Link copied to clipboard # Big-IP Virtual Edition vs F5 NGINX Plus Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/f5-big-ip-virtual-edition/f5-nginx-plus/export.csv) Big-IP Virtual EditionF5 NGINX Plus[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Big-IP Virtual Edition** No pricing available **F5 NGINX Plus** No pricing available **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Big-IP Virtual Edition** Not enough data **F5 NGINX Plus** Not enough data **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Big-IP Virtual Edition** **8.8** /10 Based on 13 responses **F5 NGINX Plus** **9.0** /10 Based on 14 responses Ease of Use **Big-IP Virtual Edition** **8.8** /10 Based on 13 responses **F5 NGINX Plus** **9.0** /10 Based on 15 responses Ease of Setup **Big-IP Virtual Edition** **7.9** /10 Based on 7 responses **F5 NGINX Plus** **7.8** /10 Based on 9 responses Ease of Admin **Big-IP Virtual Edition** **8.3** /10 Based on 7 responses **F5 NGINX Plus** **8.1** /10 Based on 8 responses Quality of Support **Big-IP Virtual Edition** **8.7** /10 Based on 13 responses **F5 NGINX Plus** **8.5** /10 Based on 14 responses Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Big-IP Virtual Edition** **8.6** /10 Based on 7 responses **F5 NGINX Plus** **8.8** /10 Based on 8 responses Product Direction (% positive) **Big-IP Virtual Edition** **10.0** /10 Based on 11 responses **F5 NGINX Plus** **10.0** /10 Based on 9 responses **Features** ratings from reviews Web Server Accelerator Not enough data **9.1** /10 Based on 6 responses User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 7.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 64.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 28.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 7.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 64.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 28.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 50.0% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 17.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 32.1% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 50.0% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 17.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 32.1% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Big-IP Virtual Edition](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_89c84cea1594b462861660c51a9a2c8a/f5-big-ip-virtual-edition-best-byol.png "Big-IP Virtual Edition")](https://www.g2.com/products/f5-big-ip-virtual-edition/reviews) Big-IP Virtual Edition Information Technology and Services 28.6% Financial Services 21.4% Telecommunications 7.1% Retail 7.1% Publishing 7.1% Other 28.6% [![F5 NGINX Plus](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_c16b5eed7f635d2317a261070be95b92/f5-nginx-plus.jpg "F5 NGINX Plus")](https://www.g2.com/products/f5-nginx-plus/reviews) F5 NGINX Plus Information Technology and Services 35.7% Computer Software 14.3% Computer & Network Security 10.7% Marketing and Advertising 7.1% Banking 7.1% Other 25.0% Alternatives **Big-IP Virtual Edition Alternatives** **F5 NGINX Plus Alternatives** ![HAProxy](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7b4d7d3f13ff9a655c3e07b1ab59128a/haproxy.svg "HAProxy") [ HAProxy ](/products/haproxy/reviews) ![Cloudflare Application Security and Performance](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_b2231a414cb9f3f7c194f65af32b723e/cloudflare-application-security-and-performance.png "Cloudflare Application Security and Performance") [ Cloudflare Application... ](/products/cloudflare-application-security-and-performance/reviews) ![Akamai Cloud Computing](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/88a10113936d5d26cc5455decf5a8817/akamai-cloud-computing.svg "Akamai Cloud Computing") [ Akamai Cloud Computing ](/products/akamai-cloud-computing/reviews) ![Hostwinds](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a5e905bfedcbf0b519f58d7c57b0e348/hostwinds.svg "Hostwinds") [ Hostwinds ](/products/hostwinds/reviews) ## Big-IP Virtual Edition vs F5 NGINX Plus FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 16, 2026 ### What is the difference between F5 NGINX Plus vs Big-IP Virtual Edition? F5 NGINX Plus stands out for its higher overall rating and ease of use, while Big-IP Virtual Edition is noted for its robust security and modular capabilities. | [F5 NGINX Plus](https://www.g2.com/products/f5-nginx-plus/reviews) | [Big-IP Virtual Edition](https://www.g2.com/products/f5-big-ip-virtual-edition/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.2/5 (30 reviews) | 4.1/5 (14 reviews) | | — | — | | 7.8 | 7.9 | | 8.4 | 8.7 | | High performance web proxy, reverse proxy, and load balancing | Comprehensive security features and modular adaptability | ### How do the pricing models of F5 NGINX Plus and Big-IP Virtual Edition compare? F5 NGINX Plus and Big-IP Virtual Edition are rated at parity for value, with reviewers expressing cost concerns for both products. - **F5 NGINX Plus:** In recent reviews, several reviewers cite pricing as a concern, noting that the free version of NGINX often suffices and that the Plus version can be expensive for its additional benefits. - **Big-IP Virtual Edition:** Reviewers describe the product as expensive, with licensing and ongoing maintenance costs limiting accessibility for small and medium-sized organizations. - **Switching reasons:** Reviewers mention switching due to cost and the need for more affordable or flexible solutions. ### What are the best alternatives to F5 NGINX Plus and Big-IP Virtual Edition? The top three alternatives to F5 NGINX Plus and Big-IP Virtual Edition are HAProxy, Cloudflare Application Security and Performance, and Hostwinds. