UniFi Switch Flex 2.5G 5

Quick verdict

The UniFi Switch Flex 2.5G 5 is a small 5-port 2.5GbE switch that can be PoE- or USB-C-powered (it takes PoE as an input but does not output PoE to downstream ports). In Home Assistant this surfaces through the local UniFi Network integration as a monitored network device plus client device_tracker entities for presence detection. It is reliable, fully local monitoring, but note HA treats it as a network device to watch, not a controllable smart-home device.

Standout: A small 5-port 2.5GbE switch that can be PoE- or USB-C-powered (PoE input only, no PoE output)

Last checked: 2026-05-31

Compatibility snapshot

Why it stands out

• 5x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports; can be powered by PoE on its uplink or a USB-C adapter (PoE input only - does not output PoE to downstream ports)
• Tiny, deployable switch for adding multi-gig ports near APs, NAS, or desks
• Surfaces in Home Assistant via the local UniFi Network integration as a monitored device with PoE/port and client data

Reasons to hesitate

• Monitor-only in Home Assistant - you can watch port/PoE state and clients, but not switch ports on and off from HA's UI
• Needs a UniFi OS controller (UDM/Cloud Key) for the HA integration to read it

Best for

• UniFi households wanting wired clients tracked locally in Home Assistant
• Anyone who needs PoE for cameras, APs, or sensors with local HA monitoring

Avoid if

• You do not run a UniFi controller
• You expect to control individual ports from Home Assistant's dashboard

Privacy and local-control notes

The UniFi Network integration talks to your local UniFi OS controller over the LAN using a local-only account (Ubiquiti SSO cloud login is not supported). Device and client data, including presence detection, stays on your network.

Home Assistant support: supported · integration path: UniFi Network (local polling of the UniFi OS controller; local user required).

Buying reality check

Price notes: Model USW-Flex-2.5G-5. Sold via the UniFi store; no recurring fees.

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