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Aruba Instant On Switches vs Cisco Catalyst Switches comparison

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Cisco are both solutions in the LAN Switching category. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is ranked #2 with an average rating of 8.2, while Cisco is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.4. Hewlett Packard Enterprise holds a 9.7% mindshare in LS, compared to Cisco’s 27.8% mindshare. Additionally, 95% of Hewlett Packard Enterprise users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of Cisco users who would recommend it.
Aruba Instant On Switches
Read 30 Aruba Instant On Switches reviews
  • 1,591 Views
  • 526 Comparison Views
95% willing to recommend
Cisco Catalyst Switches
Read 176 Cisco Catalyst Switches reviews
  • 4,381 Views
  • 2,579 Comparison Views
95% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Apr 6, 2025

Cisco Catalyst Switches and Aruba Instant On Switches compete in the network switching market. Cisco offers more enterprise-level features, though Aruba has the upper hand in ease of management for SMBs.

Features: Cisco Catalyst Switches are known for robust security features and stacking capabilities, PoE support, RSPAN, and VTP which facilitates advanced network management. Aruba Instant On Switches provide centralized management that is cost-effective and easy to use, ideally suited to small and medium-sized environments. Their user-friendly setup appeals to businesses seeking reliable performance without complexity.

Room for Improvement: Cisco Catalyst Switches face criticism for high costs, the absence of expansion slots, and complex licensing. Users encounter challenges with security configurations and integrating with non-Cisco solutions. Aruba Instant On Switches are limited in scalability and complex feature availability, like layer 3 configurations, and users often cite the need for improved console access.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Catalyst Switches have a solid support network with comprehensive documentation, but service response can sometimes be slow and licensing cumbersome. Deployment requires significant training. Aruba Instant On Switches are easier to deploy, especially in hybrid and cloud settings, and are praised for their strong customer service, although technical support experiences vary.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco Catalyst Switches are premium-priced, with high upfront and ongoing costs reflecting their stability and reliability, delivering strong ROI over time. In contrast, Aruba Instant On Switches offer affordable, competitive pricing with good value and no additional licensing fees, making them a cost-efficient choice for smaller businesses.

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To learn more, read our detailed Aruba Instant On Switches vs. Cisco Catalyst Switches Report (Updated: June 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Aruba Instant On Switches vs. Cisco Catalyst Switches
June 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 Switches
Ranking in LAN Switching
2nd
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
6.4
Number of Reviews
30
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Cisco Catalyst Switches
Ranking in LAN Switching
1st
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
6.9
Number of Reviews
176
Ranking in other categories
Ethernet Switches (7th), Data Center Networking (1st), AV Over IP Switching (1st)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of July 2025, in the LAN Switching category, the mindshare of Aruba Instant On Switches is 9.7%, up from 9.6% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Cisco Catalyst Switches is 27.8%, down from 31.2% 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.
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Joshua Odunsi - PeerSpot reviewer
Ensures efficient performance and supports network growth with optimal speed
Catalyst Switches are efficient and swift, which is valuable for my organization. I experience optimal speed and effective configuration, making them stand out compared to other switches. The PoE switches offer more ports on SFP, and it is efficient in use. Overall, the switches provide me with the value I expect in terms of speed and efficiency.
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 initial setup is simple."
"The solution's pricing is slightly cheaper than that of Cisco."
"The most valuable features I find in Aruba Instant On switches include the access list and VLANs, along with other features such as security and cloud capabilities."
"The solution has a simple deployment and zero border."
"The solution's most beneficial feature is that you obtain A-class equipment for the lowest price."
"The solution is plug-and-play and auto-configured."
"Aruba's management solutions, like Aruba Central are valuable."
"The cost and simplicity of the product are its most valuable features."
More Aruba Instant On Switches pros
"The most valuable features of the solution are BGP, VPN, and spine-leaf architecture."
"These switches are stable. They work well and are easy to use."
"VLAN gives us segregation."
"We use the VLANs to separate library, office, and individual apartments. With some of the reporting that receive, we're able to take and track down where people like to put in their own wireless routers. Sometimes they will take a DSL modem from AT&T that they brought from home, hook it in backward, and it will give rogue addresses causing issues."
"In terms of technology, Cisco is the leader in everything. I'd rather buy a second-hand Cisco switch than a brand new switch from a competitor. They're that reliable and resilient."
"The solution is robust in terms of the equipment provided."
"It has the ability to create new services for users, such as IP phones and video conference."
"The solution is easy to use."
More Cisco Catalyst Switches pros
 

