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Aruba Switches vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series comparison

Why PeerSpot?
Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Cisco are both solutions in the Ethernet Switches category. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.0, while Cisco is ranked #9 with an average rating of 8.8. Hewlett Packard Enterprise holds a 9.0% mindshare in ES, compared to Cisco’s 1.2% mindshare. Additionally, 98% of Hewlett Packard Enterprise users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Cisco users who would recommend it.
Aruba Switches
Read 88 Aruba Switches reviews
  • 13,648 Views
  • 13,648 Comparison Views
98% willing to recommend
Cisco Nexus 9000 Series
Read 13 Cisco Nexus 9000 Series reviews
  • 1,685 Views
  • 1,399 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 1, 2026

Aruba Switches and Cisco Nexus 9000 Series compete in the network infrastructure market. Aruba Switches have an edge in scalability and affordability, making them ideal for small to medium-sized networks, whereas the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series stands out with robust features and performance for larger enterprises.

Features: Aruba Switches provide cost-effective network management, simplified integration, and scalability. Notable features include intuitive GUI dashboards, centralized management through Aruba Central, and compatibility with other systems. Cisco Nexus 9000 Series offers high bandwidth capacity, advanced security measures, and support for software-defined networking, appealing to large-scale deployment needs.

Room for Improvement: Aruba Switches could enhance their advanced security measures and bandwidth capabilities for larger deployments. Evolution towards a more future-proofing architecture would also be beneficial. Cisco Nexus 9000 Series could focus on simplifying deployment processes and providing more intuitive user interfaces, along with reducing initial costs for smaller enterprises.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Aruba Switches are known for their straightforward deployment and responsive customer support, making them accessible for quick integration. Cisco Nexus 9000 Series, while offering comprehensive documentation, involves a more complex deployment due to its advanced features but provides dedicated support teams to address challenges.

Pricing and ROI: Aruba Switches offer competitive pricing with a lower initial setup cost, providing a high ROI for small enterprises. Although the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series involves a higher upfront cost, it offers significant long-term ROI through increased performance and future-proof features, justifying the investment for large-scale organizations.

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To learn more, read our detailed Aruba Switches vs. Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Report (Updated: November 2026).
Buyer's Guide
Aruba Switches vs. Cisco Nexus 9000 Series
November 2026
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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 Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
3rd
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
6.2
Number of Reviews
88
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Cisco Nexus 9000 Series
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
9th
Average Rating
8.8
Reviews Sentiment
5.6
Number of Reviews
13
Ranking in other categories
Data Center Networking (5th)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of November 2026, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Aruba Switches is 9.0%, down from 9.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Cisco Nexus 9000 Series is 1.2%, up from 0.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches Mindshare Distribution
ProductMindshare (%)
Aruba Switches9.0%
Cisco Nexus 9000 Series1.2%
Other89.8%
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

Aneesh K - PeerSpot reviewer
Aneesh K
IT Solution Analyst II at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees
Has supported dynamic user segmentation and centralized management across campus networks
The best features of Aruba Switches are their stability and reliability. Hardware failures are rare because the switches have been running for years, and it is uncommon to encounter hardware issues or impacting bugs. From an operational perspective, Aruba Switches are stable and easy to configure through centralized management solutions. Initially managed through AirWave and now through Central, the configuration can be managed easily with audit records and visibility to switch health and other parameters. Another advantage is that Aruba Switches work seamlessly with ClearPass as a NAC server. This integration allows for dynamic policies, dynamic downloadable user roles, and enables seamless segmentation of users for network security. The real-time analytics provided by Aruba Switches for network efficiency are valuable when needed. All information visible in the analytics dashboard is truly helpful. With Aruba Central's migration to AI capability, additional value is being provided, offering more information and making troubleshooting easier with user-friendly features where you can search for anything and receive relevant results.
Read full review
AS
AbhinavSingh
Technical Marketing Engineer Hybrid Cloud Infrastructures at NetApp
Policy-driven data centers have delivered low-latency connectivity for critical applications
The most critical and important feature in Cisco Nexus 9000 Series is VPC. Apart from VPC, there are many other features in Cisco Nexus 9000 Series that stand out as advantages. You can apply access control lists on that. You can do Layer 3 capabilities. You can configure HSRP. You can implement VRFs. You can isolate the L3 network within your data center. It has a lot of features including network segmentation capabilities. You can apply a lot of security hardening and manage the access on the switches through auditing to see who is doing what and restrict access based on the network admin role. These are great features. The overlay technology support in Cisco Nexus 9000 Series is good for large-scale deployment where you are going to build something like a hyperscaler. You need more network segments, and with VXLAN, you can definitely build a large fabric with those Nexus switches.
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

