Are you on the lookout for the perfect unmanaged Ethernet switch to suit your networking needs in 2023? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the 11 best unmanaged Ethernet switches for the coming year. Whether you are a small business owner, a passionate gamer, or a tech enthusiast, we have taken into account factors such as performance, reliability, and affordability to bring you a selection of switches that will cater to your specific requirements. Read on to discover the top picks for the best unmanaged Ethernet switches of 2023.
Overall Score: 8.2/10/10
The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a powerful and reliable network hub that is perfect for both home and office use. With 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, it provides fast and reliable connections for all your devices. The plug-and-play setup makes installation a breeze, and it can be easily mounted on a desktop or wall. The switch operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It is energy efficient and comes with a 3-year limited hardware warranty. With its compact design and high-speed data transfers, this switch is a great investment for anyone looking to expand their network. Overall, the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a dependable and effective choice for all your networking needs.
Key Features
- 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Simple plug-and-play setup
- Supports desktop or wall mount placement
- Industry-leading 3-year limited hardware warranty
- Energy efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az
- Silent operation
- Jumbo frame support 9,720 bytes
Specifications
- Dimension: 6.22Lx4.02Wx1.02H
- Size: 0.88 lb.
Pros
- Fast and reliable connections
- Easy plug-and-play setup
- Silent operation
- Energy efficient design
- Compact and durable construction
Cons
- Not very reliable
- Limited customer support
The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a fantastic choice for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient network hub. With its fast and reliable connections, easy plug-and-play setup, and silent operation, it provides everything you need for a seamless networking experience. The switch is energy efficient, compact, and backed by a 3-year limited hardware warranty, making it a great investment for both home and office use. While there have been some complaints about reliability and customer support, the overall performance and value for money offered by this switch make it a highly recommended option. Upgrade your network with the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch and enjoy fast and reliable connections for all your devices.
Overall Score: 9/10
The TP-Link TL-SG108 is a reliable and quiet 8 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Network Switch, perfect for expanding your network with ease. It features plug and play functionality, requiring no configuration and can support speeds of up to 10/100/1000Mbps. With its advanced software features, you can prioritize your traffic and ensure high-quality data transmission. The fanless metal design guarantees quiet operation, making it suitable for any environment. The switch also comes with limited lifetime protection and free 24/7 technical support. With its energy-efficient technology, compact size, and sturdy build, the TP-Link TL-SG108 is an excellent choice for expanding and optimizing your network.
Key Features
- One Switch Made to Expand Network with 8 port Gigabit speed
- Plug and Play with no configuration needed
- Energy-efficient technology for reduced power consumption
- Reliable and quiet operation with fanless design
- Advanced software features for traffic optimization
- Durable metal case with desktop or wall-mounting design
- Limited lifetime protection and free 24/7 technical support
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 6.22Lx3.94Wx0.98H
- Size: 8 Port
Pros
- Easy to set up with no software installation or configuration needed
- Quiet fanless design ensures noise-free operation
- Advanced software features for prioritizing traffic
- Sturdy metal case and compact size for durability and space-saving
- Limited lifetime protection and free 24/7 technical support
Cons
- Noisy cooling fan reported by some users
- Power jack located on the back may not be convenient for all installations
- Lacks mounting hardware
The TP-Link TL-SG108 is a reliable and efficient network switch that offers excellent performance and ease of use. With its plug and play functionality, advanced software features, and compact design, it provides a seamless solution for expanding and optimizing your network. The fanless operation ensures quiet operation, and the limited lifetime protection offers peace of mind. However, some users have reported noise issues with the cooling fan, and the placement of the power jack may not be convenient for all installations. Overall, the TP-Link TL-SG108 is a solid choice for those looking to enhance their network capabilities.
Overall Score: 9/10
The NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305) is a versatile and user-friendly home network hub that offers simple setup with no software to install or configuration needed. It supports both desktop and wall mount placement, making it suitable for various environments. The fanless design ensures silent operation, while the energy-efficient feature optimizes power usage, resulting in lower operating costs. With a robust build and rigorous testing for reliability, quality, and performance, this switch is designed to last. It comes with a 3-year limited hardware warranty, providing peace of mind to users. Overall, the NETGEAR GS305 is a reliable, easy-to-use and durable Ethernet switch for home or office networking needs.
