Aruba Instant vs Fortinet FortiWLM comparison

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Fortinet are both solutions in the Wireless LAN category. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is ranked #11 with an average rating of 8.4, while Fortinet is ranked #17 with an average rating of 9.0. Hewlett Packard Enterprise holds a 2.0% mindshare in Wireless LAN, compared to Fortinet’s 1.9% mindshare. Additionally, 97% of Hewlett Packard Enterprise users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of Fortinet users who would recommend it.

Aruba Instant

Read 51 Aruba Instant reviews

2,729 Views
2,098 Comparison Views

97% willing to recommend

Fortinet FortiWLM

Read 27 Fortinet FortiWLM reviews

2,259 Views
2,088 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Aruba Instant

Fortinet FortiWLM

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 31, 2024

Fortinet FortiWLM and Aruba Instant compete in the network management and security solutions category. Fortinet has an edge with its robust security architecture and single-pane visibility, while Aruba offers simpler deployment and cloud integration.

Features: Fortinet FortiWLM provides a unified management system, seamless roaming through Virtual Cell technology, and integration with the Security Fabric for comprehensive security. Aruba Instant offers cloud capabilities, easy setup with automatic configurations, and versatile deployment options without mandatory licensing fees.

Room for Improvement: Fortinet FortiWLM could enhance centralized management and reporting features and streamline the use of additional tools like FortiAnalyzer. Aruba Instant lacks extensive troubleshooting tools and better documentation, with room for improvements in compatibility with IoT devices and integration options.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Fortinet FortiWLM is noted for its on-premises setup and thorough technical support, with potential improvements needed in response times. Aruba Instant is favored for its scalable on-premises and cloud deployment options, though its customer service could benefit from faster and more personalized support.

Pricing and ROI: Fortinet FortiWLM generally offers a good ROI with competitive pricing and reduced long-term costs, despite the possible drawback of RMA shipping costs. Aruba Instant, though pricier, provides flexible pricing models and strong value without mandatory licensing fees, appealing to budget-conscious users.

To learn more, read our detailed Aruba Instant vs. Fortinet FortiWLM Report (Updated: April 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Instant vs. Fortinet FortiWLM

April 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

Ranking in Wireless LAN

11th

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Fortinet FortiWLM

Ranking in Wireless LAN

17th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

7.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Wireless LAN category, the mindshare of Aruba Instant is 2.0%, down from 2.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiWLM is 1.9%, down from 2.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Wireless LAN

Featured Reviews

Prashant-Patel

Senior Presales Consultant - Networking Solutions at Mannai

A highly stable and easy-to-deploy solution that is free and provides excellent deployment guides

The setup is very straightforward. There is no complexity at all. It took us 15 minutes. We need IP address details, DNS, a gateway, DHCP servers, and SSIDs. Single access points can act as controller-based, controller-less, and cloud-based solutions. That is the beauty of Aruba. If I have an on-premise solution and want to move to the cloud, I don't need separate hardware. The same hardware can be utilized in the cloud. The deployment guides that we get from Aruba are excellent. We have every piece of detail.

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Zachary Wheeler

President / CEO at Secure Solutions Center LLC

Impressive manufacturing quality, highly durable, and very easy to deploy

They need to do more with their marketing. That's what's wrong with them. Nobody knows they do all this other stuff. I love the product. For an enterprise-level system, you never have to explain why you're recommending Fortinet, whereas you might have to do that if you want to use the Ubiquiti Professional or the new Netgear line, but you don't have to explain Fortinet. It has been remarkable to work with. It would be nice if they had some smaller switches or hubs. They should offer two-port, three-port, or four-port devices so that you don't have to buy an eight-port switch, and you don't have to use an unmanaged element, but their product line is very complete, and I can't say enough about it.

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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

"The technical support from Aruba is of high quality, and I would rate it a ten."

"The central management of multiple devices is the solution's most valuable aspect."

"Works automatically in terms of setup with the product finding its master wifi access point."

"It's practical. It does what it needs to do."

"The most valuable feature of Aruba Instant is its cloud capability, which allows us to manage it through the cloud."

"If you don't need heavy-duty filtering and things like that, it's a cheap solution. And, you have central management, and it works."

"The solution provides a very good end-user experience."

"Aruba Instant is cloud-based, and thus, it improves wireless network performance on cloud platforms. The solution allows network monitoring through devices like mobiles and desktops, which is a feasible option. The tool also has Bluetooth settings so a user can deploy Aruba Instant through a serial number or the Bluetooth option."

More Aruba Instant pros

"This is the only product on the market currently that supports as many access points for wifi users."

"The setup was easy."

"The most valuable feature of the solution is the management."

"The product is a stable solution."

"The solution is controlled from one device and one GUI for all devices."

"We're using SD-WAN at all of our locations now, which helps increase and aggregate and lower response time and improve application performance."

"Seamless roaming by leveraging Virtual Cell is a major advantage which reduces roam times and issues related to roaming. Code stability has been excellent and the hardware quality is second to none."

"I use Fortinet FortiWLM for wireless communication and the internet."

More Fortinet FortiWLM pros

Cons

"It is a software characteristic, and it is during the reboot. During the startup of the AP, the AP tells you that you are using the wrong password. However, I have realized that this is not true."

