Meet the UniFi Flex XG: The 10G Switch That Finally Gets It Right

Hola amigos, Juan David here – your Flytec Tech Support Lead and UniFi Certified Trainer. You know I love bringing clarity to our chaotic world of networks, and today, I’m extra excited to talk about a switch that seriously impressed me: the UniFi USW-Flex-XG.

Whether you’re a homelabber leveling up your setup, or a small business owner wondering how to handle high-speed transfers without breaking the bank or your ears, the UniFi Flex XG is a tiny beast that punches above its weight.

Quick Look: What Is the USW-Flex-XG?

The USW-Flex-XG is a 5-port, Layer 2 managed switch from Ubiquiti that gives you four 10G multi-gig RJ45 ports (yes, actual copper 10GBASE-T) and one 1G PoE+ input port. It's compact, silent (fanless!), and fully managed through the UniFi Controller.

• 4x 10GbE RJ45 Ports (auto-negotiating 1/2.5/5/10G)
• 1x 1GbE PoE+ Input Port
• USB-C Power Option
• 82 Gbps Switching Capacity
• Silent & Solid Metal Design

This little guy is perfect if you want to interconnect high-speed devices (NAS, PC, server, Wi-Fi 6/6E APs) at 2.5/5/10 Gbps without going the SFP+ route.

Where It Shines: Real-World Scenarios

Home Lab Hero

I plugged the Flex XG into my UniFi setup at home, and it instantly solved my bandwidth bottlenecks. Now my 10G NAS, gaming PC, and Wi-Fi 6E AP all talk at full speed. File transfers between my SSDs scream at 1GB/s+, and streaming/editing from the NAS is smoother than ever.

Studio or SMB Ready

If you’re running a video editing suite, design agency, or even a busy dental office with fast local storage, the UniFi Flex XG gives you true 10G copper links without making noise or taking rack space.

The Power Trick

You can power it via PoE+ (802.3at) from an upstream UniFi switch, but that 1G PoE port is only good for power and up to 1Gbps data. So if you really want a 10G uplink, use one of the 10G ports for data and power the switch via USB-C.

What to Watch Out For

• It doesn’t do PoE out – don’t expect to power APs from it.
• That 1G port is not your uplink if you're pushing 10G traffic. Always uplink from one of the 10G ports.

Verdict: Worth It?

Absolutely. For around $299 price point, you get a switch that brings 10G to your desk, rack, or shelf with no fans, no noise, and UniFi goodness. It’s one of the best upgrades you can make if you’ve got even one 10G device.

If you're already in the UniFi ecosystem, the UniFi Flex XG is a no-brainer. If you're not yet – this might be the switch that brings you over.

Got questions about your setup? Call us to our UniFi Support Line 855-4-FLYTEC or chat with us at FlytecComputers.com. I’m always happy to help you unlock the full power of your network.