Link copied to clipboard # Aruba ESP vs Cisco Catalyst Center Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/aruba-esp/cisco-cisco-catalyst-center/export.csv) Aruba ESPCisco DNA Center[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Aruba ESP** No pricing available **Cisco Catalyst Center** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Aruba ESP** Not enough reviews yet **Cisco Catalyst Center** 3 months Based on 6 responses Return on Investment **Aruba ESP** Not enough reviews yet **Cisco Catalyst Center** Not enough reviews yet Perceived Cost **Aruba ESP** $$$$$ **Cisco Catalyst Center** $$$$$ Average Discount **Aruba ESP** Not enough reviews yet **Cisco Catalyst Center** Not enough reviews yet **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Aruba ESP** Not enough data **Cisco Catalyst Center** [ Ease of Use (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-catalyst-center/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2300049&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Productivity Improvement (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-catalyst-center/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2340886&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Compatibility Issues (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-catalyst-center/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2485318&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Complex Implementation (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-catalyst-center/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2485514&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Aruba ESP** Not enough data **Cisco Catalyst Center** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_012b76ab301bdc170e19cf58ce3d11df/zscaler-generative-ai-security.jpeg "Product Avatar Image") Zscaler Generative AI Security ](https://www.g2.com/products/zscaler-generative-ai-security/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-catalyst-center/integrations) Screenshots **Aruba ESP** No screenshot available **Cisco Catalyst Center** ![Cisco Catalyst Center screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/107471/Screen-Shot-2019-05-30-at-3.01.52-PM.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Aruba ESP** 9.2 9.213 **Cisco Catalyst Center** 8.6 8.637 Ease of Use **Aruba ESP** 8.8 8.813 **Cisco Catalyst Center** 8.5 8.524 Ease of Setup **Aruba ESP** 8.9 8.911 **Cisco Catalyst Center** 8.3 8.318 Ease of Admin **Aruba ESP** 9.1 9.111 **Cisco Catalyst Center** 8.2 8.216 Quality of Support **Aruba ESP** 9.1 9.113 **Cisco Catalyst Center** 8.9 8.927 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Aruba ESP** 9.2 9.211 **Cisco Catalyst Center** 8.8 8.820 Product Direction (% positive) **Aruba ESP** 9.1 9.113 **Cisco Catalyst Center** 9.4 9.436 **Features** ratings from reviews Network Management Tools Not enough data 8.6 7 Network Security Policy Management (NSPM) Not enough data 8.6 8 User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 7.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 46.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 46.2% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 7.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 46.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 46.2% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 19.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 32.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 48.4% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 19.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 32.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 48.4% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Aruba ESP](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3a3011d148181c9769d5f17b48322103/aruba-esp.png "Aruba ESP")](https://www.g2.com/products/aruba-esp/reviews) Aruba ESP Information Technology and Services 15.4% Higher Education 15.4% Airlines/Aviation 15.4% Telecommunications 7.7% Retail 7.7% Other 38.5% [![Cisco Catalyst Center](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/93b1b2b88a0000d371b4f969f353c896/cisco-cisco-catalyst-center.png "Cisco Catalyst Center")](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-catalyst-center/reviews) Cisco Catalyst Center Computer & Network Security 14.9% Hospital & Health Care 14.9% Telecommunications 12.8% Information Technology and Services 6.4% Higher Education 6.4% Other 44.7% Alternatives **Aruba ESP Alternatives** ![Zscaler Internet