iSCSI vs NFS for VMware vSphere Storage
VMware vSphere supports both iSCSI (block) and NFS (file) shared storage. Both work well — the choice often comes down to existing infrastructure and storage vendor capabilities.
Quick Verdict
iSCSI for traditional enterprise SAN deployments — block-level performance, VMFS datastores. NFS for simpler operational model — file-level visibility, easier backup/restore.
Side-by-Side Spec Comparison
| Spec | iSCSI Block Storage | NFS File Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol Type | Block (SCSI over TCP) | File (NFS v3 or v4.1) |
| Filesystem | VMFS | NFS (native) |
| Performance | Slightly higher (block) | Slightly lower (file overhead) |
| Multipathing | Yes (MPIO) | Yes (NFS v4.1 only) |
| Operational Complexity | Higher (LUN management) | Lower (just NFS export) |
| VAAI Support | Full | Full (NAS VAAI) |
| Snapshot Mgmt | Storage-vendor specific | Filesystem-level (visible) |
Green-highlighted cells indicate the winner for that spec.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster: iSCSI or NFS?
iSCSI slightly faster in raw IOPS benchmarks (~5-10%). For typical VM workloads the difference is imperceptible. Both saturate 10/25 GbE links.
Can I run both protocols simultaneously?
Yes — vSphere supports multiple datastore types per host. Common pattern: NFS for VM templates and ISO storage, iSCSI for production VMs.
Our Recommendation
iSCSI for traditional SAN environments. NFS for simpler operational model and Linux-native storage (NetApp ONTAP, Synology, TrueNAS).
Need help deciding?
Email sales@prodisknetwork.com with your specific requirements. Our team will match you to the right product based on your workload, budget, and existing infrastructure.