Head-to-Head · Switches
MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch) vs Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-5 (5-Port 2.5GbE)
Scored Dimensions
9.5
Value for Money
9.0
8.0
Reliability & Endurance
7.5
8.5
Stability
8.0
7.0
Ease of Assembly
8.2
8.0
Connectivity & Ports
9.2
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
Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-5 (5-Port 2.5GbE)
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.
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 Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-5 (5-Port 2.5GbE) Verdict
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 →
The Bottom Line
Our pick: Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-5 (5-Port 2.5GbE) · 8.4/10
It's close. The Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-5 (5-Port 2.5GbE) edges it, 8.4/10 to 8.2/10, on the strength of Ease of Assembly and Connectivity & Ports.
MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch)
$138.90
Best price the consensus found
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Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-5 (5-Port 2.5GbE)
$79.99
Best price the consensus found
Check Price →
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More head-to-heads:
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) vs Ubiquiti Networks USW-Ultra-60W (60W PoE+ Switch)Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-5 (5-Port 2.5GbE) vs MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN (4x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Switch)Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-5 (5-Port 2.5GbE) vs Ubiquiti Networks USW-Ultra-60W (60W PoE+ Switch)
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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 →