Aruba Instant On Access Points vs WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi comparison

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and WatchGuard are both solutions in the Wireless LAN category. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is ranked #9 with an average rating of 8.6, while WatchGuard is ranked #23 with an average rating of 7.0. Hewlett Packard Enterprise holds a 1.2% mindshare in Wireless LAN, compared to WatchGuard’s 0.5% mindshare. Additionally, 96% of Hewlett Packard Enterprise users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 83% of WatchGuard users who would recommend it.

Aruba Instant On Access Points

Read 32 Aruba Instant On Access Points reviews

1,476 Views
1,476 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi

Read 7 WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi reviews

495 Views
485 Comparison Views

83% willing to recommend

Aruba Instant On Access Points

WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 31, 2024

WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi and Aruba Instant On Access Points compete in the wireless network security space. Aruba Instant On seems to have the upper hand due to its comprehensive feature set providing better long-term value.

Features: WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi provides advanced threat protection, centralized management, and cloud-based analytics offering high security and versatility. It integrates directly with existing firewalls, providing a smooth deployment across multiple sites. Aruba Instant On Access Points deliver user-friendly scalability, seamless integration, and robust coverage through a cloud-based interface that's easy to manage without physical controllers. Its ease of setup and security features make it appealing for small to medium-sized businesses.

Room for Improvement: WatchGuard could enhance user experience with more intuitive interfaces and simplified initial deployments for non-technical users. Pricing structure clarity and feature parity with other market options could also be addressed. Aruba Instant On may benefit from introducing more advanced features for enterprise-level needs and addressing limitations like the cap on access points for larger networks without requiring additional configurations.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: WatchGuard offers structured deployment with detailed documentation focusing on secure, dependable implementation with responsive customer support. Aruba Instant On provides a straightforward setup process, facilitated by a mobile app and efficient cloud management, making it suitable for teams without dedicated IT support. Its user-centered approach simplifies deployment, access, and maintenance.

Pricing and ROI: WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi is recognized for competitive pricing and a focus on budget-conscious firms seeking robust security and support. Aruba Instant On, although potentially higher in initial cost, compensates this with strong ROI prospects due to operational efficiencies and reduced IT overheads. Its cost-effectiveness is perceived over time with user-friendly attributes justifying the initial investment.

To learn more, read our detailed Aruba Instant On Access Points vs. WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi Report (Updated: July 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Instant On Access Points vs. WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi

July 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 Instant On Access Points

Ranking in Wireless LAN

9th

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi

Ranking in Wireless LAN

23rd

Average Rating

7.8

Reviews Sentiment

6.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Wireless LAN category, the mindshare of Aruba Instant On Access Points is 1.2%, up from 1.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi is 0.5%, down from 0.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Wireless LAN

Featured Reviews

Ricardo Quintero

Infrastructure/Telcom Coordinator at Schnellecke Group AG & Co. KG

Affordable and offers an easy setup phase

I was working on the on-premises solutions, like IronNet, Aironet, and some other tools from Cisco, but not with Meraki. The last Aironet model that we have here in Mexico, in the corporate office, and in some of the other regions of Mexico is Cisco Aironet 3700 and Cisco Aironet 3800, so it is just two or three devices. Aruba Instant On Access Points was working with Aruba 2540 and Cisco 3850 In Cisco, I found some issues. I was working well with a vendor. I was working with Cisco Catalyst 9200 and Cisco Catalyst 9300, along with Cisco Catalyst 2916M XL Switch. With all devices, we got a report. During the immigration, we choose another vendor, which Aruba. We have some issues with Aruba Instant On Access Points in iOS that are targeting the devices, and I have seen some problems with the DHCP solution.

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WarrenWilliams

Senior Account Manager at Bralin Technology Solutions

A solution that offers excellent support and makes it easy to manage networks

To utilize the solution properly, you need some training and guidance on that. Getting it working is easy, but if you're going to use it with feature sets that make WatchGuard worthwhile to use, it's probably not the easiest to set up. I'd rate the initial setup a seven out of ten. The time taken to deploy the solution depends on the project scope you're doing. Do you need ten WiFi access points or one? You could deploy the solution in an hour. We need one person to deploy the solution. But the number of people required for deployment depends on where the access points are deployed. Like, if it's the ceiling or whatever. The way we do it, we usually have an on-site technician who sets up the backend. We usually have two people when deploying the solution, but you can do it with one person. We have a team that manages the solution. But if you have ten people on a site to manage the solution, 15 minutes daily is enough.

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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

"Its performance is very good. It suits small and medium sites very well."

"The most valuable aspect of Unifi switches is the Unifi Controller."

"The product is easy to set up, providing value for time since it is very quick."

"With a variety of switches in their setup, they find that Aruba's online monitoring tools and configuration options for applications effectively manage most of their requirements, all while keeping the process straightforward and user-friendly."

"I find Aruba Instant On Access Points easy to monitor and appreciate the notifications they provide if there is a problem in the network."

"The solution's most valuable features include a simple deployment phase, easy management, and scalability."

"It's super user-friendly."

"The initial setup is easy."

More Aruba Instant On Access Points pros

"It makes it easy to obtain all information about the client experience."

"The solution has been stable."

"We like that WatchGuard works and integrates directly with the firewalls we use."

"The Wi-Fi security features of this solution have been great for our customers who need to strictly control access to their network."

"They're very easy to set up and get running."

"The configuration part of WatchGuard is very flexible."

"Cloud analytics that provide all its attributes."

Cons

"The security aspect needs improvement."

"The challenging point for Aruba Instant On is the roaming capability, as it doesn’t perform as strongly as enterprise solutions."

