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MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN vs MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN

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

all judged against network switches at a similar price

The MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN scores 7.8/10 overall, ahead of the MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN at 7.2/10.

The MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN leads on noise and efficiency and firmware and support.

The MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN leads on port count and uplinks.

They score the same on port speeds, management and poE.

The biggest difference is noise and efficiency, where the MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN scores 8/10 to the MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN's 3/10.

MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN

MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN

7.8/10verdict: buy

The MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN is for homelabbers and sysadmins who need a few 10G SFP+ links on a small, silent switch. It suits anyone who wants to link a server, NAS or workstation at 10G and is happy to configure RouterOS or SwitchOS. It is not aimed at buyers who need many ports, PoE output or fast routing for a gigabit internet connection.

Typically about £121.19 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

MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN

MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN

7.2/10verdict: buy

The MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN is for homelabbers and small-office admins who want 2.5GbE access ports with 10G SFP+ uplinks. It suits people who are happy to configure VLANs, link aggregation and ACLs in RouterOS. It is a poorer fit for anyone who needs PoE or wants a low-power, set-and-forget switch.

Typically about £185.57 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

CriterionWeightMikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+INMikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN
Port speeds30%9/109/10
Management20%9/109/10
Port count and uplinks15%6/108/10
Noise and efficiency15%8/103/10
PoE10%5/105/10
Firmware and support10%7/105/10
Overall7.8/107.2/10

Specifications

SpecMikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+INMikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN
PortsFour SFP+ ports plus one 10/100/1000 Ethernet port8 x 2.5GbE RJ45 plus 2 x SFP+, and one USB type-A port
Port speedsGigabit copper port; SFP+ cages support up to 10 Gbit per port; 1.25 Gbit SFP modules also supportedRJ45 ports 2.5G; SFP+ cages support 1G, 2.5G and 10G
ManagementRouterOS or SwitchOS selectable via dual boot; configurable through WebFig or WinBoxRouterOS v7 or SwitchOS; VLANs, link aggregation and ACL rules on RouterOS
PoE budgetNo published PoE output budget; accepts PoE (802.3af/at) input on its Gigabit port with 12–57 V input; maximum consumption 18 W, or 10 W without attachmentsnot listed
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)Four SFP+ cages; modules not included2 x SFP+
Switching capacity82 Gbps switching capacity; 41 Gbps non-blocking throughputNon-blocking Layer 1 capacity 80000 Mbps; Layer 2 about 78,959.7 Mbps at 1518-byte frames
CoolingPassive, fanless, metal case1 fan

Strengths and weaknesses

MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN

  • + Four SFP+ cages with up to 10 Gbit per port
  • + Fanless metal case; owners praise silent, low-power running
  • + Choice of RouterOS or SwitchOS via dual boot
  • − Only five ports, and SFP+ modules are not included
  • − Owners report weak routing for gigabit internet
  • − Copper SFP+ modules reportedly run hot in the fanless case

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need PoE output to power cameras or access points
  • Anyone who wants to route a gigabit internet connection
  • Buyers who need many ports or copper multi-gig without SFP+ modules
Read the full MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN review ›

MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN

  • + Eight 2.5GbE ports plus two 10G-capable SFP+ cages
  • + RouterOS offers VLANs, link aggregation and ACL rules
  • + Wide 18–57 V DC input and -40°C to +60°C range
  • − One fan, and owners report higher power draw than expected
  • − Owners report 2.5G link negotiation problems
  • − No PoE listed

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need PoE for access points, cameras or phones
  • Anyone who wants a quiet, low-power switch for a living space
  • Buyers who want a simple unmanaged switch with no configuration
Read the full MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN review ›

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