Link copied to clipboard # Azure Files vs NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/azure-files/netapp-cloud-volumes-ontap/export.csv) Azure FilesNetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Azure Files** No pricing available **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** Free Trial **$0.37** Per Feature Per Month · Basic **Pricing Insights** from reviews Perceived Cost **Azure Files** $$$$$ **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** $$$$$ Average Discount **Azure Files** Not enough reviews yet **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** Not enough reviews yet Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience. See it for free Time to Implement **Azure Files** 6 months Based on 100 responses **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** 6 months Based on 100 responses Return on Investment **Azure Files** 6 months Based on 100 responses **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** 6 months Based on 100 responses **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Azure Files** Azure Services (2) Customer Support (2) Expensive (1) Storage Limitations (1) **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** Comprehensive Solutions (1) Data Storage (1) Command Line Difficulty (1) Not User-Friendly (1) Integrations **Azure Files** Not enough data **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_13aba37ae908d9cf29a2452925257ccc/microsoft-microsoft-cloud-data-management.jpeg "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Cloud Data... ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-cloud-data-management/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/netapp-cloud-volumes-ontap/integrations) Screenshots **Azure Files** No screenshot available **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** ![NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP 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/106063/Ransomware.jpg) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Azure Files** **8.6** /10 Based on 46 responses **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** **8.7** /10 Based on 19 responses Ease of Use **Azure Files** **8.2** /10 Based on 46 responses **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** **8.9** /10 Based on 18 responses Ease of Setup **Azure Files** **8.3** /10 Based on 23 responses **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** **8.3** /10 Based on 15 responses Ease of Admin **Azure Files** **8.2** /10 Based on 22 responses **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** **8.5** /10 Based on 14 responses Quality of Support **Azure Files** **7.8** /10 Based on 33 responses **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** **8.5** /10 Based on 18 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Azure Files** **8.5** /10 Based on 19 responses **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** **8.3** /10 Based on 15 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Azure Files** **7.2** /10 Based on 46 responses **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP** **9.3** /10 Based on 16 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Cloud File Storage **8.5** /10 Based on 7 responses Not enough data User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 22.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 34.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 42.9% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 22.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 34.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 42.9% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 23.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 38.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 38.5% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 23.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 38.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 38.5% **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% [![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")](https://www.g2.com/products/netapp-cloud-volumes-ontap/reviews) NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP Information Technology and Services 23.1% Computer Software 11.5% Telecommunications 7.7% Hospital & Health Care 7.7% Education Management 7.7% Other 42.3% Alternatives **Azure Files Alternatives** ![Progress ShareFile](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/0f72809916b93e221e68872730635739/progress-sharefile.svg "Progress ShareFile") [ Progress ShareFile ](/products/progress-sharefile/reviews) ![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) ![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) **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP Alternatives** ![VMware vSAN](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_b7b9bda79777e6590b9c270cf14eec39/vmware-vsan.jpg "VMware vSAN") [ VMware vSAN ](/products/vmware-vsan/reviews) ![Veeam Data Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a179f521693e62ccbdd5f80b4da072ec/veeam-data-platform.svg "Veeam Data Platform") [ Veeam Data Platform ](/products/veeam-data-platform/reviews) ![Microsoft Defender for Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-defender-for-cloud.svg "Microsoft Defender for Cloud") [ Microsoft Defender for Cloud ](/products/microsoft-defender-for-cloud/reviews) ![DigitalOcean](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/6028813119dc32d698afd6e25ff33d5b/digitalocean.svg "DigitalOcean") [ DigitalOcean ](/products/digitalocean/reviews) ## Azure Files vs NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP vs Azure Files? NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP stands out for its higher reviewer satisfaction and advanced data management features, while Azure Files is favored for ease of use and integration with Azure infrastructure. | | [NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP](https://www.g2.com/products/netapp-cloud-volumes-ontap/reviews) | [Azure Files](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-files/reviews) | | --- | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.5/5 (34 reviews) | 4.0/5 (55 reviews) | | Ease of Setup score | 8.3 | 8.3 | | Quality of Support score | 8.5 | 7.8 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Advanced data management and hybrid/multi-cloud flexibility | Ease of use and integration with Azure services | ### How do the pricing models of NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP and Azure Files compare? NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to Azure Files. - **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP:** Reviewers highlight cost optimization features such as deduplication, compression, and thin provisioning, noting significant storage savings and reduced cloud costs. - **Azure Files:** Recent reviews mention that while Azure Files is cost-effective for basic needs, its pricing structure can be confusing and may become expensive for larger storage requirements. - **Switching reasons:** Several reviewers mention moving to Azure Files for its integration with Azure infrastructure, but note that advanced features and cost optimization are stronger in NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP. ### What are the best alternatives to NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP and Azure Files? The top three alternatives to NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP and Azure Files are Amazon Elastic File System (Amazon EFS), Veeam Data Platform, and Microsoft Defender for Cloud. