TP-Link Switch vs Netgear Switch Black Friday 2026: Picks

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Key takeaways

  • TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 is the standout fit for gamers who want five 2.5GbE ports in a compact unmanaged switch.
  • NETGEAR GS305 offers a simple five-port gigabit option for consoles and other standard wired devices.
  • TP-Link TL-SG108-M2 and NETGEAR MS308 give eight devices access to 2.5GbE connectivity.
  • Choose gigabit for basic wired networking and 2.5GbE when your router, PC, NAS or broadband connection supports faster speeds.
  • Compare port count, link speed and device needs before choosing a Black Friday 2026 switch.

TP-Link and NETGEAR each offer compact Ethernet switches for gaming setups, home offices and wired entertainment systems. For Black Friday 2026, the clearest choice comes down to port speed and port count: gigabit models suit everyday connections, while 2.5GbE models serve faster networks and compatible equipment. I’m Jake Morrison, and I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to narrow down the picks.

The TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 is my standout for a small multi-gig setup, while the NETGEAR GS305 is a straightforward gigabit pick. Need more connections? Eight-port models from both brands expand a desk or media cabinet without adding complicated configuration. Here’s the bottom line: match the switch to your existing router and devices, then use the product cards below to compare the practical differences.

How We Picked

  • Compared port counts and Ethernet speeds to distinguish everyday gigabit models from 2.5GbE upgrades.
  • Prioritized unmanaged models for straightforward plug-and-play home and gaming setups.
  • Reviewed product specifications, owner feedback and feature sets rather than relying on brand reputation alone.
  • Considered practical use cases, including consoles, gaming PCs, NAS devices and crowded home networks.
  • Selected five-port and eight-port options to cover compact desks and setups with several wired devices.

Comparison Table

Product Best for Ports Maximum port speed Switching capacity
TP-Link TL-SG105 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Switch Small gigabit setups 5 1 Gbps 10 Gbps
TP-Link TL-SG108 8-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Switch Gigabit expansion 8 1 Gbps 16 Gbps
TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 5-Port 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Unmanaged Switch Compact multi-gig networks 5 2.5 Gbps 25 Gbps
TP-Link TL-SG108-M2 8-Port 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Unmanaged Switch Larger multi-gig setups 8 2.5 Gbps 40 Gbps
NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch Simple five-port gigabit networking 5 1 Gbps 10 Gbps
NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch Eight-device gigabit networking 8 1 Gbps 16 Gbps
NETGEAR MS305 5-Port 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch Compact NETGEAR multi-gig networks 5 2.5 Gbps 25 Gbps

Best Picks Reviewed

#5

NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch

The NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best budget-style gigabit pick for players who need 5 wired connections. The NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch's five 1 Gbps ports handle standard Ethernet devices with uncomplicated setup.

NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch

Best for: A simple console-and-PC connection

Ports
5
Maximum port speed
1 Gbps
Management
Unmanaged
Switching capacity
10 Gbps
Pros

  • Five gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Easy plug-and-play setup
  • Compact desktop format
Cons

  • No 2.5GbE ports
  • Five ports limit expansion

Is the NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a practical pick for a console, PC and a few other wired devices. Five gigabit ports deliver a basic, uncomplicated network connection for standard home equipment.

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#6

NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch

The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best NETGEAR gigabit expansion pick for players with up to 8 wired devices. The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch's 1 Gbps ports suit standard home networks and a crowded entertainment area.

NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch

Best for: Adding gigabit ports to a shared setup

Ports
8
Maximum port speed
1 Gbps
Management
Unmanaged
Switching capacity
16 Gbps
Pros

  • Eight gigabit ports
  • Simple unmanaged operation
  • Useful for consoles, TVs and computers
Cons

  • No multi-gig ports
  • No network management controls

Is the NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a good fit when one router connection needs to serve several standard wired devices. Eight gigabit ports give a gaming room or media cabinet useful connection space.

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#7

NETGEAR MS305 5-Port 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch

The NETGEAR MS305 5-Port 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best NETGEAR multi-gig pick for players upgrading a compact network. All 5 ports support up to 2.5 Gbps with compatible devices.

NETGEAR MS305 5-Port 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch

Best for: A five-device multi-gig network

Ports
5
Maximum port speed
2.5 Gbps
Management
Unmanaged
Switching capacity
25 Gbps
Pros

  • Five 2.5GbE connections
  • Unmanaged plug-and-play design
  • Good fit for compatible routers and PCs
Cons

  • No 10GbE ports
  • Connected devices need 2.5GbE support for multi-gig links

Is the NETGEAR MS305 5-Port 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The NETGEAR MS305 5-Port 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a worthwhile fit for a compact network with 2.5GbE-capable devices. Five multi-gig ports support faster links than standard gigabit switches.

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TP-Link switch vs NETGEAR switch: which brand should gamers choose?

TP-Link and NETGEAR each offer unmanaged switches with 5 or 8 ports and gigabit or 2.5GbE speeds. For a gaming setup, compare the exact model features rather than choosing by brand alone.

TP-Link’s TL-SG105-M2 and TL-SG108-M2 deliver 2.5GbE across their ports, with five- and eight-port options. NETGEAR’s GS305 and GS308 cover simple gigabit connections, while NETGEAR MS305 brings 2.5GbE to a five-port model. The right choice depends on what the router and wired devices support.

