For individuals and businesses seeking reliable and efficient internet connectivity, investing in the right router is essential. As technology advances rapidly, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest models that offer enhanced features and performance. With that in mind, this article aims to provide an overview of the 8 best MikroTik routers for 2023. These routers have been selected based on their impressive specifications, exceptional performance, and positive user reviews. Whether you require a router for home use or to meet the demands of a large-scale network, this comprehensive guide will assist you in finding the perfect MikroTik router to meet your specific requirements.
Overall Score: 8/10
The MikroTik hEX S Gigabit Ethernet Router is a powerful router designed for locations without wireless connectivity. With a dual-core CPU and 256 MB RAM, it supports advanced configurations and features IPsec hardware encryption. It also has a USB 2.0, PoE output, microSD slot, and The Dude server package. While the router offers great performance, setup can be challenging for beginners. The user interface requires some network engineering knowledge, and the documentation is not always up to date. However, for those who are willing to put in the effort to learn, this router provides enterprise-level features at an affordable price. With gigabit throughput and extensive customization options, it is suitable for home networks and even small businesses. Overall, the MikroTik hEX S Gigabit Ethernet Router offers excellent value for its price.
Key Features
- Five port Gigabit Ethernet router
- Dual core 880 MHz CPU and 256 MB RAM
- 1.25Gbit/s SFP cage
- USB 2.0 and Po E output
- Micro SD slot and The Dude server package
- IPsec hardware encryption support
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 4.45Lx3.50Wx1.10H
Pros
- Affordable pricing for enterprise-level features
- Gigabit throughput and extensive customization options
- Supports IPsec hardware encryption and The Dude server package
- Micro SD slot for improved file storage and r/w speed
- Fast boot times and small footprint size
Cons
- Challenging setup process for beginners
- Outdated information in documentation
- User interface requires network engineering knowledge
- Power adapter connection can be loose
The MikroTik hEX S Gigabit Ethernet Router is a powerful and affordable option for those seeking enterprise-level features at a budget-friendly price. While the initial setup can be challenging for beginners, the router offers impressive performance with gigabit throughput and extensive customization options. It supports IPsec hardware encryption and includes The Dude server package, making it suitable for both home networks and small businesses. The router’s compact size and fast boot times are additional advantages. However, users should be prepared to invest time in learning how to navigate the user interface, as well as seek information from reliable sources due to the occasional outdated documentation. Overall, the MikroTik hEX S Gigabit Ethernet Router provides excellent value for its price.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Mikrotik hEX RB750Gr3 is a powerful and affordable five port gigabit Ethernet router. It is perfect for locations where wireless connectivity is not needed. With its dual-core CPU and ample RAM, this router is capable of handling all advanced configurations supported by RouterOS. The hEX RB750Gr3 features a full-size USB port, allowing for easy file sharing, and comes with a compact and user-friendly design. Despite its power, the setup and customization process can be intimidating for beginners. However, MikroTIK provides comprehensive tutorials and manuals to assist users. Overall, this router offers great value for money and is recommended for advanced users and professionals.
Key Features
- Five port gigabit Ethernet router
- Full size USB port for file sharing
- Dual-core 880MHz CPU and 256MB RAM
- Compact and easy to use design
- Supports advanced configurations with Router OS
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 1.10Lx9.70Wx6.50H
Pros
- Powerful performance and stability
- Customizable with advanced features
- Affordable price
- Compact and user-friendly design
Cons
- Intimidating setup for beginners
- Difficulties with visibility of link lights
- Challenges with certain printer configurations
The Mikrotik hEX RB750Gr3 is a highly recommended option for advanced users and professionals who require a powerful and customizable router. While it may be intimidating for beginners, the extensive tutorials and online resources provided by MikroTIK help users overcome this hurdle. With its compact design, affordable price, and excellent performance, this router offers great value for money. The ability to handle advanced configurations make it a standout choice among mainstream routers. However, individuals with limited networking knowledge may find it challenging to set up and troubleshoot. Overall, the Mikrotik hEX RB750Gr3 is a reliable and feature-packed router that delivers on performance and customization options.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The MikroTik RB4011 Ethernet 10-Port Gigabit Router is an amazingly powerful router with ten Gigabit ports, SFP+ 10Gbps interface, and IPsec hardware acceleration. It features a quad-core Cortex A15 CPU, 1GB RAM, and a compact solid metal enclosure. The RB4011iGS+RM model comes with rackmount ears for easy and secure installation in a standard 1U rack space. With dimensions of 228 x 120 x 30 mm, passive PoE support, and a maximum power consumption of 33W, this router offers both power and versatility. It is highly customizable with MikroTik's RouterOS software, providing extensive control over network configurations. The MikroTik RB4011 is praised for its unmatched speed, flexibility, and reliability. However, its complex configuration interface may be daunting for beginners.
