4.4Editor score
In this guide
Modern networks demand speed and reliability. 25GbE switches with SFP28 ports deliver high bandwidth for servers and storage. Choosing the right model ensures seamless connectivity and future-proof infrastructure.
We evaluated ten leading switches based on port counts, features, and reliability. Our list covers managed and unmanaged options from top brands. Each entry highlights key specs and ideal use cases for buyers.
Every pick includes detailed pros, cons, and specifications. Prices and availability change frequently, so verify before purchasing. This guide helps you select the perfect switch for your specific networking needs efficiently.
Top 3 Picks for Best 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
5.0Editor score
4.6Editor score
Top 10 Best 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports in 2026 Compared
This side-by-side comparison highlights the key specifications of all ten switches to help you quickly identify the model that best fits your bandwidth and port requirements.
1. Cisco N9K-C93180YC-EX – Best Overall 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
This Cisco Nexus switch offers exceptional 25GbE density with forty-eight ports and six 100GbE uplinks. Rated highly for performance, it is ideal for demanding data center environments requiring high bandwidth.
Pros
- High port density for 25GbE
- Low latency cut-through switching
- VXLAN support for virtualization
- Hot-swappable power supplies
- Modular design for upgrades
Cons
- Renewed product only
- Learning curve for NX-OS
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The cut-through switching architecture minimizes latency to under one microsecond, ensuring smooth operations for big data processing. VXLAN support enables scalable network virtualization while NX-OS provides reliable administration tools.
Maintenance is simplified through hot-swappable power supplies and fans, ensuring high availability without downtime. The modular design allows easy upgrades to adapt to changing network requirements effectively.
Buyers needing maximum flexibility and high-bandwidth connectivity should consider this model. It is the ultimate choice for large-scale deployments and high-performance computing needs today.
Unmatched Data Center Connectivity
Forty-eight fixed 25GbE ports allow seamless server connections while six QSFP28 ports handle core uplinks efficiently.
Performance at Microsecond Speeds
Cut-through switching reduces latency significantly, making it perfect for real-time applications and high-frequency trading environments.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
2. MikroTik CRS520-4XS-16XQ-RM – Best Premium 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
The MikroTik CRS520 stands out with twenty-eight SFP28 ports and powerful hardware for enterprise use. It offers a high-performance switching solution for those needing extensive 25GbE connectivity in a single unit.
Pros
- Ultra-fast enterprise switch speeds
- Extra processing power CPU
- High port density SFP28
- Supports 100GbE uplinks
Cons
- High price point
- Complex configuration required
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
Equipped with a powerful quad-core ARM CPU running at 2 GHz and 4 GB of DDR4 RAM, it handles complex routing tasks easily. The extra processing power ensures smooth operation even under heavy network loads.
While the cost is higher, the versatility of having 100GbE and 25GbE options makes it future-proof. Users benefit from robust performance and the ability to scale network capacity effectively.
Professionals seeking premium performance and high density will find this switch valuable. It serves as an ultra-fast enterprise switch capable of handling demanding infrastructure requirements seamlessly.
Powerful Enterprise Switch Performance
Advanced CPU and RAM provide the necessary processing power to manage complex network traffic without bottlenecks or lag.
High-Density Port Configuration
With twenty-eight SFP28 ports, this unit supports massive parallel connections ideal for dense server rack environments.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
3. D-Link DGS-1210-28 – Best Budget 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
This D-Link switch provides a cost-effective entry point for smart network management. With twenty-four Gigabit ports and four combo SFP ports, it is perfect for small businesses needing reliability.
Pros
- Affordable managed switch option
- Lifetime warranty included
- Energy-efficient operation
- NDAA compliant for security
Cons
- Gigabit ports limit speed
- No 25GbE ports included
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
Advanced traffic management features like VLANs and QoS help optimize performance without high costs. The fanless design ensures silent operation while complying with strict NDAA standards for security.
While it lacks native 25GbE speeds, it is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers upgrading from 1GbE. The lifetime warranty adds significant value and confidence in the hardware purchase.
Buyers looking for reliability on a budget should prioritize this model. It offers comprehensive features and energy efficiency suitable for expanding network access points effectively.
Reliable Managed Features
Web UI and Layer 2+ tools allow easy configuration of VLANs and traffic prioritization for improved network control.
Energy Efficiency and Quiet
Fanless operation reduces power consumption and noise, making it ideal for office spaces where silence is required.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
4. QNAP QSW-M7230-2X4F24T-US – Top Rated 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
The QNAP QSW-M7230 delivers ultra-fast connectivity tailored for clustering and high-bandwidth environments. It features two 100GbE ports and four 25GbE SFP28 ports alongside twenty-four 10GbE copper ports.
Pros
- Ultra-fast 100G connectivity
- Layer 3 Lite Managed features
- Top-of-Rack Data Center Design
- Lossless Network Performance
Cons
- High price point
- Complex configuration required
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
Built for Top-of-Rack data center designs, it minimizes latency for intensive virtualization tasks. Lossless performance technologies like PFC and ECN reduce packet loss to ensure stable data transmission.
