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Aruba Instant On Access Points vs Omada Access Points comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 31, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

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

Categories and Ranking

Aruba Instant On Access Points
Ranking in Wireless LAN
10th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
6.5
Number of Reviews
32
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Omada Access Points
Ranking in Wireless LAN
16th
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
7.2
Number of Reviews
15
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the Wireless LAN category, the mindshare of Aruba Instant On Access Points is 0.9%, down from 1.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Omada Access Points is 3.7%, up from 3.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Wireless LAN
 

Featured Reviews

Ricardo Quintero - PeerSpot reviewer
Affordable and offers an easy setup phase
I was working on the on-premises solutions, like IronNet, Aironet, and some other tools from Cisco, but not with Meraki. The last Aironet model that we have here in Mexico, in the corporate office, and in some of the other regions of Mexico is Cisco Aironet 3700 and Cisco Aironet 3800, so it is just two or three devices. Aruba Instant On Access Points was working with Aruba 2540 and Cisco 3850 In Cisco, I found some issues. I was working well with a vendor. I was working with Cisco Catalyst 9200 and Cisco Catalyst 9300, along with Cisco Catalyst 2916M XL Switch. With all devices, we got a report. During the immigration, we choose another vendor, which Aruba. We have some issues with Aruba Instant On Access Points in iOS that are targeting the devices, and I have seen some problems with the DHCP solution.
Prasad Wijesooriya - PeerSpot reviewer
Well-suited for mobile and portable device usage but issues with stability
The problem is that when the number of users increases, TP-Link automatically drops the speed, and in terms of coverage, it falls short. We are not using any industrial-level equipment or accuracy. We are looking for something at the industrial level, advanced Access Points, not the basic ones from TP-Link. Omada Access Points could be improved in terms of connectivity and speed. That is the main thing. The other thing is security. Currently, most people are sharing their passwords, allowing unauthorized users to access Wi-Fi networks. So, the main areas for improvement are security, accessibility, and speed.

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The virtual controller feature is very beneficial because it removes the need for a physical controller."
"The solution has fast deployment and easy setup. There is no security PIN for this account."
"The coverage Aruba provides across the physical area is much better. Most probably because of the new technology, the 4x4 antenna, and everything around it. It's just a much better, easier to use, and easier to manage product."
"It's really easy to set up. And, you don't have to pay for the cloud solution. That's really interesting for our clients. And the other thing is, the roaming is also quite good."
"The most valuable feature of Aruba Instant On Access Points is they are easy to manage."
"When an error or alert happens, I receive it in the application. I do not have to be there to know if something is wrong."
"Aruba Instant On Access Points are almost enterprise-level equipment but designed for end users who might not have an IT specialist on staff. They can be used in scenarios similar to those in enterprises. The security features, like easily deploying with RADIUS and dot1x, are efficient and satisfactory, providing enterprise-class security. The solution is future-proof and adapts well to changing connectivity needs. It is easy to extend the network, although there are some limitations. For large buildings, you can separate the network into floors or areas, each containing up to fifty access points, and give them one SSID and password. There might be a small gap when switching between sites, but overall, it can be extended effectively."
"The solution's most valuable features include a simple deployment phase, easy management, and scalability."
"This product is easy to use."
"The most valuable feature of TP-Link Auranet EAP is its high performance."
"The solution has been dependable and has kept up with modern technology."
"Omada is easy to manage, has cloud management features, and is easy to set up."
"Its sturdiness and cost-effectiveness are the most valuable features."
"The performance and availability of Omada Access Points have met our business needs, particularly in improving network control and facilitating direct access for developers to branch services."
"The initial setup is not complicated."
"When this solution is set up, it is solid. It offers fast deployment."
 

