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MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM vs TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch

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 TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch at 6.2/10.

The MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM leads on port speeds, management, port count and uplinks and noise and efficiency.

They score the same on poE and firmware and support.

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

TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch

TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch

6.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The TP-Link LS1005G is for anyone who needs a few more wired Ethernet ports without any setup. It suits a desk, media cabinet or small homelab corner where gigabit is enough and VLANs are not needed. Buyers who want management features, PoE or faster links should look at other switches.

Typically about £9.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at 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+RMTP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch
Port speeds30%7/106/10
Management20%8/106/10
Port count and uplinks15%8/106/10
Noise and efficiency15%9/108/10
PoE10%5/105/10
Firmware and support10%6/106/10
Overall7.4/106.2/10

Specifications

SpecMikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RMTP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch
Ports24 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, 2 x SFP+ ports, serial console RJ455 x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports, auto-MDI/MDIX
Port speedsCopper ports 1 GbE; SFP cages support 1.25 Gb SFP and 10 Gb SFP+ modules10/100/1000 Mbps per port, auto-negotiation
ManagementDual-boot SwOS/RouterOS; configurable VLANs, port mirroring, MAC filter, bandwidth limitationUnmanaged, plug-and-play, no configuration needed
PoE budgetnot listedNone
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)2 x SFP+None; RJ45 only, no SFP/SFP+ uplinks
Switching capacityNon-blocking Layer 2 capacity 86,855.7 Mbps at 1518-byte packets; 88,000 Mbps at Layer 110 Gbps switching capacity, 7.4 Mpps packet forwarding rate
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 ›

TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch

  • + Plug-and-play with no configuration
  • + Fanless and reported as quiet
  • + Two-year warranty from the UK seller
  • − Unmanaged: no VLANs or QoS
  • − Gigabit only, no SFP/SFP+ uplinks
  • − No PoE on any port

Skip it if:

  • Homelabbers who need VLANs, QoS or other management features
  • Buyers who want PoE for cameras or access points
  • Anyone who needs 2.5GbE, 10GbE or SFP/SFP+ uplinks
Read the full TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch review ›

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