Future-proof scalability allows bridging fiber backbones with existing copper setups. Layer 3 Lite features support IPv4/IPv6 routing and QoS for efficient network segmentation and security management.
Enterprises requiring non-blocking throughput for NAS or media workflows will find this switch ideal. It offers seamless integration and robust features for high-performance networks.
Ultra-Fast Connectivity Solutions
Dual 100GbE ports ensure aggregate bandwidth is high enough to prevent bottlenecks in clustered storage environments.
Lossless Network Performance
Priority Flow Control and Explicit Congestion Notification help maintain stability under heavy data loads effectively.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
5. TRENDnet TEG-S50284 – Top Rated 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
TRENDnet offers a versatile Multi-Gig solution with twenty-four 2.5G ports and four 10G SFP+ ports. This switch supports speeds over existing Cat5e cabling, making upgrades cost-effective and easy.
Pros
- 2.5 Gigabit speeds
- High speed 10G SFP+
- Lifetime protection warranty
- NDAA and TAA compliant
Cons
- No native 25GbE ports
- Limited to 10G uplinks
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
With a switching capacity of 120Gbps and smart fans for cooling, it balances performance with efficiency. NDAA and TAA compliance ensure it meets government requirements for network security and installation.
While it does not support 25GbE natively, the 10G SFP+ uplinks are a strong alternative for many setups. Lifetime manufacturer protection adds significant value and peace of mind for buyers.
SMBs needing reliable tech support and easy deployment will appreciate this model. It provides robust performance and compliance features at a competitive price point.
Multi-Gigabit Speeds
Twenty-four ports support up to 2.5Gbps allowing faster file transfers without needing expensive cabling replacements.
Reliable Tech Support
English speaking support is available during business hours to assist with any technical issues or configuration needs.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
6. Cisco Nexus N9K-C92160YC-X – Top Rated 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
This Cisco Nexus switch delivers forty-eight 25GbE SFP28 ports for high-density server connectivity. It comes as a renewed product inspected and tested by qualified vendors, offering a cost-effective option.
Pros
- High density 25GbE ports
- Dual AC power supply
- Professionally inspected quality
- Flexible QSFP uplinks
Cons
- Renewed product only
- No warranty on accessories
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The dual AC power supply ensures high availability and uptime for critical applications. Flexible QSFP+ and QSFP28 uplinks allow for scalable connections to core networks and data centers.
While accessories may not be original, they are compatible and fully functional. The unit may come in a generic box, but performance remains consistent with enterprise standards.
Buyers seeking high port counts at a lower price point should consider this model. It is ideal for data centers needing reliable 25GbE connections without the cost of new units.
High Density Connectivity
Forty-eight ports support massive server clusters ensuring every unit gets dedicated 25GbE bandwidth effectively.
Dual AC Power Supply
Redundant power inputs provide reliability and prevent downtime during electrical failures or maintenance.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
7. UBIQUITI UniFi Aggregation Switch Pro – Top Rated 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
The UniFi Pro Aggregation Switch features twenty-eight 10G ports and four 25G SFP28 ports for high-bandwidth links. It is designed to enhance network capacity with a massive switching capacity.
Pros
- Layer 3 switch features
- Enhanced power protection
- High switching capacity
- Touchscreen display
Cons
- SFP28 ports shared speed
- Separate power supply required
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
A built-in touchscreen displays key system insights for easy monitoring. Layer 3 features allow routing between subnets while power supply redundancy protects against failure when connected to USP RPS.
Note that SFP28 ports support mixed speeds only at lower rates; 25G mode limits all four ports. This allows flexibility but requires planning to ensure consistent high-speed performance.
Networks requiring aggregation and simple management will find this switch valuable. It is perfect for environments using UniFi tools and needing high-speed fiber links.
High-Bandwidth Aggregation Links
Four dedicated 25G ports allow critical aggregation links to connect to core routers without bandwidth bottlenecks.
Intuitive Touchscreen Display
The color touchscreen simplifies monitoring, displaying connection insights and system status at a glance.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
8. Dell EMC PowerSwitch N3224P-ON – Top Rated 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
This Dell EMC switch combines PoE++ with 25GbE and 100GbE uplinks for versatile connectivity. It is manageable and supports Layer 3 features to optimize network routing efficiently.
Pros
- PoE++ power support
- Managed and rackable
- 25GbE ports included
- Modular scalability
Cons
- High power consumption
- Limited total ports
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The modular design allows easy upgrades and maintenance. With four 25GbE SFP28 ports and two 100GbE QSFP28 ports, it supports high-speed connections for servers and core networks.
Power consumption is noted at 944 W due to advanced PoE capabilities. It is rack-mountable and designed for 1U high-density deployment in server rooms.
Enterprises needing PoE and high-speed aggregation should consider this model. It offers reliable performance and scalable features for demanding network infrastructure.
PoE++ Power Supply
PoE++ ports allow high-power devices to receive power over Ethernet simplifying cabling for advanced access points.