Key Features
- Plug and play: Simple setup with no software to install or configuration needed
- Versatile mounting options: Supports desktop or wall mount placement
- Silent operation: The fanless design means zero added noise
- Peace of mind warranty – Covered by an industry leading 3 year limited hardware warranty
- Energy efficient: Designed to optimize power usage, lowering its cost to operate
- Built to last: Rigorously tested for reliability, quality, and performance
Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.20Lx4.00Wx1.10H
- Weight: 0.24 kg (0.53 lb)
Pros
- Simple plug and play setup
- Versatile mounting options for convenience
- Silent operation suitable for noise sensitive environments
- Peace of mind with a 3-year limited hardware warranty
- Energy efficient design for cost optimization
- Rigorously tested for reliability and performance
Cons
- Status lights located at the rear make it inconvenient to monitor connections
The NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305) is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and easy-to-use Ethernet switch. With its simple plug and play setup, versatile mounting options, and silent operation, it offers convenience and flexibility. The energy-efficient design and rigorous testing for reliability make it a cost-effective and durable solution for home or office networking. While the location of status lights at the rear may be a minor inconvenience, it does not overshadow the overall performance of the switch. With a 3-year limited hardware warranty, users can have peace of mind knowing they are covered. Overall, the NETGEAR GS305 is a highly recommended choice for those in need of a dependable and efficient network switch.
Overall Score: 9/10
The TP-Link Litewave 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch is a reliable, energy-efficient, and plug-and-play network expansion solution. With its sleek plastic case and fanless design, it operates quietly and seamlessly integrates into any setup. It offers excellent value for money, expanding network capacity while saving power. The switch features five Gigabit RJ45 ports with auto negotiation and auto MDI/MDIX, allowing for easy expansion of network connections. The IEEE 802.3X flow control ensures reliable data transfer, and the plug-and-play setup eliminates the need for software installation or configuration. Whether you need to connect additional devices to your router or modem, this Ethernet switch provides a convenient and cost-effective solution. Expand your network capacity with the TP-Link Litewave 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch and enjoy reliable and efficient data transfer.
Key Features
- One Switch Made to Expand Network
- Gigabit that Saves Energy
- Reliable and Quiet
- Plug and Play
- Ethernet Splitter
Specifications
- Dimension: 3.54Lx2.83Wx0.91H
Pros
- Easy plug and play setup
- Energy-efficient technology
- Quiet operation
- Expand network capacity
Cons
- Ports may be unreliable
- Plastic case may feel less durable compared to metal switches
The TP-Link Litewave 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch is a reliable, energy-efficient, and plug-and-play network expansion solution. With its sleek plastic case and fanless design, it operates quietly and seamlessly integrates into any setup. It offers excellent value for money, expanding network capacity while saving power. The switch is easy to install and doesn’t require any configuration, making it perfect for both beginners and advanced users. However, some users reported port reliability issues, and the plastic case may feel less durable than metal switches. Overall, this switch is a cost-effective option for expanding your wired network connections.
Overall Score: 8/10
The TP-Link 5 Port 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch is a cost-effective solution for expanding network capacity. With 5 auto-negotiation RJ45 ports, this switch allows for easy connectivity to your router or modem router, providing additional wired connections for devices such as laptops, gaming consoles, and printers. Featuring green Ethernet technology, it boasts power-saving benefits and a fanless quiet design. The switch also supports auto-negotiation and eliminates the need for crossover cables. With its compact desktop design, it offers a convenient plug-and-play setup without the need for any configuration or software. Reliable data transfer is ensured with IEEE 802.3x flow control. The TP-Link 5 Port Ethernet Switch is a reliable and cost-effective solution for expanding your network capacity.
Key Features
- Green Ethernet technology saves power consumption
- PLUG-AND-PLAY – Easy setup with no configuration or no software needed
- ETHERNET SPLITTER Connectivity to your router or modem router for additional wired connections (laptop, gaming console, printer, etc.)
