Block storage is an essential component of modern cloud computing and is used to support a wide range of cloud applications, such as transactional databases or virtual machine file systems. Block storage is a software defined storage layer that underpins nearly every service offered by cloud providers, it’s an elastic service which means that it can be assigned to various server instances as needed.

Its essential to choose a SDS block storage solution that offers the best in class capabilities and a reliable platform. Block storage environments impact the performance, scalability, and cost of the cloud service, and it can even be used in hybrid environments.

This guide provides an overview of block storage and reviews some of the top block storage providers available in 2025.

Understanding Block Storage

There are three primary types of data storage. These are:

  1. Object storage;
  2. File storage;
  3. Block storage.

Each storage platform has a distinct purpose. Specifically, block storage breaks data into fixed-size chunks called blocks. Each block has a unique identifier but no metadata, and these blocks are stored independently. The blocks are presented and configured by the operating system as a raw storage volume.

This approach provides high speed and efficiency because it’s the operating system that controls the file system, making block storage a fast and flexible storage solution for performance-sensitive workloads by offering low latency and high throughput, making it an ideal choice for databases, email servers, and for virtual disks.

SBS Block Storage Solutions

When selecting a chosen block storage provider, keep these five key areas at the forefront of your decision making. They will help determine how well the storage solution will integrate into your existing workflow and help you achieve your business goals.

  • Performance: The speed of the storage is crucial. This is measured in terms of latency and throughput. You are looking for low latency and high throughput from the best high-performance storage. Most providers offer Solid-State Drives (SSDs) to ensure quick access for applications but always check.
  • Scalability: The ability to easily increase or decrease storage capacity is important. A good storage solution allows users to add a storage volume or resize existing volumes without downtime. This flexibility ensures that the storage infrastructure can grow with the data needs of the business.
  • Availability and Reliability: High availability ensures data is always available. It’s achieved through redundant storage systems and replication between data centers. Features like automated snapshots and block-level replication protect data from hardware failure, helping to ensure business continuity.
  • Security: Data security is a critical requirement. Customers expect data integrity with encryption of data at rest and in transit, and access controls and integration with identity management systems.
  • Integration: The storage should be easily integrated with existing computing resources, such as seamless attachment to virtual machine instances and simplified management and deployment across on-premises, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments.

Top Block Storage Providers for Scalable Solutions

There are plenty of providers out there to choose from, but the following companies provide proven and reliable block storage solutions suitable for a variety of industries, from healthcare to finance.

#1: Atlantic.Net

Atlantic.Net Logo

Atlantic.Net is an established cloud services provider known for its focus on reliability, security, and personalized customer support. The block storage solution is an extension of the ACP cloud platform, offering a simple and powerful way to add persistent SSD storage to cloud instances.

The service is designed for ease of use and consistent performance, making it a strong choice for businesses that need scalable and dependable storage without the complexity of larger hyperscale platforms. The company’s long history in compliant hosting also makes it a trusted vendor for regulated industries.

Advantages

  • Simplified and Predictable Pricing: The storage solution is offered with a straightforward, per-gigabyte monthly pricing model. This approach avoids the complex, multi-faceted billing of larger providers, making it exceptionally easy to predict storage costs.
  • Reliable High-Performance Storage: All block storage volumes are powered by Solid-State Drives (SSDs) in a redundant RAID 10 configuration. This architecture is engineered to deliver both high-speed data access and inherent data protection against drive failure.
  • Dedicated Customer Support: Atlantic.Net is recognized for its responsive and accessible customer support, which is available around the clock and exclusively based in the United States. Having direct access to technical assistance is a significant benefit for businesses that may not have extensive in-house IT teams.

Disadvantages

  • Limited Geographic Footprint: While operating multiple data centers throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, its presence is not as extensive as some of the largest cloud providers.

Ideal for

  • Small to medium-sized businesses that require a simple, cost-effective, and high-performance storage solution that just works!
  • Organizations in regulated industries like healthcare that need a secure, compliant infrastructure vendor.
  • Users who prioritize straightforward management and direct access to high-quality technical support.

#2: Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic Block Store (EBS)

Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS) is a block storage service designed for use with Amazon EC2, the AWS virtual server platform. It is a highly established service that provides persistent block-level storage volumes. EBS is engineered for high availability and durability, automatically replicating volumes within a single Availability Zone.

Advantages

  • Diverse Performance Tiers: Multiple volume types are offered, from general-purpose SSDs (gp3) to high-performance Provisioned IOPS SSDs (io2 Block Express), allowing organizations to match storage performance and cost directly to the needs of the application.
  • Deep EC2 Integration: EBS volumes are managed and attached as a native part of the Amazon EC2 instance lifecycle. This tight integration allows for fast attachment and the ability to use volumes as boot partitions, which simplifies the deployment of virtual machines.
  • Advanced Data Management: The platform features strong data protection and management options. Elastic Volumes allow for on-the-fly modifications to capacity and performance, while automated snapshots to Amazon S3 provide a simple and effective backup solution.

Disadvantages

  • Ecosystem Lock-in: EBS is designed specifically for the AWS environment and cannot be easily used with on-premises systems or other cloud providers.
  • Complex Pricing: The cost structure can be difficult, with different pricing for storage capacity, provisioned performance, and snapshot usage.
  • Performance Constraints: While highly performant, volumes are tied to a single Availability Zone, which can be a limitation for certain high-availability architectures.

Ideal for

  • Businesses of all sizes that are already embedded in AWS.
  • Enterprises that run performance-sensitive applications, such as large databases or data analytics platforms.
  • Users who require a feature-rich storage solution that can be managed via infrastructure-as-code.