Modular and Managed
Layer 3 managed features provide advanced routing options while modular design ensures easy system expansion.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
9. TRENDnet TEG-3284WS – Top Rated 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
TRENDnet delivers a web smart switch with twenty-four 2.5G ports and four 10G SFP+ ports. It offers remote management via Hive cloud service and an intuitive web-based GUI.
Pros
- Web Smart management GUI
- Lifetime protection included
- Integrated network features
- NDAA compliant
Cons
- Lower user rating
- Cloud service fees possible
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The integration flexibility includes access control lists and QoS for monitoring. With lifetime protection, this switch aims to provide long-term reliability for SMBs deploying multi-gig networks.
While some users report issues with cloud features, the core hardware remains solid. It provides a cost-effective solution for adding 10G link capability without complex configuration.
Buyers needing easy deployment and remote management will appreciate this switch. It balances multi-gigabit speeds with manageable features for small enterprise networks.
Web Smart Management
The web-based GUI simplifies configuration reducing complexity for IT staff managing networks without specialized tools.
Integrated Network Features
Advanced features like ACL and VLAN allow secure network segmentation and traffic prioritization.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
10. MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM – Top Rated 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
The CRS518 is a Cloud Router Switch delivering high-performance routing for 25GbE and beyond. It is ideal for advanced users requiring flexible hardware-based routing capabilities in a compact form.
Pros
- High performance routing
- Cloud Router Switch
- QSFP28 ports included
- Advanced configuration
Cons
- Learning curve for software
- Requires technical setup
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
With 650MHz CPU and 64MB memory, it handles complex routing tables efficiently. The QSFP28 ports allow for high-speed connectivity to backbone networks ensuring minimal latency.
While the setup requires technical knowledge, the performance is exceptional. It is designed for those seeking deep customization and advanced features in their network infrastructure.
Network administrators needing a powerful router switch should consider this model. It offers a cost-effective solution for high-performance environments requiring advanced routing.
High Performance Routing
Advanced hardware allows for efficient packet processing suitable for complex network topologies and routing requirements.
Cloud Router Switch
Designed as a router switch, it integrates Layer 3 routing features directly into the switch hardware.
We may earn a commission when you buy through this link, at no additional cost to you.
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
Selecting the right 25GbE switch requires understanding port types, throughput, and management features. This guide outlines key factors to ensure compatibility and performance.
Port Density and Type
Determine how many 25GbE ports you need for servers and uplinks. Some switches offer mixed ports including 10GbE or 100GbE for aggregation.
Prioritize models with enough SFP28 ports to cover your current needs and future expansion without replacing hardware soon.
Switching Capacity
Switching capacity dictates total data throughput. Ensure the switch supports full non-blocking bandwidth for all active ports simultaneously.
Higher capacity ensures that data flows smoothly during peak usage without bottlenecks affecting performance.
Latency and Architecture
Cut-through architecture minimizes latency, which is critical for high-frequency trading or real-time processing.
Look for switches with low latency specs to maintain speed for time-sensitive applications.
Layer 2 vs Layer 3 Features
Layer 3 switches provide routing between subnets, while Layer 2 handles switching within a subnet. Managed options offer VLANs and QoS.
Choose Layer 3 if you need advanced routing features for network segmentation.
Power and Cooling
High-performance switches generate heat and consume significant power. Ensure your rack has adequate cooling and power capacity.
Fanless models are quieter but may have thermal limits. Verify specifications to match your environment.
Vendor Support
Vendor support ensures you get timely firmware updates and assistance. Look for providers offering lifetime warranties or robust tech support.
Strong support helps maintain uptime and resolve issues quickly.
How to Use and Care for Your 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
Always use compatible SFP28 transceivers to ensure signal integrity and prevent connection errors.
Place the switch in a well-ventilated rack to maintain optimal temperature and prevent hardware degradation.
Regularly update firmware via the provided management interface to patch security vulnerabilities and improve performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between 25GbE and 10GbE switches?
25GbE switches provide 2.5 times the bandwidth of 10GbE, ideal for high-performance servers. They use SFP28 ports to deliver faster speeds without changing cabling.
Can I use SFP28 ports for 10GbE connections?
Yes, most SFP28 ports are backward compatible with 10GbE optics. This flexibility allows seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
Do 25GbE switches support fiber or only copper?
Most support fiber optics via SFP28. Some models also offer copper RJ45 ports for shorter distance connections.
Is Layer 3 switching necessary for my network?
Layer 3 is needed if you require routing between VLANs. For simple setups, Layer 2 may suffice but limits flexibility.
How do I manage a 25GbE switch?
Managed switches use web GUIs or CLI interfaces for configuration. You can set VLANs and security rules easily.
What is the typical power consumption of these switches?
Power varies by model but often exceeds 100W. High-performance units require adequate rack power capacity and cooling.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
The Cisco N9K-C93180YC-EX leads as Editor's Choice for its high density and low latency performance.
Prioritize port density and switching capacity to ensure your network can handle increasing data loads.
Verify current pricing and availability before purchasing as these details change frequently for hardware products.