Aruba Remote Access Points vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) comparison

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Cisco are both solutions in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category. Hewlett Packard Enterprise is ranked #10 with an average rating of 8.3, while Cisco is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.1. Hewlett Packard Enterprise holds a 1.0% mindshare in EIV, compared to Cisco’s 6.8% mindshare. Additionally, 94% of Hewlett Packard Enterprise users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 92% of Cisco users who would recommend it.

Aruba Remote Access Points

Read 20 Aruba Remote Access Points reviews

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618 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

Cisco Secure Client (includ...

Read 77 Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) reviews

5,752 Views
4,199 Comparison Views

92% willing to recommend

Aruba Remote Access Points

Cisco Secure Client (includ...

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 6, 2024

Aruba Remote Access Points and Cisco Secure Client are both powerful solutions in the networking and security space. User reviews show that Cisco Secure Client often edges out in features and capabilities but comes at a higher price.

Features: Aruba Remote Access Points are praised for their reliable connectivity, extensive network coverage, and ease of setup. Cisco Secure Client stands out for its robust security features, comprehensive integration capabilities, and advanced analytics.

Room for Improvement: Users suggest Aruba could improve on integration with third-party tools, user administration, and customer support responsiveness. Cisco users point out the setup process complexity, configuration options, and cost of deployment.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Aruba Remote Access Points are noted for their straightforward deployment process, though customer service could be more responsive. Cisco Secure Client takes longer to deploy due to its complexity, but benefits from superior customer support.

Pricing and ROI: Aruba Remote Access Points are generally seen as more cost-effective, with lower initial setup costs and quicker ROI. Cisco Secure Client, while more expensive, is considered worth the investment for its advanced features and security, delivering ROI over a longer period.

To learn more, read our detailed Aruba Remote Access Points vs. Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) Report (Updated: September 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Remote Access Points vs. Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

September 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 Remote Access Points

Ranking in Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

10th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Cisco Secure Client (includ...

Ranking in Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

3rd

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

SSL VPN (1st), ZTNA as a Service (10th), Cisco Security Portfolio (5th)

Mindshare comparison

As of October 2025, in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category, the mindshare of Aruba Remote Access Points is 1.0%, up from 0.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) is 6.8%, down from 7.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)	6.8%
Aruba Remote Access Points	1.0%
Other	92.2%

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

Featured Reviews

Theesula Majuwanagamage

Head Of ELV and ICT at Intec Systems Solution Pvt Ltd

Efficient Setup and Strong Performance Highlight Versatile Capabilities

In terms of areas for improvement in Aruba Remote Access Points, when planning for the customer's end, you need to highlight the precautions against EMF emissions and environmental emissions, as well as power management limitations. If the user is in one direction and you're transmitting everywhere, that's not good power management. Currently, all access points provide the same power requirement to the client, but we should explore what extra mile we can go. We are facing energy crises and climate issues, along with GHG and SDGs protocols. If we highlight the alignment with these protocols, it can enhance the product quality as an environmentally friendly option. Apart from that, service-wise, every unit is the same. Users can only distinguish those requirements using spectrum analyzers; otherwise, minor data delays of one or two seconds do not matter, but for high-security or high-speed needs, it becomes significant.

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Thatchapon Wongsri

Senior Network Engineer Specialist at Zenith Comp Co.,Ltd.

Smooth integration enhances user experience and boosts productivity

Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) is sufficient now after the update to version five or later, and I believe there's nothing to improve. I would prefer the cost to be reduced by about 20% because the vendor increases the price every year, so if they increase it, they should add more features.

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

"I can use the solution from my home or any remote office to access printers, servers, etc."

"What I like best about Aruba Remote Access Points is that it's pretty easy to set up."

"Aruba Remote Access Points provide a level of protection for our IPs."

"The product is very flexible. So far the stability of the solution has been good."

"It is a very stable tool."

