I am looking to update my network to 2.5G base to take advantage of a new 2Gbps fiber uplink, so I’m looking for a new switch. Managed and PoE is ideal. I was considering a no-name brand from Amazon (I don’t know if links are allowed. If so, I’ll post in a reply.)
Hi,
Have you started at the source? https://mikrotik.com/products/group/switches?f[0]=s%3Ac&f[1]=f%3Apoe-out
Which one do you think would fit you?
I didn't see any with PoE out and 2.5G . Did I miss something?
ServetheHome has reviews of many switches.
That is why I asked ![]()
Hi BartoszP,
As Buckeye mentioned, I’m looking for 2.5GbE, Managed, and PoE. I know it’s a bit of a tall order.
This is the one I was looking at on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DN6LZVLP
I’m a little apprehensive about getting a no-name brand.
In general, I place little faith in Amazon reviews... that being said if all you want is a smart switch with vlan support, it may be ok. But read the reviews about the noisy fans and no known way to update the firmware. It does say their is US based support, so maybe give them a call and see if the "support" is any good, and ask about how you will be able to get firmware updates.
One nice thing about Mikrotik is their long term support for products.
But MikroTik does not have anything listed that fits your current stated needs.
What devices are you going to be using PoE with? Do they really need 2.5G? If not, you could get a smaller non-poe switch to support the devices that need the extra speed.
What router will you be using?
Edit: Servethehome did review another of there switches, and noted "Lack of branding gives us pause". Probably a generic Chinese switch that gets rebranded with multiple sellers.
If you don't have a real immediate need, I would wait until 2.5 becomes the new "normal", things are moving that way.
Take a look at the Grandstream GWN7822P.
It’s cheaper than the MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM and better than the no-name switch from Amazon. ![]()
You have to make a dicision yourself. I think any managable switch will fit you if the main need is 2.5Gb and PoE. For home usage, even home lab, most of configuration features would be one-time set&forget settings.
@BartoszP I was hoping to condense my network to a single switch for a true star topology and future-proofing, but I think you’re right, it’s just not feasible at this time.
@A1phaM4trix That Grandstream looks like it might be a good fit. Thanks for the suggestion!
Better support than no-name. But look at PoE specs.
Also, only 8 2.5G capable ports + 16 1G which may be sufficient for your needs.

Above are from https://documentation.grandstream.com/knowledge-base/gwn78xx-user-manual/
But make sure you look at specs closely before purchase so you don't have buyer's remorse; no matter what you are buying, always read the fine print (i.e. Due diligence)
Thanks @Buckeye!
I think this should be sufficient for my needs. I only have a couple clients that are 2.5GbE and I also need that for WiFi7 APs. I’ll have to watch the PoE budget for some IP cameras, but this one checks all the boxes I need for now.
