The advancement in technology and tons of gadgets being introduced to the world have increased the need of the best gigabit switch for home network. Well, you do need a device that can connect all your devices to the network with a lot more stability and reliability. You can easily connect your gaming consoles, computer systems, printers, router, etc. Since there are hundreds of such switches in the market currently, it might get a little overwhelming to pick among the best home network switch.
So, we have been researching for weeks with multiple such Gigabit switches and have come with a small list that will help you choose one for your home network as well. Many of the users might have their doubts about investing the money on network switches however, your router might not have enough ports to connect all your devices. Hence the Ethernet switch might be the best investment you will make. In fact, these are highly affordable and easy to install.
Let us look at the list of best network switch for home below.
Table of Contents
5 Best Gigabit Switch For Home Network Reviews
1. NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308) – Best Overall
The Netgear GS308 is our favorite pick and one of the best switch for home network from the list here. It sure is highly affordable with an exceptional line of features in every aspect. Well, this Netgear switch has 8 ports that allow you to connect any of your gadgets with ease. Also, the build quality is amazing and hardly weighs anything.
Adding more to this, you can easily install it in your home anywhere you wish to. It follows a simple plug and plays feature where you do not need any installation and you can start using it instantly. Moreover, you can set it up in minutes in your home for all gadgets to share a single network with much more stability and better reliability.
Why is it unique?
The most interesting approach to this Netgear device is that it is highly useful and provides a stable network connection to all the devices. Another brilliant aspect is that you can hang it anywhere you wish to. Moreover, it has a fanless motor that makes this a noise-free gadget that is perfect for home networks. To add more, this has energy efficient capabilities for saving as much power as you could.
As you might not see in another network switch that we have come across as opposed to this one, the ports have their own LED indicator to understand the status of the port in use or not. Furthermore, this is an unmanaged switch that does not require any sort of software installation or set up before use. As we mentioned, a simple plugin is all that is needed to get started.
Buyerโs Experience
The best aspect of this switch that the buyers loved overall is the drastic increase in the speed of the internet connection as compared to the other switches they had been using. Moreover, it is a lot easier to read the ports in use due to the LED indicators. Above all, the overall cost is pretty low and highly affordable for anyone who has a fixed budget. Moreover, the build quality is exceptionally good and perfect for long term use.
Best Fit For
If you have a low budget and are looking for a great build product, this is the best fit for you. This Netgear Gigabit Switch projects no network interference and thus delivers high-speed connectivity to all the devices. Well, you can easily switch from your old network switch to this and give yourself much more reliability for long term usage.
Pros
Cons
- 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration needed
- Supports desktop or wall mount placement
- Industry-leading 3-year limited hardware warranty
2. TP-Link 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch (TL-SG105) – Best Affordable And Within Budget
If you are looking for a device that has the lowest possible price range and perfectly fits in your budget, TP-Link TL-SG105 is the one you can go for. It is one of the best and highly rated among all we have tested out. You can easily install it in your home to our network and connect five devices that need high-speed internet connection such as your system, consoles, Smart TV, etc.
This device is made of metal that makes this a sturdy build device and can be easily mounted on the wall at your convenience. It is the perfect Ethernet Switch especially for gamers who have multiple devices to set up their unit. Moreover, you can also use it for your entertainment unit as well such as your television, speakers, etc. The IEEE 802.3X flow control enabled much more reliable data transfer among devices.
Why is it Unique?
The TP-Link TL-SG105 supports Auto-Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX. Well, you can save a ton of energy with this device and also money along with it. It features advanced software that prioritizes traffic and makes sure that you get the best quality audio and video streaming content on your connected devices. Even though it is fanless, the metal box remains cool even during higher usage and ensures the best performance all throughout.
Apart from all the above, this device ensures the smooth transferring of large and high bandwidth files with zero interference. All the ports have their own LED indicators so that you know which ones are in use. Also, you can expand the number of ports in it by simply connecting one with a router and you can easily add more devices directly through the router itself.
Buyerโs Experience
Apart from the fact that it is the most affordable option in the market, the buyers love the exclusive build quality of the device. It is sturdy, well-built, and strong enough to be mounted on the wall. As an admin, you can use QoS to prioritize the major traffic to particular devices especially when you have set up a unit at your home.
Also, the buyers love the shielded ports that prevent static interference when transferring files. Furthermore, you can make use of the IGMP Snooping that helps with the traffic delivery of multimedia devices for a better experience.
Best Fit For
If you are in for a compact and lightweight Ethernet Switch that can fit anywhere in your home, this TP-Link is the one you need. It is the best fit for every user who needs a five-port switch that is small in size and can be used to meet all the expectations in the long run. Here all you need to do is connect your router to this and enjoy high-speed internet to all your compatible devices.
Pros
Cons
- ๐ฑ ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐: Expand your network with 5...
- ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐: Manage and configure your network...
- ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ก: Segment traffic with up to 32 VLANs simultaneously (out of 4K VLAN IDs)...
- ๐ก๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด: Monitor your network effectively with port...