"The restart time should be improved."

"They should enhance reporting and add more features."

"The Central cloud management (optional) is far behind the competition in features, ease of use, and dependability. I have tried Aruba Central a few times over the years and, in my option, it is not where it needs to be for serious consideration in production environments."

"The tool's customer service should improve."

"The tool's support quality has changed since HPE acquired it. It is also impossible to tell the log dates."

"Aruba Instant does not currently offer a multi-gig switch or product, making it an area that requires improvement. Aruba Instant's competitors have multi-gig switches or products."

"There is an issue with flooding to the Aruba access point on the ports."

More Aruba Instant cons

"I have used Cisco previously and I don't see any specific differences from Fortinet FortiWLM or other vendors."

"One area that needs improvement is the configuration aspect, which is more challenging compared to other products, despite Fortinet FortiWLM being a popular brand in Sri Lanka."

"They need to do more with their marketing. That's what's wrong with them. Nobody knows they do all this other stuff. I love the product. For an enterprise-level system, you never have to explain why you're recommending Fortinet, whereas you might have to do that if you want to use the Ubiquiti Professional or the new Netgear line, but you don't have to explain Fortinet. It has been remarkable to work with."

"The solution should improve user capacity."

"Improving support and firmware upgrades is necessary."

"The pricing model can be improved to encourage use by small business and individuals and the hardware could stand to be redesigned."

"Improving support and firmware upgrades is necessary. Firmware upgrades and bug improvements need to be tested well."

"Licensing is the only area that I think they are below average. They need enterprise licensing, an all-encompassing license to cover all products for a company."

More Fortinet FortiWLM cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The licensing cost is somewhere around $20,000."

"The setup cost varies based on each organization's requirements but it is within reason."

"Avoid the Central cloud license if you can."

"It's a one time cost, including the upgrades, but you have to pay on a yearly basis if you want support. The price is in the middle in comparison to that of competitors' products."

"In terms of costs, Aruba Instant is cheap because it doesn't require a license, but you'll incur charges for the access points. Access point charges could be more affordable."

"I would rate pricing six out of ten."

"The pricing is reasonable."

"I purchased the hardware and there are no monthly or yearly licenses to buy."

More Aruba Instant pricing and cost advice

"Licensing costs are reasonable. There are so many different types of licenses with Fortinet, but the licensing and the 24/7/365 support are so reasonable that I automatically include it with every transaction. I never line item it without it. There are no additional costs."

"In the last few years, due in part to the impact of COVID on the market, Fortinet has increased its prices by 35 percent."

"To save yourself from increased setup and maintenance costs, I highly recommend undertaking a proper site survey from the beginning."

"Fortinet FortiWLM's pricing is regular and competitive."

"The price of Fortinet FortiWLM is reasonable compared to the other vendors. We are using a five-year license."

"There is a perpetual license required for this solution and the price could be reduced."

"For indoor access points, there is a one-time cost, upfront, whereas outdoor access points have an annual fee."

"Fortinet would do something with their pricing model to attract smaller business users and eliminate the mandatory service contracts."

More Fortinet FortiWLM pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

15%

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Computer Software Company

15%

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

Which is better - Ubiquiti WLAN or Aruba Instant?

We researched Ubiquiti and Aruba when looking for a WLAN solution. Ubiquiti offers good WLAN access both indoors and outdoors. It provides an enterprise-level WIFI while remaining cost-effective. U...

See all answers

What do you like most about Aruba Instant?

I find network management features related to monitoring Wi-Fi usage and visited sites particularly valuable. Content filtering is also important to prevent access to malicious or inappropriate web...

See all answers

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

In my experience, Aruba Instant's price is reasonable compared to premium products like Ruckus, Cisco, or Juniper. However, when compared to entry-level market segments, the price is higher. Overal...

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What do you like most about Fortinet FortiWLM?

The security is a valuable feature.

See all answers

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

While the pricing of Fortinet FortiWLM is a bit high, it remains effective. However, the cost could be better if reduced.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiWLM?

In terms of improvements, the price is higher than I would like. A reduction in pricing would be beneficial.

See all answers

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Compared 10% of the time

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Compared 5% of the time

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Compared 26% of the time

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Compared 17% of the time

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Compared 13% of the time

Cambium Networks Wireless LAN vs Fortinet FortiWLM

Compared 10% of the time

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Compared 10% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Instant

May 2025

Download Aruba Instant product report

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiWLM

May 2025

Download Fortinet FortiWLM product report

Also Known As

No data available

FortiWLM, FortiAP, Fortinet AP/OAP, Meru Wireless LAN

Overview

Aruba Instant delivers the only controllerless Wi-Fi solution that is easy to set-up, and loaded with security and smarts needed to accelerate your business without breaking your budget.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Consolidate security and wireless LAN management with our integrated wireless solutions. Single-pane-of-glass management for security and access without the need to add point products simplifies deployment and reduces management complexity. These solutions are highly scalable to support even the largest organizations and distributed enterprises.

Fortinet

Sample Customers

Purdue University, Orlando Magic, Brussels Airport Company, Molecaten Holiday Parks

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

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Instant vs. Fortinet FortiWLM

April 2025

Free Report: Aruba Instant vs. Fortinet FortiWLM

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