"The stability and performance of Aruba Remote Access Points with minimal issues in an IT environment are worth a recommendation."

"This solution is widely adopted and involves both technology and non-technical devices. It is robust, except in cases of significant power outages."

"The platform has the most valuable advanced filtering feature."

More Aruba Remote Access Points pros

"Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) is a straightforward and simple product that works effectively."

"I like the ability to share the connections or simply to be able to pass the credentials for a connection to other colleagues without bothering too much about the connection being tracked or about security, because each and every user will require a secret password, so I don't really care about sending the details. It's very secure."

"The ability to add multiple two-factor authentication options for the user to choose from when they log in has helped increase the security of our network, especially with so many people working remotely."

"I like how I don't need to see the solution or start it up. I just use my computer and have it working in the background. I start my laptop and it's there and working. That's the most important feature."

"The initial setup is straightforward."

"It's a very scalable solution. We are using the maximum licensing they offer, and it's very affordable given the value."

"Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is very stable."

"The initial setup is easy."

More Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) pros

Cons

"The product needs an increased level of security for the end user."

"The product is not user-friendly."

"The solution is costly for medium-sized companies."

"Our difficulty with Aruba is that the product and the license are two different items. So, if we are adding an access point, we have to pay for two items. We have to pay to add the access point in the controller and we have to pay for the license."

"I don't really have any critiques at this time."

"The remote access point coverage should be bigger than it is now."

"To make the solution better, the cloud solution should be more integrated as it has too many different menus, and it would be preferable to have it more cohesive in one solution."

"I use the controller when using Aruba Remote Access Points, particularly during configuration. Hence, room for improvement in Aruba Remote Access Points is for its web UI to be easier to control."

More Aruba Remote Access Points cons

"It would be useful to have an automatic install process where if you connect and you don't have the latest version, it should be automatically done."

"Cisco Secure Client is quite solid, but the license terms are complex and could be improved."

"If they could simplify connections via other machines, like Linux or Mac OS X, it would be helpful."

"The solution could offer tighter integration with endpoint protection to make it easier to use when routing security applications from other vendors."

"Sometimes if we're always having some network issues, or maybe the client is having some network issues, we might get disconnected."

"In the next release, Cisco should add a chat feature."

"Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client could improve by optimizing the use of the system resources, it is heavy on the resources. Additionally, there could be more transparency."

"The deployment of the agent software for the final customer could be simpler and more helpful."

More Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"There are no other expenses than standard licenses for the product."

"The price of Aruba Remote Access Points could be better. It is a little expensive."

"In terms of pricing, we've found Aruba's offerings to be very competitive."

"You require no separate licensing to convert an access point to RAP."

"Price-wise, Aruba Remote Access Points is in the middle, so my rating for its pricing is three out of five."

"Aruba Remote Access Points' pricing is good and affordable."

"Aruba pricing is not very high. They offer competitive pricing for what they provide."

"It is not a free solution and the user needs to buy license."

"We have yearly licensing and it's very affordable."

"The pricing depends on the requirement, so proper planning and an RF analysis help to properly size the solution and get the best pricing."

"Sometimes there is a problem with the number of licenses for the end-user. The number of concurrent users is limited due to a valid license."

"We pay for an annual subscription. Additionally to the subscription, we thought in order to connect this solution to the Active Directory we had to purchase a Cisco ACS, Access Control System. It turns out we did not actually need it."

"The solution is based on an annual licensing model and is expensive."

"The price is okay."

"We are in the North African region, and Cisco products are expensive for us. On a scale from one to ten with one being very affordable and ten being expensive, I'd rate the price at eight."

More Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Healthcare Company

16%

Computer Software Company

10%

Government

Comms Service Provider

Computer Software Company

34%

Financial Services Firm

Government

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	8
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	7

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	27
Midsize Enterprise	10
Large Enterprise	45

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Aruba Remote Access Points?

This solution is widely adopted and involves both technology and non-technical devices. It is robust, except in cases of significant power outages.

