UniFi vs Aruba? Which one do you choose?

When setting up or upgrading your Wi-Fi network, choosing the right equipment can feel like picking a new car. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; you want something reliable, fast, and suited to your needs. Two of the biggest names in enterprise networking are UniFi (by Ubiquiti) and Aruba (a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company). Both brands have a strong reputation, but which one is right for you?

Let's Dive In!

What’s the Deal with UniFi?
What’s Aruba All About?
Features Showdown: UniFi vs. Aruba
Who Should Go for UniFi?
Who Should Opt for Aruba?
Final Thoughts

What’s the Deal with UniFi?

UniFi is Ubiquiti’s flagship brand for networking devices. They’re popular among small to medium-sized businesses, schools, and even tech-savvy homeowners.

Why? Because they offer a mix of performance, features, and affordability that’s hard to beat.

Pros:

Ease of Use: UniFi’s centralized management via the UniFi Controller is like having a universal remote for your network. Whether you have one access point or a dozen, you manage them all from the same place.
Scalability: One of UniFi’s biggest strengths is scalability. Start small and expand as your needs grow, without having to overhaul your entire system.
Cost-Effective: Let’s be real—price matters. UniFi gives you solid performance without the premium price tag.
Flexibility: From access points to switches and security cameras, UniFi’s product line is vast. Mix and match to build the network that fits your needs.

Cons:

Support: UniFi’s community-driven support is strong, but direct customer service can be hit or miss unless you opt for paid support.
Firmware Issues: Sometimes, firmware updates introduce bugs. It’s like getting an update on your phone that suddenly drains the battery faster—annoying, but usually fixable.

What’s Aruba All About?

Aruba Networks, now a part of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, is a heavy hitter in the enterprise networking world.

Aruba is the go-to choice for many large organizations, schools, and even government institutions due to its reliability and advanced features.

Pros:

High Performance: Aruba devices are built for environments where performance is key—think large offices, campuses, and high-density areas.
Advanced Features: Aruba offers a range of advanced networking features that cater to the complex needs of large networks.
Reliability: If uptime is critical for your business, Aruba’s reputation for reliability will give you peace of mind.
Support and Warranty: Aruba doesn’t just offer equipment—they provide comprehensive support and extended warranties, which can be a lifesaver in a pinch.

Cons:

Cost: You get what you pay for, and with Aruba, you’re paying a premium. It’s great if you need top-tier performance, but it might be overkill for smaller operations.
Complexity: With great power comes great complexity. Aruba’s advanced features can be overwhelming if you’re not a network expert.

Features Showdown: UniFi vs. Aruba

Now that you’ve got a basic idea of what each brand offers, let’s see how they stack up in specific categories.

Performance

Aruba: Aruba shines in high-density environments. If you need to support a lot of users in a small space, Aruba’s advanced RF management and features like ClientMatch are game-changers.
UniFi: UniFi performs well in a variety of settings. While it might not outpace Aruba in a stadium or convention center, it’s more than capable for most small to medium-sized businesses.

Winner: Aruba, but only if you’re dealing with extreme demands.

Ease of Use

UniFi: The UniFi Controller is user-friendly and intuitive. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of network management—versatile and easy to handle.
Aruba: Aruba Central, their cloud-based management platform, is powerful but has a steeper learning curve. If you’re not a networking pro, it might feel like you’re learning to drive a stick shift when you’re used to automatic.

Winner: UniFi, especially for beginners.

Cost

UniFi: On price, UniFi is the clear winner. It’s like getting a top-of-the-line smartphone without needing a second mortgage.
Aruba: Aruba’s gear is pricier. You’re paying for the brand, the performance, and the robust support infrastructure.

Winner: UniFi, hands down.

Scalability

UniFi: UniFi scales beautifully, whether you’re running a small office or managing a large hotel. You can start with one device and grow your network without switching systems.
Aruba: Aruba also scales well, but it’s really designed for enterprise-level deployments. If you’re running a multi-campus university, Aruba’s got your back.

Winner: Draw. It depends on the size and complexity of your network.

Support

Aruba: Aruba’s support is like having a 24/7 hotline to networking pros. Their extended warranties and professional support plans are perfect if you can’t afford any downtime.
UniFi: UniFi’s support is community-driven, which is great for common issues but might leave you hanging if something serious goes wrong. Paid support is available, but it’s not as comprehensive as Aruba’s.

Winner: Aruba, for its professional support options.

Customizability and Flexibility

UniFi: UniFi’s flexibility is a major plus. Customize settings, mix and match devices, and build the network that suits your exact needs.
Aruba: Aruba offers customization too, but it’s more rigid due to its focus on large, standardized deployments.

Winner: UniFi, for its adaptability to different environments.

Who Should Go for UniFi?

Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: If you’re running a small or medium-sized business, UniFi offers a great mix of performance, ease of use, and cost-efficiency.
Tech Enthusiasts: Love tinkering with your tech? UniFi’s customizable options and extensive product lineup make it a dream for DIY network setups.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: If you’re looking to maximize your network without breaking the bank, UniFi is the way to go. You’ll get excellent value for your investment.

Who Should Opt for Aruba?

Large Enterprises: If you’re managing a large-scale operation with hundreds or thousands of devices, Aruba’s advanced features and support justify the higher cost.
High-Density Environments: Universities, large offices, or event spaces where performance under heavy load is crucial should consider Aruba. It’s built to handle the pressure.
Organizations Needing Strong Support: If you can’t afford any network downtime and need professional, round-the-clock support, Aruba’s offerings are unmatched.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between UniFi and Aruba ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget.

UniFi is a fantastic choice for most users, especially those who need a scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solution. Its ease of use and affordability make it accessible for small to medium-sized businesses and tech enthusiasts alike.

Aruba, on the other hand, is designed for environments where performance, reliability, and professional support are non-negotiable.

At UniHosted, we specialize in hosting UniFi Controller in the cloud, providing you with an easy-to-manage, scalable network solution. If you’re leaning towards UniFi, we’d be happy to help you get set up. Check out our services to see how we can make managing your network a breeze. If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.