Top 5 Best Ethernet Switch 2021

1. TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch - Best semi-duplex switch

Main features:

- Buffer 1MB : This figure is not too brilliant but still amazing for such a switch. You will be able to use all 5 ports at the same time with no performance loss.

- Optimized automatic traffic : Although not customizable like a switch with optional traffic management implementation, but it improves network performance without requiring you to know much about computers.

- Supports VLAN . This is another feature aimed at small businesses. Larger companies have many efficient ways to create virtual LANs, but smaller companies can now run their own VLANs in the office.

The TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch is an excellent choice for households or small businesses that need a few extra devices to the network. It has a sturdy metal case and is a Gigabit switch, meaning it won't slow you down.

However, the TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch does not provide any network management options. If you are a larger business or have an IT staff member who knows what they're doing, you might want to switch with more settings.

This switch doesn't offer the most customization, but is a great choice for home users or for small businesses that don't have a dedicated IT staff.

Advantages

1. 5 Gigabit ports
2. Automatically optimize traffic
3. Semi-duplex mode optional for legacy equipment
4. Buffer 1MB
5. Semi-duplex mode
6. Solid metal shell

Defect

1. There is no option to manage the network
2. No Power over Ethernet (PoE) feature

2. TP-Link TL-SG1005D 5-Port Unmanaged Gigabit Desktop Switch - The least expensive Gigabit switch

Main features:

- Inexpensive : If you need to increase network capacity and their local budgets are limited, this switch will be selected accordingly.

- Mode Automatic energy saving : You will only supply power to the port is actually running. This saves energy consumption.

- Plug and play : Just plug this switch on, connect your device is ready to use. No additional configuration required.

The TP-Link TL-SG1005D is an inexpensive switch for those who need quick connectivity at a low price. This is a great option for small businesses or those who want to connect a few more devices in the home. Gigabit speed is fast enough for any modern electronic device. The automatic energy-saving feature will help you not to waste money when not using the switch and the 1MB buffer is enough for most household use.

However, you won't get many options with this switch. It does not provide power over Ethernet and does not allow you to manage your network traffic. It also doesn't support semi-duplex mode, so you'll need to replace your old hardware or buy a switch that supports semi-duplex.

This switch does not do everything, but enough for basic needs. Users will love the ease of use of the device, but businesses may need to look for another option.

Advantages

1. 5 Gigabit ports
2. Automatic energy saving mode
3. Buffer 1MB
4. Very cheap

Defect

1. Power over Ethernet is not available
2. There is no option to manage the network
3. Half duplex mode is not supported

3. TP-Link 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch - The best energy-saving switch

Main features:

- Network Management : With this switch, you can monitor your network traffic and prioritizing certain types of traffic than others. You can also grant special or limited permissions to individual users.

- Supports half-duplex mode option : This is very good for small business security system or the old POS system. There is no need to upgrade the rest of the hardware just for the switch to work.

- Power Saving Features : This switch only supplies power to the currently active ports. If you only use 4 ports, you won't have to pay for all the 8 ports the switch provides.

The TP-Link 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch is a step up from the previous two TP-Link switches we've reviewed, mainly because it has a network management port. That puts this switch ahead of the competition, as it's useful for large businesses, apartments, and dormitories. It is also useful for small businesses as semi-duplex mode is available.

On the other hand, this is not the best switch for smart home appliances or industrial control devices as it does not provide power over Ethernet. It also has limited VLAN support, so users who need a highly secure switch will probably want something with more options.

This is a great switch for the price. If you need network management and don't have to worry about supporting legacy options, consider this switch.

Advantages

1. 8 Gigabit ports
2. Network management options are available
3. Buffer 2MB
4. Semi-duplex mode optional for legacy equipment
5. Hard steel case

Defect

1. Power over Ethernet is not available
2. Limited VLAN support

4. TP-Link 5-Port Fast Ethernet Switch - The cheapest switch

Main features:

- Very low : This is the cheapest you'll find a switch for a good review.

- Mode save energy : Switch not only deactivate the empty port, it also tracks the demand signal and your cable lengths. You will not pay a penny more than is necessary for your operation.

- Compact and stylish : This is not a switch for the company which is a switch family. So it's easy on the eyes. If you have to put it on a shelf in the living room and let everyone see it, the switch will still look fine.

The TP-Link 5-Port Fast Ethernet Switch is the most budget-friendly switch we've reviewed. It costs the equivalent of a small pizza and offers 5 Fast Ethernet ports for quickly adding new devices to your home network.

The downside is that there is no management option, so you won't want to use this switch for a corporate network. It also doesn't support Gigabit Ethernet, so gamers and hardcore streamers will want to buy a faster switch.

This is a switch for the home network. It is not designed for businesses and is not suitable for them. But if you are looking for an inexpensive way to add a few devices to your home network then it is a good option.

Advantages

1. Very cheap
2. Semi-duplex mode is available to support legacy equipment
3. Energy saving mode so you only pay for what you use

Defect

1. Only Fast Ethernet support - no Gigabit support
2. Small buffer
3. There is no management option

5. NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch - The best 16-port Gigabit switch

Main features:

- 16 Gigabit ports : It is difficult to find a high quality, high capacity switch at an affordable price. This switch supports more devices than you'll find in any other option in this price range.

- Plug and play : Just plug in and use the switch. No need to mess around with settings or changing ports on your PC. Everything is ready for immediate use.

- Supports duplex and half-duplex : This switch is designed for small businesses. You can upgrade your switches without upgrading your security cameras and POS systems.

NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is specially designed for small businesses. It connects as many devices as possible without requiring you to participate in advanced network management or chain switches. The price is extremely reasonable for a switch this large.

On the other hand, this switch has some limitations. Buffer is very small, only 768KB. This makes it unsuitable for streaming or gaming, or for businesses that require a lot of media content. It also doesn't have any network management options, so larger companies will likely want to look for another option.

If you're looking for a high-power switch for your home or small business, look no further. This switch provides many connections for new and old devices.

Advantages

1. 16 Gigabit ports
2. Full duplex and semi-duplex mode supported
3. Just plug and play
4. Good price for a 16-port Gigabit switch
5. Hard metal shell

Defect

1. There is no management option
2. Supports minimum power over Ethernet - limited to 5 volts
3. Buffer is only 768KB

When many people buy an Ethernet switch, the first thing they consider is how many ports or brand it has made. These aren't unimportant, but they can overshadow many other features that the article has discussed. Others seem to put more emphasis on product certainty. Again, durability is important too, but unless you're in a war-prone area, your gear is very unlikely to fall or break.

We talked about the importance of such factors as speed, Auto-MDI / MDI-X connection, switch with or without management feature, full-duplex or semi-duplex mode support, buffer size and power requirements. Hopefully you will find yourself a suitable switch among the top 5 Ethernet switch options that TipsMake  has suggested.

Good luck.