3. TP-Link 16 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch (SG1016) – Best 16-Port Switch
So, here we have another TP-Link Gigabit Ethernet Switch with 16-ports capable of large file transfers. This is more so a premium product for a large number of devices. So you can use it at your home and even in your office. It supports Auto MDI/MDIX, hence you no longer need the crossover cables.
Furthermore, with the Auto-negotiation feature, it reads the speed of the network device and adjusts accordingly for the best performance. Moving on, this TP-Link network switch comes with innovative energy-efficient technologies that provide the best network capacity by consuming very little energy.
The build quality is brilliant and then you can easily mount it on the wall that saves space as well. Besides the ports, you can find 16 LED indicators separately for each of the ports that help you keep track of each of them while in use. This too is a fanless device and still keeps the device warm preventing overheating.
Why is it Unique?
One of the most significant features of this Ethernet switch is non-blocking switching architecture. It filters the packets that pass through it with maximum speed and provide the best possible result. The use of IEEE 802.3x flow control and the backpressure for both the Full Duplex & Half Duplex mode respectively, help to bring down the traffic congestion drastically.
Also, it is super easy to use and install in your home. You do not need any assistance for installation since it is an unmanaged switch. Simply plug in your socket, connect all the ports you need, and play the device. It does have a little higher price than usual, but if this is what you find suitable, there could be nothing better.
Buyerโs Experience
The best aspect that every user loved about the device is the sturdy built quality. It is made of metal entirely and looks durable enough that will last for the long term. Moreover, there isnโt much to do when it comes to setting up this device. It hardly takes a few minutes and you are done with it. Another interesting approach that you might find near to perfect is how the ports have the capability to auto-sense the for speed or crossover.
Best Fit For
If you have a newly built home, you can easily mount it on your walls at any spot that fits perfectly. Moreover, it is an unmanaged switch, yet you can log in to the web interface that has a PoE configuration where you can set up a speed limit for each port if you wish to. Or else you can choose to leave it for auto-configure and let it be an unmanaged switch that only needs a plug and play configure.
Pros
Cons
- 16-Gigabit ports provide instant large file transfers
- 32Gbps Switching Capacity
- Supports IEEE 802.3x flow control for Full Duplex mode and backpressure for Half Duplex mode
- Non-blocking switching architecture forwards and filters packets at full wire-speed for maximum throughput
4. TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch (TL-SG108) – Best Build Quality
This TP-Link 8 port Gigabit Ethernet Switch is one of a kind, affordable and well-built device. It is simply an extension of the 5-port of a Network switch with added ports and some exclusive features for an amazing performance. You will experience lag-free streaming and gaming sessions once you connect your device to it. The use of IEEE 802.3X flow control enables better file transfer speed and quiet operation due to its fanless design.
With the help of its advanced software features, you can easily prioritize the traffic to particular devices and enjoy high-quality video or voice data transmission. Moving on, the ports are shielded to prevent any interference whatsoever.
Why is it Unique?
The main aspects that help to differ this device from the others in our list are firstly the incredible ability to auto-negotiate that adjusts the speed of the network by reading it by itself. Moreover, as we said the ports are shielded and block static interference. If you need more ports to add more devices, you can add your router to one of the ports and use it to connect more devices to the network.
Buyerโs Experience
Well, the metal housing makes the switch highly durable and enables better wall mounting. It even has ventilation so that it can dissipate the heat out and keep the system cooler. Moreover, every buyer loved the idea of how one can prioritize the speed and data bandwidth to the devices. It even has a power adapter to keep the system secure and provide satisfactory performance.
Best Fit For
It can be a perfect fit for you since it is highly affordable and supports exclusive features that you cannot ignore. Even other network switches might not have such dynamic features to help you get a better experience. On the other hand, this device is a perfect fit for gamers such that they can set up their gaming unit with multiple devices. We have some more cool options for Best Ethernet Switch for Gaming. You’ll love them!
Pros
Cons
- ๐ข๐ป๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐ต ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ก๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ:...
- ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ด๐: Latest innovative...
- ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐น๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ค๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐: IEEE 802.3X flow control provides reliable data...
- ๐ฃ๐น๐๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐น๐ฎ๐: Easy setup with no software installation or configuration needed
5. Linksys SE3005 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch – Best Lightweight Network Switch
There is no doubt in accepting the fact that the Linksys SE3005 is indeed the lightest device. You can easily mount it on the wall or keep it on the desk with ease.
It has every feature that you might find in other expensive devices and delivers the best performance or even a lot better than the others. Linksys is an equally amazing platform that designs some of the best such devices.
Even though it is a 5 port Network Switch, it features full-duplex IEEE 802.3x flow control and half-duplex backpressure, auto MDI/MDI X cable detection, and a lot more of this. All of this is built-in to the device and helps you bring the best of this in the long term. The price is perfect as well and you can easily set up your home network within minutes.
Why is it unique?
