Head-to-Head · Switches

MikroTik CRS326-24S+2Q+RM (24x 10GbE SFP+ / 2x 40GbE QSFP+) vs Mikrotik CSS326-24G-2S+RM (24-Port Gigabit Switch)

Scored Dimensions
9.3 Value for Money 9.5
8.0 Reliability & Endurance 7.0
8.5 Stability 7.5
5.5 Ease of Assembly 7.0
6.0 Connectivity & Ports 7.5
MikroTik CRS326-24S+2Q+RM (24x 10GbE SFP+ / 2x 40GbE QSFP+)

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.
Mikrotik CSS326-24G-2S+RM (24-Port Gigabit Switch)

The Good

  • Offers exceptional value for its feature set, especially the 10Gb SFP+ connectivity.
  • Hardware is generally considered solid, stable, and well-built by many owners.
  • Operates silently due to its fanless design and consumes very little power.
  • Provides comprehensive managed switch features like VLANs, LAG, and port isolation.

The Bad

  • The SwOS web interface has a learning curve and lacks advanced features like HTTPS and a command-line interface (CLI).
  • Some users reported initial setup difficulties, including DHCP bugs and issues with device detection.
  • A minority of owners experienced reliability problems, such as overheating under load or random traffic interruptions.
The MikroTik CRS326-24S+2Q+RM (24x 10GbE SFP+ / 2x 40GbE QSFP+) Verdict

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 →
The Mikrotik CSS326-24G-2S+RM (24-Port Gigabit Switch) Verdict

This switch offers an outstanding entry point into advanced networking with its SFP+ ports and managed features at a compelling price. Buyers should be prepared for a learning curve with the SwOS interface and consider potential thermal management in enclosed spaces, but for many, its performance and value are unmatched.

Read the full Mikrotik CSS326-24G-2S+RM (24-Port Gigabit Switch) consensus →
The Bottom Line

Our pick: Mikrotik CSS326-24G-2S+RM (24-Port Gigabit Switch) · 7.7/10

It's close. The Mikrotik CSS326-24G-2S+RM (24-Port Gigabit Switch) edges it, 7.7/10 to 7.5/10, on the strength of Ease of Assembly and Connectivity & Ports.

MikroTik CRS326-24S+2Q+RM (24x 10GbE SFP+ / 2x 40GbE QSFP+)
$533.90 Best price the consensus found
Check Price →
Mikrotik CSS326-24G-2S+RM (24-Port Gigabit Switch)
$145.04 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 →