Cons

"The tool is priced high."
"If anything, its reporting could be improved."
"The solution can be more integrated with other brands."
"The challenging point for Aruba Instant On is the roaming capability, as it doesn’t perform as strongly as enterprise solutions."
"Software-wise, I would like to have a way of moving APs from site to site and wish there would be a way to add more APs to one site. I know the limit is 25 APs per site and I wish there were more."
"In terms of financial benefits, the Aruba project is a high-cost solution, and I haven't seen specific financial returns."
"It is suitable for smaller organizations, but it may not be the best choice for large enterprises."
"The security aspect needs improvement."
"It is less affordable for smaller businesses."
"Upgrading the hardware capabilities to newer versions like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 would be a helpful improvement."
"The price of the solution is an area requiring improvement since I want the solution to be made available at a cheaper price than its current market price."
"Omada needs improvement in the distance it can cover."
"We have some issues with stability. It is not so fast. That is the main problem."
"Aruba has better scaling capabilities."
"Omada could add some API integrations that would help with our automated solution. We're trying to integrate, and we're having some issues because some of the calls are not there. The API still needs some development."
"Omada's ordering platform could be improved, though. Some of their distributors are a pain to work with."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"You buy it for $165 an AP, which is what we paid."
"I would rate the solution's pricing an eight out of ten."
"It is competitively priced. It was at a price point that made sense for me to put in my home, and that says something. The cost of the solution includes everything we need to manage and upgrade our Wi-Fi network, including the mobile management app. Having the licensing and all the functionality built into the base price of the product is really important for me. There are no extra costs for the security feature or automatic software/firmware updates, which is really important to me."
"Aruba Instant On Access Points are license-free. It's a very good and cheap solution for wireless networks. It can be compared with solutions from Ubiquiti and TP-Link, but it is in a different class. Aruba Instant On Access Points are cheaper than those from Cisco, Ruckus, and Motorola. It's perhaps the cheapest one. They do not use licenses, so it is a solution from the box. You don't need to pay extra money or deal with hidden payments."
"The product's price falls on the cheaper end of the spectrum. The price of the product is one of the biggest benefits that it offers."
"The price of Aruba Instant On Access Points is reasonable. They are competitively priced. I've even used it in my home at one time because of the low price."
"There is a need to make yearly payments towards the standard licensing charges associated with the product. There are some additional costs associated with the product since I have seen customers who purchase three-year or five-year plans."
"It's a cost-effective solution."
"TP-Link provides solutions that are more cost-effective than other well-known brands."
"The cost of Omada is much better than Aruba and Cisco, and it does what we need it to do in most cases. Around 10 percent of our clients need a more carrier-grade solution for mobile platforms."
"The price of the solution is not a lot for five people to use it."
"We don't have to pay for the license because the solution has no subscription cost."
"TP-Link is a good price. They have a good price. But technology-wise, it has to be better."
"There is no need to pay for the licensing costs since my company is in South Africa. Omada Access Points can be termed as a medium-priced product."
"On a scale of one to ten for pricing, with one being cheap and ten being expensive, I would rate Omada Access Points at a one for its cost-effectiveness."
"The cost is about 500 Brazilian real per access point, with no additional recurring costs."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Educational Organization
63%
Computer Software Company
5%
Manufacturing Company
3%
Construction Company
3%
Computer Software Company
11%
Comms Service Provider
9%
Government
7%
Educational Organization
6%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Aruba Instant On Access Points?
It's really easy to set up. And, you don't have to pay for the cloud solution. That's really interesting for our clients. And the other thing is, the roaming is also quite good.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Aruba Instant On Access Points?
Aruba Instant On Access Points work without a list price, suggesting that they are open source and no additional licensing costs are incurred.
What needs improvement with Aruba Instant On Access Points?
All features already exist in Aruba Instant On Access Points. However, in future updates, more AI for intelligence and the option for a separate network could be beneficial.
What do you like most about TP-Link Auranet EAP?
We don't have any issues 90 percent of the time. It works fine in most situations. It has been a success story for delivering WiFi services in Romania. Our customers are happy, and I've been satisf...
What needs improvement with Omada Access Points?
Omada needs improvement in the distance it can cover. I am looking for an access point that can cover long distances.
What is your primary use case for Omada Access Points?
I am trying to design a wireless network with Omada equipment. I have deployed Omada in office areas, and now I want to deploy it in a hotel. The company size where I usually deploy is medium-sized...
 

Also Known As

No data available
TP-Link Auranet EAP, TP-Link EAP, Auranet EAP, Auranet
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Information Not Available
Reflections Resort,Sim Lim Square, Hotel Mary Colombia, Peru WISP, Chase Grammer School
Find out what your peers are saying about Aruba Instant On Access Points vs. Omada Access Points and other solutions. Updated: March 2025.
845,040 professionals have used our research since 2012.