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- Best overall: NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
- Best budget: NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
- Best premium: NETGEAR GS116PP 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch
- NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch: NETGEAR GS308PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch
- The NETGEAR GS308 is an 8-port unmanaged Gigabit switch for straightforward home and small-office connections.
- The NETGEAR GS116 doubles the port count to 16 while keeping setup plug-and-play and the design fanless.
- Pick a GS308 or GS116 model with PoE when you need one cable to deliver data and power to compatible devices.
- Count your current wired devices and leave room for planned additions before choosing an 8-port or 16-port switch.
Choosing between the NETGEAR GS308 and NETGEAR GS116 comes down to one practical question: how many wired devices need a connection? The NETGEAR GS308 provides 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports in a compact, unmanaged switch. The NETGEAR GS116 provides 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports, giving a home office or small business more room to connect computers, printers, televisions, access points and other wired equipment.
For this Black Friday 2026 guide, I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across NETGEAR’s related switches. The GS308 is the Best bet for a simple, smaller setup. The GS116 is the Easy recommendation when extra ports can keep a growing network organized. We also cover smart-managed and Power over Ethernet models for shoppers who need more control or compatible powered devices.
How We Picked
- Compared port counts and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for common home and small-office setups.
- Checked whether each model is unmanaged or smart-managed, since controls differ by product.
- Reviewed PoE port counts and stated power budgets for models designed to power compatible devices.
- Considered fanless operation, mounting options and form factor as practical placement factors.
- Used product specifications, reviews and owner feedback; no research claims are made.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Ethernet ports | PoE power budget | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | Basic home networks | 8 Gigabit ports | None | Unmanaged |
| NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | More wired devices | 16 Gigabit ports | None | Unmanaged |
| NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch | Small networks needing controls | 8 Gigabit ports | None | Smart Managed Plus |
| NETGEAR GS308EP 8-Port PoE+ Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch | Compact managed PoE networks | 8 Gigabit ports | 62W | Smart Managed Plus |
| NETGEAR GS308PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch | Simple 8-port PoE setups | 8 Gigabit ports | 83W | Unmanaged |
| NETGEAR GS116LP 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ Unmanaged Switch | 16 connections with moderate PoE demand | 16 Gigabit ports | 76W | Unmanaged |
| NETGEAR GS116PP 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch | 16 connections with higher PoE demand | 16 Gigabit ports | 183W | Unmanaged |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best simple network upgrade for homes with up to 8 wired devices, with 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports and plug-and-play setup.
Best for: Simple home networks with a small number of wired devices
- Ethernet ports
- 8 Gigabit ports
- Management
- Unmanaged
- PoE
- No PoE ports
- Straightforward plug-and-play installation
- Fanless design suits quiet spaces
- Compact option for basic wired expansion
- No PoE or smart-management features
Is the NETGEAR GS308 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a solid choice for a home network that needs up to 8 wired connections. The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch's unmanaged design keeps setup simple, while Gigabit ports serve computers, TVs, printers and other Ethernet devices.
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#2 · Top pick
NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best straightforward expansion for homes and offices with many wired devices, with 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Best for: Growing home offices and small businesses
- Ethernet ports
- 16 Gigabit ports
- Management
- Unmanaged
- PoE
- No PoE ports
- Twice the port count of the GS308
- Fanless operation for quiet rooms
- Plug-and-play setup
- No PoE or smart-management features
Is the NETGEAR GS116 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is worth considering when a network needs more than 8 wired connections. The 16-port layout leaves room for additions, and the unmanaged setup keeps installation straightforward for homes and small offices.
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#3
NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch
The NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch is the best compact option for users who want basic network controls, with 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Best for: Small networks that need smart-management features
- Ethernet ports
- 8 Gigabit ports
- Management
- Smart Managed Plus
- PoE
- No PoE ports
- Offers more controls than an unmanaged switch
- Keeps an 8-port footprint
- Gigabit connections for wired devices
- Management features require configuration
Is the NETGEAR GS308E worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch is a good fit for small networks that need more control than a basic unmanaged switch provides. The NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch has 8 Gigabit ports and adds smart-management features without moving to a larger switch.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
NETGEAR GS308EP 8-Port PoE+ Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch
The NETGEAR GS308EP 8-Port PoE+ Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch is the best fit for compact networks powering compatible devices, with 8 PoE+ ports and a 62W power budget.