The main question arrives at why is it unique or better than the other in the list or in the market. Well, the intelligent ports report traffic congestion if any while you connect your devices. Also, it features an advanced power saving mode too that helps to detect the unused ports.
This Gigabit port is about 10 times faster than any general Ethernet port. Moreover, the device is made of all metal for sturdy long term use in the years to come. Moreover, it is insanely lightweight so you need not worry about a thing while handling it. Also, the LED indicators are placed with the ports themselves, so it is easy to keep track at all times.
Buyerโs Experience
Apart from the fact that it is super easy to install, you can place it in your home anywhere you like. The 5-port version is perfect to set up an entertainment unit or a gaming unit in your home. If you have more devices to add up, you can simply plug in the router too and use the router as a part of the switch. Also, it handles QoS pretty well where you can prioritize the video and audio applications for quality streaming.
Best Fit For
It is a perfect fit for any general user who has a small budget and an average number of devices to connect. Not only is it perfect for your home network but also for offices with loads of devices such as printers, systems, etc that you need to connect to. Also, Linksys has a pretty good support system which does help with everything if you have any queries.
Pros
Cons
- Full duplex IEEE 802.3x flow control and half duplex backpressure with intelligent port based congestion detection and...
- All ports support auto MDI/MDI X cable detection
- Non head of line blocking architecture
- QoS: Prioritize video and audio applications for better streaming (IEEE 802.1p)
Buying Guide
Here we are with every piece of info you need to know about the best gigabit switch for home networks. All the devices mentioned above are well researched and reviewed so that you get the best among all. But before you can make your choice, it is better to look at a buying guide that will help you select a perfect one a lot better with more understanding.
1. Build Quality
To start with, every device that you choose to go with needs to have a durable build quality so that you can use it for a longer time. There are tons of options in the market that are very poor in quality and might not last as long as you might need them to be. Mostly, if the Ethernet Switch is made of metal or anything stronger, you have invested your money in the right product, You might find products that have a plastic build exterior as well but sometimes they work well too.
2. The Nature of Usage
A very important aspect that a lot of people tend to ignore. You need to be clear about the usage of the product. Whether you need it for your home or office or something else. If you have a small number of devices you can choose to go with a switch with fewer ports and likewise. Another important aspect depends on choosing between the managed and unmanaged switch. If you are not into doing too much work, go for the unmanaged switch which is perfect for the home network.
3. Number of Ports
So, this factor completely depends on what is the nature of your usage. If you do not have a lot of devices to connect such as for your home network with only a few devices, you can choose between a 5-port or an 8-port Switch. For office usage, you can choose anything that suits your need, it can be anything from five ports or as high as 16-ports or even more. There is no definitive number since there can always be more and more devices coming up in the future and you might need a higher number of ports in the end.
4. Quality of Service (QoS)
You might have heard about this important feature in almost all the devices we have mentioned in the list above. Quality of service or QoS is an important feature that you need for an amazing performance. With this feature, your device can easily differentiate between the traffic that leads to your devices.
You can manually set up the traffic leading to the devices and which need more speed such as your streaming services. It helps to provide the best network service to all the applications that are more important than the others. If this feature might not be present in your Switch, the devices will be the network connection speed based on which device is connected first and likewise.
5. Budget
This is the single most and a highly prioritized factor that you simply cannot choose to ignore. In fact, you might want to consider keeping it in your mind at the top of your list. If you have a set budget, it is always better to filter out all the other options that might go out of it. This will save you time and help you decide the right option for you in minutes. We have made sure that all the products in the list above are within budget and highly affordable too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is a gigabit network switch?
A1. In the most general terms, a Gigabit Network Switch allows multiple devices to connect with each other over a local network. Well, it makes the transfer of files and data easier among devices such as Computer systems, gaming consoles, printers, etc.
It ensures a faster response time and a lot better refresh rate. Furthermore, the Ethernet Switch is over 10 times faster than any other switches in the market.
Q2. Does a Gigabit Switch slow down?
A2. Technically as well as logically, the more devices you add to it, the slower the speed gets reaching each device. The reason is pretty basic since the devices are sharing a single network and it tends to divide the speed among all the devices.
However, if you are using an Internet Switch the speed will be a lot faster than any other you might use or have used earlier. So, even if the speed lowers down, it will still be good enough every time.
Q3. What is the advantage of using a switch over a hub?
A3. A lot of users who might not be technically sound than the others have this basic query as to why people prefer to go for a Switch over Hub. Well, a switch allows connecting multiplied devices together. It allows the much faster flow of files and data among each other.
Moreover, every device connected to the Switch can be distinguished by their individual MAC address which might not be the same with the Hub. Similarly, a Switch is much more secure to use and efficient as compared to a Hub.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we have covered everything about Gigabit Network Switches and listed the best gigabit switch for home networks. All the info has been verified from their official sites and also the reviews are genuine that took us weeks to get it for you.
We also have made sure that we understand the product from the buyerโs point of view and thus have gone through other actual reviews and jotted down what the product has to offer. Make sure to check out the buying guide and select your product as you need.
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API