MikroTik hEX vs. hEX S: Which One Should You Choose?

MikroTik provides two well-liked and powerful networking options for choosing a strong and reasonably priced router for residential or small business use: the hEX (RB750Gr3) and the hEX S (RB760iGS).  Both routers are excellent choices for people who require a dependable wired router because they are small, effective, and loaded with advanced networking features.  But there are some significant distinctions between them that may influence your choice.  In order to assist and help you in selecting the best router for your requirements, we will compare both Routers MikroTik hEX vs hEX S. This detailed comparison discusses the features, performance, specifications, and use cases of both routers in detail.

Overview of MikroTik hEX and hEX S

MikroTik hEX (RB750Gr3)

A gigabit Ethernet router with five ports, the hEX is ideal for places without a need for wireless access. MikroTik hEX is a small, yet powerful router. It is designed for wired networks. MikroTik hEX features five Gigabit Ethernet ports. It is powered by a dual-core CPU. This feature makes MikroTik hEX a good choice for users looking for a cost-effective, high-performance router. A full-size USB port is present on this networking router.  This new model of the hEX offers a number of performance enhancements features. It uses RouterOS from MikroTik that offers a broad range of networking and advanced customization options.

Additionally, it has a very powerful dual core 880MHz CPU and 256MB RAM. This networking wired router is capable of all the advanced configurations that RouterOS supports.

It supports the Dude server package and IPsec hardware encryption. Moreover its micro SD slot offers faster read/write speeds for Dude and file storage.

MikroTik hEX S (RB760iGS)

The hEX S is an upgraded version of the router hex. It has a six port wired Gigabit router. This hEX S router is for locations where wireless connectivity is not required. Compared to the hEX, the hEX S offers additional features such as an SFP port for fiber connectivity and PoE output on the last port and on one of its Ethernet ports.

It offers more capability and functionality for consumers that require more networking options while keeping the same small, compact design factor and processing power as the hEX. 

Although it is affordable, compact, and simple to use, it also has a very potent twin core CPU running at 880 MHz and 256 MB of RAM.  All of the advanced setups and configurations that RouterOS provides can be used with it.  The device features a 1.25Gbit/s SFP cage, a USB 2.0 port, and a PoE output for Ethernet port #5.  The same voltage that powers the unit can also power additional passive PoE-capable devices via port #5.

IPsec hardware encryption and The Dude server package is supported, micro SD slot on it provides improved r/w speed for file storage and Dude.

MikroTik hEX vs hEX S: Key Specifications Comparison

Performance and Processing Power of Both Routers 

The hEX S typically performs better when a MikroTik hEX and hEX S are compared in terms of processing power and performance. Because of hEX S faster dual-core 880MHz CPU and 256MB RAM, as opposed to the hEX single core processor and less RAM. This feature makes the hEX S more appropriate and suitable option for more complex RouterOS configurations and demanding network tasks. 

Highlighted Key Differences (MikroTik hEX vs hEX S)

While the core specifications are similar, the hEX S has two key advantages over the hEX:

1. SFP Port for Fiber Connectivity: The hEX S has an SFP port that enables fiber-optic cable connections for high-speed internet and network expansion.  It is obvious that the hEX S is the best option if you require fiber connectivity.

2. Feature of PoE-Out Support: When comparing with hEX, the hEX S router has the ability to supply Power over Ethernet (PoE) on Port 5. So, this feature allows it to supply power to other additional MikroTik routers, IP cameras, and access points that are PoE-compatible.  This function can increase network efficiency and reduce cable clutter.

3. CPU: In comparison of MikroTik hEX vs hEX S, The hEX S has a dual-core design, whereas the hEX is single-core. This feature gives the hEX S more processing capability overall. Both routers use the same CPU type (MT7621A).

4.  RAM: The 256MB of RAM on both routers is the same, but the hEX S's speedier CPU makes better use of it and allows for better utilization of this RAM. 

MikroTik hEX vs hEX S: Use Cases for Each Router

When to Choose MikroTik hEX

• You need an affordable, high-performance wired router for basic networking tasks.

• You don’t require an SFP port or PoE-out functionality.

• You’re setting up a small business, home, or SOHO network.

• You plan to use a USB device for extra storage or external networking accessories.

When to Choose MikroTik hEX S

• You may need fiber-optic connectivity for network expansion or high-speed internet

• without using a separate power supply you wish to power devices that are PoE-compatible 

• You need a router with additional connectivity possibilities that can adapt to the future.

• With increased hardware integration, you're establishing a more advanced and powerful network.

Router OS (Features and Capabilities)

Both routers include a Level 4 license for MikroTik RouterOS, which gives them access to advanced features like: 

• NAT and firewall setups

• PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, and IPsec VPN support 

• QoS (Quality of Service) and bandwidth control 

• VLAN support for network segmentation; and 

• dynamic routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, RIP)

• Configurations for load balancing and failover

You can customize RouterOS to a great extent. Because of this feature of customization, both routers are appropriate for business users who need advanced networking solutions.

Price and Value Comparison

After comparing both devices it is obvious that the MikroTik hEX is slightly more affordable than the hEX S. This feature makes it a better choice for users who only need a wired Gigabit router without additional features. But for those who need an SFP port or PoE-out capability, the hEX S offers greater value.  If you believe you might require these capabilities in the future, it might be wiser to invest in the hEX S because the price difference is not that great.

Summary Recommendation:

• Choose MikroTik hEX (RB750Gr3) if: You need a budget-friendly, powerful wired router without extra features like an SFP port or PoE-out.

• Choose MikroTik hEX S (RB760iGS) if: You want future-proof networking with fiber connectivity and the ability to power PoE devices.

Conclusion

The data presented above here in the comparison of MikroTik hEX vs hEX S assists you in making a well-informed choice by pointing out major differences in features, performance, and price. Both devices have strong hardware, extensive RouterOS options for customization, and advanced wired connectivity.  

The hEX is a suitable choice if you're looking for a high-performance, affordably priced router for typical networking uses. But the hEX S is a superior investment when you require additional features such as fiber-optic support and PoE-out to supply power to other devices. Knowing each router's capabilities can help you select the one that best suits your requirements. Both alternatives offer dependable and durable wired networking solutions because to  MikroTik dedication to performance and price.