Aruba Wireless vs Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN comparison

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Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary
Updated on Apr 21, 2022

We performed a comparison between Aruba Wireless and Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN based on our users’ reviews in five categories. After reading all of the collected data, you can find our conclusion below.

  • Ease of Deployment: Reviewers of Aruba Wireless and Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN agree that the initial setup of both solutions is straightforward and simple.
  • Features: Users of both solutions find them to be stable and scalable.

    Valuable features of Aruba Wireless include high functionality, great integration capabilities, easy implementation and management, and good reporting. Reviewers would like to see better visibility and would like it if the access points would include chargers.

    Valuable features of Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN include an excellent interface, multiple types of user groupings and access management, good visibility, and a comprehensive dashboard. Users mention that it lacks customization options, could benefit from heat mapping and better cyber security, and that there is a processing limitation when you have more than three or four SSIDs.
  • Pricing: Most Aruba Wireless users feel that the pricing is comparable to that of its competitors, while a few select reviewers feel that it is on the expensive side. Users of Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN find that it is expensive, with a rigid pricing model in place.
  • Service and Support: Users of both solutions are satisfied with the service and support available to them.
  • ROI: Aruba Wireless users say that they have not been impressed with the ROI while Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN users report that they have experienced an ROI.

Comparison Results: Of the two solutions, Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is the more popular choice with PeerSpot users. While both have great features, users of Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN seem to find fewer things lacking with it and are generally satisfied. In regards to service and support as well, Cisco users are happy with the service they receive. However, users do feel that it is an expensive solution.

To learn more, read our detailed Aruba Wireless vs. Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN Report (Updated: March 2024).
763,955 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"The artificial intelligence feature is very good.""The most valuable feature of Juniper Wireless Access Points (AP Series) is the ability to troubleshoot ports on the network. Additionally, when there is an update on the APs they are able to reboot quickly reducing downtime. Other solutions have a longer downtime when updates are done.""The most useful feature of Juniper Wireless AP is the reporting Marvis.""The solution is stable.""With Mist, every Wednesday they roll out new features.""In terms of reporting, in terms of all the user reports, it's very rich.""You can easily monitor, manage, and cover all your IT equipment.""The most valuable feature of the solution is Marvis, the AI-driven network management system."

More Juniper Mist Wireless Access Points Pros →

"The wireless controller and access points are valuable features.""The solution is very stable.""The most important feature is all about the two wavelengths, the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz, and the access points which are connected to this wireless controller.""The web interface to manage the APs is intuitive and makes managing the system easy. Firmware updates are quick and do not require much downtime.""The coverage, concurrent user life, and visualization are the most valuable features of these solutions.""We like the centralized configuration and monitoring.""It provided an easy WiFi solution for our branch offices to deploy​. We could usually have them up and running from out-of-the-box in about 10 minutes.""The solution is stable."

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"The single dashboard of Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is the most valuable feature for me.""Cisco Meraki is HIPAA compliant.""The interface is excellent. We've been really happy with it.""The product's most beneficial feature impacting network security is the ability to provide centralized security management.""Its ease of use and flexibility are most valuable. It is cloud-based software.""The solution is trustworthy. I find it easy and secure.""The most valuable aspect of this solution is the single pane of glass management and reliability.""The product has been very stable over the years."

More Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN Pros →

Cons
"There is room for improvement in terms of support and installation.""I need a bit more time with it before criticizing the features.""The price could be better.""Juniper Wireless AP can improve by continually improving its reporting and integration with other systems.""The pricing is very high in the Indian market.""The pricing should be made cheaper.""Juniper Mist Wireless Access Points’ support services need improvement.""Juniper Wireless Access Points (AP Series) could improve if the MIST platform had a built-in master key. This would be an advantage."