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP](https://www.g2.com/products/netapp-cloud-volumes-ontap/reviews) | 4.5/5 (34 reviews) | — | Cost optimization features praised | Advanced data management and hybrid/multi-cloud flexibility | | [Azure Files](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-files/reviews) | 4.0/5 (55 reviews) | — | Cost-effective for basic needs, but pricing can be confusing | Ease of use and integration with Azure services | | [Amazon Elastic File System (Amazon EFS)](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-elastic-file-system-amazon-efs/reviews) | 4.3/5 (71 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Scalability and integration with AWS ecosystem | | [Veeam Data Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/veeam-data-platform/reviews) | 4.6/5 (749 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive backup and recovery capabilities | | [Microsoft Defender for Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-cloud/reviews) | 4.4/5 (440 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Security and compliance management | ### Which Cloud File Storage features should I prioritize when comparing NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP and Azure Files? Buyers should prioritize data management capabilities, security and access control, scalability, integration with cloud platforms, and cost optimization when comparing NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP and Azure Files. - **Data management capabilities:** NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP is frequently cited for advanced features like deduplication, compression, thin provisioning, and data tiering; Azure Files is praised for basic file storage and backup. - **Security and access control:** Both products are recognized for strong security, with Azure Files receiving multiple recent mentions for security protection and access control features. - **Scalability:** Azure Files is highlighted for easy scalability and high availability; NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP is noted for hybrid and multi-cloud scalability. - **Integration with cloud platforms:** NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP integrates with multiple cloud providers; Azure Files is tightly integrated with Azure services. - **Cost optimization:** NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP is praised for storage efficiency and cost-saving features; Azure Files is considered cost-effective for basic needs but may become expensive at scale. ### What are the pros and cons of NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP vs Azure Files? NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP's headline strength is advanced data management and hybrid/multi-cloud flexibility, while Azure Files is strongest in ease of use and Azure integration. - **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP strengths:** Advanced data management (deduplication, compression, thin provisioning), hybrid and multi-cloud support, high availability, robust data protection, and performance optimization. - **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP trade-offs:** Initial setup complexity, steeper learning curve for new users, and occasional interface changes or CLI reliance. - **Azure Files strengths:** Ease of use, quick implementation, strong integration with Azure services, high availability, and robust security features. - **Azure Files trade-offs:** Pricing structure can be confusing and may become expensive for large-scale needs, storage limitations, and limited protocol support compared to NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP. ### Is NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP or Azure Files better for small businesses? Azure Files is the better fit for small businesses, with reviewers highlighting its ease of use and straightforward implementation. - **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP:** No largest segment data for small business; reviewers note advanced features but mention a steeper learning curve and more complex setup. - **Azure Files:** Recent reviews from small-business users praise its ease of use, quick setup, and suitability for organizations moving from on-premises to cloud storage. ### Which Cloud File Storage platform has better integrations? Azure Files is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing its compatibility with Azure services and infrastructure. - **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP:** Reviewers mention integration with on-premises applications and hybrid cloud environments, but no specific third-party integration counts are provided. - **Azure Files:** Reviewers highlight integration with Azure infrastructure, Windows servers, and support for SMB and NFS protocols, with recent mentions of ease of integration for business needs. ### How do NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP and Azure Files compare on customer support? NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP scores higher on Quality of Support (8.5 vs 7.8), indicating a material advantage over Azure Files. - **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP:** Reviewers consistently praise responsive and active customer support, with multiple mentions of high satisfaction and effective issue resolution. - **Azure Files:** Support is generally rated positively, but several reviewers note that response times and resolution processes could be improved, especially for complex issues. ### Which is easier to implement, NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP or Azure Files? NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP and Azure Files are rated equally on Ease of Setup (8.3 each), indicating parity in implementation experience. - **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP:** Reviewers describe the setup as straightforward for experienced users but note a learning curve and complexity for those new to NetApp or cloud storage. - **Azure Files:** Reviewers highlight easy and quick setup, especially for organizations already using Azure, but mention that initial configuration can be challenging for those unfamiliar with Azure services. ### Which product has better Access Control? Azure Files is more frequently cited for Access Control features in recent reviews. - **NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP:** No recent reviewer-cited Access Control features or mention counts are provided. - **Azure Files:** Multiple recent reviews highlight role-based access control, security protection, and access management as key strengths. ## Azure Files vs NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP easier to use and administer. However, reviewers felt that Azure Files was easier to do business with overall. Finally, reviewers felt that the products are equally easy to set up. - Reviewers felt that NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP meets the needs of their business better than Azure Files. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of NetApp Cloud Volumes ONTAP over Azure Files.