Aruba Access Points vs Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN comparison

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Cisco are both solutions in the Wireless LAN category. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is ranked #5 with an average rating of 8.7, while Cisco is ranked #4 with an average rating of 8.4. Hewlett Packard Enterprise holds a 1.5% mindshare in Wireless LAN, compared to Cisco’s 12.7% mindshare. Additionally, 94% of Hewlett Packard Enterprise users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 92% of Cisco users who would recommend it.

Aruba Access Points

Read 37 Aruba Access Points reviews

766 Views
588 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN

Read 119 Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN reviews

14,622 Views
11,932 Comparison Views

92% willing to recommend

Aruba Access Points

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 31, 2024

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN and Aruba Access Points compete in the wireless networking category. Cisco Meraki holds the advantage for users needing a simple, cloud-based solution, while Aruba's robust security and integration make it preferable for enterprise-level deployments.

Features: Cisco Meraki offers intuitive cloud management, easy configuration, and solid security capabilities ideal for smaller organizations. Users enjoy the comprehensive dashboard for monitoring and reporting, making management straightforward even for limited IT resources. Cisco's cloud integration supports seamless updates and central management. Aruba Access Points provide exceptional network mobility, reliable connectivity, and compatibility with third-party technologies. Users can expect strong security features, including advanced multi-device configuration options and manageable guest portals. Aruba's deployment flexibility and integration with the broader network infrastructure make it suitable for enterprises seeking an enhanced wireless experience.

Room for Improvement: Cisco Meraki's licensing model is a concern, as non-renewal causes functionality loss, challenging for management. More advanced routing features and enhanced third-party integration are desirable. Aruba could improve scalability, accelerate technical support responsiveness, and address pricing concerns for more extensive deployments.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Meraki offers versatile deployment options through its emphasis on cloud solutions, accommodating both public and private cloud environments. Its customer service has mixed reviews, although support responsiveness is generally appreciated. Aruba focuses on on-premises setups with available hybrid cloud solutions, catering to enterprise needs. Customer feedback highlights Aruba's accessible and supportive service team, enhancing user satisfaction.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco Meraki is priced higher due to its robust cloud capabilities, offering clear ROI for smaller setups by lowering operational costs despite recurring licensing fees. Aruba Access Points are competitively priced, with some models including lifetime licenses, balancing features at a slightly better price point. Both solutions promise significant ROI, though the value is contingent on the organization size and specific requirements.

To learn more, read our detailed Aruba Access Points vs. Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN Report (Updated: April 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Access Points vs. Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN

April 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Aruba Access Points

Ranking in Wireless LAN

5th

Average Rating

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

7.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN

Ranking in Wireless LAN

4th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

5.1

Number of Reviews

119

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Wireless LAN category, the mindshare of Aruba Access Points is 1.5%, up from 0.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is 12.7%, up from 12.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Wireless LAN

Featured Reviews

PRADIPJOSHI

Owner at Shree Atharva Sales Corporation

Pricing competitiveness and remote management have enhanced network flexibility

One of the most valued aspects of Aruba access points is their price competitiveness; they are available at half the price of Juniper access points. Additionally, they do not require any kind of license for implementation. Despite this, many customers have their own firewall, and they can control everything from their firewall, ensuring flexibility. Furthermore, the ease of management with Aruba access points enables customers to connect them directly to their network via a PoE switch and manage them remotely from mobile devices.

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RezaPradipta

Sr. Officer Network Managed Service Product Management at PT. Indosat Tbk

Streamline network management with a unified dashboard for seamless device integration

The primary use case for Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is mostly for enterprise wireless, including guest Wi-Fi and enterprise Wi-Fi. I use it across various industries with a focus on retail Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN offers a single pane of glass management. It only comes with a controller on the…

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"Aruba access points protect connectivity, and we don't get interference."

"It has been a stable solution since its installation."

"The technical support is perfect."

"Aruba Access Points provides secure and transparent access points for all users"

"It offers a robust warranty and exceptional performance compared to other brands."

"Technical support for Aruba access points in India is very good."

"I like the solution because of its throughput and low latency. It has resolved roaming issues for my customers."

"Aruba Access Points is an easy-to-use solution."

