UniFi vs Meraki: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to wireless networking, two names often come up: UniFi by Ubiquiti and Meraki by Cisco. Both are popular, powerful, and capable, but they cater to different needs and audiences.

If you're wondering which one is right for you, let's dive into the key differences, strengths, and quirks of each.

Table of Contents

• Price
• Features and Flexibility
• Performance
• Ease of Use
• Cloud Dependency
• Scalability
• Security
• Community and Support
• Customization
• Final Thoughts

Price

Let’s start with the big one—cost.

UniFi is known for being affordable, especially when compared to Meraki.

• UniFi’s pricing model is straightforward: you buy the hardware, and you're done. No licenses, no ongoing fees (unless you opt for optional features like UniFi Protect for cameras).

Meraki, on the other hand, is the premium choice. You’ll pay more upfront for the hardware, but that’s not where it ends.

• Meraki requires you to purchase a subscription for cloud management. This subscription isn’t cheap and needs to be renewed annually.
• If you don’t renew, your devices might just stop working—yep, no access to your network. So, if budget is a concern, UniFi clearly wins here.

Features and Flexibility

When it comes to features, both UniFi and Meraki have a lot to offer, but they approach them differently.

UniFi gives you a ton of flexibility.

• You can manage everything yourself using the UniFi Controller software. It can be hosted on a cloud server, your local machine, or even on a UniFi Cloud Key.
• This flexibility is great for tech-savvy users who like to tinker.

Meraki, however, offers a more polished, streamlined experience. Everything is managed through Meraki’s cloud dashboard, which is one of the best in the business.

• It’s simple, intuitive, and you can manage all your devices from anywhere. However, the downside is that you don’t have much control over the system's inner workings.
• Cisco controls the updates and features, and you're along for the ride. This is fantastic for businesses that want a set-it-and-forget-it solution but might frustrate those who want more customization.

Performance

Performance-wise, both are solid choices. UniFi and Meraki offer enterprise-level features like seamless roaming, VLAN support, and advanced security options.

However, UniFi's devices often come with higher hardware specs for the price.

• You might find that a UniFi access point outperforms a similarly priced Meraki device in terms of raw throughput and range.

On the flip side, Meraki’s performance comes from its cloud intelligence.

• Features like Meraki's Auto VPN and layer 7 application visibility make network management simpler and more powerful, without requiring a deep understanding of networking.
• If your network grows in complexity, Meraki's ecosystem might handle it more gracefully than UniFi.

Ease of Use

If you want something that just works with minimal setup, Meraki is the winner.

• The cloud dashboard makes setup a breeze, and it’s hard to mess things up.
• The simplicity is where Meraki shines, especially for businesses that don’t have dedicated IT staff.

UniFi, while also user-friendly, has a steeper learning curve.

• The controller software gives you a lot of control, but that means there’s more to configure.
• However, this also means UniFi can be tailored more to your specific needs. It’s a bit like comparing a fully loaded automatic car to a manual sports car.
• Both will get you where you need to go, but one offers more control if you’re willing to put in the effort.

Cloud Dependency

Meraki is entirely cloud-dependent.

• While this brings ease of management and access from anywhere, it also means you're dependent on Cisco's cloud service.
• If the service goes down, or if there's an issue with your subscription, you could be in trouble. Plus, there's the whole privacy thing—your network data is being managed by a third-party.

UniFi can also be cloud-managed, but it doesn’t have to be.

• You can run the controller locally and keep everything in-house, which is a big plus for those concerned about privacy or dependency on third-party services.

Scalability

Scalability is another important factor. Both systems can scale, but they do so differently.

UniFi can be scaled up by adding more devices and controllers as needed.

• It’s great for small to medium businesses that plan to grow.

Meraki is built with scalability in mind.

• It’s a favorite among large enterprises and multi-site organizations.
• The cloud dashboard makes it easy to manage large numbers of devices across different locations, and the automated updates and centralized management are perfect for this use case.
• However, the ongoing costs can add up quickly as you scale.

Security

Security features are robust on both platforms, but** Meraki **edges out slightly with its seamless integration into the Cisco security ecosystem. You get features like intrusion prevention, content filtering, and malware protection baked right into the platform, all managed from the cloud.

**UniFi **also offers strong security features, like DPI, firewall rules, and VPN, but you might need more manual configuration to get it to the same level as Meraki. If security is a top concern, and you want something that’s easy to manage, Meraki might be the better choice.

Community and Support

UniFi has a vibrant community of users who love to share tips, tricks, and custom configurations. If you’re the DIY type, this is a goldmine.

• Ubiquiti also offers support, but it can be hit or miss, depending on the complexity of your problem and your patience.

Meraki, with its premium price tag, comes with premium support.

• You get access to Cisco’s extensive support network, including a wealth of documentation and a dedicated support team. If something goes wrong, you’ve got someone to call.
• This is a big selling point for businesses that can’t afford downtime.

Customization

UniFi wins hands-down if you like to customize your network. From creating complex VLAN setups to tweaking radio settings on your APs, UniFi gives you the tools to fine-tune everything. You’re not locked into a particular setup, and you can scale and adapt as your needs change.

Meraki, while offering some customization, is more about ease of use and standardization. This is great if you want something that works out of the box, but less ideal if you want to tweak every setting. You get fewer options to customize your setup compared to UniFi.

Final Thoughts

So, which one should you choose? It really depends on your needs.

• Choose UniFi if you’re looking for a cost-effective, flexible, and powerful solution that allows for a lot of customization. It’s great for tech-savvy users who want to tinker and don’t mind spending some time on setup and maintenance. It’s also a good choice for small to medium-sized businesses on a budget.

• Choose Meraki if you want a premium, worry-free experience with top-notch support. It’s perfect for large enterprises or businesses that value simplicity, reliability, and security. Just be prepared to pay for it—both upfront and ongoing.

At UniHosted, we understand the challenges of managing a growing network, which is why we offer affordable UniFi Controller hosting solutions. Whether you're just starting or scaling up, we’ve got you covered.