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- Best overall: NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
- Best budget: NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
- Best premium: TP-Link TL-SG108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
- Best for a short desk connection: Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable 10 ft Black
- The Netgear GS308 adds 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports; a Cat6 cable connects devices but does not add ports.
- Choose a switch when your router lacks wired connections, and choose Cat6 cable when you need a longer or replacement connection.
- The TP-Link TL-SG108 offers another 8-port unmanaged switch option for home networks.
- Cable length, port count and device placement matter more than choosing a switch or cable by name alone.
The Netgear GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch and Cat6 Ethernet cables solve different networking problems: one adds wired ports, while the other links devices over a cable. For Black Friday 2026, we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the distinction clear and highlight useful picks across both categories.
If your router has no spare Ethernet ports, the Netgear GS308 is the Best bet among these picks. If you already have an open port and need a direct connection, a Cat6 cable is the simpler purchase. Our guide covers compact switches, longer cable runs and practical buying checks, so you can choose based on your setup rather than confusing a switch with a cable.
How We Picked
- Compared port count and switching capacity for the unmanaged Ethernet switches.
- Reviewed cable category, connector type and listed length for Cat6 options.
- Considered the needs of home offices, gaming setups, streaming devices and wired access points.
- Used manufacturer specifications alongside owner feedback to identify practical strengths and trade-offs.
- Prioritized products with clear use cases, common configurations and straightforward setup.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Ethernet ports or cable length | Port speed or cable category | Management or connector type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | Adding wired ports | 8 ports | 1 Gbps | Unmanaged |
| NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | Compact setups | 5 ports | 1 Gbps | Unmanaged |
| TP-Link TL-SG108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | An 8-port alternative | 8 ports | 1 Gbps | Unmanaged |
| TP-Link TL-SG105 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | A few nearby devices | 5 ports | 1 Gbps | Unmanaged |
| Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable 10 ft Black | Short desk runs | 10 ft | Cat6 | RJ45 ends |
| Amazon Basics Cat-6 Ethernet Patch Cable 10 ft Black | Basic short connections | 10 ft | Cat-6 | RJ45 ends |
| Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Patch Cable 25 ft Black | Longer room runs | 25 ft | Cat6 | RJ45 ends |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best overall choice for homes that need more wired connections; its 8 Gigabit ports serve multiple devices from one router connection.
Best for: Adding wired ports to a home network
- Ethernet ports
- 8
- Port speed
- 1 Gbps
- Switching capacity
- 16 Gbps
- Management
- Unmanaged
- Eight ports support several wired devices.
- Plug-and-play setup keeps installation simple.
- Metal housing suits a home office.
- No PoE output for powered devices.
Is the NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a sensible Black Friday 2026 pick for adding wired connections without network-management setup. The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch's 8 Gigabit ports suit offices and entertainment areas.
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#2
NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best compact choice for a small desk setup; its 5 Gigabit ports cover a router, computer and three additional wired devices.
Best for: Small desks and compact rooms
- Ethernet ports
- 5
- Port speed
- 1 Gbps
- Switching capacity
- 10 Gbps
- Management
- Unmanaged
- Smaller port count fits compact setups.
- Gigabit ports support everyday wired networking.
- Setup requires no configuration.
- Five ports leave less room to expand.
Is the NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch a good small-network choice?
Yes. The NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a straightforward option for a small room with a handful of wired devices. Five Gigabit ports provide basic expansion without the larger footprint of an 8-port switch.
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#3
TP-Link TL-SG108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The TP-Link TL-SG108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best alternative for households comparing 8-port models; its 8 Gigabit ports provide a simple way to connect a cluster of devices.
Best for: An 8-port alternative to the GS308
- Ethernet ports
- 8
- Port speed
- 1 Gbps
- Switching capacity
- 16 Gbps
- Management
- Unmanaged
- Eight ports support a busy entertainment area.
- Gigabit connectivity fits common home devices.
- Unmanaged operation is simple to maintain.
- No PoE support.
Is the TP-Link TL-SG108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch a good alternative to the GS308?
Yes. The TP-Link TL-SG108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a good alternative when you want 8 Gigabit ports and simple operation. Compare its physical dimensions and placement needs with the NETGEAR GS308 before choosing.
