Cisco Meraki MX vs. WatchGuard Network Security

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Cisco Meraki MX
Score 8.8 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 8.9 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
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
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 …
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
Better price/performance.
Chose WatchGuard Network Security
WatchGuard holds their own with all of these competitors. They all have the items they specialize in, but for the most part share the same host of features and options. WatchGuard's System Manager utility makes updating them very quick and efficient. They do lack the cloud …
Top Pros
Top Cons
Features
Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
Firewall
Comparison of Firewall features of Product A and Product B
Cisco Meraki MX
7.7
85 Ratings
10% below category average
WatchGuard Network Security
8.6
402 Ratings
1% above category average
Identification Technologies8.081 Ratings8.6367 Ratings
Visualization Tools8.482 Ratings7.7364 Ratings
Content Inspection7.381 Ratings8.6387 Ratings
Policy-based Controls7.379 Ratings8.7400 Ratings
Active Directory and LDAP7.071 Ratings8.5337 Ratings
Firewall Management Console7.783 Ratings8.6394 Ratings
Reporting and Logging7.285 Ratings8.1391 Ratings
VPN8.181 Ratings8.9384 Ratings
High Availability8.481 Ratings8.6346 Ratings
Stateful Inspection8.076 Ratings9.0361 Ratings
Proxy Server7.044 Ratings9.0258 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
Small Businesses
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.2 out of 10
pfSense
pfSense
Score 9.2 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Score 9.3 out of 10
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Score 9.3 out of 10
Enterprises
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Score 9.3 out of 10
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series
Score 9.3 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
8.1
(114 ratings)
8.8
(416 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.2
(5 ratings)
9.7
(32 ratings)
Usability
9.2
(7 ratings)
9.0
(114 ratings)
Availability
9.1
(1 ratings)
9.1
(2 ratings)
Performance
9.1
(1 ratings)
9.1
(2 ratings)
Support Rating
8.0
(15 ratings)
2.6
(26 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.2
(4 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(3 ratings)
Implementation Rating
7.0
(1 ratings)
9.4
(263 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
7.3
(1 ratings)
Product Scalability
8.9
(81 ratings)
9.1
(2 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(1 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
Likelihood to Recommend
Cisco
Small office, small business, medium business even larger enterprise can work on Cisco Meraki MX if they can sacrifice some of the functionality that Cisco Meraki MX can not provide. To enhance security, I would advise combining with cloud delivered firewall.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
I can't think of any place where WatchGuard isn't well suited, unless the customer is cheap. I have used WatchGuard devices in a two person office up to enterprise environments. Because they are not overly complicated to use, I prefer them to a name brand I'm not willing to mention, but most will know.
Read full review
Pros
Cisco
  • The management is the best. I'm an old-fashioned networking guy, so I'm used to going to the site itself and connecting. For example, a console cable and start and start configuring. Now since the management is so easy on Meraki I can configure everything from the headquarters from where I sit in Israel and then just go to the site and connect and basically, it's plug and play. After I configure everything from my office in Israel, I can just go to the site for a few hours, and connect everything. Just the magic happens.
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
  • Map and floor plan area is clunky.
  • The way you need to segment devices by network causes you to need to go to different dropdowns to see everything at a single site. They have improved this and now allow you to add firewall, switches and wireless to create a single site, but still a bit clunky.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
  • Help with a better solution for working with MS Exchange on-prem so that we can secure the ECP and OWA from the outside without losing functionality for active sync for cell phones and such.
  • Even more affordable smaller boxes for home use.
  • Built-in ways to handle the newer network protocols/features such as QUIC protocols that services like google are using so that we don't have to block all of that type of traffic just to be able to block youtube from loading for users that we don't want using it.
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
Read full review
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
Read full review
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.
Read full review
Reliability and Availability
Cisco
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
Applications errors should always be expected in any kind of technology. What matters most is the way you find to resolve it.
Read full review
Performance
Cisco
No answers on this topic
WatchGuard Technologies
WatchGuard works seemlessly and so in the background you don't realize it's there until you need it!
Read full review
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
Read full review
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
Read full review
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
Overall, for a new network admin or a non-IT person, the Cisco Meraki MX is much easier to configure for a single site than the Cisco ASA Firewalls. ASA can be quicker for those with a background in Cisco command line OS.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
At 3 of my locations I use both a Sonic Wall and a watch guard. In my experience, the sonic wall has a much better interface. I feel it was much easier for someone that has never accessed a fire wall to be able to make changes and learn very quickly. I feel the Watchguard has better built in applications and the VPN was easier to use and access.
Read full review
Scalability
Cisco
The Cisco Meraki MX is basically a good product, but not perfect. If you compare the Cisco Meraki MX with a Fortigate or Cisco Firepower, you quickly realize that this system can do less than the reference product. The Cisco Meraki MX can be used in small environments, but in large environments you have to check carefully whether it really makes sense to use it.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
We scaled it exactly as we needed it to be! Easy, money-saving, and we didn't end up with features or options that we'd never use or worry about.
Read full review
Return on Investment
Cisco
  • VPN tunnel between locations has been up 99% of the time in the 7 years that I have used the Cisco Meraki MXs in my current position. That does not include ISP issues because, in my mind, that shouldn't dictate the performance of the Cisco Meraki MXs.
  • Sometimes we get phishing emails with malicious links in them. We are able to block the URLs on our network using the Cisco Meraki MXs, and the appliance configuration sets in less than a minute. Blocking that link for anyone over VPN or on the LAN.
  • The interface is really simple and configuration is a breeze, which makes deploying a new Cisco Meraki MX really fast and easy. Replacing an Cisco Meraki MX is even easier, Just remove the old and add the new and all the configuration stays for the new appliance to use. Saves so much time and money.
  • The biggest thing is we have not had really any issues with any of our Cisco Meraki MXs going down in the past 7 years. The reliability with these devices are amazing.
Read full review
WatchGuard Technologies
  • The VPNs are very easy to configure, less time to loose at new implementation.
  • The traffic monitor can be improved, I can't see the ISO layers to do a faster diagnosis.
  • Having an ADDS authentication is a plus, can use it with rules and vpn for remote access. Very useful.
  • The dimension feature can be developed as a website + database for NGINX, Apache2, IIS, etc., I feel traped on that linux vm only.
  • Most of the customers doesn't like to pay for a solution like this. They will accept only after beign attacked. WatchGuard can improve the sales with a demo (hacking, active security, etc.).
Read full review
ScreenShots

WatchGuard Network Security Screenshots

Screenshot of Subscription DashboardScreenshot of Subscriber Device SummaryScreenshot of Subscription DashboardScreenshot of Executive Dashboard