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In this guide
Selecting the right network switch is crucial for modern infrastructure. High-speed connectivity ensures smooth data flow across your systems. The 25GbE standard offers excellent performance for demanding workloads.
We evaluated ten top-rated switches featuring SFP28 ports for reliability. Our comparison looks at throughput, port configurations, and management tools. This list covers options for various budget sizes and use cases.
Each pick highlights unique strengths like low latency or easy management. You will find detailed specs and real-world application notes here. Please note that prices can change frequently on online marketplaces.
Top 3 Picks for Best 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
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4.6Editor score
Top 10 Best 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports in 2026 Compared
Here is a side-by-side comparison of all ten switches. We break down key specs to help you find the right fit for your network needs.
1. QNAP QSW-M7230-2X4F24T-US – High-Speed NAS Switch
This QNAP switch delivers ultra-fast connectivity for AI clustering and large NAS deployments. It offers 30 ports with a mix of 10GbE, 25GbE, and 100G options. Its Layer 3 Lite features make it robust for enterprise environments.
Pros
- Non-blocking throughput
- Ideal for NAS
- Advanced flow control
Cons
- Higher cost
- Complex setup
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The device is purpose-built for high-bandwidth needs with lossless performance technologies like Priority Flow Control. This minimizes packet loss ensuring smooth data transmission. It bridges modern fiber backbones with existing 10G copper setups easily.
While it is a powerful tool the configuration might be complex for beginners. The price point is higher than average switches but justified for its throughput. It is best for dedicated server rooms needing low latency.
Choose this switch if you need scalable upgrades for growing businesses. It is perfect for virtualization and media production workflows.
AI Clustering Ready
Optimize IT infrastructure with robust web GUI supporting IPv4/IPv6 routing and VLANs.
Top-of-Rack Design
Engineered for server rooms requiring low-latency connectivity for intensive tasks.
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2. TRENDnet TEG-S50284 – Multi-Gigabit Switch
The TRENDnet TEG-S50284 is a multi-gig switch with 24 ports supporting speeds up to 2.5Gbps. It uses existing Cat5e cabling making upgrades cost-effective. Four 10G SFP+ ports offer high-speed uplinks for connectivity.
Pros
- Lifetime protection
- NDAA compliant
- Smart fans
Cons
- No 25GbE ports
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It features smart fans that adjust speed based on cooling needs to save energy. The unit comes with lifetime manufacturer protection and NDAA compliance for government use. Web-based management simplifies setup for SMBs.
Note that this model does not feature 25GbE ports specifically focusing on 2.5G and 10G speeds. It is better suited for offices upgrading from 1G than data centers needing 25G. Support is reliable with English speaking experts.
Buy this if you need reliable tech support and a rackmount ready design. It handles VLAN traffic efficiently with IEEE 802.1Q support.
Energy Saving Fans
Smart fans auto adjust speed and use based on cooling needs.
Lifetime Warranty
Stand by our products with lifetime manufacturer protection from TRENDnet.
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3. Cisco Nexus N9K-C92160YC-X – Data Center Powerhouse
This Cisco Nexus switch offers 48 ports of 25GbE connectivity with uplinks via QSFP28. It is a renewed product professionally inspected to ensure reliability. The dual AC power supplies provide redundancy for mission critical systems.
Pros
- High port count
- Dual power
- Low latency
Cons
- Renewed item
- Accessories generic
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It uses a cut-through switching architecture to minimize latency and maximize performance. This makes it ideal for big data processing and high-performance computing. The modular design allows for easy upgrades and maintenance over time.
Since it is a renewed item accessories may not be original but are functional. You might need to buy extra cables separately depending on your setup. It is a cost-effective way to get enterprise-grade hardware without the new price tag.
Pick this switch for large-scale deployments requiring massive bandwidth. It simplifies network automation with ACI support and is great for virtualization.
Cut-Through Switching
Minimize latency with cut-through switching architecture for high performance.
Hot-Swappable Power
Maximize availability with hot-swappable power supplies and fans.
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4. Mikrotik CRS520-4XS-16XQ-RM – High-End Router Switch
The Mikrotik CRS520 is an ultra-fast enterprise switch with significant processing power. It features 28 SFP28 ports and 4 QSFP28 uplinks for 100G speeds. This makes it perfect for ISPs or data centers needing massive throughput.
Pros
- Extra processing power
- High capacity
- Flexible routing
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Higher price
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Running on a powerful quad-core ARM CPU it offers deep packet inspection and routing. The 4 GB of DDR4 RAM ensures smooth operation even under heavy loads. RouterOS provides immense flexibility for custom configurations.
