MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) vs TP-Link Omada 5 Port 2.5G Switch (ES206X-M2)
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 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.
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 →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 →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 8.0/10 for the MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch). It wins where it counts: Ease of Assembly and Reliability & Endurance.
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