If your office or business has an active network, buying one of the Best Ethernet Switches is incredibly important. It’s even more crucial if your company also relies on fast, reliable network speeds. And let’s face it, what company doesn’t?
There is a vast range of network switches available to buy, which means no matter your budget, how big, or how small your network is, you should be able to find the best Ethernet switch for your needs. Therefore we have gathered together the top switches, which we think are worthy of a place in this review. They are all excellent choices that will boost your network and future-proof your company.
So, let’ go through them and find the perfect Ethernet Switch for you…
Contents
- 1 Top 8 Best Ethernet Switches In 2023 Review
- 1.1 1 Netgear Gigabit Ethernet Switch GS108 – Best Premium Ethernet Switch
- 1.2 2 TP-Link 16-Port Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (TL- SG1016) – Best 16-Port Gigabit Switch
- 1.3 3 Linksys SE3008 8-Port Metallic Gigabit Switch – Best Rated Ethernet Switch
- 1.4 4 TP-Link Gigabit Ethernet Switch TL-SG1008D – Best Gigabit Ethernet Switch
- 1.5 5 D-Link Ethernet Switch, 8-Port Gigabit (DGS-1008G) – Best Ethernet Switch for Gaming
- 1.6 6 D-Link 5-Port Gigabit Smart Managed Switch DGS-1100-05 – Best Mid Range Ethernet Switches
- 1.7 7 NETGEAR GS308-100 PAS Gigabit Switch – Best Value Ethernet Switch for the Money
- 1.8 8 TP-Link TL-SG105 – Best Budget Ethernet Switch
- 2 Best Ethernet Switches Buying Guide
- 3 Looking For More High Quality Tech Options?
- 4 So, What Are The Best Ethernet Switches?
Top 8 Best Ethernet Switches In 2023 Review
1 Netgear Gigabit Ethernet Switch GS108 – Best Premium Ethernet Switch
The Netgear GS108 is an unmanaged switch that includes a variety of features for optimal functioning. Netgear sells it with a lifetime warranty, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about its components’ quality. It has a plug-and-play configuration, which means it’s convenient and straightforward to set up. The device has a fanless construction making it quiet as a mouse.
The unit is energy-effective and designed in such a way that you can optimize its power usage. After they have briefly tested it, the manufacturer delivers the product, ensuring it’s reliable and works without any issues. As a buyer, you can expect terrific performance without any speed reduction.
Network Management…
The network management technology works, so users don’t have to worry about privacy in the system. No bandwidth goes to waste while watching YouTube videos or streaming. This switch comes with enough administrative options to make any company productive.
Netgear has done a fantastic job providing jumbo frame support, which is usually pretty hard to find in traditional gigabit switches, but the GS108 supports it.
Our verdict?
The Netgear GS108 has 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, enough for any small to medium-sized business. It supports both desktop and wall mounting, making it easy to find the perfect location for it. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is both reliable and robust. The only downside is the slight latency spikes that can appear now and then—otherwise, a good solid switch for a reasonable price.
(4.8 / 5)Pros
- Plug-and-play.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Power-saving and energy-efficient.
- Designed to match business requirements.
Cons
- Can experience latency spikes.
- It may seem expensive to some.
2 TP-Link 16-Port Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (TL- SG1016) – Best 16-Port Gigabit Switch
This switch is a genuine shocker carrying 16 ports and can withstand any ethernet system network pressures. The many ports provide large file transfers instantaneously. This sturdy metal hunk’s switching capacity is 32 Gbps, making it perfect for anyone with an extensive business network or a busy gaming session. If that’s the case for you, you needn’t look any further.
Non-blocking switch architecture…
It also has non-blocking switching architecture, which forwards and filters packets at full wire-speed for maximum throughput. The TL-SG1016 includes the latest innovative energy-efficient technologies, enabling you to expand your network using much less power. It automatically adjusts the power consumption according to the active ports, limiting your network’s carbon footprint.
Multiple added diagnostic LED indicators monitor the work status of the network.
Plug-and-play…
Since it’s plug-and-play, there is no need for any configuration or time-consuming setups. You plug in the device and start using it after placing the switch in a suitable position.
