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- Best overall: NETGEAR MS308 8-Port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
- Best budget: NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
- Best premium: NETGEAR XS505M 5-Port 10-Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Pro Switch
- NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch: NETGEAR GS108PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch
- A network switch is a device category; NETGEAR is one brand that makes home, gaming and small-office switches.
- The NETGEAR MS308 8-Port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch adds eight 2.5GbE ports for faster wired devices.
- The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a simple pick for expanding a standard gigabit network.
- Choose a managed model for VLAN and traffic controls; choose an unmanaged model for straightforward plug-and-play expansion.
- Match switch port speed to your router, internet service and wired devices to avoid paying for unused bandwidth.
Shopping for a network switch versus a NETGEAR switch on Black Friday 2026 starts with one important distinction: a network switch is a product category, while NETGEAR is a brand. The right pick depends on how many wired devices you connect, whether you need gigabit or multi-gig speeds, and whether your setup needs management features such as VLANs.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to narrow this guide to seven NETGEAR options for gaming rooms, streaming setups and home offices. The lineup ranges from basic five-port expansion to 10-gig networking. Here's the bottom line: pick the fastest model that fits your connected devices and network, not just the biggest number on the box.
How We Picked
- Compared port counts and Ethernet speeds against common consoles, PCs, access points and home routers.
- Included unmanaged, Plus managed, PoE+ and multi-gig models to cover different network needs.
- Reviewed published specifications, product documentation, reviews and owner feedback for practical setup considerations.
- Favored clear use cases, including simple expansion, VLAN controls, powered devices and high-speed wired connections.
- Checked that each recommendation addresses a distinct need instead of repeating the same type of switch.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Ethernet ports | Port speed | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | Small gaming setups | 5 | 1 Gbps | Unmanaged |
| NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | Simple 8-device expansion | 8 | 1 Gbps | Unmanaged |
| NETGEAR GS305E 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Managed Switch | Compact managed networks | 5 | 1 Gbps | Plus managed |
| NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Managed Switch | Managed gigabit setups | 8 | 1 Gbps | Plus managed |
| NETGEAR GS316 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | Many wired devices | 16 | 1 Gbps | Unmanaged |
| NETGEAR GS108PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch | PoE+ network devices | 8 | 1 Gbps | Unmanaged |
| NETGEAR MS308 8-Port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | 2.5GbE home networks | 8 | Up to 2.5 Gbps | Unmanaged |
| NETGEAR XS505M 5-Port 10-Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Pro Switch | 10GbE network upgrades | 5 | Up to 10 Gbps | Smart Managed Pro |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best compact starter switch for players adding a few wired devices, with 5 gigabit Ethernet ports for consoles, PCs and a router connection.
Best for: A small gaming setup with a few wired devices
- Ethernet ports
- 5
- Port speed
- 1 Gbps
- Management
- Unmanaged
- PoE
- None
- Simple plug-and-play setup
- Small footprint for a desk or media cabinet
- Gigabit ports suit standard wired home networks
- No management features or PoE
- Only 5 ports, including the router uplink
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 worthwhile pick for a small wired setup that needs simple expansion. Five gigabit ports handle a router connection and several devices without added configuration.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best straightforward upgrade for a busy gaming room, with 8 gigabit ports for consoles, PCs, televisions and other wired gear.
Best for: More gigabit ports without configuration
- Ethernet ports
- 8
- Port speed
- 1 Gbps
- Management
- Unmanaged
- PoE
- None
- Eight ports fit a larger home setup
- Plug-and-play operation keeps setup simple
- Useful for consoles, TVs and desktop PCs
- No VLAN or traffic-management controls
- Gigabit ports do not support multi-gig links
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 strong choice for adding wired connections without managing network settings. The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch's 8 gigabit ports suit gaming rooms where several consoles, computers and screens share one router.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
NETGEAR GS305E 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Managed Switch
The NETGEAR GS305E 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Managed Switch is the best compact choice for players who want basic network controls, with 5 gigabit ports and Plus management features.
Best for: A compact setup that needs VLAN options
- Ethernet ports
- 5
- Port speed
- 1 Gbps
- Management
- Plus managed
- PoE
- None
- Supports network controls beyond plug-and-play
- Small size suits desks and compact cabinets
- Gigabit ports fit typical wired home devices
- Five ports limit larger setups
- Management features require configuration
Is the NETGEAR GS305E 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Managed Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS305E 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Managed Switch is worth considering when a small network needs more control than an unmanaged switch provides. Five gigabit ports and Plus management features make it suitable for VLAN-aware home setups.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Managed Switch
The NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Managed Switch is the best managed gigabit pick for a growing home network, with 8 ports and Plus features for organizing connected devices.
