Aruba Access Points vs Fortinet FortiWLC comparison

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Fortinet are both solutions in the Wireless LAN category. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is ranked #7 with an average rating of 8.6, while Fortinet is ranked #27. Hewlett Packard Enterprise holds a 2.8% mindshare in Wireless LAN, compared to Fortinet’s 0.6% mindshare. Additionally, 94% of Hewlett Packard Enterprise users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Fortinet users who would recommend it.

Aruba Access Points

Read 39 Aruba Access Points reviews

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1,552 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

Fortinet FortiWLC

Read 3 Fortinet FortiWLC reviews

384 Views
361 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Aruba Access Points

Fortinet FortiWLC

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 31, 2024

Fortinet FortiWLC and Aruba Access Points are competing products in the wireless networking market. Fortinet FortiWLC tends to have the upper hand in pricing and customer service, while Aruba Access Points lead with advanced features and wireless technology.

Features: Fortinet FortiWLC offers robust security features, integration with other Fortinet products, and enhanced network protection, making it a compelling choice for security-focused setups. Aruba Access Points provide advanced wireless technology, high-speed connectivity, and scalability for large-scale implementations, driving performance and growth potential in extensive environments.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Fortinet FortiWLC facilitates a straightforward deployment model with comprehensive customer support, beneficial for businesses prioritizing quick setup and attentive service. On the other hand, Aruba Access Points involve a more complex deployment process supported by extensive documentation and community resources, catering to users seeking advanced versatility.

Pricing and ROI: Fortinet FortiWLC is recognized for cost-effective setup expenses, ensuring a quick return on investment, appealing to budget-conscious businesses. Aruba Access Points require higher upfront costs, reflecting advanced capabilities, delivering significant ROI through enhanced performance and longevity, justifying the initial investment in high-demand environments.

To learn more, read our detailed Aruba Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiWLC Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiWLC

December 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

7th

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Fortinet FortiWLC

Ranking in Wireless LAN

27th

Average Rating

9.0

Reviews Sentiment

8.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the Wireless LAN category, the mindshare of Aruba Access Points is 2.8%, up from 0.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiWLC is 0.6%, up from 0.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Wireless LAN Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Aruba Access Points	2.8%
Fortinet FortiWLC	0.6%
Other	96.6%

Wireless LAN

Featured Reviews

reviewer1912536

Manager Technical at a tech services company with 11-50 employees

Positive features shine with room for growth in advanced analytics adoption

Aruba Access Points are technologically advanced. Price-wise, they are cheaper than Cisco and other options. Our market is very price-conscious, so we normally work with Aruba in general. Feature-wise, they are technically strong, but the main point is the price point, which is very important for proposing, developing, and establishing a solution. Regarding scalability, users can implement many types of access points and increase their quantity. When using the controller-based solution, scalability is readily available. The main advantage is the flexibility of usage and comfortability. Users can build networks on Aruba Access Points, and the price is very comparable with other products. The feature set is good enough. Aruba Wi-Fi 6 is available in the market, but it is not generally required because it is costlier than traditional Wi-Fi 4 and 5.

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Md.Mehedi Hassan

Team Lead Manager at Blue Pill Ltd

Offers a seamless and secure WiFi experience with outstanding customer support

FortiWLC is valuable due to its security features and the seamless WiFi experience it provides. Our customers benefit greatly from the security aspect, especially since they are already using Fortinet for Firewall services. The security features are crucial for their requirements. The stability and ease of use of FortiWLC also add to its effectiveness.

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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

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

"The product's initial setup phase is very simple and very easy to use."

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

"The tool's most valuable feature is better connectivity."

"The integration with robust network switches is valuable."

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

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

"The main strengths of Aruba Access Points lie in their connectivity, range, and straightforward configuration. Setting up the access point is a quick process, taking only seconds. Standard features such as identity access management, captive deploy tools, and VLE are available. Additionally, Aruba offers medical-grade access points like the 400 series, which is well-suited for healthcare or hospital environments. One noteworthy feature is the impressive handshaking capability, particularly when transitioning between access points. This ensures a seamless experience without disconnection, especially when a well-designed heat map is in place. Aruba Access Points are robust and require minimal maintenance, making them reliable for long-term use."

