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# Azure Files vs Azure NetApp Files Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Azure FilesAzure NetApp Files[+ Add Product](#)

Reviews

**Azure Files** [

4/5(55)

](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-files/reviews#reviews)

**Azure NetApp Files** [

4.5/5(13)

](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-netapp-files/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**Azure Files**
No pricing available

**Azure NetApp Files**
 **64MB / second throughput per provisioned TB** · Premium

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Azure Files**
1 month

Based on 5 responses

**Azure NetApp Files**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**Azure Files**
Not enough reviews yet

**Azure NetApp Files**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**Azure Files**
$$$$$

**Azure NetApp Files**
Not enough reviews yet

Average Discount

**Azure Files**
Not enough reviews yet

**Azure NetApp Files**
Not enough reviews yet

Pros & Cons

**Azure Files**
[
Azure Services (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-files/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2266217&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Customer Support (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-files/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2266153&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Expensive (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-files/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2266229&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Storage Limitations (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-files/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2266169&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**Azure NetApp Files**
[
Cloud Services (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-netapp-files/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2183915&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Customer Support (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-netapp-files/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2183970&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Not User-Friendly (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-netapp-files/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2183887&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Security Issues (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-netapp-files/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2183904&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Screenshots

**Azure Files**
No screenshot available

**Azure NetApp Files**
 ![Azure NetApp Files screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/132784/Azure-NetApp-Files-in-Azure-Portal.png)

Ratings

Meets Requirements

**Azure Files**

8.6

8.646

**Azure NetApp Files**

8.3

8.36

Ease of Use

**Azure Files**

8.2

8.246

**Azure NetApp Files**

8.6

8.66

Ease of Setup

**Azure Files**

8.3

8.323

**Azure NetApp Files**
Not enough data

Ease of Admin

**Azure Files**

8.2

8.222

**Azure NetApp Files**
Not enough data

Quality of Support

**Azure Files**

7.8

7.833

**Azure NetApp Files**

8.9

8.96

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Azure Files**

8.5

8.519

**Azure NetApp Files**
Not enough data

Product Direction (% positive)

**Azure Files**

7.2

7.246

**Azure NetApp Files**

7.7

7.75

Features

Cloud File Storage[Hide 69 FeaturesShow 69 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.5

7

Not enough data

Functionality

Storage Scaling

8.6(won by default)

6

Not enough data

Backup Support

8.6(won by default)

6

Not enough data

File Security

8.9(won by default)

6

Not enough data

File Organization

8.9(won by default)

6

Not enough data

Automatic Backup

Not enough data

Not enough data

Secure Data Storage

Not enough data

Not enough data

Document Storage

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cloud Support

Service Support

7.8(won by default)

6

Not enough data

Cloud Transparency

8.7(won by default)

5

Not enough data

Cloud Migration Support

8.7(won by default)

5

Not enough data

Multi-Device Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Automation

Intelligent Data Management

8.0(won by default)

5

Not enough data

Workflow Automation

8.0(won by default)

5

Not enough data

Data Storage Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Document Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

File Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Audit Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Email Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Password Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Application Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Meeting Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Workflow Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Two-Factor Authentication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Role-Based Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

File Transfer

Not enough data

Not enough data

Authentication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Offline Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Commenting/Notes

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real Time Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Historical Reporting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cloud Computing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Encryption

Not enough data

Not enough data

Backup and Recovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Version Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Remote Access/Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Recovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Approval Process Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Secure Login

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

File Sharing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Replication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Drag & Drop

Not enough data

Not enough data

HIPAA Compliant

Not enough data

Not enough data

Audit Trail

Not enough data

Not enough data

Archiving & Retention

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Branding

Not enough data

Not enough data

Remote Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Single Sign On

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Synchronization Scheduling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Conflict Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Chat/Messaging

Not enough data

Not enough data

Two-Way Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Show 1 feature category with incomplete data

Cloud Migration[Hide 12 FeaturesShow 12 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Functionality

Data Migration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Variety

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts and Logging

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Replication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Management

Backup and Recovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Integration Variety

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access and Security

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Security

Data Protection

Not enough data

Not enough data

Agentic AI - Cloud Migration

Autonomous Task Execution

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-step Planning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Decision Making

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![Azure Files](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_756e21e5ff45db664431b3ea10f16115/azure-files.jpg "Azure Files")](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-files/reviews)

Azure Files

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

22.4%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

34.7%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

42.9%

[![Azure NetApp Files](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_28546f321d470277d0023b313946438d/azure-netapp-files.PNG "Azure NetApp Files")](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-netapp-files/reviews)

