On the lookout for an outstanding best network switches? Our expert team has combed through the market, carefully selecting and testing the best products available. We’ve put each best network switches through a series of both practical and analytical tests to provide a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and limitations.
Our detailed reviews delve into the critical components of each product. We assess the main features, overall performance, and cost-to-benefit ratio, aiming to offer you a well-rounded and unbiased perspective. Our selection focuses on crucial factors like Performance, Simplicity of Use, and Value. We cater to a range of individual preferences and financial situations, aiming to help you find the best network switches that surpasses your expectations.
Editor’s Note: In March 2024, this review was updated with the latest market developments and additional product options, ensuring that our recommendations remain relevant and encompassing for your decision-making process.
Top Products for best network switches
1. NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308) – Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Plug-and-Play, Silent Operation, Desktop or Wall Mount
Key Features:
- 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration needed
- Supports desktop or wall mount placement
- Industry-leading 3-year limited hardware warranty
- Energy efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az
- Silent operation ideal for noise sensitive environment
2. NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305) – Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Plug-and-Play, Silent Operation, Desktop or Wall Mount
Key Features:
- 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration needed
- Supports desktop or wall mount placement
- Industry-leading 3-year limited hardware warranty
- Energy efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az
- Quiet operation. Operating Temperature : 0ยฐ to 40ยฐC (32ยฐ to 104ยฐF)
3. TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch | Easy Smart Managed | Plug & Play | Desktop/Wall-Mount | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Support QoS, Vlan, IGMP and LAG (TL-SG108E)
Key Features:
- ๐ด ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐: expand your network with 8 high-speed ethernet ports
- ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐: Manage and configure your network effortlessly via a web interface/free software
- ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ก: Segment traffic with up to 32 VLANs simultaneously (out of 4K VLAN IDs) for better security
- ๐ก๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด: Monitor your network effectively with port mirroring, loop prevention, and cable diagnostics
- ๐๐๐ ๐ฃ ๐ฆ๐ป๐ผ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ด: Enhances multicast application performance
- ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ค๐ผ๐ฆ: Optimize traffic flow for various applications
- ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐: Enhance network efficiency and security with features like Link Aggregation, Port Mirroring, IGMP Snooping, and Loop Prevention
- ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ ๐ถ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐๐๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: Suitable for desktop or wall mount
- ๐ฏ-๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐ช๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐: Backed by our industry-leading 3-year warranty and free technical support from 6am to 6pm PST Monday to Fridays, you can work with confidence
4. TP-Link TL-SG108 8 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Network Switch, Ethernet Splitter Plug & Play Fanless Metal Design Shielded Ports Traffic Optimization
Key Features:
- ๐ข๐ป๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ก๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ: 8ร 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports supporting Auto Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX, Plug and play, no configuration needed
- ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ด๐: Latest innovative energy-efficient technology greatly expands your network capacity with much less power consumption and helps save money, Dimensions ( W x D x H ) – 6.2 x 4.0 x 1.0 in.(158 x 101 x 25 mm)
- ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ค๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐: IEEE 802.3X flow control provides reliable data transfer and Fanless design ensures quiet operation
- ๐ฃ๐น๐๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐น๐ฎ๐: Easy setup with no software installation or configuration needed
- ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ผ๐ณ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐: Prioritize your traffic and guarantee high quality of video or voice data transmission with Port-based 802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP Snooping
- ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ ๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ: Fanless Quiet Design, Desktop or Wall-mounting Design. Operating Temperature: 0 degree Celsius -40 degree Celsius (32 degree Fahrenheit -104 degree Fahrenheit)
- ๐ฏ ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐ช๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐: Backed by our industry-leading 3-year warranty and free technical support from 6am to 6pm PST Monday to Fridays, you can work with confidence.
5. TP-Link 16 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch, Desktop/ Wall-Mount, Fanless, Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports, Traffic Optimization, Unmanaged (TL-SG116) Black
Key Features:
- One Switch Made to Expand Network-16ร 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports supporting Auto Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX
- Gigabit that Saves Energy-Latest innovative energy-efficient technology greatly expands your network capacity with much less power consumption and helps save money
- Reliable and Quiet-IEEE 802.3X flow control provides reliable data transfer and Fanless design ensures quiet operation
- Plug and Play-Easy setup with no software installation or configuration needed
- Advanced Software Features-Prioritize your traffic and guarantee high quality of video or voice data transmission with Port-based 802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP Snooping
- Study Metal Case-Fanless Quiet Design, Desktop or Wall-mounting Design. Operating Temperature: 0 degree Celsius -40 degree Celsius (32 degree Fahrenheit -104 degree Fahrenheit)
- Backed by our industry-leading 3-year warranty and free technical support from 6am to 6pm PST Monday to Fridays, you can work with confidence.