"I believe there's room for improvement in the validation process, especially for customers facing compliance issues when managing access points from the cloud. It would be beneficial if the access points could also be managed from an on-premises controller. Regarding additional features, customers express interest in enhancing the controller, specifically improving the capability to manage a higher number of access points from the same controller. This feature is crucial for better scalability. Another feature that customers would appreciate is the ability to increase the number of access points. However, the current process for obtaining this permission can be time-consuming, and customers would like to see improvements in this regard."

"The solution's range could be better."

"The Unifi Controller is slower compared to other options like Aruba."

"The tool's pricing is not good."

"If anything, its reporting could be improved."

"In future updates, more AI for intelligence and the option for a separate network could be beneficial."

More Aruba Instant On Access Points cons

"One of the things is if you buy it with a certain subscription, you can't easily change the subscription level."

"If a client device had issues with authentication due to out of date browser or similar difficulties, it would be nice to have the ability to migrate the client onto the portal via one click."

"The solution can be scaled but it has limitations from my experience."

"I don't think they're available at the best price."

"The price of this solution needs to reviewed, as it is currently high enough to deter customers from trying it."

"The support response can be time-consuming because sometimes issues are very sensitive and require instant attention."

"Inability to import a user with one click."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Aruba Instant On Access Points are license-free. It's a very good and cheap solution for wireless networks. It can be compared with solutions from Ubiquiti and TP-Link, but it is in a different class. Aruba Instant On Access Points are cheaper than those from Cisco, Ruckus, and Motorola. It's perhaps the cheapest one. They do not use licenses, so it is a solution from the box. You don't need to pay extra money or deal with hidden payments."

"I would rate the solution's pricing an eight out of ten."

"The price of Aruba Instant On Access Points is reasonable. They are competitively priced. I've even used it in my home at one time because of the low price."

"It needs a license."

"You buy it for $165 an AP, which is what we paid."

"There is a need to make yearly payments towards the standard licensing charges associated with the product. There are some additional costs associated with the product since I have seen customers who purchase three-year or five-year plans."

"It is competitively priced. It was at a price point that made sense for me to put in my home, and that says something. The cost of the solution includes everything we need to manage and upgrade our Wi-Fi network, including the mobile management app. Having the licensing and all the functionality built into the base price of the product is really important for me. There are no extra costs for the security feature or automatic software/firmware updates, which is really important to me."

"The product's price falls on the cheaper end of the spectrum. The price of the product is one of the biggest benefits that it offers."

More Aruba Instant On Access Points pricing and cost advice

"The solution is priced high compared to competitors. However, for the features that are included in the solution, the price becomes more reasonable."

"WatchGuard is on the upper scale for pricing."

"Your licensing and cost, as would be required for many other solutions, being considered for eighty to two hundred and eighty different physical locations, is just about the same amount per access point."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

Performing Arts

Hospitality Company

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

12%

Computer Software Company

12%

Non Profit

12%

Retailer

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Aruba Instant On Access Points?

It's really easy to set up. And, you don't have to pay for the cloud solution. That's really interesting for our clients. And the other thing is, the roaming is also quite good.

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

The cost of Aruba Instant On Access Points is reasonable; however, I do not have information on the exact pricing, such as cost per user or annual license fees.

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What needs improvement with Aruba Instant On Access Points?

We can improve Aruba Instant On Access Points by tuning some of the parameters of the radio. The default configuration can be overridden to enhance performance beyond the default settings.

See all answers

What do you like most about WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi?

We like that WatchGuard works and integrates directly with the firewalls we use.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi?

WatchGuard is on the upper scale for pricing.

See all answers

What needs improvement with WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi?

The support response can be time-consuming because sometimes issues are very sensitive and require instant attention. Also, when an incident occurs, the impact can be significantly huge. A recent p...

See all answers

Comparisons

Aruba Instant vs Aruba Instant On Access Points

Compared 13% of the time

Fortinet FortiAP vs Aruba Instant On Access Points

Compared 11% of the time

Omada Access Points vs Aruba Instant On Access Points

Compared 10% of the time

Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN vs Aruba Instant On Access Points

Compared 10% of the time

Huawei Wireless vs Aruba Instant On Access Points

Compared 10% of the time

More Aruba Instant On Access Points Competitors

Ubiquiti WLAN vs WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi

Compared 36% of the time

Ruckus Wireless vs WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi

Compared 30% of the time

Aruba Wireless vs WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi

Compared 22% of the time

Fortinet FortiWLM vs WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi

Compared 13% of the time

More WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Instant On Access Points

August 2025

Download Aruba Instant On Access Points product report

Buyer's Guide

WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi

July 2025

Download WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi product report

Overview

Ingredients for success.

Fast 802.11ac Wave 2, secure employee and guest access, easy-to-use web, and mobile app management.

Say yes to secure Wi-Fi access.

Pre-built access control lists (ACLs) and built-in firewall in the access points prevent malicious traffic from entering your network – we call it “hassle-free” security.

Never drop an important call.

With Instant On, voice and video business applications are automatically prioritized, so you stay connected with your peers.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

WatchGuard is a global leader in network security, secure Wi-Fi, and network intelligence products and services for SMBs and Distributed Enterprises worldwide. Our mission is to make enterprise-grade security accessible to companies of all types and sizes through simplicity, making WatchGuard an ideal solution for distributed enterprises and SMBs. WatchGuard is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

WatchGuard

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Portsmouth Grammar School, HILOTEC

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Instant On Access Points vs. WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi

July 2025

Free Report: Aruba Instant On Access Points vs. WatchGuard Secure Wi‑Fi

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