Best Managed Switches of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Managed switches are an essential component of any advanced network infrastructure. They are designed to provide high-level control and management of network traffic, enabling administrators to prioritize and optimize data flows. Managed switches offer a range of features and benefits, including VLAN support, Quality of Service (QoS) settings, port mirroring, and more. These switches are ideal for businesses and organizations that require a high level of network control and security, as well as advanced network monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities. With their advanced features and robust performance, managed switches are an essential tool for building and maintaining a modern network infrastructure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch Cover #TOP 1
TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch
ftb score rating icon 9.9
TP-Link TL-SG1024DE Cover #TOP 2
TP-Link TL-SG1024DE
ftb score rating icon 9.8
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch Cover #TOP 3
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Managed Switches

#TOP 1

TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch

TL-SG108E
Black
TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch Cover
TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch | Easy Smart Managed | Plug & Play | Desktop/Wall-Mount | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Support QoS, Vlan, IGMP and LAG (TL-SG108E)

The TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch is a smart managed switch that can be easily set up with plug & play. It has 8 gigabit ports that offer fast data transfers with 15K jumbo frame. The switch has features like Port Mirroring, Loop Prevention and Cable Diagnostics for effective network monitoring. The VLAN and IGMP Snooping features improve network security and optimize multicast applications. The switch also has port and tag-based QoS that helps in smooth latency-sensitive traffic.

What We Like
Easy setup with plug & play
Effective network monitoring features
Abundant VLAN features for improved security
Fast data transfers with 8 gigabit ports and 15K jumbo frame
Optimized multicast applications with IGMP Snooping

TP-Link TL-SG1024DE

TL-SG1024DE
Black
TP-Link TL-SG1024DE Cover
TP-Link 24 Port Gigabit Switch Easy Smart Managed Plug & Play Desktop/Rackmount Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports Support QoS, Vlan, IGMP & LAG (TL-SG1024DE),Black

The TP-Link TL-SG1024DE Gigabit Switch is a high-performance network switch that offers 24 Gigabit ports for instant large file transfers. With its 9K Jumbo frame, it improves the performance of large data transfers, making it ideal for businesses or individuals who need to transfer large files quickly. The switch also features effective network monitoring through Port Mirroring, Loop Prevention, and Cable Diagnostics, ensuring a stable and reliable network connection. In addition, the abundant VLAN features enhance network security by enabling traffic segmentation. With IGMP Snooping, multicast applications are optimized, and with port and tag-based QoS, latency-sensitive traffic can flow smoothly. The switch is easy to set up and comes with a 3-year warranty and free technical support, giving you peace of mind while working.

What We Like
24 Gigabit ports
9K Jumbo frame
Effective network monitoring
#TOP 3

NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch

GS105E-200NAS
5 port
Plus
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch Cover
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS105Ev2) - Managed, Desktop or Wall Mount, and Limited Lifetime Protection

The NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch provides you with 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports that can be easily configured, secured and monitored through the Plus software. You can place the switch on a desktop or wall mount due to its design. The switch is energy efficient and compliant with IEEE802.3az, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments as it operates silently. Additionally, it comes with a lifetime limited hardware warranty along with Next Business Day Replacement and 24/7 NETGEAR expert chat.

What We Like
Easy to configure, secure, and monitor your network
Can be placed on desktop or wall mount
Energy efficient and silent operation
#TOP 4

TP-Link TL-SG1428PE 24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch

TL-SG1428PE
black or gray
TP-Link TL-SG1428PE 24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch Cover
TP-Link TL-SG1428PE 24 Port Gigabit PoE Switch Easy Smart Managed 24 PoE+ Port @250W w/ 2 UL Gigabit Ports + 2 SFP Slots PoE Auto Recovery QoS, Vlan, IGMP & LAG

The TP-Link TL-SG1428PE is a flexible full Gigabit 28-port PoE switch with easy smart management. It comes with 24 PoE+ ports that provide up to 30W per port and a total PoE power budget of 250W, along with 2 Gigabit Non-PoE Ports and 2 SFP Slots for high-speed connections. The switch has abundant VLAN features that improve network security via traffic segmentation. It also has a PoE Auto Recovery feature that detects and reboots the dropped or unresponsive PoE-powered devices automatically without manual monitoring or resetting. Setup is easy with no software installation or configuration needed.

