Head-to-Head · Switches
MikroTik CRS326-24S+2Q+RM (24x 10GbE SFP+ / 2x 40GbE QSFP+) vs TP-Link Omada 5 Port 2.5G Switch (ES206X-M2)
Scored Dimensions
9.3
Value for Money
9.2
8.0
Reliability & Endurance
9.0
8.5
Stability
9.6
5.5
Ease of Assembly
8.5
6.0
Connectivity & Ports
9.1
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.
TP-Link Omada 5 Port 2.5G Switch (ES206X-M2)
The Good
- Delivers excellent 2.5G and 10G SFP+ performance, enhancing network speeds significantly.
- Offers strong value for its feature set, including managed capabilities and Omada integration.
- Features a durable, heavy-duty metal construction that conveys immediate quality.
- Provides intuitive management options, including easy VLAN configuration, especially within the Omada SDN.
The Bad
- One user found the graphical user interface (GUI) to be unpolished.
- Some owners encountered minor initial challenges when adopting the switch into an existing Omada controller.
- The switch has limited Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities, requiring external injectors for PoE-powered devices.
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 TP-Link Omada 5 Port 2.5G Switch (ES206X-M2) Verdict
This TP-Link Omada switch is an excellent choice for users seeking to upgrade to 2.5G speeds with a reliable, managed solution that integrates well into the Omada ecosystem, offering strong performance and value despite minor GUI and initial setup quirks.
Read the full TP-Link Omada 5 Port 2.5G Switch (ES206X-M2) consensus →
The Bottom Line
Our pick: TP-Link Omada 5 Port 2.5G Switch (ES206X-M2) · 9.1/10
Owners rate the TP-Link Omada 5 Port 2.5G Switch (ES206X-M2) meaningfully higher — 9.1/10 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 Ease of Assembly.
MikroTik CRS326-24S+2Q+RM (24x 10GbE SFP+ / 2x 40GbE QSFP+)
$533.90
Best price the consensus found
Check Price →
TP-Link Omada 5 Port 2.5G Switch (ES206X-M2)
$49.99
Best price the consensus found
Check Price →
ORA Metrics may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links, at no extra cost to you.
More head-to-heads:
MikroTik CRS326-24S+2Q+RM (24x 10GbE SFP+ / 2x 40GbE QSFP+) vs MikroTik CRS309-1G-8S+in (8-Port 10G SFP+ Switch)MikroTik CRS326-24S+2Q+RM (24x 10GbE SFP+ / 2x 40GbE QSFP+) vs MikroTik CRS312-4C+8XG-RM (10G Ethernet Switch)MikroTik CRS326-24S+2Q+RM (24x 10GbE SFP+ / 2x 40GbE QSFP+) vs Ubiquiti Networks USW-Ultra-60W (60W PoE+ Switch)TP-Link Omada 5 Port 2.5G Switch (ES206X-M2) vs TP-Link Omada ES210X-M2 (8 Port 2.5G Switch)TP-Link Omada 5 Port 2.5G Switch (ES206X-M2) vs MikroTik CSS318-16G-2S+in (16-Port Gigabit, 2 SFP+)TP-Link Omada 5 Port 2.5G Switch (ES206X-M2) vs Ubiquiti Networks USW-Ultra-60W (60W PoE+ Switch)
All Switches rankings →
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 →