Best Switches of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025

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Switches are essential components in electronic devices that enable users to turn devices on or off, control the flow of electricity, and select different modes of operation. They come in various types, including rocker, toggle, push-button, and slide switches, and are used in a wide range of applications, from household appliances to industrial machinery. Switches are available in different sizes, shapes, and colors to suit various design requirements and are made from high-quality materials to ensure durability and reliability. Whether you're building a new electronic device or repairing an existing one, switches are crucial components that you can't do without.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308) Cover #TOP 1
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
TP-Link TL-SG108: 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch Cover #TOP 2
TP-Link TL-SG108: 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch Cover #TOP 3
NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Switches

NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308)

GS308-300PAS
Yellow
0.88 lb.
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308) Cover
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308) - Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Plug-and-Play, Silent Operation, Desktop or Wall Mount

The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308) offers simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install. You can place it on your desktop or wall mount it. It has 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports and is compliant with IEEE802.3az, making it energy efficient. The switch operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Plus, it's backed by an industry-leading 3-year limited hardware warranty.

What We Like
Easy plug-and-play setup
Reliable performance over time
Durable metal casing
Quiet operation
Great value for money
What We Don't Like
Limited management features
US plug may require adapter
#TOP 2

TP-Link TL-SG108: 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch

TL-SG108
Black
8 Port
TP-Link TL-SG108: 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch Cover
TP-Link TL-SG108 8 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Network Switch, Ethernet Splitter Plug & Play Fanless Metal Design Shielded Ports Traffic Optimization

The TP-Link TL-SG108 is an unmanaged plug and play network switch with 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports that support auto negotiation and auto MDI/MDIX. This switch saves energy with its latest innovative energy-efficient technology, ensuring reliable data transfer with IEEE 802.3X flow control and fanless design for quiet operation. Advanced software features prioritize traffic and guarantee high quality data transmission with port-based 802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP snooping. This switch is designed with a sturdy metal case and can be wall-mounted, providing limited lifetime protection and free 24/7 technical support.

What We Like
Easy installation
High-speed connectivity
Energy-efficient design
Compact and rugged case
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Limited port options compared to larger models
#TOP 3

NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch

GS324-200NAS
Black
NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch Cover
NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS324) - Desktop, Wall, or Rackmount, Silent Operation

The NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS324) offers 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports for simple plug-and-play connectivity with no software or configuration required. It supports desktop, wall, or rackmount placement and includes all the necessary mounting hardware in the box. The energy-efficient design is compliant with IEEE802.3az and the switch operates silently, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.

What We Like
Easy setup
Compact size
Quiet operation
Great value
Reliable performance
What We Don't Like
Intermittent connectivity issues
Manual setup for advanced features
#TOP 4

TP-Link TL-SG1218MP 16-Port PoE Switch

TL-SG1218MP
black
TP-Link TL-SG1218MP 16-Port PoE Switch Cover
TP-Link TL-SG1218MP 16 Port Gigabit PoE Switch 16 PoE+ Ports @250W, w/ 2 Uplink Gigabit Ports + 2 Combo SFP Slots Plug & Play Sturdy Metal Rack-mountable

The TP-Link PoE Switch offers a flexible configuration with 16 PoE+ ports, allowing you to connect various devices while delivering up to 30W per port. This means you can power devices like IP cameras and wireless access points without needing extra cables. With its plug-and-play feature, you can set it up easily without any complicated software installation. Additionally, the advanced software capabilities prioritize your network traffic, ensuring smooth video and voice communication. The sturdy metal casing enhances reliability, making it suitable for various environments.

What We Like
Reliable performance
Good build quality
Supports PoE+ devices
Easy setup
Silent operation
What We Don't Like
Limited number of ports
Occasional firmware update issues
#TOP 5

TP-Link TL-SG108S-M2 Ethernet Switch

TL-SG108S-M2
White857
TP-Link TL-SG108S-M2 Ethernet Switch Cover
TP-Link TL-SG108S-M2 | 8-Port Multi-Gigabit 2.5G Ethernet Switch | Unmanaged Network Switch | Ethernet Splitter | Plug & Play | Desktop/Wall Mount | Silent Operation

The TP-Link Ethernet Switch offers eight 2.5 Gbps ports, allowing you to maximize the performance of your network devices. With its auto-negotiation feature, the switch automatically detects and adjusts to the best link speeds for your devices, ensuring optimal connectivity. It's perfect for various setups, whether for gaming, streaming, or home offices. You can easily upgrade to 2.5 Gbps without the hassle of rewiring, making it a cost-effective solution. Plus, its fanless design guarantees silent operation, so it won't disrupt your environment.