- 5 Port FAST ETHERNET – 5 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiation RJ45 ports greatly expand network capacity
- COST EFFECTIVE – Fanless Quiet Design, Desktop design
- RELIABLE – IEEE 802.3x flow control provides reliable data transfer
- UP to 68% Power Saving – Automatically adjusts power consumption according to the link status and cable length
- AUTO-NEGOTIATION – Supports Auto-MDI/MDIX, eliminating the need for crossover cables
- Unlimited 24/7 technical support for FREE
Specifications
- Color: 5
- Dimension: 4.07Lx2.74Wx0.87H
- Size: 5 Port
Pros
- Easy setup with plug-and-play
- Expands network capacity with 5 auto-negotiation RJ45 ports
- Cost-effective and fanless quiet design
- Reliable data transfer with IEEE 802.3x flow control
Cons
- Limited to 100 Mbps speed
- Not suitable for high bandwidth devices
The TP-Link 5 Port Ethernet Switch is a compact and affordable solution for expanding your network capacity. With its easy plug-and-play setup, you can quickly connect multiple devices to your router or modem router. The switch’s green Ethernet technology and fanless design ensure energy efficiency and a quiet operation. It also offers reliable data transfer with IEEE 802.3x flow control. However, it’s important to note that this switch is limited to 100 Mbps speed, making it more suitable for low bandwidth devices. If you’re in need of an affordable solution to expand your network capacity, the TP-Link 5 Port Ethernet Switch is a reliable choice.
Overall Score: 9/10
The TP-Link 16 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch is a reliable and energy-efficient switch that expands network capacity with minimal power consumption. It features 16 auto-negotiation and auto MDI/MDIX ports, as well as advanced software features for traffic optimization. The fanless design ensures quiet operation, and the sturdy metal case allows for desktop or wall-mounting. With its easy plug-and-play setup and limited lifetime protection, this switch provides a seamless networking solution. Rated at 4.7/5 by customers, it has received positive feedback for its performance and durability.
Key Features
- One Switch Made to Expand Network
- Gigabit That Saves Energy
- Reliable and Quiet
- Plug and Play
- Advanced Software Features
- Sturdy Metal Case
- Limited Lifetime Protection
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 11.26Lx4.40Wx1.00H
- Size: 16 Port
Pros
- Easy to connect with ample ports
- Energy-efficient technology
- Reliable data transfer with quiet operation
- No software installation or configuration required
- Traffic prioritization for high-quality transmission
- Durable metal case with various mounting options
- Limited lifetime protection with 24/7 technical support
Cons
- Some users experienced power supply issues
- Not waterproof or suitable for outdoor use
The TP-Link 16 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch is a highly recommended networking solution that provides excellent performance and reliability. With its easy setup and plug-and-play functionality, users can easily expand their network capacity. The energy-efficient design saves power and reduces costs in the long run. The advanced software features ensure optimized traffic and seamless transmission of video or voice data. The fanless design eliminates noise, making it suitable for various environments. Users benefit from the sturdy metal case and limited lifetime protection, backed by responsive technical support. Despite some isolated power supply issues, this switch offers outstanding value for the price and is a great addition to any home or office network setup.
Overall Score: 8/10
If you're an average person like me, looking for a reliable switch that offers some advanced features without burning a hole in your pocket, I'd highly recommend giving this NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch a try. It has 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports and supports both desktop and wall mount placement. The setup is incredibly easy with plug-and-play functionality and requires no software installation or configuration. The switch operates silently and is energy efficient, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. It also comes with a lifetime limited hardware warranty, next business day replacement, and 24/7 chat support. With positive customer reviews and a rating of 4.7/5, this switch is a great value for its performance and features.
Key Features
- 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Simple plug-and-play setup
- Supports desktop or wall mount placement
- Lifetime Limited Hardware Warranty
- Energy efficient design
- Silent operation
Specifications
- Color: Blue
- Dimension: 8.54Lx6.50Wx4.29H
- Size: Unmanaged
Pros
- Easy plug-and-play setup
- Energy efficient design
- Silent operation
- Supports desktop or wall mount placement
- Lifetime limited hardware warranty
Cons
- Flawed management interface
- Old style interface
- Limited software support for management
The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a reliable and affordable option for those in need of a switch with advanced features. It offers easy setup, energy efficiency, and silent operation, making it suitable for various environments. The switch comes with a lifetime limited hardware warranty and provides excellent customer support. However, some users have mentioned issues with the management interface and limited software support. Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly switch that delivers on performance and features, this NETGEAR switch is a great choice.
Overall Score: 8/10
The ienRon 10 Ports Gigabit Ethernet Switch is a high-performance network switch with 8 Gigabit ports and 2 Gigabit uplink ports. It is designed for easy setup and use, with plug and play functionality and support for MDI/MDIX auto-flip and duplex/rate auto-negotiation. The switch is made with a fanless metal design and shielded ports for safer and reliable data transfer. It also features 4KV lightning protection to prevent circuit failure. With a wide application range, it is suitable for various settings such as IP monitoring, wireless AP equipment, shopping malls, schools, and more. The switch comes with a 12-month warranty and is backed by quality customer service.
