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Ubiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8 vs Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Flex Mini

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

all judged against network switches at a similar price

The Ubiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8 scores 6.9/10 overall, ahead of the Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Flex Mini at 6.1/10.

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

The Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Flex Mini leads on management and noise and efficiency.

They score the same on poE and firmware and support.

The biggest difference is port speeds, where the Ubiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8 scores 8/10 to the Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Flex Mini's 5/10.

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

UniFi Switch Flex Mini

Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Flex Mini

6.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The UniFi Switch Flex Mini is for people who run, or plan to run, a UniFi network and want a small managed switch. It offers five Gigabit ports, VLAN support and controller management in a 150 g fanless-listed box. It does not suit buyers who need PoE output, SFP uplinks or faster-than-Gigabit links.

Typically about £33 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

CriterionWeightUbiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Flex Mini
Port speeds30%8/105/10
Management20%7/108/10
Port count and uplinks15%8/105/10
Noise and efficiency15%6/108/10
PoE10%5/105/10
Firmware and support10%5/105/10
Overall6.9/106.1/10

Specifications

SpecUbiquiti UniFi Flex 2.5G USW-Flex-2.5G-8Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Flex Mini
Ports8 access ports (2.5G/1G/100M/10M) plus one 10G RJ45/SFP+ combo uplink5 RJ45 ports, 1GbE
Port speedsAccess ports 2.5G/1G/100M/10M; uplink RJ45 10G/5G/2.5G/1G/100M; SFP+ 10G/1G10/100/1000 Mbps per port
ManagementSpec sheet lists management interface as Ethernet only; managed through the UniFi console, and a reviewer of the PoE variant reports no web UIUniFi Network Controller management with VLAN support (1,000 VLANs), port isolation, mirroring and rate limiting; requires UniFi Network 5.12.5 or later
PoE budgetNo PoE output; powered by USB-C 5V DC 3A or PoE+ inputNo PoE output; one port accepts 802.3af/at PoE input only
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)One 10G SFP+ port (10G/1G) and one 10 GbE RJ45 port, as a combo uplinkNone; RJ45 ports only, no SFP/SFP+
Switching capacity60 Gbps switching capacity, 30 Gbps non-blocking throughput, 45 Mpps forwarding rateSwitching capacity 10 Gbps; 5 Gbps non-blocking throughput; 7 Mpps forwarding rate
Coolingnot listedHeat dissipation 6.824 BTU/hr (excluding PoE output); no fan listed on manufacturer page

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Flex Mini

  • + Controller management with up to 1,000 VLANs
  • + No fan listed; 2.5 W maximum power draw
  • + Small and light: 107 x 70 x 21 mm, 150 g
  • − Gigabit only, with no SFP or SFP+ uplink
  • − No PoE output to power other devices
  • − Needs UniFi Network 5.12.5 or later for management

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need PoE output to power access points or cameras
  • Anyone who wants SFP/SFP+ uplinks or faster-than-Gigabit ports
  • People who do not want to run a UniFi controller
Read the full Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Flex Mini review ›

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