Cisco Catalyst 9300 vs Catalyst 3850
The Catalyst 9300 is the direct successor to the end-of-life Catalyst 3850: same StackWise-480 backplane, but a newer UADP 2.0 ASIC, higher PoE budgets, more uplink options, IOS XE with programmability, and ongoing support. If you are still running 3850s, the 9300 is the supported upgrade path; there is little reason to buy 3850 today.
Catalyst 9300
Current enterprise access switch on UADP 2.0 and IOS XE, the supported successor to the 3850.
- UADP 2.0 ASIC with programmability and model-driven telemetry
- PoE, UPOE and UPOE+ up to 90W per port on supported models
- Modular uplinks: 1G, 10G, 25G, 40G and mGig options
- StackWise-480 (up to 1T on 9300X) and StackPower; lifetime warranty
Catalyst 3850
Previous-generation access switch on the original UADP ASIC, now end of life.
- Original UADP ASIC, IOS XE with Converged Access
- PoE+ and Cisco UPOE up to 60W per port
- StackWise-480 backplane and StackPower
- End-of-life platform, no longer sold or fully supported
Catalyst 9300 vs Catalyst 3850: spec comparison
| Spec | Catalyst 9300 | Catalyst 3850 |
|---|---|---|
| ASIC | UADP 2.0 (2.0sec on 9300X) | Original UADP |
| Software | IOS XE (programmable, DNA/SD-Access) | IOS XE (Converged Access) |
| Stacking | StackWise-480 (up to 1T on 9300X) | StackWise-480 |
| Max PoE per port | UPOE+ up to 90W | UPOE up to 60W |
| Uplink options | 1G/10G/25G/40G + mGig modules | 1G/10G/40G modules |
| Multigigabit (mGig) access | Available (e.g. 9300X / mGig SKUs) | Limited / select models |
| StackPower | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Enhanced Limited Lifetime | Enhanced Limited Lifetime |
| Lifecycle status | Current / supported | End of life |
| SD-Access / programmability | Full support | Limited / legacy |
Choose Catalyst 9300 if
Choose the Catalyst 9300 for any new or refreshed access layer. It delivers the newer UADP 2.0 ASIC, higher 90W UPOE+ for modern endpoints, flexible 25G/40G/mGig uplinks, full SD-Access and programmability, and ongoing Cisco support and software updates.
Choose Catalyst 3850 if
There is little reason to buy a 3850 new since it is end of life. Keep existing 3850s running short-term only where they still meet requirements and budget timing matters, but plan migration to the 9300.
Verdict
This is a generational upgrade, not a close call: the Catalyst 9300 replaces the end-of-life 3850 with a newer ASIC, higher PoE, more uplink flexibility, and continued software and security support. Migrate from 3850 to 9300 to stay supported and to enable SD-Access, 90W UPOE+, and 25G/40G uplinks. The 9300 is TAA-compliant and GPC-payable for federal buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Catalyst 9300 a direct replacement for the 3850?
Yes. Cisco designed the Catalyst 9300 as the successor to the 3850, with a newer UADP 2.0 ASIC, higher PoE budgets, more uplink options, and full IOS XE programmability and SD-Access support.
Is the Catalyst 3850 end of life?
Yes. The Catalyst 3850 has reached end of life. Cisco recommends migrating to the Catalyst 9300, which remains a current and fully supported platform.
Can I stack a Catalyst 9300 with a 3850?
No. The 9300 and 3850 use different platforms and cannot be stacked together. Plan to migrate stacks fully to the 9300 rather than mixing generations.
What PoE improvements does the 9300 bring over the 3850?
The 9300 supports UPOE+ up to 90W per port on supported models, versus up to 60W UPOE on the 3850, enabling higher-power endpoints like advanced APs, cameras, and devices.
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Specs are for planning and may change; Uniqcli confirms the current Cisco bill of materials and pricing on your quote. Cisco, Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and Firepower are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Uniqcli LLC is an independent authorized Cisco partner.