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Cisco Catalyst Switches vs HPE Ethernet Switches comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 3, 2024

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

Cisco Catalyst Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
7th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
6.9
Number of Reviews
175
Ranking in other categories
LAN Switching (1st), Data Center Networking (1st), AV Over IP Switching (1st)
HPE Ethernet Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
9th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
103
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Cisco Catalyst Switches is 2.0%, down from 2.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of HPE Ethernet Switches is 2.5%, up from 2.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

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.
LuisSilva6 - PeerSpot reviewer
Provides ease of management and has an easy initial setup process
Primarily, we use the product for network and VLAN segmentation across our hospitality property. It forms the backbone of our network, providing connectivity to devices like TVs, phones, access points, and even electrical switches within guest rooms The product's most valuable feature is the ease…

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The ability to configure throughput is very flexible and improved the performance of our systems."
"We decreased budgets on the support corporate network and increased user satisfaction."
"The most valuable feature is the interface, it's easy to configure. The command line uses a switch that gives us security."
"They have a robust monitoring system."
"Cisco provides very good support services."
"With Cisco Catalyst Switches, everything is working perfectly. We have not had issues with this solution."
"The solution is easy to implement and quick to deploy."
"We have to use the QoS (CBWFQ) function... and it is easy to use."
"We also get a couple of reports about the user or connected devices for prioritization."
"The most valuable feature is the IRF."
"The product has streamlined our smart hospitality services, allowing us to control room amenities like TVs and lights more efficiently."
"The simplicity of the commands is most valuable. The commands are the same for several devices."
"The solution is very stable and easy to use."
"I value that there is a clear place to find a MAC table with HPE Ethernet Switches."
"The solution can scale."
"What I like the most is the management system integrated with the HP system."
 

Cons

"Cisco is the most expensive product."
"The price is high and it should be improved."
"My company would prefer that the price was more cost-effective."
"The delivery of the product lead time should be improved."
"The solution could be easy to use, you need a certificate to use it."
"The biggest issue we are having is with bugs and memory loss, which occurs when developing the IOS."
"Cisco Catalyst Switches is an expensive solution and its price could be improved."
"There is no GUI."
"The technical support does not match up to the standard of Cisco."
"The pricing is expensive."
"The scalability is limited."
". There is room for improvement in pricing. One box shouldn't require additional installations. We need a package deal with licenses that are usable for different tasks. Right now, we need a license for every additional feature, which adds up."
"It is not very stable."
"The pricing could be lowered."
"There have been no significant improvements to our network performance as the switches we are using are quite old and we have not been able to take advantage of any new features."
"We'd like better support for situations where we need troubleshooting."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"If you compare Cisco to other products, Cisco is more expensive. If you choose a 7000 series switch it will be a very pricy system. The support from Cisco is an additional service."
"The solution provides a good balance between the features and the cost structure"
"I don't see any price issue with Cisco. Whenever you buy a quality product, you always have a mindset of paying the premium amount. For any good product, you pay a premium amount, but that also means you are going to recover that premium over a period of time in terms of performance."
"The product is quite expensive."
"It's expensive."
"The solutions are costly, considering that Cisco provides top-notch support and devices."
"The solution is probably the most expensive, but users who want the best need to pay the premium."
"The pricing of Cisco Catalyst Switches could be better in general. There is an annual license required."
"The license cost is yearly."
"I like HPE switches because you get a perpetual license with the hardware. The initial cost is about the same as other switches, but it starts beating the competitors after three or four years because you don't have to pay for additional annual licensing costs."
"HPE Ethernet Switches is a fairly cheap solution."
"HPE costs almost the same as Cisco."
"It is a more expensive solution."
"This is an expensive product."
"They are affordable and less expensive than Cisco. Their price was the decider at the time."
"The licensing cost is set up annually or every three years."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Educational Organization
63%
Computer Software Company
7%
Manufacturing Company
3%
Financial Services Firm
3%
Computer Software Company
15%
Educational Organization
9%
Government
8%
Financial Services Firm
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

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 ...
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...
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco Catalyst Switches?
Although Juniper is cheaper, Cisco provides unique features that justify their pricing.
What do you like most about HPE Ethernet Switches?
The solution is very stable and easy to use.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for HPE Ethernet Switches?
When compared to Cisco, Aruba is about 40% cheaper. However, Huawei would be even cheaper than Aruba. We can't compare HPE Ethernet Switches with Huawei directly because of different price ranges.
What needs improvement with HPE Ethernet Switches?
HPE Ethernet Switches have room for improvement in the initial setup and integration process, especially when incorporating them into an existing infrastructure with competitor products. It's a cha...
 

Also Known As

Cisco Catalyst, Catalyst
HP Ethernet Switches
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

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
Emirates Palace Hotel
Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco Catalyst Switches vs. HPE Ethernet Switches and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
850,028 professionals have used our research since 2012.