exhibits impressive scalability. It supports easy expansion by adding nodes and resizing storage as needed. Users report a simple, efficient scaling process, accommodating various infrastructure needs without significant reconfiguration or downtime. With its ability to adapt to diverse requirements, StarWind Virtual SAN effectively supports small to large environments. The flexibility and ease of use in scaling make it a preferred choice for many organizations seeking scalable storage solutions.

Stability

StarWind Virtual SAN is described as highly stable with minimal incidents. Users note it operates consistently without major issues and easily recovers from hardware failures. Redundancy features have proven effective, maintaining uninterrupted service even during technical disruptions. Stability is further bolstered due to solid performance over extended periods, often resulting in minimal intervention required. Some users reported minor problems mainly related to external factors rather than inherent software issues.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our StarWind Virtual SAN Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.