"The support for Aruba Switches is very good, and they helped us with any problems we had."
"Our head office is in Kuwait, and we manage all the switches and devices remotely through the cloud, which is very easy to manage without any local IT in these countries."
"The thing that I have found most valuable about the Aruba product is that it is very stable, providing great performance and reliability."
"The solution is very reliable and it's easy to use with other solutions."
"The solution's stability is really great. We found it very solid."
"We didn't experience any stability or scalability issues until now with Aruba Switches"
"Aruba has an advantage over their competitors because they specialize in delivery, which means they don't have the long delivery times that Cisco and others quote."
"We like the framework of fabric virtual switching."
More Aruba Switches pros
"Performance has been great with no abnormal behaviors detected, and the network remains stable even in failover scenarios, supporting vast environments with high availability."
"RealPresence works effectively."
"There has been improvement in our connectivity with Cisco Nexus 9000 Series, and there is less drag."
"According to the customers, they are not utilizing even 40% of the switches because the capacity is very large."
"The performance in data center operations with Cisco Nexus 9000 Series is excellent; we have never faced any performance issues."
"We are using the core capabilities of Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Ethernet switches, and it is performing well."
"Cisco Nexus 9000 Series is very durable and very reliable, and there has never been any issue with it."
"The stability and reliability of Cisco Nexus 9000 Series are robust, and once you put it on, it does not just fail; that takes a long time, maybe even years."
More Cisco Nexus 9000 Series pros
 

Cons

"The main issue we had with the Aruba Switches was that they would heat up easily when placed outside. We have two locations with no cover in the corridor and it's a historical building. We experienced outages on the first batch of Aruba Switches we received, which we never had with the Dell Switches, for example, even though Dell Switches are not as well-known. However, the Dell Switches had been outside for a few years and we never had any issues with them. In contrast, we encountered an issue with the Aruba Switch after only one week of being outside when it shut down in security mode."
"There are many options with the modular switch and you buy cards for it. If you want 48 ports of one gig, you can buy a card for that, but more options would be better."
"I would like to see a lower price for the device."
"Managing Aruba Switches is not as good as Cisco Controller."
"In the next release, I would like to see network access control on the switches themselves. I would like to see security functionalities when it comes to monitoring the bit of the wireless section of the switches."
"The dashboard could be improved, especially for the CX Switches."
"I would like to see something like a Cisco Prime, an application controlling the entire system, switches, and access points."
"The only improvement I can really see is that maybe they could get more competitive price-wise."
More Aruba Switches cons
"The SFP modules we are using have had issues. We have Cisco modules, but they frequently heat up or there are packet error issues."
"When trying to contact support, we had issues trying to get someone to help us."
"I would rate the technical support for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series an eight out of ten. This rating is not because of their lack of expertise, but just the assignment period."
"Cost-wise, Cisco Nexus 9000 Series is very expensive."
"The potential for improvement lies in the licensing aspect, which is somewhat confusing. The perpetual and subscription licensing is a concern."
"In terms of automation with Cisco Nexus 9000 Series, it could be better."
"We find that Cisco has been left behind by the other vendors. The other vendors have adopted new technology, and we find Cisco lagging behind."
"Even though it is expensive, I am not sure about the return on investment. It is expensive, and you will need to pay for subscription fees that also are not cheap."
More Cisco Nexus 9000 Series cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The pricing was still affordable compared to Cisco, which is usually less affordable for most companies. We are using the solution in a school, we need the price to be affordable."
"Comparing with Cisco, and some other solutions, it's a cheap product."
"This is an affordable solution."
"Aruba switches work without a license."
"The price for Aruba is quite a bit cheaper than it is for similar products by Cisco."
"There is a license to use the solution."
"It is expensive compared to the competition."
"There is a license required if you want to use wireless controls for micro-segmentation. However, for Aruba Switches there is no license required."
More Aruba Switches pricing and cost advice
Information not available
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Manufacturing Company
11%
Outsourcing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Construction Company
8%
Comms Service Provider
22%
Outsourcing Company
17%
Manufacturing Company
12%
Construction Company
10%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business50
Midsize Enterprise19
Large Enterprise22
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business7
Midsize Enterprise1
Large Enterprise6
 

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Aruba Switches?
In terms of pricing for Aruba Switches, I would rate it a five. They are quite expensive devices.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Aruba Switches?
Technology is constantly advancing, and although more security is always needed, our networks are still old, so we mostly need to modernize our installations. Regarding integration capabilities, th...
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Aruba Switches?
Aruba Switches are used in our organization for a straightforward purpose. We started with the HP line, and when Aruba came into the picture, we began using them for our network infrastructure. The...
See all answers
What needs improvement with Cisco Nexus 9000 Series?
I would appreciate improvements in Cisco Nexus 9000 Series as data center equipment. I would like to see features that control traffic and maintain service continuity during the transfer of signals...
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series?
I am working with multiple clients, approximately ten clients who use Cisco Nexus 9000 Series in their data centers. I am currently supporting clients with Cisco Nexus 9000 Series and Cisco technol...
See all answers
What advice do you have for others considering Cisco Nexus 9000 Series?
In networking, I recommend Cisco for switching and data center equipment including switching, Wi-Fi, and Cisco ISE to clients every time. It is still a perfect solution due to its high pricing, but...
See all answers
 

