Aruba Access Points vs Cisco Wireless 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 8.8, while Cisco is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.5. Hewlett Packard Enterprise holds a 1.9% mindshare in Wireless LAN, compared to Cisco’s 11.0% mindshare. Additionally, 94% of Hewlett Packard Enterprise users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 88% of Cisco users who would recommend it.

Aruba Access Points

Read 38 Aruba Access Points reviews

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692 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

Cisco Wireless

Read 153 Cisco Wireless reviews

12,376 Views
11,111 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

Aruba Access Points

Cisco Wireless

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 31, 2024

Cisco Wireless Access Points and Aruba Access Points compete in the wireless networking category. Cisco has a slight advantage due to its focus on integration with its products and centralized management capabilities.

Features: Cisco focuses on enhanced security, stability, and integration features such as Cisco CleanAir and seamless roaming, making it particularly strong in centralized management. Aruba emphasizes security, ease of installation and management, and strong controller features, ensuring reliable performance across numerous devices.

Room for Improvement: Cisco can improve its user interface, reduce licensing complexity, and lower costs. Users note challenges with cloud-based management and configuration simplicity. Aruba could enhance integration, automation, and technical support response time, with users highlighting concerns about product availability and licensing complexity.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco is generally deployed on-premises, while Aruba offers both on-premises and cloud deployment options. Cisco is praised for reliable technical support and extensive documentation, though response times can lag. Aruba is noted for quick resolution times but faces issues with product availability.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco is perceived as expensive, with justified costs due to product stability and features. Significant investment is required for licenses and support, with long-term ROI reported. Aruba is considered competitively priced with annual subscription fees and licensing costs, offering affordability for long-term use.

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

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Access Points vs. Cisco Wireless

June 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

7.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Cisco Wireless

Ranking in Wireless LAN

3rd

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.5

Number of Reviews

153

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of July 2025, in the Wireless LAN category, the mindshare of Aruba Access Points is 1.9%, up from 0.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Cisco Wireless is 11.0%, down from 14.3% 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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Theesula Majuwanagamage

Head Of ELV and ICT at Intec Systems Solution Pvt Ltd

Bridging capabilities ensure network continuity and reliability in large-scale deployments

The most valuable feature of Cisco Wireless ( /products/cisco-wireless-reviews ) is the bridging capability. If one network fails, there is a link between different access points, which ensures network continuity. Additionally, Cisco offers significant discounts for large projects. The reliability and robust solution are also key aspects, as there have been no errors or failures. The implementation is straightforward, and the user interface connection is easy.

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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

"The controller software, which can control multiple access points remotely, is very convenient."

"It is a reliable solution with good coverage."

"I rate Aruba Access Points 10 out of 10."

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

"We like the flexibility and the security, and the product is very easy to use."

"It is a stable solution."

"Aruba Access Points’ most valuable features are network mobility and reliability for network access."

"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."

More Aruba Access Points pros

"It is a very stable solution."

"It gave us the ability to view wireless traffic, unwanted devices on the network, and how they affected overall network performance."

"The most valuable feature of the solution is reliability."

"The switches can even detect cable issues which quite often can be the main cause for a call-out within my business."

"This is a very stable solution that solves complex issues."

"The stability is great. It's very reliable."

"Setting up Cisco Wireless is pretty straightforward. It takes about an hour or two, and we can handle it in-house. To deploy one project, it takes two to three for a single controller."

"The main features are that it's secure and it's easy to distribute the SSID and control it. I also like the controller."

More Cisco Wireless pros

Cons

"There should be enhancements to support open Wi-Fi technology for seamless authentication across different access points."

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

"The delivery timeline is a major problem. There are also configuration and integration issues since not many engineers are available in the market who has expertise with the product. Some of our customers also experience network slowness."

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

"I would appreciate for the higher-end models to offer the same signal strength as the older, smaller models, even while maintaining the latest standards, as this would enhance the overall network performance and coverage."

"The solution should be made more robust."

