10 Best Ethernet Switch 2025 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 Linksys WRT 8-Port Gigabit Switch offers a simple and affordable way to expand your wired home network with eight fast Gigabit Ethernet ports. These ports allow speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is much faster than older Fast Ethernet options, making it great for connecting devices like laptops, smart TVs, and game consoles. The switch supports auto-sensing, so it automatically adjusts to the highest speed your device supports. It also includes Quality of Service (QoS) features to help prioritize video and audio streaming, improving your experience with Netflix, YouTube, or online games. Energy saving is built in through an advanced power-saving mode that reduces power use when ports are not active.

Setup is very easy — just plug in your devices and you’re ready to go, which is ideal if you don’t want to deal with complicated network settings. This is an unmanaged switch, so it lacks advanced features like VLANs or detailed traffic management, which might be needed in more complex or business networks. It also does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE), so you cannot power devices like IP cameras or phones directly through the switch.

The plastic case and moderate size make it suitable for home or small office desks but not for rack mounting. For those looking for a straightforward way to add multiple wired connections with reliable speed and simple use, this Linksys switch is a solid choice. However, if management options or PoE are required, more advanced models should be considered.

The Juniper EX Series EX3300-48P ethernet switch offers an impressive 48 ports, suitable for medium to large networks. With port speeds of 10/100/1000 Mbps, it ensures high-speed connectivity for various devices. One of its key strengths is the support for Power over Ethernet (PoE), including the 802.3at PoE+ standard, which is beneficial for powering devices like cameras and wireless access points directly through the network cable.

This makes it particularly useful for network setups requiring extensive device connectivity without the need for separate power supplies. The Virtual Chassis technology is another highlight, allowing up to six interconnected switches to function as a single device, simplifying network management and scalability. This switch is managed, providing advanced control and monitoring capabilities, which are essential for optimizing network performance and troubleshooting issues effectively.

Its compact form factor with dimensions of 12 x 17 x 2 inches and a weight of 11 pounds makes it relatively easy to install in standard server racks. However, it’s worth noting that while the switch is highly suitable for managed network environments, it may be more complex than necessary for users in small or simple network setups who might prefer an unmanaged switch for ease of use. Additionally, given that this model has been available since 2011, newer models might offer more advanced features or better performance. In summary, the Juniper EX3300-48P is robust, feature-rich, and well-suited for professional environments needing a reliable and scalable network solution.