Cisco Meraki MR44 vs MR46
Both are cloud-managed Wi-Fi 6 APs with a 2.5G multigigabit uplink and a dedicated security radio; the MR46 adds a 4x4 2.4 GHz radio for slightly higher aggregate throughput, while the MR44 uses a 2x2 2.4 GHz radio at a lower price.
Meraki MR44
Cloud-managed Wi-Fi 6 access point with 2x2 2.4 GHz and 4x4 5 GHz radios.
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): 2.4 GHz 2x2, 5 GHz 4x4
- 2.7 Gbps dual-radio aggregate frame rate
- 2.5G mGig uplink (RJ45)
- Dedicated WIDS/WIPS security radio plus BLE
Meraki MR46
Cloud-managed Wi-Fi 6 access point with 4x4 radios on both bands.
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): 2.4 GHz 4x4, 5 GHz 4x4
- 2.98 Gbps dual-radio aggregate frame rate
- 2.5G mGig uplink (RJ45)
- Dedicated WIDS/WIPS security radio plus BLE
Meraki MR44 vs Meraki MR46: spec comparison
| Spec | Meraki MR44 | Meraki MR46 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| 2.4 GHz radio | 2x2:2 | 4x4:4 |
| 5 GHz radio | 4x4:4 | 4x4:4 |
| Aggregate frame rate | 2.7 Gbps | 2.98 Gbps |
| 5 GHz peak rate | 2,402 Mbps | 2,402 Mbps |
| mGig uplink | 2.5G (RJ45) | 2.5G (RJ45) |
| Dedicated security radio | Yes (dual-band WIDS/WIPS) | Yes (dual-band WIDS/WIPS) |
| Bluetooth / IoT | BLE radio | BLE radio |
| PoE | 802.3at (PoE+); 802.3af reduced | 802.3at (PoE+) |
Choose Meraki MR44 if
Choose the MR44 for medium-density Wi-Fi 6 coverage where a 2x2 2.4 GHz radio is fine and you want a lower-cost AP that still keeps the 2.5G uplink and dedicated security radio.
Choose Meraki MR46 if
Choose the MR46 when you want 4x4 on both bands for slightly higher aggregate throughput and better 2.4 GHz performance in busy environments.
Verdict
The MR44 and MR46 are closely matched Wi-Fi 6 APs sharing a 4x4 5 GHz radio, a 2.5G uplink and a dedicated security radio. The MR46's 4x4 2.4 GHz radio gives it a modest edge (2.98 vs 2.7 Gbps); pick it for the busiest areas and use the MR44 where budget matters and 2.4 GHz density is lighter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Meraki MR44 and MR46?
The MR46 has a 4x4 2.4 GHz radio for a 2.98 Gbps aggregate rate, while the MR44 uses a 2x2 2.4 GHz radio for 2.7 Gbps. Both share a 4x4 5 GHz radio, a 2.5G uplink and a dedicated security radio.
Do the MR44 and MR46 have multigigabit uplinks?
Yes. Both have a 100M/1G/2.5G BASE-T (RJ45) multigigabit uplink port.
What PoE do the MR44 and MR46 require?
Both run at full capability on 802.3at (PoE+, about 30W). The MR44 can run on 802.3af in a reduced-power mode that limits the 5 GHz radio.
Are the MR44 and MR46 Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E?
Both are Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) dual-band access points without a 6 GHz radio. For Wi-Fi 6E, look at the CW916x series.
More Wireless 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.