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#4
TP-Link TL-SG105 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The TP-Link TL-SG105 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best small switch for a few nearby devices; its 5 Gigabit ports add basic wired capacity without managed-network features.
Best for: A few nearby wired devices
- Ethernet ports
- 5
- Port speed
- 1 Gbps
- Switching capacity
- 10 Gbps
- Management
- Unmanaged
- Five ports suit a small setup.
- Gigabit speed matches common home networking.
- No software configuration is needed.
- Not designed for larger device clusters.
Is the TP-Link TL-SG105 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch worth considering?
Yes. The TP-Link TL-SG105 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch fits a home office or media setup with a few wired devices. The TP-Link TL-SG105 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch's 5 Gigabit ports keep the setup simple, though an 8-port model gives more room to grow.
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#5
Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable 10 ft Black
The Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable 10 ft Black is the best short cable for nearby routers and computers; its 10-foot length handles a typical desk connection without a long loose run.
Best for: A nearby desk or console connection
- Cable category
- Cat6
- Length
- 10 ft
- Connectors
- RJ45 at both ends
- Rated frequency
- 250 MHz
- 10-foot length suits nearby devices.
- RJ45 connectors fit standard Ethernet ports.
- Cat6 supports Gigabit Ethernet connections.
- Short length limits placement options.
Is the Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable 10 ft Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable 10 ft Black is a practical replacement or add-on for a router, computer or console within short reach. The Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable 10 ft Black's 10-foot length helps avoid excess cable around a desk.
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#6
Amazon Basics Cat-6 Ethernet Patch Cable 10 ft Black
The Amazon Basics Cat-6 Ethernet Patch Cable 10 ft Black is the best straightforward cable for a standard desk connection; its 10-foot length covers common nearby router-to-device runs.
Best for: A basic short Ethernet connection
- Cable category
- Cat-6
- Length
- 10 ft
- Connectors
- RJ45 at both ends
- Rated frequency
- 250 MHz
- Common length works for many desk setups.
- RJ45 plugs fit standard Ethernet ports.
- Simple choice for replacing a short cable.
- 10 feet is not suited to distant rooms.
Is the Amazon Basics Cat-6 Ethernet Patch Cable 10 ft Black a good choice for a router?
Yes. The Amazon Basics Cat-6 Ethernet Patch Cable 10 ft Black works for connecting a nearby router, computer, television or console with standard RJ45 ports. Choose a longer cable when the device sits across the room.
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#7
Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Patch Cable 25 ft Black
The Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Patch Cable 25 ft Black is the best pick for a longer room-spanning connection; its 25-foot length offers more placement flexibility than a short patch cable.
Best for: Connecting devices across a room
- Cable category
- Cat6
- Length
- 25 ft
- Connectors
- RJ45 at both ends
- Rated frequency
- 250 MHz
- 25-foot length supports wider placement.
- Cat6 works with standard Gigabit devices.
- RJ45 ends connect to common network ports.
- Extra length needs careful routing.
Is the Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Patch Cable 25 ft Black good for a longer home connection?
Yes. The Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Patch Cable 25 ft Black is a useful choice when a router and device sit farther apart. Measure the route first and leave enough slack for turns without creating a tripping hazard.
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Is the NETGEAR GS308 better than a Cat6 Ethernet cable?
The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch adds 8 wired ports, while a Cat6 Ethernet cable connects one device to an available port. The products are not direct substitutes: choose the switch to expand a network, or choose a cable to make or replace a connection.
A switch needs one Ethernet connection to the router, then connects devices such as computers, televisions, game consoles and network storage. A Cat6 cable needs an open port at each end. For a home with enough router ports but a cable that does not reach, a cable solves the issue with less equipment.
Easy recommendation: identify whether the problem is too few ports or too short a cable run. That answer makes the NETGEAR GS308 versus Cat6 Ethernet cable decision simple.
What does the NETGEAR GS308 do on a home network?
The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch connects as many as 8 wired devices through one router connection. The unmanaged design handles routine traffic automatically, without requiring a user to configure network settings.