Comparisons

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Compared 7% of the time
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Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Aruba Switches
Compared 7% of the time
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Compared 5% of the time
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Ubiquiti UniFi Switches vs Aruba Switches
Compared 3% of the time
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Juniper QFX Series Switches vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series
Compared 12% of the time
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Logo
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series
Compared 12% of the time
Arista Networks Platform vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Logo
Arista Networks Platform vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series
Compared 11% of the time
Ubiquiti UniFi Switches vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Logo
Ubiquiti UniFi Switches vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series
Compared 7% of the time
Meraki MS Switches vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Logo
Meraki MS Switches vs Cisco Nexus 9000 Series
Compared 3% of the time
More Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Aruba Switches
October 2026
Aruba Switches reportDownload Aruba Switches product report
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Nexus 9000 Series
October 2026
Cisco Nexus 9000 Series reportDownload Cisco Nexus 9000 Series product report
 

Also Known As

8400 Series, 8320 Series, 5400R Series, 3810 Series, 2930M Series, 2930F Series, 2920 Series, 2540 Series, 2530 Series
No data available
 

Overview

Aruba Switches provide centralized management through Aruba Central, offering robust security, reliability, and seamless integration with ClearPass. They are known for scalability, affordability, and easy configuration, catering to diverse network infrastructures across industries.

Aruba Switches are favored for their centralized management capabilities using a GUI that mirrors Cisco's CLI, ensuring a user-friendly experience. Seamlessly integrating with ClearPass, they support dynamic policies and offer excellent technical support with a lifetime warranty. Their high-performance capabilities, modular architecture, and diverse product range are supported by comprehensive documentation. Cloud and on-premises management options offer flexibility for enterprise networking needs. Users note areas for improvement, such as enhanced platform integration, dashboard functionality, and port flexibility. Enhanced training and technical support, along with improved hardware stability, are requested.

What are the key features of Aruba Switches?
  • Centralized Management: Manage switches via Aruba Central with a user-friendly interface.
  • Robust Security: Seamless integration with ClearPass for dynamic policy support.
  • Scalability: Ideal for both small and large enterprise networks.
  • Cloud and On-Premises Management: Flexible management options.
  • Lifetime Warranty: Ensures investment protection.
What benefits should you look for in reviews?
  • Affordability: Cost-effective solutions for network infrastructure.
  • Scalability: Suitable for expanding network requirements.
  • Ease of Configuration: Rapid deployment and setup capabilities.
  • Technical Support: Access to comprehensive and excellent support.
  • Reliability: Proven stability and performance in diverse applications.

Aruba Switches are implemented in industries like education, healthcare, and hospitality, serving as crucial components in network infrastructures. They support applications such as ERP systems, VLAN setups, and Wi-Fi access points, being deployed in office, data center, and campus networks. Known for affordability and reliability, they provide connectivity and power over Ethernet capabilities, meeting the needs of both small and large enterprises.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series is a high-performing network switch line designed for modern data centers, offering scalability, flexibility, and efficiency for complex network infrastructures.

This series enhances data center performance with its ability to provide extensive support for open Ethernet standards and programmable networking environments. It is specifically tailored to meet the demands of evolving infrastructure by delivering advanced automation and simplified operations tailored for application-driven environments. Designed to tackle the challenges of today's data centers, Cisco Nexus 9000 Series ensures robust networking for enterprises seeking growth through technological advancement.

What are the key features of Cisco Nexus 9000 Series?
  • High Density: Features high-density 40G Ethernet, enhancing throughput in data centers.
  • Programmability: Offers full programmable access via Cisco’s NX-OS software, enabling customized operations.
  • Scalability: Supports scalability to enable growth and expansion without compromising performance.
  • Energy Efficiency: Equipped with energy-saving technology, reducing operational costs significantly.
What benefits and ROI can users expect?
  • Cost Efficiency: Reduces costs through energy-efficient operations and maintenance.
  • Performance: Increases network performance forwarding vital data swiftly and securely.
  • Adaptability: Easily integrates into existing systems, aiding in smooth transitions and upgrades.
  • Reliability: Ensures continuous uptime and stability, crucial for business-critical operations.

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series finds extensive use in industries like finance, healthcare, and telecommunications, where robust, scalable network infrastructure is essential. In finance, it supports fast and reliable data transactions. In healthcare, it's critical for handling patient data securely. Telecommunications rely on it for managing extensive data traffic efficiently, demonstrating its adaptability and strength in managing sector-specific demands.

Cisco
 

Sample Customers

Purdue University
Information Not Available
Buyer's Guide
Aruba Switches vs. Cisco Nexus 9000 Series
November 2026
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