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MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM vs QNAP QSW-1105-5T

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 QNAP QSW-1105-5T at 5.8/10.

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

They score the same on port speeds, noise and efficiency and poE.

The biggest difference is management, where the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM scores 8/10 to the QNAP QSW-1105-5T's 3/10.

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

QNAP QSW-1105-5T

QNAP QSW-1105-5T

5.8/10verdict: good, not the best

This switch is for people who want to move a small wired network from gigabit to 2.5GbE without any setup. It suits a desk, a home office or a homelab corner where noise matters and VLANs are not needed. Buyers who want management features, PoE or extra uplinks need a different model.

Typically about £93.14 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 CRS326-24G-2S+RMQNAP QSW-1105-5T
Port speeds30%7/107/10
Management20%8/103/10
Port count and uplinks15%8/105/10
Noise and efficiency15%9/109/10
PoE10%5/105/10
Firmware and support10%6/105/10
Overall7.4/105.8/10

Specifications

SpecMikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RMQNAP QSW-1105-5T
Ports24 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, 2 x SFP+ ports, serial console RJ455 ports
Port speedsCopper ports 1 GbE; SFP cages support 1.25 Gb SFP and 10 Gb SFP+ modules2.5GbE on all five ports; standards include 100BASE-T, 1000BASE-T and 2.5GBase-T
ManagementDual-boot SwOS/RouterOS; configurable VLANs, port mirroring, MAC filter, bandwidth limitationUnmanaged
PoE budgetnot listedNone; not a PoE switch
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)2 x SFP+not listed
Switching capacityNon-blocking Layer 2 capacity 86,855.7 Mbps at 1518-byte packets; 88,000 Mbps at Layer 1Switching capacity 25Gbps; non-blocking throughput 12.5Gbps
CoolingPassiveFanless

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

QNAP QSW-1105-5T

  • + 2.5GbE on all five ports
  • + Fanless, and owners praise how quiet it is
  • + Plug-and-play, with no configuration needed
  • − Unmanaged, so no VLANs or traffic control
  • − No PoE and no separate uplink ports listed
  • − Owners complain about cost per 2.5GbE port

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need VLANs or other management features
  • Anyone who needs PoE for access points or cameras
  • Homelabbers who want more than five ports or faster uplinks
Read the full QNAP QSW-1105-5T review ›

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