Cisco Meraki MX Alternatives (2026)

Cisco
Cisco Meraki MX
4.3 · G2 7.7/10
From Custom quote
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Starting price
Custom quote
Free trial
30 days
Deployment
Cloud
Best for
Multi-site organizations wanting cloud-managed, "set-and-forget" security with Auto VPN

Our verdict

The top alternatives to Cisco Meraki MX are Sophos Firewall (XGS), WatchGuard Firebox, Fortinet FortiGate. Sophos Firewall (XGS) is the closest like-for-like option (4.6/5 (~404 G2 reviews), from Custom quote). People typically switch from Cisco Meraki MX over pricing model, complexity, or a missing capability — the table compares each alternative on exactly those axes.

  1. 1Sophos Firewall (XGS)

    ★ Editor's Choice 8.2 4.6 (404)

    Best for SMBs and MSPs wanting strong NGFW protection with free cloud management and a low TCO.

    • Xstream NGFW + deep packet inspection
    • Sophos Central management (free)
    • Synchronized Security with endpoint
    • IPS + web + app control
    Free trial Free version
    Visit Sophos Firewall (XGS) → From Custom quote Cisco Meraki MX vs Sophos Firewall (XGS) →

  2. 2WatchGuard Firebox

    8.1 4.7 (261)

    Best for Small offices and MSPs wanting all-in-one UTM with simple bundled licensing and cloud management.

    • All-in-one UTM/NGFW
    • WatchGuard Cloud + RapidDeploy
    • IPS + AV + web filtering + sandboxing
    • ThreatSync (XDR) included
    Free trial Free version
    Visit WatchGuard Firebox → From Custom quote Cisco Meraki MX vs WatchGuard Firebox →

  3. 3Fortinet FortiGate

    8.0 4.7 (179)

    Best for Businesses wanting top performance-per-dollar NGFWs with the broadest model range.

    • NGFW with FortiOS
    • FortiGuard threat intelligence
    • Integrated SD-WAN
    • IPS + AV + web filtering
    Free trial Free version
    Visit Fortinet FortiGate → From Custom quote Cisco Meraki MX vs Fortinet FortiGate →

  4. 4SonicWall TZ

    7.5 4.1 (144)

    Best for Budget-conscious small businesses wanting a feature-rich entry-level NGFW.

    • Entry-level NGFW (TZ series)
    • Network Security Manager cloud console
    • Capture ATP sandboxing
    • SD-WAN support
    Free trial Free version
    Visit SonicWall TZ → From Custom quote Cisco Meraki MX vs SonicWall TZ →

  5. 5Ubiquiti UniFi Gateway

    7.2

    Best for SMBs wanting a capable, license-free gateway/firewall with no recurring subscription.

    • License-free (no subscription)
    • Stateful firewall + VLAN segmentation
    • IDS/IPS + IPSec/WireGuard VPN
    • UniFi Network controller (free)
    Free trial Free version
    Visit Ubiquiti UniFi Gateway → From $129/one-time (Cloud Gateway Ultra) Cisco Meraki MX vs Ubiquiti UniFi Gateway →

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Cisco Meraki MX?
Sophos Firewall (XGS) is the top-rated alternative in our data-weighted ranking (from Custom quote).
Why do people switch from Cisco Meraki MX?
Usually pricing model, complexity, or a missing capability. The table compares each alternative on exactly those axes.
Data as of June 1, 2026. Sources: meraki.cisco.com, g2.com. Figures are pulled from public vendor and security data and refreshed automatically.