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Aruba Instant On Switches vs HPE ProCurve comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Apr 6, 2025

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 Instant On Switches
Ranking in LAN Switching
3rd
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
6.5
Number of Reviews
29
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
HPE ProCurve
Ranking in LAN Switching
5th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
38
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the LAN Switching category, the mindshare of Aruba Instant On Switches is 10.2%, up from 9.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of HPE ProCurve is 12.5%, down from 13.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
LAN Switching
 

Featured Reviews

MashukThakur - PeerSpot reviewer
A centrally managed switches ideal for small and medium businesses but does not have any console access
The solution does not have any console access. For example, if you do not have internet access on your side and you need to configure anything, you should at least have CLI access to do something or manage the solution to put to some IP. It will only work if we have a TSCT on the network. We can port and configure the initial settings before we get the Instant On Switches. I am not working deeply on Instant On devices. I have only installed it in a couple of accommodation sites. Even today, one customer has ordered to install 80 pieces of Instant On. I’ve to order additional 94 access points. I was confused about whether to go with Aruba Instant On or AP-505. Instant On has limited accessibility but AP-505 have cloud or local access on normal infrastructure. This would be better and easier to configure. So, there are further improvements in regard to console access and some limitations with access.
Sandeep Rajguru - PeerSpot reviewer
Offers reliability and helps with vulnerability assessment
I use HPE ProCurve network in our organization. I can say that the product has improved the network flexibility in our company since I haven't seen any challenges from the last seven to eight years. The most valuable product for network management revolves around the area of VSB, also known as virtual switch bonding, which can quickly attach two or three switches or make them come together to quickly form a single switch. From a security perspective, my company does vulnerability assessment. From a security perspective, my company does vulnerability assessment. Following the hardening guidelines, the switches are configured according to the hardening parameters. The tool's reliability and uptime match our company's needs. My company enjoyed configuring the switches a lot, especially since we saw similarities between Cisco's and HPS's configuration processes. HPE ProCurve is user-friendly. We have a different product for network management, so my company doesn't use HPE ProCurve since we have already collaborated with some third-party products. I recommend the product to those who plan to use it. I recommend the product to those who plan to use it, especially since I have been using it without any issues for many years. I rate the tool a nine out of ten.

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"It is quite easy to maintain from the software point of view."
"It is straightforward to set up."
"The cost and simplicity of the product are its most valuable features."
"Aruba's management solutions, like Aruba Central are valuable."
"The solution has a simple deployment and zero border."
"The stability is fine. I would rate the stability a nine out of ten. Almost a ten on a ten."
"The tool's best part is the commercials. Its pricing is lower compared to other enterprise products. We pitch the product to customers who have budget constraints. Its implementation is plug-and-play."
"It is easy for deployment and configuration."
"The solution is fast and inexpensive."
"ProCurve is easy to configure and to know how to create each connection and configuration."
"HPE ProCurve is very complex for junior engineers and beginners. You need a lot of experience in managing switches in order to use this switch."
"HPE ProCurve has plenty of features."
"HPE ProCurve is used to connect servers and storage in the data center."
"The most valuable features are the price and the warranty."
"It is stable, and it fulfills our needs. We have all the functions we need, so we're totally satisfied."
"The LAN features give us exactly what we need."
 

Cons

"The product must be integrated with Aruba Central for better management."
"Some models need enhancement of the web interface to make management and monitoring easier."
"We are interested in acquiring a firewall that provides a comprehensive solution. In other words, we're seeking a firewall that encompasses multiple aspects, such as exceptional switches and active phone functionalities."
"Tracking with instant switches needs improvement."
"In the next version, they should add a firewall from a single source."
"Some customers have made complaints about Aruba Instant On Switches' stability."
"Its scalability needs improvement."
"The support needs improvement."
"The user interface (UI) could be better."
"There should be faster interfaces on the switch, such as 25 gigabits."
"One of the weakest points of this solution is its on-premise. We are not able to do all we need to with the CLI."
"I would like to see some kind of packet tracer where people can study how the switch is operating."
"Procurve would work better if it had more options like the web environment."
"HPE ProCurve could improve by making their command more similar to other solutions, such as the access codes. There should be a standard. Additionally, if the configurations could be done from the cloud would be a benefit and the port uplink speed should improve."
"If you make a change and you disconnect yourself from the switch, you will create an issue."
"The solution's pricing could be made cheaper."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"I give the price seven out of ten."
"The solution is the cheapest A-class switch."
"It is an expensive solution."
"We pay an annual licensing fee."
"Aruba Instant On Switches is cheaper than Cisco and expensive compared to some Chinese brand products."
"The license for Instant On Switches is free."
"The pricing is quite low compared to other products, which is good for the customer."
"If one is very bad, and ten is a very good price, I rate the tool's price as a six."
"HPE ProCurve products are reasonably priced."
"You buy the switch and that's it."
"The product has a good price compared to other solutions."
"The product is reasonably priced."
"The price of HPE ProCurve can be reasonable. However, it depends on the use case. They could improve the pricing model."
"HPE ProCurve is competitively priced, with a difference of approximately 30 to 35% compared to other vendors"
"ProCurve's pricing is its strongest point. The value proposition is quite good, and we have seen a return on investment."
"The price could be more competitive."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
16%
Manufacturing Company
11%
Comms Service Provider
8%
University
6%
Educational Organization
13%
Computer Software Company
11%
Comms Service Provider
10%
Government
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Aruba Instant On Switches?
The solution has a simple deployment and zero border.
What needs improvement with Aruba Instant On Switches?
I have run into a couple of problems with the switches. Recently, one of the newer stacks stopped working and had to be rebooted individually. They don't have a lot of diagnostics tools, which coul...
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for HPE ProCurve?
HPE ProCurve is competitively priced, with a difference of approximately 30 to 35% compared to other vendors like Cisco. This makes it a viable option for businesses with limited budgets, particula...
What needs improvement with HPE ProCurve?
The product could improve scalability and support for advanced networking features. Including advanced interfaces like QSFP and enhanced support for AI-driven network solutions would make it more c...
 

Also Known As

Aruba Instant On 1930 Switches
ProCurve, HP ProCurve
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

KEMET, Vestavia Hills City Schools, Dropbox
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary School, DY 4 Systems, EdgeWing, Edmonton Public Schools District, Halton Catholic District School Board, Hartwick College, Hatch Associates, Huntingdon College, Roseville Joint Union High School District, Saddleback Valley Unified School District, One Superior Place
Find out what your peers are saying about Aruba Instant On Switches vs. HPE ProCurve and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
851,604 professionals have used our research since 2012.