Cisco Catalyst 9300 vs Meraki MS390
The Catalyst 9300 and Meraki MS390 share essentially the same UADP switching hardware; the real difference is management. Choose the 9300 for IOS XE and DNA Center control; choose the MS390 for cloud-managed simplicity through the Meraki dashboard.
Cisco Catalyst 9300
IOS XE stackable access switch managed via CLI and Cisco Catalyst Center (DNA Center).
- Cisco IOS XE with full CLI and automation
- StackWise-480 (480 Gbps), up to 8 units
- PoE+/UPOE, mGig, modular 1G/10G/25G/40G uplinks
- Managed by Catalyst Center / DNA Center, SD-Access
Cisco Meraki MS390
Cloud-managed access switch on shared Catalyst 9300 hardware, run from the Meraki dashboard.
- Cloud-managed through the Meraki dashboard
- StackWise (480 Gbps) physical stacking
- PoE+/UPOE and mGig models, modular 10G/40G uplinks
- Same UADP switching silicon as Catalyst 9300
Cisco Catalyst 9300 vs Cisco Meraki MS390: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco Catalyst 9300 | Cisco Meraki MS390 |
|---|---|---|
| Management | IOS XE CLI + Catalyst/DNA Center | Meraki cloud dashboard |
| Underlying hardware | Catalyst 9300 (UADP) | Shared Catalyst 9300 UADP platform |
| Stacking | StackWise-480 (480 Gbps) | Physical stacking (480 Gbps) |
| Switches per stack | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| PoE/UPOE | Up to 1100W per unit | Up to ~1800W (48U dual PSU) |
| Uplinks | Modular 1G/10G/25G/40G | Modular 10G/40G (MA-MOD) |
| mGig | mGig models available | mGig (UX) models available |
| Licensing | DNA Essentials/Advantage | Meraki Enterprise/Advanced |
| Automation | Full programmability (NETCONF/YANG) | Dashboard + Meraki API |
| Best for | IOS XE / SD-Access shops | Cloud-first, lean IT teams |
Choose Cisco Catalyst 9300 if
Choose the Catalyst 9300 if your team standardizes on IOS XE, uses Catalyst Center or SD-Access, needs deep CLI control and programmability, or has compliance requirements that favor on-premises management.
Choose Cisco Meraki MS390 if
Choose the Meraki MS390 if you want zero-touch, cloud-managed operations with a single dashboard for switching, wireless, and security, and prefer simplicity over CLI depth.
Verdict
Because the MS390 runs on the same Catalyst 9300 switching hardware, raw performance is comparable; the decision is operational model. Pick the 9300 for IOS XE depth, SD-Access, and on-prem control, and the MS390 for cloud-managed simplicity. Note that Cisco's strategic direction has shifted toward cloud-monitored Catalyst (C9300-M); confirm current roadmap and lifecycle before standardizing on MS390.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Meraki MS390 the same as a Catalyst 9300?
The MS390 is built on the same Catalyst 9300 UADP switching hardware, so performance is comparable. The difference is the operating model: the MS390 is managed entirely from the Meraki cloud dashboard rather than IOS XE.
Can the MS390 stack with a Catalyst 9300?
No. Despite shared silicon, they run different software and management models and are not interoperable in the same stack.
Which is easier to manage?
The MS390 is generally simpler for lean teams thanks to cloud-based, zero-touch management. The 9300 offers far deeper control and automation for teams invested in IOS XE and Catalyst Center.
Should federal buyers choose the 9300 or MS390?
Both are TAA-compliant Cisco products. Agencies that require on-premises management and SD-Access typically favor the 9300; cloud-comfortable teams may prefer the MS390. Confirm authorization-to-operate and lifecycle status first.
More Switching comparisons
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.