Best for: Small offices powering access points, cameras or phones
- Ethernet ports
- 8 Gigabit ports
- PoE ports
- 8 PoE+ ports
- PoE power budget
- 62W
- Management
- Smart Managed Plus
- Combines PoE+ and smart-management features
- Powers compatible equipment over Ethernet
- Eight ports in a compact class
- PoE budget limits the total connected-device power
Is the NETGEAR GS308EP worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS308EP 8-Port PoE+ Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch is a good choice for a small network with compatible powered devices. The NETGEAR GS308EP 8-Port PoE+ Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch's 8 PoE+ ports share a 62W budget, so check device requirements and total power needs before choosing it.
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#5
NETGEAR GS308PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch
The NETGEAR GS308PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch is the best simple PoE option for smaller installations, with 8 PoE+ ports and an 83W power budget.
Best for: Plug-and-play PoE connections without smart management
- Ethernet ports
- 8 Gigabit ports
- PoE ports
- 8 PoE+ ports
- PoE power budget
- 83W
- Management
- Unmanaged
- PoE+ support across 8 ports
- Higher stated PoE budget than GS308EP
- Simple unmanaged installation
- No smart-management controls
Is the NETGEAR GS308PP worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS308PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch suits installations that need 8 PoE+ connections and simple setup. The NETGEAR GS308PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch's stated 83W power budget supports compatible equipment, while the unmanaged design skips the configuration options found on smart-managed models.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
NETGEAR GS116LP 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ Unmanaged Switch
The NETGEAR GS116LP 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ Unmanaged Switch is the best choice for larger installations needing many powered connections, with 16 ports and a 76W PoE budget.
Best for: Networks with many Ethernet devices and moderate PoE needs
- Ethernet ports
- 16 Gigabit ports
- PoE ports
- 16 PoE+ ports
- PoE power budget
- 76W
- Management
- Unmanaged
- 16 ports support larger installations
- PoE+ power and data share one cable
- Unmanaged setup stays straightforward
- The 76W budget requires attention to device demand
Is the NETGEAR GS116LP worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS116LP 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ Unmanaged Switch suits networks that need many connections and PoE support. The NETGEAR GS116LP 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ Unmanaged Switch's 16 PoE+ ports share a 76W budget, so confirm the combined power draw of connected cameras, phones or access points.
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#7
NETGEAR GS116PP 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch
The NETGEAR GS116PP 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch is the best high-capacity PoE pick for larger device groups, with 16 PoE+ ports and a 183W power budget.
Best for: Larger PoE installations with higher total power needs
- Ethernet ports
- 16 Gigabit ports
- PoE ports
- 16 PoE+ ports
- PoE power budget
- 183W
- Management
- Unmanaged
- High stated PoE budget for this group
- 16 PoE+ connections
- Plug-and-play unmanaged operation
- No smart-management features
Is the NETGEAR GS116PP worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS116PP 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch is a strong fit for larger setups with many powered devices. The NETGEAR GS116PP 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch's 16 PoE+ ports share a 183W budget, making it important to check device compatibility and total power requirements.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
What is the difference between the NETGEAR GS308 and NETGEAR GS116?
The NETGEAR GS308 has 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, while the NETGEAR GS116 has 16, and both are unmanaged switches for plug-and-play wired networking. That doubled port count is the central difference for shoppers comparing the two models.
Choose the GS308 when 8 connections cover your devices and you want a compact way to add Ethernet ports. Choose the GS116 when you need to connect more equipment or want extra ports available for later additions. Neither standard model adds PoE or smart-management features; the related models in this guide cover those needs.
Is the NETGEAR GS308 or NETGEAR GS116 better for a home network?
The NETGEAR GS308 is a fit for homes with up to 8 wired devices, while the NETGEAR GS116 suits homes that need as many as 16 Gigabit connections. Count devices such as computers, consoles, televisions, printers and access points that connect by Ethernet.
