Head-to-Head · Switches

Mikrotik CRS310-8G+2S+IN (2.5G Ethernet Switch) vs Ubiquiti Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch

Mikrotik CRS310-8G+2S+IN (2.5G Ethernet Switch)
$209.70 61 reviews analyzed
Ubiquiti Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch
$50.00 15 reviews analyzed
Scored Dimensions
8.0 Value for Money 7.5
4.5 Reliability & Endurance 9.5
6.0 Stability 9.0
5.5 Ease of Assembly 9.0
8.5 Connectivity & Ports 8.5
Mikrotik CRS310-8G+2S+IN (2.5G Ethernet 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
Ubiquiti Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch

The Good

  • Exceptional reliability and consistent performance, even under demanding professional use.
  • Effortless integration and management within the UniFi ecosystem.
  • Highly compact design with flexible power options via PoE or USB-C.
  • Offers robust managed switch features like VLANs and LAG, providing strong functionality for its price point.

The Bad

  • Product descriptions frequently mislead buyers into expecting an included power adapter, which is not provided.
  • The absence of an included power adapter requires a separate purchase, impacting overall value perception.
  • The device lacks PoE pass-through functionality, a feature some users desired.
The Mikrotik CRS310-8G+2S+IN (2.5G Ethernet Switch) Verdict

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 →
The Ubiquiti Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch Verdict

This compact switch is an excellent choice for expanding UniFi networks, offering robust managed features and reliable performance, provided buyers are aware that a power adapter must be sourced independently.

Read the full Ubiquiti Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch consensus →
The Bottom Line

Our pick: Ubiquiti Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch · 8.7/10

Owners rate the Ubiquiti Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch meaningfully higher — 8.7/10 against 6.5/10 for the Mikrotik CRS310-8G+2S+IN (2.5G Ethernet Switch). It wins where it counts: Reliability & Endurance and Ease of Assembly.

Mikrotik CRS310-8G+2S+IN (2.5G Ethernet Switch)
$209.70 Best price the consensus found
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Ubiquiti Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch
$50.00 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 →