Aruba Remote Access Points vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) comparison

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Cisco are both solutions in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is ranked #9 with an average rating of 8.3, while Cisco is ranked #6 with an average rating of 8.0. Hewlett Packard Enterprise holds a 1.2% mindshare in EIV, compared to Cisco’s 6.2% 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 Remote Access Points

Read 20 Aruba Remote Access Points reviews

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869 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

Cisco Secure Client (includ...

Read 78 Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) reviews

5,785 Views
3,934 Comparison Views

92% willing to recommend

Aruba Remote Access Points

Cisco Secure Client (includ...

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 6, 2024

Aruba Remote Access Points and Cisco Secure Client are both powerful solutions in the networking and security space. User reviews show that Cisco Secure Client often edges out in features and capabilities but comes at a higher price.

Features: Aruba Remote Access Points are praised for their reliable connectivity, extensive network coverage, and ease of setup. Cisco Secure Client stands out for its robust security features, comprehensive integration capabilities, and advanced analytics.

Room for Improvement: Users suggest Aruba could improve on integration with third-party tools, user administration, and customer support responsiveness. Cisco users point out the setup process complexity, configuration options, and cost of deployment.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Aruba Remote Access Points are noted for their straightforward deployment process, though customer service could be more responsive. Cisco Secure Client takes longer to deploy due to its complexity, but benefits from superior customer support.

Pricing and ROI: Aruba Remote Access Points are generally seen as more cost-effective, with lower initial setup costs and quicker ROI. Cisco Secure Client, while more expensive, is considered worth the investment for its advanced features and security, delivering ROI over a longer period.

To learn more, read our detailed Aruba Remote Access Points vs. Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Remote Access Points vs. Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

December 2025

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Helped 881,733 peers since 2012

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 Remote Access Points

Ranking in Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

9th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Cisco Secure Client (includ...

Ranking in Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

6th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

SSL VPN (2nd), ZTNA as a Service (9th), Cisco Security Portfolio (5th)

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2026, in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category, the mindshare of Aruba Remote Access Points is 1.2%, up from 0.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) is 6.2%, down from 7.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)	6.2%
Aruba Remote Access Points	1.2%
Other	92.6%

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

Featured Reviews

Theesula Majuwanagamage

Head Of ELV and ICT at Intec Systems Solution Pvt Ltd

Efficient Setup and Strong Performance Highlight Versatile Capabilities

In terms of areas for improvement in Aruba Remote Access Points, when planning for the customer's end, you need to highlight the precautions against EMF emissions and environmental emissions, as well as power management limitations. If the user is in one direction and you're transmitting everywhere, that's not good power management. Currently, all access points provide the same power requirement to the client, but we should explore what extra mile we can go. We are facing energy crises and climate issues, along with GHG and SDGs protocols. If we highlight the alignment with these protocols, it can enhance the product quality as an environmentally friendly option. Apart from that, service-wise, every unit is the same. Users can only distinguish those requirements using spectrum analyzers; otherwise, minor data delays of one or two seconds do not matter, but for high-security or high-speed needs, it becomes significant.

Read full review

AJAY SARPAL

Manager - Projects at airtel

Offers work-from-anywhere flexibility but navigates occasional proxy confusion

The analytics I downloaded from your site as a free download did not carry the information that was actually required. I was looking at the market segmentation and market share, along with some USPs which differentiated them from each other. The free download had two issues: many things were repetitive, and it was designed to not release any relevant information. Only headers were present, so I was not able to determine whether the final report would be worthwhile. I have not worked with enterprise tools that I could share feedback on for website publication. I see benefits from using Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect). However, I would not recommend it because future adoptions will be towards Zscaler, as SSC is a better model than VPN. On a scale of 1-10, I rate this solution a 7.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"Once we got things set up properly, we just need to do updates, and it just runs."

"It’s very light."

"Aruba works well in large spaces, especially for manufacturing. That's when you start seeing the effectiveness of Aruba."

"The most valuable feature of Aruba Remote Access Points is the manageability from the central cloud platform."

