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# Cisco Catalyst Center vs HPE Aruba Networking Management Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Cisco DNA CenterHPE Aruba Networking...[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Cisco Catalyst Center**
No pricing available

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Cisco Catalyst Center**
3 months

Based on 6 responses

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**
2 monthsFaster

Based on 6 responses

Return on Investment

**Cisco Catalyst Center**
Not enough reviews yet

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**
16 months

Based on 7 responses

Perceived Cost

**Cisco Catalyst Center**
$$$$$

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Cisco Catalyst Center**
Not enough reviews yet

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**
Not enough reviews yet

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**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)

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**
[
Configuration Ease (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/hpe-aruba-networking-management/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2464815&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Cybersecurity (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/hpe-aruba-networking-management/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2078415&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complexity (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/hpe-aruba-networking-management/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2464820&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Expensive (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/hpe-aruba-networking-management/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1734219&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Integrations

**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)

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**
Not enough data

Screenshots

**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)

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**
No screenshot available

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**Cisco Catalyst Center**

8.6

8.637

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**

9.4

9.426

Ease of Use

**Cisco Catalyst Center**

8.5

8.524

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**

8.7

8.726

Ease of Setup

**Cisco Catalyst Center**

8.3

8.318

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**

8.8

8.821

Ease of Admin

**Cisco Catalyst Center**

8.2

8.216

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**

8.8

8.819

Quality of Support

**Cisco Catalyst Center**

8.9

8.927

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**

8.2

8.226

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Cisco Catalyst Center**

8.8

8.820

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**

8.9

8.919

Product Direction (% positive)

**Cisco Catalyst Center**

9.4

9.436

**HPE Aruba Networking Management**

9.4

9.420

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Network Management Tools

8.6

7

8.7

9

Network Monitoring

Not enough data

8.7

16

Network Security Policy Management (NSPM)

8.6

8

Not enough data

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

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%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
14.8%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
48.1%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
37.0%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
14.8%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
48.1%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
37.0%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![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%

[![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")](https://www.g2.com/products/hpe-aruba-networking-management/reviews)
HPE Aruba Networking Management

Primary/Secondary Education
11.1%

Information Technology and Services
11.1%

Staffing and Recruiting
7.4%

Pharmaceuticals
7.4%

Higher Education
7.4%

Other
55.6%

Alternatives

**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)

 ![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)

 ![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)

**HPE Aruba Networking Management Alternatives**

 ![Zabbix](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/abbd2f816e62ae6c0ef1e71b70c35617/zabbix.svg "Zabbix")

[
Zabbix
](/products/zabbix/reviews)

 ![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)

 ![Dynatrace](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1512659484/dynatrace.svg "Dynatrace")

[
Dynatrace
](/products/dynatrace/reviews)

 ![Auvik](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/05e67363e9264c32e4022d98bbf4e2c3/auvik-networks.svg "Auvik")

[
Auvik
](/products/auvik-networks/reviews)

## Cisco DNA Center vs HPE Aruba Networking... FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between Cisco DNA Center vs HPE Aruba Networking...?

HPE Aruba Networking... stands out for its higher G2 rating and stronger Meets Requirements score, while Cisco DNA Center is noted for its robust support and automation capabilities.

| | [Cisco DNA Center](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-dna-center/reviews) | [HPE Aruba Networking...](https://www.g2.com/products/hpe-aruba-networking-management/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.3/5 (53 reviews) | 4.6/5 (26 reviews) |
| Ease of Setup score | 8.3 | 8.9 |
| Quality of Support score | 8.9 | 8.3 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Automation | Configuration Ease |

### How do the pricing models of Cisco DNA Center and HPE Aruba Networking... compare?

HPE Aruba Networking... is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to Cisco DNA Center.

- **Cisco DNA Center:** In recent reviews, several reviewers cite high licensing costs and note that advanced capabilities require additional licensing, impacting perceived value.
- **HPE Aruba Networking...:** Reviewers mention that while advanced features can increase costs, the base platform is considered solid value for unified management and visibility.
- **Switching reasons:** Reviewers switching from Cisco DNA Center often cite cost and complexity as primary factors.

### What are the best alternatives to Cisco DNA Center and HPE Aruba Networking...?

The top 3 alternatives to Cisco DNA Center and HPE Aruba Networking... are Zabbix, Progress WhatsUp Gold, and Auvik.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cisco DNA Center](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-cisco-dna-center/reviews) | 4.3/5 (53 reviews) | — | High licensing costs noted in reviews | Automation |
| [HPE Aruba Networking...](https://www.g2.com/products/hpe-aruba-networking-management/reviews) | 4.6/5 (26 reviews) | — | Advanced features can increase costs | Configuration Ease |
| [Zabbix](https://www.g2.com/products/zabbix/reviews) | 4.3/5 (209 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Flexible monitoring capabilities |
| [Progress WhatsUp Gold](https://www.g2.com/products/progress-whatsup-gold/reviews) | 4.4/5 (390 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive network monitoring |
| [Auvik](https://www.g2.com/products/auvik-networks/reviews) | 4.5/5 (380 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Ease of use and deployment |

### Which Network Security Policy Management (NSPM) features should I prioritize when comparing Cisco DNA Center and HPE Aruba Networking...?

