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 #5 with an average rating of 7.8. Juniper holds a 1.9% mindshare in NA, compared to VMware’s 3.5% 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

358 Views
16 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

VMware NSX

Read 105 VMware NSX reviews

530 Views
53 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: June 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Network Automation

June 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

5th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

105

Ranking in other categories

Network Virtualization (2nd), Cloud and Data Center Security (2nd), Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) (8th), Network Detection and Response (NDR) (7th), Microsegmentation Software (1st)

Mindshare comparison

As of July 2025, in the Network Automation category, the mindshare of Apstra Operating System is 1.9%, down from 2.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of VMware NSX is 3.5%, down from 5.8% 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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MagdyRaafat

Services Presales Solutions Architecture - UAE & Gulf at Dell Technologies

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

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

"The most valuable features are stability and low cost."

"The initial setup is straightforward."

"One significant advantage of VMware NSX is the ability to provide advanced security at the micro-level, focusing on securing applications and workloads rather than just the network structure or virtualization-based network security."

"It's very important for them to have small footprints and have as much services in their servers, as possible."

"This solution comes with an API that can easily integrate with other solutions."

"Provides protection for virtual machines."

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

More VMware NSX pros

Cons

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

"I would rate this product an eight because it's a good product but it needs more work. They should fix some of the bugs."

"The reporting functionality could be better, and there could be an easier way of forwarding events. There's room for improvement in the product."

"Some configuration maximums are limiting to the user, especially when it comes to the deployment of very, very large environments."

"Nowadays, NSX supports the KVM and ESXi hypervisors only. It should also support Hyper-V and Citrix hypervisors."

"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."

"Since most people are very much used to physical networking, they find it difficult to use VMware NSX in the initial stage."

"The initial setup for VMware NSX is a bit complex; it's not as simple as it could be."

"If you're worried that NSX is too complex, I would tell you to take another look. If you compare NSX to a similar solution you might find it to be a bit more complex. Usually, the guy that comes in to implement NSX isn't the network guy and will lack the knowledge for the program. He can lack the knowledge for this program and will therefore think it's complex. You need somebody with network experience."

More VMware NSX cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The price of the solution is competitive."

"I would rate the pricing of VMware NSX as seven out of ten"

"VMware NSX is expensive and everything is licensed. We have to pay for each individual feature."

"VMware has always been geared towards enterprise and their pricing options are a bit high. Their price is higher than other options in the market."

"The solution is reasonable at the local level."

"The pricing is higher than other options from Palo Alto, Fortinet, and Cisco because it is sold in a bundle."

"You can scale NSX if you have the resources, but it's usually expensive and complex to scale up."

"The licensing is renewed every three years. The cost for implementation and renovation are a huge portion of that price."

"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

21%

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

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Compared 68% of the time

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Compared 18% of the time

Akamai Guardicore Segmentation vs VMware NSX

Compared 17% of the time

Cisco Secure Workload vs VMware NSX

Compared 8% of the time

Cisco ACI vs VMware NSX

Compared 7% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Network Automation

June 2025

Download Apstra Operating System product report

Buyer's Guide

VMware NSX

June 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: June 2025.

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