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# Aruba ESP vs Cisco DNA Center Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Aruba ESPCisco DNA Center[+ Add Product](#)

Reviews

**Aruba ESP** [

4.4/5(13)

](https://www.g2.com/products/aruba-esp/reviews#reviews)

**Cisco DNA Center** [

4.3/5(52)

](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-dna-center/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**Aruba ESP**
No pricing available

**Cisco DNA Center**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Aruba ESP**
Not enough reviews yet

**Cisco DNA Center**
3 months

Based on 6 responses

Return on Investment

**Aruba ESP**
Not enough reviews yet

**Cisco DNA Center**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**Aruba ESP**
$$$$$

**Cisco DNA Center**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Aruba ESP**
Not enough reviews yet

**Cisco DNA Center**
Not enough reviews yet

Pros & Cons

**Aruba ESP**
Not enough data

**Cisco DNA Center**
[
Ease of Use (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-dna-center/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2300049&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Productivity Improvement (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-dna-center/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2340886&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Compatibility Issues (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-dna-center/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2485318&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complex Implementation (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-dna-center/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2485514&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Integrations

**Aruba ESP**
Not enough data

**Cisco DNA 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-dna-center/integrations)

Screenshots

**Aruba ESP**
No screenshot available

**Cisco DNA Center**
 ![Cisco DNA 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

Meets Requirements

**Aruba ESP**

9.2

9.213

**Cisco DNA Center**

8.6

8.637

Ease of Use

**Aruba ESP**

8.8

8.813

**Cisco DNA Center**

8.5

8.524

Ease of Setup

**Aruba ESP**

8.9

8.911

**Cisco DNA Center**

8.3

8.318

Ease of Admin

**Aruba ESP**

9.1

9.111

**Cisco DNA Center**

8.2

8.216

Quality of Support

**Aruba ESP**

9.1

9.113

**Cisco DNA Center**

8.9

8.927

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Aruba ESP**

9.2

9.211

**Cisco DNA Center**

8.8

8.820

Product Direction (% positive)

**Aruba ESP**

9.1

9.113

**Cisco DNA Center**

9.4

9.436

Features

Network Security Policy Management (NSPM)[Hide 10 FeaturesShow 10 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

8.6

8

Network Maintenance

Policy Optimization

Not enough data

8.1(won by default)

6

Risk Analysis

Not enough data

8.8(won by default)

7

Auditing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Network Management

Network Mapping

Not enough data

8.9(won by default)

6

Compliance

Not enough data

7.3(won by default)

5

Reporting

Not enough data

9.3(won by default)

5

Console

Not enough data

8.9(won by default)

6

Network Monitoring

Network Monitoring

Not enough data

9.2(won by default)

6

Change Management

Not enough data

8.3(won by default)

5

Configuration Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Network Management Tools[Hide 90 FeaturesShow 90 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

8.6

7

Management

Network Automation

Not enough data

8.9(won by default)

6

Network Traffic Analyzer

Not enough data

8.3(won by default)

6

User Provisioning

Not enough data

8.3(won by default)

6

Network Analytics

Not enough data

8.9(won by default)

6

Resource Maintenance

Not enough data

8.3(won by default)

6

Network Provisioning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Visual Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cost Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Monitoring

Network Monitoring

Not enough data

8.6(won by default)

6

Network Discovery

Not enough data

9.2(won by default)

6

Network Asset Mapping

Not enough data

9.2(won by default)

6

Activity Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Incident Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

On-Demand Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Location-Based Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Hierarchical Mapping

Not enough data

Not enough data

Visual Discovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Server Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Continuous Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Support

Real-time alerting

Not enough data

8.3(won by default)

6

Hybrid Infrastructure Support

Not enough data

8.3(won by default)

7

API Integration

Not enough data

8.1(won by default)

6

Third-Party Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Database Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Agentic AI - Network Management Tools

Autonomous Task Execution

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-step Planning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cross-system Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Adaptive Learning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Natural Language Interaction

