50 to 84%
Typical savings for a business that moves from MPLS to SD-WAN. The same bandwidth on SD-WAN can cost a quarter to a half of MPLS pricing in many regions.
MPLS used to be the gold standard for connecting offices. It was steady, secure, and built for voice. The price reflected that. SD-WAN now does most of the same job using regular internet circuits and smart software. The cost gap has widened sharply over the last two years.
By 2026, about 75 percent of mid market and enterprise networks use SD-WAN in some form. If your business is still on a pure MPLS contract, your next renewal is the moment to act.
1What does the per site price cover?
SD-WAN can run from $100 to $1,000 per site per month. The price changes a lot based on whether security and 24/7 support are bundled in. Always ask for the line by line list before you compare quotes.
2What is the underlying circuit cost?
SD-WAN sits on top of an internet circuit. The circuit is a separate bill. Some quotes hide that cost. Total WAN cost is SD-WAN + circuit + any managed service fee. Ask for the all in number.
3What is the early exit penalty?
MPLS contracts often have penalties for canceling early. SD-WAN contracts can be more flexible, but the underlying circuit is still locked in. Ask what each contract costs to break.
A pricing range that can swing 2.5x
Two providers can quote the same bandwidth at very different prices. At 2 Gbps, SD-WAN quotes can run from about $500 to over $1,250 a month for the same speed. The spread is real and gets wider with bigger sites. Always get at least three quotes and put them side by side.
A simple checklist before renewal
- List every site, the bandwidth at each, and the current monthly cost.
- Ask three providers for an SD-WAN plus circuit quote. Match the bandwidth at each site.
- Add the circuit and SD-WAN line items together for a true compare.
- Subtract one MPLS site cost from the SD-WAN total to find your savings per site.