4.4Editor score
In this guide
Finding the right 25GbE switch with SFP28 ports is essential for modern data centers requiring high throughput and low latency for critical applications.
We evaluated ten real products based on port configurations, switching capacity, management features, and reliability to help you choose the best network hardware.
Each pick highlights key specifications and use cases so you can match the switch to your workload while noting that prices may fluctuate over time.
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 table provides a side-by-side view of key specifications for each switch to help you compare port counts, speeds, and management capabilities at a glance.
1. QNAP QSW-M7230 – Best for AI Workloads
The QNAP QSW-M7230 is a specialized 30-port L3 Lite managed switch built for ultra-high-speed non-blocking throughput in demanding environments.
Pros
- Ultra-fast 100G and 25G connectivity
- Lossless network performance with PFC and ECN
- Top-of-rack data center design
- Future-proof scalability for migration
- Optimized for AI clustering workloads
Cons
- Higher price point for small offices
- L3 Lite may lack advanced routing
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Its port configuration includes two 100GbE QSFP28 ports, four 25GbE SFP28 ports, and twenty-four 10GbE RJ45 ports, making it ideal for AI clustering and large NAS deployments.
While it offers robust web GUI features like IPv4/IPv6 static routing and VLANs, the L3 Lite classification means it may not support complex dynamic routing protocols found in enterprise core switches.
Buy this if you need lossless performance for RoCEv2 and high-speed data transmission in server rooms requiring low-latency connectivity.
Lossless Network Performance
Built-in Priority Flow Control and Explicit Congestion Notification minimize packet loss for optimized data transmission.
Future-Proof Scalability
Seamlessly bridge modern 100G fiber backbones with existing 10G copper setups for flexible multi-gigabit integration.
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2. TRENDnet TEG-S50284 – Best for SMB Multi-Gig
The TRENDnet TEG-S50284 is a 28-port multi-gig switch offering 24x 2.5G RJ45 ports and 4x 10G SFP+ ports for versatile connectivity.
Pros
- 2.5 Gigabit speeds over Cat5e cabling
- Four ultra-fast 10G SFP+ uplinks
- NDAA and TAA compliant
- Lifetime Manufacturer Protection
- Smart fans for energy efficiency
Cons
- No native 25G SFP28 ports
- Limited to 10G uplinks
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It delivers high-speed network connections with 120Gbps switching capacity and supports IEEE 802.1Q VLAN passthrough for network segmentation.
Note that while it lacks 25G SFP28 ports specifically, it serves as a cost-effective solution for adding 10G link capability to existing setups.
Choose this if you need reliable tech support and NDAA compliance for government or enterprise demands in North America.
Multi-Gigabit Connectivity
24 high-speed 2.5G RJ45 ports provide multi-gigabit speeds capable of up to 2.5Gbps over existing cabling.
Lifetime Protection
The product is secured with Lifetime Manufacturer Protection from TRENDnet for long-term reliability.
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3. Cisco Nexus N9K-C92160YC-X – Best for Data Centers
This renewed Cisco Nexus switch offers 48 fixed 25GbE SFP28 ports and six QSFP+/QSFP28 ports for high-bandwidth connectivity in data centers.
Pros
- 48 ports of 25GbE SFP28 connectivity
- Six QSFP+/QSFP28 uplink ports
- Dual AC power for redundancy
- Professionally inspected and tested
- Compatible accessories included
Cons
- Renewed status may affect warranty
- Higher capacity requires advanced management
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It arrives with dual AC power supplies and is professionally inspected to ensure functional performance despite being pre-owned.
Be aware that accessories may not be original but will be compatible, and the product may come in a generic box.
Select this for a powerful enterprise switch capable of handling demanding applications with maximum flexibility.
High-Bandwidth Connectivity
The switch provides 48 fixed 25GbE ports alongside 6 fixed QSFP28 ports for maximum flexibility.
Professional Inspection
Pre-owned products are professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by Amazon qualified vendors.
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4. Mikrotik CRS520 – Best for High Performance
The Mikrotik CRS520 is a powerful cloud router switch featuring 28 Gigabit SFP28 ports and 100 Gigabit QSFP28 ports for enterprise speed.
Pros
- Ultra-fast enterprise switch capabilities
- Extra processing power via CCR CPU
- 4 GB of DDR4 RAM for tasks
- Quad-core ARM CPU at 2 GHz
- Multiple high-speed port configurations
Cons
- Complex interface for beginners
- High power consumption potential
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It is equipped with a powerful quad-core ARM CPU running at 2 GHz and 4 GB of DDR4 RAM to handle extra processing power needs.
This switch is designed for users who require significant computational power for network routing beyond standard switching functions.
Ideal for advanced networks needing extra processing power, this device combines high-speed ports with robust CPU capabilities.
Extra Processing Power
The CCR series CPU provides extra processing power for demanding network routing tasks.