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [F5 NGINX Plus](https://www.g2.com/products/f5-nginx-plus/reviews) | 4.2/5 (30 reviews) | — | Pricing is a concern for many reviewers | High performance web proxy, reverse proxy, and load balancing | | [Big-IP Virtual Edition](https://www.g2.com/products/f5-big-ip-virtual-edition/reviews) | 4.1/5 (14 reviews) | — | Described as expensive, especially for smaller organizations | Comprehensive security features and modular adaptability | | [HAProxy](https://www.g2.com/products/haproxy/reviews) | 4.7/5 (912 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Highly reliable and flexible load balancing | | [Cloudflare Application Security and Performance](https://www.g2.com/products/cloudflare-application-security-and-performance/reviews) | 4.5/5 (714 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Strong security and performance optimization | | [Hostwinds](https://www.g2.com/products/hostwinds/reviews) | 4.9/5 (438 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Excellent customer support and uptime | ### Which Load Balancing features should I prioritize when comparing F5 NGINX Plus and Big-IP Virtual Edition? Buyers should prioritize load balancing performance, security features, ease of setup, integration capabilities, and dashboard/monitoring tools when comparing F5 NGINX Plus and Big-IP Virtual Edition. - **Load balancing performance:** F5 NGINX Plus is frequently praised for high performance and flexibility; Big-IP Virtual Edition is recognized for robust traffic management and scalability. - **Security features:** Big-IP Virtual Edition is highlighted for comprehensive security and access control; F5 NGINX Plus is noted for API gateway and security enhancements. - **Ease of setup:** F5 NGINX Plus scores 7.8, Big-IP Virtual Edition scores 7.9, indicating near parity. - **Integration capabilities:** F5 NGINX Plus receives positive mentions for integration and deployment flexibility; Big-IP Virtual Edition is noted for compatibility with major cloud and virtualization platforms. - **Dashboard/monitoring tools:** F5 NGINX Plus reviewers mention an informative dashboard, though some request improvements; Big-IP Virtual Edition is described as modular and adaptable. ### What are the pros and cons of F5 NGINX Plus vs Big-IP Virtual Edition? F5 NGINX Plus is strongest in high-performance load balancing and flexibility, while Big-IP Virtual Edition excels in security and modular adaptability. - **F5 NGINX Plus strengths:** High performance web proxy, reverse proxy, and load balancing; praised for flexibility, deployment options, and informative dashboard. - **F5 NGINX Plus trade-offs:** Reviewers cite pricing as a concern, a learning curve for new users, and requests for improved documentation and dashboard features. - **Big-IP Virtual Edition strengths:** Comprehensive security features, modular adaptability, compatibility with major cloud and virtualization platforms, and robust traffic management. - **Big-IP Virtual Edition trade-offs:** Reviewers note high cost, complexity in setup and configuration, and a steeper learning curve for new users. ### Is F5 NGINX Plus or Big-IP Virtual Edition better for small businesses? Neither F5 NGINX Plus nor Big-IP Virtual Edition has a clear small-business fit advantage based on available segment data. - **F5 NGINX Plus:** No small-business segment share is available; reviewers mention pricing as a barrier for smaller organizations. - **Big-IP Virtual Edition:** No small-business segment share is available; reviewers describe the product as expensive and complex for small and medium-sized businesses. ### Which Load Balancing platform has better integrations? F5 NGINX Plus and Big-IP Virtual Edition are at parity for integrations, with reviewers noting broad compatibility but no specific third-party integration leaders. - **F5 NGINX Plus:** Reviewers highlight deployment flexibility and compatibility with Docker and cloud platforms. - **Big-IP Virtual Edition:** Reviewers mention compatibility with VMware, Hyper-V, KVM, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. ### How do F5 NGINX Plus and Big-IP Virtual Edition compare on customer support? Big-IP Virtual Edition has a slight edge in Quality of Support, scoring 8.7 versus F5 NGINX Plus at 8.4, which is below the materiality threshold for a decisive difference. - **F5 NGINX Plus:** Reviewers describe support as generally responsive and helpful, though some request faster service and more comprehensive documentation. - **Big-IP Virtual Edition:** Reviewers report positive experiences with support, especially for complex implementations, and note the value of F5 training and assistance. ### Which is easier to implement, F5 NGINX Plus or Big-IP Virtual Edition? F5 NGINX Plus and Big-IP Virtual Edition are rated at parity for Ease of Setup, with scores of 7.8 and 7.9 respectively. - **F5 NGINX Plus:** Reviewers describe initial setup as straightforward after a learning curve, with Docker deployment and configuration flexibility frequently cited. - **Big-IP Virtual Edition:** Reviewers note a learning curve and complexity in initial setup, but find the process manageable with training or support. ## Big-IP Virtual Edition vs F5 NGINX Plus When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found F5 NGINX Plus easier to use and do business with overall. However, reviewers preferred the ease of set up with Big-IP Virtual Edition, along with administration. - Reviewers felt that F5 NGINX Plus meets the needs of their business better than Big-IP Virtual Edition. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Big-IP Virtual Edition is the preferred option. - When assessing product direction, Big-IP Virtual Edition and F5 NGINX Plus received similar ratings from our reviewers.