What We Like
16 gigabit ports available
Sturdy metal construction
Fanless and silent operation
Easy installation process
Good performance for home use
What We Don't Like
Could overheat without ventilation
Limited handling of packet storms

TP-Link TL-SG108PE V3 8-Port Gigabit PoE Switch

TL-SG108PE
Black
TP-Link TL-SG108PE V3 8-Port Gigabit PoE Switch Cover
TP-Link TL-SG108PE, 8 Port Gigabit PoE Switch, Easy Smart Managed, 4 PoE+ Ports 64W, Plug & Play, Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports, Fanless, QoS, Vlan & IGMP

The TP-Link TL-SG108PE V3 is an easy-to-use and flexible 8-port Gigabit PoE switch with 4 PoE+ ports providing up to 30W per port and a total PoE power budget of 64W. It features easy smart management with a web-based interface, network segmentation for improved security, PoE auto recovery, plug and play setup, and advanced software features such as QoS and IGMP snooping. With sturdy metal construction and shielded ports, this fanless switch is perfect for small businesses and home offices.

What We Like
Effortless setup and configuration
Sturdy metal build quality
Fanless, operates silently
Reliable PoE performance
Versatile port configuration
What We Don't Like
Limited PoE port availability
Basic GUI functionality
#TOP 7

NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS305E)

GS305E-100NAS
black
5 Port
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS305E) Cover
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS305E) - Desktop or Wall Mount, Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Silent Operation

The NETGEAR Gigabit Switch is a reliable and easy-to-use networking hub that comes with 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports. It features a Plus software with an easy-to-use interface that offers basic managed capabilities to configure, secure, and monitor your network. The switch supports both desktop and wall mount placement, making it perfect for home and office use. Additionally, it has an energy-efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az, reducing power consumption and saving you money. Its silent operation is ideal for noise-sensitive environments, ensuring that you can work without any distractions. With the NETGEAR Gigabit Switch, you can easily connect your devices to the internet and enjoy fast, reliable, and secure networking.

What We Like
Compact design
Reliable performance
Easy installation
Good value for money
Supports multiple devices
What We Don't Like
Confusing web interface
Web interface reliability issues
#TOP 8

TP-Link 48-Port Gigabit Switch TL-SG1048

TL-SG1048
Black
48 Port
TP-Link 48-Port Gigabit Switch TL-SG1048 Cover
TP-Link 48 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch | Plug and Play | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Rackmount | Fanless | Traffic Optimization | Unmanaged (TL-SG1048) , Black

The TP-Link 48-Port Gigabit Switch TL-SG1048 is a reliable and easy-to-use switch that provides 48 10/100/1000Mbps ports with plug-and-play setup. Its non-blocking wire-speed architecture with a 96Gbps switching capacity ensures maximum data throughput, and it has innovative energy-efficient technology to save power consumption. The switch also features auto MDI/MDI-X crossover on all ports and auto-negotiation on each port for compatibility and optimal performance. Its fanless design ensures quiet operation, and its compact size makes it ideal for desktops with limited space.

What We Like
Easy setup
Sturdy steel construction
Affordable price after rebate
Unlimited tech support
Multiple Ethernet ports
What We Don't Like
Minor cable tangling
#TOP 9

NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Switch

GS308E-400NAS
Gray
NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Switch Cover
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) - Desktop or Wall Mount, Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Silent Operation

The NETGEAR 8-Port Switch is designed to enhance your home or office network. With eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, you can connect multiple devices for fast and reliable internet access. The included user-friendly software allows you to easily manage, secure, and monitor your network settings, providing peace of mind. You can choose to place the switch on your desk or mount it on the wall, offering flexibility in setup. Plus, it operates quietly, ensuring minimal disruption in your workspace.

What We Like
Easy setup process
Reliable performance
Stealth LED feature
VLAN support
Cost-effective solution
What We Don't Like
Programming can be confusing
#TOP 10

NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch

GS108-400NAS
Blue
Unmanaged
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch Cover
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS108) - Desktop or Wall Mount, and Limited Lifetime Protection

The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a fast and easy-to-use network switch that features simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration needed. With 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, it supports desktop or wall mount placement and is energy-efficient and silent in operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The switch also comes with Lifetime Limited Hardware Warranty, Next Business Day Replacement, and 24/7 chat with a NETGEAR expert.

What We Like
Plug and play installation
Reliable performance
Compact design
High-quality metal case
Good for non-tech users
What We Don't Like
Some ports may fail over time
Buying Guide Image

Learn More About Purchasing the Switches

This equipment must have functional characteristics, which we are going to expand in this article so that it serves as a guide to buy the best network switch and thus achieve the communication speed you require.

