Top 10 Best Ethernet Switch For Gaming In 2021: Buying Guide

A network switch can be described as a communication device that can be used in distributing data over cable networks. It is usually designed in the form of a box with multiple Ethernet or fiber optics ports.

They look like hubs; they should never be mistaken for such devices. With a network switch, you can connect your gaming consoles alongside other devices such as laptops and the Ethernet switch will allocate data speed and bandwidth to all connected devices based on their requirements. Switches do come in different capacities and sizes, you should read the following guidelines to choose the right option.

Are you in hurry? No problem, here are the top 4 picks at a glance for you:

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How To Choose The Best Ethernet Switch For Gaming

There are many factors you should consider when choosing the ideal Ethernet switch for your gaming activities these include;

• Managed or unmanaged Ethernet switch
• Mounting type
• Extras
• Type and Speed
• Number of ports
• Temperature and humidity range

1. Managed or Unmanaged Ethernet Switch

Unmanaged Ethernet switch is those that come with pre-set configuration which means you don’t need to change it. Managed Ethernet switch, on the other hand, is designed for those whose network switch needs to expand in the future and there is a need to re-configure the system.

With an unmanaged switch, you can leave the ports open without the need to isolate any of them. They normally come with low purchase prices and they are the ideal options if you need to connect just a few devices. You should only go for the managed Ethernet switch if you are unsure about your future network needs.

Managing a complex network of managed switches can require some expertise in the field of network administration. For this reason, you should stick to the unmanaged network switch if you just need it for gaming and file sharing among a few devices. Managed switches do provide more opportunities to expand and allocate bandwidth according to device requirements.

2. Mounting type

Most network switches do come as wall-mounted or desktop mounting options and some have both mounting types. The wall-mounted switch can be placed just anywhere while the desktop switch will require a standard position. If you are unsure of how you want your switch placed in the future, simply go for the versatile wall-mounted and desktop mountable switch.

3. Extras

The availability of Extras on your Ethernet switch can make the switch even more useful. For instance, Switches that come with added features such as PoE (Power over Ethernet) will allow you to connect devices such as IP cameras and VoIP phones. With extras like PoE, there is no need to supply electrical power to each connected device or component of the network. The PoE will make your switch require some cooling; hence you must check the temperature range regularly.

4. Type and Speed

Ethernet switch networks come in different types characterized by different speeds. The smallest is usually the 5 to 10Mbps which is only good for intranets and sending emails. The 100Mbps types are referred to as Fast Ethernet and are required for the transfer of small files over RJ45 wired sockets.

The 1000Mbps, also referred to as Gigabit Ethernet is ideal for larger files such as video gaming and sharing. The 10GB/s also referred to as 10 GBase-T are the current standards for the installation of corporate networks.

These are the largest speed transfer Ethernet switches and most expensive. For the best gaming experience, you should consider the 1000Mbps as your minimum standard.

5. Number of Ports

Many gamers don’t bother about this factor but it is very important because it determines the number of devices you can connect at a time. A network switch can allow between 2 and 64 ports.

To choose the ideal switch that will match your requirements, you need to consider how many devices you need connecting in addition to your gaming console.

If your devices will increase over some time, then you should go for a device with more ports. You should also consider network switches that come with a stacked plug that allows switches to be connected and that will further increase the number of available ports.

6. Temperature and Humidity Range

This is another factor many network switch users overlook when making their final choices. This factor must not be overlooked from protecting your device. Most switches are sensitive to extreme cold and hot conditions. Fortunately, the temperature ranges of switches are included in the information booklet and must be strictly adhered to.

You should consider switches with wider temperature ranges because they are more tolerant of fluctuating and extreme weather conditions. For instance, a network switch with a humidity range of 95% and temperature range of 28°F to 110°F will be better than a switch with a humidity range of 75% and temperature range of 34°F to 104°F. Extreme temperatures can affect the efficiency of your switch, they can make the switches to lose more energy and slow down the speed.

Review Of Top 10 Best Ethernet Switch For Gaming

1. NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS108) – Desktop, and ProSAFE Limited Lifetime Protection

This is one ethernet switch with 8 different ports for more connectivity. This is a simple plug and play device that requires no configuration or software to install. Versatility in mounting options, it can be wall-mounted or mounted on the desktop for operations.

Very quiet operations. With the fan-less design, it means there are zero noises when this device operates. It is suitable for a noise-sensitive and normal environment and it also comes with PROSAFE Lifetime protection which is a hardware warranty.

