Best Managed Network Switches of 2026
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Managed network switches are advanced networking devices that allow for the control and management of data traffic in a network. These switches are designed to provide businesses with a high level of security, flexibility, and scalability. Managed switches can be used to connect various devices such as computers, printers, servers, and other network devices. With advanced features such as VLANs, QoS, and port mirroring, managed switches can be used to optimise network performance, troubleshoot network issues, and provide network security. These switches are highly recommended for businesses that require a reliable and efficient network infrastructure.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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Top 7 Managed Network Switches
TP-Link 8-Port Gigabit Managed Switch
The TP-Link 8-Port Switch offers a user-friendly web-based interface for simple configuration, making it easy for you to manage your network effectively. With 8 ports supporting 10/100/1000Mbps, it ensures smooth data transmission, perfect for prioritising traffic and enhancing performance. The device also supports features like port mirroring and IGMP snooping, which are useful for monitoring network traffic and optimising resource usage. Additionally, its loop prevention feature helps maintain network stability, giving you peace of mind while you work.
NETGEAR 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch
The NETGEAR GS305E Switch is an excellent choice for your network needs. With five Gigabit Ethernet ports, you can connect multiple devices for faster data transfer, enhancing your overall network performance. The included software provides an easy-to-use interface, allowing you to configure, secure, and monitor your network effortlessly. Whether you prefer desktop or wall mounting, this switch offers versatile placement options. Additionally, its energy-efficient design helps you save on electricity costs while being compliant with IEEE802.3az standards.
TP-Link 16-Port Gigabit Managed Switch
The TP-Link Managed Switch offers a user-friendly web-based interface, making configuration straightforward. With 16 ports supporting 10/100/1000Mbps speeds, you can easily monitor your network and prioritise traffic for better performance. It also features IGMP snooping, which optimises multicast traffic, ensuring smooth streaming and communication. Additionally, the switch provides loop prevention to maintain network stability, which is essential for uninterrupted connectivity. These features combined make it an excellent choice for enhancing your network setup.
Netgear GS108EV4 8-Port Smart Gigabit Switch
The Netgear GS108EV4 Switch is an 8-port gigabit managed switch that offers fast network speeds up to 2000 Mbps, perfect for handling multiple devices smoothly. Its management software features an intuitive WebGUI, making it easy for you to configure, secure, and monitor your network without hassle. The versatile mounting options allow you to place the switch on a desktop or wall, fitting neatly into various spaces. With a fanless design, the switch operates silently, ideal for quiet environments where noise can be a distraction.
NETGEAR 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch
The NETGEAR Gigabit Switch offers five Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect multiple devices to your network easily. Its user-friendly software provides basic managed capabilities, enabling you to configure, secure, and monitor your network effortlessly. You can choose to place it on your desktop or mount it on the wall, depending on your space needs. Additionally, its energy-efficient design ensures that you can operate it without worrying about excessive power consumption, making it perfect for eco-conscious users.
Goalake 8-Port Gigabit Easy Smart Switch
The Goalake 8-Port Switch is ideal for expanding your wired network with eight high-speed Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring fast and reliable connections for your devices. Its Ethernet splitter feature lets you easily connect multiple gadgets like laptops and smart TVs to your router or modem without hassle. With dual power options, you can install it flexibly using either PoE or a DC adapter, depending on your setup. Plus, the easy smart management system enables you to configure and monitor your network effortlessly through a web interface or mobile app, keeping you in control at all times.
TP-Link TL-SG105E 5-Port Gigabit Switch
The TP-Link TL-SG105E Switch offers a user-friendly web-based interface for simple configuration, making it easy to manage your network. With five 10/100/1000Mbps ports, you can monitor traffic effectively and prioritise it according to your needs. This switch also supports advanced features like VLAN, ensuring your network operates smoothly and securely. Additionally, with IGMP snooping, you can optimise multicast traffic, which is particularly beneficial for streaming applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a managed network switch?
What are managed switches? Managed switches let users adjust each port on the switch to any setting, enabling them to manage, configure and monitor the network in many ways. They also provide greater control over how data travels over the network and who can access that data.
2. What's the difference between a managed and unmanaged Ethernet switch?
A managed network switch provides flexibility to the network administrator to control, manage, and prioritize the LAN traffic. However, an unmanaged switch works like a plug and play switch which allows devices on the LAN to communicate with each other, without user intervention.
3. What is the difference between managed switch?
An unmanaged switch does one thing: it switches, which means it enables devices in a network to communicate. A managed switch allows you to change settings. You can disable unused ports, limit access to your network, limit speed, prioritize traffic, adjust parameters, and more.
During our managed network switch research, we found 138 managed network switch products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 122,092 customer reviews through our big data system to write the managed network switches list. We found that most customers choose managed network switches with an average price of £23.49.
The managed network switches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of managed network switches, including TP-Link, NETGEAR, Goalake.
Harvey Wall was born and raised in Norwich. He mastered the art of tool production and finished at the prestigious Norwich University. His area of interest include cutting tools, abrasive finishing and power tools. Harvey is always looking for ways to improve the finesse of industrial tools via his myriads of researches. He also shares some of his experiences on many platforms while writing on tool products.