MikroTik CRS326-24S+2Q+RM (24x 10GbE SFP+ / 2x 40GbE QSFP+) vs MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch)
The Good
- Offers exceptional value for money, providing high-speed 10GbE and 40GbE connectivity at an accessible price point.
- Delivers rock-solid, reliable performance with many owners reporting continuous uptime without reboots.
- Features a rich and powerful software suite, particularly RouterOS, which offers extensive capabilities for advanced users.
- Includes a redundant power supply, enhancing operational resilience.
The Bad
- Exhibits significant module compatibility issues, often requiring specific or certified transceivers and DAC cables.
- Software, particularly SwOS, has limitations including non-functional fan control and difficulties recognizing certain modules.
- Some units experienced hardware defects, such as a dead power supply or misassembled fan connectors.
- Operating temperatures can run high, with some users observing chassis temperatures above the manufacturer's specified upper limit.
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.
This switch offers unparalleled value for its high-speed port density and robust feature set, making it an excellent choice for advanced users willing to navigate its software complexity and potential hardware compatibility quirks.
Read the full MikroTik CRS326-24S+2Q+RM (24x 10GbE SFP+ / 2x 40GbE QSFP+) 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 7.5/10 for the MikroTik CRS326-24S+2Q+RM (24x 10GbE SFP+ / 2x 40GbE QSFP+). It wins where it counts: Connectivity & Ports and Stability.
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