The network switch is an important part of a wired network. This is because a switch connects all the devices.
In recent years, the demand for network switches has increased significantly. People working from home need a fast and stable internet connection. A switch allows you to expand your network and connect all your devices like cameras, printers, and PCs using an Ethernet cable.
With the help of the network switch, you can create a strong and secure network at home or office. However, choosing the right switch is not an easy thing, especially when you are not that tech-savvy.
To help you out, we have listed and reviewed 7 of the best network switches in the market. If you are planning to buy one, you might find this post helpful.
Best Network Switch Review
Here is the best network switch for home, office, and Gaming:
#1. NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Managed Switch (GS105Ev2): Editor’s Choice
When it comes to buying the network switch, Netgear GS105Ev2 has to be on the top. This is an Amazon’s Choice product with a very high rating from buyers. This is the best network switch for home usage and is very affordable. If you are looking for an entry-level managed switch, this could be the one for you.
Why is it Unique?
Netgear GS105Ev2 is a high-performance managed switch. As an entry-level option, it has five ports. It supports gigabit speeds and is compatible with IEEE8023az.
For a network switch within this price range, Netgear GS105Ev2 is a pretty good deal. It not only stands for good performance but also offers several handy features.
Unlike many other switches, Netgear GS105Ev2 doesn’t have a complicated interface. Instead, it offers a user-friendly interface with basic capabilities to secure, monitor, and configure your network.
Using a switch in a sensitive environment can be troublesome due to the excess noise it generates. However, Netgear GS105Ev2 has no such issues. It operates silently, making it a great option for quiet environments.
Buyer’s Experience
Netgear GS105Ev2 is one of the best home network switches. It has 5 ports and an easy-to-use software interface. Plus, it supports both wall mounting and desktop placement.
We also like Netgear GS105Ev2 because it is energy efficient and in compliance with the IEEE8023az standard.
Last but not least; it is backed by a lifetime limited warranty. It also has a next-business-day replacement option in case the device has a manufacturing defect.
Pros
- 5 ports
- Supports gigabit speeds
- Lifetime warranty
- Supports wall mount and desk placement
- Good performance
Cons
- Performance drops when more devices are connected
- Less secure network
Best Fit For
This 5-port is the best home networking switch. Due to its silent operation, it can be easily used in quiet environments.
#2. Ubiquiti UniFi US-8 PoE Powered 8 Port Managed Gigabit Switch: Best Overall
With a 4.5 star rating on Amazon, this network switch from Ubiquiti is one of the best options you will find in the market. Ubiquiti is a reputable brand that is mainly known for supplying network devices for industrial usage. However, they also offer a few basic and entry-level products like this one. Before you think of getting this network switch, let’s get to know a few things about it.
Why is it Unique?
Ubiquiti network switch is a feature-rich option within a reasonable price range. It has a total of 8 ports, which is good enough for home or office usage.
Two of the ports have support for PoE which can come in handy in various situations. To ensure the best performance, the network switch is rated for gigabit speeds.
The switch is fully manageable and provides smart switching for your networks. It has 8 ports and each of them supports up to 8Gbps speeds. It also can simultaneously process traffic on all ports without any packet loss.
Buyer’s Experience
Buyers have given high ratings to the Ubiquiti network switch because of its performance. It features 8 gigabit Ethernet ports in a compact form factor.
Unlike other switches, this one is not difficult to install. Plus, it can handle traffic at all ports.
With PoE passthrough, it becomes easier to add Ethernet ports wherever needed. Furthermore, it has a centralized interface.
Pros
- Rated Gigabit Ethernet
- 8 ports
- Centralized interface
- Easy installation
- Manages traffic well
Cons
- Not a PoE switch
- A bit pricey
Best Fit For
For anyone who is in search of the best network switch for home or gaming, this could be a great choice for you.
#3. TRENDnet 8-Port Gigabit GREENnet Switch: Best Budget
Next up we have the 8 port network switch from TRENDnet. If you are looking for a Best Buy network switch, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, then this could be a good choice for you. Despite the low price tag, it offers 8 gigabit Ethernet ports. It provides excellent value for money. Plus, it is one of the most versatile managed switches out there.
Why is it Unique?
With TRENDnet TEG-S80ES features 8 gigabit RJ-45 ports for high-speed network connections. It has a switching capacity of 16Gbps, allowing traffic to flow smoothly. With a switch like this, you don’t need to worry about traffic bottlenecks.
Due to its lightweight and compact design, it makes a perfect choice for desktop installations. The fanless design allows it to operate silently without causing any disturbances.
TRENDnet TEG-S82G is known for its high bandwidth performance, reliability, and ease of use. The GREENnet technology reduces energy consumption by 70%. It can automatically adjust power consumption as needed.
Buyer’s Experience
There are plenty of reasons why buyers prefer TRENdnet TEG-S82G over other budget-friendly options. First of all, it is easy to install. You can either go for desktop installation or mount it on a wall.