More Juniper Mist Wireless Access Points Cons →

"Because it's cloud-based, it takes time for the floor maps and the heat map to load.""Lacks a heat map analysis and a cloud-based wireless controller.""The enterprise controller. I'm planning on getting more information on that.""The solution's GUI for configuration could be better.""The initial setup is more complex than other solutions.""We would like to declare a specific number of devices that an employee or a user can use to access their Wi-Fi.""The dashboards that represent the network access control in Aruba Wireless could improve.""The solution is now taking eight to 12 months to deliver the product."

More Aruba Wireless Cons →

"Despite being enabled, I've encountered an issue where the alert main dashboard fails to detect when any of the devices go down. Hence, the tool's notification feature should improve. We have also faced issues with integration.""In the next release, I would like to see the central control plane have the flexibility to control and distribute policies to all LAN networks, balance the traffic, and the performance based on application monitoring.""The way Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN groups certain things, as far as the devices for either monitoring and or configuring them should be done better. They should be grouped a little bit differently because if I want to configure something, a different setting on an SSID, I have to go to their specific area where I would have thought it should be clumped as a dropdown menu in another area.""Overall the solution needs to have more time to mature.""Documentation could be improved, but everything else has been spot-on.""The pricing structure could be improved.""The solution should be more secure.""The solution cannot be looked upon for one year or short term because you will pay back all the discounts they offer the next time you pay for renewal."

More Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN Cons →

Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "We pay maybe 1000 SEK per year, per access point."
  • "Juniper Wireless AP's price is a little more expensive than other solutions, but you get what you pay for."
  • "The pricing is something Juniper Wireless Access Points (AP Series) can work on. The pricing is very high compared to the competition."
  • "The pricing is too high."
  • "The solution is expensive."
  • "I rate Juniper Mist's pricing a ten out of ten since it is expensive."
  • "I rate the pricing an eight out of ten."
  • More Juniper Mist Wireless Access Points Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "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."
  • "Pricing is very competitive."
  • "Pricing support has always been cost-effective."
  • "Licensing is a one time purchase (only the cloud license has to be renewed, which is worth trying out).​"
  • "​We will be buying the ClearPass solution, which will be pricey. However, in the trial version, it has even more tools to manage a busy network.​"
  • "There is so much licensing, you literally pay for every solution, add-on, or cool feature. Compared to others, we were in the middle with pricing, but as you start to invest more into features it will get very pricey."
  • "​Trial different solutions and compare pricing to how well they perform, their stability, how easy it is to maintain, etc."
  • "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."
  • More Aruba Wireless Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "Negotiate the deal put in front of you!"
  • "At this price point, I would not mind seeing a four-way channel, instead of a 3x3 or a 4x4, like they do in the Cisco Aironet system with their other brand. For the same price point in this other Cisco brand, it is a lot cheaper, and you can get a slightly better throughput than you can with these."
  • "​If you are wondering if Meraki can work for you, contact one of their representatives because they will do onsite trials where you can set up their system. If it does not work, you can send it back to them for no charge.​​"
  • "The price is negotiable."
  • "It's a pretty good value, but not great. Pricing is on a yearly basis for the Meraki solution."
  • "The price is good, but it could be improved."
  • "You have to renew your contract every year, or for three or for five years. If you do not pay right away they will suspend your subscription."
  • "The pricing is based on a subscription and is a bit high at the moment."
  • More Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Answers from the Community
    Chi Kieu
    Aws Al-Dabbagh - PeerSpot reviewerAws Al-Dabbagh
    Real User

    Pricing is different based on region; it depends on Aruba's and Cisco's strategy in the region. You must contact the respective partners to get an accurate price for comparison.


    That being said, in MENA where I live, as of a few months ago (21H1), Aruba pricing was cheaper than Cisco.

    Johnrex Fernandez - PeerSpot reviewerJohnrex Fernandez
    User

    Aruba licensing for the AP's is much cheaper compared to Meraki. 


    You can get a 1/3/5-year cloud license per AP.  