Azure NetApp Files

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

0%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

30.0%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

70.0%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

22.4%

0%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

34.7%

30.0%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

42.9%

70.0%

Reviewers' Industry

[![Azure Files](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_756e21e5ff45db664431b3ea10f16115/azure-files.jpg "Azure Files")](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-files/reviews)
Azure Files

Information Technology and Services

30.0%

Hospital & Health Care

6.0%

Computer Software

4.0%

Higher Education

4.0%

Banking

4.0%

Other

52.0%

[![Azure NetApp Files](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_28546f321d470277d0023b313946438d/azure-netapp-files.PNG "Azure NetApp Files")](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-netapp-files/reviews)
Azure NetApp Files

Information Technology and Services

50.0%

Oil & Energy

10.0%

Media Production

10.0%

Food & Beverages

10.0%

Computer Software

10.0%

Other

10.0%

FAQs

## Azure Files vs Azure NetApp Files FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 15, 2026

### What is the difference between Azure Files vs Azure NetApp Files?

Azure NetApp Files stands out for higher reviewer satisfaction, especially in support and overall rating, while Azure Files is more widely reviewed and noted for ease of setup.

| | [Azure Files](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-files/reviews) | [Azure NetApp Files](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-netapp-files/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.0/5 (55 reviews) | 4.5/5 (13 reviews) |
| Ease of Setup score | 8.3 | — |
| Quality of Support score | 7.8 | 8.9 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Ease of Use (2 all-time mentions) | Ease of Use (1 all-time mention) |

### How do the pricing models of Azure Files and Azure NetApp Files compare?

Azure Files is favored for value by reviewers, with recent reviews highlighting its cost-effectiveness compared to third-party solutions, while Azure NetApp Files is described as a premium solution with higher costs.

- **Azure Files:** Recent reviewers highlight Azure Files as a low-cost solution, noting it can deliver required features at less than a quarter of the cost of some third-party options.
- **Azure NetApp Files:** Reviewers describe Azure NetApp Files as a premium solution, with higher costs compared to alternatives, but valued for its advanced features and performance.
- **Switching reasons:** Reviewers mention switching to Azure Files to reduce infrastructure and backup costs, while Azure NetApp Files is chosen for high-performance needs despite higher pricing.

### What are the best alternatives to Azure Files and Azure NetApp Files?

The top three alternatives to Azure Files and Azure NetApp Files are LucidLink, Amazon Elastic File System (Amazon EFS), and NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Azure Files](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-files/reviews) | 4.0/5 (55 reviews) | — | Recent reviews highlight cost-effectiveness compared to third-party solutions | Ease of Use (2 all-time mentions) |
| [Azure NetApp Files](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-netapp-files/reviews) | 4.5/5 (13 reviews) | — | Described as a premium, higher-cost solution | Ease of Use (1 all-time mention) |
| [LucidLink](https://www.g2.com/products/lucidlink/reviews) | 4.5/5 (782 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |
| [Amazon Elastic File System (Amazon EFS)](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-elastic-file-system-amazon-efs/reviews) | 4.3/5 (71 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — |
| [NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP](https://www.g2.com/products/netapp-cloud-volumes-ontap/reviews) | 4.5/5 (34 reviews) | — | — | — |

### Which Cloud File Storage features should I prioritize when comparing Azure Files and Azure NetApp Files?

Buyers should prioritize ease of setup, quality of support, security protection, scalability, and integration capabilities when comparing Azure Files and Azure NetApp Files.

- **Ease of Setup:** Azure Files scores 8.3; Azure NetApp Files has recent positive setup feedback but no score.
- **Quality of Support:** Azure Files scores 7.8; Azure NetApp Files scores 8.9.
- **Security Protection:** Azure Files has 2 all-time mentions; Azure NetApp Files has 1 all-time mention.
- **Scalability:** Azure Files is frequently cited for scalability in recent reviews; Azure NetApp Files is noted for high performance and supporting heavy workloads.
- **Integration Capabilities:** Azure Files has 1 all-time mention for integrations; Azure NetApp Files has no recent integration mentions.

### What are the pros and cons of Azure Files vs Azure NetApp Files?

Azure Files is most often praised for ease of use and cost-effectiveness, while Azure NetApp Files is highlighted for high performance and strong support.

