Comparison · Meter vs Cisco Meraki
Meter vs Cisco Meraki: subscribe or own your network?
Network as a service vs cloud-managed hardware you own, compared by a partner that sells both.
The short answer
Meter is network as a service: one monthly fee covers hardware, management and refreshes, and Meter owns the equipment. Cisco Meraki is cloud-managed networking you buy, plus yearly licenses to keep it running. Meter fits organizations that want a predictable monthly cost and no network staff. Meraki fits organizations that want to own their equipment, customize deeply or use E-Rate. WCC is a partner for both.
Compared
Meter vs Cisco Meraki side by side
| Meter | Cisco Meraki | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Monthly subscription | Purchase plus yearly licenses |
| Up-front cost | Low | Hardware purchase |
| Who owns hardware | Meter | You (needs active licenses) |
| Hardware refresh | Included | Your capital budget, every 5 to 7 years |
| Customization | Standardized, opinionated | Highly flexible |
| Integrations | Smaller ecosystem | Large ecosystem |
| Typical term | Multi-year contract | 1- to 10-year licenses |
| Best fit | Lean IT, growing companies, OpEx budgets | Owners, custom designs, E-Rate, regulated industries |
Meter
When Meter is the better choice
No network staff
Meter and WCC run the network; your team doesn't have to.
OpEx budgets
No capital purchase and a predictable monthly bill.
Fast growth
Adding space or sites is part of the subscription, and refreshes are included.
Cisco Meraki
When Meraki is the better choice
You want to own it
Equipment is your asset, and you choose when to refresh.
Custom requirements
Complex segmentation, policies and integrations.
Schools and regulated industries
E-Rate purchases and mature compliance documentation.
Cost
Which costs less?
It depends on the timeframe. Meraki usually costs more up front because you buy the hardware, then less per year while licenses run. Meter spreads everything into one monthly fee, including the hardware refresh that would otherwise land as a capital expense around year five to seven. Over five or more years, owning is often cheaper on paper; Meter often wins once you count staff time and the refresh. We'll price both for your sites. See buying vs subscribing.
Schools
Meter, Meraki and E-Rate
E-Rate Category 2 most commonly funds purchased equipment such as access points and switches, which fits Meraki cleanly. Some managed services can also qualify, so if you're a school district or library considering a subscription model, confirm eligibility with your E-Rate consultant before deciding. See K-12 school technology.
Our picks
WCC's recommendations
| Organization | Our usual pick |
|---|---|
| Fast-growing company, small IT team | Meter |
| Multi-site retail or hospitality, standard locations | Meter |
| Established enterprise with network staff | Cisco Meraki |
| K-12 district using E-Rate | Cisco Meraki |
| Healthcare or financial services | Cisco Meraki |
FAQ
Meter vs Meraki questions
What's the main difference between Meter and Cisco Meraki?
Meter is a subscription where Meter owns the hardware and refreshes it. Meraki is hardware you buy plus yearly licenses to keep it running.
Is Meter cheaper than Meraki?
Meter usually costs less up front. Owning Meraki is often cheaper on paper over five or more years, but Meter includes refreshes and reduces staff time. We'll price both.
Who should choose Meter?
Organizations without network staff, growing companies and anyone who prefers a predictable monthly operating expense.
Who should choose Cisco Meraki?
Organizations that want to own equipment, need deep customization, use E-Rate or work in regulated industries.
Can Meter be customized?
Less than Meraki. Meter uses a standardized design, which is part of what keeps it simple.
Does WCC sell both?
Yes. WCC is a Cisco Meraki partner and a Meter partner, and recommends based on fit.
Related
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