More Aruba Access Points pros

"I rate the overall solution a ten out of ten."

"It's easy to set everything up during implementation."

"The most valuable feature of Fortinet FortiWLC is the overall high quality."

"FortiWLC is valuable due to its security features and the seamless WiFi experience it provides."

Cons

"I am not able to integrate Aruba Access Points in Azure AD. It is also quite expensive."

"The solution's lead time is very slow and should be improved."

"Since we manufacture medical devices, we must adhere to pharmaceutical guidelines. According to these guidelines, our rooms are categorized as 'head type' and thus require network connectivity. However, installing high-end APs in every room may not be feasible."

"The ICT dynamic is important. Every other vendor is innovating with new features and ideas. They need to compete and implement these things to stay ahead. So, I would suggest Aruba continue to gain the competitive edge."

"The product should improve its integration and the grouping of the features and functions."

"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 product's prices are an area of concern. The product should be available at a lower price point."

"The pricing can be improved."

More Aruba Access Points cons

"One thing that is lacking is, compared with some other brands, the signal is a bit weaker. Ruckus has much wider signal coverage."

"For massive implementations, Fortinet should consider reducing the price to make it more affordable."

"Fortinet FortiWLC is not simple to configure when compared to other solutions. The design could be better."

"However, for massive implementations, Fortinet should consider reducing the price to make it more affordable."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Overall, I would say the pricing is reasonable and meets our expectations."

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

"My company needs to pay around 50,000 JPY to 1,00,000 JPY towards the licensing costs of the product on a monthly basis. Additional payments are to be made towards the maintenance and support costs of the product."

"The product is costly and comes with a lifetime license. There is neither renewal nor subscription. It is a one-time solution."

"The tool's pricing is not expensive. It is perfect as per the features."

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

"The tool is available in the market at a reasonable price"

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

More Aruba Access Points pricing and cost advice

"The price of Fortinet FortiWLC is high. The solution will be out of the market for us because the price is too high for the features it provides."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

13%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

No data available

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	20
Midsize Enterprise	9
Large Enterprise	11

No data available

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?

When comparing pricing between Aruba Access Points and Forti, I find Aruba to be on the higher side.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Aruba Access Points?

AI is a buzzword here without substance. In a practical sense, nobody is working with AI or willing to work with AI features. Everyone discusses AI, but for providing wireless access to users, AI o...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiWLC?

I cannot disclose the license price, however, I recommend Fortinet reduce its pricing for massive implementations.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiWLC?

Until now, I have not observed any issues. However, for massive implementations, Fortinet should consider reducing the price to make it more affordable.

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Fortinet FortiWLC?

We are resellers of FortiWLC, and our customers mainly use it in enterprise settings, particularly for chemical companies.

See all answers

Comparisons

Fortinet FortiAP vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 44% of the time

Cisco Wireless vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 10% of the time

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 8% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 8% of the time

Huawei Wireless vs Aruba Access Points

Compared 7% of the time

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Compared 34% of the time

Fortinet FortiWLM vs Fortinet FortiWLC

Compared 26% of the time

Omada Access Points vs Fortinet FortiWLC

Compared 23% of the time

Aruba Instant vs Fortinet FortiWLC

Compared 17% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Access Points

January 2026

Download Aruba Access Points product report

Buyer's Guide

Wireless LAN

December 2025

Download Fortinet FortiWLC product report

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

Fortinet controllers for infrastructure Wi-Fi manage authentication and encryption of our enterprise-class infrastructure access points. These controllers are powered by Fortinet’s System Director operating system for seamless mobility and high-density environments.

Fortinet

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Access Points vs. Fortinet FortiWLC

December 2025

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