MikroTik hEX E50UG 5-port Gigabit router: features, specs and who it suits

The MikroTik hEX E50UG is a compact wired router with five Gigabit Ethernet ports. MikroTik describes it as a refresh of the classic hEX, with a modern ARM processor and extra memory. It is a router for people who want detailed control over their network, rather than a plug-in-and-forget Wi-Fi box.

What kind of router this is

The E50UG has five Ethernet ports and no built-in Wi-Fi. Typically, one port connects to the internet (a modem or fibre box) and the others serve wired devices or a separate Wi-Fi access point. Many people pair a router like this with a dedicated access point, which lets them choose the Wi-Fi hardware independently of the routing hardware.

Processor and memory

The listing says it has a modern ARM CPU and 512MB of RAM, and MikroTik says it gives twice the performance of the previous generation. A faster CPU matters because routing tasks such as firewalling, NAT, VPNs and queue management are done in software. The more of those features you use, the more processing power you need. Exact throughput depends on the configuration, so check MikroTik's published test results for the features you plan to use.

Gigabit ports

All five ports are Gigabit Ethernet, 10/100/1000Mbps, which suits most home and small-office internet connections. If your internet service is faster than gigabit, check the speed of the ports first.

USB and storage

The listing also mentions a USB port and a micro SD slot. On MikroTik devices these are typically used for extra storage, such as saving backups or logs, or for connecting certain USB devices, depending on the software support. Check the manual for what the E50UG supports.

RouterOS software

MikroTik routers run RouterOS, a feature-rich operating system with a firewall, routing protocols, VPN support, bandwidth management and more. It can be configured through a web interface, a desktop tool called Winbox, or a command line. The range of options is a strength for people who like to learn networking, but it has a learning curve compared with consumer routers that provide a simple setup app.

Size and weight

The router is small: about 4.4 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches (11 x 9 x 3 cm) and 0.6 lb (about 270 g). It fits on a shelf or in a small network cabinet.

Who it suits

It suits home labs, small offices and enthusiasts who want a capable, configurable wired router. It is less suited to anyone who wants Wi-Fi built in or a one-step setup.

What to check before you buy

• Wi-Fi: you will need a separate access point if you want wireless.
• Internet speed: confirm that gigabit ports are enough for your connection.
• Setup skills: be ready to learn RouterOS, or to follow a guide for your internet provider's requirements.
• Features you need: check that the VPN, firewall and other features you plan to use are supported and what they do to throughput.
• Power: check how it is powered and what is in the box.
• Updates: plan to keep the firmware up to date and back up your configuration.

The short version

• A compact five-port Gigabit router, model E50UG, from MikroTik.
• Modern ARM CPU and 512MB of RAM.
• USB and micro SD listed; no built-in Wi-Fi.
• Runs RouterOS, with a lot of configuration options.
• Small, at about 0.6 lb.

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