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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Cisco Meraki MX

    Score9.2 out of 10
    N/ACisco 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

    Score8.7 out of 10
    N/AWatchGuard 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
    YesNo
    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
    Chose Cisco Meraki MX
    Easy to use, cloud manage, scaleable.
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    Chose Cisco Meraki MX
    We previously evaluated WatchGuard Firebox Cloud, but we needed a solution that was a bit more straightforward to deploy and manage. The MX met that need for us. However licensing costs for both solutions are still a bit high.
    Incentivized
    WatchGuard Technologies
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    The pricing is great and there are a lot of device types and options to choose from.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    SonicWall TZ
    Cisco Meraki
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    In one country, they use Fortinet and Meraki because the provider of those brands made a better deal.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    Primary reasons we selected WatchGuard were:
    - Easy to use
    - Feature-rich
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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).
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    Chose WatchGuard Network Security
    Easier sell and much more feature rich. Clients like the big investment once every 3 yrs rather than monthly.
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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 …
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    95%
    Would buy again
    124 Answers
    96%
    Would buy again
    356 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    96%
    Delivers good value for the price
    118 Answers
    96%
    Delivers good value for the price
    341 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    94%
    Happy with the feature set
    122 Answers
    98%
    Happy with the feature set
    364 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    96%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    108 Answers
    96%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    314 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    95%
    Implementation went as expected
    119 Answers
    97%
    Implementation went as expected
    340 Answers
    Features
    Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
    Firewall
    Comparison of Firewall features of Cisco Meraki MX and WatchGuard Network Security
    Feature
    Cisco Meraki MX
    7.9
    109 Ratings
    9% below category average
    WatchGuard Network Security
    9.0
    460 Ratings
    4% above category average
    Identification Technologies8.3104 Ratings8.7419 Ratings
    Visualization Tools8.7102 Ratings8.5417 Ratings
    Content Inspection8.1101 Ratings9.1444 Ratings
    Policy-based Controls7.5100 Ratings9.1457 Ratings
    Active Directory and LDAP7.990 Ratings8.8388 Ratings
    Firewall Management Console6.5103 Ratings8.5450 Ratings
    Reporting and Logging7.6107 Ratings9.0446 Ratings
    VPN8.8102 Ratings9.5441 Ratings
    High Availability9.1103 Ratings9.5399 Ratings
    Stateful Inspection7.497 Ratings9.3413 Ratings
    Proxy Server6.857 Ratings9.4298 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
    Small Businesses
    SonicWall NSA Series
    Score8.5 out of 10
    SonicWall NSA Series
    Score8.5 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    Barracuda CloudGen Firewall
    Score9.4 out of 10
    Barracuda CloudGen Firewall
    Score9.4 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software
    Score9 out of 10
    Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software
    Score9 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
    Likelihood to Recommend
    9.3
    (145 ratings)
    8.5
    (475 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    9.0
    (6 ratings)
    7.7
    (37 ratings)
    Usability
    9.5
    (7 ratings)
    7.9
    (118 ratings)
    Availability
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    9.2
    (4 ratings)
    Performance
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    9.1
    (4 ratings)
    Support Rating
    8.9
    (15 ratings)
    9.5
    (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)
    9.1
    (264 ratings)
    Configurability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.1
    (3 ratings)
    Ease of integration
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.1
    (3 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    9.1
    (112 ratings)
    9.1
    (4 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.2
    (3 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.2
    (3 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Cisco Meraki MXWatchGuard Network Security
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Cisco
    The Meraki MX lineup is well suited for organizations that need centralized management of multiple locations, as it allows for both quick deployment and simple/easy remote administration all from a single pane of glass. It also works very well for providing VPN access for remote workers and helps monitor end-device uptime. It does, however, fall a bit short in its firewall's customization, compared to traditional appliances (like our WatchGuard Firebox), so perhaps less suited for organizations that need more customization, as the Meraki MX lineup is primarily designed for simplicity and straightforward cloud-based management.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    WatchGuard Technologies
    Watchguard is well suited for small businesses without significantly complex networks and infrastructure. WatchGuard firewalls perform well on IPv4 networks and offer basic security features that match other vendors that target the small business market. WatchGuard firewalls are less appropriate for mid-sized business and larger. There is limited IPv6 support, and the firmware often lacks some or all of more advanced features that businesses that size often need.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    Cisco
    • The Cisco Meraki MX series is phenomenal at allowing us to remotely manage networks. So the devices usually act as the brain behind our client's networks, which makes it really, really easy for our team to take a look at what's going on in those client network environments, resolve any issues, and make sure that our client's networks are staying secure.