- **Azure Files strengths:** Ease of use (2 all-time mentions), cost-effectiveness, security protection (2 all-time mentions), and scalability.
- **Azure Files trade-offs:** Reviewers note storage limitations and describe the pricing structure as complex or expensive in some cases (1 all-time mention each).
- **Azure NetApp Files strengths:** High performance, ease of use (1 all-time mention), strong customer support (1 all-time mention), and suitability for heavy workloads and database applications.
- **Azure NetApp Files trade-offs:** Described as a premium, higher-cost solution, with some reviewers noting configuration complexity and a need for improved backup and recovery functions.

### Is Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files better for small businesses?

Azure Files is the better fit for small businesses, with recent reviews specifically recommending it for small and midsize companies moving to the cloud.

- **Azure Files:** Small-business reviewers highlight its safety, flexibility, and cost savings for organizations transitioning from on-premises to cloud storage.
- **Azure NetApp Files:** No small-business segment share is reported, and recent reviews focus on enterprise-grade performance and premium features.

### Which Cloud File Storage platform has better integrations?

Azure Files is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing its compatibility with other services and platforms.

- **Azure Files:** Integrations are mentioned in recent reviews, with 1 all-time mention for integrations and specific references to compatibility with Windows, Linux, macOS, and Azure services.
- **Azure NetApp Files:** No recent reviews cite integrations or third-party tool compatibility.

### How do Azure Files and Azure NetApp Files compare on customer support?

Azure NetApp Files leads on Quality of Support, scoring 8.9 versus Azure Files' 7.8, a difference of 1.1 points.

- **Azure Files:** Reviewers describe support as generally helpful but note occasional delays and a need for more streamlined solutions.
- **Azure NetApp Files:** Reviewers consistently praise support, highlighting responsive assistance during configuration and migration.

### Which is easier to implement, Azure Files or Azure NetApp Files?

Azure Files and Azure NetApp Files are at parity on Ease of Setup, with Azure Files scoring 8.3 and Azure NetApp Files receiving consistently positive setup feedback in recent reviews.

- **Azure Files:** Reviewers frequently cite ease of setup, with a score of 8.3 and multiple mentions of straightforward implementation for cloud storage and migration.
- **Azure NetApp Files:** Recent reviews highlight easy configuration and migration, with support assisting during setup, but no numerical score is available.

Alternatives

**Azure Files Alternatives**

 ![Amazon Elastic File System (Amazon EFS)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/5383be31b099738701f86724a8b5cf9a/amazon-elastic-file-system-amazon-efs.svg "Amazon Elastic File System (Amazon EFS)")

[
Amazon Elastic File System...
](/products/amazon-elastic-file-system-amazon-efs/reviews)

 ![NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_5527633040d2267966345beea4bcc3b5/netapp-cloud-volumes-ontap.PNG "NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP")

[
NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP
](/products/netapp-cloud-volumes-ontap/reviews)

 ![Amazon FSx for Windows File Server](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3a7a925cc43d97814fa81ec2d6c06f45/amazon-fsx-for-windows-file-server.jpeg "Amazon FSx for Windows File Server")

[
Amazon FSx for Windows File...
](/products/amazon-fsx-for-windows-file-server/reviews)

 ![Google Cloud Filestore](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d73f92adafab3b8ba15d319eb9d0e856/google-cloud-filestore.svg "Google Cloud Filestore")

[
Google Cloud Filestore
](/products/google-cloud-filestore/reviews)

**Azure NetApp Files Alternatives**

 ![LucidLink](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/5d52231c9f45dfb7b3485341550bf1f1/lucidlink.svg "LucidLink")

[
LucidLink
](/products/lucidlink/reviews)

 ![SuiteDash](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/71e0f65e9bc5d566c8121c6280bb8c0d/suitedash.svg "SuiteDash")

[
SuiteDash
](/products/suitedash/reviews)

 ![Assembly](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1600ed9c292219e868d179d27be76fa2/assemblysoftware.svg "Assembly")

[
Assembly
](/products/assemblysoftware/reviews)

 ![Salesforce Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/b2a749c6cf5119ab76e497c1082c3161/agentforce-360-platform-formerly-salesforce-platform.svg "Salesforce Platform")

[
Salesforce Platform
](/products/agentforce-360-platform-formerly-salesforce-platform/reviews)

## Azure Files vs Azure NetApp Files

- Reviewers felt that Azure Files meets the needs of their business better than Azure NetApp Files.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Azure NetApp Files is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Azure NetApp Files over Azure Files.