MikroTik CRS112-8P-4S-IN (8-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) vs Ubiquiti UniFi Switch (USW-Lite-16-PoE)
The Good
- Offers strong value for hardware quality, especially for experienced MikroTik users.
- Supports both 24VDC and 48VDC PoE devices with the right power supply.
- Provides extensive configuration options through RouterOS for network engineers.
- Fanless design for silent operation.
The Bad
- Requires a separate, costly 48VDC power supply for proper PoE functionality.
- Performance severely degrades when using advanced features like VLANs.
- Not a plug-and-play device, demanding a steep learning curve for RouterOS newcomers.
- SFP ports can be quirky and may require manual configuration.
The Good
- Easy setup and seamless integration with UniFi networks
- Compact design and quiet, fanless operation
- Reliable performance for data transfer and basic network stability
- Managed features and UniFi Controller integration offer excellent network visibility and control
The Bad
- Limited PoE power budget quickly reached by multiple devices
- Concerns about product longevity and failure after warranty
- Perceived as expensive for its feature set, especially given PoE limitations
- Lack of rack-mounting options despite suitable dimensions
While offering advanced configurability for MikroTik veterans, this switch is not recommended for users needing reliable PoE without extra cost or those expecting full performance with managed features like VLANs.
Read the full MikroTik CRS112-8P-4S-IN (8-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) consensus →The Ubiquiti UniFi Switch (USW-Lite-16-PoE) is a strong choice for users already invested in the UniFi ecosystem, offering excellent ease of use and management, but buyers should carefully consider its modest PoE power budget and potential long-term reliability concerns.
Read the full Ubiquiti UniFi Switch (USW-Lite-16-PoE) consensus →Our pick: Ubiquiti UniFi Switch (USW-Lite-16-PoE) · 7.6/10
Owners rate the Ubiquiti UniFi Switch (USW-Lite-16-PoE) meaningfully higher — 7.6/10 against 4.5/10 for the MikroTik CRS112-8P-4S-IN (8-Port Gigabit PoE Switch). It wins where it counts: Stability and Value for Money.
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