A good home router does not always provide enough Ethernet ports for everything you want to connect. A desktop computer, gaming console, smart TV, NAS, printer, security camera system, and access point can quickly use all available ports.

That is where a network switch comes in.

A network switch adds more wired Ethernet connections to your existing network. Instead of replacing your router, you connect the switch to the router and then connect additional wired devices to the switch.

The right model depends on how you use your network. For a basic home setup, an inexpensive 8-port Gigabit switch may be enough. If you have a fast internet connection, NAS, Wi-Fi 6/7 access point, or several computers transferring large files, a 2.5GbE switch can make much more sense.

What Is a Network Switch?

A network switch is a device that connects multiple wired devices on the same local network.

A typical setup looks like this:

Internet → Modem/ONT → Router → Network Switch → Wired Devices

For example, your router might have only four LAN ports. Connecting an 8-port switch to one of those ports gives you additional ports for computers, televisions, consoles, printers, access points, and other Ethernet devices.

Unlike a router, a basic Ethernet switch does not normally assign IP addresses, provide internet access, or replace your firewall. It primarily expands your wired network.

Why Use a Switch at Home?

A switch can be useful if you:

• Have more wired devices than router ports
• Want more reliable connections for gaming
• Connect a NAS or home server
• Use wired backhaul for mesh Wi-Fi
• Have multiple desktop computers
• Stream high-resolution video
• Want to connect security cameras
• Need Ethernet for a smart TV or streaming box
• Are building a home office
• Want faster connections between local devices

Best Network Switches for Home

There isn’t one perfect switch for every household. These are some of the most useful categories and models to consider.

Switch	Speed	Ports	Management	Best For
TP-Link TL-SG108	1GbE	8	Unmanaged	Basic home networking
TP-Link TL-SG108-M2	2.5GbE	8	Unmanaged	Multi-gig home networks
QNAP QSW-1105-5T	2.5GbE	5	Unmanaged	NAS and multi-gig devices
Ubiquiti UniFi Flex Mini	1GbE	5	Managed	UniFi home networks
Ubiquiti UniFi Flex Mini 2.5G	2.5GbE	5	Managed	Compact multi-gig networks
NETGEAR GS308E	1GbE	8	Smart Managed Plus	VLANs and advanced home setups

Specifications can vary by hardware revision, so check the manufacturer’s current specifications before purchasing.

1. TP-Link TL-SG108: Best Simple Gigabit Switch

For a typical home that needs more Ethernet ports, the TP-Link TL-SG108 is a straightforward option.

It has eight 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports and is an unmanaged switch, meaning you don’t need to configure it before using it. TP-Link also lists features such as auto-negotiation, Auto MDI/MDIX, fanless operation, and IGMP snooping on supported hardware versions.

The setup is extremely simple:

Router LAN port → TL-SG108 → Computers, TV, console, printer, etc.

There is no complicated management interface to learn.

Who should buy it?

The TL-SG108 makes sense if:

• Your network is primarily Gigabit Ethernet
• Your internet connection is 1Gbps or less
• You want additional Ethernet ports
• You don’t need VLAN configuration
• You want a quiet switch
• You want something that is essentially plug-and-play

For a normal home office or entertainment setup, Gigabit Ethernet can still be more than adequate.

2. TP-Link TL-SG108-M2: Best for an 8-Port 2.5GbE Network

If you’re building a new home network, moving directly to 2.5GbE can leave room for faster devices.

The TP-Link TL-SG108-M2 has eight 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports and up to 40 Gbps of switching capacity. TP-Link specifically positions it for devices such as 2.5G NAS systems, servers, gaming PCs, Wi-Fi 6 access points, and home entertainment equipment. It is also fanless and designed as an unmanaged plug-and-play switch.

This is particularly interesting if your router has 2.5GbE LAN connectivity.

For example:

2.5GbE router → 2.5GbE switch → 2.5GbE PC + NAS + Wi-Fi access point

You can then transfer files between compatible devices at considerably higher speeds than a traditional Gigabit network.

One important consideration

Buying a 2.5GbE switch doesn’t automatically make every device 2.5Gbps.

Your router, Ethernet adapters, computers, NAS, access points, and cabling all need to support the appropriate speed.

3. QNAP QSW-1105-5T: Best for a Small Multi-Gig Setup

The QNAP QSW-1105-5T is another option for households moving into multi-gig networking.

