Updated October 2026
Best shared storage platforms for virtualization 2026: 26 ranked by the Virtualization Storage Ledger
The best shared storage platforms for virtualization in 2026 by Ledger Index are Ceph (67.4), IBM Storage Ceph (66), Nutanix AOS (64.3), out of 26 scored in the Virtualization Storage Ledger (25 ranked). Scores come from public release records only; no vendor pays for placement.
Dependable builder
Dependable builder
Sharp opportunist
Full ranking
| # | Product | Index /100 | Capability /100 | Credibility /25 | Commercial risk /25 | Lock-in /25 | User rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ceph Dependable builder | 67.4 | 80.5 | 19 | n/a | 7 | none yet |
| 2 | IBM Storage Ceph Dependable builder | 66 | 83 | 17 | 11.5 | 8 | none yet |
| 3 | Nutanix AOS Sharp opportunist | 64.3 | 83.5 | 17 | 11.5 | 14.5 | none yet |
| 4 | Storage Spaces Direct Integrated stack | 62.8 | 73.3 | 17.5 | 11.5 | 12 | none yet |
| 5 | OpenShift Data Foundation Dependable builder | 62.3 | 73.3 | 16.5 | 13.5 | 11.5 | none yet |
| 6 | LINSTOR Dependable builder | 61.4 | 73.1 | 17 | 8 | 5 | none yet |
| 7 | Proxmox VE Ceph Steady upstream tracker | 61 | 68.5 | 16.5 | 7 | 6.5 | none yet |
| 8 | Portworx Dependable builder | 60.8 | 71.3 | 16 | 13.5 | 12 | none yet |
| 9 | vSAN Rent extractor with a reference product | 60.7 | 84.3 | 17 | 21 | 15.5 | none yet |
| 10 | SANsymphony Dependable builder, slow on dates | 59.8 | 76.8 | 15.5 | 14 | 10 | none yet |
| 11 | ONTAP Select Slow follower, steadily maintained | 58.3 | 74.8 | 13.5 | 12.5 | 12 | none yet |
| 12 | Lightbits Dependable builder | 58 | 64.5 | 15.5 | 11.5 | 8.5 | none yet |
| 13 | croit Dependable builder | 58 | 70.8 | 14.5 | 12 | 7.5 | none yet |
| 14 | Longhorn Dependable builder | 57.9 | 60.3 | 17.5 | 8.5 | 11 | none yet |
| 15 | StorPool Dependable builder | 56.8 | 65.3 | 15 | 11 | 8.5 | none yet |
| 16 | PowerFlex Sharp opportunist, thinly documented | 54.9 | 74.7 | 12.5 | 13 | 15.5 | none yet |
| 17 | SmartX ZBS Dependable builder, low transparency | 53.4 | 71.4 | 13.5 | 14 | 14 | none yet |
| 18 | JovianDSS Dependable builder for two-node sites | 53.1 | 63.3 | 13 | 10.5 | 7.5 | none yet |
| 19 | Blockbridge Dependable builder with a quiet core | 52.8 | 64.7 | 12.5 | 12 | 8 | none yet |
| 20 | simplyblock Sharp opportunist | 51.3 | 64.5 | 13 | 13 | 9.5 | none yet |
| 21 | Virtuozzo Storage Sharp opportunist in a rebrand year | 50.3 | 61.5 | 14 | 15 | 11.5 | none yet |
| 22 | StarWind VSAN Dependable builder under new ownership | 49.1 | 57.9 | 13.5 | 14 | 7.5 | none yet |
| 23 | StorMagic SvSAN Sharp opportunist at the edge | 48.6 | 55.2 | 14 | 10.5 | 7.5 | none yet |
| 24 | XOSTOR Dependable builder, young product | 47.3 | 44.9 | 16 | 10 | 7.5 | none yet |
| 25 | HPE SimpliVity Integrated stack in transition | 45.6 | 59.6 | 13 | 16 | 15.5 | none yet |
| Not ranked: these fail one of the Ledger's inclusion tests, so their scores are for reference only. | |||||||
| Sangfor aSAN Market-window follower (grade C) | 41.7 | 51.2 | 11 | 13.5 | 13 | none yet | |
Risk and lock-in: lower is better. Source: Virtualization Storage Ledger 2026, methodology.
Questions
What is the best storage platform in 2026?
Ceph has the highest Ledger Index (67.4 out of 100) in the Virtualization Storage Ledger, followed by IBM Storage Ceph (66) and Nutanix AOS (64.3). The best choice for you depends on your size, skills and budget.
How are the scores calculated?
The Ledger Index adds capability (what shipped, by domain and year), release credibility, commercial risk, technical lock-in and AI delivery, all from public release notes, roadmaps and pricing pages. The methodology page explains every score.
Can vendors pay to be listed or ranked?
No. Mr.PlanB takes no vendor money for listings, rankings or reviews, and the scores use no vendor briefings.
Who writes the user reviews?
Anyone who has used the product. Reviews are anonymous, need no account, and are checked by a person before they appear. Adverts, spam and personal attacks are removed.