Gigabit switches, also called Ethernet switches, are one of the best ways to provide your computer with an impressively fast Ethernet connection.
Such a connection at home or even in an office network enables a very stable and speedy network connection.
This article will allow you to pick the best gigabit switch for yourself, and make the best out of it.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Gigabit Switches For Home Networks
Comparison Chart of the Best Gigabit Switches For Home Networks
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What is a Gigabit Switch And What is it Used For?
Gigabit switches are used very commonly, but not everyone knows about them. For those who do not find themselves too familiar with these devices, here is a brief introduction.
A gigabit Ethernet switch, in very simple words, is a way of creating networks using Ethernet cables. Sometimes, the four connections on a router may not seem enough for a user. In this case, to connect a number of devices, the user should consider buying an Ethernet switch, which will serve to be the perfect solution to the issue.
These switches usually come with a minimum of five Ethernet ports and can go up to as many as 24 ports. Certain business-grade products may even provide more for users.
The best part of using these switches to connect to the internet, instead of using Wi-Fi is that they provide considerably better speed. This speed makes them perfect for tasks where a good connection with a fast internet is required, such as gaming and transferring files.
What Makes a Great Gigabit Switch?
Gigabit switches are a great device to be used for a number of reasons, but not all of them work as well. So while you are out picking one for yourself, you need to keep in mind that not all units are the same. In order to ensure that the one that you pick is the right one for you, there are certain aspects that you need to consider.
The Right Features
You can spend all the money you want on a unit, but it won’t be any good unless it has the features that you are looking for. So the first thing you look for is all its features, what it offers and what it doesn’t, and then you ask if these are the features that you want for yourself.
Ports
The number of ports is yet another important aspect to be considered in an Ethernet switch. One of the main reasons these switches are used is due to the lack of sufficient ports in the first place. You do not want to be faced with the same problem even after you’ve gotten a gigabit switch. So make sure that the unit you choose has a sufficient number of ports.
Speed
If we are talking about the important aspect to consider, speed cannot be left out. It needs to be checked and that too correctly. Make sure that the unit you choose provides enough speed for the purpose you will be using it for.
Quick Take - Best Gigabit Switches For Home Networks
In a hurry? Below are the best gigabit switches for home networks:
Review of the Best Gigabit Switches for Home Networks
There are several gigabit switches available on the market, but determining which ones are good for use at home networks can be a difficult task. In order to save you the trouble of going through all of these, here are some of the best ones for home networks listed and reviewed, ready for you to choose from.
Best Overall:
Linksys Business LGS105 5-Port Gigabit Switch
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to users, this gigabit switch by Linksys has proven to be the perfect solution to their issues. They are greatly impressed by its functionality and performance. Those who have recently invested in this unit all confidently say that it is an absolute ten.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What we really love about this unit is that it comes in four different variations. Sometimes a unit is really good with all of its features, but you can’t really get it because the number of ports isn’t right. With this unit, you simply won’t have to go through that since it offers different numbers of ports.
Who Will Use This Most
This unit is one that trumps all others, in all aspects. It's features and functioning both make it perfect for all sorts of home networks. And even for smaller business setups, this Ethernet switch may serve to provide the company with exactly what they need.
Bottom Line
If you had to label one Ethernet switch the king of all switches, it would be this unit. It comes as close to perfection as a gigabit switch can. It promises its users excellence, and it delivers exactly that, leaving no room for disappointment.
Runner-up:
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Switch
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who have recently invested in this unit absolutely love it for all of its features. They are not only glad that they chose this, but also recommend it to others. From its design to its functionality, users report that everything about it is on point.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you ask us, the one feature that we think really stands out and makes it worth being on this list is its quiet operation. There are a number of units that are built with fans and make a considerable amount of noise. This unit avoids that completely and provides no disturbances at all.
Who Will Use This Most
One of the best things that this unit offers is efficient energy utilization. That makes it absolutely ideal for anyone that is looking for an Ethernet switch that wouldn’t greatly add to the electricity bill. So, with this, there’s no increment in the power usage but an uncompromising functionality, which is a win-win.
Bottom Line
If the first product on the list wasn’t good enough, then this one definitely has to be. It may rank second, but its features are definitely second to none and perform just as well as the best. It is just one of those units that are simply designed to impress.