TP-Links one downside is the unsatisfying customer support, which unfortunately is absolutely essential when dealing with ethernet switches. Another thing to keep in mind is that the rack-mount hardware may not always be included, so if you’re unlucky, you might have to throughout some extra cash if you were planning on wall-mounting the switch.
Our verdict?
TP-Link SG1016 is one of the fastest Ethernet switches we tested. The 16 ports make the TL-SG1016 suitable for any mid-sized to a large company. The price may be considered high but remember that you always get what you pay for! Energy-efficient technology helps save up to 40% of power consumption. A great switch if you need to improve your office settings significantly.
(4.8 / 5)Pros
- Fast speeds.
- 16-ports.
- Energy-efficient.
- 32GB switching capacity.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Unsatisfying customer support.
3 Linksys SE3008 8-Port Metallic Gigabit Switch – Best Rated Ethernet Switch
Yet another surprise from Linksys, the SE3008 carries a full-duplex IEEE 802.3x flow control, along with half-duplex backpressure with intelligent port-based congestion detection and broadcast rate control. Broadcast rate control is pretty rare to find on the switches in this price class, making it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized companies.
Efficient power-saving and MDI/MDI-X…
All eight ports on the SE3008 support auto MDI/MDI-X cable detection. And the power-save feature automatically detects which ports are in use, making unused ports idle, saving energy and power usage.
It is also fashioned with a non-head-of-line blocking architecture since the head-of-line blocking can have severe performance-degrading effects on input-buffered systems. It also ensures that you have greater control over your ethernet systems.
Another great feature is the QoS that prioritizes video and audio. It uses the IEEE 802.1p technology to enhance your streaming. Mounting hardware is included, so it’s easy to either mount on a wall or set aside on your desktop. Either way, you end up with a great switch that is compact and robust in its design.
Plug-and-play…
It’s like all other switches plug-and-play, so you don’t need to face any hassles of configuration. Another upside to this efficient switch is the simple but unique front design, providing you with essential connection information, so you don’t have to shuffle through all the connections aimlessly.
However, there have been reported cases where the essential hardware has been missing in the packages, but should this happen, you can contact their support to receive new hardware.
Our verdict?
The Linksys SE3008 has everything you need to upgrade your home or office network. Eight Ethernet ports provide efficient speeds and a reliable connection. It’s easy to use, and no configuration is necessary.
It has a higher price than basic switches, but it is still affordable. Energy-saving and MDI/MDI-X ensure that you don’t use unnecessary power consumption. The sturdy and unique design helps improve the value for money.
(4.8 / 5)Pros
- Robust construction.
- Plug-and-play.
- Good value for money.
- QoS for audio and video.
Cons
- The power jack’s on the opposite side of the ethernet ports.
- Hardware can be missing.
4 TP-Link Gigabit Ethernet Switch TL-SG1008D – Best Gigabit Ethernet Switch
If you are in the market for an inexpensive Ethernet switch while still receiving improved network speeds, you should seriously check out the TL-SG1008D. When using it, you will realize that it’s made to satisfy buyers’ needs at the lowest price possible.
It’s incredibly lightweight due to its plastic construction, but you can’t complain about that considering the low price. It might not be as sturdy as its steel competitors, but it has other features that make up for that.
Brilliant performance and reduced power consumption…
The IEEE 802.3x flow support makes data transfer both reliable and smoother. The design is very effective and lets the switch perform brilliantly. It also reduces power consumption by up to 80% thanks to automatic cable length detection, which can be very handy for a small business.
The TL-SG1008D is an automatic Gigabit switch that works without any issues. The plug-and-play feature doesn’t demand any troublesome setups or configurations, and you can use it straight out of the box. Furthermore, all the ports have auto-negotiation allowing the user to find the link speed.
Desktop-friendly and mountable design…
The design is both desktop-friendly and mountable, making it suitable for almost everyone. Since it lacks a fan, it’s quieter than most switches, which is very useful in office settings where you don’t want to be disturbed. It also has a self-cooling ability, preventing it from overheating and ultimately saves more energy.