Buyers also like the plug-and-play design. All they have to do is power on the switch and connect the devices. Due to its low-noise operation, it makes a suitable choice for quieter environments.
Although the device is small and lightweight, it has a metal housing for durability. It also has LED indicators to convey power, activity, and link.
Pros
- Embedded GREENnet technology
- Link Down Detect technology
- Gigabit Speeds
- 16Gbps switching capacity
- Reduces traffic bottlenecks
Cons
- Basic management console
- Entry-level switch
Best Fit For
If you are looking for a network switch for office or home network efficiency, then this could be the one for you. It reduces network congestion with 16Gbps switching capacity and gigabit speeds.
#4. Mikrotik CSS326-24G-2S+RM 24 port Gigabit Ethernet Switch: Best For Office Use
Mikrotik 24 port network switch is a high-end device that is perfect for industrial usage. It has a total of 24 ports, meaning it can connect several devices at once. It makes a great option for boosting high-end networks. Additionally, it includes 2 SFP+ ports for better connectivity.
Why is it Unique?
Mikrotik CSS326-24G-2S+RM is a cloud smart network switch with 24-gigabit ports. It has all the basic functionalities that you would expect from a managed switch and more.
It allows port-to-port forwarding, configuring VLANs, applying MAC filters, applying bandwidth limitations, and mirroring traffic. Not only that, but you can also adjust some MAC and IP header fields.
It has two SFP+ ports that support wire speed connectivity with several switching features.
Since this is a high-end network switch, it has features like port isolation, 802.1Q VLAN support, broadcast storm control, and more.
Buyer’s Experience
Given the features of the device, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it is the best network switch on the market. This is an ideal switch for heavy-duty usage or high-end networks.
It has plenty of useful features that make it stand out from other switches. It has 24 ports, including two SPF+ ports.
The 1-year warranty period gives a sort of confidence to users to purchase this device.
Pros
- 24 ports
- 1-year warranty
- Plenty of features
- Great for heavy-duty use
- Can handle traffic well
Cons
- Large size
- Short warranty period
Best Fit For
This 24-port from Mikrotik is perfect for the best network switch for small businesses. It has everything to meet your high-end network needs.
#5. Cisco Systems 28 Port Gigabit Managed Switch (SG350-28-K9-NA): Best For Warranty
Cisco is a brand that needs no introduction. It is primarily known for making high-performance networking devices. If you want a network switch with a large number of ports, this could be the best choice for you. It can deliver voice, data, and video services. It is designed to keep up with your demands in today’s expanding business environment.
Why is it Unique?
The Cisco 350 Series network switch has a total of 28 gigabit ports, including two combo ports that support fiber connectivity. Along with that, you get two SFP slots.
Once the device is installed, it offers a wealth of security and connectivity options. In comparison to other switches, this one is easy to use and configure. It features a graphical interface combined with a command-line interface.
Additionally, it has SNMP support that allows you to access devices on the network from one central location. It has multiple advanced security features such as access control lists, SSL encryption, 802.1x port security, defense mechanisms, uniform MAC address-based security, IPv6 support, storm control, and more.
Buyer’s Experience
Loaded with dozens of features, the Cisco SG350-28-K9-NA is the best network switch on the market. It has embedded Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption to protect management data traveling to and from the switch.
The Guest VLANs provide Internet connectivity to non-employees while isolating important business services from guest traffic.
The Auto Smartports intelligence can easily detect when a device is connected to a port. It automatically configures it for maximum security and quality of service on that port.
It also has support for Textview and a full command-line interface for users who need it.
Lastly, users can purchase this switch without any worries as it is backed by 5 years of warranty.
Pros
- 24 ports
- Easy to use
- 5-year warranty
- Gigabit speeds
- Advance security features
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not suitable for home usage
Best Fit For
Cisco SG350-28-K9-NA is designed for industrial use. It is a heavy-duty switch with several advanced security features.
#6. D-Link 5 Port Ethernet Switch (DGS-1100-05V2): Best Installation
Installing a new network switch can be a hassle for a non-tech-savvy person. Instead of getting a complex device, you can choose a D-Link 5-port network switch. This is one of the best-selling network switches on Amazon. It may have fewer ports, but it makes up for it its performance. For an entry-level switch, it has pretty good features. It makes a suitable choice for home use.
Why is it unique?
The first thing you will notice is the compact design. Due to its small size, it can be installed anywhere you like. Although it’s small, it offers gigabit speeds.
This D-Link network switch has a total of 5 ports, making it an ideal choice for home use. It is also perfect for small offices.
One of the good things is that this switch is energy efficient. It complies with the EEE standard. Thanks to the D-Link Green technology that allows the device to save energy.
Buyer’s Experience
Many buyers opt for this network switch because of how easy it is to use. It is a compact switch with 5 ports, 802.1Q VLAN support, QoS, and bandwidth limiting.
When buying a switch, people worry about their network security. The D-Link switch won’t disappoint you as it has advanced security features such as storm control, static MAC, and IGMP snooping.
