How much does NSX cost?
NSX pricing varies by edition, deployment model, and scale. There is no single fixed price; licensing is typically per CPU license for on‑prem NSX Data Center, with ongoing annual support. For an exact quote, contact VMware or an authorized reseller.
What NSX is and how pricing works
Network virtualization with NSX Data Center enables software-defined networking across data centers. Pricing is tied to the edition and deployment—on‑prem NSX Data Center is usually licensed per CPU, while cloud or managed services may use different models. Features such as firewall, load balancing, and VPN capabilities can influence the total cost.
Pricing models and editions
Pricing for NSX Data Center typically follows these patterns. Below are the main categories you should understand before discussing quotes.
Edition highlights
Different NSX editions offer varying levels of functionality. The core virtualization and network services are standard, while advanced editions include additional security, edge services, and traffic management features. The more capabilities you require, the higher the price is likely to be.
- Edition and features: Base NSX Data Center licensing covers core network virtualization; advanced editions add firewall, load balancer, VPN, and other services.
- Deployment model: On-premises NSX Data Center vs. cloud-based or managed NSX offerings; on-premises are typically licensed per CPU; cloud offerings may use subscription pricing or other models.
- Licensing unit: Historically per-CPU licenses for ESXi hosts; some agreements may reference per-socket or per-core terms depending on the contract.
- Support and term: Annual support contracts (1-year or multi-year) add to the initial license cost, commonly expressed as a percentage of the license price.
- Regional pricing and volume: List prices vary by region and can be affected by volume discounts and partner promotions.
Note: These categories describe common structures; actual quotes will reflect your specific configuration and contract.
What affects the price
Several factors drive the total cost of NSX:
- Number of CPU sockets on hosts where NSX will be deployed
- Edition and features selected (core virtualization vs. advanced security/traffic management)
- Whether you license Edge Services Gateway or other add-ons
- Length of the support term and whether you include software maintenance
- Purchase channel (direct from VMware vs. through a partner) and regional variations
Because pricing is quote-based, connect with VMware sales or a partner to get a tailored estimate for your environment.
How to plan and estimate costs
To plan budgeting, gather details about your environment and desired features, then request a formal quote. A practical approach includes:
- Inventory your ESXi hosts and determine how many CPU sockets will run NSX.
- Decide which NSX features you need (core virtualization, firewall, load balancing, VPN, etc.).
- Choose contract length and whether you want to include optional add-ons or edge services.
- Contact VMware or an authorized partner for a formal quote and any promotional offers.
Keep in mind that costs can change with promotions or new product editions, so verify current pricing during negotiations.
Summary
NSX pricing is not a single fixed number; it is driven by edition, deployment model, and scale, and is typically quoted per CPU for on-prem NSX Data Center with annual support. For an accurate figure aligned to your environment, request a formal quote from VMware or an authorized reseller, and factor in any add-ons, term length, and regional discounts.
For readers seeking a practical takeaway: plan for per-CPU licensing, prepare a detailed host inventory, and engage directly with sales to obtain a precise estimate tailored to your network virtualization needs.
