MikroTik vs Ubiquiti Switches: Which to Buy in Lebanon — 2026 Guide

MikroTik vs Ubiquiti Switches: The Lebanon Buyer's Dilemma

When building or upgrading a network in Lebanon, the switch is the backbone that connects everything — access points, servers, IP cameras, VoIP phones, and workstations. MikroTik and Ubiquiti dominate the Lebanese market for managed switches, and choosing between them affects your network's capabilities, management complexity, and total cost. This guide compares both brands across the switch categories that matter most to Lebanese buyers.

Product Lines Overview

MikroTik Switch Families

MikroTik sells switches under two families:

• CRS (Cloud Router Switch): Full RouterOS or SwOS, L3 routing capability, extensive VLAN and firewall options. These are hybrid devices that can function as both routers and switches. Models range from 8-port desktop units to 48-port rackmount switches with 10G/25G/100G uplinks.
• CSS (Cloud Smart Switch): Runs SwOS only — a simpler web-managed OS for pure L2 switching. Lower cost, less CPU overhead, but no routing features. Ideal for access-layer switching where you just need VLANs and PoE.

Browse the full lineup on our MikroTik switches page.

Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Families

Ubiquiti sells switches under the UniFi brand:

• USW (UniFi Switch): Standard managed switches with UniFi Controller integration. Layer 2 features with basic L3 inter-VLAN routing on Pro models.
• USW Pro: Higher port counts, 10G SFP+ uplinks, and PoE++ support. Designed for professional and enterprise deployments.
• USW Pro Max: Latest generation with 2.5G base ports and higher PoE budgets.

See all options on our Ubiquiti UniFi Lebanon page.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Popular Models

24-Port Gigabit PoE Switches

The most common switch category for offices, hotels, and small ISPs in Lebanon:

Verdict: The MikroTik CRS328 wins on raw specs — more SFP+ ports, higher PoE budget, and full L3 routing. The Ubiquiti USW-Pro wins on management ease with the polished UniFi Controller dashboard.

48-Port Gigabit PoE Switches

For larger deployments — campus networks, multi-floor offices, and hotel chains:

Note: The CRS354-48G model listed does not include PoE. MikroTik's PoE 48-port option is the CRS354-48P-4S+2Q+RM with PoE output on all 48 ports. The USW-Pro-48-PoE Gen2 is easier to source for users wanting an all-in-one PoE solution.

Compact Desktop Switches

For small offices, reception desks, and IP camera runs:

• MikroTik CSS610-8P-2S+IN: 8 Gigabit PoE ports + 2 SFP+ 10G uplinks. 140W PoE budget. Fanless desktop form factor. Perfect for powering 4-8 UniFi or MikroTik APs and IP cameras.
• Ubiquiti USW-Pro-8-PoE: 8 Gigabit PoE ports + 2 SFP+. Layer 3 capable within UniFi. Slightly higher cost but seamless UniFi integration.

Management: RouterOS vs UniFi Controller

MikroTik RouterOS / SwOS

MikroTik switches running RouterOS give you access to:

• Full CLI access via SSH, Winbox GUI, and WebFig browser interface
• Advanced VLAN configurations including QinQ, VLAN filtering by bridge, and per-port VLAN assignment
• Complete firewall and NAT on the switch itself (when running in router mode)
• Scripting and scheduler for automated tasks like nightly port restarts or bandwidth reports
• SNMP monitoring, RADIUS authentication, and RSTP/MSTP spanning tree
• API access for integration with custom management platforms

The tradeoff: RouterOS has a steeper learning curve. New users often find the VLAN bridge configuration confusing. However, experienced network engineers appreciate the granular control that RouterOS provides.

Ubiquiti UniFi Controller

UniFi switches are managed through the UniFi Network Application (hosted on a Cloud Gateway Ultra, UDM-Pro Max, or self-hosted). Benefits include:

• Single-pane-of-glass management for switches, APs, and gateways
• Visual network topology map showing all connected devices
• Click-to-create VLANs and port profiles without CLI knowledge
• Built-in traffic statistics, client tracking, and alerts
• Automatic firmware updates across all devices

The tradeoff: less granular control. UniFi hides many advanced settings to keep the interface clean. Users needing complex ACLs, policy routing, or custom QoS rules may hit limitations.

PoE Budgets and Power Considerations for Lebanon

With Lebanon's power infrastructure, PoE budget matters more than in stable-grid countries. Every watt of PoE translates to UPS runtime during outages. Key considerations:

• Calculate actual PoE draw, not maximum budget. A typical UniFi U7 Pro AP draws 12-15W, and an IP camera draws 8-12W. A 24-port PoE switch rarely uses more than 150-200W in practice.
• Right-size your PoE budget. The MikroTik CRS328's 500W budget provides headroom, but you pay for it in UPS capacity. The USW-Pro-24's 400W is still generous for most installations.
• Use 802.3af where possible (15.4W max per port) instead of 802.3at (30W). Most APs and cameras only need af-level power.

Price Comparison and Value

MikroTik switches generally cost 20-40% less than equivalent Ubiquiti UniFi switches in Lebanon. The CRS326-24G-2S+ retails for significantly less than the USW-24. However, the total cost of ownership should factor in management time — UniFi's simpler management saves hours for organizations without dedicated network engineers.

For ISPs and technical teams who already know RouterOS, MikroTik switches offer unbeatable value. For businesses wanting plug-and-play management with a visual dashboard, UniFi switches justify their premium.

Recommendation Matrix

Where to Buy Network Switches in Lebanon

HI-GAIN stocks both MikroTik and Ubiquiti switches at our Dora, Beirut warehouse. As Lebanon's authorized distributor for both brands since 1990, we provide unbiased recommendations based on your specific network requirements. Check switch availability and pricing or call us at +961 3 337 666.