Top SD-WAN Service Providers: Which is Best?

SD-WAN, or Software-Defined Wide Area Network, is a virtual framework to create, manage, and secure network connectivity. It uses Software Defined Networking (SDN) code to control and elevate the activity of a Wide Area Network (WAN). 

As of 2025, there are over 60 SD-WAN vendors globally. But how do you know which SD-WAN service provider is the best? In this article, we compared the top 5 SD WAN providers in the industry right now. The comparison is made on their services and prices to help you make better decisions.

What are the Top 5 SD-WAN Companies in 2025?

Here are the best SD WAN providers that most organizations rely on.

1. Cisco

Cisco is a global leader in networking and cybersecurity, known for its enterprise-grade solutions across routing, switching, and cloud infrastructure. With decades of innovation, Cisco offers two distinct SD-WAN products to serve both large enterprises and mid-sized businesses with flexible, secure, and scalable WAN connectivity.

SD-WAN Products:

1. Cisco Viptela

2. Cisco Meraki

Pros

● Highly scalable and secure.

● Viptela offers deep customization for complex networks.

● Meraki provides easy cloud-based management.

Cons

● Viptela requires skilled IT staff.

● Meraki may lack advanced features for large enterprises.

Explore our Cisco SD-WAN Training

2. VMware

VMware, now part of Broadcom, is a pioneer in virtualization and cloud infrastructure. Its SD-WAN solution, VeloCloud, is designed for cloud-first enterprises, offering dynamic path optimization and seamless integration with multi-cloud environments. VMware has been recognized as a leader in SD-WAN for seven consecutive years.

SD-WAN Product

1. VMware VeloCloud

Pros

● Excellent cloud performance and multi-path optimization

● Zero-touch provisioning for easy deployment

● Integrated SASE with Symantec security

Cons

● Limited native security features without add-ons

● Can be costly for smaller businesses

3. Fortinet

Fortinet is a cybersecurity powerhouse offering integrated network and security solutions. Its SD-WAN product, FortiGate Secure SD-WAN, combines next-gen firewall capabilities with advanced routing and centralized orchestration. Fortinet is ideal for organizations prioritizing security and performance at scale.

SD-WAN Product:

1. FortiGate Secure SD-WAN

Pros

● Strong built-in security (NGFW, ZTNA, CASB)

● High performance with ASIC acceleration

● Centralized management via FortiManager

Cons

● Licensing can be complex

● Some advanced features require technical expertise

Explore our Fortinet SD-WAN Course

4. Silver Peak (HPE Aruba)

Silver Peak, acquired by HPE Aruba, focuses on high-performance SD-WAN for distributed enterprises. Its flagship product, Unity EdgeConnect, offers WAN optimization, dynamic path control, and zero-touch provisioning. It's well-suited for businesses needing reliable application performance across hybrid WANs.

SD-WAN Product

1. Unity EdgeConnect

Pros

● Excellent WAN optimization and traffic steering

● Easy deployment with zero-touch provisioning

● Strong support for hybrid and broadband WANs

Cons

● Higher cost for smaller businesses

● Limited built-in security compared to competitors

5. Versa Networks

Versa Networks is a fast-growing SD-WAN and SASE provider known for its software-defined approach and deep security integration. Its products, Versa VOS and VSAC, offer centralized control, multi-tenancy, and advanced analytics, making it ideal for service providers and large enterprises.

SD-WAN Products

● Versa VOS (Operating System)

● Versa VSAC (Controller)

Pros

● Strong security features (NGFW, UTM, ZTNA)

● Centralized orchestration and analytics

● Flexible deployment (cloud, on-prem, hybrid)

Cons

● Setup can be complex for beginners

● Licensing and onboarding may require vendor support 

Different SD-WAN Price Comparison

Comparing Features of Top SD-WAN Vendors

Things to Consider While Choosing an SD-WAN Vendor

When choosing an SD-WAN vendor, it is crucial to evaluate some factors to ensure the SD-WAN solution aligns with your organization's technical, operational, and financial goals. Here are the top six considerations:

1. Deployment Flexibility

Make sure the SD-WAN solution works with your current setup, whether you're using cloud services, on-premise systems, or a mix of both. A flexible vendor lets you expand easily without changing your whole network.

Recommendation: Go for vendors like VMware (VeloCloud) or Cisco Meraki, which support both cloud and hybrid deployments.

2. Built-in Security Features

Security should be part of the SD-WAN, not an add-on. You should look for vendors that offer firewalls, threat protection, and secure web access as part of the package. This keeps your data safe and simplifies management.

Recommendation: Choose Fortinet or Versa Networks, known for strong security integration with SD-WAN.

3. Performance and Scalability

The SD-WAN should be able to handle your current traffic and be ready for future growth. Look for smart routing, high-speed support, and features like WAN optimization to keep apps running smoothly.

Recommendation: Consider Silver Peak (HPE Aruba) or Cisco Viptela, which offer excellent performance and scalability for growing businesses.

4. Easy Management and Monitoring

Managing your network should be simple. A good SD-WAN vendor provides a clear dashboard to monitor traffic, set rules, and fix issues quickly. Automation and real-time data help save time.

Recommendation: Cisco Meraki and VMware VeloCloud are great for their user-friendly interfaces and centralized control.

5. Clear Pricing and Licensing

Understand how the vendor pricing model works, as some bill by bandwidth, others by device, or features. Look for transparent pricing with no hidden costs and flexible plans that fit your budget.

Recommendation: Versa Networks offers tiered plans (Essential, Professional, Elite) that make it easier to choose based on your needs.

6. Reliable Support and Vendor Reputation

Good support helps solve problems fast. Pick a vendor with strong customer service, helpful resources, and a good reputation in the industry. Check reviews and rankings to be sure.

Recommendation: Vendors like Cisco, Fortinet, and VMware consistently rank high in customer satisfaction and industry reports.

Train Your Staff in SD-WAN Solutions with UniNets

In today’s cloud-driven and distributed enterprise landscape, SD-WAN has become a critical technology for efficient, secure, and scalable networking. UniNets, a leading IT training provider based in Delhi, India, offers specialized corporate training programs designed to upskill your workforce in SD-WAN technologies.

Whether you're a startup or a large enterprise, UniNets helps your team master SD-WAN deployment, configuration, and security through hands-on, industry-relevant training. The training is available in online format, making it flexible for remote teams and global offices.

Feel free to explore our corporate training by talking to our Learner Advisors.

Conclusion

Choosing the right SD-WAN vendor in 2025 depends on your organization’s size, security needs, cloud strategy, and technical expertise. Cisco and Fortinet stand out for their enterprise-grade security and scalability, while VMware VeloCloud excels in cloud-first deployments. Silver Peak is ideal for performance-focused environments, and Versa Networks offers a unified platform with deep security integration.

Each vendor brings unique strengths, so the best choice lies in aligning their offerings with your business goals and IT capabilities. A careful evaluation of features, pricing, and support will ensure a future-ready network infrastructure.