"What I like best about Aruba Remote Access Points is that it's pretty easy to set up."

"There are no bad features in Aruba Remote Access Points. Every feature is customized to meet customer requirements according to their limitations, and we can make use of all features to benefit us as needed."

"It provides good Spectrum Analysis and troubleshooting."

"I can use the solution from my home or any remote office to access printers, servers, etc."

More Aruba Remote Access Points pros

"Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is very stable."

"The security features are beneficial, and the whole idea of the app is that it should not be in the way."

"The tool is user-friendly, robust and easy to use in any environment."

"It is an easy system to set up."

"The most valuable feature of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is the consistency, I have not had any issues with the performance."

"It's easy to handle. You can have it on Windows, Linux or Mac, that's quite useful."

"The system is reliable, simple and secure."

"The multifactor authentication enhances security posture, and integrating our internal application for authentication was easy."

More Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) pros

Cons

"The product is not user-friendly."

"To make the solution better, the cloud solution should be more integrated as it has too many different menus, and it would be preferable to have it more cohesive in one solution."

"There are some issues, like the VLAN capabilities and support for routing between two VMs."

"Its scalability capabilities should be improved."

"The remote access point coverage should be bigger than it is now."

"There is room for improvement in terms of pricing. If they can be more competitive."

"One thing that would be beneficial is for the Aruba Central mobile app to work more effectively. Currently, it does not function as expected when I really need it."

"The solution is costly for medium-sized companies."

More Aruba Remote Access Points cons

"You do need technical expertise to set up the product."

"The only problem is that if you want to download it somewhere else, you cannot; you cannot download it unless you have a valid Cisco account."

"The GUI needs to be upgraded."

"There are times the WiFi connectivity has disruptions and you have disconnections. It doesn't work with two connections. I have two switches back and forth sometimes. It doesn't have a failback scenario feature. However, on the gateway side, it does, but on the user device, it doesn't have that kind of option. It would be nice to have this feature."

"All I care about is being connected and I know that we've run into versioning issues in the past."

"When using Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client when my laptop goes into sleep mode the VPN wants me to enter the password again. I should not have to enter the information again. If the laptop is on and it is not switched off, the password should be in the VPN saved and secured."

"The support could be more proactive in their recommendations. I noticed that the Cisco support agents tend to leave customers to do what they need to do in many ways, and you can choose how you want to do it. However, it would be great if they could proactively be involved in best practices and let other customers know how most people are doing it."

"Sometimes when you disconnect or switch from one wireless network to another, it's necessary to re-login."

More Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"In terms of pricing, we've found Aruba's offerings to be very competitive."

"You require no separate licensing to convert an access point to RAP."

"Price-wise, Aruba Remote Access Points is in the middle, so my rating for its pricing is three out of five."

"There are no other expenses than standard licenses for the product."

"Aruba pricing is not very high. They offer competitive pricing for what they provide."

"The price of Aruba Remote Access Points could be better. It is a little expensive."

"Aruba Remote Access Points' pricing is good and affordable."

"It is not a free solution and the user needs to buy license."

"We are in the North African region, and Cisco products are expensive for us. On a scale from one to ten with one being very affordable and ten being expensive, I'd rate the price at eight."

"The solution is reasonably priced and costs $600 for a five-year license in our scenario."

"The initial cost is the ASA and other items, but after that, it is relatively inexpensive."

"One thing I've noticed is the price in comparison to other VPNs."

"The licensing costs are reasonable."

"We have yearly licensing and it's very affordable."

"The pricing depends on the requirement, so proper planning and an RF analysis help to properly size the solution and get the best pricing."

More Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Healthcare Company

14%

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

Construction Company

Manufacturing Company

10%

Computer Software Company

10%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	8
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	7

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	27
Midsize Enterprise	10
Large Enterprise	46

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Aruba Remote Access Points?

This solution is widely adopted and involves both technology and non-technical devices. It is robust, except in cases of significant power outages.

