Best Ethernet Switches: Fast, Reliable, and Secure

Simon HillGearJul 29, 2026 6:30 AMThe Best Ethernet SwitchesIf your router is short on ports, you can add more with one of the best Ethernet switches. These are my top picks from what I’ve tested.Courtesy of NetgearCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyModern routers and mesh systems offer better performance than ever, but many of them have a limited supply of ports. The best Ethernet switches enable you to add several Ethernet ports so you can wire up your most important connections for maximum speed, efficiency, and security.Whether you want to set up a wired backhaul for better Wi-Fi performance, plug in your TV to banish buffering, or hook up a local, subscription-free security camera system using Power over Ethernet (PoE), Ethernet switches can help you do it. I’ve tested several, and these are the brands I recommend.You may also want to dip into my other home networking guides, including What Is Ethernet, How to Run Ethernet Cables Around Your Home, How to Buy a Router, Best Wi-Fi Routers, and Best Mesh Systems.Table of ContentsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronNetgear Ethernet SwitchesTP-Link Ethernet SwitchesOther Ethernet Switch ManufacturersHow Many Ports Do You Need?What Speed Do You Need?Unmanaged or Managed?Do You Need PoE?Netgear Ethernet SwitchesPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistNetgear5-Port Gigabit Network Switch (GS305)$16 AmazonI’ve used a few different Netgear switches over the years and found them to be very reliable and well made.If you just need a few extra ports, this affordable unmanaged switch from Netgear is nice and straightforward. The compact metal case offers five Gigabit ports; it’s plug-and-play, and it’s completely fanless for silent operation. It comes with a power adapter, each port has a green LED to show when it’s in use, and you can wall-mount or tuck it away. (Mine has been hiding in a cable tidy box).Photograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistNetgear8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E)$40 $28 (30% off) Netgear$59 Amazon$40 $24 (40% off) NeweggIf you need more ports, this smart switch has eight auto-sensing Gigabit Ethernet ports, each supporting up to 1,000 Mbps. It's plug-and-play and has a silent, fanless design. There’s a web-based user interface if you want to dig into settings to configure virtual local area networks (VLANs), set up Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize traffic, mirror ports, and more.TP-Link Ethernet SwitchesPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlistTP-Link8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch (TL-SG108S)$25 AmazonFolks on a budget should consider an Ethernet switch from TP-Link. These are the ones I’ve tried and can recommend.As simple as you get, this plug-and-play switch is sturdy with a metal case, has a silent fanless design, and gives you eight Gigabit Ethernet ports. I’ve been using it for several months to hook up various security camera hubs, NAS devices, and a Sonos speaker, and it works perfectly.If you want a more compact, stylish design, my colleague has been using the TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch (TL-SG1008D) ($25) for years and says it works well.Photograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistTP-Link8-Port Gigabit PoE Switch (TL-SG1008P V4)$70 $41 (41% off) AmazonI got this switch to connect three Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras recently. It also has eight Gigabit ports, but four of them are PoE ports capable of supplying power (up to 30 watts each, but 64 watts in total), as well as carrying data. It’s sturdy and silent with LEDs on the front and ports on the back, which makes it a little easier to keep tidy and see what’s working at a glance. It’s also sturdy and silent. But because it’s fanless, it can get warm.Other Ethernet Switch ManufacturersI’m planning to test more Ethernet swi