It provides five 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, with 25Gbps switching capacity and 12.5Gbps total non-blocking throughput. QNAP also lists the unit as unmanaged and fanless.

Five ports may sound limiting compared with an eight-port switch, but it can work well when your most demanding devices are concentrated in one location.

For example:

• Router
• Gaming PC
• NAS
• Main desktop
• Wi-Fi access point

could all be connected to the same switch.

It’s especially useful when you don’t need many wired devices but want multi-gigabit connectivity between the important ones.

4. Ubiquiti UniFi Flex Mini: Best for UniFi Users

If your home network already uses UniFi equipment, the UniFi Flex Mini can be a convenient addition.

The current Flex Mini has five 1GbE ports, a compact desktop form factor, and supports features including VLANs, port isolation, port mirroring, storm control, and flow control. Ubiquiti lists a 10Gbps switching capacity and 5Gbps total non-blocking throughput.

Unlike a basic unmanaged switch, it is designed to be managed through the UniFi Network ecosystem.

That makes it more attractive to users who want to view and manage network devices centrally.

Who is it for?

Consider it if you already have:

• A UniFi gateway
• UniFi access points
• UniFi cameras
• Multiple VLANs
• Separate IoT and guest networks
• A more structured home network

For someone who needs four or five extra Ethernet ports, however, an unmanaged switch may be easier to use.

5. UniFi Flex Mini 2.5G: Best Compact Managed Multi-Gig Option

If you want the UniFi ecosystem but also want 2.5GbE, the UniFi Flex Mini 2.5G is worth considering.

It provides five 2.5GbE ports and supports features including VLANs, port isolation, port mirroring, storm control, loop protection, and jumbo frames. Ubiquiti lists 25Gbps switching capacity and 12.5Gbps total non-blocking throughput.

This is a particularly interesting choice for a home office or small homelab where several devices need more than Gigabit Ethernet.

6. NETGEAR GS308E: Best for Basic Managed Features

An unmanaged switch is not always enough for more advanced home networks.

The NETGEAR GS308E is a Smart Managed Plus switch with eight Gigabit ports. NETGEAR’s specifications list support for features including 802.1Q VLAN tagging, port-based VLANs, IGMP snooping, rate limiting, and other management capabilities.

This type of switch can be useful when you want to separate different types of traffic without moving into a much more complicated enterprise networking environment.

For example, you could use VLANs to organize:

• Main computers
• IoT devices
• Guest devices
• Cameras
• Home lab equipment

The exact VLAN capabilities and configuration process depend on the router or firewall used with the switch.

Gigabit vs 2.5GbE: Which Should You Choose?

This is one of the biggest decisions when switching homes.

Choose Gigabit if:

• Your internet plan is under 1Gbps
• Most of your devices have 1GbE ports
• You mainly browse, stream, and work remotely
• You don’t regularly transfer huge files
• You want the lowest-cost solution

Choose 2.5GbE if:

• You have internet faster than 1Gbps
• You have a 2.5GbE router
• You use a NAS
• You move large files frequently
• You have a newer Wi-Fi access point
• You edit video from network storage
• You are building a home lab
• You want more headroom for future devices

The important point is that local network speed and internet speed are different things.

A 2.5GbE switch can improve communication between devices on your LAN even if your internet connection is considerably slower.

How Many Ports Do You Need?

Don’t buy a switch with exactly the number of devices you currently have.

Leave room for expansion.

Current Wired Devices	Recommended Switch
2–3	5-port
4–6	8-port
7–10	16-port
10+	16/24-port depending on growth

Remember that one switch port will normally be used to connect the switch to your router.

An 8-port switch therefore gives you seven additional ports if one port is used as the uplink.

Unmanaged vs Managed Network Switches

This decision is just as important as speed.

Unmanaged Switch

An unmanaged switch is essentially plug-and-play.

Connect Ethernet cables and start using it.

It’s ideal for:

• TVs
• Game consoles
• PCs
• Printers
• Simple home offices
• Basic entertainment systems

You don’t normally need to configure anything.

Managed Switch

A managed switch provides configuration and monitoring features.

Depending on the model, this may include:

• VLANs
• Port isolation
• quality of service
• Traffic monitoring
• Link aggregation
• Loop protection
• Port mirroring
• IGMP snooping

Managed switches make more sense for advanced home networks, homelabs, security-conscious setups, and users who want more control.

What About PoE?

If you plan to power devices through Ethernet, look for Power over Ethernet (PoE).