    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:You can easily monitor, manage, and cover all your IT equipment.
    Top Answer:I rate Juniper Mist's pricing a ten out of ten since it is expensive.
    Top Answer:The pricing is very high in the Indian market. Eight to nine OEMs are also available in the market, giving you their… more »
    Top Answer:Depends.  I have personally used both Cisco and Aruba so I am familiar with them.  Extreme I am not, so unless they have… more »
    Top Answer:At my organization, we researched Ruckus Wireless among other solutions but ultimately chose Aruba wireless. What did… more »
    Top Answer:On the most basic level, Cisco Wireless can offer a rather straightforward initial setup. In the span of about three… more »
    Top Answer:Cisco Wireless is very robust, very rugged, and can handle indoor and outdoor coverage extremely well. We found it to be… more »
    Top Answer:Cisco’s Meraki Virtual MX is a virtual instance of the Meraki SD-WAN appliance. We liked the Meraki. The Wifi APs are a… more »
    Top Answer:Ubiquiti Wireless offers a wide range of WLAN products. We tested their devices before ultimately choosing Cisco Meraki… more »
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    Juniper Wireless Access Points (AP Series), Mist Access Points
    Aruba WLAN, HP WLAN, HP Wireless, Aruba Instant On AP Series Access Point
    MR18, MR26, MR32, MR34, MR66, MR72, Meraki Wireless LAN, Meraki WLAN
    Learn More
    Overview

    Juniper Wireless Access Points work in conjunction with Juniper Mist Cloud Services and Mist AI to deliver premier wireless access capabilities. The Juniper Mist Edge extends microservices to the campus to bring agility and scale while enabling new applications at the edge.

    Aruba Wireless is a secure, high-performance, multi-user wireless LAN supporting Wi-Fi 6. As workplaces and user expectations change, users can now maintain hybrid workplaces and IoT without compromising performance, reliability, or security. Aruba Wireless delivers better performance and capacity and greater AIOps visibility throughout all devices and users. In addition, through built-in network intelligence, network operations are made simpler while keeping everything secure through user and guest encryption.

    Aruba Wireless, offered through Aruba Networks, is helping achieve digital transformation and IoT with seamless connectivity through multiple Wi-Fi access points. For the user’s convenience, Aruba Wireless provides indoor, outdoor, and remote access points to help boost faster and safer connectivity.

    Choosing Aruba Wireless can help improve your organization’s user experience with wireless LAN in many ways, including:

    • Transforming hybrid workplaces: Employees can move seamlessly between home and office, with reliable internet and without compromising security.

    • Connect and protect IoT: With built-in AP support for BLE, Zigbee, and USB-port extensions, users can extend visibility, control, and connectivity to IoT devices and applications.

    • Expand the 5G experience to the enterprise network: Empower users to experience 5G with Wi-Fi 6 by automatically enabling cellular devices to join Aruba Wireless LAN securely and reliably.

    Aruba Gateways and Controllers

    Small organizations as well as large enterprises require excellent performance and security for cloud, mobility, and digital transformation. Therefore, in addition to the access points, Aruba Wireless also offers a variety of gateways and controllers, including:

    • 9000 Series: With SD-WAN capabilities, it’s excellent for small campus networks looking for enhanced Wi-Fi scalability and security.

    • 7200 Series: Perfect for campus WLAN scalability or branch SD-WAN and VPN Concentrator capabilities, the 7200 Series optimizes Wi-Fi performance to guarantee smooth roaming.

    • 7000 Series: Acting as a controller or gateway to provide WAN intelligence, the 7000 Series is a policy-based router and an excellent solution for small to mid-sized campuses.

    • Mobility Controller Virtual Appliance: Maximizes Wi-Fi and network services in an economical, virtualized environment.

    • SD-WAN Virtual Gateways: Orchestrate virtual gateways in public cloud infrastructure, like Amazon Web Services (AWS).