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    Cisco
    • Layer seven firewall rules. Just making them more granular. We've been in meetings with Cisco SES where I've said feature requests many times and that's one of the big ones where it's just a little cumbersome to implement layer seven rules right now.
    • Just making them more granular. We've been in meetings with Cisco SES where I've said feature requests many times and that's one of the big ones where it's just a little cumbersome to implement layer seven rules right now.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    WatchGuard Technologies
    • Better integration with VoIP services, such as templates for policies handling traffic for Bria or Asterisk endponts and servers.
    • Get webblocker to work without breaking secure websites.
    • Lower cost on endpoint agents for antivirus and include application control and webblocker with the agents.
    • Make the cost per endpoint with TDR and Netowrk access control lower than the cost of Antivirus licensing that is not integrated.
    • Make it easier to set up network access control and VLAN assignment by device, perhaps with templates.
    • Get webblocker and application control working with QUIC.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    Cisco
    The simplicity and ease of use for the Meraki Dashboard make it an easy choice for our organization to renew our Meraki Enterprise Agreement. We will likely continue using the Meraki MC67-C, MX450, and other MX models in their catalog until we shift away from Meraki completely
    Incentivized
    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
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Usability
    Cisco
    Some features simply aren't there, but the ones that are there are pretty easy to use. Sometimes it is easy to get lost when trying to find the specific device you want to work on, but that's mostly due to how rarely we have to go into the interface.
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    Cisco
    Meraki MX devices support high availability (HA) configurations, which ensures minimal downtime if one device goes offline. This feature has helped us maintain a stable and reliable network, even in cases of hardware failures. ince Meraki is cloud-managed, we've noticed that the cloud infrastructure is generally highly reliable, with minimal service interruptions or downtime. This makes it easier to manage the network remotely without significant availability concerns. Meraki automatically pushes firmware updates and patches, which helps maintain system stability without requiring manual intervention. These updates are rolled out in a manner that ensures minimal disruption to service.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Performance
    Cisco
    The interface is pretty responsive. The lower end devices are easy to overwhelm if you have a lot of throughput. Be sure the model you get is rated for the amount of traffic you will have. Overbuild if possible, otherwise you won't be fully leveraging the connection from your ISP.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    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
    Incentivized
    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
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    In-Person Training
    Cisco
    great when they offered it, really tested your knowledge with hands on and see what your peers from other orgs know. glad to see that we were ahead of the curve of what our peers knew
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Online Training
    Cisco
    it was okay as it was moderated but still better than nothing and done via semi self paced webex meeting
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    Cisco
    Implementing Meraki MX devices in phases—starting with a pilot group or select branch offices—was invaluable. This allowed us to identify potential configuration issues, troubleshoot problems, and refine our setup before rolling it out company-wide. It also helped to get feedback from early users and adjust the deployment strategy accordingly. The SD-WAN capabilities in Meraki MX were essential for optimizing our WAN traffic and ensuring better application performance across various locations.
    Incentivized
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Alternatives Considered
    Cisco
    Cisco Meraki MX provides simplicity and scalability while cutting costs. With Meraki MX, you get a Security appliance, router, and Firewall in one appliance and managed with one GUI. These features enable the network engineers to maintain large-scale enterprises with a single dashboard from a remote site or anywhere with internet, all thanks to the Meraki cloud dashboard
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    WatchGuard Technologies
    I think the solutions are comparable, but the cloud management piece is critical for MSPs these days. We need to be able to schedule and push out updates as soon as they are stable and ready. Insurance companies and government regulations mandate this.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Scalability
    Cisco
    When I first started with my company we had various infrastructure and a mix of tech. Since going to Cisco Meraki MX we have noticed better network performance and our new sites are much easier to bring online. Users have noticed an improvement in VPN connection and getting into all our systems.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Return on Investment
    Cisco
    • From a positive impact? Basically it allows us to set up shop very quickly. It allowed us to add sites to our network very quickly. From a negative perspective, I think the only thing is that I can see from a negative perspective is I have a preference to working with ACLI in terms of how I engage with the youth tool At the moment, the only way to actually engage with a tool is on a gui and sometimes what I'd actually like is more detailed information in terms of actual configuration that you'll actually get out of ACLI.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    WatchGuard Technologies
    • at least 3-5X a year (that I know of), this device has single-handedly prevented members of our staff from inadvertently connecting to services they did not intend and could have resulted in security disruption
    • although you can never rule out human-behaviour-engineered threat, it's helpful to know that our network has a higher level, enterprise-class control and monitoring behind it
    • any time our network might be showing signs of abnormal performance, the WatchGuard control panel is the first place I turn to help identify the level of concern. It can quickly set my mind at ease and help to identify the specific device that might be out of compliance
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    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