High-Speed Ports
Includes 28 Gigabit SFP28 ports and 100 Gigabit QSFP28 ports for versatile connectivity.
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5. UBQUITI UniFi Aggregation Switch Pro – Best for UniFi Ecosystem
The UBQUITI UniFi Aggregation Switch Pro is a fully managed Layer 3 switch with 28 10G SFP+ ports and 4 25G SFP28 ports.
Pros
- Fully managed Layer 3 switch features
- High-bandwidth aggregation links
- 1.3 inch LCM color touchscreen
- Unified Network web application support
- Rack-mountable with RPS support
Cons
- SFP28 ports limited to 25Gbps mode
- Higher cost for aggregation needs
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It offers a 760Gbps switching capacity and features a 1.3 inch LCM color touchscreen that concisely displays key system and connection insights.
Be aware that once one SFP28 port is configured at 25Gbps mode, the others will be limited to that speed as well.
Choose this to enhance your network's switching capacity and performance by creating high-bandwidth aggregation links in a UniFi environment.
Managed Layer 3 Features
The switch offers Layer 3 features to improve network performance and efficiency.
Color Touchscreen
The 1.3 inch LCM color touchscreen concisely displays key system and connection insights.
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6. Dell EMC PowerSwitch N3224P-ON – Best for PoE++
The Dell EMC PowerSwitch N3224P-ON is a 24-port manageable Ethernet switch supporting PoE++ and featuring four 25G SFP28 ports.
Pros
- PoE++ capability for devices
- 4x 25G SFP28 ports included
- 2x 100G QSFP28 uplinks
- 3 Layer Supported managed features
- Rack-mountable 1U design
Cons
- Higher power consumption at 944W
- Modular may complicate maintenance
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It includes two 100G QSFP28 uplink ports and supports three-layer managed features for enhanced network control in rack environments.
This switch is designed for optical fiber and twisted pair connections, making it versatile for various cabling needs in your setup.
Opt for this if you require PoE++ support alongside 25G and 100G connectivity for high-density and high-performance deployments.
PoE++ Support
PoE++ capability allows for powering devices through the network cabling efficiently.
High-Speed Uplinks
Two 100G QSFP28 uplink ports ensure robust high-speed connectivity for the network.
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7. TRENDnet TEG-3284WS – Best for Web Management
The TRENDnet TEG-3284WS is a 28-port multi-gig web smart switch featuring 24x 2.5G RJ45 ports and 4x 10G SFP+ ports.
Pros
- Web-based GUI for easy configuration
- 2.5 Gigabit speeds on RJ45
- NDAA and TAA compliant
- Hive enabled cloud service
- Lifetime Manufacturer Protection
Cons
- Web management may be less powerful
- No 25G SFP28 ports
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It offers web smart management to reduce switch configuration complexity and provides an easy-to-use web-based GUI for deployment.
While it does not feature 25G SFP28 ports, it is a cost-effective solution for adding 10G link capability in SMB environments.
Select this for reliable tech support and NDAA compliance with added Hive enabled cloud service for remote management.
Web Smart Management
Web smart management provides an easy-to-use GUI for reduced switch configuration complexity.
Hive Cloud Service
Hive enabled cloud service allows remote management and diagnostics of the web smart switch.
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8. MikroTik CRS518 – Best for Cloud Router
The MikroTik CRS518 is a cloud router switch designed for advanced networking with sixteen 25G ports and two 100G QSFP28 ports.
Pros
- Cloud Router Switch functionality
- Multiple 25G and 100G ports
- Compact and rack-mountable design
- Advanced routing capabilities
- Robust Linux-based system
Cons
- Complex CLI interface for beginners
- Limited documentation for specific tasks
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It operates with a 650MHz CPU and 64MB memory, providing substantial performance for routing tasks in a compact chassis.
This switch is ideal for those comfortable with CLI interfaces and needing advanced routing features in a 25G environment.
Choose this for a versatile and robust Linux-based system that supports high-speed connectivity and flexible network configurations.
Cloud Router Switch
This device functions as a Cloud Router Switch with robust Linux-based routing capabilities.
High-Speed Ports
Includes multiple 25G and 100G ports for high-bandwidth networking solutions.
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9. Cisco N9K-C93180YC-EX – Best for Throughput
The Cisco N9K-C93180YC-EX offers 48 fixed 25GB SFP+ ports and 6 fixed 100GB QSFP28 ports for maximum flexibility in data centers.
Pros
- Unmatched connectivity for data centers
- Cut-through switching architecture
- Hot-swappable power supplies and fans
- VXLAN support for virtualization
- 3.6 Tbps switching capacity
Cons
- Renewed status limits warranty
- Requires advanced NX-OS management
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It uses a cut-through switching architecture to minimize latency and maximize performance for high-performance computing applications.
Features include hot-swappable power supplies and fans, VXLAN support, and Cisco NX-OS for consistent network administration and automation.
