Fortinet Secure SD-WAN vs HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN

Fortinet Secure SD-WAN9.2Visit HAHPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN8.9Visit

Higher score Fortinet Secure SD-WAN #3 in SD-WAN Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Fortinet

vs

HA HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN #6 in SD-WAN Software 8.9/10 Pricing on request · 90-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit HPE Aruba

• Fortinet Secure SD-WAN fits best

  Security-focused teams seeking strong value

• HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN fits best

  Enterprises wanting a mature branch-to-cloud platform

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Side by side

Feature	Fortinet Secure SD-WAN 9.2/10 Visit ↗	HAHPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.9
Ranking	#3 in SD-WAN Software	#6 in SD-WAN Software
Best for	Security-focused teams seeking strong value	Enterprises wanting a mature branch-to-cloud platform
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Paid
Starting price	—	Pricing on request · 90-day trial
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	90 days
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted	Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms	Web	Web
Integrations	11 integrations	10 integrations
Features Fortinet Secure SD-WAN 4/4 · HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN 4/4
Application-aware routing	✓	✓
Zero-touch provisioning	✓	✓
Integrated security	✓	✓
Cloud on-ramps	✓	✓
Specs
Deployment model	Hybrid	Hybrid
Site limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Basic SD-WAN is included on FortiGate models without an extra license. Application-aware routing supports SLA-based path selection and path remediation. Connects with major clouds and supports REST API, Ansible, and Terraform.	Application-aware routing, traffic steering, and path conditioning Integrated firewall, role-based segmentation, and WAN optimization Broad connectivity across major clouds and network providers
Cons	The free offering covers basic SD-WAN functionality only. Advanced features require paid services or subscriptions. The platform is not open source.	Pricing is handled through contact sales No free plan; the evaluation period is limited to 90 days Its breadth may exceed the needs of simpler WAN deployments
Our verdict	Fortinet Secure SD-WAN combines application-aware traffic control, WAN path selection, centralized management, cloud connectivity, and next-generation firewall capabilities. It is designed for enterprises, branch offices, data centers, and… Read the review →	HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN connects branch offices, data centers, and cloud environments through centralized orchestration and software-defined WAN controls. It is aimed at enterprises operating hybrid WANs, branch networks,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Fortinet Secure SD-WAN — where it wins

  • Basic SD-WAN is included on FortiGate models without an extra license.
  • Application-aware routing supports SLA-based path selection and path remediation.
  • Connects with major clouds and supports REST API, Ansible, and Terraform.

  Where it doesn't

  • The free offering covers basic SD-WAN functionality only.
  • Advanced features require paid services or subscriptions.
  • The platform is not open source.

• HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN — where it wins

  • Application-aware routing, traffic steering, and path conditioning
  • Integrated firewall, role-based segmentation, and WAN optimization
  • Broad connectivity across major clouds and network providers

  Where it doesn't

  • Pricing is handled through contact sales
  • No free plan; the evaluation period is limited to 90 days
  • Its breadth may exceed the needs of simpler WAN deployments

• Fortinet Secure SD-WAN9.2/10 · Free plan

  A security-focused SD-WAN option with free basic functionality and extensive cloud connectivity.

  Visit FortinetFull verdict →
• HAHPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN8.9/10 · Pricing on request · 90-day trial

  A broad branch-to-cloud SD-WAN platform with centralized control, security, and multicloud connectivity.

  Visit HPE ArubaFull verdict →