Cisco Meraki MX vs. WatchGuard Network Security

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Cisco Meraki MX
Score 9.0 out of 10
N/A
Cisco Meraki MX Firewalls is a combined UTM and Software-Defined WAN solution. Meraki is managed via the cloud, and provides core firewall services, including site-to-site VPN, plus network monitoring.
$595
per appliance
WatchGuard Network Security
Score 8.6 out of 10
N/A
WatchGuard Network Security is a network security and firewall software. WatchGuard includes secure Wi-Fi, multi-factor authentication, and network intelligence products and services designed for SMB’s.N/A
Pricing
Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
Editions & Modules
MX64
$595
per appliance
MX67
$695
per appliance
MX68
$995
per appliance
MX84
$1,995
per appliance
MX100
$4,995
per appliance
MX250
$9,995
per appliance
MX450
$19,995
per appliance
Support
Contact sales team
Contact sales team
Basic Security
Contact sales team
Contact sales team
Total Security
Contact sales team
Contact sales team
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
Considered Both Products
Cisco Meraki MX
Chose Cisco Meraki MX
Easy to use, cloud manage, scaleable.
Chose Cisco Meraki MX
Cisco Meraki MX is a different product targeted at different markets, not exactly a UTM / NGFW. Centralized management and a single pane of glass add a lot of value. Again there are sites where no MX can replace a PA due to the configuration requirements and performance …
Chose Cisco Meraki MX
Meraki MX's have their place due to the ease of configuration, management, and cost. That is small to mid size businesses. If you require features such as the full suite of NG firewall options, SD-WAN, and granularity of ACL/Policy rules, then Fortinet, Palo Alto and/or …
WatchGuard Network Security
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security is simpler to implement than a solution such as Cisco ASA. User-friendly interface, logical configuration. WatchGuard Network Security is less expensive than a Cisco Meraki MX solution, and allows the product to be used, albeit without additional …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Compared to the meraki that I've worked with in the past, I like that I'm not paying Cisco tax and there is a lot more functionality with WG. For me, the Sophos Hardware is not hefty enough to handle their OS because the UI is so slow. Ubiquiti doesn't even compete and …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Many offering do the exact same thing as the firebox, but non of them are as easy to deploy or manage as a firebox.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
The pricing is great and there are a lot of device types and options to choose from.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
In one country, they use Fortinet and Meraki because the provider of those brands made a better deal.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard provides a cost competitive product stack against all their main competitors, in many cases coming in cheaper, with a more impressive feature set. The range of models available allows you to match the right sized appliance to any office.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard's main asset is that its cloud is fast, it distributes detected threats to its firebox before anyone else, and that is a great point in its favor, if your protection system lets users pass a threat that has just appeared, the problem is serious, and you are going to …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard was already implemented in this environment. I would not have ever chosen them, and the only reason we've purchased more products from them is due to emergencies.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Honestly, the ease of setup and simplicity in the setup is wayyyyy better than Fortinet. Things just *work*. You don't need to get into CLI to get your site to site working. The initial setup wizard leaves you at a VERY good spot to get up and running and then season to your …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard's Network Security firewalls offer comparable security and processing capabilities at a cost-effective price point. When comparing the packet handling on DPI, VPN, and simple packet filtering, Watchguard will usually test above the other competitors; especially when …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Watchguard is much easier to manage at a much better price point. Fortinet is very good, but complex and needs more knowledge to manage. Sonicwall is not straightforward at all to use. Meraki is too basic.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We found WatchGuard [Network Security] has a great combination of deep down controls of traffic when desired but [is] still easy to configure and maintain. We also trust their published throughput numbers compared to specialty configs needed to match published throughput with …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard provides a much more comprehensive list of features compared to Meraki which was previously the go-to vendor. Improving network security tenfold for our clients.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard Network Security has more features than Peplink and Meraki and ultimately makes it a better firewall than them. Sophos is very similar in feature set however WatchGuard's approach to management and visibility sets it apart.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
I find that WatchGuard really shines against the competition in three areas. First, out of all the firewall appliances I have used, they are the easiest to set up and get running. Second, they perform just as well or better than comparable appliances, and third, they can't be …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Primary reasons we selected WatchGuard were:
- Easy to use
- Feature-rich
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
It's been our experience the WatchGuard products hold up better long term and are more substantial (granular choices for setup) than the Meraki product. WatchGuard menus are, in my opinion, friendlier to use and understand. Sonicwall uses far too many screens, and having to …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Similar in security and ease of use, and while the Cisco appliances offer a more granular, customizable interface the services offered per cost may be a little out of range for smaller businesses/organizations.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Only Cisco has a system like TDR, and it requires a server be set up (where WatchGuard has cloud servers in place).
