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Cisco Catalyst Switches vs HPE Ethernet Switches comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 3, 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

Cisco Catalyst Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
7th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
6.9
Number of Reviews
175
Ranking in other categories
LAN Switching (1st), Data Center Networking (1st), AV Over IP Switching (1st)
HPE Ethernet Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
9th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
103
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Cisco Catalyst Switches is 1.8%, down from 3.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of HPE Ethernet Switches is 2.4%, down from 2.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

Joshua Odunsi - PeerSpot reviewer
Ensures efficient performance and supports network growth with optimal speed
Catalyst Switches are efficient and swift, which is valuable for my organization. I experience optimal speed and effective configuration, making them stand out compared to other switches. The PoE switches offer more ports on SFP, and it is efficient in use. Overall, the switches provide me with the value I expect in terms of speed and efficiency.
LuisSilva6 - PeerSpot reviewer
Provides ease of management and has an easy initial setup process
Primarily, we use the product for network and VLAN segmentation across our hospitality property. It forms the backbone of our network, providing connectivity to devices like TVs, phones, access points, and even electrical switches within guest rooms The product's most valuable feature is the ease…

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The CLI is pretty much the same across all switching and routing platforms from Cisco, making deployment of new switches, replacement of damaged equipment, or upgrades to newer platforms very easy."
"I like the management of streaming both audio and video."
"The most beneficial features for our network management are their stability and good customer support."
"The availability of resources for learning about the product and doing evaluation of any issues is excellent."
"These switches are stable. They work well and are easy to use."
"We find the product very easy to configure."
"I like everything about Cisco Catalyst Switches. It's both stable and scalable."
"Cisco offers DNS features over other vendors."
"he stability is very good on this solution. There have been no bugs, glitches or crashes."
"We can easily replace components without incurring significant costs in an error or failure."
"The solution performs well for its price."
"These are the basic access layer switches used for connectivity among users, and they are cost-effective."
"It's stable and performing well."
"We found the installation process to be simple."
"They are affordable and very stable. They also have good performance."
"It's fairly lightweight, they don't require a lot of maintenance."
 

Cons

"I have had a little hiccup working with Catalyst switches. They used a few power integration features but I'm not sure they really resulted in much power saving. But, it caused cross-vendor equipment trouble."
"The solution could be cheaper."
"The stability must be improved."
"They need to simplify the Web GUI and make it easier to use, and more intuitive for the users."
"The solution could improve by having a video IP feature."
"Currently, Catalyst is completely proprietary with Cisco. They should have programmability options, through open-source controllers."
"Catalyst Switches could be more secure."
"I would like for Cisco to come up with an affordable dynamic VLAN solution."
"It would be better if they improve the implementation of SD-WAN."
"The pricing is expensive."
"The solution is very comparable to Huawei, however, it could be more scalable. Huawei is easier to scale."
"Technical support needs improvement, as the response time could be better."
"There have been no significant improvements to our network performance as the switches we are using are quite old and we have not been able to take advantage of any new features."
"The technical support does not match up to the standard of Cisco."
"Authentication and other security features are not easily satisfied using the lower-end switches."
"Installation could be made more secure."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It's very pricey. Compared to competitors, it's a lot more expensive."
"I cannot say that the pricing is reasonable because it's a little above our expectations. If we consider the recent price increases, it is not acceptable anymore."
"The general price of the solution could be cheaper."
"This is expensive, even when compared to competitors' products."
"Catalyst Switches are costly. When I started working with them 25 years ago, prices were a problem too."
"Could always be cheaper."
"We pay the licensing fees annually because we have an enterprise license agreement."
"It has a very high cost, but understandably, due to its very good quality."
"We have to pay for a yearly license for HPE Ethernet Switches."
"This is not an expensive solution."
"Licensing fees are on a yearly basis."
"The license cost is yearly."
"The price could be more competitive."
"They are affordable and less expensive than Cisco. Their price was the decider at the time."
"HPE Ethernet Switches is a fairly cheap solution."
"The price is fair."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Educational Organization
66%
Computer Software Company
6%
Government
3%
Manufacturing Company
3%
Computer Software Company
16%
Educational Organization
8%
Government
8%
Financial Services Firm
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

Would you recommend replacing a Cisco Catalyst Switch by a D-link one?
Hello Mesfin It depends on the real scenario, the cisco 2960 is a very good device and they usually have routing functions but there are many different models within the same 2960 line, and on the ...
What do you like most about Cisco Catalyst Switches?
We are a vendor for the healthcare sector, especially hospitals, and normally, we use a full Cisco solution for stability, especially for the stability of the Access Points and the security of swit...
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco Catalyst Switches?
Although Juniper is cheaper, Cisco provides unique features that justify their pricing.
What do you like most about HPE Ethernet Switches?
The solution is very stable and easy to use.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for HPE Ethernet Switches?
When compared to Cisco, Aruba is about 40% cheaper. However, Huawei would be even cheaper than Aruba. We can't compare HPE Ethernet Switches with Huawei directly because of different price ranges.
What needs improvement with HPE Ethernet Switches?
HPE Ethernet Switches have room for improvement in the initial setup and integration process, especially when incorporating them into an existing infrastructure with competitor products. It's a cha...
 

Also Known As

Cisco Catalyst, Catalyst
HP Ethernet Switches
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Afni, Anilana Hotels and Resorts, Baylor Scott & White Health, Beachbody, Bellevue, Del Papa Distributing, Explorer Pipeline, Mindtree, Omaha World Herald, Radio 538, Sony Corporation, Telecom Italia, Telenor Arena
Emirates Palace Hotel
Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco Catalyst Switches vs. HPE Ethernet Switches and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
846,617 professionals have used our research since 2012.