Head-to-Head · Switches

Ubiquiti Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch vs Ubiquiti Networks USW-24-POE (Gigabit Layer 2 Ethernet Switch)

Ubiquiti Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch
$50.00 15 reviews analyzed
Scored Dimensions
7.5 Value for Money 8.0
9.5 Reliability & Endurance 9.5
9.0 Stability 9.0
9.0 Ease of Assembly 6.5
8.5 Connectivity & Ports 5.5
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.
Ubiquiti Networks USW-24-POE (Gigabit Layer 2 Ethernet Switch)

The Good

  • Exceptional reliability and consistent, long-term performance
  • Fanless design ensures silent operation, ideal for various environments
  • Seamless integration and centralized management within the UniFi ecosystem
  • Solid build quality and high-quality hardware

The Bad

  • Limited 1 Gigabit SFP uplinks with no 10 Gigabit SFP+ support
  • Management requires a UniFi controller, posing challenges for standalone use or remote troubleshooting
  • Can run warm under heavy PoE loads, requiring adequate ventilation
  • PoE budget and port count (16 out of 24) may be insufficient for some demanding setups
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 Ubiquiti Networks USW-24-POE (Gigabit Layer 2 Ethernet Switch) Verdict

This switch is an excellent choice for users deeply embedded in the UniFi ecosystem who prioritize silent operation and robust reliability for their Gigabit networks. Potential buyers should consider its 1 Gigabit uplink limitation and UniFi-centric management before purchase.

Read the full Ubiquiti Networks USW-24-POE (Gigabit Layer 2 Ethernet 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 7.7/10 for the Ubiquiti Networks USW-24-POE (Gigabit Layer 2 Ethernet Switch). It wins where it counts: Connectivity & Ports and Ease of Assembly.

Ubiquiti Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch
$50.00 Best price the consensus found
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Ubiquiti Networks USW-24-POE (Gigabit Layer 2 Ethernet Switch)
$399.99 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 →