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Cisco Catalyst Switches vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 3, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

Cisco Catalyst Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
7th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
6.9
Number of Reviews
176
Ranking in other categories
LAN Switching (1st), Data Center Networking (1st), AV Over IP Switching (1st)
MikroTik Cloud Router Switch
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
19th
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
6.9
Number of Reviews
22
Ranking in other categories
Routers (5th)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Cisco Catalyst Switches is 2.1%, down from 2.6% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is 1.4%, up from 1.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

Joshua Odunsi - PeerSpot reviewer
Ensures efficient performance and supports network growth with optimal speed
Catalyst Switches are efficient and swift, which is valuable for my organization. I experience optimal speed and effective configuration, making them stand out compared to other switches. The PoE switches offer more ports on SFP, and it is efficient in use. Overall, the switches provide me with the value I expect in terms of speed and efficiency.
Anthony Quarshie - PeerSpot reviewer
Provides robust routing capability but needs simplified documentation
I am using it, and I recommend it to my customers in the financial sector The router power is the most valuable aspect. I have not tried AppSec. Everything, I do on my own with Sage or something similar. I do not rely on technical support. I have used the solution for a couple of years, like…

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"The quality of a Cisco switch is very high. They are extremely stable."
"I have found that the protocols that Cisco Catalyst Switches support are beneficial for my customers."
"It is a pretty good product. I don't see a problem with this product. Cisco Catalyst Switches fit the best for the type of systems that we deploy. Our customers usually are happy with Cisco equipment. Many partners and third parties have ordered this solution."
"The solution is already at the cutting edge in terms of innovation."
"Cisco support is very good and responsive."
"It has become easier for us to troubleshoot and find issues faster in the management software for the switches. It saves us troubleshooting time because if the network is down it has a big impact on production."
"In terms of technology, Cisco is the leader in everything. I'd rather buy a second-hand Cisco switch than a brand new switch from a competitor. They're that reliable and resilient."
"The Cisco Catalyst is very stable and it can last for many years."
"The initial setup is easy."
"It is easy to set up the solution."
"It is user-friendly, reliable, and cheap."
"The router power is the most valuable aspect."
"The tool has impacted our company's network costs and productivity in a perfect manner and percentage-wise, I can say it is 120 percent."
"This solution is very similar to the on-premises version making it easy to use for those who know the architect."
"A valuable aspect is its user-friendly configuration, making it accessible even for individuals with basic technical knowledge."
"The most valuable feature is that it has better throughput than its competitors."
 

Cons

"Scaling can be quite costly."
"There could be improvements in the repeat configuration with some file integration that is currently missing."
"Cisco has to lower the price of its products to make them more cost-effective."
"The security of the solution could be improved, it is really important to us."
"When you compare it with HPE and Aruba, it should be fancier."
"Price could be lower."
"The product must provide a better central tool for management."
"The product could be more user-friendly."
"The initial setup is complex."
"In medium to large sectors, there's a necessity for managing aspects like proxy firewalls."
"MikroTik needs to add some features like IPS, mail security, or antivirus, et cetera."
"It happens that you may find your network is down, if you reboot the switch, they come up. However, sometimes, they reset themselves. That's a big issue."
"If MikroTik had a marketing team and support team in India then it would be much easier for us to get the product, as well as support."
"MikroTik is mostly used by medium and small businesses, so the security is not as robust as Cisco."
"The solution does not yet offer a SaaS version."
"There has to be more development in the OS. It's complex for this switch as compared to others like Cisco. For NetGear and Cisco, it's easy to adapt the VLAN concept but it should be simplified for MikroTik."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"There are no licensing fees required."
"Cisco Catalyst Switches is an affordable solution."
"Cisco's prices are not cheap, but the stability is worth it."
"It is very pricey. You have to pay for support."
"The cost of Cisco switches is a little more expensive than the competition. However, as the saying goes, "you get what you pay for." If you want a reliable solution and other benefits, Cisco Catalyst Switches are worth the money."
"The new products from Cisco in the market are expensive. My company cannot import Cisco products, so they are mostly unavailable."
"The price is in an affordable range and everything is included."
"Cisco Catalyst Switches are very expensive."
"In Pakistan, if you buy this cloud router, it's approximately $700 for the device."
"The price of the solution is fair and there is a one-time license purchase only."
"The licensing for MikroTik is great. It's easy to enter, especially for small businesses. Their model is great."
"MikroTik is really cheap compared to the competitors."
"They came with the licensing when we purchased them."
"This product has a one-time cost and there is no licensing fee."
"The price is competitive."
"I believe the price of the tool is high, but it is okay for the services we get from it."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Educational Organization
51%
Computer Software Company
8%
Manufacturing Company
5%
Financial Services Firm
4%
Computer Software Company
15%
Comms Service Provider
12%
Healthcare Company
7%
Educational Organization
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

Would you recommend replacing a Cisco Catalyst Switch by a D-link one?
Hello Mesfin It depends on the real scenario, the cisco 2960 is a very good device and they usually have routing functions but there are many different models within the same 2960 line, and on the ...
What do you like most about Cisco Catalyst Switches?
We are a vendor for the healthcare sector, especially hospitals, and normally, we use a full Cisco solution for stability, especially for the stability of the Access Points and the security of swit...
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco Catalyst Switches?
For pricing satisfaction, I'd say it will be six to seven because Cisco usually is costly compared to other vendors. Regarding pricing, there is indeed room for improvement.
What do you like most about MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?
The tool has impacted our company's network costs and productivity in a perfect manner and percentage-wise, I can say it is 120 percent.
What needs improvement with MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?
Regarding improvements in the MikroTik Cloud Router Switch, I am not sure as it is a good product. The performance could potentially be improved, but for this market segment, it is a good product. ...
 

Also Known As

Cisco Catalyst, Catalyst
MikroTik CRS Series
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Afni, Anilana Hotels and Resorts, Baylor Scott & White Health, Beachbody, Bellevue, Del Papa Distributing, Explorer Pipeline, Mindtree, Omaha World Herald, Radio 538, Sony Corporation, Telecom Italia, Telenor Arena
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Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco Catalyst Switches vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch and other solutions. Updated: June 2025.
857,688 professionals have used our research since 2012.