Head-to-Head · Switches

MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch) vs MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch)

MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch)
$138.90 100 reviews analyzed
Scored Dimensions
9.5 Value for Money 9.5
8.0 Reliability & Endurance 7.0
8.5 Stability 9.0
7.0 Ease of Assembly 4.5
8.0 Connectivity & Ports 9.8
MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch)

The Good

  • Provides excellent value for money, making 10 Gigabit networking affordable for home and small office setups
  • Delivers high 10 Gigabit per second (10Gbps) data transfer speeds, performing reliably as a Layer 2 switch
  • Features a compact, fanless design for silent operation, suitable for various environments
  • Offers robust management capabilities and dual operating systems (RouterOS/SwOS) for advanced configurations like VLANs

The Bad

  • The device frequently runs hot, especially when using copper SFP+ modules, often requiring external cooling to maintain optimal performance and stability
  • Initial setup and configuration, particularly when switching between RouterOS and SwOS or managing advanced features, can be complex and non-intuitive for many users
  • Its routing capabilities are generally considered underpowered, leading to significant performance degradation if used as a router
MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch)

The Good

  • Exceptional value for money, offering enterprise-grade features at a competitive price.
  • Robust connectivity with 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, versatile PoE, and four 10Gbps SFP+ uplinks.
  • Solid stability and performance, with many users reporting reliable operation over extended periods.
  • Comprehensive feature set including advanced routing, VLANs, LACP, and CAPsMAN for experienced users.

The Bad

  • Initial setup presents a steep learning curve, requiring advanced networking knowledge.
  • Concerns about quality control, with reports of loose internal screws on arrival.
  • Some users experienced fan cycling issues or found the default fans noisy.
  • Security hardening is essential and not straightforward, requiring manual firewall rule configuration.
  • A few reports of units failing prematurely after a few months of use.
The MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch) Verdict

The MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in is an outstanding choice for those seeking an affordable and high-performing 10 Gigabit SFP+ switch. While its advanced configuration and thermal management may present initial challenges, its core switching functionality and value are difficult to beat.

Read the full MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch) consensus →
The MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) Verdict

For experienced network administrators or prosumers seeking powerful, feature-rich switching and routing capabilities at an outstanding price, this device is a strong contender, provided they are prepared for a challenging initial configuration.

Read the full MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) consensus →
The Bottom Line

Our pick: MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch) · 8.2/10

It's close. The MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch) edges it, 8.2/10 to 8.0/10, on the strength of Ease of Assembly and Reliability & Endurance.

MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch)
$138.90 Best price the consensus found
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MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch)
$474.19 Best price the consensus found
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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 →