Best Ethernet Switches: Fast, Reliable, and Secure
This Wired buying guide rounds up recommended Ethernet switches, which allow users to add extra wired ports to routers or mesh systems that often have limited built-in connectivity. Ethernet switches are useful for setting up a wired backhaul to boost Wi-Fi performance, connecting a TV to avoid buffering, or running a local Power over Ethernet (PoE) security camera system without a subscription, and the guide focuses on models the reviewer has personally tested.
The reviewer highlights options from Netgear and TP-Link as offering the best value for most households. Netgear's five-port GS305 ($16) is a simple, fanless, plug-and-play unmanaged switch, while its eight-port GS308E ($40) adds a web interface for configuring VLANs and Quality of Service. TP-Link's TL-SG108S ($25) offers eight Gigabit ports in a sturdy metal case, and its TL-SG1008P PoE switch ($70) provides four power-supplying ports for cameras, though it can run warm due to its fanless design.
In short
- Wired guide recommends best Ethernet switches for expanding router ports.
- Netgear and TP-Link models offer reliable, affordable options for most users.
- PoE switches let users power security cameras without extra cabling.
Explained simply
An Ethernet switch is a networking device that adds extra wired internet ports to your home setup. Most household routers come with only a few built-in ports for ethernet cables, so a switch lets you connect more devices with physical cables rather than Wi-Fi.
These devices have practical uses. You might use one to give a television a wired connection to prevent buffering, or to improve your overall Wi-Fi performance by connecting parts of your network with cables instead of wireless signals. Some switches also provide Power over Ethernet, which supplies power through the cable to devices like security cameras, eliminating the need for separate power supplies or cloud-based subscriptions.
Netgear and TP-Link are among the major manufacturers making ethernet switches for home networks. They offer options ranging from simple, affordable models to more advanced versions with additional configuration features.