Cisco Ethernet Switches vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch comparison

Cisco and MikroTik are both solutions in the Ethernet Switches category. Cisco is ranked #2 with an average rating of 8.7, while MikroTik is ranked #17 with an average rating of 7.7. Cisco holds a 9.1% mindshare in ES, compared to MikroTik’s 2.0% mindshare. Additionally, 96% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of MikroTik users who would recommend it.

Cisco Ethernet Switches

Read 138 Cisco Ethernet Switches reviews

13,691 Views
13,691 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Read 25 MikroTik Cloud Router Switch reviews

3,806 Views
2,664 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

Cisco Ethernet Switches

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 3, 2024

Cisco Ethernet Switches and MikroTik Cloud Router Switches both compete in the networking equipment category. Cisco seems to have the upper hand in scalability and enterprise support, whereas MikroTik stands out for its affordability and feature-rich offerings catering to smaller budgets.

Features: Cisco Ethernet Switches offer advanced QoS, MACSec encryption for enhanced security, and Scalability features like StackPower. They are known for power-efficient designs and extensive documentation. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch provides flexible VLAN handling, user-friendly configuration, and competitive pricing, making it suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Room for Improvement:Cisco Ethernet Switches could improve in pricing, simplifying configuration processes, and enhancing compatibility with third-party solutions. They also need to focus on reducing system bugs and licensing challenges. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch can enhance security features like IDS/IPS, improve integration capabilities with other systems, and upgrade their support documentation.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service:Cisco Ethernet Switches are well-regarded for deployment across hybrid and on-premises environments, backed by strong technical support, though some users find responses slow. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch boasts a straightforward deployment, especially in cloud setups, with support viewed as adequate but having potential for improvement to elevate user satisfaction.

Pricing and ROI:Cisco Ethernet Switches are premium-priced often requiring additional licenses and contracts, however, offering high ROI through reliability. MikroTik Cloud Router Switches are more cost-effective, with a one-time cost, providing excellent value for smaller budgets, though the perceived ROI may be lower compared to Cisco's solutions.

To learn more, read our detailed Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch Report (Updated: August 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

August 2026

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Helped 908,834 peers since 2012

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 Ethernet Switches

Ranking in Ethernet Switches

2nd

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

138

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Ranking in Ethernet Switches

17th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Routers (5th)

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2026, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Cisco Ethernet Switches is 9.1%, down from 12.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is 2.0%, up from 1.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Ethernet Switches Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Cisco Ethernet Switches	9.1%
MikroTik Cloud Router Switch	2.0%
Other	88.9%

Ethernet Switches

Featured Reviews

Sachin-Yadav

Network & Security Engineer at Arrow PC Network Pvt Ltd

Network segmentation has improved security and performance across all departments

Cisco Ethernet Switches offer various features such as L3 capable models which help me with my routing requirements, OSPF, EIGRP, and VRF for segmentation, as well as policy-based routing. Additionally, it provides a high layer of enterprise security via 802.1X port-based authentication, DHCP snooping, ARP inspection, IP Guard, ACLs, and integration with Cisco ISE. I have been using Cisco Ethernet Switches for more than four years, and they have provided me stability, better connectivity, and higher speed. My organization values these switches greatly.

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Andriejus Artamonovas

IT Specialist at a outsourcing company with 501-1,000 employees

Has supported deeper configuration through traffic mirroring and advanced VLAN setup

The main reason why MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is usually chosen is its raw performance to price ratio. In comparison to UniFi switches, MikroTik Cloud Router Switch can mirror all ports for traffic inspection for further traffic analysis, which UniFi cannot do. VLANs in MikroTik Cloud Router Switch are always useful. The way MikroTik implements VLAN-aware switching at the bridge level is hidden in the configuration. Making CRS work as a simple VLAN-aware switch requires deeper configuration, which is not intuitive. VLANs support individual interfaces not part of the bridge, allowing for double VLANing. You can create a VLAN interface in the interfaces context and also create a bridge interface, add physical ports, create VLANs for that bridge interface, and assign tagged and untagged ports and VLANs. Load balancing is one of the key components. The feature itself is quite efficient and works reliably on MikroTik Cloud Router Switch. The very basic setup is one of my favorites because they have their protocol where I can connect through the MAC address right on Layer 2, and I don't lose connectivity to the switch if I mess up with bridging or IP addressing.