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
We prefer Meraki's centralized cloud hosted infrastructure. This makes it much more convenient for management. It is also easier for junior techs to learn.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Easier sell and much more feature rich. Clients like the big investment once every 3 yrs rather than monthly.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
After using ASAs, Sonicwalls, and pfSense; and then also evaluating FortiGates I would have to say that WatchGuard as a nextGen/UTM device with all the services enabled including deep packet inspection is comparatively faster. Also, the ease of use, support, and traffic …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard is competitive in pricing and features with all the major vendors and typically rewards existing customers through their trade up promotions; these are excellent on upgrading to newer technologies while not losing the value in the older WatchGuard devices you are …
Top Pros
Top Cons
Features
Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
Firewall
Comparison of Firewall features of Product A and Product B
Cisco Meraki MX
8.0
104 Ratings
7% below category average
WatchGuard Network Security
8.3
459 Ratings
3% below category average
Identification Technologies8.1100 Ratings8.3418 Ratings
Visualization Tools8.698 Ratings7.3416 Ratings
Content Inspection7.997 Ratings8.2443 Ratings
Policy-based Controls8.095 Ratings8.7456 Ratings
Active Directory and LDAP7.486 Ratings8.1387 Ratings
Firewall Management Console8.098 Ratings8.1449 Ratings
Reporting and Logging7.5102 Ratings8.0445 Ratings
VPN8.897 Ratings8.9440 Ratings
High Availability8.898 Ratings8.7398 Ratings
Stateful Inspection8.093 Ratings8.7412 Ratings
Proxy Server6.554 Ratings8.7298 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
Small Businesses
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.6 out of 10
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.6 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.6 out of 10
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.6 out of 10
Enterprises
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Score 9.5 out of 10
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Score 9.5 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(140 ratings)
8.3
(474 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.8
(6 ratings)
8.5
(37 ratings)
Usability
9.4
(7 ratings)
8.7
(118 ratings)
Availability
9.1
(1 ratings)
9.5
(4 ratings)
Performance
9.1
(1 ratings)
9.1
(4 ratings)
Support Rating
8.4
(15 ratings)
8.9
(29 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(4 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(3 ratings)
Implementation Rating
7.0
(1 ratings)
9.5
(264 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(3 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(3 ratings)
Product Scalability
9.0
(107 ratings)
9.1
(4 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.6
(3 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.6
(3 ratings)
User Testimonials
Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco
Cisco Meraki MX is great for a short term deployment. An all in one model can combine a cellular router, wireless access point, 10 port switch (with POE). Having a cellular model means seamless failover with a wired link. An included SFP slot on the MX68 series would be beneficial. Maybe in a newer model.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
WatchGuard Network Security is well suited for everyone's needs but isn't well suited for a price conscience consume. They are overpriced for what they are and have a semi enclosed licensing model, so it's hard to use them after their 5-year life cycle has expired. You are forced into another model once your device is EOL even if the device is more than what you need hardware wise.
Read full review
Pros
Cisco
  • It provides a really good single pane of glass so you can really easily identify end to end, what is going on in your environment.
  • It provides the ability for someone that doesn't necessarily need a really deep level of knowledge to be able to operate and maintain it. I think that's probably a big selling point, but I think definitely for the people that I'm selling the products who just having a dashboard and being able to log onto it and see if things are good or bad is quite key. So it does that really well.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
  • Incoming Torrent attempts were blocked, but outgoing (by a user) were permitted. Similarly, other direct attempts were summarily blocked.
  • provides full administrative support for analysis of usage and scope.
  • strong Wi-Fi support and security - area wi-fi maps
  • They think of all the things secure and I don't have to worry about it.
  • I have not identified anything else that needs improvement - I am well satisfied.
Read full review
Cons
Cisco
  • Sometimes can be difficult to find a specific device or options in the dashboard if you can multiple networks in your organization
  • No option to open a CLI session
  • It can improve in the way to troubleshoot a VPN L2L connection to see all the sent messages in case there is a issue with in the negotiation.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
  • Sometimes, it is not very intuitive. You'll not know how to use certain features unless you read the documentation.
  • Some settings in the firebox are not visible unless you enter edit mode. This can cause inadvertent issues if you make a change when you just want to review the settings.