Best for: VLAN and traffic controls on a larger setup
- Ethernet ports
- 8
- Port speed
- 1 Gbps
- Management
- Plus managed
- PoE
- None
- Eight ports support a broader wired setup
- Plus features provide more control than unmanaged models
- Gigabit speeds fit conventional home networking
- Not a multi-gig switch
- Extra controls add setup steps
Is the NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Managed Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Managed Switch is a good fit for homes that need eight wired connections and network controls. Plus management features support a more organized setup than a basic unmanaged gigabit switch.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
NETGEAR GS316 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The NETGEAR GS316 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best high-port-count choice for a wired home office or gaming space, with 16 gigabit Ethernet ports.
Best for: Many wired devices in one location
- Ethernet ports
- 16
- Port speed
- 1 Gbps
- Management
- Unmanaged
- PoE
- None
- Sixteen ports reduce the need for multiple small switches
- Simple unmanaged setup
- Useful for offices and entertainment spaces with many devices
- No VLAN or traffic-management features
- Larger port count is excessive for small setups
Is the NETGEAR GS316 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS316 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a practical choice for a location with many wired devices. Sixteen gigabit ports give a home office or media room room to connect computers, consoles, televisions and network equipment.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
NETGEAR GS108PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch
The NETGEAR GS108PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch is the best pick for powering compatible network devices, with 8 gigabit ports and a 123-watt PoE+ power budget.
Best for: PoE+ cameras, access points and other devices
- Ethernet ports
- 8
- Port speed
- 1 Gbps
- PoE+ power budget
- 123 W
- Management
- Unmanaged
- PoE+ can power compatible network devices over Ethernet
- Eight gigabit ports suit small installations
- Unmanaged operation keeps network setup simple
- PoE+ is unnecessary for devices with separate power
- No advanced management controls
Is the NETGEAR GS108PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS108PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch is a worthwhile option when compatible devices need Ethernet and power from one switch. The NETGEAR GS108PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch's 123-watt PoE+ budget supports installations such as access points and network cameras.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7 · Top pick
NETGEAR MS308 8-Port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The NETGEAR MS308 8-Port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best overall pick for faster wired gaming and home networking, with 8 ports supporting speeds up to 2.5 Gbps.
Best for: Multi-gig PCs, routers and network upgrades
- Ethernet ports
- 8
- Port speed
- Up to 2.5 Gbps
- Management
- Unmanaged
- PoE
- None
- Eight 2.5GbE ports support faster compatible equipment
- Simple unmanaged operation
- Useful for multi-gig routers, PCs and storage
- Connected equipment needs multi-gig ports to use higher speeds
- No management features
Is the NETGEAR MS308 8-Port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR MS308 8-Port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is an excellent fit for a network with multi-gig routers, PCs or storage. Eight ports support speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, while unmanaged operation keeps installation straightforward.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#8
NETGEAR XS505M 5-Port 10-Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Pro Switch
The NETGEAR XS505M 5-Port 10-Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Pro Switch is the best premium upgrade for demanding wired networks, with 5 10-gigabit-capable ports for high-speed equipment.
Best for: High-bandwidth studios, storage and advanced gaming networks
- Ethernet ports
- 5
- Port speed
- Up to 10 Gbps
- Management
- Smart Managed Pro
- SFP+ port
- 1
- 10-gigabit capability supports demanding wired links
- Smart Managed Pro features offer configuration options
- Includes an SFP+ connection
- Five ports suit focused setups rather than large installations
- 10GbE benefits require compatible network hardware
Is the NETGEAR XS505M 5-Port 10-Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Pro Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR XS505M 5-Port 10-Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Pro Switch is a strong premium choice for networks with 10-gigabit equipment. Five high-speed ports and Smart Managed Pro features serve advanced users connecting fast storage, workstations or network gear.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Is a network switch different from a NETGEAR switch?
A network switch is a device category, while NETGEAR is a brand with models ranging from 5-port gigabit units to 10-gigabit-capable hardware. A switch adds Ethernet connections to a router or existing network, so more devices can use wired connections.
For a gaming setup, start with the network speed each device supports. The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch suits common gigabit gear, while the NETGEAR MS308 8-Port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is built for compatible devices that support speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. Brand alone does not determine the right fit; port speed, count and features do. Worth it for most players: a simple gigabit switch when the router and wired devices are gigabit.
Which NETGEAR switch is best for gaming?
The NETGEAR MS308 8-Port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best fit for gaming networks with compatible multi-gig hardware, thanks to 8 ports rated up to 2.5 Gbps. Faster Ethernet does not automatically reduce game latency, but a wired connection avoids relying on Wi-Fi signal quality.