Key Features
- RB4011 series with 10 Gigabit ports
- SFP+ 10Gbps interface
- Quad-core Cortex A15 CPU
- 1GB Ram
- Professional solid metal enclosure
- Dimensions: 228 x 120 x 30 mm
- Passive Po E support
- Max power consumption: 33W
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 4.72Lx8.98Wx1.18H
Pros
- Powerful and versatile router
- Fast and reliable performance
- Extensive control over network configurations
- Compact and professional design
- Includes rackmount ears for easy installation
Cons
- Complex configuration interface
- Lacks micro SD card slot
- Flimsy rack mount kit design
The MikroTik RB4011 Ethernet 10-Port Gigabit Router is a highly powerful and versatile router that offers unmatched speed and flexibility. It comes with a range of impressive features, including 10 Gigabit ports, SFP+ 10Gbps interface, and a quad-core Cortex A15 CPU. With its solid metal enclosure and sleek design, it provides both reliability and a professional look. While the complex configuration interface may be a challenge for beginners, it offers extensive control and customization options for experienced users. The RB4011 is a great choice for those who require a high-performance router with advanced networking capabilities. Overall, it delivers exceptional performance and value for its price.
Overall Score: 7.8/10
The MikroTik RB2011UiAS-RM Routerboard is a low-cost, high-performance router designed for indoor use. With multiple LAN ports, USB port, and additional RAM, this router offers a multitude of options for advanced networking. It supports features such as dynamic routing, hotspot, firewall, VPN, and more. The PoE output function allows you to power other compatible devices. The router comes with a 1U rackmount enclosure, LCD panel, and power supply. While it may require some networking knowledge to configure, this router is a powerful and affordable option for tech-savvy users.
Key Features
- Low cost multi port device with multiple case options
- Five Gigabit LAN ports and five Fast Ethernet LAN ports
- Dynamic routing, hotspot, firewall, VPN, Qo S, and more
- Po E output function for powering other devices
- Comes with 1U rackmount enclosure, LCD panel, and power supply
Specifications
- Dimension: 1.33Lx3.32Wx1.94H
Pros
- Affordable price for the features
- Powerful and versatile router
- Stable and reliable performance
- Supports advanced networking capabilities
Cons
- Requires networking knowledge for configuration
- Limited support and non-intuitive GUI
- VPN limitations with policy-based VPNs
- Delivers only 24V over Po E, not the standard 48V
The MikroTik RB2011UiAS-RM Routerboard is a reliable and affordable option for tech-savvy users who are looking for advanced networking capabilities. While it may require some networking knowledge to configure and has a limited support system, this router offers a multitude of features, including dynamic routing, firewall, VPN, and more. The PoE output function is a convenient addition for powering other compatible devices. Its stable performance and 1U rackmount enclosure make it suitable for indoor use. Overall, if you have the necessary knowledge and expertise, this router is a powerful tool that delivers great value for its price.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
The MikroTik hAP ax3 is a Wi-Fi 6 Router featuring a quad-core ARM CPU running at 1.8 GHz and 1 GB of Random-Access Memory. With its powerful hardware and 802.11AX + WAVE2 support, this router delivers high-performance connectivity. It offers 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE-In & PoE-Out capabilities. While it lacks detailed specifications, the MikroTik hAP ax3 has received mixed reviews from customers. Some users have faced issues with setup and delivery, while others have praised its performance and customization options. With a customer rating of 3.3/5, it is clear that the MikroTik hAP ax3 has its strengths and weaknesses. However, for users with networking experience and a desire for a powerful out-of-the-box router, this product could be a suitable choice.
Key Features
- Wi-Fi 6 Router with 1.8 GHz ARM CPU
- 1 GB of Random-Access Memory
- 802.11AX + WAVE2 support
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports with Po E-In & Po E-Out
Specifications
Pros
- Powerful hardware for high-performance connectivity
- Highly customizable with lifetime firmware support
- Dense and functional presentation of features
- Easy to configure through SSH or Winbox
Cons
- Setup issues reported in some user reviews
- Delivery problems experienced by customers
- Lack of detailed specifications
The MikroTik hAP ax3 is a Wi-Fi 6 Router that offers powerful hardware and high configurability. While it has received mixed reviews, it presents a suitable option for users with networking experience who desire a router with advanced features out-of-the-box. It may not be the best choice for beginners or those looking for a simple setup process. The delivery issues and lack of detailed specifications are areas for improvement. Overall, the MikroTik hAP ax3 has the potential to be a strong contender in the market, especially for individuals seeking a robust and customizable networking solution.