Best for the Money:
D-Link 5-Port EasySmart Gigabit Switch
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A number of people have invested in this unit, and after using it, they have found nothing but good things to say about it. It is an outstanding unit and provides great worth for the money that it costs. That’s not what we say, but the recent buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Of all the reasons that this unit gives us to make it our favorite, the top one that stands out to us is its D-Link green technology. No one likes their devices to hog up on extra energy, but this unit completely ends that issue for its users with its high energy-efficient functioning.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great unit that comes with a number of helpful features but also within a budget. This makes it ideal for those who are on a low budget, looking for a gigabit switch for a home network. It will serve to be the perfect unit for the case, providing the user with all that they need.
Bottom Line
You don't always need to spend more to get the best. And this is very well proven by this Ethernet switch here. It is designed to excel in its performance, all the while ensuring that it does not weigh too heavy on the users pocket. Isn't that all we can ask for?
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who have recently used this product will ensure you that its functioning and performance are just at par with all the high-quality products and its place in this list is absolutely justified. This unit has managed to please its users with all its features very easily.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If we had to select one feature that we think makes this unit stand apart from the rest, it would be the size of this product. Given all the features that are packed into it, the device is surprisingly small and makes no mess when placed on the desktop.
Who Will Use This Most
The POE ports functional exceptionally well with POE cameras. This makes the unit ideal for those looking to set up POE cameras in their house network. No other unit would work better for the purpose.
Bottom Line
All in all, this is a unit that is simply designed to impress. Be it for POE cameras, or to add more connections to your router, this gigabit switch will have your back and prove that it is simply not designed to disappoint.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
If you were to go by the words of reviews by those who recently invested in this unit, you would only find out good things about it. From its efficient functioning to its outstanding performance even at different temperatures, users have nothing but praises for this unit.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Reviews mention a lot of outstanding features, but what we really love about this unit is its simple plug-and-play functioning. There are no hassles for installing software or trying to figure out configurations. All you need to do is plug it in and get using it.
Who Will Use This Most
This unit is one that does not feature a lot of advanced settings. It has a simple set up with simple use. This is why it is absolutely perfect for all those that do not seem to have great knowledge about the advanced settings. Even without it, they can use it fully well.
Bottom Line
This gigabit switch by TP-Link is another of its high-rated devices. It is one unit that you can absolutely rely on to provide you with the ultimate best of performance and quality. It almost seems too good to be true, and one needs to try for themselves.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Gigabit Switch
If you are still wondering if you need to invest in one of these units, then perhaps, you are not well-aware of all the benefits of investing in one. Here are a few perks of these units that may help you decide.
Compatibility
Gigabit switches provide users with compatibility like no other. They can not only support 10, 100, and 1000 Mbps data rate but they are also very well capable of connecting to a wide number of devices. Be it gaming systems, computers, or even cameras; these switches will be compatible with all.
Boosts Devices
Ethernet switches do not just stop there with their functionality. These units also work to boost the working of a number of devices such as DVRs and HDTVs. This boost allows a better connection to the internet.
Expanding Capacity
Gigabit switches provide their main function and can greatly expand the capacity of a network. It allows the users a greater number of ports and therefore, a greater number of connections, to ensure that all the devices one needs to connect are connected in a network.
Types of Gigabit Switches
Gigabit switches are available on the market in a number of different types. They have quite a few variants that one can choose from. It is upon the users and their required use to determine what type of switch they would prefer for themselves.
Unmanaged Switch
This type of switch is most commonly used by small home networks and small businesses. It's a very basic model that doesn't require any sort of configuration or software for its functioning. They usually feature an easy setup that is of the plug-and-play type.
Managed Switches
In contrast to unmanaged switches, these units are a bit more complex. They are designed for users who need to customize their switch. This allows them to boost the functionality in a network greatly. These units also allow the users a number of more features such as monitoring and adjusting.
Conclusion
If you have decided to invest in a gigabit switch for your home network, then there isn't much that you really have to do. Just determine the type of switch that you wish to invest in and once done that, just take a closer look at individual models, their features and designs. And if you like what you see, then there you have it; your final choice of a gigabit switch.