Access](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f063065622874e0a8214c8615c634d1e/zscaler-internet-access.svg "Zscaler Internet Access") [ Zscaler Internet Access ](/products/zscaler-internet-access/reviews) ![Check Point SASE](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64ff8da1b6e6ffabf4336ae2510e8e3e/check-point-sase.svg "Check Point SASE") [ Check Point SASE ](/products/check-point-sase/reviews) ![Absolute Secure Access](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1077feba3bc1c85783d7d4d346b88fd1/absolute-secure-access.svg "Absolute Secure Access") [ Absolute Secure Access ](/products/absolute-secure-access/reviews) ![OpenVPN CloudConnexa](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9ba874f2444831eb6c18655245ec9751/openvpn-cloudconnexa.svg "OpenVPN CloudConnexa") [ OpenVPN CloudConnexa ](/products/openvpn-cloudconnexa/reviews) **Cisco Catalyst Center Alternatives** ![Progress WhatsUp Gold](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/6bb9084083b71cf2b4cc4ad7c2be392b/progress-whatsup-gold.svg "Progress WhatsUp Gold") [ Progress WhatsUp Gold ](/products/progress-whatsup-gold/reviews) ![Auvik](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/05e67363e9264c32e4022d98bbf4e2c3/auvik-networks.svg "Auvik") [ Auvik ](/products/auvik-networks/reviews) ![HPE Aruba Networking Management](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3a3011d148181c9769d5f17b48322103/hpe-aruba-networking-management.png "HPE Aruba Networking Management") [ HPE Aruba Networking... ](/products/hpe-aruba-networking-management/reviews) ![Palo Alto Networks Panorama](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/ebdad1b3b32aae1ae3e92d7c850a6be1/palo-alto-networks-panorama.svg "Palo Alto Networks Panorama") [ Palo Alto Networks Panorama ](/products/palo-alto-networks-panorama/reviews) ## Aruba ESP vs Cisco DNA Center FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Aruba ESP vs Cisco DNA Center? Aruba ESP stands out for higher reviewer satisfaction on setup and support, while Cisco DNA Center is noted for automation and integration within the Cisco ecosystem. | | [Aruba ESP](https://www.g2.com/products/aruba-esp/reviews) | [Cisco DNA Center](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-dna-center/reviews) | | --- | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.4/5 (13 reviews) | 4.3/5 (53 reviews) | | Ease of Setup score | 8.9 | 8.3 | | Quality of Support score | 9.1 | 8.9 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Stable connectivity and compatibility with multiple devices | Automation and integration with Cisco ecosystem | ### How do the pricing models of Aruba ESP and Cisco DNA Center compare? Aruba ESP is rated higher for value, with a stronger Price/Cost satisfaction score than Cisco DNA Center. - **Aruba ESP:** Reviewers highlight its cost-effectiveness and stable performance, with several noting it as an inexpensive and easy-to-use platform. - **Cisco DNA Center:** Reviewers frequently mention high licensing costs and complexity, with some noting the subscription model can be expensive for businesses. - **Switching reasons:** Reviewers cite Aruba ESP as a way to avoid higher maintenance costs associated with Cisco, referencing the "Cisco tax" and more flexible support options. ### What are the best alternatives to Aruba ESP and Cisco DNA Center? The top three alternatives to Aruba ESP and Cisco DNA Center are Progress WhatsUp Gold, Zscaler Internet Access, and Auvik. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Aruba ESP](https://www.g2.com/products/aruba-esp/reviews) | 4.4/5 (13) | — | Cost-effective and stable | Stable connectivity and compatibility with multiple devices | | [Cisco DNA Center](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-dna-center/reviews) | 4.3/5 (53) | — | Subscription model can be expensive | Automation and integration with Cisco ecosystem | | [Progress WhatsUp Gold](https://www.g2.com/products/progress-whatsup-gold/reviews) | 4.4/5 (390) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive network monitoring | | [Zscaler Internet Access](https://www.g2.com/products/zscaler-internet-access/reviews) | 4.4/5 (290) | Enterprise | — | Cloud-based security and access control | | [Auvik](https://www.g2.com/products/auvik-networks/reviews) | 4.5/5 (380) | Small-Business | — | Easy network visibility and management | ### Which Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) features should I prioritize when comparing Aruba ESP and Cisco DNA Center? Buyers should