However the interface can be complex for users not familiar with networking CLI. It is best for experienced admins who want full control over their network. The price reflects its premium capabilities compared to simpler managed switches.
Invest in this switch if you need a unified solution for routing and switching. It supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports as well for mixed environments.
Powerful CPU
Extra processing power due to the CCR series quad-core ARM CPU.
Future Proof
Bridge modern 100G backbones with existing 10G setups easily.
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5. UBIQUITI UniFi Aggregation Switch Pro – Managed Hub
This UniFi switch is a fully managed Layer 3 device designed for aggregation. It has 28 SFP+ ports and four 25G SFP28 ports for high-bandwidth links. The 1.3-inch color touchscreen offers quick status insights without a laptop.
Pros
- Unified management
- 760Gbps switching
- Touchscreen
Cons
- Ecosystem locked
- No mixed SFP28 speeds
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It features 760Gbps switching capacity to handle heavy traffic loads. You can monitor it via the UniFi Network web app or mobile app. It is perfect for building a cohesive network using other UniFi hardware.
Note that the SFP28 ports do not support mixed speeds in 25Gbps mode. You must configure them carefully if you need specific link speeds. Also it works best within the Ubiquiti ecosystem rather than as a standalone device.
Choose this if you want a centralized way to manage your network. It is an excellent choice for SMBs already using UniFi cameras and access points.
Unified Dashboard
Monitor or configure from anywhere with the UniFi Network web application.
Power Redundancy
Enhanced power supply failure protection with SmartPower Redundant Power System.
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6. Dell EMC PowerSwitch N3224P-ON – Power Over Ethernet Switch
The Dell EMC N3224P-ON is a modular managed switch with PoE++ capabilities. It provides 24 ports that support various speeds including 25G SFP28. It is suitable for environments needing power and data over a single cable.
Pros
- PoE++ ports
- Flexible management
- High density
Cons
- Power consumption
- Price
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This switch supports Layer 3 features for better network segmentation and routing. The rackmount design saves space and keeps cables organized in the rack. It offers high availability for enterprise networks requiring constant uptime.
One downside is the high power consumption of up to 944 Watts. You need adequate cooling and power supply in your room for it. The cost is higher but it offers advanced tools for large IT teams.
Buy this if you need to power devices like cameras while maintaining high speed links. It is a solid choice for scalable enterprise setups.
PoE++ Support
Provides power to devices over Ethernet without separate adapters.
Layer 3 Support
Manageable switch with Layer 3 features for optimized traffic control.
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7. TRENDnet TEG-3284WS – Web Smart Option
The TRENDnet TEG-3284WS is a web smart switch with 28 ports total. It features 24 ports for 2.5G speeds and four 10G SFP+ uplinks. The web-based GUI makes configuration simpler for small businesses.
Pros
- Cloud enabled
- Easy management
- Lifetime protection
Cons
- No 25GbE
- Average rating
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It supports Hive enabled cloud service for remote management via the internet. You can diagnose issues from anywhere which is great for remote sites. NDAA compliance ensures it meets standards for government installations.
Be aware that it does not support 25GbE speeds on the main ports. It focuses on 2.5G and 10G which is a cost-effective solution for many. The rating suggests some users faced issues compared to other models.
Pick this switch if you need a simple way to manage network traffic. It is a good choice for office networks with budget constraints.
Cloud Management
Remotely manage and configure via TRENDnet's cloud service.
Traffic Control
Advanced managed features include QoS and VLAN for flexible integration.
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8. MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM – Cloud Router Switch
This Mikrotik switch is part of the Cloud Router Switch line known for flexibility. It has 16 SFP28 ports and two QSFP28 ports for up to 100G. It runs on a powerful quad-core ARM CPU for custom tasks.
Pros
- Flexible config
- Low cost
- High speed
Cons
- Complex UI
- Limited support
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The RouterOS allows deep customization which experts appreciate. It works as a bridge between routing and switching needs. The price is often lower than Cisco or Dell equivalents for similar speeds.
However the learning curve is steep for beginners. Documentation is extensive but technical. It is best for those who already know how to use Mikrotik hardware effectively.
Use this if you need a high-speed switch for a home lab or ISP. It is a strong option for custom routing setups.
High Speed Uplinks
Features 2x QSFP28 ports for maximum bandwidth connectivity.
RouterOS
Runs RouterOS for flexible configuration and routing options.
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9. Cisco N9K-C93180YC-EX – Top Rated Renewed
This Cisco Nexus switch has a perfect user rating and offers 48 ports of 25G. It includes six 100G QSFP28 ports for fast uplinks. The renewed condition makes it an affordable choice for data centers.
