Mikrotik CRS310-8G+2S+IN (2.5G Ethernet Switch) vs MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch)
The Good
- Exceptional value for its advanced feature set and port density
- Robust connectivity with eight 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and two 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports
- Powerful and flexible RouterOS/SwOS software for granular control
- Achieves wire-speed Layer 2 switching and L3 hardware offload performance
The Bad
- Stock fan is excessively loud, often requiring immediate replacement for quiet operation
- Steep learning curve and complex configuration for advanced features, not plug-and-play
- Reports of hardware fragility and devices bricking, raising reliability concerns
- Limited performance as a Layer 3 router, with CPU bottlenecks under load
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 CRS310-8G+2S+IN is a compelling choice for advanced users and homelab enthusiasts who value deep configurability and high port density at an accessible price point, provided they are prepared to replace the noisy fan and navigate a challenging setup process. It excels as a Layer 2 switch but falls short as a primary Layer 3 router.
Read the full Mikrotik CRS310-8G+2S+IN (2.5G Ethernet Switch) consensus →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 →Our pick: MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) · 8.0/10
Owners rate the MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) meaningfully higher — 8.0/10 against 6.5/10 for the Mikrotik CRS310-8G+2S+IN (2.5G Ethernet Switch). It wins where it counts: Stability and Reliability & Endurance.
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