MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+IN Cloud Router Switch - Compact 10G-Ready

Our review of the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+IN finds it is a compact, feature-rich managed switch aimed at advanced home users and small office setups who need more than a basic unmanaged device. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of 24 gigabit ports and a pair of 10G SFP+ cages in a quiet, fanless desktop chassis, which brings server-room capabilities into a transportable, affordable package while still handling core routing tasks such as firewall, NAT and basic VPN.

Key Features

• 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports: Provides abundant wired connections for a dense home network or small office without needing additional switches.
• 2x SFP+ cages: Supports both 1.25G SFP and 10G SFP+ modules to add high-speed uplinks or NAS connectivity.
• Dual boot SwOS/RouterOS: Lets users choose a lightweight switch-focused OS or the advanced RouterOS for routing, firewall, and VPN functions.
• 512 MB RAM and capable CPU: Handles basic home routing tasks such as NAT, firewall and some VPN workloads without needing extra hardware.
• Fanless desktop design: Quiet and compact for living-room or home-lab use and easy to move between locations.
• Managed switch features: Includes VLANs, MAC filtering, port-to-port forwarding and traffic mirroring for flexible network control.

Who It's For

The CRS326-24G-2S+IN is best for power users, home lab builders and small offices that need a managed switch with room to grow into 10G uplinks and who appreciate the choice of SwOS for simple switch management or RouterOS for advanced routing. Its quiet fanless case and desktop footprint make it a natural fit for setups where noise and space matter.

It is less appropriate for casual users who want plug-and-play simplicity without learning switch configuration, or for larger enterprise deployments that require redundant power, heavy VPN throughput or hot-swappable components. For those needs, a rackmount, enterprise-grade unit would be a better match.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High port density with 24 gigabit ports plus 2 SFP+ cages for 10G expansion.
• Dual boot option gives flexibility between a simple switch OS and full RouterOS features.
• Fanless, compact design keeps noise down and allows easy placement in home setups.
• Managed features like VLANs, traffic mirroring and bandwidth limiting cover most home and small office scenarios.

Cons

• Not designed for heavy enterprise VPN loads or environments that need redundant power or advanced hardware failover.
• Requires some networking knowledge to unlock the full potential of RouterOS and advanced features.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The CRS326-24G-2S+IN is an excellent value for advanced home users and small offices that want managed switch features plus optional 10G uplinks in a quiet, transportable package. Its dual boot flexibility and sufficient CPU and RAM make it a versatile choice, though those needing enterprise redundancy or very high VPN throughput should consider heavier-duty hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it support 10G connections?
Yes, the SFP+ cages accept both 1.25G SFP and 10G SFP+ modules for high-speed uplinks.

Can it act as a router with firewall and VPN?
Yes, when using RouterOS the unit can handle basic firewall, NAT and some VPN tasks suitable for home or small office use.

Is it noisy for home use?
No, the fanless desktop design keeps noise to a minimum, making it suitable for living-room or home-lab environments.