Not enough data

Not enough data

Proactive Assistance

Not enough data

Not enough data

Decision Making

Not enough data

Not enough data

Intrusion Prevention System

Not enough data

Not enough data

Intrusion Detection System

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Configuration Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Endpoint Protection

Not enough data

Not enough data

Network Analysis

Not enough data

Not enough data

Network Resource Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

IT Asset Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Policy Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Remote Access/Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Threshold Alerts

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Response Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Remediation Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Event Logs

Not enough data

Not enough data

Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Issue Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Security Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Performance Metrics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Troubleshooting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Audit Trail

Not enough data

Not enough data

Collaboration Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Configurable Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Extraction

Not enough data

Not enough data

Risk Assessment

Not enough data

Not enough data

Charting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Self-Updating Maps

Not enough data

Not enough data

IT Asset Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Dependency Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Import/Export

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Connectors

Not enough data

Not enough data

Drag & Drop

Not enough data

Not enough data

Map Exporting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Color Codes/Icons

Not enough data

Not enough data

Uptime Reporting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Document Storage

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Scheduling

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Alerts

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Escalation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Reports

Not enough data

Not enough data

Bug/Issue Capture

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Network Troubleshooting

Not enough data

Not enough data

Issue Auditing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customizable Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Email Alerts

Not enough data

Not enough data

Anti Virus

Not enough data

Not enough data

Diagnostic Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Remote Update/Installation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Show 3 feature categories with incomplete data

Network Security[Hide 40 FeaturesShow 40 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Penetration Testing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Audit Trail

Not enough data

Not enough data

Anti Virus

Not enough data

Not enough data

Vulnerability Scanning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Remote Monitoring & Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

VPN

Not enough data

Not enough data

Behavior Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Notifications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls/Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

SSL Security

Not enough data

Not enough data

Patch Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Event Logs

Not enough data

Not enough data

Anomaly/Malware Detection

Not enough data

Not enough data

DNS Leak Protection

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Server Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Network Provisioning

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Email Alerts

Not enough data

Not enough data

Security Auditing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Intrusion Detection System

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Visualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Two-Factor Authentication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Firewalls

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Anti Spam

Not enough data

Not enough data

Threat Response

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Risk Alerts

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Loss Prevention

Not enough data

Not enough data

Single Sign On

Not enough data

Not enough data

Intrusion Prevention System

Not enough data

Not enough data

Secure Login

Not enough data

Not enough data

Policy Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP)[Hide 11 FeaturesShow 11 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Administration

Network Segmentation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Scalability

Not enough data

Not enough data

Global Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Protection

Policy Enforcement

Not enough data

Not enough data

Security Audit

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Authentication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Monitoring

Compliance Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Vulnerability Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Configuration Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Observability

Not enough data

Not enough data

ServiceNow Store Apps[Hide 6 FeaturesShow 6 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

ServiceNow Apps

ServiceNow Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Value

Not enough data

Not enough data

Agentic AI - ServiceNow Store Apps

Autonomous Task Execution

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-step Planning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cross-system Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Proactive Assistance

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![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

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

7.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

46.2%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

46.2%

[![Cisco DNA Center](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/93b1b2b88a0000d371b4f969f353c896/cisco-cisco-dna-center.png "Cisco DNA Center")](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-dna-center/reviews)

Cisco DNA Center

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.)

7.7%

19.4%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

46.2%

32.3%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

46.2%

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 DNA Center](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/93b1b2b88a0000d371b4f969f353c896/cisco-cisco-dna-center.png "Cisco DNA Center")](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-dna-center/reviews)
Cisco DNA 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%

FAQs

## 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.

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)

 ![GoodAccess](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/203779a93a792376370321ae324ce3e1/goodaccess.svg "GoodAccess")

[
GoodAccess
](/products/goodaccess/reviews)

**Cisco DNA 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)

 ![SolarWinds Observability](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/af917f02e5d5dda08cf58d16d36f6a8d/solarwinds-worldwide-llc-solarwinds-observability.svg "SolarWinds Observability")

[
SolarWinds Observability
](/products/solarwinds-worldwide-llc-solarwinds-observability/reviews)

## Aruba ESP vs Cisco DNA 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 DNA 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 DNA Center over Aruba ESP.