Head-to-Head · Gateways / Routers

Mikrotik CCR2004-1G-12S+2XS (High-Performance Ethernet Router) vs Mikrotik CCR2116-12G-4S+ (16GB RAM)

Mikrotik CCR2116-12G-4S+ (16GB RAM)
$909.00 18 reviews analyzed
Scored Dimensions
8.5 Reliability & Endurance 9.1
9.5 Throughput & Performance 9.4
9.2 Connectivity & Ports 8.9
9.6 Features & Capabilities 9.2
9.8 Value for Money 9.3
Mikrotik CCR2004-1G-12S+2XS (High-Performance Ethernet Router)

The Good

  • Delivers exceptional throughput and performance for high-speed internet and demanding home lab environments.
  • Features an impressive array of 10G and 25G SFP ports, offering excellent connectivity options.
  • Provides a rich set of software capabilities, including built-in Wireguard and advanced routing features.
  • Offers significant value for money, providing enterprise-grade functionality at a competitive price point.

The Bad

  • Requires substantial IT knowledge and a steep learning curve for configuration and full utilization.
  • Lacks a dedicated switch chip, meaning all inter-port traffic passes through the CPU, which can limit concurrent utilization of all ports.
  • Some users reported minor reboot issues that can be resolved with specific modifications.
Mikrotik CCR2116-12G-4S+ (16GB RAM)

The Good

  • Delivers excellent speed, stability, and processing capacity for high-demand networks
  • Offers sophisticated features and versatility, often compared favorably to more expensive alternatives like Cisco
  • Highly reliable and robust, performing well even in environments with many connected devices
  • Provides extensive connectivity with multiple Gigabit ports and SFP+ slots

The Bad

  • RouterOS, while powerful, presents a significant learning curve for configuration
  • Requires time and effort to master its advanced features via CLI or Winbox software
  • One owner noted a minor physical issue with the power plug retaining clip
The Mikrotik CCR2004-1G-12S+2XS (High-Performance Ethernet Router) Verdict

This router is an excellent choice for experienced network professionals or enthusiasts seeking a high-performance, feature-rich device for demanding home lab or SOHO environments. Its robust capabilities and connectivity come with the expectation of a deep technical understanding for setup and management.

Read the full Mikrotik CCR2004-1G-12S+2XS (High-Performance Ethernet Router) consensus →
The Mikrotik CCR2116-12G-4S+ (16GB RAM) Verdict

For IT professionals and businesses seeking a powerful, feature-rich, and reliable router for high-demand networks, the Mikrotik CCR2116-12G-4S+ is an outstanding choice. Its performance and value are exceptional, provided users are prepared to invest time in learning its advanced configuration.

Read the full Mikrotik CCR2116-12G-4S+ (16GB RAM) consensus →
The Bottom Line

Our pick: Mikrotik CCR2004-1G-12S+2XS (High-Performance Ethernet Router) · 9.3/10

It's close. The Mikrotik CCR2004-1G-12S+2XS (High-Performance Ethernet Router) edges it, 9.3/10 to 9.2/10, on the strength of Value for Money and Features & Capabilities.

Mikrotik CCR2004-1G-12S+2XS (High-Performance Ethernet Router)
$529.00 Best price the consensus found
Check Price →
Mikrotik CCR2116-12G-4S+ (16GB RAM)
$909.00 Best price the consensus found
Check Price →

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How ORA built this: We read recent reviews, remove suspected bot or incentivized entries, off-topic complaints, and reviews describing the buyer's own setup problems rather than the product, then synthesize the remainder into a single unbiased verdict. Read our full methodology →