Meraki MX: easy to setup and manage, lacking some critical features
Updated October 01, 2019

Meraki MX: easy to setup and manage, lacking some critical features

Brian Duffy | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Meraki MX Firewalls

We use Cisco Meraki to easily deploy networks to multiple locations around the country. It reduces IT management overhead with the simplicity and single pane of glass administration from the Meraki cloud. It provides a security gateway for our network as well as remote site connections and a remote worker client connections. It is used by all departments in order to access business resources within the company.
  • VPN Setup: extremely easy, do not need any technical knowledge, anyone can do it.
  • Administration: can administer from anywhere you have an internet connection.
  • Reliability: solid reliable product:
  • Setup: setup is extremely easy, no technical knowledge needed.
  • Lack of DNS capability: it is uncommon for a gateway device not to have the ability to be a DNS server, it can act as a DHCP server so why not a DNS server. DNS server would add a lot of value as it would reduce the need for one to be put on the internal network
  • Support: support is atrocious. They do not work to provide you with helpful solutions but provide canned answers without digging into the details of your network or researching your network errors.
  • Less need for IT staff.
I would prefer both Untangle and Fortinet over Meraki. The only downside of those two products is you need more technical network knowledge to manage the product. Untangle and Fortinet both offer more features and cost less than Meraki MX devices. Untangle has better support. Both Untangle and Fortinet take a considerable amount more time to properly configure and manage.

I'm adding Ubiquiti UNIFI to this review, the product has all the features of Meraki at a better price and without the licensing!! Highly recommended over Meraki
Customer support is very good. Quick response times and helpful troubleshooting.

Do you think Cisco Meraki MX delivers good value for the price?

No

Are you happy with Cisco Meraki MX's feature set?

No

Did Cisco Meraki MX live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Cisco Meraki MX go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Cisco Meraki MX again?

No

It is well suited for small businesses with little to no IT staff. Larger non-profits that do not have an IT staff, or if IT is made up of volunteers (such as churches,) would be a good fit for Meraki MX. Not suitable for large corporations with dedicated IT staff that can manage a much more affordable product that has more features.

Evaluating Cisco Meraki MX Firewalls and Competitors

  • Product Usability
  • Prior Experience with the Product
  • Vendor Reputation
I would go with Ubiquiti hardware.