Best Ethernet Switches of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Ethernet switches are networking devices that connect devices together on a local area network (LAN). They act as a central hub, allowing devices to communicate with each other and share information. Ethernet switches come in a variety of sizes and configurations, from small desktop switches to large enterprise-level switches that can handle thousands of connections. They are a key component in building a reliable and efficient network, providing faster data transfer speeds and reducing network congestion. With the increasing demand for connectivity in today's world, Ethernet switches have become an essential tool for businesses and individuals alike.

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 9.8
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 9.7
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305) Cover #TOP 3
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Ethernet Switches

#TOP 1

NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308)

GS308-300PAS
Yellow
Single Pack
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308) Cover
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials 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
Solid metal construction
Consistent gigabit speeds
Quiet and efficient operation

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 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch - Ethernet Splitter | Plug & Play | Fanless | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Traffic Optimization | Unmanaged | Lifetime Protection (TL-SG108)

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
Plug-and-play simplicity
Sturdy metal build
Silent fanless operation
Reliable gigabit performance
Compact and energy efficient
#TOP 3

NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305)

GS305-300PAS
Purple
0.24 kg (0.53 lb)
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305) Cover
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305) - Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Plug-and-Play, Silent Operation, Desktop or Wall Mount

The NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305) is a versatile and easy-to-use network hub that supports plug-and-play setup with no configuration required. It has a fanless design that ensures silent operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It supports both desktop and wall-mount placement, and is energy efficient, lowering operating costs. Additionally, it comes with a 3-year limited hardware warranty and is rigorously tested for reliability, quality, and performance.

What We Like
Plug and play setup
Reliable and fast connection
Solid build quality
Compact and space-saving design
Affordable price
#TOP 4

TP-Link LS108GP 8-Port PoE Gigabit Switch

LS108GP
Black
TP-Link LS108GP 8-Port PoE Gigabit Switch Cover
TP-Link LS108GP | 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Switch | 8 PoE+ Port @ 62W | Plug & Play | Extend Mode | PoE Auto Recovery | Desktop/Wall Mount | Silent Operation

The TP-Link PoE Gigabit Switch offers eight Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports, each capable of delivering up to 30W, making it great for powering devices like security cameras or access points without extra cables. It supports a fast 16 Gbps switching capacity, ensuring smooth data flow for your network. If you need to cover large spaces, the Extend Mode lets you transmit power and data up to 820 feet, perfect for wide surveillance setups. Plus, with PoE Auto Recovery, the switch can automatically reboot any connected device that stops responding, keeping your network running smoothly without manual intervention.

What We Like
Plug-and-play setup
Fast gigabit speeds
Reliable PoE performance
Sturdy metal build
Multiple ports available
#TOP 5

NETGEAR 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch

GS308EP-100NAS
Black
Plus
NETGEAR 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch Cover
NETGEAR 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch (GS308EP) - with 8 x PoE+ @ 62W, Desktop or Wall Mount

The NETGEAR 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308EP) is a smart managed plus switch designed to power PoE applications such as VoIP phones, IP cameras, and wireless access points with its 8 PoE+ ports totaling a power budget of 62W. Its plus software interface offers basic managed capabilities to optimize your network's performance. The switch also supports desktop or wall mount placement, is energy-efficient, and operates silently making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.

What We Like
Easy plug-and-play installation
Reliable Gigabit speeds
Affordable PoE solution
Solid build quality
Simple web management
#TOP 6

TP-Link 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch

TL-SG116
Black
16 Port 1G
TP-Link 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch Cover
TP-Link 16 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch, Desktop/ Wall-Mount, Fanless, Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports, Traffic Optimization, Unmanaged (TL-SG116)

The TP-LINK 16-port 10/100/1000Mbps desktop switch is an ideal solution for expanding your network. With Auto Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX, setup is a breeze. This switch has advanced software features like Port-based 802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP Snooping to prioritize traffic for high-quality video or voice data transmission. The energy-efficient design saves power consumption and money. With a fanless quiet design and sturdy metal case, it can be easily mounted on a desktop or wall. Plus, the switch comes with limited lifetime protection and 24/7 technical support.

