Top 6 Network Switches for Home and Small Office (2025)

❓ Which Network Switch is Best for Home or Small Office Use?

When you need more Ethernet ports or a stable wired connection for your devices like PCs, printers, or smart TVs, a network switch is the perfect solution. It’s a plug-and-play device that expands your local area network (LAN), ensuring high-speed and reliable connections.

In this blog, we’ll explore the 6 best unmanaged network switches for home or small office use. These options are easy to install, cost-effective, and offer great speeds for daily internet activities like streaming, gaming, and file sharing.

📘 What is a Network Switch and Why Do You Need One?

A network switch connects multiple devices (like computers, printers, and IP cameras) using Ethernet cables, making your network faster and more stable. It works by creating a local network and ensuring each device connected to the switch can communicate efficiently.

Common reasons people use a network switch:

• Small offices needing multiple LAN ports for printers, desktops, and phones
• Home offices for stable internet connections and file-sharing
• Gaming PCs for lag-free, high-speed connections
• Smart homes, using multiple devices like cameras, smart TVs, and speakers

🏆 Top 6 Network Switches for Home & Small Office (2025)

1. 🟢 Tenda SG105 – 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch

🔗 Buy on Amazon

• Speed: 10/100/1000 Mbps
• Ports: 5 Gigabit
• Type: Unmanaged, plug-and-play
• Design: Compact, durable metal, fanless

✅ Pros:
✔️ Affordable gigabit performance
✔️ Easy setup, no configuration needed
✔️ Silent and heat-resistant design

❌ Cons:
➖ No PoE support
➖ Not ideal for larger setups with more than 5 devices

2. 🟢 TP-Link TL-SG105 – 5-Port Gigabit Switch

🔗 Buy on Amazon

• Speed: Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mbps)
• Build: Metal body, fanless
• Type: Unmanaged, plug-and-play
• Ideal For: Streaming, backups, and file sharing

✅ Pros:
✔️ Reliable performance
✔️ Premium metal design
✔️ Auto MDI/MDIX – no crossover needed

❌ Cons:
➖ Slightly costlier than Tenda
➖ No advanced features for large networks

3. 🟢 Netgear GS308 – 8-Port Gigabit Switch

🔗 Buy on Amazon

• Ports: 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Type: Unmanaged
• Design: Metal case, LED indicators
• Ideal For: Small office teams or multi-device homes

✅ Pros:
✔️ More ports for expansion
✔️ Trusted brand with reliable build quality
✔️ Quiet, fanless operation

❌ Cons:
➖ Slightly bulky
➖ No mounting kit included

4. 🟡 D-Link DES-1008C – 8-Port Fast Ethernet Switch (100 Mbps)

🔗 Buy on Amazon

• Ports: 8 Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps)
• Type: Unmanaged
• Ideal For: Basic wired devices like printers, cameras

✅ Pros:
✔️ Very affordable
✔️ Lightweight, plastic build
✔️ Perfect for low-bandwidth tasks

❌ Cons:
➖ Not Gigabit (limited to 100 Mbps)
➖ Not ideal for high-speed file transfers or streaming

5. 🟡 TP-Link TL-SF1005D – 5-Port 100 Mbps Ethernet Switch

🔗 Buy on Amazon

• Ports: 5 Fast Ethernet
• Type: Unmanaged, plug-and-play
• Design: Compact, plastic body

✅ Pros:
✔️ Super budget-friendly
✔️ Easy to use for basic setups
✔️ Good for smart TVs, printers

❌ Cons:
➖ Only 100 Mbps
➖ Not for high-demand tasks like file sharing or streaming

6. 🟢 TP-Link TL-SF1005LP – 5-Port Unmanaged PoE Switch

🔗 Buy on Amazon

• Ports: 5 (4 PoE + 1 Uplink)
• Speed: 10/100 Mbps
• PoE Budget: 41W total
• Type: Unmanaged, plug-and-play
• Ideal For: IP Cameras, Access Points, VoIP phones

✅ Pros:
✔️ Can power up to 4 PoE devices directly
✔️ Overheat protection, compact design
✔️ Perfect for CCTV setups and VoIP systems

❌ Cons:
➖ Only Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps)
➖ Limited PoE power budget

💬 FAQs – Network Switches for Home and Small Office

❓Do I need a network switch if I have Wi-Fi?

If you have multiple wired devices like printers, IP cameras, or gaming PCs, a network switch will improve your internet stability and speed compared to Wi-Fi. Plus, it ensures that your connection won’t drop or slow down.

❓What’s the difference between a switch and a router?

A router connects your home or office network to the internet, while a switch simply expands the number of Ethernet ports available on your local network, allowing more devices to connect via wired LAN.

❓Is a Gigabit switch better than a 100 Mbps switch?

Yes, if you want faster file transfers, better streaming, or lag-free gaming, a Gigabit switch (1000 Mbps) is much better than a 100 Mbps switch.

❓Is setting up a network switch difficult?

Not at all! All of the switches mentioned in this guide are unmanaged, which means they’re plug-and-play. Just connect the Ethernet cables, and you’re good to go!

🧾 Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

For home users or small office setups:

• If you need more ports and reliable performance, the TP-Link TL-SG105 or Netgear GS308 are excellent choices.
• For PoE-powered devices (like IP cameras or access points), the TP-Link TL-SF1005LP is perfect, offering plug-and-play convenience with PoE support.

If you're looking for budget-friendly options for smaller, low-demand setups, consider the D-Link DES-1008C or TP-Link TL-SF1005D.