What We Like
Flexible full Gigabit 28-port PoE configuration
Abundant VLAN features to improve network security
PoE Auto Recovery feature that automatically detects and reboots unresponsive PoE-powered devices
Easy setup with no software installation or configuration needed
#TOP 5

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
Flexible full Gigabit 8-port PoE configuration with 4 PoE+ ports providing up to 30W per port and total PoE power budget of 64W
Easy smart management with a web-based interface and smart configuration utility
Abundant VLAN features improve network security via traffic segmentation
#TOP 6

NETGEAR 16-Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch

GS316EP-100NAS
Plus
NETGEAR 16-Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch Cover
NETGEAR 16-Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS316EP) - Managed, with 15 x PoE+ @ 180W, 1 x 1G SFP Port, Desktop or Wall Mount

The NETGEAR 16-Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch provides 15 PoE+ ports with a total power budget of 180W, 15 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and 1 x 1G SFP uplink port. The easy-to-use software allows you to configure, secure, and monitor your network. This switch is designed to be energy efficient and can be placed on a desktop or wall mounted.

What We Like
Provides 15 PoE+ ports with a total power budget of 180W
Easy-to-use software allows for network configuration, security, and monitoring
Energy efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az
#TOP 7

NETGEAR 8-Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch (GS110TP)

GS110TP
Black
8 Port with PoE
NETGEAR 8-Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch (GS110TP) Cover
NETGEAR 10-Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch (GS110TP) - Managed, with 8 x PoE+ @ 55W, 2 x 1G SFP, Optional Insight Cloud Management, Desktop or Wall Mount, and Limited Lifetime Protection

The NETGEAR 8-Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch (GS110TP) is a powerful and versatile network switch that offers a range of features to enhance your networking experience. With 8 Gigabit ports, it provides fast and reliable connections for your devices. The switch also includes 8 PoE+ ports, which allow you to power compatible devices directly through the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for separate power supplies. This is especially useful for devices like IP cameras or wireless access points. The switch also features 2 1G SFP ports for flexible uplink connections. With advanced configuration and control options, including an easy-to-use GUI interface, you can easily set up and manage your network securely. The switch is also designed to be energy efficient, optimizing power usage and lowering operating costs. With its industry-leading 5-year limited hardware warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing that the switch is built to last.

What We Like
8 Gigabit ports
8 PoE+ ports
Easy-to-use GUI interface
Energy efficient
5-year limited hardware warranty
#TOP 8

TP-Link TL-SG1016PE 16-Port PoE Switch

TL-SG1016PE
Black
TP-Link TL-SG1016PE 16-Port PoE Switch Cover
TP-Link TL-SG1016PE | 16 Port Gigabit PoE Switch | Easy Smart Managed | 8 PoE+ Ports @150W | Plug & Play | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | QoS, Vlan, IGMP & LAG | 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty

The TP-Link PoE Switch is designed to enhance your network experience with its 16 ports, including 8 PoE+ ports that deliver up to 30W per port. This means you can easily power devices like IP cameras and phones without needing extra outlets. The user-friendly web-based management interface simplifies setup and monitoring, making it accessible for everyone. Additionally, the switch features automatic recovery for unresponsive devices, so you won't have to manually reset them. With VLAN capabilities, you can segment your network traffic for improved security and efficiency.

What We Like
Flexible PoE configuration
Easy web-based management
Automatic device recovery
Network traffic segmentation
#TOP 9

NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch (GS108T)

GS108Tv3
Black
Version 3
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch (GS108T) Cover
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch (GS108T) - Managed, with 1 x PD Port, Optional Insight Cloud Management, Desktop or Wall Mount, Silent Operation, and Limited Lifetime Protection,Black

The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch (GS108T) is a managed switch with 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 x PD port. Its smart software provides managed control for secure setup, access, and SNMP (NMS 300) management. The switch can be placed on a desktop or wall mount and has an energy-efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az. The switch operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It also includes NETGEAR Insight, which allows for remote network management from anywhere.

What We Like
Easy to set up and manage with an intuitive interface
Energy efficient design helps save on power costs
Can be placed on a desktop or wall mounted for versatility

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
Multiple device connectivity
User-friendly management software
Flexible placement options
Quiet operation
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a managed switch vs unmanaged switch?

A managed switch is a fully configurable switch that allows for customization and provides detailed data on network performance. On the other hand, an unmanaged switch is a plug-and-play device with no settings to configure. Unmanaged switches are suitable for small networks with basic needs, while managed switches offer more control and advanced features.

2. Why use a managed switch?

Using a managed switch provides better control over networks and the data frames that pass through them. It allows for customization and advanced configuration options, making it suitable for more complex network setups. In contrast, unmanaged switches enable basic communication between connected devices without the need for configuration. Managed switches offer enhanced functionality and performance monitoring capabilities.

Editor's Notes

During our managed switch research, we found 24 managed switch products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 833,016 customer reviews through our big data system to write the managed switches list. We found that most customers choose managed switches with an average price of $74.49.

The managed switches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of managed switches, including TP-Link, NETGEAR. 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.