More Aruba Access Points pros

"Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is a user-friendly solution that has good performance and stability."

"The most valuable features are the multiple types of user groupings and access management."

"It's simple to manage when there's a problem."

"It only comes with a controller on the cloud, and this differentiator simplifies network management."

"The most valuable feature is that the solution is friendly to manage."

"The solution is easily scalable. There are not really any limits for the customer in terms of expanding if they need to."

"I think the IoT integration is the most valuable. I started applying IoT solutions 12 years ago on location-based services. Aruba had implemented this at the time. So I think the integration, particularly into the applications and stuff, is pretty interesting in Meraki."

"The settings of Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN can be very granular. You can lock down and block devices with the controls. For example, we have four different wireless settings, such as guest, employee, security, and backup. For example, the settings for the employees, if they use laptops, they're required to have certain settings, such as an antivirus installed. If they do not then Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN will not let them connect. This is very good protection because the network works on the bringing your own device(BYOD) principle. It's a BYOD environment now, and you also don't want them to bring infection into the environment because these people are connecting to the LAN via wireless connections. We have to be careful because we're managing it, we have to be very strict with regards to the rules and policies."

More Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN pros

Cons

"The solution should be made more robust."

"In Aruba Access Points, the security part is an area of concern where improvements are required."

"Some customers comment that the shape and size of the access point is a little big, especially the one installed in the guest room."

"Going with a cloud solution will make dependency no longer a challenge from a connectivity point of view."

"Aruba Access Points should improve its automation."

"Since we are in health care, it would be beneficial to have enhanced security features around medical devices and IoT, especially for improving the visibility of medical devices within the WiFi network."

"The support from Aruba, as well as the overall HPE unit, has been lacking. The regional head and hepatic services are nonresponsive, leading to a decline in market share. While Aruba is recognized for its top-notch quality, especially in switching technology, the services and support in the African region need significant improvement. There is a suggestion to focus on enhancing services, support, and presale activities in this region to address the challenges faced by customers, particularly in healthcare. Continued emphasis on research and development, along with addressing regional issues, is recommended for sustained success."

"While scaling up to five hundred users, it may cause some performance issues."

More Aruba Access Points cons

"There should be better Spanish-language technical support."

"The price could be slightly better, but then again, we negotiate deals every time so the market price isn't really relevant."

"The solution could be cheaper."

"The cost of the devices and the solution itself could be more competitive."

"The integration options with third-party applications need enhancement."

"The issue primarily revolves around failure to renew the license on time, leading to service termination."

"The technical support for Meraki needs improvements made to the waiting times."

"If you lose connectivity with the controller, your Wi-Fi network is immediately impacted."

More Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The solution's pricing is nominal and not as costly as Cisco's."

"Although not cheap, Aruba Access Points is a reasonably priced solution."

"It is a reasonably priced tool."

"The tool is priced the same as its competitors."

"The pricing is competitive. It is neither cheap nor expensive. It is moderate. It offers better price than Cisco and other competitors."

"The solution is expensive and licensing costs are yearly. Customers have to pay extra costs for service and subscription apart from the hardware cost."

"The product is more expensive than two of its competitors."

"I implemented seven access points in 2015, and I only spent $6,000 for the whole project."

More Aruba Access Points pricing and cost advice

"It is a relatively expensive solution compared to traditional network alternatives."

"I haven't conducted a price comparison yet, but based on information, it appears to be more affordable than the current environment. Therefore, I consider the price to be reasonable."

"On a scale from one to ten, where one is cheap and ten is expensive, I rate the solution's pricing a seven out of ten."

"It's not super expensive and it's not super cheap."

"We are on a SmartNet contract. All of our Cisco products are licensed under one contract. I do not think there are any additional costs."

"We pay a yearly license fee for the solution."

"The solution could improve the licensing structure and the price is expensive."

"This solution is slightly more expensive than others, such as Ruckus Wi-Fi."

More Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

15%

Comms Service Provider

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

19%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Aruba Access Points?

After we installed the Aruba switches, the work became faster because the network speed improved.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Aruba Access Points?

Due to its pricing, Aruba access points provide good value. They are priced at half the rate of Juniper access points for basic models.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Aruba Access Points?

