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Cisco Catalyst Switches vs HPE ProCurve comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Apr 20, 2025

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 LAN Switching
1st
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
6.9
Number of Reviews
175
Ranking in other categories
Ethernet Switches (7th), Data Center Networking (1st), AV Over IP Switching (1st)
HPE ProCurve
Ranking in LAN Switching
5th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
38
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the LAN Switching category, the mindshare of Cisco Catalyst Switches is 29.4%, down from 32.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of HPE ProCurve is 12.1%, down from 13.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
LAN Switching
 

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.
Sandeep Rajguru - PeerSpot reviewer
Offers reliability and helps with vulnerability assessment
I use HPE ProCurve network in our organization. I can say that the product has improved the network flexibility in our company since I haven't seen any challenges from the last seven to eight years. The most valuable product for network management revolves around the area of VSB, also known as virtual switch bonding, which can quickly attach two or three switches or make them come together to quickly form a single switch. From a security perspective, my company does vulnerability assessment. From a security perspective, my company does vulnerability assessment. Following the hardening guidelines, the switches are configured according to the hardening parameters. The tool's reliability and uptime match our company's needs. My company enjoyed configuring the switches a lot, especially since we saw similarities between Cisco's and HPS's configuration processes. HPE ProCurve is user-friendly. We have a different product for network management, so my company doesn't use HPE ProCurve since we have already collaborated with some third-party products. I recommend the product to those who plan to use it. I recommend the product to those who plan to use it, especially since I have been using it without any issues for many years. I rate the tool a nine out of ten.

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"We use the VLANs to separate library, office, and individual apartments. With some of the reporting that receive, we're able to take and track down where people like to put in their own wireless routers. Sometimes they will take a DSL modem from AT&T that they brought from home, hook it in backward, and it will give rogue addresses causing issues."
"The technical support is at an expert level."
"Technical support is very responsive and helpful."
"Scalable, stable, and reliable product that's easy to install. Technical support is dependable and can be contacted in a variety of ways, e.g. through their ticketing system, hotline number, and community forum."
"Cisco provides very good support services."
"I have not opened up a ticket for Cisco Catalyst Switches. However, I have used the support from Cisco and they are very good and responsive."
"It is a very scalable solution. Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a ten out of ten."
"The product is reliable."
"It's easy to manage and configure. The configurations can be exported and imported to another solution."
"It is stable, and it fulfills our needs. We have all the functions we need, so we're totally satisfied."
"ProCurve is easy to configure and to know how to create each connection and configuration."
"The solution is fast and inexpensive."
"The web page interface is very convenient and easy to use for setting up your feedback loops."
"HPE ProCurve has plenty of features."
"One of the biggest things in HPE ProCurve that I like, though not necessarily a feature, is the HPE warranty because it's probably better than any of the other vendors that we deal with, as it has a lifetime replacement. Feature-wise, the web interface of HPE ProCurve is typically pretty good and I like that as well."
"The user interface is the most valuable aspect of the solution for us."
 

Cons

"An area for improvement would be the documentation and training on configuring this product."
"We have configurations for port channels between two facilities, and we cannot communicate between these two buildings. An SFP configuration uses one wire to send and receive the signal. It's opt-in. We cannot use it after the upgrade. What can we do in this situation? We already bought it."
"The support is not the quickest."
"The cost of this product is very high and not all companies can afford it."
"All other modules have comparatively many more functions or power than regular Catalyst switches."
"I would like to see the integration of the 2960 SX switched."
"The solution is quite expensive for our clients. It's a pain point for some companies. They should work to reduce the price."
"I would like to see better compatibility between Cisco and other vendors."
"If we're aiming for an improvement, focus on enhancing security features in HPE ProCurve, particularly in terms of filtering."
"Procurve would work better if it had more options like the web environment."
"The only things that might need improvement would be the administrative tools and the graphical interface. The GUI could be improved on the administrative interface, for example."
"They should learn from other vendors, such as Cisco. They all have a few specific routing features. HPE doesn't have any cheap BGP solution."
"I would like to see some kind of packet tracer where people can study how the switch is operating."
"The product could be cheaper."
"The product could improve scalability and support for advanced networking features."
"The solution's pricing could be made cheaper."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It is worth the money. The product is expensive, but the service they provide is very good, which makes it worth it."
"The product is quite expensive."
"The price of this solution could be reduced, it is expensive and I am using an annual license."
"There needs to be some improvement with the Cisco DNA licensing activation process, it is difficult at the moment."
"The price could always be lower."
"When compared with other products, the solution is kind of on the expensive side."
"The licensing, and maintenance fees are paid on a yearly basis."
"We must pay a high price for the product."
"ProCurve's pricing is its strongest point. The value proposition is quite good, and we have seen a return on investment."
"The product is reasonably priced."
"The price could be more competitive."
"This is an expensive switch."
"The solution is more expensive than other vendors. There is hardware and software that needs to be purchased in some circumstance. The software can sometimes be expensive."
"The price of this product is cheap."
"The licensing for HPE ProCurve is a one-time cost, though it's varied somewhat. What my company purchased was usually between $3,500 and $5,000 one-time cost."
"HPE ProCurve is competitively priced, with a difference of approximately 30 to 35% compared to other vendors"
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Educational Organization
65%
Computer Software Company
6%
Manufacturing Company
3%
Government
3%
Educational Organization
13%
Computer Software Company
13%
Comms Service Provider
10%
Government
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 is your experience regarding pricing and costs for HPE ProCurve?
HPE ProCurve is competitively priced, with a difference of approximately 30 to 35% compared to other vendors like Cisco. This makes it a viable option for businesses with limited budgets, particula...
What needs improvement with HPE ProCurve?
The product could improve scalability and support for advanced networking features. Including advanced interfaces like QSFP and enhanced support for AI-driven network solutions would make it more c...
 

Also Known As

Cisco Catalyst, Catalyst
ProCurve, HP ProCurve
 

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
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Cardinal Newman Catholic Secondary School, DY 4 Systems, EdgeWing, Edmonton Public Schools District, Halton Catholic District School Board, Hartwick College, Hatch Associates, Huntingdon College, Roseville Joint Union High School District, Saddleback Valley Unified School District, One Superior Place
Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco Catalyst Switches vs. HPE ProCurve and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
848,716 professionals have used our research since 2012.