It comes with a next business day replacement and you can chat with a NETGEAR expert for assistance on the product.

It is designed to be energy efficient, that is why it optimizes power usage and reduce costs of operation. This model is compliant with the IEEE802.3 AZ energy Ethernet mode.

This product is built to last; it has been tested by NETGEAR for performance, reliability, and quality.

It is designed for small, medium and large enterprises and it offers a reliable and secure network. It comes with fully-integrated management and cloud control options.

2. D-Link Ethernet Switch, 8-Port Gigabit Plug and Play Compact Design Fan-less Desktop (DGS-1008G)

This is one of the most aesthetically appealing ethernet switches you will find on this list. This is an 8-Gigabit port switch that has been pre-configured so that you can simply plug and play it. The D-Link technology in-built in this device ensures that energy is conserved when not in use.

This device is ideal for gaming, and Gigabit Ethernet storage. As a plug and play device, it can be stored and mounted almost anywhere. There is a QoS support for VOIP calls as well as a very smooth online game experience.

It is built to transfer data at a blazing speed, thus building network performance, especially when running bandwidth-consuming gaming and applications. In addition to connecting multiple computers and devices, sharing files, videos and music can be very easy.

This device supports several functions, including full, half-duplex and full ethernet speeds. It also supports cable diagnostic functions, and it is RoHS compliant. It comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty Cover which confirms its superior quality.

It is characterized by a plastic casing; its gigabyte makes it faster when transferring heavy files.

3. TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch | Ethernet Splitter | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Plug-and-Play | Traffic Optimization | Unmanaged (TL-SG108)

With 8 ports to use, this is one of the most economical ethernet switches you may want to consider. This is a plug and play device with no software and configuration needed. The RJ 45 ports expand the capacity of your network to accommodate as many devices such as computers and gaming devices as possible.

For over 20years, TP-Link has been trusted for vertical manufacturing and strict quality control. The brand has been reliable in providing consistently high-quality products of which their network switches are number one.

Made of a very solid metal case for maximum durability, this lightweight switch can store easily and can also be mounted easily. The fan-less design makes it super-quiet, hence it is ideal for the noise-sensitive environment and non-sensitive environments. It can be mounted on the wall or as a desktop which makes it versatile.

While the operating temperature range for this switch is 32 to 104 ̊F, the storage temperature range requirement is 40 to 158 ̊F. The 802.3x flow control is reliable and provides constant data transfer. Traffic optimization is guaranteed with the 802.1p and DSCP QoS enabled- technology. This ensures smooth latency traffic for files such as music, video, and gaming.

It automatically saves up to 80% of power by adjusting power consumption according to the length of cable and link status. The maximum power consumption is 220V/50Hz.

The auto-negotiation feature supports the auto MDI and MDIX, therefore there is no need for crossover cables. This product comes with a limited lifetime warranty that covers component hardware and services. It also comes with unlimited customer care service support online.

4. NETGEAR Nighthawk S8000 8-Port Gigabit Smart Managed Plus Gaming Switch (GS808E) – Low Latency for Responsive Streaming, Cool-touch Zinc-alloy Desktop Housing, Fan-less for Quiet Operation

This is one Netgear switch that is very appealing and creatively designed for maximum convenience and performance. This is a 5-port option but you can also find options in 8, 16 and 24 ports. The wired connectivity speed of this device is up to 1000 Mbps.

The easy plug and play connection mean there is no need for any setup or software upgrade. It comes with the QoS (quality of service) prioritization and the device also meets the EEE (Energy Efficient Ethernet) 802.3az standard.

There is a stable Gigabyte speed here, and your network capacity will be expanded to accommodate higher bandwidth usage. It enables instant large file data transfers especially for power users in homes and offices.

It comes with an inbuilt professional lightning protection feature and this can provide up to 6KV lightning to prevent lightning-induced current from damaging the device. The modern desktop design comprises of a cool-to-touch zinc alloy casing that matches its performance.

The fan-less design means no noise when operating. It also comes with a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty that covers the hardware and service. The operating temperature for this device is 32 to 104 °F.

It is designed to be energy efficient hence it optimizes power usage to reduce costs of operation. This model is compliant with the IEEE802.3 az. It is built to last, and it has passed various tests on reliability, performance, and quality.