#3: Google Cloud Persistent Disk

Google Cloud Persistent Disk is the primary block storage solution for Google Compute Engine virtual machines. It is designed for high durability and performance, with data being redundantly stored to protect against equipment failure.

Persistent Disk separates the storage from the virtual machine instance, allowing users to detach and reattach disks to different machines as needed.

Advantages

  • Flexible Performance Options: Users can select from several disk types, including Standard, Balanced, and SSD Persistent Disks, to meet different performance requirements. For high-end needs, Extreme Persistent Disks offer very high IOPS for demanding database workloads.
  • Strong Reliability and Availability: Data is automatically encrypted before it travels outside of a virtual machine instance to Persistent Disk storage. The platform also offers regional persistent disks that provide synchronous data replication between two zones in a region for high availability.
  • User-Friendly Management: The service allows for easy resizing of disks without downtime. Snapshots can be created to back up data, and these snapshots can be used to create new disks in any region, which simplifies data migration and disaster recovery.

Disadvantages

  • Regional Limitations: While robust, the global footprint of Google Cloud is smaller than some competitors, which could be a factor for businesses needing a presence in specific areas.
  • Performance Scaling: Some disk types require provisioning both capacity and IOPS, which can be less straightforward than automatically scaling solutions.

Ideal for

  • Organizations that already use Google Cloud for data analytics, machine learning, and containerized applications.
  • Businesses that require high durability and the ability to easily manage and move storage between virtual machine instances.
  • Developers looking for a simple and scalable storage solution integrated with a modern cloud platform.

#4: Microsoft Azure Disk Storage

Azure Disk Storage is a high-performance, durable block storage service designed to be used with Azure Virtual Machines. It offers several disk types that cater to a wide variety of workloads. As part of the extensive Microsoft Azure cloud, this storage solution is built with enterprise-grade security, compliance, and availability features, making it a trusted option for many large organizations.

Advantages

  • Tiered Storage for All Workloads: Azure provides a clear hierarchy of storage options, including Standard HDDs, Standard SSDs, Premium SSDs, and Ultra Disks. This structure makes it easy for businesses to select the right balance of cost and performance for any given task, from backups to SAP HANA databases.
  • Strong Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem: The service is seamlessly integrated with the broader Azure platform and Microsoft software. This is a significant benefit for organizations that already rely on Windows Server, Microsoft 365, and other Azure services, as it simplifies deployment and management.
  • Enterprise-Grade Security and Availability: Azure Disk Storage supports availability sets and availability zones to protect applications from data center failures. It also provides multiple encryption options, including server-side encryption with platform-managed or customer-managed keys.

Disadvantages

  • Cost of High Performance: The highest performance tier, Ultra Disk, offers excellent low-latency storage but can be significantly more expensive than other options.
  • Complexity for New Users: The Azure portal and its vast number of configuration options can be complex for users who are not already familiar with the Microsoft cloud environment.

Ideal for

  • Enterprises, particularly those already invested in the Microsoft software and cloud ecosystem.
  • Businesses running Windows-based workloads or high-performance applications like SQL Server and SAP.
  • Organizations in regulated industries that require a provider with a strong focus on security and compliance certifications.

#5: IBM Cloud Block Storage

IBM Cloud Block Storage is a persistent, high-performance storage service designed for use with IBM Cloud Virtual Servers. It offers customizable performance tiers and is built on an enterprise-grade infrastructure. This service provides durable and redundant block-level storage volumes that can be attached to virtual server instances, making it suitable for a variety of demanding workloads, from transactional databases to general-purpose applications.

Advantages

  • Customizable Performance Tiers: The service allows for precise performance tuning. Users can select from predefined IOPS tiers or provision a custom IOPS level, enabling a close match between application requirements and storage costs.
  • High Durability and Availability: Storage volumes are built on a redundant infrastructure with no single point of failure. Data is stored across multiple physical disks within an Availability Zone, which protects against hardware failure and ensures high data durability.
  • Enterprise-Grade Security: IBM provides robust security features. This includes default encryption for data at rest, which can be managed by IBM or with customer-provided keys for greater control. It also integrates with IBM Cloud Identity and Access Management for fine-grained access control.

Disadvantages

  • Ecosystem Specificity: The storage is tightly integrated with the IBM Cloud environment and is intended for use with its virtual servers. This limits its applicability for hybrid or multi-cloud strategies that require storage portability.
  • Complexity in Management: The IBM Cloud interface and its range of options can present a steeper learning curve compared to more streamlined providers, particularly for users new to the platform.
  • Geographic Reach: Although IBM has a significant global presence, its number of cloud data center regions is less than that of the top hyperscale providers, which could be a consideration for global applications needing low-latency access in specific locations.

Ideal for

  • Existing IBM Cloud customers who need a reliable, integrated block storage solution for their virtual server instances.
  • Enterprises running mission-critical workloads, such as large databases, that require predictable and provisioned I/O performance.
  • Organizations with stringent security and compliance needs that benefit from IBM’s focus on enterprise-level data protection.

Conclusion

Selecting a block storage provider in 2025 requires a careful evaluation of specific needs. Each provider listed offers a distinct combination of performance, features, and cost. The best choice depends on factors like existing infrastructure, technical expertise, and budget.

One size does not fit all, and all situations are different. Choose the best solution that suites your needs. If you need a simple secure block storage, Atlantic.Net has built a strong storage solution with SSD and built-in safety and security features. But you like to work with the mega cloud providers, you obviously have many other options to choose from also. In the current market, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is recognized as the largest storage provider by market share, making it the most popular cloud storage provider for infrastructure services. The reason block storage is expensive relative to other storage types is because of the underlying technology.

It is built on high-performance hardware like SSDs and engineered for the low latency and high IOPS that demanding applications require, positioning it as a premium storage solution. A final decision should be made after a detailed comparison of these factors.