MikroTik CRS112-8P-4S-IN (8-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) vs Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-5 (5-Port 2.5GbE)
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
- Seamless integration into the UniFi ecosystem, simplifying network management for existing users.
- Exceptional 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet performance across all five ports, significantly boosting network speeds.
- Compact, robust, and fanless design, making it ideal for various placements without noise.
- Flexible power options, including Power over Ethernet (PoE) and USB-C, reduce cable clutter and simplify installation.
The Bad
- Some owners reported reliability issues, with one device failing and continuously resetting after a few months.
- Requires familiarity with the UniFi ecosystem and a running controller for full management, which can present a learning curve for new users.
- Lacks advanced features like PoE-out to power other devices, SNMP support, or integrated wall-mounting options.
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 →This switch is an excellent choice for users already invested in the UniFi ecosystem looking to upgrade their network to 2.5GbE with a compact, flexible, and high-performing device, provided they are comfortable with the UniFi management approach.
Read the full Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-5 (5-Port 2.5GbE) consensus →Our pick: Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-5 (5-Port 2.5GbE) · 8.4/10
Owners rate the Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-5 (5-Port 2.5GbE) meaningfully higher — 8.4/10 against 4.5/10 for the MikroTik CRS112-8P-4S-IN (8-Port Gigabit PoE Switch). It wins where it counts: Connectivity & Ports and Stability.
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