6. TP-Link Litewave 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch | Desktop Ethernet Splitter | Plastic Case | Unshielded Network Switch | Plug & Play | Fanless Quiet | Unmanaged (LS1005G)
Key Features:
- ใOne Switch Made to Expand Networkใ5ร 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports supporting Auto Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX, greatly expand network capacity
- ใGigabit that Saves EnergyใLatest innovative energy-efficient technology greatly expands your network capacity with much less power consumption and helps save money
- ใReliable and QuietใIEEE 802.3X flow control provides reliable data transfer and Fanless design ensures quiet operation
- ใPlug and PlayใEasy setup with no software installation or configuration needed
- ใEthernet SplitterใConnect to your router or modem for additional wired connections (laptop, gaming console, printer, etc)
7. NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS324) – Desktop, Wall, or Rackmount, Silent Operation
Key Features:
- 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration needed
- Supports desktop, wall or rackmount placement, and includes all the necessary mounting hardware in the box
- Energy efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az
- Silent operation ideal for noise sensitive environment
8. NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS105Ev2) – Managed, Desktop or Wall Mount, and Limited Lifetime Protection
Key Features:
- 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Plus software with easy-to-use interface offers basic managed capabilities to configure, secure, and monitor your network
- Supports desktop or wall mount placement
- Lifetime Limited Hardware Warranty, Next Business Day Replacement, and 24/7 chat with a NETGEAR expert
- Energy efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az
- Silent operation ideal for noise sensitive environment
9. Linksys SE3005: 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch, Computer Network, Auto-Sensing Ports Maximize Data Flow for up to 1,000 Mbps (Black, Blue)
Key Features:
- Full duplex IEEE 802.3x flow control and half duplex backpressure with intelligent port based congestion detection and broadcast rate control
- All ports support auto MDI/MDI X cable detection
- Non head of line blocking architecture
- QoS: Prioritize video and audio applications for better streaming (IEEE 802.1p)
- Power Save: Advanced power saving mode detects unused ports
- Auto Sensing Ports: Adjust to maximize data flow rates of 10/100/1000 Mbps
- 5 Gigabit ports
- 10x faster connections than standard 10/100 Ethernet
10. NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch (GS324P) – with 16 x PoE+ @ 190W, Desktop or Rackmount
Key Features:
- 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- 16 PoE+ ports with 190W total power budget
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration needed
- Supports desktop or rackmount placement with the necessary mounting hardware in the box
- Industry-leading 3-year limited hardware warranty
- Energy efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az
- Quiet operation
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for Finding Your Ideal best network switches
Understanding Your Needs
Before diving into the market, it’s crucial to thoroughly assess your specific needs and preferences. Take time to consider the features that are non-negotiable and reflect on how you intend to use the product. This initial step is key to narrowing down your choices and ensuring that you focus on products that truly meet your requirements.
Quality Matters
The durability and reliability of a product are directly tied to its quality. Search for products that have a strong track record of performance and longevity. Certifications or standards often indicate a commitment to quality and can be a reliable guide to ensuring that you’re making a sound investment.
Brand Value
The brand’s reputation can be a significant indicator of the product’s quality. Established brands are often synonymous with reliability and customer satisfaction. However, don’t shy away from considering emerging brands as they might offer innovative features or better value for money, potentially being a perfect match for your needs.
Seller Rank
Evaluating the seller’s reputation and reliability is as important as assessing the product itself. Investigate their customer service track record, delivery policies, and how they handle customer issues. A seller with a high rank often guarantees a smoother purchase and after-sales experience.
Reviews from Customers
Customer reviews can provide invaluable insights into the real-world performance of a product. They can highlight any recurring issues or benefits that might not be immediately apparent. Look for consistent themes in reviews as they are often telltale signs of the product’s overall quality and performance.
Reliability
Long-term reliability is a critical factor to consider. This encompasses the product’s lifespan, the need for maintenance, and its resistance to wear and tear. Opt for products known for their durability, as this often translates to fewer repairs and replacements over time.
Ease of Use
The usability of a product significantly affects your day-to-day experience with it. Choose products that are easy to set up, operate, and maintain. User-friendly products not only save time but also enhance your overall satisfaction with the product.
Pricing and Value for Money
While staying within your budget is important, it’s also essential to consider the overall value a product offers. Compare not only the upfront cost but also factor in long-term savings, such as durability and lower maintenance costs. Sometimes, spending a bit more initially can lead to more significant savings in the long run.
Accessibility
The availability of the product, along with the quality of customer support and after-sales service, is crucial. Choose products that are readily available and backed by reliable customer support. This ensures that you will receive assistance quickly should any issues or queries arise.
Comparative Analysis
Leverage comparative studies and reviews to gauge how different products in the best network switches category compare against each other. This will help you understand the unique selling points of each product and how they align with your requirements.
Warranty and Support
Always check the warranty and the type of customer support offered. A comprehensive warranty can be a lifesaver, and effective customer support adds value to your purchase, offering peace of mind and assistance when needed.
Stay Informed
The market and technology are continuously evolving. Keep abreast of the latest updates, enhancements, or new releases in the best network switches category. Staying informed helps ensure that your decision is based on the most current information available.
Final Decision
After considering all these factors, take a step back and evaluate the pros and cons of your top choices. Your final decision should be based on a well-rounded assessment, balancing quality, functionality, and value to find the best best network switches that meets your specific needs.
Our comprehensive reviews are meticulously crafted to guide you through this process, ensuring a well-informed decision that meets your needs and budget.