Try our new research platform with insights from 80,000+ expert users

Cisco Ethernet Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches comparison

Cisco and Juniper are both solutions in the Ethernet Switches category. Cisco is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.8, while Juniper is ranked #9 with an average rating of 8.5. Cisco holds a 11.9% mindshare in ES, compared to Juniper’s 2.9% mindshare. Additionally, 96% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 91% of Juniper users who would recommend it.
Cisco Ethernet Switches
Read 136 Cisco Ethernet Switches reviews
  • 11,920 Views
  • 11,920 Comparison Views
96% willing to recommend
Juniper EX Series Ethernet ...
Read 73 Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches reviews
  • 2,984 Views
  • 2,924 Comparison Views
91% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report
Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 5, 2025

Cisco Ethernet Switches and Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches compete in the network infrastructure category. Cisco holds an advantage for high-performance needs, while Juniper is often chosen for its flexibility and competitive pricing.

Features: Cisco Ethernet Switches provide power-saving designs, Smartports for management, and MACSec layer-2 encryption. They include advanced configurations such as layer 3 switching and various dynamic IP routing protocols. Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches offer Virtual Chassis technology, high-performance interfaces, and reliable security features, with a consistent command-line interface for easy management.

Room for Improvement: Cisco is critiqued for complex licensing and challenging configurations for beginners, while users demand a more user-friendly interface and fewer bugs. Juniper faces technical support availability issues and higher support service costs, with noted areas for improvement in GUI interface and integration with emerging technologies like SD-WAN.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco supports hybrid cloud and on-premises deployments, with varying user satisfaction regarding technical support quality and response times. Juniper is praised for cost-effective cloud and on-premises deployment but requires enhancements in support infrastructure and service coherence.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco's high ownership costs, due to license renewals and support, are justified by their reliability and performance over time. Juniper offers more competitive pricing and a better cost-to-benefit ratio with favorable licensing and support costs, providing significant initial cost savings and ROI benefits.

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE REPORT
To learn more, read our detailed Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches Report (Updated: September 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
September 2025
Download the complete report
Helped 869,952 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

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

ROI

Sentiment score
7.5
Cisco Ethernet Switches enhance uptime and ROI through durability and efficient management, despite renewal costs and scalability concerns.
Sentiment score
4.3
Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches offer reliability, durability, and scalability, justifying high initial costs with long-term performance benefits.
No quotes available
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Ethernet Switches report
Compared to other low-end switches with similar features, these are more robust and offer better scalability, which justifies the higher cost.
For more quotes and insights, download the Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches report
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
6.6
Customer service excels, but technical support gets mixed reviews; forums help, yet satisfaction varies with location and agreements.
Sentiment score
8.3
Juniper EX Series switches receive mixed reviews on support, praised for expertise but criticized for contact issues in certain regions.
It takes two to three days for Cisco support to address issues.
Currently, we don't have any technical support because our license doesn't allow for direct support.
Cisco support is quick and responsive, often answering within an hour.
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Ethernet Switches report
I have not faced any hardware issues requiring support due to the stable nature of their products.
I find them very competent.
Local partners and local distributors cannot open direct tickets, but any level of partner with other OEMs such as Cisco can open a ticket directly, which is a connectivity advantage that Juniper lacks.
For more quotes and insights, download the Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches report
Pradeep Adhav - PeerSpot reviewerFawadMirza - PeerSpot reviewer
RO
PRADIPJOSHI - PeerSpot reviewer
AM
MT
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
8.1
Cisco Ethernet switches offer scalable and adaptable networking solutions, effortlessly handling large user numbers and accommodating expansion despite costs.
Sentiment score
7.5
Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches offer scalability and adaptability, though some models face configuration complexities and occasional bugs.
Cisco mainly provides security, patch management, hardware reliability, durability, scalability, and security features supporting my organization's expansion.
The latest products do not allow integration with the earlier environment.
The scalability depends on the model.
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Ethernet Switches report
Adding another switch to an existing setup turns them into a single virtual switch.
The Virtual Chassis provides great scalability, making it a scalable solution.
The EX series supports scalability well, with newer series like EX4100 offering stacking of up to eight switches.
For more quotes and insights, download the Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches report
Myint Aung - PeerSpot reviewerPradeep Adhav - PeerSpot reviewerFawadMirza - PeerSpot reviewer
AM
Patrick Anaku - PeerSpot reviewerPRADIPJOSHI - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
8.9
Cisco Ethernet Switches are praised for their reliability, minimal issues, and durable equipment with efficient support.
Sentiment score
7.9
Juniper EX Series Switches are consistently stable, offering robust performance and reliability, outperforming similar Cisco models in user confidence.
The switches are very stable, rated ten out of ten.
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Ethernet Switches report
They have separate control and forwarding planes, which enhance scalability and stability.
During peak time at nine, the traffic passes through the switches perfectly.
Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches proves to be an equally good switch.
For more quotes and insights, download the Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches report
RO
AM
FauzanRahmanto - PeerSpot reviewer
PB
 

