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MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN vs TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2

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 TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2 at 6.8/10.

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

The TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2 leads on port count and uplinks and poE.

The biggest difference is noise and efficiency, where the MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN scores 8/10 to the TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2'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

TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2

TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2

6.8/10verdict: buy

The TL-SG3210XHP-M2 is for people building a small rack-based network who need PoE+ and real managed-switch features. It suits setups with 2.5GbE access points or cameras and 10G SFP+ uplinks. It is a poor fit for quiet rooms because it has two fans.

Typically about £340 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+INTP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2
Port speeds30%9/108/10
Management20%9/108/10
Port count and uplinks15%6/107/10
Noise and efficiency15%8/103/10
PoE10%5/108/10
Firmware and support10%7/105/10
Overall7.8/106.8/10

Specifications

SpecMikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+INTP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2
PortsFour SFP+ ports plus one 10/100/1000 Ethernet port8x 2.5GbE RJ45 PoE+ ports, 2x 10G SFP+ slots, plus one RJ45 and one Micro-USB console port (not data ports)
Port speedsGigabit copper port; SFP+ cages support up to 10 Gbit per port; 1.25 Gbit SFP modules also supportedRJ45 ports 100/1000/2500 Mbps; SFP+ slots 10 Gbps
ManagementRouterOS or SwitchOS selectable via dual boot; configurable through WebFig or WinBoxL2+ managed; web management, Omada app, cloud or hardware/software controllers; 802.1Q VLAN, static routing, ACLs, 802.1X
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 attachments240 W total PoE budget; 8 PoE+ ports (802.3af/at); 30 W per port
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)Four SFP+ cages; modules not included2x 10 Gbps SFP+
Switching capacity82 Gbps switching capacity; 41 Gbps non-blocking throughput80 Gbps switching capacity; 59.52 Mpps forwarding rate; 16K MAC table
CoolingPassive, fanless, metal caseTwo fans (Fan Quantity: 2), not fanless

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 ›

TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2

  • + Eight 2.5GbE PoE+ ports with a 240 W total budget
  • + L2+ management with VLANs, static routing, ACLs and 802.1X
  • + Two 10 Gbps SFP+ uplinks
  • − Two fans; one owner report calls it too loud for offices
  • − Cloud management needs a hardware controller or dedicated computer
  • − Update history and warranty terms aren't stated

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need a silent or fanless switch for an office or desk
  • Anyone needing more than ten data ports on one switch
  • Buyers wanting cloud management without a hardware controller or dedicated computer
Read the full TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2 review ›

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