Both of these firewalls offer strong support for network security, but you’re still going to find plenty of differences between the MX85 Meraki vs MX95 Meraki. Their titles make them sound relatively close. You can definitely find some similarities, but it’s crucial to understand where each Cisco Meraki firewall works best.
A lot of this comes down to your current and future needs in network security for your business. It’s crucial to think about what each firewall is capable of, from user limits, VPN capabilities, and other relevant specs that help them stand on their own. This article focuses on the angles that matter most in the context of the MX85 Meraki firewall vs the MX95.
Separating the MX85 Meraki and MX95 Firewall
Before you make it all too complicated, there’s nothing wrong with starting with some of the most obvious differences. A good example of this is in the number of users each business firewall can support.
For the MX85, that number goes up to 300 users and up to 500 if you’re working with the MX95. What you’re likely to notice first between the two is that the MX95 comes out to be a bit stronger. This is in more ways than one, but stronger isn’t always better. You want a firewall that feels built for the needs of your network security without having to bite off more than you need to.
What is the Cisco Meraki MX85?
Seen as a mid-range firewall solution, the Cisco Meraki MX85 offers years of support while you grow your business. It can handle anywhere from 200 to 300 users, and you get the benefit of enterprise-grade security from Cisco Meraki. This can be seen across the different security licenses, such as Meraki Advanced or Enterprise.
Nevertheless, when it comes to a comparison, these are some of the most important details to focus on:
- Firewall Throughput: 1 Gbps
- VPN Throughput: 1 Gbps
- Advanced Security Throughput: 1 Gbps
- Site-to-Site VPN Tunnels: 200
- WAN Uplinks: 4
You also get the upside of Cisco Meraki management features in the firewall dashboard. While the MX85 is seen as a mid-range choice, it’s also a great scalable option from a smaller device.
What is the Cisco Meraki MX95?
Taking these specs just a tad further, the MX95 is seen as a higher-capacity option. It nearly encroaches on enterprise-level firewalls but tends to find popularity among mid-range demands.
Here’s a quick comparison with the same specs mentioned with the MX85:
- Firewall Throughput: 2.5 Gbps
- VPN Throughput: 2.5 Gbps
- Advanced Security Throughput: 2 Gbps
- Site-to-Site VPN Tunnels: 500
- WAN Uplinks: 4
The full scope of network security considers much more than firewalls alone, but they are a leading component. Meraki products have a stellar reputation, and these are just two among many in their lineup. Since business firewall solutions are seen as a long-term purchase, it’s important that you end up with the right features and capabilities.
Comparing the MX85 Meraki vs the MX95
Regardless of your expertise with firewall technology, it’s easy to get lost in the specs. The truth is that you can spend all day comparing technical features, but that can overcomplicate your decision-making. Take a look at the brief table below to see how the MX85 matches up against the MX95, focusing on a few specific details.
| Specifications | Cisco Meraki MX85 | Cisco Meraki MX95 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput (Gbps) | 1 | 2.5 |
| VPN Throughput (Gbps) | 1 | 2.5 |
| Advanced Security Throughput (Gbps) | 1 | 2 |
| Site-to-Site VPN Tunnels | 200 | 500 |
| WAN Uplinks | 4 | 4 |
| PoE Capabilities | 1x RJ45 1 Gigabit Ethernet port (WAN - port 4) | 1x RJ45 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port (WAN) |
Remember, it’s really important to take stock of what your current needs are in network security. This will help guide you to the right feature set that aligns with your organization now and down the road.
Final Thoughts
You’ll always have numerous firewall solutions to choose from. Regarding these Cisco Meraki firewalls, the MX95 would be the best long-term solution. Both models benefit from ongoing support, but at least the MX95 gives you wiggle room to continue growing.
For those who are just starting out or beginning to scale, the MX85 could very well be more than enough. On another note, the Firewalls team is always here to help, so reach out to us if you’d like some extra pointers.