Overall Score: 8/10
The MikroTik RB941-2nD RouterBoard hAP lite is a compact and powerful home Access Point that offers a range of features. With support for button triggered WPS, it provides convenient wireless internet access without the need for a complicated password. Additionally, it can easily switch to cAP mode and join a centrally managed network. Equipped with a powerful CPU, 32MB RAM, dual chain 2.4GHz wireless, and four Fast Ethernet ports, this router offers reliable performance. It runs on RouterOS with all the essential features such as bandwidth shaping, firewall, and user access control. The MikroTik RB941-2nD is a versatile and cost-effective solution for home and office networks.
Key Features
- Ideal for apartments, houses, and offices
- Button triggered WPS for easy access
- Switch to c AP mode for centralized network management
- Powerful CPU and 32MB RAM for reliable performance
- Dual chain 2.4GHz wireless and four Fast Ethernet ports
- Router OS with essential features like bandwidth shaping and firewall
- USB power supply included
Specifications
- Dimension: 1.10Lx9.70Wx6.50H
Pros
- Compact and powerful
- Convenient WPS button
- Versatile network management options
- Reliable and fast performance
- Essential features for network control
Cons
- Difficult configuration process for beginners
- Lacks Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Resetting the device can be complicated
The MikroTik RB941-2nD RouterBoard hAP lite is a great option for those who need a compact and affordable home Access Point. While it may have a slightly challenging configuration process, its powerful performance and essential features make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you need reliable wireless internet for your apartment, house, or office, this router delivers. With its convenient WPS button and versatile network management options, it offers convenience and flexibility. The MikroTik RB941-2nD is a reliable and cost-effective choice for users who require a compact and powerful router.
Overall Score: 7.8/10
The MikroTik RouterBoard RB2011UiAS-IN is a powerful and customizable network router designed for advanced users and IT professionals. With its dual Gigabit and Fast Ethernet ports, as well as additional features like a serial port and microUSB port, this router offers excellent flexibility and performance. It also includes a PoE output function for powering other compatible devices. While the router may be difficult to set up for those without IT knowledge, it provides a great learning experience for enthusiasts. The LCD panel and desktop enclosure add convenience and the router supports various MikroTik SFP modules. Overall, the MikroTik RouterBoard RB2011UiAS-IN is a reliable and feature-rich router for those looking for advanced network management options.
Key Features
- Five Gigabit LAN ports and five Fast Ethernet LAN ports
- Includes a serial port and micro USB port
- Comes with a desktop enclosure, LCD panel, and power supply
- Supports Mikro Tik SFP modules
- Has Po E output function for powering other devices
Specifications
- Color: Black/Burgondy
- Dimension: 13.00Lx7.80Wx2.40H
Pros
- Powerful and customizable network router
- Great learning experience for advanced users
- Includes a Po E output function
- Excellent value for the price
- Reliable and solid performance
Cons
- Difficult to set up for non-IT users
- Lack of comprehensive documentation
- Outdated and incomplete online resources
The MikroTik RouterBoard RB2011UiAS-IN is a versatile and feature-rich router that offers great value for its price. While it may be challenging to set up for those without IT knowledge, it provides a fantastic learning opportunity for advanced users. The router’s powerful performance, PoE output function, and support for MikroTik SFP modules make it a reliable choice for network professionals. However, the lack of comprehensive documentation and outdated online resources can be frustrating for some users. Overall, if you’re looking for a customizable and high-performance router, the MikroTik RouterBoard RB2011UiAS-IN is a solid option.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Mikrotik RouterBOARD hEX lite is a small five port Ethernet router that offers affordable pricing, compact design, and clean looks. It fits perfectly into any SOHO environment and is the most affordable MPLS capable router on the market. With a durable plastic case, it provides a reliable and powerful solution for managing your wired home network. The RB750r2 (hEX lite) is user-friendly and offers features comparable to far more expensive routers. However, it is important to note that it is a wired-only router with 10/100 Ethernet ports. Overall, this router is ideal for tech-savvy individuals looking for an affordable and versatile solution for their networking needs.
