Quick Overview
- 1#1: NetApp ONTAP - Unified storage operating system that manages data across on-premises, public clouds, and private clouds with seamless hybrid multicloud support.
- 2#2: Pure Storage Portworx - Kubernetes-native persistent storage platform enabling secure data mobility across hybrid and multicloud environments.
- 3#3: Dell PowerFlex - Software-defined storage solution delivering scalable block, file, and object storage for hybrid cloud infrastructures.
- 4#4: IBM Storage Scale - Software-defined file and object storage platform optimized for high-performance hybrid cloud data management.
- 5#5: Qumulo File Data Platform - Scale-out file storage software providing real-time visibility and management for hybrid cloud workloads.
- 6#6: Scality RING - Software-defined object and file storage platform designed for resilient hybrid cloud deployments.
- 7#7: Cloudian HyperStore - S3-compatible enterprise object storage software for building private and hybrid cloud infrastructures.
- 8#8: MinIO - High-performance, S3-compatible object storage software deployable on-premises and in hybrid cloud setups.
- 9#9: Weka Data Platform - Distributed file system delivering extreme performance for AI/ML and hybrid cloud storage needs.
- 10#10: VAST Data - Disaggregated storage platform unifying file, object, and database services in hybrid cloud environments.
Tools were selected based on robust feature sets (including multicloud support), performance, security, ease of integration, and overall value, ensuring they deliver reliable, future-ready solutions for modern hybrid storage challenges.
Comparison Table
Hybrid cloud storage software is essential for balancing on-premises control with cloud flexibility, and this comparison table examines leading tools like NetApp ONTAP, Pure Storage Portworx, Dell PowerFlex, IBM Storage Scale, Qumulo File Data Platform, and more to help readers identify optimal solutions based on scalability, integration, and performance requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NetApp ONTAP Unified storage operating system that manages data across on-premises, public clouds, and private clouds with seamless hybrid multicloud support. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Pure Storage Portworx Kubernetes-native persistent storage platform enabling secure data mobility across hybrid and multicloud environments. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Dell PowerFlex Software-defined storage solution delivering scalable block, file, and object storage for hybrid cloud infrastructures. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | IBM Storage Scale Software-defined file and object storage platform optimized for high-performance hybrid cloud data management. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Qumulo File Data Platform Scale-out file storage software providing real-time visibility and management for hybrid cloud workloads. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Scality RING Software-defined object and file storage platform designed for resilient hybrid cloud deployments. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Cloudian HyperStore S3-compatible enterprise object storage software for building private and hybrid cloud infrastructures. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 8 | MinIO High-performance, S3-compatible object storage software deployable on-premises and in hybrid cloud setups. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | Weka Data Platform Distributed file system delivering extreme performance for AI/ML and hybrid cloud storage needs. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | VAST Data Disaggregated storage platform unifying file, object, and database services in hybrid cloud environments. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
Unified storage operating system that manages data across on-premises, public clouds, and private clouds with seamless hybrid multicloud support.
Kubernetes-native persistent storage platform enabling secure data mobility across hybrid and multicloud environments.
Software-defined storage solution delivering scalable block, file, and object storage for hybrid cloud infrastructures.
Software-defined file and object storage platform optimized for high-performance hybrid cloud data management.
Scale-out file storage software providing real-time visibility and management for hybrid cloud workloads.
Software-defined object and file storage platform designed for resilient hybrid cloud deployments.
S3-compatible enterprise object storage software for building private and hybrid cloud infrastructures.
High-performance, S3-compatible object storage software deployable on-premises and in hybrid cloud setups.
Distributed file system delivering extreme performance for AI/ML and hybrid cloud storage needs.
Disaggregated storage platform unifying file, object, and database services in hybrid cloud environments.
NetApp ONTAP
enterpriseUnified storage operating system that manages data across on-premises, public clouds, and private clouds with seamless hybrid multicloud support.
