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How to Set Up a Guest Network That Doesn't Compromise Security
11 Mar, 2026
Meraki vs UniFi for Small Business
Cisco Meraki and Ubiquiti UniFi are the two most popular cloud-managed WiFi platforms for small businesses. Cloudswitched deploys both — here is an honest comparison to help you choose.
Independent Advice
We are not tied to either vendor. Our recommendation is based purely on your requirements, budget and growth plans.
Side-by-Side Comparison
We compare features, licensing costs, management capabilities and support levels so you can make an informed decision.
We Deploy Both
Whichever platform you choose, Cloudswitched designs, installs and manages it — giving you expert support regardless of vendor.
Choosing Between Meraki and UniFi
Both Meraki and UniFi deliver cloud-managed WiFi, but they target different needs and budgets. Meraki is a premium platform with enterprise features, built-in analytics and mandatory licensing. UniFi offers excellent value with no recurring licence fees but requires a local controller. Understanding these trade-offs is essential for making the right choice — and that is exactly what this page helps you do.
How We Help You Decide
Needs Assessment
We start by understanding your premises, user count, applications and budget. Only then do we recommend a platform — never the other way around.
Proof of Concept
For larger projects we can deploy a small pilot of each platform so you experience the differences first-hand before committing.
Migration Path
Already running one platform but considering a switch? We handle the migration with minimal downtime, re-using existing cabling wherever possible.
Key Comparison Points
Licensing: Meraki requires annual licences; UniFi is licence-free
Management: Meraki is fully cloud; UniFi needs a local controller
Analytics: Meraki includes location analytics; UniFi offers basic stats
Security: Both support WPA3 and rogue-AP detection
Cost: UniFi hardware is typically 40-60% cheaper
Support: Meraki offers TAC support; UniFi relies on community forums
Frequently Asked Questions
For businesses that value true cloud management, built-in analytics and enterprise support, Meraki justifies the premium. For cost-sensitive businesses with simple requirements, UniFi delivers excellent performance at a fraction of the price. There is no universal answer — it depends on your priorities.
Technically yes, but we would not recommend it. Each platform has its own management system, so mixing them doubles your administrative overhead. It is better to standardise on one platform per site.
Your access points will continue to pass traffic using their last-known configuration, but you lose the ability to make changes, view analytics or receive firmware updates through the dashboard. Renewing the licence restores full functionality immediately.
There are no licence fees, but you do need to run a controller — either on a local device, a Cloud Key or a virtual machine. There is also no vendor support included, so you rely on community resources or a managed-service partner like Cloudswitched.
Yes. We take over management of existing deployments regularly. We audit your current configuration, address any issues and then provide ongoing monitoring, optimisation and support under a managed-service agreement.
Free On Boarding worth up to £2,000!
Limited time offer - valid until 31/05/2026
Get Expert WiFi Advice
Tell us about your business and we will recommend the platform that delivers the best balance of features, cost and reliability for your situation.
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