What users are saying about
38 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 9.1 out of 100
Based on 38 reviews and ratings
12 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.6 out of 100
Based on 12 reviews and ratings
Attribute Ratings
- Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches is rated higher in 2 areas: Likelihood to Recommend, Support Rating
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
90%
22 Ratings
8.5
HPE Networking Switches
85%
6 Ratings
Likelihood to Renew
8.2
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
82%
2 Ratings
HPE Networking Switches
N/A
0 Ratings
Usability
9.0
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
90%
1 Rating
HPE Networking Switches
N/A
0 Ratings
Support Rating
9.0
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
90%
2 Ratings
8.3
HPE Networking Switches
83%
3 Ratings
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
The [Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches] is very well suited for datacenter core and distribution models, they work very well as a replacement for the 3850 switches that many smaller organizations use for core switching.The 9500 series also works very well as a top of rack aggregation switch for SFP and QSFP connectivity.
Network Administrator
Arkansas Federal Credit UnionBanking, 201-500 employees
HPE Networking Switches
HPE Networking Switches are great for most any scenario. They are great with low network load and also high network load. They are not exactly the cheapest solution, so they aren't suited for budget conscious users. They are made to work 24/7 with no interruptions, and they have lived up to that promise for us.

Verified User
Professional in Information Technology
Consumer Goods Company, 51-200 employeesPros
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
- Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches are capable of 10g/40g with a great selection of ports for these speeds.
- The Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switch is a very capable piece of kit, supporting a lot of Cisco's new feature sets.
- Cisco IOS is the gold standard for switch operating systems.

Verified User
Administrator in Information Technology
Higher Education Company, 201-500 employeesHPE Networking Switches
- Well priced. There's something for all budgets.
- Choice of managed and unmanaged models. Not all of our customers require (or want to pay for) managed switches, but many do.
- Tons of features on the higher end models.

Verified User
Employee in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 1-10 employeesCons
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
- The 9500C does not have dedicated stackwise, in order to stack these switches you must consume some of the available ports on the switch itself.
- Virtual Stackwise is a little cumbersome to configure and get running properly
- The newest iteration of Catalyst switches REQUIRE the DNA licensing platform, even though it will not be used.
Network Administrator
Arkansas Federal Credit UnionBanking, 201-500 employees
HPE Networking Switches
- The Enterprise management software always seemed less intuitive than the default software.
- More of the parts could be supported across a wider variety of models.
- Add-on modules should be cheaper than buying a new switch with modules already installed. So they could really do to serve their customers better with pricing options.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Hospital & Health Care Company, 51-200 employeesPricing Details
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—HPE Networking Switches
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—Likelihood to Renew
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches 8.2
Based on 2 answers
Based on the site load and requirements, the switches meets our processing and fiber ports requirements. Also they have great potential for future programmability options we are looking into.

Verified User
Engineer in Engineering
Transportation/Trucking/Railroad Company, 10,001+ employeesHPE Networking Switches
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Usability
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches 9.0
Based on 1 answer
It has great potential. It can support 10, 40, 100 Gig ports. The chipset are high processing capabilities

Verified User
Engineer in Engineering
Transportation/Trucking/Railroad Company, 10,001+ employeesHPE Networking Switches
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches 9.0
Based on 2 answers
Cisco TAC engineers are very responsive and supportive.

Verified User
Engineer in Engineering
Transportation/Trucking/Railroad Company, 10,001+ employeesHPE Networking Switches
HPE Networking Switches 8.3
Based on 3 answers
We have had very little experience with support and nothing for years really. But when we have needed support we always got what we needed in a timely fashion. Basically good support that you would expect from an enterprise class business. Definitely less hoops to jump through getting help or parts than their desktop or printer divisions.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Hospital & Health Care Company, 51-200 employeesAlternatives Considered
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
The Catalyst 9400 was not out when we were looking at new core switches. We thought about using a Nexus 9k but neither were as good of a fit as the 9500. Between price and performance it was a no-brainer for us to look at the 9500. We have not nor in the future would we consider other brands for core switching.

Verified User
Manager in Information Technology
Mining & Metals Company, 501-1000 employeesHPE Networking Switches
HP is a Great balance of everything you need, from cost, quality, and manageability. I have worked with Cisco, Dell, and Ubiquiti, as well as many other brands. Each come with their own Pros and Cons, but are all good products. In the end, I go with HP because the product has never done me wrong. Perception is everything. Downtime makes people question the credibility of the IT managing the systems. HP has never put me in a bad spot where the quality of IT is questioned.
Director of Information Technology ★ Strengthening IT Operations through Processes and Programs
Beavers HoldingsFood Production, 201-500 employees
Return on Investment
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
- These switches did require a purchase of the DNA license on top of standard switch licensing, even if the functions are no needed in the environment.
- The increased SFP & QSFP connectivity enabled for faster processing within our compute environment. While the system is too new to quantify the value added in this, it undeniably will help with its ROI.
Network Administrator
Arkansas Federal Credit UnionBanking, 201-500 employees
HPE Networking Switches
- I really like the idea of paying for the switches one time and just pay for support going forward. The prices are on the high end but I think it is worth it. I wish they would include all the features in one go so we would not have to pay for every new feature.
Director, IMIT
Calgary Foothills Primary Care NetworkHospital & Health Care, 51-200 employees