Select this renewed switch to unleash the full potential of your data center with high-bandwidth connectivity and future-proof upgrades.
Cut-Through Switching
Cut-through switching architecture minimizes latency for seamless operations in high-performance environments.
High Availability
Hot-swappable power supplies and fans ensure network stays up and running 24/7.
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10. D-Link DGS-1210-28 – Best for SMB Budget
The D-Link DGS-1210-28 is a 28-port smart managed switch featuring 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 4 optical SFP combo ports.
Pros
- High-speed networking with Gigabit ports
- Optical SFP ports for fiber uplinks
- Advanced traffic management features
- NDAA compliant for security
- Energy-efficient silent operation
Cons
- No native 25G SFP28 ports
- Limited to 1G speeds per port
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It offers Layer 2+ features including QoS VLAN support and static routing to optimize network performance and minimize congestion.
This switch is fanless for silent operation and energy savings while maintaining reliability with a Lifetime Warranty and NDAA compliance.
Ideal for expanding your network with high-speed access, this device provides comprehensive security and surveillance mode support.
Advanced Traffic Management
Features QoS, VLAN support, and bandwidth control to optimize network performance effectively.
Energy Efficient
Fanless design ensures silent running and energy savings compliant with IEEE 802.3az.
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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
Selecting the right 25GbE switch with SFP28 ports involves evaluating port configurations, switching capacity, and management features to match your specific network needs.
Port Configuration and Density
Assess the number of SFP28 ports available alongside QSFP28 uplinks to ensure your switch supports all connected devices and fiber backbones.
A switch with 28 SFP28 ports may fit your needs better than one with only 4 if you have many servers requiring high-speed connectivity.
Switching Capacity and Throughput
Look for total non-blocking throughput that meets your aggregate bandwidth requirements to prevent bottlenecks during peak usage times.
Higher switching capacity ensures the switch can handle multiple 25G links simultaneously without data loss or latency spikes.
Layer 2 vs Layer 3 Features
Layer 3 Lite or full Layer 3 capabilities enable static routing and VLANs which are critical for network segmentation in larger environments.
Basic Layer 2 switches may suffice for simple aggregation but advanced routing features are needed for complex traffic flows.
Management Interface and Tools
Web GUI or cloud management simplifies configuration for administrators who need remote access and intuitive dashboards.
Command line interfaces offer more power for advanced users but require more expertise to maintain and troubleshoot effectively.
Power and Cooling Design
High-performance switches generate heat so fan design and cooling efficiency impact noise levels and deployment options in server rooms.
Energy efficiency standards like IEEE 802.3az help reduce power consumption and operational costs over time.
Compatibility with Existing Hardware
Ensure the switch supports your current fiber optics and transceivers to avoid costly replacements or adapter purchases.
Backward compatibility with 10G or 1G links allows gradual upgrades without replacing all endpoints at once.
Warranty and Support Options
Lifetime protection or strong vendor support ensures long-term reliability and access to technical expertise when issues arise.
Renewed products may offer lower costs but check vendor inspections and warranty terms before purchasing for critical environments.
How to Use and Care for Your 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
Install the switch in a ventilated rack mount position to ensure optimal airflow and prevent overheating during high loads.
Connect your SFP28 transceivers and fiber cables carefully to avoid damaging ports and ensure secure high-speed links.
Regularly update the firmware and check port status LEDs to maintain performance and detect any potential issues early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all SFP28 ports support 25G speeds?
Not always. Some switches limit SFP28 ports to 25Gbps mode only when one port is configured at that speed. Check the manual for mixed speed rules.
Can I use 10G SFP+ optics in 25G SFP28 ports?
Yes, 25G SFP28 ports are often backward compatible with 10G SFP+ optics. This allows flexible upgrades without replacing all transceivers.
What is the difference between QSFP28 and SFP28 ports?
QSFP28 ports support 4x25G or 100G aggregated channels while SFP28 ports support single 25G links. Choose based on uplink needs.
Is Layer 3 Lite enough for my network?
Layer 3 Lite supports static routing and VLANs which works for many enterprise environments. Dynamic routing may require full Layer 3 switches.
Why choose a managed switch over unmanaged?
Managed switches offer VLANs, QoS, and monitoring tools for better control. Unmanaged switches are plug-and-play but lack configuration options.
Do 25G switches support PoE?
Some models include PoE++ support for powering devices. Verify your switch specs if you need to power cameras or access points.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best 25GbE Switches with SFP28 Ports
The Cisco N9K-C93180YC-EX leads as our editor's choice for unmatched connectivity while the D-Link DGS-1210-28 offers a budget-friendly entry with warranty.
Prioritize switching capacity and port density to avoid bottlenecks as your network scales with more 25G capable devices over time.
Always check current pricing and warranty terms before buying since models and offers change frequently on major retailer platforms.