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"What we love about the Cisco switches is that they are very reliable. You can deploy them and go to sleep, and you can be sure that nothing is going to go wrong. Our initial equipment was installed by a Chinese manufacturer named Fiberhome a couple of years ago. Their switches were called S engines. They worked, but some days, you just wake up, and the switch has popped up. It was a lot of crisis. Therefore, we are in the process of trying to take out all their switches and replace them with Cisco switches. We are getting good results in terms of reliability and even technical support."

"I like that it's easy to use."

"We use Cisco Ethernet Switches for local area networks in banks."

"Centralized administration and reduced time consumption."

"Technical support is excellent. They are very helpful."

"The solution is a high-end router that can handle a huge network with tons of traffic."

"Modularity of Industrial switches (IE3000) provides flexibility in solutions yet based on one platform."

"Cisco Ethernet Switches are scalable, much more than Jupiter."

More Cisco Ethernet Switches pros

"It is easy to set up."

"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."

"A valuable aspect is its user-friendly configuration, making it accessible even for individuals with basic technical knowledge."

"Familiar RouterOS support, port isolation, flexible VLAN handling (tagging, untagging, rewriting, etc.)."

"This product is easy to configure."

"The performance has been good."

"It is easy to set up the solution."

"The solution works very well for us; the performance has been good and it's been stable for now."

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch pros

Cons

"The price could be improved by being reduced."

"Network setup is quite complicated, particularly if you're implementing in a non-technical environment."

"We've had hardware problems like SSDs, ports, networking, things like that."

"There's are other products that are better for network programmability. Cisco isn't as programmable as some others vendors."

"From a system integrator's perspective, Cisco must train system integrators, partners, and customers about their services."

"Price is a pain point for us. We've lost a lot of bids, and the reason has been that we majorly quoted Cisco devices."

"Cisco switches are good as they are, but it would be a major feature if they have built-in routers. Some of the Microchip switches have routers built in the same device. They have a router switch. For some of the sites, we deploy such switches because the client does not want a separate router and a separate switch. So, we go for a router switch with maybe 24 ports. Some of them are fiber, and some of them are ethernet. It would be a major improvement to what Cisco is already doing. Behind the scenes, a lot of scripting and stuff like this is happening. A lot of workload can be lifted if Cisco had a good GUI. If you look at Microchip switches, they have a good GUI in addition to the CLI."

"The price could be better. It should be affordable for any organization."

More Cisco Ethernet Switches cons

"Aspects such as zero trust, security, and management interface could be improved, which would be useful."

"Proper LACP support, more software support for hardware capabilities, true wirespeed Layer 3 routing."

"Most of the time, the MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is stable. If I were to rate the stability on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is the best, I would give it a 5."

"The solution does not yet offer a SaaS version."

"Simplifying the documentation would be a good idea."

"Antispam and antivirus features should be included in the future."

"The user interface could improve and they should allow a license for IBS."

"While some customers use MikroTik Cloud Router Switch as a firewall, it's not at an industry-level, though the basic features are adequate for many users who prefer it over purchasing other reputed firewall solutions."

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Cisco is an industry leader, but the price is very high."

"The price is very high though it is priced right for the level of quality."

"The price is on the higher side."

"Customers have to pay for some of the L3 switches licenses, which are expensive."

"Its price is very high, but it is a good device. Cisco must work on its price. Other solutions provide a better price for similar functionalities."

"The solution has different prices depending on the features that you want to have."

"We are happy with the pricing from Cisco."

"Pricing for this product is high but the cost is worth it if you can afford it."

More Cisco Ethernet Switches pricing and cost advice

"The price of the solution is fair and there is a one-time license purchase only."

"The price is competitive."

"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."

"I believe the price of the tool is high, but it is okay for the services we get from it."

"They came with the licensing when we purchased them."

"This product has a one-time cost and there is no licensing fee."

"I consider it to be a cost-effective solution."

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Construction Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

11%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Comms Service Provider

14%

Educational Organization

11%

Manufacturing Company

Marketing Services Firm

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	60
Midsize Enterprise	35
Large Enterprise	55

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	19
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	2

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 ...

See all answers

Which would you choose - Fortinet Fortiswitch secure access or Cisco Ethernet Switches?

We researched Cisco but ultimately chose Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access, mostly because of the price. Fortinet FortiSwitch is an ethernet switch solution that provides security and performance...

See all answers

In terms of ethernet switches, would you go with Cisco or Juniper?

Our organization ran comparison tests to determine whether Cisco or Juniper Ethernet switches were the better fit for us. We decided to go with Juniper. Juniper ethernet switches are a lesser-known...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

The Python solution pricing is on the lower side.