Key Features
- Small five port Ethernet router
- Affordable and compact design
- Clean looks, fits perfectly into SOHO environment
- Most affordable MPLS capable router
- Durable plastic case
Specifications
- Dimension: 3.50Lx4.45Wx1.10H
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Powerful and reliable performance
- User-friendly interface
- Comparable features to more expensive routers
- Versatile for different networking applications
Cons
- Wired-only with 10/100 Ethernet ports
- Not suitable for non-tech-savvy users
- Limited availability for power over Ethernet (Po E)
The Mikrotik RouterBOARD hEX lite offers excellent value for its affordable price. With its compact size and user-friendly interface, it is a versatile solution for managing wired home networks. While it may not have the latest WiFi capabilities, it compensates with its powerful performance and feature-rich functionality suitable for tech-savvy users. The durable plastic case ensures long-lasting durability, making it a reliable choice. However, it is important to consider the wired-only connection and limited availability for power over Ethernet. If you are looking for a budget-friendly yet powerful router for your networking needs, the Mikrotik RouterBOARD hEX lite is definitely worth considering.
Buyer's Guide: Mikrotik Router
Welcome to the ultimate buyer's guide for Mikrotik routers! Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a networking professional, finding the right router can be a daunting task. But fret not, we're here to provide you with all the essential information you need to make an informed decision. So, let's dive straight into the world of Mikrotik routers!
Key Factors to Consider:
When choosing a Mikrotik router, keep these important factors in mind:
- Bandwidth: Consider the maximum internet speed you'll need for your network. Ensure that the router you select supports the desired bandwidth.
- Coverage: Assess the size of the area to be covered by the Wi-Fi signal. A larger area might require a router with multiple antennas or additional access points.
- Ports and Interfaces: Determine the number and type of ports required for your network setup. Options may include Ethernet, USB, or SFP ports for wired connections, as well as wireless interfaces like 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi.
- Routing Capabilities: If you require advanced routing features such as VPN, firewall, or dynamic routing protocols, ensure that the router supports them.
- Scalability: Consider the future growth of your network. Look for routers that support additional features like wireless mesh, VLANs, or the ability to connect external antennas for better coverage.
Mikrotik Router Models:
Explore some popular Mikrotik router models offering a range of features:
- Mikrotik RouterBOARD RB3011: A powerful rack-mountable router suitable for small to medium-sized networks with advanced routing capabilities.
- Mikrotik hAP ac2: A compact home-access-point router that offers dual-band Wi-Fi and excellent coverage for small to medium-sized areas.
- Mikrotik hEX S: A cost-effective router perfect for small networks with limited budgets, providing basic routing features and suitable for home or small office use.
- Mikrotik RB4011iGS+RM: A high-performance router offering exceptional processing power, multiple ports, and advanced features for large networks or demanding applications.
- Mikrotik Cloud Core Router (CCR) series: Designed for high-speed internet connections and complex networks, these routers offer extensive routing capabilities and are ideal for enterprise-grade applications.
Advantages of Mikrotik Routers:
Here are some key benefits that Mikrotik routers bring to the table:
- Flexibility: Mikrotik routers offer a wide range of configuration options, allowing users to adapt and fine-tune their networks to meet specific requirements.
- Cost-effective: Mikrotik routers provide remarkable features and performance at affordable price points, making them an excellent choice for both personal and commercial use.
- Powerful RouterOS: Mikrotik's proprietary operating system, RouterOS, allows for advanced customization, providing users with unparalleled control over their network.
- Vast Community Support: Mikrotik boasts a large and active user community, offering forums, tutorials, and extensive documentation to help users troubleshoot any issues or learn new techniques.
- Reliability: With their robust hardware and stable operating systems, Mikrotik routers are known for their reliability, ensuring uninterrupted network connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions about 8 Best Mikrotik Router for 2023
Absolutely! Mikrotik routers offer various models suitable for home networks, providing excellent performance, security, and the ability to customize settings.
While basic networking knowledge is helpful, Mikrotik routers come with an easy-to-use web-based interface that allows users to configure and manage the router without extensive technical expertise.
Yes, Mikrotik routers are compatible with most internet service providers (ISPs). Simply configure the router’s settings to match your provider’s requirements, and you’ll be up and running.
Absolutely! Mikrotik offers a wide range of routers suitable for businesses and enterprises of all sizes. Their advanced features, stability, and scalability make them an excellent choice for commercial use.
Mikrotik routers come with built-in security features, including firewall capabilities, VPN support, and access control lists. It is essential to keep the router’s firmware updated and follow best practices for securing your network.