For most standard console connections, a gigabit switch is a direct fit. Faster wired equipment calls for a multi-gig model, and adding a switch does not upgrade the speed limits of the router or internet plan. Worth it for most players: a switch sized to the gear already on the desk.

Is a gigabit or 2.5GbE switch better for gaming?

A 1 Gbps switch suits standard wired gaming devices, while a 2.5GbE switch supports up to 2.5 Gbps on compatible links. Both speed classes connect consoles and PCs over Ethernet; the faster model needs matching equipment to deliver its higher link rate.

A typical console can use a gigabit port if its Ethernet hardware supports that speed. A gaming PC, NAS or newer router with 2.5GbE ports can benefit from a multi-gig switch when transferring large files across the local network. Internet speed is also limited by the broadband service and router.

For a straightforward setup, avoid paying for unused link capacity. For a growing network with multi-gig gear, the TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 or NETGEAR MS305 offers a compact step up. Check device specifications before choosing.

How many Ethernet switch ports does a gaming setup need?

A 5-port switch connects up to 5 wired devices, and an 8-port switch connects up to 8 devices. Count the router uplink as one of the switch’s ports when working out how many devices can connect through it.

A compact setup with a console, gaming PC and TV often fits a five-port model. Add a streaming box, NAS, smart TV or another console and an eight-port model leaves more room. Keeping spare ports also gives the setup space to grow without swapping hardware immediately.

The TP-Link TL-SG105 and NETGEAR GS305 are five-port gigabit options. For eight ports, compare the TP-Link TL-SG108 and NETGEAR GS308 at gigabit, or the TP-Link TL-SG108-M2 for 2.5GbE. Select the port count that fits your devices and planned layout.

Do unmanaged Ethernet switches work for consoles and PCs?

Unmanaged switches such as the TP-Link TL-SG105 and NETGEAR GS305 connect up to 5 wired devices without requiring network configuration. Plug the switch into the router, then connect the devices to available ports.

That simple setup suits consoles, gaming PCs, TVs and other everyday wired equipment. The switch expands the number of Ethernet connections available from the router, but it does not replace the router or provide Wi-Fi. It also does not create faster internet service than the router and broadband connection provide.

Managed switches add configuration options for users who need to control network behavior. Most home gaming spaces do not need those settings. An unmanaged model keeps setup straightforward, and the gigabit or 2.5GbE choice determines the maximum wired link speed.

What should shoppers compare for Black Friday 2026?

Compare port count, maximum Ethernet speed and connected-device compatibility when choosing a switch for Black Friday 2026. Those three details show whether a model fits a gaming setup more clearly than brand names alone.

Start with the number of devices and remember that one port connects the switch to the router. Next, check whether the router and important wired devices use gigabit Ethernet or 2.5GbE. A multi-gig switch still connects to gigabit equipment, but the link runs at the speed supported by both sides.

Finally, consider placement, case design and management needs. Compact unmanaged models suit desks and media cabinets where plug-and-play is the goal. Compare the product specifications for the exact model and choose the option that matches the network you have.

Buying Guide

Count the devices you plan to connect

List every wired device, including the router connection, consoles, PCs, TVs and storage. Choose a 5-port model for a compact setup or an 8-port model when several devices share one room. Leave a port spare if you expect to add gear.

Match Ethernet speed to your equipment

Gigabit switches suit standard wired networks. Choose 2.5GbE when the router and at least one connected device support multi-gig networking. The link between devices runs at the maximum speed supported by both connected ports.

Choose unmanaged for simple setup

Unmanaged switches connect devices without requiring configuration. That fits most gaming and home entertainment setups. Look at managed options only when you need advanced controls for your network, rather than just additional Ethernet ports.

Check placement and cabling

Pick a desktop size that fits the desk, shelf or media cabinet. Use Ethernet cables in good condition and check the specifications for the cable and devices when building a multi-gig setup. Position the switch near the router and connected equipment.

Compare the exact model before buying

Model names can look similar while port count and speed differ. Confirm the full product name, number of ports, maximum link speed and management type before choosing a Black Friday 2026 option.

FAQ

Is a TP-Link switch or NETGEAR switch better for gaming?

TP-Link and NETGEAR both offer suitable unmanaged switches for gaming. Choose by port count and speed: TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 supports five 2.5GbE ports, while NETGEAR GS305 provides five gigabit ports for standard wired devices.

Does a 2.5GbE switch make console internet faster?

A 2.5GbE switch supports faster local Ethernet links when connected devices and network equipment support that speed. The switch does not increase broadband speed, and a console or router with gigabit Ethernet remains limited to its own supported link rate.

Should I buy a 5-port or 8-port Ethernet switch?

Choose a 5-port switch for a small setup with a few wired devices, remembering that one port connects to the router. Choose an 8-port model when a gaming space includes several consoles, PCs, TVs or network storage devices.

Are TP-Link TL-SG105 and NETGEAR GS305 good for a PS5?

TP-Link TL-SG105 and NETGEAR GS305 each provide five gigabit Ethernet ports for standard wired devices, including a PS5 connection. Both are unmanaged switches, so setup is straightforward when the switch is connected to the router.

Which 8-port 2.5GbE switch should I choose?

The TP-Link TL-SG108-M2 8-Port 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Unmanaged Switch is the 8-port 2.5GbE option in this guide. It suits setups with several devices that support multi-gig Ethernet and need more than five switch ports.