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MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN vs Ubiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8

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 Ubiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8 at 6.9/10.

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

The Ubiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8 leads on port count and uplinks.

They score the same on poE.

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

Ubiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8

Ubiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8

6.9/10verdict: buy

The UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8 is for people who run a UniFi setup and want eight 2.5G ports in a small switch. It adds a 10G combo uplink, which suits a link back to a faster switch or router. It is a poor fit for anyone who needs PoE output, a CLI or a standalone web interface.

Typically about £150 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+INUbiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8
Port speeds30%9/108/10
Management20%9/107/10
Port count and uplinks15%6/108/10
Noise and efficiency15%8/106/10
PoE10%5/105/10
Firmware and support10%7/105/10
Overall7.8/106.9/10

Specifications

SpecMikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+INUbiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8
PortsFour SFP+ ports plus one 10/100/1000 Ethernet port8 access ports (2.5G/1G/100M/10M) plus one 10G RJ45/SFP+ combo uplink
Port speedsGigabit copper port; SFP+ cages support up to 10 Gbit per port; 1.25 Gbit SFP modules also supportedAccess ports 2.5G/1G/100M/10M; uplink RJ45 10G/5G/2.5G/1G/100M; SFP+ 10G/1G
ManagementRouterOS or SwitchOS selectable via dual boot; configurable through WebFig or WinBoxSpec sheet lists management interface as Ethernet only; managed through the UniFi console, and a reviewer of the PoE variant reports no web UI
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 attachmentsNo PoE output; powered by USB-C 5V DC 3A or PoE+ input
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)Four SFP+ cages; modules not includedOne 10G SFP+ port (10G/1G) and one 10 GbE RJ45 port, as a combo uplink
Switching capacity82 Gbps switching capacity; 41 Gbps non-blocking throughput60 Gbps switching capacity, 30 Gbps non-blocking throughput, 45 Mpps forwarding rate
CoolingPassive, fanless, metal casenot listed

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 ›

Ubiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8

  • + Eight 2.5G access ports
  • + 10G RJ45/SFP+ combo uplink
  • + Small and light, with flexible power options
  • − No PoE output
  • − Needs UniFi console; no CLI or SSH reported
  • − Owners report limited features, no aggregation

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need PoE output to power access points or cameras
  • Admins who want CLI, SSH or a standalone web interface
  • Anyone who needs link aggregation or several 10G uplinks
Read the full Ubiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8 review ›

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