PoE can supply power to compatible devices through the network cable, reducing the need for separate power adapters.

Common PoE devices include:

• Wi-Fi access points
• IP security cameras
• VoIP phones
• Some smart-home equipment

However, don’t assume every Ethernet switch supports PoE.

If you need PoE, check both the switch’s PoE standard and its available power budget.

What Speed Should Your Ethernet Cables Support?

For Gigabit networking, standard modern Ethernet cabling is generally sufficient.

For 2.5GbE, existing cabling can often be reused depending on cable quality, length, installation, and equipment.

You don’t necessarily need to replace every cable just because you upgraded to 2.5GbE.

Before spending money on new cables, check whether your existing installation reliably negotiates the desired speed.

Network Switch vs Router

A router and switch perform different jobs.

Device	Main Function
Modem/ONT	Connects your home to the ISP
Router	Routes traffic between networks and usually provides DHCP/firewall functions
Switch	Adds Ethernet ports and connects wired devices
Access Point	Provides Wi-Fi
Firewall	Filters and controls network traffic

Many consumer routers already contain a small internal Ethernet switch. A separate switch expands the number of available wired connections.

How to Install a Network Switch

Installing an unmanaged home switch is usually simple.

Step 1: Place the switch

Put it somewhere with adequate ventilation and close enough to the devices you want to connect.

Step 2: Connect the router

Run an Ethernet cable from a LAN port on your router to a port on the switch.

Step 3: Connect your devices

Connect computers, consoles, TVs, NAS devices, access points, or other Ethernet equipment to the remaining switch ports.

Step 4: Power the switch

Connect its power adapter unless it is powered through PoE.

Step 5: Test the connections

Check that the Ethernet link lights appear and verify network access on the connected devices.

For an unmanaged switch, that is generally all you need to do.

Common Mistakes When Buying a Home Switch

Buying 1GbE when you need multi-gig

If you have a 2.5GbE NAS and router, a Gigabit switch can become the bottleneck between them.

Buying too few ports

A five-port switch can fill up surprisingly quickly.

Paying for managed features you won’t use

VLANs and advanced traffic controls are useful, but they aren’t necessary for every household.

Forgetting PoE requirements

If you’re installing access points or cameras, verify whether PoE is required before choosing a switch.

Assuming a switch increases internet speed

A switch doesn’t upgrade your ISP plan. It expands your network and can improve local connectivity when your existing equipment supports higher speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a network switch at home?

Not necessarily. If your router has enough Ethernet ports for all your wired devices, you may not need one. A switch becomes useful when you need additional wired connections.

Is a 2.5GbE switch worth it for home use?

It can be worthwhile if you have multi-gig internet, a fast NAS, newer Wi-Fi equipment, or computers with 2.5GbE ports. For basic browsing and streaming, Gigabit Ethernet may be sufficient.

Does a network switch slow down internet?

A properly functioning switch should not inherently slow down your connection. However, the slowest component in the network path can limit performance.

Can I connect a switch to another switch?

Yes. Switches can be connected to expand a wired network. However, larger or more complex networks require proper planning to avoid loops and unnecessary bottlenecks.

Can I connect a Wi-Fi router to a network switch?

Yes. A router’s LAN port can connect to a switch, which then distributes the LAN connection to multiple wired devices.

Is a managed switch better than an unmanaged switch?

It depends on what you need. A managed switch provides more control, while an unmanaged switch is simpler and usually better suited to a basic home network.

How many Ethernet ports should a home switch have?

An 8-port switch is a practical starting point for many homes. If you have numerous wired devices or expect your network to grow, consider 16 ports or more.

Conclusion

The best network switch for your home depends on the network you’re actually building.

For a straightforward Gigabit network, an 8-port unmanaged switch such as the TP-Link TL-SG108 provides a simple way to add Ethernet connections. If you’re moving toward multi-gig networking, an 8-port 2.5GbE option such as the TP-Link TL-SG108-M2 provides considerably more capacity for compatible devices. The QNAP QSW-1105-5T is another compact 2.5GbE option for smaller multi-gig setups.

For households using a more advanced network, managed switches like the UniFi Flex Mini 2.5G or NETGEAR GS308E can offer features such as VLANs and network segmentation.

The most important things to consider are Ethernet speed, number of ports, PoE requirements, management features, and compatibility with your router and other networking equipment. Choose based on those requirements rather than simply buying the fastest switch available.