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TP-Link Easy Smart Switch TL-SG105PE vs MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against network switches at a similar price

The MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM scores 7.4/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link Easy Smart Switch TL-SG105PE at 6.3/10.

The TP-Link Easy Smart Switch TL-SG105PE leads on poE.

The MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM leads on port speeds, management, port count and uplinks, noise and efficiency and firmware and support.

The biggest difference is port count and uplinks, where the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM scores 8/10 to the TP-Link Easy Smart Switch TL-SG105PE's 5/10.

5-Port Gigabit Easy Smart Switch with 4-Port PoE+

TP-Link Easy Smart Switch TL-SG105PE

6.3/10verdict: good, not the best

This TP-Link switch suits a small home or office network that needs a few PoE devices such as access points or cameras. It adds VLANs, QoS and IGMP snooping to a five-port gigabit layout without a fan. It is a poor fit for anyone who needs faster-than-gigabit ports, fibre uplinks or a large PoE budget.

Typically about £39.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM

MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM

7.4/10verdict: buy

This is for sysadmins and homelabbers who want a managed 24-port gigabit switch with two 10Gb SFP+ uplinks for a rack. It suits anyone who wants VLANs and a silent, passively cooled switch. It is a poor fit for buyers who need PoE or who plan to use it as a busy router.

Typically about £175.32 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightTP-Link Easy Smart Switch TL-SG105PEMikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM
Port speeds30%6/107/10
Management20%7/108/10
Port count and uplinks15%5/108/10
Noise and efficiency15%8/109/10
PoE10%6/105/10
Firmware and support10%5/106/10
Overall6.3/107.4/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link Easy Smart Switch TL-SG105PEMikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM
Ports5 RJ45 ports (10/100/1000 Mbps), of which 4 are PoE+ (ports 1-4)24 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, 2 x SFP+ ports, serial console RJ45
Port speeds10/100/1000 Mbps on all ports; no 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports listedCopper ports 1 GbE; SFP cages support 1.25 Gb SFP and 10 Gb SFP+ modules
ManagementWeb-based UI and Easy Smart Configuration Utility; VLANs (port-based, tag-based, MTU), QoS, IGMP snooping, PoE Auto RecoveryDual-boot SwOS/RouterOS; configurable VLANs, port mirroring, MAC filter, bandwidth limitation
PoE budget65 W total PoE budget, up to 30 W per port under 802.3af/atnot listed
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)not listed2 x SFP+
Switching capacity10 Gbps switching capacity, 7.44 Mpps packet forwarding rate, 2K MAC tableNon-blocking Layer 2 capacity 86,855.7 Mbps at 1518-byte packets; 88,000 Mbps at Layer 1
CoolingFanless design with metal casingPassive

Strengths and weaknesses

TP-Link Easy Smart Switch TL-SG105PE

  • + Fanless metal casing, so no fan noise
  • + VLANs, QoS and IGMP snooping in a web UI
  • + Four PoE+ ports at up to 30 W each
  • − Gigabit only; no 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports listed
  • − No SFP/SFP+ uplink confirmed
  • − 65 W total PoE budget is shared across four ports

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need 2.5GbE, 10GbE or SFP+ uplinks
  • People powering several high-draw PoE devices near 65 W
  • Anyone wanting controller-managed or full L3 switching
Read the full TP-Link Easy Smart Switch TL-SG105PE review ›

MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM

  • + Passive cooling, praised by owners as quiet and fanless
  • + Two SFP+ cages for 1.25Gb and 10Gb modules
  • + Dual-boot SwOS/RouterOS with VLANs and port mirroring
  • − Routing is slow, according to owners
  • − No PoE listed in the specifications
  • − Warranty is only 1 year

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need PoE ports to power access points or cameras
  • Anyone wanting 2.5GbE or 10GbE copper ports on every port
  • People planning to use the switch as their main router
Read the full MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM review ›

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