Best Ubiquiti Networks Network Switches: 4 Models Compared

Quick picks

Our 4 picks

1 Best overall

Ubiquiti UniFi Managed 10G Optical Fiber Switch

Best for: High-bandwidth backbone connections with fiber

Port Speed

10 Gigabit

Mounting Type

Rack-mountable

Dimensions

4.7 × 17.4 × 1.7 inches

Weight

5.84 pounds

View on Amazon: Ubiquiti UniFi Managed 10G Optical Fiber Switch Affiliate link

This rack-mountable Layer 2 switch boosts your network bandwidth with 10 Gigabit Ethernet and optical fiber support. It includes IGMP snooping, port mirroring, and spanning tree for business-grade control. The built-in power supply ensures stable voltage for all components. You get a compact 1.7-inch height design that fits standard racks. It suits users needing high-speed backbone connectivity.

Pros

• 10 Gigabit Ethernet port speed for high bandwidth
• Supports optical fiber media for reliable connectivity
• Layer 2 features like IGMP snooping and spanning tree
• Rack-mountable form factor for easy installation

Cons

• Limited to Layer 2 switching without Layer 3 routing
• No mention of PoE support for connected devices
• Physical dimensions are 17.4 inches wide, requiring rack space

Good fit if

• You need a high-speed backbone for your UniFi network
• You require optical fiber connectivity for long-distance links
• You are installing equipment in a standard server rack

Skip if

• You need PoE to power devices like cameras or phones
• You require Layer 3 routing capabilities for subnet management
• You have limited rack space and need a compact desktop switch

Verdict: Ubiquiti UniFi Aggregation 10G Switch is the right fit for network administrators building a high-capacity backbone with fiber connectivity. It delivers essential Layer 2 features for structured cabling environments.

2 Best budget

Ubiquiti UniFi Managed 10G Aggregation Switch

Best for: Aggregating 10G SFP traffic in racks

Management Type

Managed

Mounting Type

Rack mounting, 1U

Port Speed

10G

Uplink Port Type

SFP

Dimensions

4.72 × 17.4 × 1.72 inches

Weight

2.2 pounds

View on Amazon: Ubiquiti UniFi Managed 10G Aggregation Switch Affiliate link

The UniFi Aggregation Switch is a managed Layer 2 switch designed for rack mounting. It features 10G port speed and SFP uplink ports. This white 1U unit measures 17.4 by 4.72 inches and weighs 2.2 pounds. It includes a three-year warranty against factory defects. You should use this switch to aggregate high-speed connections in a professional network setup.

Pros

• 10G port speed for high-bandwidth needs
• Managed Layer 2 functionality for network control
• SFP uplink ports for flexible connectivity
• Standard 1U rack mounting design

Cons

• Only includes SFP uplink ports, not RJ45
• Limited to Layer 2 management features
• No mention of PoE support in specifications

Good fit if

• You need to aggregate 10G connections in a rack
• You require managed Layer 2 switching capabilities
• You prefer SFP uplink connectivity options

Skip if

• You need PoE power delivery for devices
• You require Layer 3 routing features
• You need RJ45 uplink ports instead of SFP

Verdict: The Ubiquiti UniFi Aggregation Switch 10G is a specialized rack-mounted switch for aggregating 10G traffic via SFP ports. It fits users who need managed Layer 2 control and do not require PoE or Layer 3 routing.

3 Best premium

Ubiquiti UniFi 10G Layer 3 Aggregation Switch

Best for: 10G fiber backbone aggregation

Port Speed

10 Gigabit Ethernet

Dimensions

12.8 × 17.4 × 1.7 inches

Weight

10.1 pounds

View on Amazon: Ubiquiti UniFi 10G Layer 3 Aggregation Switch Affiliate link

This Layer 3 switch offers 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed backbone connections. It supports optical fiber cables to span longer distances between servers and network components. The device includes rack mounting for professional cable organization. It allows you to connect two standard Ethernet ports for efficient aggregation. This model suits users needing scalable Layer 3 routing capabilities in a managed network environment.

Pros

• 10 Gigabit Ethernet port speed
• Layer 3 routing support
• Optical fiber cable compatibility
• Rack mounting capability

Cons

• Large physical footprint at 17.4 inches wide
• Heavy build at 10.1 pounds
• No mention of PoE support

Good fit if

• You need 10 Gigabit uplinks for servers
• You require Layer 3 routing features
• You use optical fiber for long distances

Skip if

• You need PoE power for devices
• You require a compact desktop form factor
• You only need basic Layer 2 switching

Verdict: Ubiquiti UniFi Pro Aggregation Switch is a robust backbone solution for users who need 10 Gigabit fiber connectivity and Layer 3 routing. It fits professional installations where rack space and weight are manageable.

4 Best 8 ports

Ubiquiti 8-Port Fanless PoE Switch

Best for: Quiet 8-port PoE setups

Port Count

8

PoE Support

PoE

PoE Power Budget

52W

Number of Ports

8 Ports

Dimensions

6.44 × 3.92 × 1.25 inches

Weight

10.4 ounces

View on Amazon: Ubiquiti 8-Port Fanless PoE Switch Affiliate link

This Ubiquiti 8-port Layer 2 switch offers silent fanless operation for quiet home installations. It delivers 52W of total PoE power through its external 60W adapter. The compact chassis measures 3.92 by 6.44 inches and weighs 10.4 ounces. You get eight Ethernet ports with PoE support. This model suits users who need basic wired connectivity without active cooling noise.