FabricPool for policy-based, automatic tiering of cold data to low-cost cloud object storage without changing applications
NetApp ONTAP is a unified storage operating system designed for hybrid and multi-cloud environments, delivering block, file, and object storage services across on-premises AFF/FAS systems, Cloud Volumes ONTAP, and Azure NetApp Files. It enables seamless data mobility, automated tiering to cloud object storage via FabricPool, and advanced data management features like snapshots, replication, deduplication, and ransomware protection. ONTAP supports enterprise-scale deployments with high performance, efficiency, and non-disruptive operations, making it ideal for mission-critical workloads.
Pros
- Seamless unified management across on-prem, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud
- Superior data efficiency (dedupe, compression, compaction up to 10:1)
- Enterprise-grade ransomware defense and zero-trust security
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced clustering and features
- Premium pricing requires significant investment
- Best optimized with NetApp hardware ecosystem
Best For
Large enterprises and service providers managing petabyte-scale data across hybrid cloud infrastructures.
Pricing
Capacity-based subscriptions (e.g., per TiB/year); starts at ~$0.50/TiB/month for cloud, enterprise on-prem licensing via quote.
Pure Storage Portworx
enterpriseKubernetes-native persistent storage platform enabling secure data mobility across hybrid and multicloud environments.
Kubernetes-native auto-provisioning with metro-cluster replication for zero-downtime hybrid cloud operations
Pure Storage Portworx is a Kubernetes-native data services platform that provides persistent storage, backup, disaster recovery, and data mobility for containerized applications across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It supports on-premises infrastructure, major public clouds like AWS, Azure, and GCP, enabling seamless operation of stateful workloads without vendor lock-in. With features like auto-scaling, encryption, and zero-RPO replication, it simplifies storage management for DevOps teams in dynamic cloud setups.
Pros
- Deep Kubernetes integration with automatic storage provisioning and scaling
- Robust multi-cloud support for hybrid deployments with zero-RPO DR
- Advanced data services including encryption, snapshots, and cloud-native backups
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-Kubernetes experts
- Enterprise pricing can be high for smaller deployments
- Limited appeal outside containerized workloads
Best For
Enterprises managing stateful Kubernetes applications across hybrid cloud infrastructures needing reliable data persistence and mobility.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription model, typically priced per core or capacity (e.g., $X per TiB/month); contact sales for custom quotes.
Dell PowerFlex
enterpriseSoftware-defined storage solution delivering scalable block, file, and object storage for hybrid cloud infrastructures.
PowerFlex Cloud Extensions for live data mobility and consistent storage services between on-premises and AWS/Azure without downtime
Dell PowerFlex is a software-defined storage solution that provides scalable block, file, and object storage across on-premises, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments using commodity hardware or Dell appliances. It enables high-performance data services like replication, snapshots, and data reduction while supporting protocols such as iSCSI, NFS, SMB, and S3. PowerFlex is designed for enterprises requiring resilient, flexible storage that integrates with VMware, Kubernetes, and public clouds like AWS and Azure.
Pros
- Exceptional scalability to petabytes with linear performance
- Multi-protocol support and strong data protection features like metro clustering
- Seamless hybrid cloud integration via PowerFlex Cloud Extensions
Cons
- Complex initial deployment and management requiring expertise
- Premium pricing, especially when bundled with Dell hardware
- Steeper learning curve compared to simpler cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Large enterprises with demanding workloads needing scalable, high-availability storage across on-premises and hybrid cloud setups.
Pricing
Capacity-based licensing (per TB or node), perpetual or subscription models starting at ~$50-100/TB effective; custom quotes via Dell sales.
IBM Storage Scale
enterpriseSoftware-defined file and object storage platform optimized for high-performance hybrid cloud data management.
Active File Management (AFM) for transparent caching and tiering across disparate storage locations without application changes
IBM Storage Scale is a software-defined storage solution that provides scalable, high-performance parallel file and object storage across on-premises, hybrid cloud, and multi-cloud environments. It supports massive data management for AI, HPC, and analytics workloads with features like active file management for tiering data between locations, encryption, and erasure coding for efficiency. The platform offers a unified namespace, enabling seamless data access and mobility without refactoring applications.