See all answers

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

The pricing is adequate. It is available in every range, from medium range to high range and enterprise level. Thus, it is not an issue.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Aruba Remote Access Points?

See all answers

What do you like most about Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client?

The tool is user-friendly, robust and easy to use in any environment.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client?

Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) is somewhat expensive compared to others such as Fortinet or Palo Alto, which provide free VPN when the firewall is purchased. Palo Alto and Fortinet prov...

See all answers

What needs improvement with Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client?

At times there is confusion regarding when to keep the proxy on or off, a problem faced by some users.

See all answers

Comparisons

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Compared 35% of the time

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Compared 16% of the time

Tailscale vs Aruba Remote Access Points

Compared 16% of the time

Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks vs Aruba Remote Access Points

Compared 14% of the time

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Microsoft Azure VPN Gateway vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Compared 9% of the time

OpenVPN Access Server vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Compared 9% of the time

Check Point Remote Access VPN vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Compared 7% of the time

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Platform vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Compared 7% of the time

Ivanti Connect Secure vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Compared 7% of the time

More Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Remote Access Points

October 2025

Download Aruba Remote Access Points product report

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

October 2025

Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) report

Download Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) product report

Also Known As

Aruba RAP

Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client

Overview

emote APs connect to a controllerusing Extended Authentication and Internet Protocol Security (XAuth/IPSec). AP control and 802.11 data traffic are carried through this tunnel. Secure Remote Access Point Service extends the corporate office to the remote site. Remote users can use the same features as corporate office users. For example, voice over IP (VoIP) applications can be extended to remote sites while the servers and the PBX remain secure in the corporate office.

Secure Remote Access Point Service can also be used to secure control traffic between an AP and the controllerin a corporate environment. In this case, both the AP and controllerare in the company’s private address space.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) delivers reliable, stable connectivity and seamless integration with Active Directory, ensuring secure remote access through a one-click VPN capability. It's lightweight, user-friendly, and supports major operating systems, enhancing remote work flexibility.

Cisco Secure Client, including AnyConnect, is designed for secure remote connectivity, offering multi-factor authentication, advanced malware protection, and automatic error diagnostics. Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, it provides an intuitive setup and a clean interface. While it excels in ease of use, issues such as the outdated Linux build and the need for modern UI enhancements persist. Users also face connectivity challenges with frequent updates and high prices, alongside the need for better endpoint security and system integration. Popular for remote work, it facilitates secure access to corporate networks, allowing seamless interactions with resources like emails, documents, and applications.

What key features does Cisco Secure Client offer?

Reliable Connectivity: Provides stable, dependable VPN access with a one-click connection.
Multi-Factor Authentication: Enhances security through additional user verification steps.
Advanced Malware Protection: Safeguards against threats with proactive protection measures.
Automatic Error Diagnostics: Identifies and fixes errors promptly.
Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux for broad accessibility.

What benefits or ROI can users expect?

Increased Remote Work Efficiency: Facilitates secure, fast access to necessary resources.
Improved Network Security: Provides robust protection against external threats.
Ease of Use: Features simple setup and user-friendly interface for quick deployment.
Enhanced Data Protection: Keeps sensitive information secure through encryption and authentication.
Cost-Effectiveness: Offers a good balance of features against pricing, though further improvements could enhance value.

Cisco Secure Client is widely implemented across industries for secure remote connectivity, especially in sectors requiring constant access to servers, data centers, and research labs. It supports remote work by enabling employees in diverse fields to access internal resources efficiently, maintaining productivity and security.

Cisco

Sample Customers

Trafford Metropolitan Borough

MST, Molina Healthcare, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Arup, New South Wales Rural FireService

Buyer's Guide

Aruba Remote Access Points vs. Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

September 2025

Free Report: Aruba Remote Access Points vs. Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Find out what your peers are saying about Aruba Remote Access Points vs. Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) and other solutions. Updated: September 2025.

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