Speed

When we make a comparison of network switches, we first verify the speed it provides in the context in which we place it. This is how we can get devices that have an Ethernet connection at a speed of 10 to 100 Mbps, which is the basis of any device of this type.

However, to facilitate connections, there are types of speeds that reach 1000 Mbps. This will speed up the processes and combat the traffic that usually occurs when we want to send a file to print or we want to share some heavy elements from one computer to another.

Security

Safety is an aspect that we seek to support with all the artifacts we are looking for, since it is about the confidence that the product comes to give us both in its coating, because it translates into duration, as in its operation.

In this sense, a network switch must allow data encryption in the information that is shared, in order to have some privacy in the contents that are disseminated.

However, there are models that are not self-manageable, that is, they cannot be previously configured to take care of the information. In other words, it will not be possible to have information stored securely, before which security measures must be taken.

Ports

The number of ports is essential to know if it suits us or not. Some have 5 ports which are the standard number with which we can find most switches. However, to ensure a better experience, there are those that have a higher number of ports, for example, there are about 8 ports, which allow extending the possibility of connection at home or in a small work area.

On the other hand, there are models that have a total number of 24 ports, which allow to spread of communications in much larger work areas. A company might be especially interested in such an appliance since it allows a considerable number of ports for all employees to be connected.

Connectivity

The connection is an aspect of interest that we follow up on. In this sense, a network switch necessarily has to have cables compatible with our needs. First, they must be long enough to optimize the possibility of connection. In addition to this, they have to have support for MD / MDIX, so we will take away the concern about the type of cable to be used for connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 4 types of switches?

The four main types of switches are single pole single throw, single pole double throw, double pole single throw, and double pole double throw. These types of switches have different configurations and are used in various electrical and electronic applications.

2. What switches are used for?

Switches are essential components in networking systems. They are used to connect multiple devices, such as computers, printers, servers, and wireless access points, on the same network within a building or campus. Switches enable these devices to communicate and share information with each other.

3. What are the 3 common types of switches?

The three common types of switches are linear, tactile, and clicky. These types of switches are often labeled by color, with red representing linear switches, brown representing tactile switches, and blue representing clicky switches. Different companies may have their own variations, but these color associations are commonly used.

4. What are the different types of switch?

There are various types of switches, including pushbutton switches, selector switches, joystick switches, limit switches, proximity switches, speed switches, pressure switches, and temperature switches. Each type of switch serves a specific purpose and is used in different applications based on its design and functionality.

5. How do different switches work?

Switches work based on their design and purpose. The most common switches are on/off toggle switches. Three-way and dimmer circuits are similar in design, with three-way circuits having two switches that control the same device, while dimmer circuits control the amount of electricity passing through. Different switches have different mechanisms to control the flow of electricity based on their specific function and application.

Editor's Notes

During our switch research, we found 24 switch products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 969,250 customer reviews through our big data system to write the switches list. We found that most customers choose switches with an average price of $84.78.

The switches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of switches, including NETGEAR, TP-Link. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.

Switches Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand NETGEAR TP-Link NETGEAR TP-Link TP-Link TP-Link NETGEAR TP-Link NETGEAR NETGEAR
Number of Ports 8 8 24 18 8 8 5 48 8 8
Color Yellow Black Black black White857 Black black Black Gray Blue
Compatible Devices Computers, servers, other switches, and networking hardware Desktop Television, Monitor, Projector, Gaming Console, DVD Player, Laptop, Personal Computer Desktop Desktop Various network-enabled devices Desktop Desktop - PC; Mac
Switch Type Metal unmanaged - Gigabit Ethernet Switch Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Switch Smart Managed - - managed unmanaged
Item Weight 0.39 Kilograms 13.76 Ounces - 2.36 Kilograms 1.68 Pounds 1 Pounds - - - 0.47 Kilograms
Voltage 12 Volts (DC) 5 Volts - 2.4E+2 Volts 9 Volts (DC) 54 Volts (DC) - - - 12 Volts
Case Material Metal Metal - Metal Plastic Metal - - - Metal
Data Transfer Rate 1 Gigabits Per Second 142.8 Megabits Per Second - 1E+3 Megabits Per Second 1.19E+4 Kbps 1000 Megabits Per Second - - - 100 Megabits Per Second
Platform Not Machine Specific No Operating System - Not Machine Specific Not Machine Specific No Operating System - - - -
Interface Type RJ45 RJ45 - PoE RJ45 8 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports AUTO Negotiation/AUTO MDI/MDIX - - - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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