stable: it is the most recommended since it is the most current in addition to having new features and no errors.

Long Term: It was a stable version, however it was outdated, which means that the development of that version was not continued nor were new features added.

Testing: new version that is being developed and published with the purpose of testing this version in order to correct any flaws it may have.

MikroTik RouterOS is offered in several release branches, each targeting different needs and usage scenarios. The three main ones are: Stable, Long-term, and Testing (also known as Development). Here I explain the difference between them and which one is recommended for a normal or production environment:

1. Stable

• Description: The Stable version includes the latest features, improvements and bug fixes that have been sufficiently tested in the Testing branch and are considered stable for most users.
• Recommended use: For users who need the latest features and are willing to accept a small risk of facing minor problems. It is suitable for environments where a certain degree of adjustment and experimentation can be tolerated.

2. Long-term

• Description: The Long-term version is more conservative and is updated less frequently. It focuses on delivering bug fixes and stability improvements without introducing many new features, thus ensuring maximum reliability and compatibility over time.
• Recommended use: This branch is recommended for critical production environments where stability and reliability are paramount. It is ideal for businesses and service providers that need to ensure uninterrupted operation and minimize the risks associated with updates.

3. Testing

• Description: The Testing branch, as the name suggests, is for development versions that include the latest features and fixes in testing phase. These versions are for users to test new features and provide feedback, but they may be unstable or have unidentified problems.
• Recommended use: Should only be used in testing, development environments or for advanced users who want to experiment with the latest features and contribute to the testing phase. It is not recommended for production environments.

Which should be used in a normal environment?

For most production or “normal environment” environments, where stability and reliability are more important than having the latest features, the Long-term version is generally the recommended option. It offers a good balance between having an up-to-date operating system and avoiding the risks that can accompany newer, less tested features.

Choosing the right branch of RouterOS depends on your specific needs, your risk tolerance, and your team's ability to handle potential issues. In an enterprise or service provider environment, the priority is often to keep the network running constantly and securely, so the Long-term version is often the preferred choice.