The switch fits a home office with a desktop, printer, dock and other network equipment, or an entertainment area with a television, console and streaming hardware. Gigabit ports match common home networking equipment, though actual internet speed also depends on the router, service plan and connected devices.
Place the switch where its cables can reach the router and the devices it serves. The NETGEAR GS308 does not provide Wi-Fi or Power over Ethernet, so choose another product type when wireless coverage or powered access points are the goal.
Which Cat6 Ethernet cable length should you choose?
The Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable 10 ft Black suits nearby devices, while the Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Patch Cable 25 ft Black offers more reach across a room. Start by measuring the actual route between the router, switch or wall jack and the device.
Allow some slack for moving equipment and routing around furniture, but avoid a large coil or a path that creates a trip hazard. A short cable is tidier at a desk; a longer cable gives more placement freedom when a device sits farther away.
Cat6 cables with RJ45 connectors fit standard Ethernet ports, but confirm that both connected devices have Ethernet jacks. A cable does not increase the number of available ports, and a switch does not replace the cable required to link devices.
Do Cat6 cables work with the NETGEAR GS308?
A Cat6 Ethernet cable with RJ45 connectors works with the NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch and other standard Ethernet ports. Connect one cable from the router to the switch, then use additional cables to connect wired devices to the switch.
Cat6 is backward compatible with common Ethernet network equipment, so a device with a lower network capability still connects at its own supported rate. The cable category does not turn a slower router or device into a faster one.
For a tidy installation, choose cable lengths that match each connection and keep the switch near the devices it serves. A 10-foot cable is suitable for a nearby desk; a 25-foot cable covers a longer route.
What should shoppers compare for Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a strong Black Friday 2026 shortlist pick for port expansion, while Cat6 cables are practical choices for direct wired connections. Compare the specifications that address your current setup instead of treating all networking products as interchangeable.
For switches, check port count, Gigabit support, physical size and whether you need managed features or PoE. For cables, check Cat6 labeling, connector type, length and route. The NETGEAR GS308 and TP-Link TL-SG108 both offer 8 Gigabit ports, while 5-port models suit smaller networks.
Keep compatibility in view: devices need matching Ethernet ports, and your router must connect to the switch. A well-matched cable or switch improves convenience and organization, while network speed remains limited by the slowest relevant device or connection.
Buying Guide
Choose a switch when you need more ports
The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch adds 8 wired ports to a router connection. Count current devices and leave room for planned additions; choose a 5-port model for a smaller cluster.
Choose Cat6 for a direct wired connection
The Cable Matters Cat6 Ethernet Cable 10 ft Black connects nearby Ethernet devices, while the Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Patch Cable 25 ft Black covers a longer route. Measure before choosing.
Check device and connector compatibility
Cat6 patch cables with RJ45 ends fit standard Ethernet ports. Confirm that the router, switch and devices have the ports you need, and remember that a cable does not add network ports.
Match features to the way you use your network
The NETGEAR GS308 and TP-Link TL-SG108 offer 8 Gigabit ports for larger groups of wired devices. Pick a model with PoE or managed features only when your setup specifically needs them.
FAQ
Does the NETGEAR GS308 include Ethernet cables?
The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a switch, not a cable bundle. Plan for Ethernet cables to connect the router and each wired device, and check the product listing contents before purchasing.
Can I connect a Cat6 cable directly to a router?
Yes. A Cat6 Ethernet cable with RJ45 connectors connects a router to a compatible computer, television, console or switch. Confirm that an open Ethernet port is available at both ends and choose a cable length that fits the route.
How many devices can the NETGEAR GS308 connect?
The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch has 8 Ethernet ports for connected devices. One port generally connects back to the router, leaving the other ports for wired devices, subject to your network layout.
Is Cat6 faster than a Gigabit Ethernet switch?
Cat6 describes a cable category, while the NETGEAR GS308 is a Gigabit Ethernet switch with 1 Gbps ports. A cable does not independently set network speed; the connected devices, switch, router and internet service all affect performance.
Should I buy the NETGEAR GS308 or a Cat6 cable?
Buy the NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch when you need more wired ports. Choose a Cat6 Ethernet cable when you have an available port and need a replacement cable or a longer connection to a device.