Cisco Meraki MX65 vs MX68
The MX65 is an end-of-sale small-branch appliance with two PoE+ ports; the MX68 is its direct replacement, keeping the PoE+ ports while roughly doubling firewall throughput and adding an integrated-LTE option (MX68CW). For sites still on an MX65, the MX68 is the recommended upgrade.
Cisco Meraki MX65
End-of-sale small-branch security and SD-WAN appliance with two PoE+ ports.
- 250 Mbps stateful firewall throughput
- 12x GbE RJ45 including 2x 802.3at PoE+ ports
- Cellular failover via 3rd-party USB modem only
- Past end-of-sale - capped at MX 18.1 firmware
Cisco Meraki MX68
Current small-branch security and SD-WAN appliance with PoE+ and an integrated-LTE option.
- Higher firewall throughput (450-700 Mbps class)
- 12x GbE RJ45 including 2x 802.3at PoE+ ports
- Integrated LTE option on the MX68CW variant
- Current platform with ongoing firmware support
Cisco Meraki MX65 vs Cisco Meraki MX68: spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco Meraki MX65 | Cisco Meraki MX68 |
|---|---|---|
| Stateful firewall throughput | 250 Mbps | 450 Mbps (up to 700 Mbps EMIX) |
| Advanced security throughput | 200 Mbps | 300-400 Mbps |
| Recommended max clients | 50 | 50 |
| WAN interfaces | 2x GbE RJ45 | 2x GbE RJ45 |
| GbE RJ45 LAN ports | 10x (+2 PoE+) | 8x (+2 PoE+) |
| PoE+ ports | 2x 802.3at (60W total) | 2x 802.3at (60W total) |
| Integrated cellular | No (3rd-party USB only) | Yes on MX68CW (integrated LTE) |
| Wireless option | MX65W (802.11ac) | MX68W / MX68CW (802.11ac Wave 2) |
| Lifecycle status | End-of-sale (capped at MX 18.1) | Current / supported |
Choose Cisco Meraki MX65 if
Keep the MX65 only if it is already deployed and serving its PoE+ devices adequately; there is no new-purchase reason to choose it over the MX68.
Choose Cisco Meraki MX68 if
Choose the MX68 for any small-branch refresh that needs PoE+: you keep the two PoE+ ports, gain higher firewall throughput, and can opt for the MX68CW with integrated LTE.
Verdict
Migrate to the MX68. The MX65 is end-of-sale and capped at MX 18.1, while the MX68 retains the two PoE+ ports, roughly doubles firewall throughput, and offers an integrated-LTE variant. Hold the MX65 only as a short-term bridge.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Meraki MX65 end of life?
The MX65 is past end-of-sale and capped at MX 18.1 firmware. The MX68 is the current replacement for small branches that need PoE+.
What replaced the Meraki MX65?
The MX68 is the direct successor to the MX65, keeping the two PoE+ ports while adding higher throughput and an integrated-LTE option (MX68CW).
Do both the MX65 and MX68 have PoE+ ports?
Yes. Both include two 802.3at PoE+ ports providing 60W total, useful for powering an access point, IP phone, or camera at a branch.
Does the MX68 have built-in cellular?
The base MX68 does not, but the MX68CW variant includes an integrated LTE modem for cellular uplink or failover without a USB modem.
More Meraki MX 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.