If you are under the impression that you won’t receive a warranty because of the low price, you are wrong. It comes with a 2-year warranty and offers 24/7 technical support for all its users.
Our verdict?
Even though the TL-SG1008D is one of the cheapest Ethernet switches in our review, it’s still one of the most impressive. A bunch of handy features is included, and it feels surreal that the price is so low.
Given that the cost would be higher if it had a steel casing, it feels solid and robust even with the plastic construction. The 8 Gigabit ports improve speeds and provide a strong connection, making this the ideal switch for any business or home.
(4.7 / 5)Pros
- Power-saving technology.
- Unique design provides multiple mounting options.
- Exceptional data transfer speed.
- The price is unimaginable.
Cons
- High-pitched noise after years of usage.
- The manufacturer is known for its inadequate customer service.
5 D-Link Ethernet Switch, 8-Port Gigabit (DGS-1008G) – Best Ethernet Switch for Gaming
This stunning black switch doesn’t only wow us in style, but it outperforms many other switches in performance and reliability as well. The D-Link DGS-1008G is equipped with 8-Gigabit high-speed ports made from premium D-Link Green technology.
Its low price, eco-friendly approach, and excellent performance make it one of our top choices when choosing the best Ethernet switch. Each port offers transport speeds of up to 2000 Mbps. The DGS-1008G is an unmanaged switch that is super easy to use, enabling a plug-and-play configuration for people who don’t want to mess around with complicated setups or additional management options.
Is it right for you?
It consists of front-facing ports and dual-color LED indicators letting you see each connection’s status. The data prioritization feature will automatically prioritize sensitive data transfers, making it ideal for online gaming and video calls. Combining this and high transfer speeds make it the right choice for either homes or small businesses.
Features…
The DGS-1008G has included QoS features that automatically organize and prioritize important and time-sensitive data packets, ensuring efficient delivery. It’s QoS is even designed to handle time-sensitive data during times of high data traffic.
This Ethernet switch also comes with a cable diagnostic feature, alerting you of pertinent cable conditions through the front-facing LED display, so you can immediately isolate issues with pin connections and quickly troubleshoot cable issues.
What else did we love?
One of the most distinguishing features is the D-Link’s Green Technology, enabling the switch to reduce heat and use less energy. Not only is it an Energy Star Level V product, but it also complies with RoHS standards.
It’s delivered in recyclable, energy-efficient packaging. Furthermore, it detects when the computer is turned off or when there is no traffic and automatically powers down idle ports, saving energy. It also identifies the cable lengths connected to the switch, sending only the required amount of energy needed.
But are these the Best Ethernet Switches?
The D-Link DGS-1008G is a reliable choice if you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and easy-to-use Ethernet switch. The lovely design and energy-saving features make it a versatile option for all types of users. The low price adds to the value, and it’s hard not to recommend this product.
(4.6 / 5)Pros
- Prioritizing data.
- 16 Gbps capacity.
- Energy-saving features.
Cons
- Plastic construction.
6 D-Link 5-Port Gigabit Smart Managed Switch DGS-1100-05 – Best Mid Range Ethernet Switches
The D-Link DGS-1100-05 is simple, easy, and smart. It comes with an easy-to-use web interface to access multiple management features. The free Network Assistant (DNA) shows all your connected devices, and the plug-and-play quality makes the first-time configuration a breeze. It also comes with licenses for 25 nodes and two probes, including full access to management tools.
It’s a great switch that provides an easy way of adding additional computers to a network. It’s mostly suited for growing small and medium businesses.
Utilizes D-link’s Green Technology…
Like the DGS-1008G, it utilizes D-Link Green Technology, even if the features aren’t as many as on the DGS-1008G. It’s compliant with the IEEE 802.3az, making it consume less energy by cutting down on power consumption for unused or idle ports. The energy-saving features even help prolong the life of the switch.
Since it’s a fanless design, it keeps noise to a minimum enabling you to focus on your work without being disturbed by noisy fans.
