7 Best 16 Port Gigabit Switch Review & Buying Guide in 2024

Gigabit switches come in handy when it comes to connecting a group of computers or network devices to establish a local network.

A gigabit switch can help increase the bandwidth and remove technical issues as well. However, if you are buying a gigabit switch for the first time, you can get confused easily.

Not all gigabit switches are the same. It can differ based on the transmission speed. With rapid advancement came the need for better connectivity and higher speeds. In this case, a 16-port gigabit switch makes a perfect choice.

A 16 port gigabit switch can operate at a speed of 1 Gbps, which is 10 times faster than the previous standard. The advantage of these switches is that they are also backward compatible. The best 16 port gigabit switch comes with SFP, SFP+ ports, and RJ45 ports.

If you are looking for the, you have come to the right place. We have shortlisted 7 of the best-selling products in the market.

Best 16 Port Gigabit Switch Reviews

Here is a list of the best 16 port gigabit switches for you to choose from. Go through the details and pick the most appropriate one for your office or home.

#1. TRENDnet – TEG-S16DG 16-Port Unmanaged Gigabit Switch: Editor’s Choice

TRENDnet TEG-S16DG is one of the best buy 16 port gigabit switches available in the market. It is designed to provide high-speed network connections to devices and has a switching capacity of 32 Gbps to let data traffic flow smoothly.

Why is it Unique?

This 16 port gigabit switch is not just built for high performance, but also for saving energy. It can save up to 70% of energy, so you don’t need to worry about monthly energy bills.

It features a plug-and-play design, which doesn’t require any software for installation. Investing in this unit will ensure high bandwidth performance.

It offers a high data transfer rate and reliable connection. It has a great data capacity to ensure an excellent record-exchanging system.

Buyer’s Experience

The sturdy and compact design of the unit makes it easier to install. Unlike other units, it doesn’t have a fan which ensures silent operation.

Buyers also like this unit because of its energy-saving capacity. It is embedded with GREENnet technology that reduces energy consumption by up to 70%.

Last but not least; it is backed by a lifetime TRENDnet manufacturer warranty.

Best Fit For

This unit is perfect for an office network. It is capable of sending larger packets up to 10 KB for increased performance.

#2. NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS316): Top Choice

No products found.

Next up we have Netgear GS316 which is another great best 16 port switch. If you are looking for a reliable unit with high performance, this could be a great choice for you.

Why is it Unique?

The simple plug-and-play setup with no software makes it more convenient to use. It allows you to easily install and configure it whenever needed. Plus, it supports both wall mount and desktop placement.

Like the previous model, the Netgear GS316 is also an energy-efficient unit. It is compliant with IEEE802.3az.

However, the best thing about this unit is the wide range of connectivity options. This is what makes it stand out from other switches.

Buyer’s Experience

This unit has received high ratings from users, which shows that they are satisfied with its performance.

It comes with a fanless design and produces zero noise. This makes it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.

It also offers the smart cloud option for integrated management from any device. It has advanced configurations, including the Netgear app that allows for remote access.

No products found.

Best Fit For

This unit is specially designed for small business that needs to connect several devices.

#3. TP-Link 16 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch: Best Performance

If you are in search of a high-performance Best 16 port gigabit switch, you should consider this unit from TP-Link. Coming from a reputable brand like TP-Link, you don’t need to worry about the quality of the unit.

Why it is Unique?

Each port available on this unit provides MDI/MDIX negotiation, which ensures smooth traffic flow and adequate speed for all types of Ethernet cables.

The unique thing about this unit is the non-blocking switching architecture that can filter and forward packets with ease. This ensures the highest speed for maximum throughput.

Buyer’s Experience

This unit is the perfect solution for expanding the network. Many users prefer this unit over others because it is energy-efficient and can expand the network with less power consumption.

IEEE 802.3X flow control provides smooth and reliable data transfer. The fanless design of the unit makes it ideal for noise-sensitive setups.

Unlike many other devices, it doesn’t require any software for installation. It comes with an easy setup and configuration.

