10 Best Ethernet Switch 2026 in the United States

The TP-Link Litewave 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch is a compact and straightforward device designed to expand your wired network by adding more Ethernet connections. It offers five RJ45 ports, all supporting fast gigabit speeds (up to 1000 Mbps), which makes it suitable for everyday internet use, streaming, gaming, and connecting devices like laptops, printers, or gaming consoles. This switch is unmanaged, meaning it requires no setup or software — just plug it in, and it works right away. It’s fanless, so it runs quietly, and its small size allows it to fit neatly on or behind a desk without drawing attention.

On the power side, it is energy-efficient and consumes very little electricity. However, it does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE), so it cannot power devices like some cameras or phones directly through the cable. Also, being unmanaged, it lacks advanced features that professional users might want, like traffic control or VLAN settings. Its switching capacity is adequate for home or small office use but wouldn’t be ideal for larger networks needing complex management.

This switch represents a solid choice if you need a simple, reliable way to add a few wired connections quickly and silently, especially in a home or small office environment.

The CISCO DESIGNED Meraki Cloud Managed MS120-48FP switch is a robust choice for businesses that need a reliable and high-capacity networking solution. With 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 4 additional 1GbE SFP uplink ports, it offers ample connectivity options for various devices such as laptops, desktops, cameras, and printers. The 104 Gbps switching capacity ensures fast data transfer rates, making it suitable for high-demand environments like branch deployments and medium to large-sized offices.

This switch is ideal for users looking for a managed solution, which provides advanced control and visibility over the network through cloud management. The zero-touch provisioning feature simplifies the setup process, which is a significant advantage for those without extensive IT expertise. Additionally, the switch supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) on all 48 ports, delivering up to 740W of power, which is beneficial for powering devices like IP cameras and VoIP phones without the need for separate power supplies.

One of the key benefits is its intelligent PoE power allocation, optimizing power distribution based on device requirements. This switch is built to last with a metal case and offers ultra-reliability, backed by a lifetime warranty. However, its managed nature may introduce a learning curve for users unfamiliar with network management. Also, at 14.7 pounds, it is relatively heavy and requires appropriate mounting space, which could be a consideration for smaller setups. This switch is best suited for businesses that need a scalable, high-performance network switch with extensive management capabilities and PoE support.

The CISCO DESIGNED Meraki Cloud Managed MS225-24P is a robust ethernet switch featuring 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 4 SFP 10GbE uplink interfaces, making it suitable for medium to large networks requiring high-speed connectivity. Its 370W Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability allows it to power compatible devices like IP phones and cameras directly through the ethernet cable, which is highly convenient. This switch is managed, offering advanced Layer 3 features and cloud-based management for easy monitoring and diagnostics.

The cloud management provides added flexibility with remote access, email, and text message alerts for network issues, though it requires a separate cloud licensing purchase, which could increase costs. Additionally, its 80G physical stacking and non-blocking switch fabric enhance its performance by ensuring smooth data flow without bottlenecks, making it highly efficient for environments with heavy data traffic. The switch also supports voice and video QoS (Quality of Service), ensuring optimal performance for media applications.

However, the need for cloud licensing and the upfront cost might be considered a drawback for smaller businesses or those with limited budgets. The form factor is fairly standard with dimensions of 19.08 x 9.84 x 1.72 inches and a weight of 8.2 pounds, making it relatively easy to integrate into existing rack setups. This switch is ideal for businesses looking for a reliable, high-performance solution with advanced management capabilities, especially those relying on PoE devices.