Buying Guide
The Best MikroTik Network Switches for a Cleaner, More Useful Desk
We looked at 3 MikroTik network switches side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
6 min read3 products evaluated
We may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this guide. Learn more.
MikroTik's CRS-series switches run RouterOS, unlocking deep routing, firewall, and traffic-shaping customization that few competitors match at this price, at the cost of a real learning curve compared to GUI-first competitors like NETGEAR or TP-Link.
We compared this cluster on SFP+ port count and the dual-boot RouterOS/SwOS option several models offer, letting less experienced buyers start with simplified switching and grow into full RouterOS later.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best 2.5G Layer 3
MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN L3 Switch
5g ports + 2x sfp+, routeros
Our take Check price for MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN L3 Switch (opens in a new tab)
Best 8-Port SFP+
MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN Switch
Buyers prioritizing 4x sfp+ (up to 10gbit each) + 1 gbe mgmt
Our take Check price for MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN Switch (opens in a new tab)
Best Compact 4-Port SFP+
MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN Managed Switch
Buyers prioritizing 4x sfp+ (10gbit each) + 1 gbe mgmt
Our take Check price for MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN Managed Switch (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Best for | Key spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5g ports + 2x sfp+, routeros | 8x 2.5G ports + 2x SFP+, RouterOS | Check price for MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN L3 Switch (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers prioritizing 4x sfp+ (up to 10gbit each) + 1 gbe mgmt | 4x SFP+ (up to 10Gbit each) + 1 GbE mgmt | Check price for MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN Switch (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers prioritizing 4x sfp+ (10gbit each) + 1 gbe mgmt | 4x SFP+ (10Gbit each) + 1 GbE mgmt | Check price for MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN Managed Switch (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best 2.5G Layer 31 of 3
MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN L3 Switch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
5G ports (auto-negotiating 100/1000/2500) plus 2 SFP+ slots for fiber uplinks, appealing to homelab operators comfortable with MikroTik's deep configuration options.
Best for
- 5g ports + 2x sfp+, routeros
Why we like it
RouterOS gives access to advanced routing, firewall, and traffic-shaping features well beyond typical smart-managed switches, at the cost of a steeper learning curve than a GUI-only competitor.
Key dimensions & specs
- 8x 2.5G ports + 2x SFP+, RouterOS
- Layer 3 managed
- MikroTik ecosystem
Pros
- RouterOS unlocks deep routing/firewall customization
- 2.5G ports plus SFP+ uplinks in one unit
- Strong homelab and MikroTik community support
Cons
- Steep learning curve vs GUI-first competitors
- Less approachable for first-time managed switch buyers
Best 8-Port SFP+2 of 3
MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN Switch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The CRS305 packs 4 SFP+ ports (up to 10 Gbit each) into a compact, fanless metal case with a single Gigabit copper management port and two DC jacks for power redundancy, an unusually small footprint for a switch with real 10G fiber capability.
Best for
- Buyers prioritizing 4x sfp+ (up to 10gbit each) + 1 gbe mgmt
Why we like it
Like the CRS309, it offers the same dual-boot RouterOS/SwOS choice, letting buyers pick between full routing features or a simplified switch-only interface depending on their comfort level.
Key dimensions & specs
- 4x SFP+ (up to 10Gbit each) + 1 GbE mgmt
- Dual-boot RouterOS/SwOS
- Dual DC power jacks for redundancy
Pros
- Compact size for genuine 10G SFP+ capability
- Power redundancy via dual DC jacks
- Fanless silent operation
Cons
- Only 4 data ports for a 10G switch
- SFP+ modules sold separately
Best Compact 4-Port SFP+3 of 3
MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN Managed Switch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This is MikroTik's CRS305, a compact fanless switch with 4 SFP+ ports for up to 10Gbit per port, a single Gigabit copper management port, and dual DC jacks for power redundancy, all in a sleek metallic case without any moving parts.
Best for
- Buyers prioritizing 4x sfp+ (10gbit each) + 1 gbe mgmt
Why we like it
The dual-boot RouterOS/SwOS feature lets you choose between simplified switch-only operation or full Layer 3 routing, running on an 800MHz CPU with 512MB RAM and 16MB storage.
Key dimensions & specs
- 4x SFP+ (10Gbit each) + 1 GbE mgmt
- Dual-boot RouterOS/SwOS
- 800MHz CPU, 512MB RAM
Pros
- Genuine 10G SFP+ capability in a tiny fanless case
- Dual-boot flexibility between SwOS and RouterOS
- Power redundancy via dual DC jacks
Cons
- Only 4 SFP+ data ports
- SFP+ transceivers sold separately
How We Chose These MikroTik Network Switches
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Port Count & Speed Tier
- Verified the actual port count, Gigabit vs multi-gig speed rating, and whether every port runs at the advertised speed or only some do, since several switches mix full-speed and lower-speed ports.
- Checked the total PoE wattage budget against realistic device counts, not just the per-port maximum, since a switch's total power pool is what actually limits how many cameras or access points it can run.
- Classified each switch as unmanaged, smart/easy-managed, or fully managed Layer 2/3, since this determines what troubleshooting and segmentation options are available after installation, not just at setup.
- Weighed fanless vs active cooling, metal vs plastic housing, and desktop/wall/rack mounting options against the switch's likely install environment.
- Favored listings that clearly state cabling requirements, host port requirements, and speed caveats over ones that only advertise the theoretical maximum.
What to Look for in a MikroTik Network Switch
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Port count is a headroom decision, not a current-need one
Buy for what you'll plug in over the next 2-3 years, not just today. An 8-port switch that's already full the day it arrives means buying a second switch and daisy-chaining, which adds a hop of latency and another point of failure.
PoE budget is a shared pool, not per-port
A switch rated for 8 PoE+ ports at 120W total does not mean every port gets 30W simultaneously. Add up the real draw of every camera, AP, and phone you'll connect, and make sure the total budget clears it with room to spare.
Managed vs unmanaged changes what you can diagnose later
An unmanaged switch is zero-configuration but gives you no visibility when something goes wrong. A smart-managed switch adds VLANs, port mirroring, and traffic monitoring for a modest price increase, worth it the first time you need to isolate a misbehaving device.
Fanless does not always mean silent under load
Most desktop switches are fanless and silent, but high-port-count PoE switches sometimes add active cooling once the power budget climbs past 200-300W. Check for a fan explicitly if a quiet office or bedroom install matters.
Multi-gig speed needs matching cable and network gear
5G or 10G switch only delivers those speeds if your cabling is Cat5e or better (Cat6a for 10G) and the devices on both ends actually support that speed. Mixing a multi-gig switch into an all-Gigabit network gets you nothing extra.
Renewed enterprise gear needs a licensing check first
Cisco Meraki, Juniper, and some Aruba/HPE switches on Amazon are frequently sold as renewed hardware without an active license or support contract. Confirm what functions before assuming a discounted enterprise switch works like a new one out of the box.
How to Choose a MikroTik Network Switch
Every dual-boot CRS switch lets you choose SwOS for simplified switch-only operation, or RouterOS for full Layer 3 routing and firewall capability. Start with SwOS if you're new to MikroTik, and switch to RouterOS once you need features it doesn't offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MikroTik hard to configure?
RouterOS has a steep learning curve compared to GUI-first competitors, but the payoff is deep customization few other brands offer at this price. The dual-boot SwOS option gives newcomers a simpler on-ramp before committing to full RouterOS configuration.
Bottom Line
Best overall: MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN L3 Switch — best 2.5g layer 3 pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all mikrotik network switches on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.