This comparison covers the differences between iSCSI and SMB storage protocols in terms of performance, cost, and features
Updated July 4, 2026
iSCSI
Best when block-level access and maturity are required
SMB
Best when ease of use and low cost are top priorities
IT Intel recommends iSCSI for its maturity and wide support, despite being more complex than SMB. However, SMB is a viable option when ease of use and low cost are top priorities. Overall, iSCSI is the better choice for most enterprise use cases.
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