MikroTik hEX S (2025) vs hEX S: Real-World Comparison
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MikroTik hEX S (2025) vs Legacy hEX S – What Really Changed?
In this article we compare the classic MikroTik hEX S (RB760iGS) with the new hEX S (2025 – E60iUGS). We look at price, CPU architecture, storage changes, 2.5 G SFP behaviour, block diagrams and real test results, so you can decide which router actually fits your network.
hEX S vs hEX S (2025) – Side-by-Side
Both routers offer five Gigabit Ethernet ports, SFP and PoE-out, but the internal design has changed a lot. Here is the short version of the main differences.
| Feature | Legacy hEX S (RB760iGS) | hEX S (2025 – E60iUGS) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD, MikroTik list) | $79 | $69 |
| CPU / Architecture | MIPS MT7621A, 4 threads @ 880 MHz | ARM EN7562CT, 2 threads @ 950 MHz |
| RAM | 256 MB | 512 MB |
| Internal Storage | 16 MB Flash | 128 MB NAND |
| Extra Storage | microSD slot + USB 2.0 | No microSD, USB 3.0 only |
| SFP Port | 1G SFP (good module compatibility) | 2.5G SFP, but limited by 1G copper LAN and picky with some ISP GPON modules |
| PoE-out on Ether5 | 12–57 V | 18–57 V |
| RouterOS support | Ships with v7, can run v6 | Ships with v7 only (no v6) |
| Beeper | Yes | Removed |
| Switch / Block diagram | Dual 1 G links to CPU, ports 2–5 can be independent routed interfaces or HW-switch group; very flexible. | Port 1 to CPU, ports 2–5 behind a 4 G backplane PHY; simple and efficient for LAN-to-LAN but less flexible. |
| Bridging test (1518-byte, all ports) | ~1.7 Gbps | ~4.1 Gbps |
In short: the 2025 model gives you more RAM, more NAND, USB 3.0 and higher bridging throughput, but you lose the microSD slot, the beeper and some of the very flexible switching options that made the legacy hEX S popular with integrators.
What Can You Actually Do With a hEX S?
Both versions of hEX S are small, silent routers that can sit on a desk, in a cabinet or inside an electrical panel. Here are typical solutions we deploy with these units.
Edge Router for Small Office / Home Office
Use the hEX S as the main edge router for small offices, home labs and advanced home users. It handles firewall, NAT, queues, DNS and content filtering for typical ISP speeds without noise or moving parts.
VPN Gateway
Build secure site-to-site tunnels with L2TP/IPsec or WireGuard, and provide remote-access VPN for staff working from home. The 2025 model benefits from the extra RAM when you start stacking more firewall rules and VPN peers.
Surveillance & NVR Networks
As a router in front of an NVR or camera segment, hEX S offers stable Gigabit routing and firewall separation between cameras and the rest of the network. PoE-out on Ether5 can power a single PoE device such as a wireless bridge or small switch.
Network Monitoring & Management
The legacy hEX S can host The Dude server and Usermanager on microSD, keeping logs and RADIUS databases away from internal NAND. The 2025 model still works as a monitored node and gateway in larger MikroTik environments.
Lab & Training Router
For labs, classrooms and certification training, hEX S is ideal: full RouterOS feature set, easy to reset, and cheap enough to dedicate one per student. The flexible port design of the legacy model is especially useful for routing and switching exercises.
IoT / Control Panels
Mounted in an industrial or control cabinet, hEX S provides reliable routing for PLCs, IoT gateways and remote maintenance access. The 12 V tolerance of the legacy unit is attractive in DC and vehicle environments.
Who Is the hEX S Designed For?
We regularly deploy hEX S routers across different industries. These are the profiles where they make sense.
Home & Power Users
Users who want more control than an ISP modem can provide: proper firewalling, VPN, queues and lab setups without jumping to a large rack-mount device.
Small & Medium Businesses
Offices, retail stores and clinics that need a stable wired router for 50–100 devices, VoIP phones and business-critical SaaS traffic, with simple failover and VPN options.
ISPs & WISPs
Regional ISPs and WISPs can use hEX S as a CPE router, small POP edge or management router, especially where fanless, low-power hardware is required.
Education & Training Labs
Colleges, academies and MikroTik Training Centers use hEX S to run hands-on RouterOS labs, thanks to the full feature set and easy reset options.
Integrators & System Builders
For control panels, industrial cabinets, RVs and boats, the legacy hEX S offers SD/USB expansion and flexible port mapping. The 2025 model fits where higher throughput and more RAM matter more than storage flexibility.
Where to Buy hEX S and hEX S (2025)
If you are in Canada and want genuine MikroTik hardware with local support and training options, you can order directly from us.
hEX S (2025 – E60iUGS)
Latest generation hEX S with ARM CPU, 512 MB RAM, 128 MB NAND and 2.5 G SFP.
Legacy hEX S (RB760iGS)
Original hEX S with microSD slot, very flexible block diagram and proven field history. Ideal for monitoring, RADIUS and integrator-level deployments.
Questions About hEX S or Your Design?
Every network is different. If you are not sure which version of hEX S is right for your ISP, business, lab or project, send us your requirements and we will reply with a clear recommendation.
- Current or planned ISP bandwidth
- Number of users / devices
- VPN, surveillance, VoIP or special workloads
- Any existing MikroTik gear in the design
Use the form below to submit your questions and we will get back to you.
Related Products
hEX S (E60iUGS)
hEX S
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