Cons

"The solution’s GUI should be improved a bit."
"Some L3 features could be included in the solution."
"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."
"Tracking with instant switches needs improvement."
"The product must be integrated with Aruba Central for better management."
"They don't have a lot of diagnostics tools, which could be an area for improvement."
"The product's startup speed is very bad, as it is very slow."
"In general, mostly in Instant On series, if we could have much more control on the switches, at least. We'd like a CLI access so that, when we want to do some advanced configurations we could."
More Aruba Instant On Switches cons
"Its initial setup can be simpler, and it would be great if we can work with a reference architecture. Cisco has the capability to provide a very integrated solution. They have DNA Center, Cisco ISE, Cisco Prime, FMC, and AMP. We are looking at all the products, but it is rather complex to pick out the right licenses that you need. The license structure is a bit complex. Sometimes, there is an overlap in products, which does not really make sense. For example, you have DNA Center and Cisco Prime, and it is not really clear what you would use for what exactly. There is a lot of information on the Cisco website, but it takes a while to go through all this and look at the presentations that are available from Cisco Live. These presentations are appreciated, but sometimes, they are a bit too much like bullet points. You don't exactly know what's behind it, so you have to do a second guess. Overall, there is a lot of information but not always to the point."
"For zero-touch deployment, we have to work around a little bit initially because the switches are not exactly zero-touch provision ZTP. Currently, I don't see much AI integration with Cisco Catalyst Switches; though they've started, it still needs improvement."
"I think one switch should go beyond the 10 gig connectivity to 40 gigs."
"The security of the solution could be improved, it is really important to us."
"Their price should be cheaper. We lose a lot of work because of the price that they have."
"The user interface needs improvement. Meraki has a much nicer UI. Cisco could learn a lot by looking at them. It might make them a bit more user friendly."
"I would like to see better efficiency. They are powering all the PoE ports 100% of the time instead of powering only when there is a draw on them. It has too many options. Therefore, there is a reasonably high barrier to entry in terms of learning about this stuff. A lot of times, you need to be a CCNA, which is like your ticket into the industry, but it is not the easiest thing to get."
"Reducing the price would be an improvement."
More Cisco Catalyst Switches cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The product is not cheaply priced, especially when compared to the other vendors in the market."
"Aruba Instant On Switches is cheaper than Cisco and expensive compared to some Chinese brand products."
"Pricing is competitive, and there are no supplementary fees."
"The pricing is quite low compared to other products, which is good for the customer."
"The solution is the cheapest A-class switch."
"It is an expensive solution."
"The product has good pricing."
"Aruba Instant On Switches is not expensive."
More Aruba Instant On Switches pricing and cost advice
"The price of the solution is expensive compared to other products from America or Europe. They should have more competitive pricing."
"The new products from Cisco in the market are expensive. My company cannot import Cisco products, so they are mostly unavailable."
"The licenses are definitely expensive. There is a need to make annual payments towards the subscription or licensing costs attached to the solution."
"The prices of Cisco devices are too high."
"We have a contract for service with this partner, meaning we don't purchase the license or equipment directly."
"There needs to be some improvement with the Cisco DNA licensing activation process, it is difficult at the moment."
"The licensing, and maintenance fees are paid on a yearly basis."
"The cost of this solution could be less expensive, and we are on an annual license."
More Cisco Catalyst Switches pricing and cost advice
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
14%
Manufacturing Company
11%
Comms Service Provider
9%
University
6%
Educational Organization
41%
Computer Software Company
10%
Manufacturing Company
6%
Financial Services Firm
5%
 

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.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Aruba Instant On Switches?
I think the pricing for the switches is reasonable.
See all answers
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...
See all answers
Would you recommend replacing a Cisco Catalyst Switch by a D-link one?
Hello Mesfin It depends on the real scenario, the cisco 2960 is a very good device and they usually have routing functions but there are many different models within the same 2960 line, and on the ...
See all answers
What do you like most about Cisco Catalyst Switches?
We are a vendor for the healthcare sector, especially hospitals, and normally, we use a full Cisco solution for stability, especially for the stability of the Access Points and the security of swit...
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco Catalyst Switches?
For pricing satisfaction, I'd say it will be six to seven because Cisco usually is costly compared to other vendors. Regarding pricing, there is indeed room for improvement.
See all answers
 

Comparisons

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Aruba Instant On Switches
June 2025
Aruba Instant On Switches reportDownload Aruba Instant On Switches product report
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Catalyst Switches
June 2025
Cisco Catalyst Switches reportDownload Cisco Catalyst Switches product report
 

Also Known As

Aruba Instant On 1930 Switches
Cisco Catalyst, Catalyst
 

Overview

The Aruba Instant On 1930 switches features advanced, smart-managed, fixed configuration Gigabit switches designed for small businesses that are easy-to-deploy and affordable. They’re made to handle today’s bandwidth-heavy applications like voice and video conferencing, enabling consistent connectivity to enhance performance. Using either the Instant On mobile app or the cloud-based web portal, you can quickly set up, monitor and manage the 1930 switch series from anywhere at any time. What’s more, up to 30 W PoE power delivery is available out-of-the-box for your class 4 PoE devices, like access points, surveillance cameras and VoIP phones, all easily managed from the same platform.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Cisco Catalyst Switches are a reliable and scalable network switching and routing solution, focusing on VLANs and VLAN switching. They are used as access switches, distribution switches, and core switches in various environments, deployed on-premises, and used for long connections. The switches are easy to configure, install, and upgrade and offer good pricing. 

The most valuable features include warranty and firmware support, stability, security, good performance, flexibility, etc. The Cisco Catalyst Switches have provided a stable solution for the organizations and are widely used, trusted, and well-known in the networking industry.

Cisco
 

Sample Customers

KEMET, Vestavia Hills City Schools, Dropbox
Afni, Anilana Hotels and Resorts, Baylor Scott & White Health, Beachbody, Bellevue, Del Papa Distributing, Explorer Pipeline, Mindtree, Omaha World Herald, Radio 538, Sony Corporation, Telecom Italia, Telenor Arena
Buyer's Guide
Aruba Instant On Switches vs. Cisco Catalyst Switches
June 2025
Free Report: Aruba Instant On Switches vs. Cisco Catalyst Switches
Find out what your peers are saying about Aruba Instant On Switches vs. Cisco Catalyst Switches and other solutions. Updated: June 2025.
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