Pros
- Exceptional scalability to exabytes with high throughput for demanding workloads
- Strong multi-cloud integration and unified namespace across environments
- Advanced data management features like policy-based tiering and compression
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial deployment requiring expertise
- High licensing costs that may not suit smaller organizations
- Management interface could be more intuitive for non-enterprise users
Best For
Large enterprises running AI/ML, HPC, or analytics workloads that require high-performance storage spanning on-premises and multiple clouds.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing model based on capacity or nodes; pricing is quote-based, typically starting at several thousand dollars per TB annually for subscriptions.
Qumulo File Data Platform
enterpriseScale-out file storage software providing real-time visibility and management for hybrid cloud workloads.
Real-time file system analytics engine providing instant visibility and quotas at massive scale
Qumulo File Data Platform is a scale-out file storage solution designed for hybrid cloud environments, enabling unified management of unstructured data across on-premises, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. It provides real-time visibility, analytics, and control over file data at petabyte to exabyte scales, supporting protocols like NFS, SMB, and S3. Ideal for data-intensive workloads, it offers features like replication, snapshots, and Active Directory integration for seamless enterprise operations.
Pros
- Infinite scalability for exabyte-level file data
- Real-time analytics and visibility across hybrid environments
- Strong multi-protocol support and cloud portability
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced configuration
- Premium pricing unsuitable for small-scale deployments
- Limited native block storage capabilities
Best For
Large enterprises handling massive unstructured data in media, HPC, AI/ML, or financial services across hybrid cloud setups.
Pricing
Capacity-based subscription pricing (typically $50-100/TB/year, varies by deployment); available as software-only, appliances, or cloud-native services—contact for custom quotes.
Scality RING
enterpriseSoftware-defined object and file storage platform designed for resilient hybrid cloud deployments.
Distributed architecture with infinite scalability and 100% data availability through self-healing and no single points of failure
Scality RING is a software-defined object storage platform designed for hybrid cloud environments, enabling seamless data management across on-premises infrastructure and public clouds like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. It supports S3-compatible APIs for storing and accessing massive amounts of unstructured data with high durability via erasure coding and self-healing capabilities. RING excels in scalability, allowing deployments from terabytes to exabytes without single points of failure, making it ideal for backups, archives, AI/ML workloads, and media storage.
Pros
- Hyperscale scalability up to exabytes with no downtime
- Native hybrid/multi-cloud support and S3 compatibility
- High data durability and efficiency with erasure coding
Cons
- Steep learning curve for deployment and management
- Requires substantial hardware resources for peak performance
- Primarily focused on object storage, limited native block/file support
Best For
Large enterprises needing massively scalable, resilient object storage across hybrid on-premises and multi-cloud environments.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically per TB capacity (starting around $20-50/TB/year for cloud deployments) or perpetual software licenses with support.
Cloudian HyperStore
enterpriseS3-compatible enterprise object storage software for building private and hybrid cloud infrastructures.
Infinite scalability to exabytes without performance limits, using efficient erasure coding on standard servers
Cloudian HyperStore is a software-defined object storage platform designed for hybrid cloud environments, delivering S3-compatible storage on-premises or across multi-cloud setups. It enables enterprises to store and manage exabyte-scale unstructured data with features like erasure coding for high durability and efficiency. The solution supports seamless data mobility between on-premises and public clouds, making it ideal for backup, archiving, AI/ML workloads, and big data analytics.
Pros
- Exabyte-scale scalability on commodity hardware
- 100% S3 API compatibility for easy app integration
- Strong hybrid/multi-cloud data management and tiering
Cons
- Complex initial deployment and management
- Requires significant upfront hardware investment
- Limited visibility and community resources compared to hyperscalers
Best For
Large enterprises requiring massive, cost-effective on-premises object storage that integrates seamlessly with public clouds for hybrid workloads.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing model based on usable capacity (per TB/year or perpetual); starts around $20-30K for small clusters, contact sales for quotes.
MinIO
enterpriseHigh-performance, S3-compatible object storage software deployable on-premises and in hybrid cloud setups.
Native S3 API compatibility with on-premises performance matching cloud-native hyperscalers
MinIO is a high-performance, S3-compatible object storage system designed for cloud-native applications, enabling massive scalability across on-premises, private clouds, and public clouds. It supports hybrid cloud architectures by providing a unified storage layer with features like erasure coding, bitrot protection, and multi-site replication. Ideal for handling unstructured data at petabyte scale, it integrates seamlessly with tools like Kubernetes and offers both self-hosted and managed deployment options.
