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Aruba Wireless vs Ubiquiti UniFi comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive Summary

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 Wireless
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
6.8
Number of Reviews
150
Ranking in other categories
Wireless LAN (1st)
Ubiquiti UniFi
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.6
Number of Reviews
11
Ranking in other categories
Wi-Fi Hotspot Software (1st)
 

Mindshare comparison

While both are Enterprise Networking solutions, they serve different purposes. Aruba Wireless is designed for Wireless LAN and holds a mindshare of 14.3%, down 19.7% compared to last year.
Ubiquiti UniFi, on the other hand, focuses on Wi-Fi Hotspot Software, holds 33.6% mindshare, up 29.0% since last year.
Wireless LAN Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Aruba Wireless14.3%
Ruckus Wireless13.2%
Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN10.6%
Other61.9%
Wireless LAN
Wi-Fi Hotspot Software Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Ubiquiti UniFi33.6%
Purple WiFi33.6%
Guest Internet Solutions22.7%
Other10.099999999999994%
Wi-Fi Hotspot Software
 

Featured Reviews

Muhammad_Faisal - PeerSpot reviewer
Manager ITSM at Lucky Cement Limited
Experience seamless connectivity with top-notch roaming capabilities
The Aruba Wireless solution has excellent roaming capabilities, ensuring seamless connectivity. Once installed, Aruba Wireless works robustly without overheating issues. This is particularly effective compared to other products I've used, like FortiMonitor and FortiAPs, which sometimes heat up. I am very satisfied with the roaming feature, as it ensures connectivity when moving from one location to another. The product's stability, after setting it up, adds to its value.
NN
IT Manager at Handi Quilter, Inc.
Has provided reliable long-term video storage without ongoing fees
You pay more upfront for Ubiquiti UniFi, but you don't receive substantial support, which is problematic. They previously provided setup support but discontinued this service, though you save money overall by not paying monthly fees. I would rate Ubiquiti UniFi's support zero because they've always had inadequate support. Trying to get someone on the phone is nearly impossible, and although they now have a support plan, emergency help is frustratingly difficult to find when the company doesn't provide it.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"The solution is well designed so you can easily integrate it in an infrastructure network."
"It has very flexible features."
"The most valuable features are the Instant On capabilities, including the controller."
"Aruba Wireless has many features, especially their state-of-the-art controller, which can be connected to the cloud."
"It has an aesthetically pleasing GUI for configuration."
"The virtual controller has options for updating and remotely restarting any AP from one controller panel."
"I can have a clear picture of what's happening in my Wi-Fi cellular networking environment."
"​Support through third party vendors or direct from HPE has been easy to manage. They are very responsive.​"
"The level of reporting offered by the controller, when used with other Ubiquiti equipment, has been invaluable."
"Functionality of the cloud key in terms of monitoring and managing the environment."
"I like the centralized management console, where we can add all of the devices to the Unifi controller and then management them from a single point."
"The most valuable features are its easy access, the controller, and constant updates."
"The most valuable feature of this solution is how it is centralized."
"The cloud management has revolutionized the way we provide services to clients, onsite trips have almost ceased and once complicated changes are made in minutes."
"Overall, the suite of tools is quite useful."
"Firmware can be pushed or manually updated."
 

Cons

"The Aruba Central cloud portal needs a lot of work. It is complicated to navigate."
"The support should be faster."
"Most of the access points don't include the chargers."
"They should have more support for implementing Aruba Wireless in Smart Cities and outdoor applications."
"They should simplify the configuration flow."
"I believe that Aruba's support could be improved."
"The logging is hard to read when troubleshooting issues.​"
"There is a lot of information for users about the product, but it needs to be better organized so that solutions are easier to find."
"Integrate NanoBeams into the Controller Software."
"Documentation could be improved, especially regarding known issues or new features. It relies heavily on the user community to provide support and info. There is a vast user group with support groups on both the dedicated forums as well as most social media platforms."
"They provide support via Chat ONLY, and moreover, they are not very knowledgeable."
"Better pre-purchase docs, as I have to contact support via chat for some things that should already be in documents."
"A more powerful heatmapping application in the controller would assist in more reliable WiFi modeling."
"Software interfaces could be improved and there is a lack of documentation."
"If I could manage the W-LAN or other items without a UniFi switch, that would be very helpful. I have not tried, but I think some options are tied to the hardware, like the Ubiquiti switch."
"Setting up IP generation for something like guest access is pretty confusing and should be improved."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Aruba Wireless is very attractive cost-wise."
"I am aiding in transitioning my organization to a different wireless solution due to the cost. We need to expand our network and the cost of new APs and an upgraded controller have proved to be prohibitive compared to similar solutions on the market.​"
"We have some licenses for the solution, and we need not renew licenses. But we need to pay a hundred thousand if you want to renew our subscription and renew the hardware."
"Partner had been using Cisco. They switched to Aruba, because of price and functionality, also with an option for adding a SW, like AirWave, Meridian, ClearPass, and Central."
"The price of Aruba Wireless has a more competitive price than other solutions."
"Pricing is very competitive."
"Get multiple bids/quotes, and talk to the representatives about the limitations of the product; pretty standard."
"Licencing can be surprising and needs improvement. Look into all features, what you need versus what you want, and know that nothing comes without some kind of license."
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Comparison Review