Room For Improvement

Cisco Ethernet Switches face affordability, complexity, compatibility, and support challenges, prompting calls for better integration and user experience.
Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches face challenges with pricing, usability, stability, integration, security, and require better support and documentation.
The pricing and hardware warranty renewal costs are more expensive than other products.
FortiGate switches are considered more valuable because they have firewall capabilities.
For example, on switches, filtering specific sections isn't supported, whereas, on routers, you can do 'show run' with additional commands to filter.
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Ethernet Switches report
One area that can be improved is the handling of power interruption, as it can cause the platform to crash.
Some integration with AI could be a good idea since I heard that Juniper already has systems to deploy AI within the EX device, but I haven't had the opportunity to try that.
With other OEMs, customers or partners can directly open tech tickets.
For more quotes and insights, download the Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches report
Pradeep Adhav - PeerSpot reviewerFawadMirza - PeerSpot reviewer
RO
AM
FauzanRahmanto - PeerSpot reviewer
MT
 

Setup Cost

Cisco Ethernet Switches are costly but valued for quality, reliability, and enterprise discounts despite competitors offering lower prices.
Juniper EX Series Switches provide competitive pricing, being 20-33% cheaper, with valued affordability and attractive entry cost.
Cisco Ethernet switches are priced at a rating of nine, indicating they are expensive.
We need to pay for the subscription, as there are extra expenses after purchasing the product.
Regarding the cost, Cisco Ethernet Switches have a competitive price.
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Ethernet Switches report
The switches have become more expensive than before.
It is rated high on the scale, and I would say it is definitely on the high side, confirming a rating of one, which means it is very expensive.
In terms of pricing, the Juniper EX Series is cost-effective compared to competitors like Cisco.
For more quotes and insights, download the Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches report
Pradeep Adhav - PeerSpot reviewerMyint Aung - PeerSpot reviewer
PM
PRADIPJOSHI - PeerSpot reviewer
MY
AM
 

Valuable Features

Cisco Ethernet Switches provide high performance, scalability, and security, featuring power-saving, VLAN support, and rugged durability for efficient networks.
Juniper EX Series Switches are renowned for performance, security, seamless integration, automation, scalability, and cost-effective, user-friendly design.
Their stability and durability are essential features we've been looking for many years, and they are still working fine.
The Cisco Ethernet switches are sturdy products that do not require any kind of maintenance.
The most valuable features of Cisco Ethernet switches include plug-and-play capabilities.
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Ethernet Switches report
We are using the Juniper MX 104 L3 switches and SRX 1500 firewall since 2019, and we have not faced a single failure.
The important thing for our use case of Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches has been reliability, and there are features such as the Virtual Chassis feature, which is one of the things we use.
Juniper EX series switches offer great technology, particularly their Virtual Chassis technology, which is an excellent feature for stacking switches and functions like a single virtual switch.
For more quotes and insights, download the Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches report
PM
Pradeep Adhav - PeerSpot reviewer
AD
MY
Patrick Anaku - PeerSpot reviewerPRADIPJOSHI - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Categories and Ranking

Cisco Ethernet Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
1st
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.2
Number of Reviews
136
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Juniper EX Series Ethernet ...
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
9th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
6.5
Number of Reviews
73
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of October 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Cisco Ethernet Switches is 11.9%, down from 18.5% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches is 2.9%, down from 3.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Cisco Ethernet Switches11.9%
Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches2.9%
Other85.2%
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

Myint Aung - PeerSpot reviewer
Exceptional network support and AI integration drive performance while suggesting enhancements for future use cases
I work with both HyperFlex and other Cisco products. I prefer to make online support available because I can utilize my CCIE architect, solution consultant, and engineer team along with our account manager and product sales team. We can clarify requirements and decide how to support you. We should arrange a conference call about Cisco Ethernet Switches where I can invite my architect and consultant to clarify more about the features that are most beneficial for improving network efficiency. Today is AI day, and all the new firmware includes AI to optimize the performance, traffic, and security of Cisco Ethernet Switches. It's performing very well. With many solutions and vendors available, you have to decide on one. I am extremely satisfied with the licensing cost for Cisco Ethernet Switches. For the price of Cisco Ethernet Switches, I would rate it a 7. My overall rating for Cisco Ethernet Switches is 10 out of 10.
Read full review
Patrick Anaku - PeerSpot reviewer
Has provided reliable performance with useful features such as virtual chassis and high port density
The important thing for our use case of Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches has been reliability, and there are features such as the Virtual Chassis feature, which is one of the things we use. In our case, we use them as core switches in a network that is not very large, and their reliability and the Virtual Chassis feature work well for us. It was one of the reasons we chose it, along with the port density; we are using the 32 port and the 48 port, which work for our needs. Regarding its security features such as MACsec encryption, they are standard and cover what we want; we do not do a lot as they are just Layer 2 switches, but it has standard security features.
Read full review
report
See which vendors are best for you
Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Ethernet Switches solutions are best for your needs.
See recommendations
869,952 professionals have used our research since 2012.
 