Best Fit For

You can use this unit for your office setup. It offers fast file transfer and reliable performance from start to end.

#4. Linksys SE3016: 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch: Best Unmanaged

If you are looking for the Best unmanaged 16 port gigabit switch, look no further because you have Linksys SE3016. It comes with full-duplex IEEE 802.3x flow control and half-duplex backpressure along with smart broadcast rate control and port-based congestion detection.

Why is it Unique?

This unit has all the features you would expect in a high-performance switch. To start with it has QOS Traffic Management, which helps expand the wired connections.

Another good thing is that all the ports support auto MDI/MDI-X cable detection. It is the perfect solution to maximize data flow rates. It works with a variety of flow rates including 1000, 100, and 10 Mbps.

Buyer’s Experience

Like all other units in this list, this unit from Linksys also has advanced power-saving options that help detect unused ports.

It also prioritizes audio and video applications for better streaming. But the best thing about this unit is that it offers ten times faster connections than standard 10/100 Ethernet connections.

Best Fit For

If you want a trusted gigabit switch unit for your office setup, this could be the perfect choice for you.

#5. NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE Switch (GS116LP): Best Premium Choice

If you don’t mind spending a little extra, then you can consider opting for Netgear GS116LP. It is a premium quality 16 port gigabit switch that is built for powerful performance.

Why is it Unique?

All 16 ports in this unit have PoE with a 76W total power budget, which is expandable up to 183W.

Its simple plug-and-play design allows you to complete the setup process without requiring any software or configuration.

It ensures solid performance and faster speeds. It can give a complete boost to your network at the office or home.

Buyer’s Experience

It has certain features that make it preferable to buyers. For example, it supports the wall, desktop, or rackmount placement. The package includes everything you need to complete the installation.

All the ports have LED indicators that help you know which ports are active and which ones are idle.

Last but not least; it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can purchase this unit without any worries.

Best Fit For

The good thing about this unit is that it can be used both at home and in the office. It helps boost flexibility in small offices and homes.

#6. D-Link Ethernet, 16 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch: Best Fanless Design

Next in the line, we have a D-Link 16 port gigabit ethernet switch. With the help of this unit, you can easily set up a reliable and efficient network. It has 16 ports and all of them offer fast network speeds.

Why is it Unique?

All 16 ports allow for 1000 Mbps Ethernet connections. Not only that, but the ports also support auto MDI/MDIX crossover.

What makes this unit stand out is its energy-efficient design. It is designed to save power while helping you expand your network.

Each port has LED indicators for quick correction of network problems. It also features an IEEE 802.3x controller, which allows you to control the flow rate from different devices.

Buyer’s Experience

Buyers prefer this unit because of its simple plug-and-play design. The setup process doesn’t require configuration or software, so you can handle it on your own.

The unit is both desktop and rack-mountable. The metal housing is provided in the package, so you don’t need to buy it separately.

The fanless design of the unit allows for silent operation.

Best Fit For

This unit is suitable for both home and office networks. You can also install it in a noise-sensitive environment.

#7. TP-Link TL-SG1016PE V3, 16 Port Gigabit PoE Switch: Best PoE Choice

Lastly, we have another TP-Link unit, which is equally good as the previous one. If you are in search of a powerful gigabit switch device, this could be the perfect choice for you. Even though it is a bit pricey, it is worth every penny.

Why is it Unique?

This is one of the best-selling models in the market. It comes with an easy and simple setup. It allows you to monitor your network via a web-based management interface and smart configuration system.

It is also equipped with the right VLAN features that help improve network security through traffic segmentation.

PoE Auto Recovery enables the unit to automatically detect and reboot unresponsive PoE-based devices.

It also has overload protection with port priority. This disables the port when the total power consumption by the connected devices exceeds the set limit.

Buyer’s Experience

Users want a unit that is easy to set up and configure. This is exactly what this unit provides. It comes with a simple plug-and-play setup with no software or configuration.

The product is also backed by a lifetime warranty along with free 24/7 technical support, so you can work with confidence.

