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10 Best Ethernet Switch 2025 in the United States

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#1

Winner

Meraki MS250 Series 24-Port Network Switch, PoE+ (MS250-24p-HW)

The Meraki MS250 Series 24-Port Network Switch (MS250-24P-HW) is a powerful option for those needing a high-capacity, managed switch. With 24 Gigabit PoE+ ports, it provides up to 370W of power over Ethernet, which is excellent for environments requiring power to multiple devices. The 4 x 10G SFP+ uplink interfaces ensure robust connectivity options, and the dual stacking interfaces offer up to 80 Gbps of bandwidth, making it ideal for scaling and redundancy.

Additionally, the switch's non-blocking backplane supports up to 176 Gbps of switching capacity, ensuring smooth data flow without bottlenecks. The support for field replaceable, redundant power supplies adds reliability and ease of maintenance. However, it requires a separate license purchase, which can be an additional cost to consider. The switch is relatively heavy at 11 pounds but has a compact form factor of 14.89 x 19.08 x 1.72 inches, suitable for desktop use.

Despite being released in 2017, its capabilities remain relevant, particularly for high-demand network environments. A major plus is its Layer 3 switch type, which adds advanced routing capabilities, beneficial for complex networks. Potential buyers should be aware of the additional license requirement and ensure it fits within their budget and needs.

#2

Juniper EX Series 48-Port 10/100/1000 Base Switch (EX3300-48P)

Rating
10.0
Managed vs. Unmanaged

Most important from
2 reviews

Managed vs. Unmanaged
The CLI is amazing, and the GUI is pretty good if that is what you prefer, offering flexibility in management.

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.

Rating
10.0
Managed vs. Unmanaged

Most important from
2 reviews

Managed vs. Unmanaged
The CLI is amazing, and the GUI is pretty good if that is what you prefer, offering flexibility in management.
#3

CISCO DESIGNED Meraki Cloud Managed MS120-48FP 740W PoE Switch - 48x 1GbE Ports, 4 x 1GbE SFP Uplink, 104 Gbps Switching Capacity (MS120-48FP-HW)

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.

Buying Guide for the Best Ethernet Switch

Choosing the right Ethernet switch for your network can significantly impact the performance and reliability of your connections. An Ethernet switch is a device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) and uses MAC addresses to forward data to the correct destination. When selecting an Ethernet switch, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your specific requirements.
Port CountThe port count refers to the number of Ethernet ports available on the switch. This is important because it determines how many devices you can connect to the switch. If you have a small network with only a few devices, a switch with 5 to 8 ports may be sufficient. For medium-sized networks, consider switches with 16 to 24 ports. Large networks or enterprise environments may require switches with 48 ports or more. Assess the number of devices you need to connect now and in the future to choose the right port count for your needs.
SpeedEthernet switches come in different speed ratings, such as Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps), Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps), and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 Gbps). The speed of the switch determines how quickly data can be transferred between devices. For basic home or small office use, Fast Ethernet may be adequate. However, for more demanding applications like video streaming, gaming, or large file transfers, Gigabit Ethernet is recommended. For high-performance networks or data centers, consider 10 Gigabit Ethernet switches. Choose a switch with a speed that matches your network's performance requirements.
Managed vs. UnmanagedEthernet switches can be either managed or unmanaged. Unmanaged switches are simple plug-and-play devices with no configuration options, making them easy to use for basic networking needs. Managed switches, on the other hand, offer advanced features such as VLAN support, Quality of Service (QoS), and network monitoring, allowing for greater control and optimization of the network. If you need a straightforward solution for a small network, an unmanaged switch may suffice. For larger or more complex networks where you need more control and customization, a managed switch is the better choice.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows the switch to deliver power to connected devices, such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones, through the Ethernet cables. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies for these devices, simplifying installation and reducing cable clutter. If you plan to connect PoE-enabled devices, look for a switch that supports PoE. There are different PoE standards, such as PoE (15.4W per port), PoE+ (30W per port), and PoE++ (60W or 100W per port). Choose a switch with the appropriate PoE standard based on the power requirements of your devices.
Switching CapacitySwitching capacity, also known as bandwidth or throughput, refers to the total amount of data the switch can handle at any given time. It is measured in gigabits per second (Gbps). A higher switching capacity means the switch can handle more data traffic without becoming a bottleneck. For small networks with light traffic, a lower switching capacity may be sufficient. However, for networks with heavy data traffic, such as those in businesses or data centers, a higher switching capacity is essential to ensure smooth and efficient data transfer. Consider your network's data traffic needs when choosing a switch with the appropriate switching capacity.
Form FactorThe form factor of an Ethernet switch refers to its physical size and shape. Switches come in various form factors, including desktop, rack-mounted, and wall-mounted. Desktop switches are compact and suitable for small networks or home use. Rack-mounted switches are designed to fit into standard server racks and are ideal for larger networks or data centers. Wall-mounted switches can be mounted on walls to save space and are often used in environments where space is limited. Choose a form factor that fits your installation environment and space constraints.

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