Versatility is the principle behind the design of this switch. A new gaming dashboard has been included to provide insights into real network performance plus auto-diagnosis, which means an almost zero latency for a responsive and high-resolution video.

5. Linksys SE2800 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch

This 8-port Ethernet switch is a reliable way of expanding your home network because it supports the connection of up to 8 different devices. You can connect just any device including printers, computers, gaming consoles, and storage devices.

It has a speed of 1000 Mbps which means you can leverage the power of Gigabit for file transfer and fast gaming. You can also make use of auto-sensing Gigabit ports 10,100 and 1000 to choose ports for different devices.

This is a plug and play device, simply connect your devices and start using them. The device does not require any configuration or software upgrade. The high performance of the product is provided by the QoS (Quality of service) inbuilt traffic prioritization technology.

It is ideal for gaming, and quick file sharing with the auto-sensing ports automatically optimizing the speed for each of your connected services. Lots of power optimization features which include auto power-down on unused ports and sleep mode for all inactive ports.

This product comes with limited manufacturer warranty.

6. Tenda 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Switch (SG105)

This is a 5-port ethernet switch that also comes in other options, including the 9-port and 8-port. The plug and play device does not require any form of configuration or software.

Very minimal in design. It measures just 4 x 2.5” in length a and height which makes it easy to mount or store. It is an ethernet splitter thus providing quick and easy connectivity to your router and modem. This device provides a wired connection to a gaming console, laptop, printer and much more.

The RJ45 Gigabit ports can expand your network and also provide supports for the MDI/MDIX- with this feature there is no need for crossover cables. There is a lifetime tech support online, in addition to the limited lifetime warranty. The dedicated support team has listed their emails and contact phone numbers for this purpose.

This device also features five 10,100,1000 Mbps auto-negotiating RJ45 to allocate speed and bandwidth to different devices connected to the switch. With up to 10 times the speed of standard ethernet, this device will eliminate bandwidth restriction bottleneck.

The outer shell is made of natural ABS material which is environmentally friendly. The device is fire-proof which makes it very safe for usage. The stylish and exquisite design also means the dome-shaped plastic material will appeal to everyone.

This device will fit perfectly with your internal décor, and it doesn’t just fit wired network connectivity, it fits a homet too.

7. Aumox 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch, Desktop, Unmanaged Ethernet Splitter, Durable Metal Casing, Traffic Optimization, Fan-less Quiet, Plug and Play（AM-SG205）

A very compact design with a stable Gigabit speed defines this device. It features 5 auto-negotiation ports that will expand your network capacity for the maximum speed and transfer of files. Power users can rely on this switch to transfer heavy files during gaming or office usage.

It comes with lightning protection for the ports, this includes the in-built lightning protection of up to 6kv for protection against the lightning-induced current that can cause serious damage to the devices connected to the ports.

Quietness and less heat generation are two features you will find here. The fine steel casing makes the device highly durable, it also ensures the stability of the device hence little heat generation even under heavy usage. It also comes with a flexible design which includes a wall-mounting option and can also be mounted like a desktop.

The plug and play device requires no configuration and the fan-less design makes it suitable for your home or office gaming or administrative works. It is ideal for the SOHO networks because it offers an economical way of increasing bandwidth usage among your devices. This device will help you upgrade your device to Gigabit connectivity.

It is important to mention the LED indicators that reveal the network status on the switch. The RJ 45 ports also ensure there are no messy cables on your desk.

As a top-rated ethernet switch, this product comes with a manufacturer warranty that covers the labor and hardware component. It also comes with 24/7 online customer care support.

8. TP-Link 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch | Ethernet Splitter | Plug-and-Play | Traffic Optimization | Unmanaged (TL-SG1005D)

This is a simple, yet flexible 5-port Ethernet switch that offers great value. It is a plug and play, easy to set up the device with no configuration and software needed; hence you can use it at home or office even if you don’t have network administration skills.

It comes with an Ethernet splitter feature that connects to your router and modem for additional wired connectivity to your laptop, gaming devices, printer and many more. The auto-negotiation RJ45 ports offer 5, 10, 100 and 1000 Mbps options to expand your network capacity.

This device comes with a cost-effective desktop design with no fan that creates noise. This makes the device very convenient even in sensitive environments. The reliable IEEE802.3x flow control guarantees a reliable data transfer. This device has maximum power consumption ratings of 3W or 220v/50 Hz. The external power supply output adapter also supports an output rating of 9volts DC/ 0.6A.

