Head-to-head · Network Management Software
Cisco Meraki Dashboard vs SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
Cisco Meraki Dashboard leads on 1 check, SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager on 3, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreCisco Meraki Dashboard · 9.2/10
- Most featuresSolarWinds Network Configuration Manager · 4 of 5
Cisco Meraki Dashboard scores higher on our rubric for network management software: 9.2 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
On deployment model, SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager gives you On-premises where Cisco Meraki Dashboard offers Cloud. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager offers network discovery; Cisco Meraki Dashboard doesn't publish it. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager offers configuration backup; Cisco Meraki Dashboard doesn't publish it. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager offers policy automation; Cisco Meraki Dashboard doesn't publish it. Cisco Meraki Dashboard offers api access; SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager doesn't publish it.
Cisco Meraki Dashboard is the better fit for cloud-managed Cisco Meraki environments. SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is the better fit for established configuration compliance teams.
- Cisco Meraki Dashboard fits best
Cloud-managed Cisco Meraki environments
- SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager fits best
Established configuration compliance teams
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Side by side
| Feature | Cisco Meraki Dashboard 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager 9.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Ranking | #2 in Network Management Software | #3 in Network Management Software |
| Best for | Cloud-managed Cisco Meraki environments | Established configuration compliance teams |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Support | Docs | Docs, Community, Tickets |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Cisco Meraki Dashboard 2/5 · SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager 4/5 | ||
| Network discovery | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Configuration management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Configuration backup | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Policy automation | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| API access | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment model | Cloud | On-premises |
| Managed device limit | Not published | 50 devices |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Cisco Meraki Dashboard is a cloud-based management interface for organizations operating Cisco Meraki networking equipment. It brings wireless, switching, routing, cellular, cameras, sensors, and related infrastructure into a centralized… Read the review → |
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager is self-hosted software for managing configurations across multi-vendor network environments. It is designed for network engineering and IT operations teams responsible for routers, switches,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Cisco Meraki Dashboard — where it wins
- Centralizes monitoring, topology, inventory, and configuration management
- Supports templates, cloning, and synchronization across multiple networks
- Adds REST API automation, RBAC, and AI-assisted troubleshooting
Where it doesn't
- Requires paid Cisco Meraki device licensing
- Does not provide verified configuration backup
- Best suited to Cisco Meraki environments rather than broader estates
SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager — where it wins
- Automates backups, restoration, change detection, and configuration comparison.
- Supports bulk deployment, scripting, approvals, and firmware workflows.
- Combines inventory scans with compliance policy checks and reporting.
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires contacting sales.
- There is no permanent free plan.
- Self-hosted deployment may require more operational ownership.
- Cisco Meraki Dashboard9.2/10 · Pricing on request
A focused cloud control plane for centralized management of Cisco Meraki infrastructure.
Visit Cisco MerakiFull verdict → - SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager9.1/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial
A focused choice for teams managing configuration compliance across established network environments.
Visit SolarWindsFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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