For a standard console-and-TV setup, the NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch supplies 8 straightforward gigabit connections. Players with just a console and desktop can choose the smaller NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch. Count the router uplink as one occupied port, then leave room for a future PC, access point or media device.
Should I choose an unmanaged or managed switch?
Unmanaged switches need no network configuration, while Plus managed and Smart Managed Pro models offer additional controls. The NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is suited to basic expansion; the NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Managed Switch adds management features for users who want to organize traffic.
VLAN support and other controls help separate or manage network devices, but those features bring setup steps. A casual player connecting a console, television and PC can keep things simple with an unmanaged model. A home lab or more involved network benefits from researching the available settings before choosing a managed switch. Pick features you plan to use, not controls that will sit untouched.
Do I need a 2.5GbE or 10GbE switch?
A 2.5GbE or 10GbE switch makes sense when connected network equipment supports those speeds and the faster links serve a real workload. The NETGEAR MS308 8-Port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch supports up to 2.5 Gbps across its 8 ports, making it a practical upgrade for compatible PCs, routers and storage.
The NETGEAR XS505M 5-Port 10-Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Pro Switch targets more demanding setups, including fast storage and workstations. A switch cannot make a gigabit-only console link run at 10 Gbps. Check the Ethernet specifications for your router, computer and network adapter first; the slowest link in a connection sets the practical speed.
What should I look for in a Black Friday 2026 switch?
A good Black Friday 2026 switch matches your device count, port speeds and feature needs. Start by listing every wired device, then add one port for the router connection. The NETGEAR GS316 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch serves large setups, while the NETGEAR GS305 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch takes less space for a few devices.
Check whether you need PoE+ for powered access points or cameras, management features for VLANs, or multi-gig speed for faster links. The NETGEAR GS108PP 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch brings a 123-watt PoE+ budget; the NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Managed Switch brings Plus management. Prioritize the specifications your setup will use.
Buying Guide
Count the ports you need
List consoles, PCs, televisions, access points and storage devices that need Ethernet. Reserve one port for the connection to your router. Add a spare for future gear. A NETGEAR GS305 offers 5 ports, while the NETGEAR GS316 supplies 16.
Match the speed to your equipment
Gigabit suits standard wired home networks. Multi-gig and 10-gig ports serve compatible routers, computers and storage. A faster switch does not upgrade the Ethernet port on a slower device, so check specifications before choosing.
Choose management features deliberately
Unmanaged switches are simple to connect and use. Plus managed and Smart Managed Pro switches provide more control for VLANs and traffic organization. Select managed hardware when you have a clear plan for those options.
Decide whether PoE+ matters
Power over Ethernet Plus sends power and data through a compatible Ethernet cable. A PoE+ switch can simplify installations for access points and cameras. Regular consoles and PCs do not need PoE+ to connect.
Check the complete network path
The router, switch, Ethernet cable and connected device all affect link speed. Verify every part supports the target speed. For online gaming, a stable wired link is useful, but higher switch bandwidth does not guarantee lower game latency.
FAQ
What is the difference between a network switch and a NETGEAR switch?
A network switch is a device that expands wired Ethernet connections, while NETGEAR is a manufacturer of network switches. NETGEAR models include unmanaged gigabit switches, managed options, PoE+ hardware and multi-gig products, so compare features and speeds rather than the category name alone.
Which NETGEAR switch is best for a gaming setup?
The NETGEAR MS308 8-Port Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the strongest fit for a gaming setup with compatible multi-gig equipment. Eight ports support speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. For standard gigabit gear, the NETGEAR GS308 offers 8 simple gigabit ports.
Is a 5-port switch enough for a gaming room?
A 5-port switch is enough for a small gaming room with a few wired devices. Count one port for the router connection, then use the remaining ports for a console, PC and another device. Choose an 8-port model when the setup needs more connections.
Do NETGEAR switches improve gaming latency?
A NETGEAR switch provides wired Ethernet connections, which help avoid Wi-Fi signal issues on connected devices. A switch does not guarantee lower game latency; internet service, router performance, server distance and network congestion also affect response times.
What does PoE+ mean on a NETGEAR switch?
PoE+ means Power over Ethernet Plus, a standard that sends power and data to compatible devices through an Ethernet cable. The NETGEAR GS108PP provides a 123-watt PoE+ budget for compatible devices such as access points and network cameras.
Should I buy a gigabit or 2.5GbE NETGEAR switch?
Choose gigabit when your router and wired devices use gigabit Ethernet. Choose a 2.5GbE model such as the NETGEAR MS308 when your connected equipment supports multi-gig speeds and you want faster local links. Verify the capability of every device before deciding.