Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN vs Zyxel XMG1915-10E

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

all judged against network switches at a similar price

The Zyxel XMG1915-10E scores 7.4/10 overall, ahead of the MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN at 7.2/10.

The MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN leads on port speeds and management.

The Zyxel XMG1915-10E leads on noise and efficiency.

They score the same on port count and uplinks, poE and firmware and support.

The biggest difference is noise and efficiency, where the Zyxel XMG1915-10E scores 9/10 to the MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN's 3/10.

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

Zyxel XMG1915-10E

Zyxel XMG1915-10E

7.4/10verdict: buy

The Zyxel XMG1915-10E is for people who want 2.5GbE on most ports and 10G uplinks in a quiet, fanless switch. It suits homelabbers and small offices whose devices bring their own power, since it has no PoE. It does not offer copper 10GbE, so buyers who want that need to look at SFP+ modules or other models.

Typically about £189 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 CRS310-8G+2S+INZyxel XMG1915-10E
Port speeds30%9/108/10
Management20%9/107/10
Port count and uplinks15%8/108/10
Noise and efficiency15%3/109/10
PoE10%5/105/10
Firmware and support10%5/105/10
Overall7.2/107.4/10

Specifications

SpecMikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+INZyxel XMG1915-10E
Ports8 x 2.5GbE RJ45 plus 2 x SFP+, and one USB type-A port8 x 100M/1G/2.5G RJ-45 plus 2 x 1G SFP/10G SFP+ (10 total)
Port speedsRJ45 ports 2.5G; SFP+ cages support 1G, 2.5G and 10G100 Mbps, 1 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps on the eight copper ports; SFP+ slots take 1G or 10G
ManagementRouterOS v7 or SwitchOS; VLANs, link aggregation and ACL rules on RouterOSSmart Managed
PoE budgetnot listedNone (0 PoE ports)
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)2 x SFP+2 x 1G SFP / 10G SFP+
Switching capacityNon-blocking Layer 1 capacity 80000 Mbps; Layer 2 about 78,959.7 Mbps at 1518-byte frames80 Gbps switching capacity; 59.5 Mpps forwarding rate
Cooling1 fanFanless

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

Zyxel XMG1915-10E

  • + Eight 2.5GbE copper ports
  • + Two SFP+ slots take 1G or 10G
  • + Fanless, quiet, low power draw
  • − No PoE ports
  • − No copper 10GbE ports

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need PoE to power access points or cameras
  • Buyers who want copper 10GbE ports rather than SFP+ slots
  • Buyers who need more than ten ports on one switch
Read the full Zyxel XMG1915-10E review ›

More comparisons

Compare all network switches · Best network switches