Affiliate link - I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; some links go to other retailers with the same arrangement.
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 not monitoring-only either: the same integration exposes switches for WLANs, port forwarding, traffic rules, zone-based firewall policies and individual switch ports, so Home Assistant can act on the network rather than just watch it.
Standout: A small 5-port 2.5GbE switch that can be PoE- or USB-C-powered (PoE input only, no PoE output)
Notes last checked May 31, 2026.
Compatibility snapshot
Home AssistantgoodReliable local integration with minor caveats (a hub, manual config, or polling). Core function works locally.
Apple HomenoneNo official support on this platform.
Google HomenoneNo official support on this platform.
AlexanoneNo official support on this platform.
Works offlineyes
Setupmoderate
Extra hub neededyes
Powerhardwired
Local control facts
Home Assistant: unifi integration, Local Push, Silver on the quality scale (home-assistant.io, checked Sep 10, 2026)
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
Port switch entities are disabled by default in Home Assistant, so you have to enable them before you can toggle a port
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 push over websocket from 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.
One verified price read so far: $71.03 at amazon on Sep 5, 2026.