A router’s built-in ports count toward your total, but the switch still needs an available connection to the router. Leave room for planned equipment and check the location for power and cable access. Both standard switches are unmanaged, so setup stays simpler than a managed network configuration.
Do the NETGEAR GS308 and NETGEAR GS116 support PoE?
The standard NETGEAR GS308 and NETGEAR GS116 do not provide PoE, while NETGEAR’s GS308PP, GS308EP, GS116LP and GS116PP models add PoE+ support. PoE sends data and electrical power to compatible equipment through an Ethernet cable.
For 8 ports, compare the GS308EP’s 62W budget with the GS308PP’s 83W budget. For 16 ports, the GS116LP provides a 76W budget and the GS116PP provides a 183W budget. Match the switch’s PoE standard and total budget to the connected devices’ specifications.
Which NETGEAR switch is best for smart-management features?
The NETGEAR GS308E and NETGEAR GS308EP are Smart Managed Plus switches with 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Their smart-management category makes them a better match than the unmanaged GS308 or GS116 when a small network needs additional configuration options.
The GS308EP also includes PoE+ on its 8 ports and has a 62W power budget. Choose the GS308E when PoE is not required; choose the GS308EP when compatible powered devices are part of the plan. Confirm the available controls and device needs before deciding.
What should you check before choosing a NETGEAR switch?
A NETGEAR switch purchase starts with three numbers: the number of wired devices, the number of PoE devices and the total PoE power requirement. Those figures help narrow the choice to 8 or 16 ports, then to an unmanaged or smart-managed model.
Also confirm that every connected device uses Gigabit Ethernet if you want Gigabit links, and check the switch’s form factor against your intended placement. For PoE, review each device’s power specification and add its demand before selecting a power budget. A switch should match both the current network and planned equipment.
Buying Guide
Count the Ethernet connections
Add up wired devices and account for the switch’s connection to the router. The NETGEAR GS308 provides 8 ports; the NETGEAR GS116 provides 16. Choose enough ports for current equipment plus reasonable room for additions.
Decide whether PoE is necessary
Cameras, access points and some phones use PoE to receive power over Ethernet. Standard GS308 and GS116 models do not provide PoE. Select a PoE+ model only when connected devices support its power standard.
Match the PoE budget to device demand
Add the power requirements of all devices that will receive PoE, then compare the total with the switch’s stated budget. The GS308EP has 62W, GS308PP 83W, GS116LP 76W and GS116PP 183W.
Choose unmanaged or smart-managed
Unmanaged switches prioritize simple setup. The GS308E and GS308EP are Smart Managed Plus options for networks that need added configuration controls. Review the exact feature set when those controls matter.
Plan placement and cabling
Check that the switch has a suitable power outlet and enough space for connected Ethernet cables. Fanless designs suit quiet locations. Confirm cable lengths and the placement of the router and wired devices before installation.
FAQ
NETGEAR GS308 vs NETGEAR GS116: which should I buy?
The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch suits a network with up to 8 wired devices. The NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the better match when you need more ports. Both are unmanaged, plug-and-play Gigabit switches without PoE.
How many devices can connect to the NETGEAR GS308?
The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch has 8 Ethernet ports for wired devices. One port connects the switch to your network, so count the router connection when planning the number of devices that can attach directly to the switch.
Does the NETGEAR GS116 have 16 Gigabit ports?
The NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch has 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports. The unmanaged design supports straightforward wired expansion, but the standard GS116 does not add PoE or smart-management features. Check related models when either feature is essential.
Which NETGEAR 8-port switch has PoE?
The NETGEAR GS308EP 8-Port PoE+ Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch and NETGEAR GS308PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch both provide 8 PoE+ ports. The GS308EP has a 62W budget; the GS308PP has an 83W budget.
Which NETGEAR 16-port switch is best for PoE?
The NETGEAR GS116PP 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch offers 16 PoE+ ports and a 183W power budget. The NETGEAR GS116LP provides 16 PoE+ ports with a 76W budget. Choose based on connected devices’ total power requirements and management needs.