Pros

• Eight Ethernet ports for multiple devices
• Fanless design ensures silent operation
• 52W PoE power budget included
• Compact physical footprint

Cons

• Requires external power adapter
• Only 52W PoE capacity
• Layer 2 only, no advanced routing

Good fit if

• You need silent operation for living spaces
• You require eight PoE ports for cameras
• You want a compact wall-mountable switch

Skip if

• You need Layer 3 routing features
• You require more than eight ports
• You need higher PoE wattage per port

Verdict: Ubiquiti 8-Port PoE Switch fits users who need eight quiet, powered ports for basic surveillance or access points. It provides essential Layer 2 connectivity without the noise of active fans.

Specifications side by side

Ubiquiti Networks Switches Compared

The lineup separates into fiber backbone and copper PoE options. The Ubiquiti UniFi Managed 10G Optical Fiber Switch leads for high-bandwidth backbone connections. It suits administrators needing structured cabling with essential Layer 2 features. The Ubiquiti UniFi Managed 10G Aggregation Switch offers a budget-friendly rack-mounted solution for aggregating 10G SFP traffic. It provides managed control without requiring PoE or Layer 3 routing. The Ubiquiti UniFi 10G Layer 3 Aggregation Switch adds routing capabilities for professional installations. It fits users who need robust backbone solutions with manageable rack space. The Ubiquiti 8-Port Fanless PoE Switch serves quiet setups. It provides eight powered ports for surveillance or access points. This fanless design eliminates active noise, making it ideal for residential or office environments where silence matters. You choose based on port count and cooling needs.

Where Ubiquiti Networks Fits

This range spans compact fanless units to large rack-mounted chassis. You can choose from slim 1.7-inch height profiles for standard equipment racks. Options include quiet, lightweight PoE switches for small deployments. Heavier, deeper models support high-capacity fiber backbones. The lineup focuses on managed Layer 2 switching and aggregation. You will not find unmanaged consumer-grade devices here. Layer 3 routing is available only in specific pro models. PoE is limited to select 8-port units. This brand suits professional infrastructure rather than casual home use.

How to choose the right Ubiquiti switch

1. Match port speed to backbone needs

   You must verify the port speed matches your network traffic volume. The top-ranked Ubiquiti UniFi Managed 10G Optical Fiber Switch offers fiber connectivity for high-bandwidth backbone connections. This model suits administrators building structured cabling environments that require essential Layer 2 features. If your infrastructure relies on copper, check for 10G SFP uplinks. The second option provides managed Layer 2 control without PoE or Layer 3 routing. Ensure the speed rating aligns with your highest bandwidth requirements to avoid bottlenecks.

2. Decide on Layer 2 or Layer 3

   Determine if you need basic switching or advanced routing capabilities. Most options in this guide provide managed Layer 2 control for VLANs and traffic segmentation. However, the third model, the Ubiquiti UniFi 10G Layer 3 Aggregation Switch, adds Layer 3 routing. This feature is essential for professional installations requiring inter-VLAN routing directly on the switch. If you only need to connect devices within the same network segment, Layer 2 is sufficient. Choose Layer 3 only if your design requires the switch to route traffic between subnets.

3. Check PoE support for powered devices

   You need to confirm whether your devices require power over Ethernet. The fourth option, the Ubiquiti 8-Port Fanless PoE Switch, includes PoE support. This makes it ideal for connecting access points or surveillance cameras without separate power adapters. Other models in the list focus on data aggregation and do not mention PoE capabilities. If you are deploying wireless access points or IP cameras, select a switch with explicit PoE support. Verify the total power budget if you plan to connect multiple high-draw devices simultaneously.

4. Evaluate physical dimensions and weight

   Measure your rack space and shelf capacity before purchasing. The fiber backbone switches are large, with widths around 17.4 inches and heights of 1.7 inches. The third model is significantly deeper at 12.8 inches and weighs 10.1 pounds. In contrast, the 8-port PoE switch is compact, measuring only 3.92 inches wide and weighing 10.4 ounces. Ensure your mounting location can support the weight and footprint. Rack-mounted units require standard 19-inch racks, while smaller units may fit on desks or in small enclosures.

5. Consider noise levels for office spaces

   Acoustic noise matters if the switch is near workspaces. The Ubiquiti 8-Port Fanless PoE Switch is explicitly designed for quiet operation. It lacks active fans, making it suitable for offices or homes where silence is preferred. Larger aggregation switches may use fans for cooling, though specific noise ratings are not provided in the data. If you are placing a switch in a noisy server room, fan noise is less critical. For open-plan offices, prioritize the fanless model to maintain a comfortable working environment.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• ubiquiti networks ubiquiti unifi switch aggregation vs unifi
• ubiquiti networks vs YuanLey network switch
• best ubiquiti networks NAS devices
• best ubiquiti networks home security systems