I would like Aruba to provide integration capabilities for Microsoft Entra ID, Azure Directory, or other identity verification engines like Okta, Google Identity, or Ping Identity. It is important ...

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What are pros and cons of Aruba 515 Series AP vs. Cisco Meraki or Extreme Networks?

Depends. I have personally used both Cisco and Aruba so I am familiar with them. Extreme I am not, so unless they have some feature that I need or want, I wouldn't consider them. Do you have expe...

See all answers

Which is better - Cisco Wireless or Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN?

Cisco Wireless is very robust, very rugged, and can handle indoor and outdoor coverage extremely well. We found it to be very reliable and to consistently run very efficiently. Cisco Wireless helpe...

See all answers

How does Ruckus Wireless compare to Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN?

Cisco’s Meraki Virtual MX is a virtual instance of the Meraki SD-WAN appliance. We liked the Meraki. The Wifi APs are a great feature. The dashboard is a simple interface and easy to learn. It feat...

See all answers

Comparisons

Fortinet FortiAP vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 72% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 13% of the time

Cisco Wireless vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 5% of the time

ExtremeWireless vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 3% of the time

Huawei Wireless vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 2% of the time

More Aruba Access Points Competitors

Aruba Wireless vs Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN

Compared 32% of the time

Juniper Mist Wireless Access Points vs Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN

Compared 15% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN

Compared 11% of the time

Ubiquiti Wireless vs Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN

Compared 7% of the time

Mist AI and Cloud vs Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN

Compared 5% of the time

More Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Access Points

May 2025

Download Aruba Access Points product report

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN

May 2025

Download Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN product report

Also Known As

No data available

MR18, MR26, MR32, MR34, MR66, MR72, Meraki Wireless LAN, Meraki WLAN

Overview

Aruba Access Points are a preferred choice for enterprises, providing efficient wireless connectivity across corporate settings, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities with both indoor and outdoor deployment options.

Aruba Access Points deliver reliable Wi-Fi and network access tailored for enterprise and guest connectivity, supporting IoT devices in diverse environments such as warehouses and offices. They ensure secure connections with features like VPN management and 802.1x authentication, along with flexibility in deployment. Users can benefit from their robust warranty, ease of use, and seamless integration possibilities. The devices facilitate convenient management through both on-premise and cloud solutions, although there is a need for improved coverage, security, and integration features.

What are the standout features of Aruba Access Points?

Virtual Controller: Manages multiple Access Points without additional hardware.
Client Match: Ensures devices connect to the best access point available.
Seamless Roaming: Provides uninterrupted connectivity without drop-offs.
Integration Capabilities: Allows easy incorporation of enterprise wireless solutions.
Advanced Authentication: Offers 802.1x and secure guest access.

What benefits or ROI can users look for?

High Stability: Consistent performance minimizes downtime.
Simple Configuration: Easy setup saves time and resources.
Network Mobility: Supports movement with uninterrupted access.
Visibility: Provides network insights for better management.
Warranty and Support: Offers robust warranty terms.

In specific industries, Aruba Access Points are implemented to enhance patient record access and guest connectivity in healthcare, support interactive learning environments in education, and streamline operations in warehouses with IoT integration. Their deployment aligns with industry-specific requirements, ensuring reliable connectivity and secure access to critical applications.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Cisco Meraki access points are built from the highest grade components and carefully optimized for a seamless user experience. The outcome: faster connections, greater user capacity, more coverage, and fewer support calls. The Cisco Meraki dashboard gives visibility into the network users, their devices, and their applications. Armed with rich analytics, administrators can quickly create access control and application usage policies, optimizing both the end-user experience and network security.

Cisco

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Advanced Medical Transport, Banco de Guayaquil, Baylor Scott & White Health, BH Telecom, Bowling Green State University, Calligaris, Children's Hospital Colorado, City of Biel, Del Papa Distributing, Department of Justice, Dimension Data, Dualtec Cloud Builders, Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Grupo Industrial Saltillo (GIS), Hertz, K&L Gates , LightEdge, Lone Star College System, Management Science Associates, Mindtree, NBC Olympics, Quest, Sony Corporation, The Department of Education in Western Australia, Valley Proteins

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Access Points vs. Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN

April 2025

Free Report: Aruba Access Points vs. Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN

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