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 8.2, 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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645 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

Cisco Secure Client (includ...

Read 77 Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) reviews

6,114 Views
4,524 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: July 2025).

Buyer's Guide

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

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 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 September 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 8.0% 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.

Read full review

Wouter Beer

Technical Manager at Gannexion BV

Generates revenue through service offering while needing additional safety features

The primary use case for Cisco Secure Client, including AnyConnect, is as a VPN for remote access I use AnyConnect because I have Cisco infrastructure. It utilizes certificates, which allows for automatic setup. The security features are beneficial, and the whole idea of the app is that it should…

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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

"There are no bad features in Aruba Remote Access Points. Every feature is customized to meet customer requirements according to their limitations, and we can make use of all features to benefit us as needed."

"The tool's most valuable features are its ease of configuration and deployment."

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

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

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

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

"Overall, I would rate Aruba Remote Access Points nine out of ten. I can definitely recommend them to other users."

"It provides good Spectrum Analysis and troubleshooting."

More Aruba Remote Access Points pros

"It does not slow down anything, unlike other solutions."

"Cisco Secure Client's AnyConnect VPN's reliability has been absolutely wonderful, as well as the ability to connect from any network, regardless of location."

"You can use it from anywhere."

"On Cisco's side, the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) story is quite valuable."

"Technical support is always helpful."

"AnyConnect SMC's best features are that it's secure and connects seamlessly to clients' networks."

"Advanced malware protection helps us to prevent any virus from contaminating computers. We also have DLP for prevention. And AnyConnect has a feature that lets us do some sandboxing to evaluate files that arrive from the outside. So before opening them, we can check them with the sandbox."

"The setup is quick and easy on the client-side."

More Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) pros

Cons

"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 would rate stability as five out of ten. Sometimes it is stable, and sometimes it is not."

"It could have better monitoring features."

"Its scalability capabilities should be improved."

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

"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."

"There are some issues, like the VLAN capabilities and support for routing between two VMs."

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

More Aruba Remote Access Points cons

"There are situations where the connection drops, and you may not even be aware of it until you try to do something critical."

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

"The most valuable feature of the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is its ease of use and simple interface. It's always available as long as I have a good network connection."

"It would be good to have some improvements to the quality of service."

"If user authentication has already been done on a device, maybe there could be connectivity directly without needing to log in each time I access the service."

"Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client can be improved by having better speed and reliability. However, the speed and reliability are already really good."

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

"Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client could improve by making a feature to set it apart from other competitors."

More Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect) cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

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

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

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

"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."

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

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

"There is a license needed to use this solution. There are different licensing models available, such as a three-year license."

"It costs around 80,000 Indian rupees for a hundred licenses, so approximately $1,020 USD."

"The licensing costs are reasonable."

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

"The price is okay."

"I would rate the pricing for the license of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client around four to five out of ten. It's not the cheapest option, but it's also not overly expensive."

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

"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."

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

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Healthcare Company

15%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Computer Software Company

Government

Computer Software Company

35%

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	26
Midsize Enterprise	10
Large Enterprise	46

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 34% of the time

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Compared 20% of the time

Hillstone E-Series vs Aruba Remote Access Points

Compared 16% of the time

Zyxel VPN Client vs Aruba Remote Access Points

Compared 13% of the time

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

Compared 10% of the time

OpenVPN Access Server vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Compared 9% of the time

Ivanti Connect Secure vs Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

Compared 8% of the time

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

Compared 8% of the time

Check Point Remote Access VPN 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

September 2025

Download Aruba Remote Access Points product report

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Secure Client (including AnyConnect)

September 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)

July 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: July 2025.

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