    • Mobility Conductor Hardware Appliance: While enhancing the scalability and reliability for large campus WLANs, Aruba Mobility Conductors bring the full capability of ArubaOS.

    • Mobility Conductor Virtual Appliance: To scale large campus deployments, Aruba Mobility Conductors simplify the deployment and management of up to 1,000 Mobility Controllers.

    • ArubaOS Network Operating System: Great for remote workers in mid-sized and large companies who need seamless connectivity to and security over Wi-Fi.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Aruba Networks is aiding organizations in transforming to a hybrid work environment with Aruba Wireless. Users especially love its ability to work with many devices and its ability to group and manage access points.

    A senior IT solutions architect at a manufacturing company says, "The most valuable feature is the fact that it can work with many devices. It supports everything that we need it to."

    Gary F., a network administrator at wireless at Abilene Christian, notes, "I like the way it groups and manages access points."

    Cisco Meraki access points are built from the highest grade components and carefully optimized for a seamless user experience. The outcome: faster connections, greater user capacity, more coverage, and fewer support calls. The Cisco Meraki dashboard gives visibility into the network users, their devices, and their applications. Armed with rich analytics, administrators can quickly create access control and application usage policies, optimizing both the end-user experience and network security.
    Sample Customers
    Information Not Available
    Consulate Health Care, Los Angeles Unified School District, Science Applications International Corp (SAIC), San Diego State University, KFC, ACTS Retirement-Life Communities
    Advanced Medical Transport, Banco de Guayaquil, Baylor Scott & White Health, BH Telecom, Bowling Green State University, Calligaris, Children's Hospital Colorado, City of Biel, Del Papa Distributing, Department of Justice, Dimension Data, Dualtec Cloud Builders, Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Grupo Industrial Saltillo (GIS), Hertz, K&L Gates , LightEdge, Lone Star College System, Management Science Associates, Mindtree, NBC Olympics, Quest, Sony Corporation, The Department of Education in Western Australia, Valley Proteins
    Top Industries
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company19%
    Manufacturing Company7%
    Government7%
    Educational Organization6%
    REVIEWERS
    University18%
    Comms Service Provider14%
    Educational Organization8%
    Computer Software Company8%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company17%
    Comms Service Provider8%
    Government7%
    Manufacturing Company6%
    REVIEWERS
    Comms Service Provider18%
    Educational Organization10%
    Non Profit8%
    Financial Services Firm8%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company20%
    Comms Service Provider7%
    Government6%
    Manufacturing Company6%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business42%
    Midsize Enterprise17%
    Large Enterprise42%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business30%
    Midsize Enterprise17%
    Large Enterprise53%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business39%
    Midsize Enterprise23%
    Large Enterprise38%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business28%
    Midsize Enterprise17%
    Large Enterprise56%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business55%
    Midsize Enterprise21%
    Large Enterprise25%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business29%
    Midsize Enterprise17%
    Large Enterprise55%
    Buyer's Guide
    Aruba Wireless vs. Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Aruba Wireless vs. Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    763,955 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Aruba Wireless is ranked 1st in Wireless LAN with 43 reviews while Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is ranked 4th in Wireless LAN with 27 reviews. Aruba Wireless is rated 8.4, while Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is rated 8.2. The top reviewer of Aruba Wireless writes "Simple to install, easy to use, and cost-effective". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN writes "Terrible licensing, trouble with updating, and unhelpful support advice". Aruba Wireless is most compared with Cisco Wireless, Ruckus Wireless, Ubiquiti WLAN, Huawei Wireless and Mist AI and Cloud, whereas Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN is most compared with Ubiquiti Wireless, Mist AI and Cloud, Ruckus Wireless, Cisco Wireless and Huawei Wireless. See our Aruba Wireless vs. Cisco Meraki Wireless LAN report.

    See our list of best Wireless LAN vendors.

    We monitor all Wireless LAN 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.