Buyers should prioritize automation, ease of setup, security features, integration capabilities, and unified management when comparing Cisco DNA Center and HPE Aruba Networking....

- **Automation:** Cisco DNA Center is cited for automation (1 all-time mention); HPE Aruba Networking... reviewers highlight unified management and batch operations.
- **Ease of Setup:** Cisco DNA Center scores 8.3; HPE Aruba Networking... scores 8.9.
- **Security Features:** Cisco DNA Center is noted for network security and compliance; HPE Aruba Networking... is cited for cybersecurity and Zero Trust features (1 all-time mention each).
- **Integration Capabilities:** Cisco DNA Center has 1 all-time mention for integrations; HPE Aruba Networking... reviewers mention multi-vendor management.
- **Unified Management:** Both products are praised for centralizing network management, with HPE Aruba Networking... specifically noted for managing wired, wireless, and WAN networks from a single platform.

### What are the pros and cons of Cisco DNA Center vs HPE Aruba Networking...?

Cisco DNA Center's headline strength is automation, while HPE Aruba Networking... is most noted for configuration ease and unified management.

- **Cisco DNA Center strengths:** Automation (1 all-time mention), productivity improvement (2 all-time mentions), ease of use (2 all-time mentions), and strong integration with Cisco's ecosystem.
- **Cisco DNA Center trade-offs:** High licensing costs (1 all-time mention), complex implementation (1 all-time mention), learning curve (1 all-time mention), and limited compatibility with non-Cisco hardware.
- **HPE Aruba Networking... strengths:** Configuration ease (1 all-time mention), cybersecurity (1 all-time mention), user-friendly interface (1 all-time mention), and unified management for wired, wireless, and WAN networks.
- **HPE Aruba Networking... trade-offs:** Expensive advanced features (1 all-time mention), complexity (1 all-time mention), and a learning curve for some users (1 all-time mention).

### Is Cisco DNA Center or HPE Aruba Networking... better for small businesses?

Auvik is the top alternative specifically favored by small businesses, while neither Cisco DNA Center nor HPE Aruba Networking... is predominantly reviewed by small-business users.

- **Cisco DNA Center:** Largest reviewer segment is Mid-Market; reviewers highlight its suitability for organizations with existing Cisco infrastructure and experienced IT teams.
- **HPE Aruba Networking...:** Largest reviewer segment is Mid-Market; reviewers note its unified management and ease of use, but also mention higher costs for advanced features, making it more common in larger deployments.

### Which Network Security Policy Management (NSPM) platform has better integrations?

Reviewers cite parity between Cisco DNA Center and HPE Aruba Networking... for integrations, with both products mentioned for integration capabilities but no dominant third-party tool cited.

- **Cisco DNA Center:** Integrations are mentioned in recent reviews, with 1 all-time mention for easy integrations and integration with Cisco’s ecosystem.
- **HPE Aruba Networking...:** Reviewers mention multi-vendor management and integration with Aruba devices, but no specific third-party integration is cited in the data.

### How do Cisco DNA Center and HPE Aruba Networking... compare on customer support?

Cisco DNA Center scores higher on Quality of Support (8.9 vs. 8.3), a difference of 0.6 points, indicating a material advantage in reviewer satisfaction with support.

- **Cisco DNA Center:** Reviewers consistently praise responsive support, with several citing helpfulness and resolution of issues through Cisco TAC.
- **HPE Aruba Networking...:** Reviewers describe support as generally positive, with some noting quick troubleshooting, but a few mention the need for improvement in advanced support cases.

### Which is easier to implement, Cisco DNA Center or HPE Aruba Networking...?

HPE Aruba Networking... is rated higher for Ease of Setup (8.9 vs. 8.3), a difference of 0.6 points, indicating it is easier to implement than Cisco DNA Center.

- **Cisco DNA Center:** Reviewers note that setup is straightforward for experienced engineers but can be complex for new users, with a learning curve and some challenges in scaling and licensing.
- **HPE Aruba Networking...:** Reviewers highlight quick setup, batch device management, and ease of onboarding, with several citing positive experiences even in large-scale deployments.

## Cisco Catalyst Center vs HPE Aruba Networking Management

When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found HPE Aruba Networking Management easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with HPE Aruba Networking Management overall.

- Reviewers felt that HPE Aruba Networking Management meets the needs of their business better than Cisco Catalyst Center.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Cisco Catalyst Center is the preferred option.
- When assessing product direction, Cisco Catalyst Center and HPE Aruba Networking Management received similar ratings from our reviewers.