See all answers

What needs improvement with MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

It can be difficult to identify key functions for MikroTik Cloud Router Switch. I experience functionality limitations, particularly when trying to find specific features. It would be beneficial to...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

I mostly work with network equipment now, focusing mainly on routers. I work with FortiGates and MikroTik routers. When referring to FortiGate routers, I mean the firewalls, but not the enterprise-...

See all answers

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Compared 35% of the time

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Compared 8% of the time

H3C Ethernet Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches

Compared 5% of the time

NETGEAR Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches

Compared 5% of the time

Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches

Compared 4% of the time

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MikroTik Routers and Switches vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 9% of the time

Cisco Enterprise Routers vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 7% of the time

TP-Link Omada Switches vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 7% of the time

Huawei Enterprise Routers vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 6% of the time

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 5% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Ethernet Switches

August 2026

Download Cisco Ethernet Switches product report

Buyer's Guide

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

July 2026

Download MikroTik Cloud Router Switch product report

Also Known As

Cisco Industrial Ethernet Switches

MikroTik CRS Series

Overview

Cisco Ethernet Switches provide reliable, high-performance networking with advanced features suitable for demanding environments, offering flexibility and easy management. These switches integrate well with different technologies, making them a go-to option for enterprises needing robust network solutions.

Renowned for superior performance and reliability, Cisco Ethernet Switches offer advanced networking features like network virtualization, VLAN, and quality of service. Robust design ensures durability in harsh conditions, while enhanced security features and remote management capabilities provide exceptional flexibility and troubleshooting ease. Users appreciate the support and comprehensive documentation provided, alongside the switches' ability to integrate seamlessly with technologies, supporting scalability and making them a preferred choice for businesses looking for efficient, secure networking solutions.

What are the key features of Cisco Ethernet Switches?

Network Virtualization: Supports multiple virtual networks for enhanced resource management.
VLAN Support: Enables segmentation of network traffic for increased efficiency.
Quality of Service: Prioritizes network traffic to ensure optimal performance.
Remote Management: Facilitates troubleshooting and configuration from anywhere.
Enhanced Security: Provides robust protection against network threats.

What benefits and ROI can be expected from Cisco Ethernet Switches?

Performance Reliability: Ensures consistent network uptime and stability.
Scalability: Adapts to growing network demands without compromising performance.
Integration Capability: Seamlessly connects with existing technologies, reducing operational disruption.
Comprehensive Support: Access to extensive documentation and responsive technical support.
Longevity: Robust design leads to longer lifecycle and investment protection.

Cisco Ethernet Switches are widely used in industries focusing on local area networking, data center infrastructure, and core to edge connectivity. Supporting LAN, data centers, security networks, and others, these switches facilitate robust communication and reliable connections. With advanced routing and stacking features, they optimize latency and handle high-throughput traffic, making them ideal for industries requiring stable and efficient networking.

Cisco

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch offers a balance of price and performance ideal for businesses needing efficient routing and traffic management. It enables load balancing, VLAN support, and comprehensive monitoring, making it suitable for diverse network environments.

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is recognized for its flexible routing capabilities and cost-efficient solutions, benefiting sectors like public services and education. With user-friendly setup and advanced configuration options, it efficiently manages ISP business routes, integrates into corporate networks, and scales for government projects and data centers. However, it could benefit from improvements in security aspects like VPNs, and better technical support. While admired for intuitive interfaces, there’s a desire for enhancements in hardware quality, MPLS support, and OS utilization.

What are the key features of MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

Flexible Routing: Allows for sophisticated traffic management suited for ISPs and corporate networks.
Intuitive Interfaces: User-friendly GUI and command-line setup for ease of use across tech levels.
Advanced Security: Offers firewall features and VPN support for secure network environments.
Load Balancing: Efficiently manages network traffic to optimize performance.
VLAN Support: Enables segmenting networks to enhance security and management.

What benefits should users expect in MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

Cost Efficiency: Competitive pricing aligned with high-performance delivery.
Scalability: Adaptable to network size, from small organizations to data centers.
User-Friendly: Simple setup and flexible configuration reduce deployment time.
Comprehensive Monitoring: Effective tools for real-time traffic and network status insights.
Support for Diverse Applications: Integrates well into educational, governmental, and commercial settings.

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch sees extensive use in industries requiring robust networking, like ISPs for core routing and client management, as well as government and educational sectors for large-scale network integration. Key users include distributors and service providers, leveraging its traffic control and secure routing in complex environments.

MikroTik

Sample Customers

Linz AG

Information Not Available

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Ethernet Switches vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

August 2026

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