Advanced security…
The DGS-1100-05 also has various advanced security features, including IGMP snooping, Static MAC, and storm control. It also includes Loopback Detection, which detects loops created by a specific port and quickly shuts down the affected port. Cable Diagnostics helps you examine the cables’ quality, recognizing the cable type, and detect any cable errors.
The design is simple and, honestly, quite ugly to look at, but it’s small and compact, so it’s easy to hideaway.
Our verdict?
All-in-all, a capable Ethernet Switch, but in all honesty, there are better options in this price range available. The DGs-1100 series is available from 5 – 24 ports, which each have different features. The five ports on the DGS-1100-05 are all capable of speeds up to 1000 Mbps, and they provide a reliable connection.
The design is solid, even though quite ugly, but it’s efficient, and it has some great features like Green Technology.
(4.6 / 5)Pros
- Reliable.
- Easy-to-use.
- Handy features.
- Green Technology.
Cons
- Ugly.
- There are better options available for the same price.
7 NETGEAR GS308-100 PAS Gigabit Switch – Best Value Ethernet Switch for the Money
If your main priority is different mounting options, you should invest in the GS308-100. This Ethernet switch supports both wall mounting and desktop placement in a variety of ways. It’s a simple plug-and-play 8-port Ethernet switch that’s easily installed without the need for software or configuration. The non-blocking architecture helps boost the throughput for maximum wire speed.
All eight ports have added LED indicators that display activity along with integrated energy-saving features. The most impressive feature of this unit is the auto-negotiation. It lets the users connect automatically at top-level speeds, so you never have to wait for the connection to reach maximum levels. The link is conveniently created between the device in use and the switch and ensures that the connection is stable and consistent.
Energy-efficient…
Another reason for buying GS308-100 is the energy-efficient technology used. It helps you save energy and ensures that the switch will last for many years. Another quite rare feature is the added memory buffer. Because of the added buffer, it can store extra information before sending it to the next location.
The GS308-100 is mid-ranged, priced, affordable, but not overly cheap. You do, however, get a great switch for the relatively low price.
What makes it one of the Best Ethernet Switches?
Overall, it’s a complete package that works for any home as well as for medium-sized businesses. It has some excellent features and is energy-efficient. The price is mid-range and affordable. But if you are looking for a switch with multiple mounting options, this is without a doubt the one you want.
(4.8 / 5)Pros
- 2-year warranty.
- Exceptional customer support.
- Affordable.
- Multiple mounting options.
Cons
- Can freeze in the network.
8 TP-Link TL-SG105 – Best Budget Ethernet Switch
If you are on the hunt for an Ethernet switch without paying tons of money and is still more efficient than your Wi-Fi connection, take a look at the TP-link TL-SG105. TP-Link did take out all of the excitement from this switch, but the result is still useful and inexpensive.
The TL-SG105 is an unmanaged 5-port switch that adds to your router’s number of Ethernet ports. All five ports are full-duplex, giving you speeds up to 2000Mbps, making it suitable for gaming as well as for expanding your network. Even though it’s compact, the metal case is robust and protects the RJ45 ports.
The fanless design makes it ideal for any office space where you want it to be quiet. It’s possible to wall-mount it or have it as a desktop setup.
What else makes it awesome?
One unique feature is that even though it’s unmanaged, it still supports QoS, and IGMP snooping boosts multimedia transfers. The speed tends to drop if you connect multiple devices, which is rather strange, seeing how it’s a 5-port Ethernet Switch.
If you only connect two devices, you will reach the promised speed of 1000Mbps, but if you add a third device, you will see the speed drop to a measly 100Mbps.
Another downside is that it disconnects from the network every time you connect a new appliance. Even if only for a minute, it can be devastating if you are in the middle of an intense gaming session and a family member decides to connect a device.
Our verdict?
The TP-Link TL-SG105 is a basic Ethernet switch that provides sufficient speeds but not more than that. It’s what we would call a budget ethernet switch, making it affordable, but you should expect any miracles. It does what it’s supposed to, and that’s it.
(4.8 / 5)Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Fanless design.
- Small and sturdy.
Cons
- Speed drops if more than two devices are connected.
- Disconnects when a new device is connected.