"The solution should provide features to integrate audio and video devices in presentation rooms"

"The integration capabilities of the product with the tools from other vendors is an area of concern where improvements are required."

More Aruba Access Points cons

"The internet speed is high within environments. As you move further away from the access point, there is a decline in speed. Omada or Ruckus don’t have the speed degradation as you move away from the access point."

"Before deploying a wireless solution, you have to read and plan every role, every windows system, put in your access point, and then make the audit. This solution is not the best one to do this. We use another solution that is called Eko. In the future, if this solution could have better auditing capabilities it would be better."

"The integration with our CM and other technologies could improve this solution."

"It was expensive. Considering the challenges faced in third-world countries like Pakistan or India, cheaper solutions are preferred."

"The classic Cisco wireless interface is difficult for users to learn."

"The reporting tool in Cisco Wireless could improve. If I am trying to receive information about a client or user, it's cumbersome to retrieve the information on the controller system. If I'm trying to find out where a client's been, it's cumbersome. You need another tool for Historical logs, but it should be all in one."

"There is no technology without room for improvement. The main setback with Cisco solutions, not only with Cisco Wireless, is having to update the OS manually. We are now migrating to Miraki, so we've been able to work that out."

"If needs to provide more visibility. It can detect and do it, but as technicians we don't have a lot of visibility into seeing exactly what's happening. It doesn't give us a lot of log information for us to troubleshoot. They probably have additional software you need to purchase to get that kind of information. But I think not all companies can afford additional software to see those kinds of details. So if the wireless controller already had, built-in, those types of things for the technician or wireless engineer, it would be more attractive for the end-user."

More Cisco Wireless cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Aruba Central is a bit overpriced for some customers."

"The price compared to other brands is slightly higher."

"The cost of Aruba Access Points has been on the rise, which may be due to market dynamics or regional factors, such as in Egypt. Additionally, the availability of Aruba products is a concern, with a lead time of approximately twelve months. This prolonged waiting period and a lack of responsiveness from HP, the parent company of Aruba, have led to the cancellation of some orders. The supply chain for Aruba appears to face challenges, impacting product delivery timelines."

"My company needs to pay yearly for the licensing costs attached to the product. There are no additional payments towards the solution apart from its licensing costs."

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

"The product's pricing could be better than one of its competitors."

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

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

More Aruba Access Points pricing and cost advice

"I rate the tool's pricing a nine out of ten."

"There is a need to renew the licenses for Cisco Wireless every three years. My company needs to pay around 25 percent of the budget meant for the tools we purchase towards the price of Cisco Wireless."

"We have to pay for the hardware and support is extra and we do pay for the support."

"The price is a little high. However, you get what you pay for. The quality of the product is high, you will find it is worth the money. There is some additional cost, for example, customer support."

"Its cost is a little bit higher than other products. Fortinet and Huawei are cheaper. If we were not a bank, I would go for Huawei or Fortinet because they are cheap, and I don't need that much security. A financial institute, a university, or a medical institute would need security to protect the customer data. That's why we buy this high-end product that has integrated security features."

"It's a bit expensive but it's professional and works properly."

"The product is expensive."

"I think that the solution is expensive because the customer has to pay for a full year, at a minimum, in up-front costs."

More Cisco Wireless pricing and cost advice

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Comparison Review

it_user212721

President at a tech services company with 51-200 employees

Mar 24, 2015

Cisco vs. Aruba Wireless Solutions

Cisco or Aruba Networks? If you are considering wireless access solutions, this is a common question that you are probably asking. You probably have sales people knocking at your door. How do you make sense of all the stories that you are presented with. If you have done any research, you are…

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

16%

Comms Service Provider

Financial Services Firm

University

Computer Software Company

15%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Educational Organization

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.

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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'm a very small entity to comment on that, but I don't see any challenges as of today with the product getting improved. The only improvement would be to increase the market share if they try to r...

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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...

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Which is better - Ruckus Wireless or Cisco Wireless?