Key Features
- High Performance Gigabit Switch
- Easy to Use, Plug & Play
- Safer and Reliable
- 4KV Lightning Protection
- Wide Application Range
- Warranty
Specifications
- N/A
Pros
- High-speed and low-power consumption Ethernet chip
- Energy-efficient and cost-saving
- Supports normal mode and VLAN mode switching
- Reliable data transfer with flow control
- Durable and rust-resistant design
- Quiet fanless operation
- Built-in protection circuit
- Compatible with various devices
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- Some customers experienced issues with port functionality
- Short power cord
- Brightness of LED lights
The ienRon 10 Ports Gigabit Ethernet Switch is a reliable and cost-effective solution for expanding network capacity. With its high-speed performance, energy efficiency, and durable design, it offers great value for its price. The switch’s ease of use and wide compatibility make it suitable for various applications, while the 12-month warranty provides peace of mind. However, some customers have reported issues with certain ports and the short length of the power cord may limit placement options. Despite these drawbacks, the switch’s overall performance and features make it a worthy choice for those in need of a reliable Ethernet switch.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a reliable and durable product that provides a fast and efficient network connection for all devices. With 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and plug-and-play setup, it offers simple installation and configuration. This switch supports desktop, wall, or rackmount placement, making it versatile for any environment. Its energy-efficient design and silent operation make it ideal for noise-sensitive spaces. The switch is compact and saves space, while still providing excellent performance. With its USA roots, NETGEAR maintains its reputation for quality products. Overall, this switch is a solid choice for expanding your network with ease and reliability.
Key Features
- 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Simple plug-and-play setup
- Supports desktop, wall, or rackmount placement
- Energy efficient design
- Silent operation
Specifications
- Dimension: 13.50Lx11.12Wx3.12H
Pros
- Easy installation and setup
- Compact and space-saving design
- Reliable and durable performance
- Versatile placement options
Cons
- May experience intermittent connectivity issues
- Lacks responsive customer service
The NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a dependable choice for expanding your network. Its simple setup and diverse placement options make it user-friendly and adaptable to any environment. With energy efficiency and silent operation, it is well-suited for noise-sensitive areas. The switch offers fast and efficient connections for all devices, ensuring a reliable network performance. While there have been some reports of intermittent connectivity issues and unresponsive customer service, the overall quality and performance of this switch make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re a home user or have a small business network, the NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a solid choice to enhance your network capabilities.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Tenda SG105 is a 5-port gigabit switch designed for easy setup and maximum efficiency. With plug and play functionality, this network switch requires no configuration or software. It provides 5 10/100/1000Mbps adaptive ports that offer up to 1000 megabits per second speed. The compact and fashionable mini design takes up minimal space while delivering high performance. The SG105 is an Ethernet splitter that provides quick and easy connectivity to your router and/or modem, offering additional wired connections for devices like laptops, gaming consoles, and printers. It features intelligent recognition, allowing the ports to automatically identify the parallel and intersecting lines. With limited lifetime protection and a dedicated tech-support team, the Tenda SG105 is a reliable and efficient choice for home and office networks.
Key Features
- Easy setup with no configuration or software required
- Gigabit speed with all ports wire-speed forwarding
- Mini and fashionable design for minimal space usage
- Ethernet splitter for additional wired connections
- Intelligent recognition of parallel and intersecting lines
- Limited lifetime protection and 24/7 tech-support
Specifications
- Color: Plastic Frame
- Dimension: 2.60Lx0.90Wx3.66H
- Size: 5-Port
Pros
- Easy plug and play setup
- High-speed gigabit performance
- Compact and fashionable design
- Provides additional wired connections
- Intelligent recognition for easy installation
- Limited lifetime protection and tech-support
Cons
- Plastic construction
- Larger than expected size
- Non-dimmable lights on top of the switch
- Power connection located with Ethernet ports
The Tenda SG105 5-Port Gigabit Switch is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-use network switch. Its plug and play functionality and high-speed performance make it a convenient solution for home and office networks. Despite its plastic construction and larger size, the SG105 offers intelligent recognition and additional wired connections for various devices. With limited lifetime protection and dedicated tech-support, this switch ensures long-term reliability. Whether you need to connect your laptop, gaming console, or printer, the Tenda SG105 provides fast and efficient connectivity. Upgrade your network with the Tenda SG105 and enjoy seamless networking with minimal effort.