prioritize ease of setup, quality of support, automation capabilities, integration with existing infrastructure, and cost-effectiveness when comparing Aruba ESP and Cisco DNA Center. - **Ease of Setup:** Aruba ESP scores 8.9, Cisco DNA Center scores 8.3. - **Quality of Support:** Aruba ESP scores 9.1, Cisco DNA Center scores 8.9. - **Automation Capabilities:** Cisco DNA Center is frequently cited for automation (1 all-time mention), while Aruba ESP is not specifically cited for automation in recent reviews. - **Integration with Existing Infrastructure:** Cisco DNA Center is noted for integration within the Cisco ecosystem (1 all-time mention), while Aruba ESP is highlighted for compatibility with multiple devices. - **Cost-Effectiveness:** Aruba ESP is described as cost-effective and inexpensive in recent reviews, while Cisco DNA Center is noted for high licensing costs. ### What are the pros and cons of Aruba ESP vs Cisco DNA Center? Aruba ESP's headline strength is stable connectivity and cost-effectiveness, while Cisco DNA Center excels in automation and integration with Cisco environments. - **Aruba ESP strengths:** Stable connectivity, compatibility with multiple devices, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. - **Aruba ESP trade-offs:** Some reviewers mention the need for intermediate knowledge for command-line operations and occasional issues with wireless updates requiring support. - **Cisco DNA Center strengths:** Automation, integration with Cisco ecosystem, centralized management, and improved productivity (2 all-time mentions for ease of use, 2 for productivity improvement, 1 for automation, 1 for integrations). - **Cisco DNA Center trade-offs:** High licensing costs, complex implementation, learning curve, limited compatibility with non-Cisco hardware, and interface complexity (1 all-time mention each for compatibility issues, complex implementation, complex interface, high licensing costs, interface issues, learning curve, licensing issues, limited compatibility, limited customization). ### Is Aruba ESP or Cisco DNA Center better for small businesses? Aruba ESP is the better fit for small businesses, supported by reviewer sentiment highlighting cost-effectiveness and ease of use. - **Aruba ESP:** Reviewers describe it as inexpensive, easy to use, and compatible with a wide range of devices, making it attractive for small-business environments. - **Cisco DNA Center:** Reviewers note the platform's complexity, higher licensing costs, and a learning curve, which may be less suitable for small businesses without dedicated IT resources. ### Which Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) platform has better integrations? Cisco DNA Center is favored for integrations, with reviewers specifically citing its integration within the Cisco ecosystem. - **Aruba ESP:** No recent reviewer-cited integrations are mentioned. - **Cisco DNA Center:** Reviewers mention integration with Cisco ISE and the broader Cisco ecosystem, with 1 all-time mention for integrations and 1 for easy integrations. ### How do Aruba ESP and Cisco DNA Center compare on customer support? Aruba ESP and Cisco DNA Center are rated in near-parity for Quality of Support, with Aruba ESP at 9.1 and Cisco DNA Center at 8.9. - **Aruba ESP:** Reviewers consistently note prompt and helpful support, with several citing stable assistance during setup and troubleshooting. - **Cisco DNA Center:** Reviewers describe support as generally responsive, though some mention delays and the need for more helpful documentation. ### Which is easier to implement, Aruba ESP or Cisco DNA Center? Aruba ESP is rated higher for Ease of Setup, scoring 8.9 versus Cisco DNA Center's 8.3. - **Aruba ESP:** Reviewers highlight straightforward setup, with several noting ease of deployment and management, though some mention the need for intermediate technical knowledge. - **Cisco DNA Center:** Reviewers describe the initial setup as manageable for experienced engineers but note a learning curve and complexity, especially for new users or those unfamiliar with Cisco environments. ## Aruba ESP vs Cisco Catalyst Center When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found Aruba ESP easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with Aruba ESP overall. - Reviewers felt that Aruba ESP meets the needs of their business better than Cisco Catalyst Center. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Aruba ESP is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Cisco Catalyst Center over Aruba ESP.