Pros
- S3 API compatibility for easy migration and integration with existing tools
- Exceptional performance with up to 2.5 TiB/s throughput and low latency
- Open-source core with strong scalability for hybrid/multi-cloud setups
Cons
- Complex setup and management for large distributed clusters without enterprise tools
- Basic web UI lacks advanced monitoring compared to commercial alternatives
- Advanced features like ILM and encryption require Enterprise subscription
Best For
Organizations needing high-performance, S3-compatible object storage in hybrid cloud environments without AWS lock-in.
Pricing
Free open-source Community edition; Enterprise subscription starts at $0.025/GB/month for advanced features, support, and management.
Weka Data Platform
enterpriseDistributed file system delivering extreme performance for AI/ML and hybrid cloud storage needs.
WekaFS parallel file system delivering consistent sub-millisecond performance and infinite scalability in true hybrid cloud setups
Weka Data Platform is a high-performance, software-defined storage solution optimized for hybrid cloud environments, providing a unified parallel file system (WekaFS) that spans on-premises NVMe appliances, public clouds like AWS and Azure, and edge locations. It delivers sub-millisecond latencies and petabyte-to-exabyte scalability for data-intensive workloads such as AI/ML training, HPC simulations, and analytics. The platform enables seamless data mobility, tiering, and management across storage silos, ensuring consistent performance regardless of location.
Pros
- Blazing-fast parallel I/O performance with sub-ms latencies for AI/HPC workloads
- True hybrid cloud unification with seamless data mobility and tiering
- Massive scalability up to exabytes with built-in resilience and multi-tenancy
Cons
- Complex deployment requiring expertise in networking and hardware tuning
- High enterprise pricing limits accessibility for smaller organizations
- Optimized for high-end NVMe hardware, less ideal for commodity storage
Best For
Large enterprises and research institutions with demanding AI/ML, HPC, and analytics workloads needing high-performance storage across hybrid on-prem and cloud environments.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing based on capacity and performance tiers; typically starts at $100K+ annually for production-scale deployments.
VAST Data
enterpriseDisaggregated storage platform unifying file, object, and database services in hybrid cloud environments.
DASE 3.0 architecture enabling infinite, linear scalability with consistent sub-millisecond performance across petabyte-to-exabyte datasets
VAST Data is a software-defined storage platform optimized for hybrid cloud environments, providing high-performance, scalable storage that unifies on-premises and public cloud deployments. It supports block, file, object, and database protocols with exabyte-scale capacity, sub-microsecond latencies, and features like ActiveDR for disaster recovery. Designed for data-intensive workloads such as AI/ML, HPC, and analytics, it uses a Disaggregated Shared Everything (DASE) architecture to deliver linear performance scaling without traditional storage bottlenecks.
Pros
- Exceptional performance with sub-microsecond latencies and exabyte scalability
- Seamless hybrid cloud portability across AWS, Azure, and on-premises
- Advanced data services including global snapshots and AI-optimized pipelines
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing requires significant investment
- Complex initial setup and management for non-experts
- Relatively newer player with fewer mature ecosystem integrations
Best For
Large enterprises running AI/ML, HPC, or analytics workloads that demand extreme performance and scalability in hybrid cloud setups.
Pricing
Custom quote-based enterprise licensing, typically starting at $500K+ annually for mid-sized deployments, scaling with capacity and features.
Conclusion
The top hybrid cloud storage tools offer unique strengths, with NetApp ONTAP leading as the most versatile choice, seamlessly managing data across on-premises, public, and private clouds for robust multicloud support. Pure Storage Portworx excels in Kubernetes-native environments, ensuring secure data mobility, while Dell PowerFlex impresses with scalable block, file, and object storage for diverse hybrid setups. Together, they cater to varied needs, but NetApp's integrated approach makes it a standout.
Try NetApp ONTAP to experience its seamless hybrid cloud management and unlock efficient, unified data infrastructure capabilities.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