Overall Score: 9/10
The TEROW Ethernet Switch is a compact and portable solution for expanding your network capacity. With 5 Gigabit RJ45 ports, this unmanaged network switch allows for high-speed connections of up to 1,000Mbps. Its small size makes it perfect for travel and business, as well as for use in schools, homes, and small to medium-sized enterprises. The plug-and-play feature ensures hassle-free setup, while the fanless design guarantees quiet operation. Designed with 4KV lightning protection, this switch is built to withstand power surges and protect your network. With excellent after-sales service and a one-year warranty, the TEROW Ethernet Switch is a reliable and convenient choice for expanding your network.
Key Features
- Gigabit Ethernet Switch with 5 ports
- Portable size for easy travel and business use
- Plug and Play feature for simple setup
- Fanless design for quiet operation
- 4KV lightning protection for added safety
- Excellent after-sales service with one-year warranty
Specifications
Pros
- Compact and portable
- High-speed connections
- Quiet operation
- Built-in lightning protection
- Excellent after-sales service
Cons
- Bright LED light on power supply
- Doesn't work with PS4 and TV
The TEROW Ethernet Switch is a reliable and convenient solution for expanding your network capacity. Its compact and portable design, along with the plug-and-play feature, make it perfect for travel and business use. With high-speed connections and built-in lightning protection, you can trust this switch to deliver excellent performance and keep your network safe. The after-sales service and one-year warranty provide peace of mind and ensure a satisfying experience. The only drawbacks are the bright LED light on the power supply and the compatibility issue with PS4 and TV. Overall, the TEROW Ethernet Switch offers great value for its price and is a must-have for anyone looking to expand their network.
Buyer's Guide: Unmanaged Ethernet Switch
Welcome to the ultimate buyer's guide for unmanaged Ethernet switches! In this comprehensive guide, we will help clear up any confusion surrounding these essential networking devices. Whether you are a tech novice or a seasoned professional, our expert advice will assist you in making an informed decision. So without further ado, let's dive straight into the world of unmanaged Ethernet switches!
Benefits of Unmanaged Ethernet Switches:
- Simplicity: Unmanaged switches are incredibly straightforward to set up and use, making them ideal for beginners or small network deployments.
- Affordability: These switches are generally more cost-effective compared to their managed counterparts, allowing you to save money while still enjoying efficient network connectivity.
- Plug-and-Play: With their "plug-and-play" nature, unmanaged switches require no configuration, enabling you to connect devices instantly without the need for technical expertise.
- Reliability: Built with simplicity in mind, unmanaged switches are designed to perform reliably. They prioritize stable connections over advanced features, ensuring consistent network performance.
Factors to Consider:
When purchasing an unmanaged Ethernet switch, it is important to keep certain factors in mind to ensure you select the right device for your needs. Consider the following:1. Number of Ports:
- Determine the number of devices you need to connect to the switch. Choose a switch with sufficient port count to accommodate your network requirements.
2. Speed and Bandwidth:
- Consider the data transfer speed and bandwidth capabilities of the switch. Ensure it supports the speeds you require for optimal network performance.
3. Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Support:
- If you have devices that are powered using Ethernet, such as IP cameras or VoIP phones, look for an unmanaged switch that offers PoE support. This feature eliminates the need for separate power adapters.
4. Form Factor:
- Determine whether a desktop or rack-mounted switch is more suitable for your setup. Desktop switches are portable and easy to install, while rack-mounted switches are better suited for larger networks or server rooms.
5. Energy Efficiency:
- Consider switches that offer energy-saving features such as auto-sensing ports and power management. This can help reduce power consumption, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.
6. Warranty and Support:
- Check for warranty options and support provided by the manufacturer. Look for a reputable brand that offers reliable after-sales service, ensuring peace of mind in case of any issues.
7. Price:
- Compare prices from different vendors to find the best deal without compromising on your specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions about 11 Best Unmanaged Ethernet Switch for 2023
Managed switches offer advanced features like network monitoring, control, and configuration options, while unmanaged switches are simpler, requiring no configuration and offering basic connectivity.
Yes, you can easily upgrade from an unmanaged to a managed switch if your network requirements expand or change over time.
Yes, all devices connected to an unmanaged switch share the available bandwidth equally and simultaneously.
Absolutely! Unmanaged switches are well-suited for small to medium-sized home networks, offering easy setup and hassle-free connectivity.
Yes, you can connect a managed switch to an unmanaged switch. However, keep in mind that the unmanaged switch will not be able to take advantage of any advanced features provided by the managed switch.