Ruckus Wireless offers users the benefit of being both easy to set up and get running as well as being very user friendly. This user-friendly quality also renders it easy to learn how to use and ma...

See all answers

How does Cisco Wireless compare with Aruba Wireless?

On the most basic level, Cisco Wireless can offer a rather straightforward initial setup. In the span of about three hours, the basic framework can be set up. Step-by-step instructions are availabl...

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Comparisons

Fortinet FortiAP vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 71% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 12% of the time

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN 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 3% of the time

More Aruba Access Points Competitors

Ruckus Wireless vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 27% of the time

Aruba Wireless vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 26% of the time

Fortinet FortiAP vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 8% of the time

Huawei Wireless vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 8% of the time

Alcatel-Lucent OmniAccess Stellar vs Cisco Wireless

Compared 1% of the time

More Cisco Wireless Competitors

Product Reports

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Aruba Access Points

June 2025

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Buyer's Guide

Cisco Wireless

June 2025

Download Cisco Wireless product report

Also Known As

No data available

Cisco WLAN Controller

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 Wireless is a comprehensive suite of wireless solutions designed to deliver secure, high-performance connectivity for enterprises of all sizes. Offering a range of access points, controllers, and advanced management tools, Cisco Wireless ensures seamless and reliable network access, enhancing mobility and productivity.

Cisco Wireless solutions provide robust, scalable wireless networks capable of supporting high-density environments and diverse applications. With features such as seamless roaming, advanced security protocols, and detailed analytics, Cisco Wireless addresses the needs of modern businesses. The solutions include the Cisco Catalyst and Aironet series access points, wireless LAN controllers, and the Cisco DNA Center for centralized management and automation.

What are the key features of Cisco Wireless?

High-Density Performance: Optimized for environments with a high number of devices, ensuring reliable connectivity and performance.
Advanced Security: Incorporates robust security measures such as WPA3, Secure Boot, and segmentation to protect data and devices.
Seamless Roaming: Enables uninterrupted connectivity as users move across different areas within the network.
Centralized Management: Cisco DNA Center provides a single pane of glass for managing and automating wireless networks, enhancing operational efficiency.
Flexible Deployment Options: Supports various deployment models, including on-premises, cloud-managed, and hybrid solutions.

What benefits should users look for in reviews when evaluating Cisco Wireless?

Improved Mobility and Productivity: Users often highlight how Cisco Wireless enhances user mobility and productivity through reliable and consistent connectivity.
Scalability: Reviews frequently mention the scalability of Cisco Wireless, making it suitable for growing businesses.
Ease of Management: Many users appreciate the centralized management capabilities, which simplify network administration and troubleshooting.
Enhanced Security: The advanced security features are often noted for providing peace of mind and compliance with industry standards.
User Experience: The overall user experience, including ease of use and seamless integration with other Cisco products, is a common point of praise.

Cisco Wireless solutions are implemented across various industries, including healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing. In healthcare, they support critical applications like patient monitoring and electronic health records. Educational institutions use Cisco Wireless to provide reliable internet access for students and staff. Retailers benefit from enhanced customer experiences through in-store connectivity, while manufacturers use wireless networks to improve operational efficiency and automation.

Pricing and licensing for Cisco Wireless solutions are typically based on the scale of deployment and specific product selections. Cisco offers various support plans, including 24/7 customer service, technical support, and access to software updates and patches.

In summary, Cisco Wireless provides robust, scalable wireless networking solutions that enhance connectivity, security, and management for diverse enterprise environments.

Cisco

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Aegean Motorway, Baylor Scott & White Health, Beachbody, Bellevue, Brunel University London, Bucks County Intermediate Unit , Chartwell School, Children's Hospital Colorado, Cisco Live Milan, City of Biel, City of Mississauga, Dundee Precious Metals, Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Erickson Living, Goldcorp, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Grupo Industrial Saltillo (GIS)

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Access Points vs. Cisco Wireless

June 2025

Free Report: Aruba Access Points vs. Cisco Wireless

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