As the end of life (EOL) for the Cisco Meraki MX65 is just around the corner, it’s time for current users to start considering upgrades. This is a necessary step that every piece of firewall hardware eventually has to face. For the MX65, that EOL comes in 2026.
While you’ll always have a long list of upgrades to choose from, the MX68 acts as a great segue here. This is for numerous reasons and offers most growing businesses exactly what they need to expand securely for the next three to five years. This article highlights many key points to keep in mind when comparing MX65 and MX68 firewalls.
Expectations from Both Meraki MX Firewalls
Offering a decent middle ground for small to medium-sized organizations, both firewalls are surprisingly flexible. Although both are rated for up to 50 clients per firewall, they tend to do their best within the range of 26 to 35 users.
As is the case with many firewall upgrades, you can expect the Cisco MX68 to pack a bit more support than the MX65. There are plenty of businesses that have been happy to run the MX65 all the way to EOL, but it’s vital to be prepared beforehand. The MX68 comes in as a great step up that’ll give many growing organizations room to grow over time.
What is the Cisco MX65?
Better suited for smaller businesses, the MX65 has offered reliable support to many networks for years. However, this is coming to a close in 2026, which means it won’t be suitable for much longer. Aside from that, here are a few important specs that made the firewall a winning choice for many companies.
- Firewall Throughput: 250 Mbps
- Max VPN Throughput: 100 Mbps
- Security Throughput: 200 Mbps
- Concurrent VPN Tunnels: 50
- Recommended Clients: 50
You’ll also find a few specs that are the same between each model. Of course, what you’re interested in is where they differ.
What is the Cisco Meraki MX68?
Also rated for up to 50 users, the Cisco Merak MX68 is a bit stronger in several other areas. While it’s also built with small businesses in mind, it’s a tad better in terms of support for scalability.
In short, many of the limitations with the MX68 are at a higher standard compared to the MX65:
- Firewall Throughput: 450 Mbps
- Max VPN Throughput: 200 Mbps
- Security Throughput: 300 Mbps
- Concurrent VPN Tunnels: 50
- Recommended Clients: 50
Firewall hardware is more than just a handful of specifications. Interface capability, power supply, and many other aspects matter as well. The scope of next-gen firewalls can get relatively technical and convoluted. Simplifying your understanding can lead to an easier transition and a lot of reduced unnecessary stress.
Comparing the Cisco Meraki MX65 vs MX68
If you want the easiest path towards a firewall upgrade, you’ll want to narrow down your focus areas. In the table below, you’ll get a direct, side-by-side comparison of MX65 vs MX68 for an easier determination.
| Specifications | Cisco Meraki MX65 | Cisco Meraki MX85 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput (Mbps) | 250 | 450 |
| Max VPN Throughput (Mbps) | 100 | 200 |
| Security Throughput (Mbps) | 200 | 300 |
| Concurrent VPN Tunnels | 50 | 50 |
| Recommended Clients | 50 | 50 |
| Interfaces | 2 x GbE RJ45 1 x USB 10 x GbE RJ45 (2 x PoE+) | 2 x GbE RJ45 1 x USB 10 x GbE RJ45 (2 x PoE+) |
| Power Supply | 90W DC | 100W DC |
| Power Lead (idle/max) | 6W / 72W | 11W / 79W |
Even if it doesn’t seem like a massive jump, it’s a necessary one for many current MX65 users. This is a normal process for any firewall hardware, but it’s crucial not to get blindsided by hardware that’s being phased out.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of your experience with firewall tech, it’s always important to pay attention to what’s shifting in the landscape of network security. Keep your eyes and ears open for EOL announcements from manufacturers, as well as new firewall solutions coming down the road.
With a little consistent due diligence, you can always know what’s going on with your current hardware and prepare accordingly. Remember, the Firewalls team is always here if you need us, so give us a shout if you’re looking to upgrade from your current Meraki firewall hardware.