  • The use of blocks in the design of the Firewatch interface can be confusing. A better design could have been used.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Cisco
As we have it in place now, we will continue to keep it at our remote sites. Future expansion is something we are reviewing, and may well start with some of the larger switches as they seem to offer good performance and management at a reasonable price. Wireless is also something we're investing in and their devices are great for that.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
I'm giving this note to WatchGuard Network Security due to its ease of daily support (after acquiring necessary knowledge in the solution), which allows agility in configuration changes, its integration of several reliable security features (such as SSL VPN, VPN Virtual Interfaces between companies, and others) and functional and stability in operation, with no downtime in the equipment due to problems or malfunctions
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Usability
Cisco
The Cisco Meraki MX series is very easy to use. Setting up user VPN access, site to site VPN to tie multiple locations together and managing all your devices. You can even download the latest firmware and install without ever leaving the dashboard. Meraki is the very definition of easy to use
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WatchGuard Technologies
Although it might take some time to figure out, we have been able to use WatchGuard's online reference library and tech support to create/implement/modify all of our filtering rules and exceptions needed. There really has not been a shortcoming other than perhaps a learning curve.
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Reliability and Availability
Cisco
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
Availability has always been a strong point of this product, it is rare that watchguard does not have a solution for customers' network monitoring needs.
Read full review
Performance
Cisco
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
The performance of WatchGuard Network Security is very good, in the years that we have used the solution we have only had a single error and Watchguard itself was able to solve it. Furthermore, when purchasing any product, the partner always evaluates the capacity of the solution to recommend the most appropriate product for our needs.
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Support Rating
Cisco
I haven't ever had a bad experience with Meraki support. On the few occasions where I wasn't understanding the UI or needed some clarification about what a setting actually would do, I contacted them and they were very quickly able to provide help. Returns are simple and fast, too. We had to return a defective device one time and they shipped the replacement before we had even un-racked the one that was faulty. Unlike many other vendors, they didn't ask use to a do long list of scripted diagnostics, they just took my word for it that the device was broken and sent out a replacement immediately
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WatchGuard Technologies
We have only had to contact them once during the initial set up to help bring the internet back on line. After that for the most part our systems have been automated, and could easily be checked form their online FAQ and Knowledge base that they provide. Everything else is easily handled from their browser based interface
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In-Person Training
Cisco
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
We participate to a in person training and the three days of learning was really useful and complete to gain skill to solve the major part of the problem we encounter during our life. And more the in person training give us the opportunity to create a network with other WatchGuard partner.
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Online Training
Cisco
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
Online training is good for learning how to use the product. It does not teach security strategy because that is not its intent.
Read full review
Implementation Rating
Cisco
Good product and simple to use.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
I had my key information for setting up the firewall, and they assisted me in finding the settings and appropriate places to enter data. They also helped troubleshoot when I didn't understand some of their feature concepts, and we got it running.
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Alternatives Considered
Cisco
Compared to the regular Cisco devices, the greatest thing will always be the ease of configuration that the Cisco Meraki MX gives by having a dashboard to eliminate a command line that can be difficult for some beginners, it is easier to identify if you make mistakes and fix them since everything is saved and visually you can see something that is not so good.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
I honestly feel they're best in class, I've used other platforms but when it comes to comprehensive security I don't think they offer as many features, or the level of security that we needed. Again the support has been excellent for us too, and keeping our firewalls up to date has proven simple and pretty straight forward.
Read full review
Scalability
Cisco
Scalability is pretty decent. We run into some issues with the more hubs we create. We've had to tune out the deployment between whether something's a hub or a spoke regionally. So as long as not everything is a hub in this environment and you're creating spokes that talk directly to hubs, that takes a lot of the CPU utilization off of anything that's deemed a hub.
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WatchGuard Technologies
This product is very scalable since previously everything related to Watchguard was on premises but that has now changed with the inclusion of watchguard cloud. Now the product has evolved to have full control of firewalls at the cloud level.
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Return on Investment
Cisco
  • I'm going to say positive impact. The biggest thing is especially coming from having a third party taking care of our network to us doing it ourselves. The ease of this with the overall high level visual that we can get as to how our day is starting and running reports to see how many outages have we had, what areas have they actually been in running these reports and being able to gather if it's a certain service provider that's causing an issue in a general area, maybe we need to switch service providers for ISP. So it's been great in that mannerism for us. Ease of manage, I mean, we have a limited number of staff, we have a lot of different offices across the country. And then this is relatively new for us because we did have a previous provider doing all of this for us.
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WatchGuard Technologies
  • Increased Productivity - uptime has greatly increased form old system. I believe the percentage would be a decrease in downtime of 35 to 40 percent.
  • Compliance and regulatory ROI has helped financially offering the WatchGuard Network Security setup for protection to our insurance company. This proof of security has saved us thousands of dollars on our liability insurance.
  • On the negative side - Performance overhead when implementing deep packet inspection and VPN encryption effect performance of WatchGuard Network Security.
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ScreenShots

WatchGuard Network Security Screenshots

Screenshot of WatchGuard Cloud Customizable DashboardScreenshot of Threat Monitoring SummaryScreenshot of Device Security SummaryScreenshot of Automated ReportingScreenshot of User Authentication SummaryScreenshot of Endpoint Protection Summary