Another good reason to choose this device is the lifetime warranty. It gives you the confidence to buy the product and also makes your purchase risk-free.
Users can manage this switch with a web-based management interface. It provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easier for admins to handle the switch down to the port level.
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Lots of security options
- Lifetime warranty
- Compact size
- Easy to use and install
Cons
- Only 5-ports
- Not meant for high-end networks
Best Fit For
This entry-level network switch is a great choice for anyone who wants to boost their home network. It has all the features that are needed for home usage.
#7. BV-Tech 9 Port PoE+ Switch: Best For PoE
Lastly, we have the BV-Tech 9-port PoE+ network switch. The ports support a speed of up to 10-100Mbps. Based on the features of this device, we can tell that it is made for large-scale networks. The good thing about this switch is that it can be used in various situations.
Why is it Unique?
This switch has a total of 9 PoE ports, out of which one is an uplink port. But the ports are quite slow as it has a speed of only 100Mbps. However, it does have support for 120W PoE, which always comes in handy in various cases.
The PD detection feature allows the device to detect the required power for your device automatically. Furthermore, it protects the non-PoE device from damage.
Despite the rugged metal housing, the port is lightweight and easy to handle. Therefore, it is suitable for use in any environment.
Buyer’s Experience
Many users have praised the compact design of the switch. It has LED indicators to convey activities.
Unlike other switches, it is built to withstand high heat. As a result, it offers reliable power without making any noise.
Last but not least; it is backed by a 30-day no-questions-asked refund policy and lifetime tech support.
Pros
- Fanless design
- Metal housing
- 30-days refund policy
- Easy to install
- Has PoE ports
Cons
- Doesn’t provide good networking speeds
- The quality of the product could have been better
Best Fit For
This device is suitable for anyone who wants a PoE switch for their home.
What To Look For In a Best Network Switch?
Before you set out to buy a network switch, there are a few important things you need to know. You will find a variety of switches in the market. But not all of them are capable of meeting your needs and requirements. As a buyer, you need to determine the things you need from a switch.
In the buyer’s guide below, we have explained all the features that matter the most when buying the best network switch.
1. Number of Ports
As you already know, network switches are available with a different number of ports. For example, some switches have 5 to 8 ports, while others have 24 to 28 ports.
- 7 Best 16-Port Gigabit Switch Reviews & Buying Guide
- 7 Best 8-Port Gigabit Switch Reviews & Buying Guide
The purpose of a switch is to connect different network devices. So you need to choose the number of ports based on your needs. If you want a switch for home usage, then 5-8 ports will be fine. But for office or industrial use, you will need 24-28 ports or more.
2. Mounting
The next important thing to consider is the setup. While some users want to mount their network switches, others want to place them on their desks.
It is always a wise thing to choose a network switch that has mounting options. This will allow you to mount the device on a wall. This option is best suited for people who don’t have a lot of space on their desktops.
Basic switches are designed to be placed on a desk or mounted on a wall. However industrial network switches are completely different as they need server racks.
3. Speed
When buying a network switch, you must also consider the speed. Having a switch with more ports is beneficial, but if it fails to support high speeds, then there’s no point in buying that device.
The good thing is that almost all managed switches support gigabit speeds. So you can expect high performance from your network switch.
4. Network Management
A managed switch is capable of automatically managing your network. However, it is important to check the network management features of the software.
Check if the switch supports things like bandwidth limiting, 802.1Q VLAN, static MAC, IGMP shooting, broadcast storm control, RSTP, QoS, and much more. These are some of the most important features for a network switch to have.
You should also check if the switch offers web management access for quick and easy configuration. Having these features makes it easier to manage your switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a network switch used for?
Ans: A network switch is needed to connect applications, devices, and users across a network so they can communicate with one another and transfer resources. Entry-level switches offer connectivity to a single local-area network (LAN).
Q2. What are the different types of network switches?
Ans: There are three different types of network switches. These include managed, unmanaged, and stackable.
Q3. Which switch is used for LAN?
Ans: The most basic function of a switch is to create a LAN of interconnected devices. But using other types of switches will give you more control over your devices, routers, data, and access points.
Q4. How many ports are on a network switch?
Ans: Most network switches have 24 or 48 ports. These switches are designed for high-end networks or heavy-duty usage. But if you need a switch for home usage, then a device with 5 to 8 ports should be fine.
Q5. Why is a network switch better than a hub?
Ans: Network switches are any day better than hubs. This is because the former is more efficient than the latter. Also, switches are better suited for connecting single devices. A switch is designed to be an address-based connection, as it uses both the destination and source address for data transmission.
Final Verdict
how to choose a network switch is a tough task. We hope we have been able to solve that problem for you. All the network switches reviewed in this post are built for performance and longevity. Whether you need a switch for your home, office, or industrial, you can rely on these devices to meet your needs. Now that you have good knowledge about the best network switch brands in the market, it should be easier for you to pick one.
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