it_user212721 - PeerSpot reviewer
President at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Mar 24, 2015
Cisco vs. Aruba Wireless Solutions
Cisco or Aruba Networks? If you are considering wireless access solutions, this is a common question that you are probably asking. You probably have sales people knocking at your door. How do you make sense of all the stories that you are presented with. If you have done any research, you are…
 

Answers from the Community

Vinny Govender - PeerSpot reviewer
Technical Applications Specialist at bioMérieux
Jul 26, 2022
Jul 26, 2022
1 Ruckus 2 Aruba 3 Cambium It depends on your enviroment. Greetings
2 out of 9 answers
AH
IT Admin at a educational organization with 51-200 employees
Nov 15, 2021
Hi, You can purchase WiFi access points from any of the above vendors. But it must be a commercial access point as in AP a few connect to the limited devices and a few can connect large devices with a single AP. It will totally depend on your work environment and access point signals covering the area. In the hall, AP can cover a large area but there is a concrete wall between two rooms or a corridor then it can down the signal to 50 DBM. So, when deciding on a WIFI/AP keep all these things in mind.
EK
Partner / Owner at Bimel Elektronik Mamuller Paz. Ltd.
Nov 15, 2021
If you want high performance and stability, you should definitely go with Ruckus Wireless.  Ruckus Wireless APs have: - Adaptive antenna technology (called BeamFlex) This technology analyzes different paths to reach the client and electronically turns itself to a directional antenna, choosing the path that gives the best performance to reach each specific client. If the client is mobile or if the environment changes (such as a warehouse) the selection of paths/direction also changes instantly. Transmitting in a directional way allows a good Signal-to-Noise Ratio and also causes less interference for other nearby APs outside the path of the directional transmission. - ChannelFly technology This technology chooses the best channel based on performance rather than background scanning for noise. - Polarization Diversity This technology allows the clients not to lose signal strength when held at different angles (important for mobile devices such as tablets and telephones). - Better receive sensitivity compared to the competitors All these features make Ruckus Wireless a better choice than any other competitor (better performance, better coverage area, more stable and surprise-free communication especially in not so easy conditions such as noise, too many clients, too much traffic).
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
14%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Comms Service Provider
7%
Financial Services Firm
7%
Comms Service Provider
15%
Computer Software Company
13%
Educational Organization
8%
Financial Services Firm
6%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business77
Midsize Enterprise47
Large Enterprise74
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business8
Midsize Enterprise1
Large Enterprise1
 

Questions from the Community

What are pros and cons of Aruba 515 Series AP vs. Cisco Meraki or Extreme Networks?
Depends. I have personally used both Cisco and Aruba so I am familiar with them. Extreme I am not, so unless they have some feature that I need or want, I wouldn't consider them. Do you have expe...
Aruba Wireless or Ruckus Wireless?
At my organization, we researched Ruckus Wireless among other solutions but ultimately chose Aruba wireless. What did we like about Ruckus? First, it was very easy to use, and anybody with minimal...
How does Cisco Wireless compare with Aruba Wireless?
On the most basic level, Cisco Wireless can offer a rather straightforward initial setup. In the span of about three hours, the basic framework can be set up. Step-by-step instructions are availabl...
What needs improvement with Ubiquiti UniFi?
You pay more upfront for Ubiquiti UniFi, but you don't receive substantial support, which is problematic. They previously provided setup support but discontinued this service, though you save money...
What is your primary use case for Ubiquiti UniFi?
I am using Ubiquiti UniFi exclusively for their video system, as I removed their wireless components. I utilize UniFi Protect, which is their video solution. They offer video cameras, Wi-Fi, and sw...
What advice do you have for others considering Ubiquiti UniFi?
I deploy Ubiquiti UniFi products on-premise only, not with any cloud service. When I purchase Ubiquiti UniFi products, I don't waste time looking for a reseller; I directly search and buy from Amaz...
 

Also Known As

Aruba WLAN, HP WLAN, HP Wireless, Aruba Instant On AP Series Access Point
UniFi
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Consulate Health Care, Los Angeles Unified School District, Science Applications International Corp (SAIC), San Diego State University, KFC, ACTS Retirement-Life Communities
NASCAR Grand-AM, Maritime Parc, Outdoor Music Festival, One Republic Tour, British Armed Forces, Arcadia School District, Bartlett School District, Universidad del Azuay, Estelar Hotels, Intercontinental Bali, Moscow - Enforta, Miami - Sling Broadband, Manhattan - MST, Ecuador - Aire.EC
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