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MR36 vs MR46 vs MR56: Which Cisco Meraki Access Point Is Right for Your Business?

MR36 vs MR46 vs MR56: Which Cisco Meraki Access Point Is Right for Your Business?

Apr 23, 2025

Peter Shaw

MR36 vs MR46 vs MR56: Which Cisco Meraki Access Point Is Right for Your Business?

Choosing the right wireless access point (AP) is critical for businesses aiming to ensure seamless connectivity, strong security, and future-proof infrastructure. Cisco Meraki’s line of MR series access points — particularly the MR36-HW, MR46-HW, and MR56-HW — are popular choices for organizations looking for reliable Wi-Fi solutions with cloud management capabilities. But how do these models compare, and which is the right fit for your business needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down the features, specs, and ideal use cases for the MR36, MR46, and MR56 to help you decide.

Overview of Cisco Meraki MR Series Access Points

Cisco Meraki access points are known for their ease of deployment, centralized cloud management, advanced security, and high performance. These APs support the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, which offers better throughput, lower latency, and improved efficiency for dense device environments.

The MR36-HW, MR46-HW, and MR56-HW are designed to meet different scale and performance requirements:

  • MR36-HW: Entry-level Wi-Fi 6 AP, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses
  • MR46-HW: Mid-tier AP offering advanced features and higher performance for medium to large deployments
  • MR56-HW: High-end AP optimized for high-density environments and demanding applications

Detailed Comparison: MR36-HW vs MR46-HW vs MR56-HW

1. Performance and Speed

  • MR36-HW
    Supports dual-radio Wi-Fi 6 with 2x2:2 spatial streams. Max theoretical throughput is approximately 1.8 Gbps. It’s ideal for environments with moderate client density like small offices or retail stores.
  • MR46-HW
    Offers 4x4:4 spatial streams on both radios, boosting throughput to up to 3.5 Gbps. This AP is designed for more demanding scenarios such as mid-sized offices, schools, or hospitality venues.
  • MR56-HW
    Features 4x4:4 MU-MIMO on both radios with additional support for OFDMA and BSS Coloring, enabling up to 5.1 Gbps combined throughput. Best suited for high-density environments like large enterprises, auditoriums, or stadiums.

2. Features & Security

All three models come with:

  • Cloud-managed networking through the Meraki dashboard for easy configuration and monitoring
  • Built-in security features, including firewalling, intrusion detection/prevention, and role-based access control
  • Seamless roaming for uninterrupted Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Support for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for location analytics and IoT integration

However, the MR46 and MR56 have advanced RF optimization and additional capabilities like more advanced multi-user MIMO and enhanced packet processing to reduce latency and improve reliability in dense client scenarios.

3. Physical Design & Deployment

  • MR36-HW is compact and lightweight, easy to install in smaller spaces or offices with limited ceiling or wall space.
  • MR46-HW is slightly larger, designed to support more antennas for better coverage in medium to large indoor areas.
  • MR56-HW has a robust build optimized for high-density, high-interference environments, with support for external antennas in some configurations.

All three models support Power over Ethernet (PoE) for flexible installation without needing additional power outlets.

4. Pricing & Total Cost of Ownership

  • MR36-HW comes at the most affordable price point, making it attractive for businesses with budget constraints.
  • MR46-HW is moderately priced, balancing performance with cost for businesses expecting growth or higher client density.
  • MR56-HW commands a premium price reflecting its top-tier performance and features for mission-critical environments.

Factor in ongoing Meraki cloud management licensing fees, which apply across all models, but the cost-to-benefit ratio increases with business size and complexity.

Which Cisco Meraki Access Point Should You Choose?

  • Choose the MR36-HW if:
    You operate a small to medium business, require reliable Wi-Fi 6 performance, and want a cost-effective, easy-to-manage access point for everyday connectivity.
  • Choose the MR46-HW if:
    You need more robust Wi-Fi coverage with faster speeds and support for medium to large deployments such as schools, offices, or retail chains.
  • Choose the MR56-HW if:
    Your environment is high-density or mission-critical — think stadiums, convention centers, or large corporate campuses — and you need the best throughput and reliability available.

Conclusion

Selecting the right Cisco Meraki access point depends heavily on your specific business needs, budget, and deployment environment. The MR36-HW, MR46-HW, and MR56-HW all leverage the power of Wi-Fi 6 and Meraki’s cloud-managed platform but differ in capacity, performance, and price.

For small businesses or branch offices, the MR36-HW offers a strong, affordable solution. Mid-sized businesses with growing network demands will benefit from the MR46-HW’s enhanced features, while enterprises with high-density requirements should consider the MR56-HW for maximum performance and reliability.

Invest wisely to future-proof your wireless infrastructure with Cisco Meraki’s trusted MR series.