Best Ethernet Switch
The 10 best Ethernet switches for 2026, ranked by speed, ports, and value.
How This List Was Built
Ethernet switches are simple — unmanaged gigabit switches under $30 — but build quality and reliability vary. We compared documented build, port counts, and price across the leading basic switches.
What Drives the Ranking
Build reliability
A switch that drops connections is worse than no switch.
Port count
5 and 8 ports are the home standards.
Price
Basic switches cost $16-$25 — there is no reason to overpay.
Why #TP-Link TL-SG108 Took the Top Spot
The TP-Link TL-SG108 wins because its metal build, 8 ports, and proven reliability at $25 make it the default home switch. The Netgear GS308 at $22 is the equivalent alternative; the TL-SG105 at $16 covers 5-port needs. At these prices, buy the port count you need from either brand — both are reliable.
When the ranking flips: The Netgear GS308 overtakes the TP-Link only on availability or slight price differences — functionally equivalent.
When the Ranking Changes
- Best 8-port — pick TP-Link TL-SG108 Metal build and reliability at $25.
- Alternative — pick Netgear GS308 Equivalent at $22.
- Compact 5-port — pick TP-Link TL-SG105 5 ports at $16.
What We Left Out
- Managed switches were excluded — most homes do not need them.
- 100Mbps switches were excluded — gigabit is the standard.
How This Was Researched
This ranking is based on a structured review of official product documentation, published specifications, current pricing, and feature analysis — the same methodology ToolStep describes on the /how-we-test/ page. We do not claim hands-on testing that did not happen.
Based on official product documentation as of June 2026.
Top 10 Picks
TP-Link TL-SG108
Best 8-port gigabit switch.
- Affordable
- 8 ports
- Gigabit
- Metal
- Unmanaged
Netgear GS308
Budget 8-port gigabit switch.
- Cheap
- 8 ports
- Gigabit
- Metal
- Unmanaged
TP-Link TL-SG105
Best 5-port gigabit switch.
- Very affordable
- 5 ports
- Gigabit
- Metal
- Unmanaged
TP-Link TL-SG116
16-port gigabit switch.
- 16 ports
- Affordable
- Gigabit
- Metal
- Unmanaged
Netgear GS316
16-port gigabit switch.
- 16 ports
- Affordable
- Gigabit
- Metal
- Unmanaged
TP-Link TL-SG2210P
Managed PoE switch.
- Managed
- PoE
- 8 ports
- VLAN
- Expensive
Netgear GS305E
Smart 5-port switch.
- Smart
- 5 ports
- Affordable
- VLAN
- Basic management
TP-Link TL-SG105E
Smart 5-port switch.
- Smart
- 5 ports
- Affordable
- VLAN
- Basic management
TRENDnet TEG-S80g
8-port gigabit switch.
- 8 ports
- Affordable
- Gigabit
- Metal
- Unmanaged
Linksys SE3005
5-port gigabit switch.
- 5 ports
- Affordable
- Gigabit
- Unmanaged
Comparison Table
| # | Name | Brand | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TP-Link TL-SG108 | TP-Link | $25 | 4.7/5
★★★★★ | Best 8-port gigabit switch. |
| 2 | Netgear GS308 | Netgear | $22 | 4.6/5
★★★★★ | Budget 8-port gigabit switch. |
| 3 | TP-Link TL-SG105 | TP-Link | $16 | 4.6/5
★★★★★ | Best 5-port gigabit switch. |
| 4 | TP-Link TL-SG116 | TP-Link | $45 | 4.6/5
★★★★★ | 16-port gigabit switch. |
| 5 | Netgear GS316 | Netgear | $40 | 4.5/5
★★★★★ | 16-port gigabit switch. |
| 6 | TP-Link TL-SG2210P | TP-Link | $99 | 4.5/5
★★★★★ | Managed PoE switch. |
| 7 | Netgear GS305E | Netgear | $30 | 4.4/5
★★★★☆ | Smart 5-port switch. |
| 8 | TP-Link TL-SG105E | TP-Link | $22 | 4.4/5
★★★★☆ | Smart 5-port switch. |
| 9 | TRENDnet TEG-S80g | TRENDnet | $25 | 4.4/5
★★★★☆ | 8-port gigabit switch. |
| 10 | Linksys SE3005 | Linksys | $25 | 4.2/5
★★★★☆ | 5-port gigabit switch. |
Pros & Cons Summary
TP-Link TL-SG108
Netgear GS308
TP-Link TL-SG105
TP-Link TL-SG116
Netgear GS316
TP-Link TL-SG2210P
Netgear GS305E
TP-Link TL-SG105E
TRENDnet TEG-S80g
Linksys SE3005
FAQ
What is the best Ethernet switch?
The TP-Link TL-SG108 at $25 is the best 8-port gigabit switch. For 5 ports, the TP-Link TL-SG105 at $16 is excellent.
Managed or unmanaged switch?
Unmanaged is plug-and-play. Managed (TP-Link TL-SG2210P) offers VLAN, QoS, and monitoring. Most home users need unmanaged.
Do I need a gigabit switch?
Yes, gigabit (1Gbps) is the standard. 10Gbps switches are available but expensive and only needed for heavy data transfer.
How many ports do I need?
5 ports for small setups. 8 ports for medium. 16 ports for large offices. Always buy more ports than you currently need.
What is PoE and do I need it?
PoE (Power over Ethernet) powers devices via Ethernet cable. The TP-Link TL-SG2210P has PoE for IP cameras and access points.
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Testing Methodology
Our reviews evaluate products using publicly available specifications, manufacturer information, feature analysis, pricing comparison, and practical workflow considerations. The general process:
- Product documentation review: We analyze official manufacturer specs, product documentation, and published technical information.
- Feature evaluation: We assess features against the product's intended use case and target workflow.
- Pricing comparison: We compare the product against at least two direct competitors in the same price tier.
- Workflow assessment: We evaluate how the product fits into real-world home office and professional workflows based on published capabilities.
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- Reader feedback integration: We monitor reader comments and warranty claim patterns. If a product shows widespread failure, we update our recommendation.