Comparison Review

it_user82779 - PeerSpot reviewer
Jan 29, 2014
Benefits of Juniper vs Cisco
Both are decent products. I prefer Juniper for the following reasons: 1) Cleaner separation of data plane from control plane. Higher end Cisco devices are better at this but most of the lower end products still seem to be more integrated than I like. 2) The Hierarchical config design means I can…
Read full review
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
12%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Government
7%
Computer Software Company
11%
Manufacturing Company
10%
University
9%
Retailer
6%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business58
Midsize Enterprise36
Large Enterprise53
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business39
Midsize Enterprise17
Large Enterprise24
 

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 ...
See all answers
Which would you choose - Fortinet Fortiswitch secure access or Cisco Ethernet Switches?
We researched Cisco but ultimately chose Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access, mostly because of the price. Fortinet FortiSwitch is an ethernet switch solution that provides security and performance...
See all answers
In terms of ethernet switches, would you go with Cisco or Juniper?
Our organization ran comparison tests to determine whether Cisco or Juniper Ethernet switches were the better fit for us. We decided to go with Juniper. Juniper ethernet switches are a lesser-known...
See all answers
What advice do you have for others considering Juniper Ethernet Switches?
Juniper EX model is ok for the campus network as the ex4300 is EOL in a few years and the new ex4400 is the standard. Now for the QFX model, 5k/10k in CRB mode IP fabric Ethernet switching is horri...
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches?
The important thing for our use case of Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches has been reliability, and there are features such as the Virtual Chassis feature, which is one of the things we use. In o...
See all answers
What do you like most about Juniper EX Series?
The setup phase was straightforward.
See all answers
 

Comparisons

Aruba Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
Aruba Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 19% of the time
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 15% of the time
D-Link Ethernet Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
D-Link Ethernet Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 9% of the time
NETGEAR Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
NETGEAR Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 7% of the time
Arista Networks Platform vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
Arista Networks Platform vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 3% of the time
More Cisco Ethernet Switches Competitors
Aruba Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches Logo
Aruba Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
Compared 14% of the time
Arista Networks Platform vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches Logo
Arista Networks Platform vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
Compared 11% of the time
Ubiquiti UniFi Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches Logo
Ubiquiti UniFi Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
Compared 8% of the time
NETGEAR Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches Logo
NETGEAR Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
Compared 6% of the time
Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches Logo
Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
Compared 4% of the time
More Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Cisco Ethernet Switches
October 2025
Cisco Ethernet Switches reportDownload Cisco Ethernet Switches product report
Buyer's Guide
Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
October 2025
Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches reportDownload Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches product report
 

Also Known As

Cisco Industrial Ethernet Switches
Juniper Ethernet Switches
 

Overview

Cisco Ethernet Switches scale to meet the needs of networks of all sizes. They are Secure, Reliable and Seamless.
Cisco

Juniper Ethernet Switches are made up of the EX Series product line. These EX Series Ethernet Switches provide branch, campus and data center networks with access, aggregation and core layer switching solutions. The end result is secure, fast and efficient application and data delivery.

Today's enterprise networks increasingly demand mobile access, optimal availability, virtualization, and unified communications. The Juniper Ethernet Switches EX Series caters for all of these requirements, ensuring business continuity, network flexibility and maximum productivity.

Juniper EX Series switches are AI-driven, operated and managed using the Mist AI cloud from Juniper. This gives EX customers simplified operations with insights, anomaly detection and automated troubleshooting, empowering IT teams to deliver the best user experience across the wired network.

Juniper
 

Sample Customers

Linz AG
BlackLotus, Staminus, Community Bank, BAS Group, Cloud Dynamics, Privalia, Fluidata, and Tesla Motors.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
September 2025
Free Report: Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches and other solutions. Updated: September 2025.
DOWNLOAD NOW
869,952 professionals have used our research since 2012.
See our Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches report.
See our list of best Ethernet Switches vendors.

We monitor all Ethernet Switches reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.