Best Fit For

You can use this unit for both your office and home network. After all, it is designed to boost the efficiency of your network.

Factors You Should Consider Before Buying the Best 16 Port Gigabit Switch

Buying the best 16 port gigabit switch is not always easy, especially if you have no idea about it. Certain factors need to be considered to pick the right switch. We have detailed those factors in the pointers below.

1. Number of Devices to be Connected

This is one of the obvious things that need to be considered when buying a gigabit switch. The more devices you have, the more ports you will need. We recommend you get a few extra ports, so they accommodate additional devices whenever needed. This way you won’t have to upgrade your switch. For a home or small office set up a 16-gigabit port, the switch is perfect.

2. Power Over Ethernet (PoE)

For those who don’t know PoE is how connected devices are powered through Ethernet cables. These include surveillance cameras, VoIP phones, wireless access points, etc. If you want to connect any of these devices, you will need a switch that has PoE. This will make things easier for you.

3. SPF Port Availability

You will need this feature when it comes to connecting multiple switches. Look for a gigabit switch with Mini-GBIC ports or an SFP uplink port. This will allow switching to other switches using optic fibers.

4. Stackable or Standalone

Standalone switches are configured and managed individually. It requires improvement in the network to connect more switches. On the other hand, Stackable switches offer scalability, flexibility, and simplicity. It allows you to choose between them based on your requirements.

5. Unmanaged or Managed

There are two types of switches, one is a managed switch and the other is an unmanaged switch. It depends on your requirements to choose the right one. For example, if you want to control network traffic, you will need a managed switch. This includes applications like running several applications with high bandwidth at once, access control between various departments over LAN, and others.

6. Build Quality

When buying a 16 port gigabit switch, you must consider the durability of the device. Check the housing and construction of the device. We recommend you go for metal housing. Buying a durable model ensures that it will last longer. The controller and chips produce a lot of heat, so make sure that the unit has an efficient cooling system as well.

7. Power Efficiency

Modern gigabit switches are designed to save power. This is an important feature that shouldn’t be underestimated. By choosing an energy-efficient unit, you can keep your energy bills low. Look for units that have energy-efficient chips. The best thing would be to opt for green technology, which prevents power from being supplied to unused ports.

8. Auto-Sensing Ports

For a stable bandwidth, you should opt for a switch with auto-sensing ports. Choosing such a unit will help you to distribute the bandwidth across all devices.

9. Office/home Suitability

Most 16 port gigabit switches are designed for gamers, homeowners, and businesses. When choosing a gigabit switch, you should check whether the unit has an easy plug-and-play configuration. This will help you create an efficient network for your office or home without hassles.

10. Processing Rate

Gigabit switches deliver different processing rates. Before getting a new gigabit switch home, make sure to check the forward data rates. Ignoring this feature can lead to several problems. For example, it may fail to accommodate a fully wired setup in all its ports.

11. Warranty

Since a gigabit switch is an important part of your network setup, you will want a unit that will last longer with optimum performance. This is why you should check the warranty period offered by a unit. Most gigabit switches are backed by a 1-year warranty. But some brands offer 2-3 years warranty. Besides that, you should also consider the quality of after-sales technical service. Check whether they offer 24×7 technical support or not. Companies that offer round-the-clock support are the best because they take good care of their customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

By now you should have acquired good knowledge about the Best 16 port gigabit switch. The best gigabit switch helps you to boost the speed and efficiency of your network. At home or office, you can use these switches at any place where you have multiple devices to connect. We included only the top-rated products, so you can find yourself a reliable and high-performance unit. Hopefully, you can find what you are looking for in this list.

Related Post:

• Gigabit Switch vs Fast Ethernet Switch: What’s the Difference & Function?
• Difference Between Switch and Router | Switch Vs. Router
• Managed Vs. Unmanaged Network Switch: Which One You Choose?
• The 7 Best 8-Port Gigabit Switch Reviews & Comparisons
• Best Ethernet Cable For Long Distance