It offers up to 80% power saving by automatically adjusting your device power consumption according to the cable length and link status of devices. The switch also comes with an auto-negotiation feature that supports the Auto MDI/MDIX, thus eliminating the need for crossover cables.

It provides a faster network response time through its non-blocking switching architecture. It speeds up the network traffic in-between the sub-networks by simply forwarding and filtering packets at maximum throughout and full wire speed.

This switch comes with a 2-year warranty plus an unlimited 24/7 technical support which is free.

9. BV-Tech 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE Switch (4 Gigabit PoE Port @ 60W + 4 Gigabit Ethernet Port)

This is one of the switches with the most number of ports. It provides 4 PoE ports, plus 4 uplink ports that deliver 10,100 and 1000 Mbps speeds each. The High PoE at port 1 will provide up to 60W single port while PoE at port 2-4 provides up to 30W per port – these are far better than the normal ports on switches that can only provide a maximum of 15.4W per port.

The device comes with a 60W power adapter and there is a PD protection that automatically detects power needs and provides the required power to your devices connected to the PoE ports. There are LED indicators attached to all ports for power monitoring. The 4-gigabit uplink ports allow for communication without sacrificing any PoE ports.

In all, this device provides a switching capability of 20G plus a packet forwarding rate of 11.9 Mbps. The flow control on this switch is enabled by default, and the device itself can withstand humidity levels of up to 90%. It has a power rating of DC 48 to 57v. The device also comes with a lightning and power surge protection of up to 2KV.

The operating temperature range for this device is 14- 131F degrees, and it weighs just 0.49kg which makes it lightweight. This Ethernet switch measures 7.48 x 3.94 x 1.18 inches in width, diameter and height respectively. It comes with a limited manufacturer warranty.

10. TRENDnet 6-Port Fast Ethernet PoE Switch, TPE-S50, 4 x Fast Ethernet PoE Ports, 2 x Fast Ethernet Ports, 60W PoE Budget, 1.2 Gbps Switch Capacity, Ethernet Network Switch, Metal, Lifetime Protection

This switch is highly rated as one of the best performing Ethernet switches around. The Ethernet port interface comes with 4 fast Ethernet PoE ports plus 2 fast Ethernet ports. The total 60W provides a budget-friendly switch operation for the delivery of data power over Ethernet cables and all devices connected.

You can use access points to connect your VoIP phones and IP cameras. The fast Ethernet PoE network switch provides up to 1.2Gbps edge capacity to support any network installation.

There is a very compact fan-less design plus a lightweight and rugged metal casing. The desktop switch is mostly suitable for desktop mounting position. The silent fan-less design makes it suitable for a silent environment. In addition to desktop mounting, there is a wall-mounting unit included in the package.

The data transfer rate here is Ethernet: 10 Mbps for half-duplex, 20 Mbps for full-duplex, and fast Ethernet, the speed is 100 Mbps for half-duplex, and 200 Mbps for full-duplex.

The operating temperature range for the 6-port fast Ethernet is 32 to 104 °F. It comes with a lifetime manufacturer protection alongside an online customer care service that runs 24/7.

The power adapter is used for external purposes. This switch measures 5.9 x 3.8 x 1.1 inches in length width and height respectively. It weighs just 0.75 lb. which makes it so lightweight and easy to transport. It is ideal for a quiet and noisy environment because it doesn’t generate noise.

Conclusion

This piece of guide and product review has offered you sufficient information that can help you make the right choices when it comes to getting the best Ethernet switch for gaming, you must stick to the information to avoid loss of money and getting inferior products. Every component of the switch must be examined, even the build or body design is important. Metal casing switches are more durable than plastic casing switches for instance and choosing metal casing switches may save you more money in the long run due to durability.

Though you might be budget-conscious and trying to save on buying the ideal network switch, one rule you must follow is never to compromise quality for cost. This does not mean the most expensive Ethernet switches are the best, it does not mean you should settle for the cheapest options too. You need to create a balance between what is affordable and what will serve you in the long term.

If gaming is the only thing you want to use the switch for, perhaps you should consider the 1000Mbps speed type of switch and if you want to browse the internet and share files, perhaps a cheaper and lower speed 100Mbps may be enough. With circumstances changing from time to time, you may want to consider a network switch that can be re-configured to accommodate such expansion for more devices so that you don’t have to change switches all the time.

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