What users are saying about
37 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 37 reviews and ratings
5 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 10 out of 100
Based on 5 reviews and ratings
Attribute Ratings
- Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches is rated higher in 1 area: Likelihood to Recommend
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
90%
21 Ratings

8.0
NETGEAR ProSafe Managed Switches
80%
1 Rating
Likelihood to Renew
8.2
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
82%
2 Ratings

NETGEAR ProSafe Managed Switches
N/A
0 Ratings
Usability
9.0
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
90%
1 Rating

NETGEAR ProSafe Managed Switches
N/A
0 Ratings
Support Rating
9.0
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
90%
2 Ratings

NETGEAR ProSafe Managed Switches
N/A
0 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
NETGEAR ProSafe Managed Switches
Well suited for a small business with minimal IT capital.
Information Technology Manager
Human Resources FirmHuman Resources, 51-200 employees
Pros
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 employeesNETGEAR ProSafe Managed Switches
- The switches met the data transfer needs of a small business with about 30 users and 4 servers.
- The web interface was adequate for a business that didn't have the need to dive into a device with a CLI.
- These were wall mounted. Not the best network design, but small businesses cut corners. The mounting holes helped with this "solution".
Information Technology Manager
Human Resources FirmHuman Resources, 51-200 employees
Cons
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
NETGEAR ProSafe Managed Switches
- Both switches were the same model number, same firmware. One switch needed to be rebooted about every 5 weeks. This problem was never resolved.
Information Technology Manager
Human Resources FirmHuman Resources, 51-200 employees
Pricing Details
Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
—NETGEAR ProSafe Managed 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+ employeesNETGEAR ProSafe Managed 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+ employeesNETGEAR ProSafe Managed 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+ employeesNETGEAR ProSafe Managed Switches
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Alternatives 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 employeesNETGEAR ProSafe Managed Switches
The NetGear switches are definitely entry-level switches. They don't have the functionality (or cost) of Dell, HP, nor Cisco. But for the money, a business that is just starting out can't complain.
Information Technology Manager
Human Resources FirmHuman Resources, 51-200 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
NETGEAR ProSafe Managed Switches
- The NetGear switches made a positive impact as entry level switches for a startup company.
Information Technology Manager
Human Resources FirmHuman Resources, 51-200 employees