The new MikroTik hEX S (2025) is here — faster, smarter, and more affordable than ever. This compact, powerful wired router introduces a 2.5G SFP uplink, USB 3.0 storage, PoE-out support, and RouterOS v7, making it ideal for smart homes, small offices, labs, and media-heavy environments.
Whether you're upgrading a home lab or building a VLAN-segmented network, the hEX S refresh delivers professional-grade control and performance at a lower price than the 2018 model.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The key upgrades in the 2025 MikroTik hEX S refresh
- Real-world use cases for IT professionals and power users
- Detailed technical specifications with practical context
- A side-by-side comparison with the 2018 hEX S model
- Recommendations on who should consider this router
- An official MikroTik video
What’s New in the 2025 MikroTik hEX S?
2.5G SFP Uplink Port
A major upgrade over the previous 1G SFP, the 2.5G port allows:
- Full-speed multi-gigabit ISP uplink
- High-throughput access to NAS or servers
- Internal backbone performance with no congestion
USB 3.0 Storage
Use the USB 3.0 port to connect a portable SSD or hard drive:
- Host large files locally or remotely
- Run self-hosted workflows
- Avoid cloud service limitations
PoE-In and PoE-Out Support
- PoE-In on Port 1: Power the router via a single Ethernet cable
- PoE-Out on Port 5: Power access points or IP cameras downstream. Perfect for neat wall-mounted setups with reduced cable clutter.
Built-In RouterOS v7
The new hEX S ships with RouterOS v7, unlocking:
- Advanced routing (BGP, OSPF, MPLS)
- Port bonding, traffic shaping, VLANs
- Full interface customization with no locked features
Real-World Use Cases for Network Builders
1. Maximize Gigabit Fiber Plans
The 2.5G SFP uplink ensures you can deliver full ISP bandwidth to:
- Main workstations
- Plex media servers
- Security camera NVRs
2. Build a High-Speed NAS Backbone
- Use the SFP for uplink to your editing PC
- Bond two gigabit ports to a NAS
- Transfer large files and backups at blazing speeds
3. Ideal for Smart Labs and Office Deployments
The hEX S handles:
- VLAN segmentation and firewall rules
- Traffic shaping for bandwidth control
- Flexible WAN/LAN port assignment
Technical Specifications
| Feature | 2025 hEX S (E60iUGS) |
| CPU | Dual-Core EN7562CT @ 950 MHz |
| RAM | 512 MB DDR3 |
| Storage | 128 MB NAND |
| USB Port | USB 3.0 Type-A |
| Ethernet Ports | 5 × 1G |
| SFP Port | 1 × 2.5G |
| PoE-In | Port 1 (802.3af/at) |
| PoE-Out | Port 5 (Passive PoE up to 57V) |
| RouterOS | v7 (License Level 4) |
| Powering | 12–57V DC jack + PoE-In |
| Max Power Draw | 23 W |
| Dimensions | 113 × 89 × 28 mm |
Old vs. New: 2018 vs 2025 MikroTik hEX S
| Feature | 2018 hEX S (RB760iGS) | 2025 hEX S (E60iUGS) |
| SFP Port | 1G SFP | 2.5G SFP |
| RouterOS | v6 | v7 Out-of-the-box |
| PoE-Out | No | Yes (Port 5) |
| USB Port | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
| RAM | 256 MB | 512 MB |
| Storage | 16 MB FLASH | 128 MB NAND |
| CPU | MT7621A @ 880 MHz | EN7562CT @ 950 MHz |
| Power Options | PoE-In only | PoE-In + PoE-Out |
Who Should Buy the hEX S Refresh?
This model is ideal for:
- IT Professionals: Need a compact, reliable branch router or lab device
- Media Creators: Eliminate file transfer delays and enable bonded storage links
- Advanced Users & SMBs: Get full routing flexibility, VLANs, and power control
If you're looking for a router with 2.5G SFP, PoE, and full access to RouterOS features without overspending, the MikroTik hEX S is the one.
Final Thoughts
The MikroTik hEX S (2025) delivers everything power users need in a wired-only router: speed, configurability, advanced software, and future-ready hardware.
Want a visual walkthrough? Check out MikroTik’s official video to see ports, use cases, and upgrade details in action.