See all answers

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

The pricing is adequate. It is available in every range, from medium range to high range and enterprise level. Thus, it is not an issue.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Aruba Remote Access Points?

See all answers

What do you like most about Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client?

The tool is user-friendly, robust and easy to use in any environment.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client?

Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) is somewhat expensive compared to others such as Fortinet or Palo Alto, which provide free VPN when the firewall is purchased. Palo Alto and Fortinet prov...

See all answers

What needs improvement with Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client?

At times there is confusion regarding when to keep the proxy on or off, a problem faced by some users.

See all answers

Comparisons

Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks vs Aruba Remote Access Points

Compared 19% of the time

Aruba VPN vs Aruba Remote Access Points

Compared 19% of the time

Zyxel VPN Client vs Aruba Remote Access Points

Compared 13% of the time

Hillstone E-Series vs Aruba Remote Access Points

Compared 11% of the time

OpenVPN Access Server vs Aruba Remote Access Points

Compared 10% of the time

More Aruba Remote Access Points Competitors

OpenVPN Access Server vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Compared 8% of the time

Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Compared 7% of the time

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Compared 6% of the time

Ivanti Connect Secure vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Compared 6% of the time

Check Point Remote Access VPN vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Compared 5% of the time

More Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Remote Access Points

February 2026

Download Aruba Remote Access Points product report

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

February 2026

Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) report

Download Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) product report

Also Known As

Aruba RAP

Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client

Overview

emote APs connect to a controllerusing Extended Authentication and Internet Protocol Security (XAuth/IPSec). AP control and 802.11 data traffic are carried through this tunnel. Secure Remote Access Point Service extends the corporate office to the remote site. Remote users can use the same features as corporate office users. For example, voice over IP (VoIP) applications can be extended to remote sites while the servers and the PBX remain secure in the corporate office.

Secure Remote Access Point Service can also be used to secure control traffic between an AP and the controllerin a corporate environment. In this case, both the AP and controllerare in the company’s private address space.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) delivers reliable, stable connectivity and seamless integration with Active Directory, ensuring secure remote access through a one-click VPN capability. It's lightweight, user-friendly, and supports major operating systems, enhancing remote work flexibility.

Cisco Secure Client, including AnyConnect, is designed for secure remote connectivity, offering multi-factor authentication, advanced malware protection, and automatic error diagnostics. Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, it provides an intuitive setup and a clean interface. While it excels in ease of use, issues such as the outdated Linux build and the need for modern UI enhancements persist. Users also face connectivity challenges with frequent updates and high prices, alongside the need for better endpoint security and system integration. Popular for remote work, it facilitates secure access to corporate networks, allowing seamless interactions with resources like emails, documents, and applications.

What key features does Cisco Secure Client offer?

Reliable Connectivity: Provides stable, dependable VPN access with a one-click connection.
Multi-Factor Authentication: Enhances security through additional user verification steps.
Advanced Malware Protection: Safeguards against threats with proactive protection measures.
Automatic Error Diagnostics: Identifies and fixes errors promptly.
Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux for broad accessibility.

What benefits or ROI can users expect?

Increased Remote Work Efficiency: Facilitates secure, fast access to necessary resources.
Improved Network Security: Provides robust protection against external threats.
Ease of Use: Features simple setup and user-friendly interface for quick deployment.
Enhanced Data Protection: Keeps sensitive information secure through encryption and authentication.
Cost-Effectiveness: Offers a good balance of features against pricing, though further improvements could enhance value.

Cisco Secure Client is widely implemented across industries for secure remote connectivity, especially in sectors requiring constant access to servers, data centers, and research labs. It supports remote work by enabling employees in diverse fields to access internal resources efficiently, maintaining productivity and security.

Cisco

Sample Customers

Trafford Metropolitan Borough

MST, Molina Healthcare, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Arup, New South Wales Rural FireService

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Remote Access Points vs. Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

December 2025

Free Report: Aruba Remote Access Points vs. Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Find out what your peers are saying about Aruba Remote Access Points vs. Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) and other solutions. Updated: December 2025.

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