Best Ethernet Switches Buying Guide
Now that we’ve reviewed the top 8 Ethernet switches available, let’s look at the features you should keep an eye on. Even though this list isn’t extensive, you might want a different set of features depending on your needs. Even so, here are a few of the essential factors to bear in mind.
- The Basics
You want at least an Ethernet switch that supports Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps). You’ll also want a switch with MDI/MDI-X unless you like wasting energy and ports on crossover cables. An unmanaged, plug-and-play switch will go a long way in terms of ease-to-use, and you’ll want full-duplex for faster connections.
Even if you only plan on connecting a few devices, you should choose a switch with a buffer size of at least 1MB.
If it’s a better performance you are after, there are a few other features you want to look for in a switch. A Gigabit Ethernet switch allows for speeds up to 1000Mbps or more, and Power Over Ethernet lets you operate a wider variety of devices. Managed switches enable you to have more control, and switches with half-duplex are compatible with older hardware.
- Number of Ports
The number of ports is one of the essential factors, simply because the number of devices you want to connect determines the number of ports you need. Unless you are buying the switch for your office, the chances are that you only have one or two computers at home. But you may also have other devices you’d like to connect, like smartphones, tablets, etc.
One key factor to remember here is that one of the ports will connect to your router, so if you plan on connecting five devices to the Ethernet switch, you’ll need six ports. Gigabit Ethernet switches usually start with five ports but can are available with up to 48 ports.
The larger switches are often intended for LAN parties, commercial or business use, but should you need a 24-port Gigabit Ethernet switch for personal use, hats off to you.
- Switches vs. Hubs
Ethernet switches look similar to Ethernet hubs, and they perform in similar ways for your home network. But you want to buy a switch, not a hub. Why? Because Ethernet hubs aren’t as smart as the Ethernet switches.
A hub doesn’t detect where the data or information is supposed to go, so it delivers every piece of information to every connected device, which creates many problems and results in poor network performance.
Hubs used to be very popular, cheap alternatives to switches, but switches have become so inexpensive that it makes no sense to buy a hub instead of a switch.
- Gigabit Ethernet
You want to buy a Gigabit Ethernet switch. Gigabit switches support speeds up to 1000Mbps and are often backward compatible with older Ethernet standards.
Fast Ethernet is the predecessor to Gigabit and only reaches speeds up to 100Mbps. Even though that’s plenty of bandwidth for most connections, Gigabit Ethernet has been available for the last 20 years. Today Gigabit is standard, and the cost difference between Fast Ethernet and Gigabit is minimal, so go Gigabit.
- Managed vs. Unmanaged Switches
All devices in our review are unmanaged switches, which means that they don’t require any configuration and work as soon as you unpack them. All switches labeled as plug-and-play are unmanaged. The benefits of unmanaged switches are the price and the ease of use, but they don’t offer you as much control over individual connections.
Managed switches are often more expensive and require setup or configuration, but they allow you to control how and where data is sent throughout your network. Most of them have advanced monitoring options and implement advanced QoS, as well. But there are exceptions.
Some managed switches are designed for easier configuration and meant for home-usage. Still, managed switches are often found in commercial or business networks because of their advanced features and settings.
Looking For More High Quality Tech Options?
Then check out our Best Ethernet Cable Reviews, our Best Small Business Routers Review, our Best Network Switches For Gaming Review, and our ASUS RT-AC88U Wireless-AC3100 Review for 2023.
And be sure to read our Best Outdoor Access Points Review, our Best Router for Charter Spectrum Reviews, our Best Wireless Routers For Multiple Devices Reviews, and our TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Review.
So, What Are The Best Ethernet Switches?
These eight Ethernet Switches that we reviewed are some of the best available today. They all offer reliable, stable, and fast connections. No matter if you are looking to buy a switch for your company, business, or home, the number of ports is essential. The transfer speed is another thing to consider, and the ease-of-use.
In our opinion, the best Ethernet switch is the…
D-Link DGS-1008GThe low cost, eco-friendly approach, and excellent performance make it our top choice for the best Ethernet switch. That concludes our review of the best Ethernet switch. So, until next time, don’t forget to switch up the power!