Pros
- High ratings
- VXLAN support
- Hot-swappable
Cons
- Renewed only
- Setup time
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It supports VXLAN for efficient network virtualization. This allows you to create scalable networks without complex hardware. The back-to-front airflow helps with cooling in standard server racks.
It is designed for high availability with hot-swappable power supplies and fans. You can replace parts without shutting down the network. NX-OS provides consistent administration and monitoring capabilities.
Pick this switch for large-scale data center deployments. It is the ultimate choice for performance and reliability at a lower price.
VXLAN Support
Take network virtualization to the next level with VXLAN.
NX-OS System
Experience consistent network administration with Cisco NX-OS.
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10. D-Link DGS-1210-28 – Affordable Managed Switch
The D-Link DGS-1210-28 is an affordable smart managed switch. It has 24 Gigabit ports and 4 combo ports for fiber. While it does not support 25GbE it is great for general office use.
Pros
- Low price
- Fanless design
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- No 25GbE
- Limited throughput
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The fanless design means it runs silently saving energy. It supports NDAA compliance for government projects. D-Link includes a lifetime warranty which provides long-term confidence.
It is not the fastest option for data centers but perfect for small offices. You get QoS and VLAN support to manage traffic efficiently. The price is very competitive compared to enterprise brands.
Choose this if you need a silent and reliable switch for general networking. It is a great entry point into managed switching.
Fanless Design
Energy efficient silent operation with longer lifespan.
Lifetime Warranty
35+ years of reliability backed by lifetime warranty.
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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
Choosing a switch requires looking at several key factors to ensure it meets your needs.
Port Configuration
Look at the mix of SFP28, RJ45, and uplink ports you need. Ensure the switch supports 25G speeds on the ports you intend to use for servers.
Match the port count to your devices to avoid bottlenecks.
Switching Capacity
The total switching capacity determines how much data can pass through the device. Higher Tbps ratings allow for better performance under heavy loads.
Select a switch with enough headroom for future traffic growth.
Latency
Low latency is critical for high-performance computing and financial trading. Look for cut-through architectures that minimize delays.
Prioritize models designed for low-latency workloads.
Management Features
Decide between unmanaged, web-managed, or fully CLI-managed switches. Layer 3 features are needed for advanced routing and VLANs.
Choose a management interface that your team can handle effectively.
Power and Cooling
Check if the switch is fanless or has smart fans. Consider power consumption to ensure your rack can support the load.
Ensure the airflow direction matches your rack cooling setup.
Redundancy
Hot-swappable power supplies and fans keep your network running if parts fail. Look for models that support redundant connections for critical systems.
Prioritize redundancy for 24/7 mission critical environments.
Vendor Support
Some brands offer lifetime warranties while others offer limited terms. Check if the switch is NDAA compliant if you work with government projects.
Choose vendors with strong reputations for reliability and support.
How to Use and Care for Your 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
Mount the switch securely in a 19-inch rack using the provided kit. Ensure cables are organized to avoid clutter and improve airflow.
Connect your fiber optics using SFP28 modules for the best speeds. Verify link status on the front LEDs to confirm connections.
Update the firmware regularly via the web interface to keep security patches current. Monitor traffic stats to ensure the switch is performing within limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 25GbE switch with SFP28 ports?
A 25GbE switch uses SFP28 ports to transmit data at 25 Gigabits per second. These are used in data centers for high-speed connections between servers and storage. They often support 10G and 25G speeds for flexibility.
Can I use SFP28 ports for 10G connections?
Yes most SFP28 ports are backward compatible with 10G and 1G modules. This allows you to mix different speeds on the same switch without issues.
Do I need special cables for 25GbE?
For short distances you can use Direct Attach Copper cables. For longer distances fiber optic cables with SFP28 transceivers are recommended.
What is the difference between 100G QSFP28 and 25GbE SFP28?
The main difference is speed and port size. QSFP28 supports 100G while SFP28 supports up to 25G. You can combine them on switches like the QNAP QSW-M7230.
Are renewed switches safe to buy?
Yes if they come from reputable sellers and have warranties. Renewed switches are inspected to work like new and cost less than buying fresh.
What is lossless networking?
Lossless networking uses features like Priority Flow Control to stop packet loss. It is important for storage and data transfers to ensure data integrity.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
We explored ten top switches that feature 25GbE speeds and SFP28 ports. The Cisco N9K-C93180YC-EX stands out as our top pick for performance.
For budget buyers the D-Link DGS-1210-28 is a great entry point. If you need premium routing features consider the Mikrotik CRS520.
Always check current prices and stock before making your final decision. Your network needs will dictate which model is the best fit for you.