Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch comparison

Fortinet and MikroTik are both solutions in the Ethernet Switches category. Fortinet is ranked #15 with an average rating of 8.4, while MikroTik is ranked #16 with an average rating of 7.9. Fortinet holds a 2.3% mindshare in ES, compared to MikroTik’s 1.9% mindshare. Additionally, 95% of Fortinet users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of MikroTik users who would recommend it.

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...

Read 26 Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center reviews

1,862 Views
1,862 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Read 25 MikroTik Cloud Router Switch reviews

2,089 Views
1,546 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 3, 2024

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch and Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center are competing in the networking space with distinct approaches to market needs. MikroTik offers advantages in pricing and customer support, while Fortinet's advanced features suggest it provides better value in security.

Features: MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is recognized for cost-effectiveness and comprehensive routing capabilities. It supports various protocols, enhances flexibility, and provides excellent throughput. Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center delivers robust security features, integration with Fortinet products, and an intuitive graphical user interface that simplifies configuration.

Room for Improvement: MikroTik Cloud Router Switch can enhance its advanced security features, streamline customer service for complex issues, and improve scalability options. Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center may benefit from reducing deployment complexity, improving cost-effectiveness, and expanding customer support to cater to less technically skilled users.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: MikroTik Cloud Router Switch provides straightforward deployment and reliable customer support, accessible to a wide audience. Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center offers sophisticated deployment models for technical experts and excellent customer service for complex integrations.

Pricing and ROI: MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is affordable with a quick return on investment, targeting budget-conscious buyers. Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center involves higher initial costs but offers enhanced security and long-term benefits, providing a higher lifetime ROI for those prioritizing performance and security.

To learn more, read our detailed Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch Report (Updated: February 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

February 2026

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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

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...

Ranking in Ethernet Switches

15th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Ranking in Ethernet Switches

16th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Routers (4th)

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2026, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is 2.3%, up from 1.6% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is 1.9%, up from 1.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Ethernet Switches Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center	2.3%
MikroTik Cloud Router Switch	1.9%
Other	95.8%

Ethernet Switches

Featured Reviews

Rutul SHah

CXO at Aariha Enterprise Private Limited

Provides seamless traffic control and secure connectivity while minimizing downtime and optimizing resource allocation

There is always room for improvement in Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center because with this switch, they can reduce downtime due to broadcasting issues by denying specific traffic on particular ports. Currently, I am not identifying any weak points of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center because it meets the customer's use case. However, the commercial aspect presents challenges, particularly with pricing, as customers often ask for Juniper or Cisco, brands they are more aware of, which makes awareness about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center another weak point.

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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

"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center's scalability is good."

"I have found the solution to be scalable."

"It integrates well."

"Based on my use cases, Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center was a great product that was easy to manage and work with while being a powerful tool."

"The interface is very straightforward."

"The product's most valuable feature is its ability to manage switches from one central point."

"What I like about the solution is that it can be accessed anywhere."

"An affordable and stable solution for small-medium companies."

More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center pros

"It's a well-rounded solution for routing."

"The wiki page that describes the scripting and other features is very good."

"MikroTik Cloud Router Switch stands out for its features, especially those available at that price point."

"The router power is the most valuable aspect."

"The best aspect is that it remains affordable."

"The most valuable feature is that it has better throughput than its competitors."

"It is easy to set up."

"Some of the most valuable features are the simplicity, cost, usability, and power. As a package, it's extremely effective."

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch pros

Cons

"Managing the VLANs is an area where the solution lacks and needs to improve."

"There is room to improve the integration between FortiSwitch and other third-party solutions, as challenges arise when integrating with different vendors."

"With IT products, there is always room for improvement."

"The solution could always benefit from more security. It's of critical importance to organizations right now."

"The stability of the solution is impacted when integrating parts from different vendors such as Cisco, which can lead to performance problems and disconnections."

"Compatibility with infrastructure from other vendors like Cisco and Sophos can be further improved."

"The UI of the firewall and reporting could be improved."

"Does not have as many features as other solutions, such as segmentation and analytics engines."

More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center cons

"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."

"Stuff that I'd like to be improved is really just training and documentation because I think the feature set is full. Another improvement I'd suggest is that their new, bigger releases should be a bit more stable."

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

"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."

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

"In medium to large sectors, there's a necessity for managing aspects like proxy firewalls."

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

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

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The tool's pricing is lower than Cisco's."

"Cost-wise, Fortinet solutions are cheaper than those offered by Cisco."

"We pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution, which is expensive."

"The solution's pricing is a little high. The solution deserves the current price it receives from its users."

"The solution is not expensive."

"This solution is expensive but it does not require a license."

"It is reasonably priced."

"The product is less expensive than one of its competitors."

More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center pricing and cost advice

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

"MikroTik is really cheap compared to the competitors."

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

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

"In Pakistan, if you buy this cloud router, it's approximately $700 for the device."

"The price is competitive."

"The licensing for MikroTik is great. It's easy to enter, especially for small businesses. Their model is great."

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

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Government

14%

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

Retailer

Comms Service Provider

13%

Educational Organization

12%

Marketing Services Firm

Computer Software Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	17
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	4

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

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?

The initial setup was simple.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?

The Fortinet switches come with no additional cost as they are open source, with only hardware warranties applicable.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?

The performance is basic only, and we cannot compare Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center with Aruba or Cisco switches. Regarding security policies, I did not configure that many policies in Fortinet...

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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.

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

Comparisons

Aruba Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center

Compared 27% of the time

HPE Ethernet Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center

Compared 18% of the time

Cisco Ethernet Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center

Compared 9% of the time

Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center

Compared 5% of the time

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch Ethernet Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center

Compared 2% of the time

More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center Competitors

TP-Link Omada Switches vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 16% of the time

MikroTik Routers and Switches vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 10% of the time

Huawei Enterprise Routers vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 5% of the time

Aruba Switches vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 5% of the time

Cisco Catalyst Switches vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 4% of the time

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Ethernet Switches

February 2026

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center report

Download Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center product report

Buyer's Guide

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

January 2026

Download MikroTik Cloud Router Switch product report

Also Known As

No data available

MikroTik CRS Series

Overview

With 10 or 40 GE access ports and a high-throughput backbone, FortiSwitch Data Center Switches are ideal for the top-of-rack (ToR) server or firewall-aggregation applications. The high-speed switching fabric is also well suited for enterprise network core or backbone network installations.

Fortinet

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is a new Smart Switch series. It combines the best features of a fully functional router and a Layer 3 switch, is powered by the familiar RouterOS. All the specific Switch configuration options are available in a special Switch menu, also ports can be removed from the switch configuration, and used for routing purposes.

MikroTik

Sample Customers

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data

Information Not Available

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

February 2026

Free Report: Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

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