What We Like
Plug-and-play setup
Sturdy metal build
Silent fanless operation
High-speed gigabit ports
Reliable performance
#TOP 7

UGREEN 6-Port 2.5Gb Ethernet Switch

Grey
UGREEN 6-Port 2.5Gb Ethernet Switch Cover
UGREEN 2.5Gb Switch, 6-Port Ethernet Switch, 5 x 2.5Gb Uplink + 1 x 10Gb SFP+, Standard/Link Aggregation to 5Gbps/VLAN 3 Modes, Plug & Play Unmanaged Ethernet Splitter, Desktop/Wall Mount, for NAS, PC

The UGREEN 2.5Gb Switch offers a powerful network upgrade with five 2.5Gb uplink ports and a 10Gb SFP+ port, allowing you to enjoy faster data transfers and smoother gaming or work sessions. You can easily switch between three modes—Standard, Link Aggregation, and VLAN—to customize your network. For example, Link Aggregation lets you combine ports to reach speeds up to 5Gbps, which is great for devices like NAS. The 10Gb SFP+ port supports various modules, giving you flexible options for connecting with fiber or ethernet cables. Plus, it’s plug-and-play, so setting it up is quick and hassle-free.

What We Like
Plug and play setup
Supports 2.5Gbps speeds
Reliable performance
Good value for price
Compatible with SFP+ modules
#TOP 8

NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Switch

GS308E-400NAS
Gray
NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Switch Cover
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials 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 VLAN management
Silent operation, no fan
Solid metal build
Reliable gigabit performance
User-friendly web interface
#TOP 9

NETGEAR GS305P 5-Port PoE Switch

GS305P-300NAS
Black
NETGEAR GS305P 5-Port PoE Switch Cover
NETGEAR 5-Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305P) - with 4 x PoE+ @ 63W, Desktop or Wall Mount

The NETGEAR PoE Switch offers five high-speed Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect multiple devices efficiently for fast data transfer. Four of these ports provide Power over Ethernet (PoE+), delivering up to 63 watts of total power, which means you can power compatible devices like cameras or access points directly through the Ethernet cable, reducing clutter. Setting up this switch is hassle-free since it requires no software or complex configuration—just plug it in and start using it. Plus, you have the flexibility to place it on your desk or mount it on a wall, fitting neatly into your workspace or networking setup.

What We Like
Five Gigabit Ethernet ports
Four PoE+ ports with 63W power
Plug-and-play setup
Desktop or wall mountable
#TOP 10

NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch

GS105NA
Gray
5-Port
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch Cover
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS105NA) - Desktop or Wall Mount, and Limited Lifetime Protection

The NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch offers 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports with plug-and-play setup, making it easy to connect multiple devices to your network. You can choose to mount it on your desktop or wall, and its energy-efficient design is compliant with IEEE802.3az. It operates silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Additionally, it comes with a lifetime limited hardware warranty and 24/7 chat with a NETGEAR expert.

What We Like
Easy plug-and-play setup
Can be placed on desktop or wall
Energy-efficient design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do Ethernet switches reduce speed?

Do Ethernet switches reduce network speed? An Ethernet switch should not affect your network's internet speeds, but it can in some circumstances. In a home network, your internet speeds can be only as fast as your slowest piece of equipment.

2. Is there a difference in Ethernet switches?

The Gigabit Ethernet is ten times faster than its predecessor, Fast Ethernet. It is designed to address the high speeds needs of internet service providers. Gigabit Ethernet switch, the higher version of Fast Ethernet switch, supports the transmission speed up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) (1000 Mbps).

3. Is a Ethernet switch worth it?

But a switch is useful if your router doesn't have enough Ethernet ports (like the Eero mesh router, which has only one port free after you've connected your modem), if you have a lot of wired devices in one place (such as in an entertainment center), if you're trying to use wires to improve your speeds or cut down on ...

Editor's Notes

During our ethernet switch research, we found 24 ethernet switch products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 516,645 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ethernet switches list. We found that most customers choose ethernet switches with an average price of $42.74.

The ethernet switches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ethernet switches, including NETGEAR, TP-Link, UGREEN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.