In our search for the best network switch, we meticulously reviewed and compared several network switches available in the market today. We considered five major criteria in our evaluation: cost, core features, customer support, scalability and performance, and ease of installation.
Despite their compact size, these switches offer scalability to accommodate the expanding network needs of branch offices over time. They offer high-speed connectivity with flexible uplink options for fast and reliable data transfer. Additionally, the EX2300 series addresses security concerns prevalent in branch and remote offices with ACLs, port security, and support for network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access to the network infrastructure.
It is particularly beneficial in environments with diverse applications and bandwidth requirements. QoS also helps maintain a consistent high-quality experience for real-time applications like VoIP.
Product design: The TL-SG3452XP features a rugged metal casing that may appear substantial compared to other network switches. However, for a switch of its capacity and features, these specifications are standard. It is designed to fit into 19-inch server racks, with its weight of 5.5 kg (12 lbs) enhancing stability.
Scalability is one of the DGS-1100-24PV2’s key strengths. With a web-based management interface and smart managed features, the switch empowers administrators to configure, monitor, and scale the network easily without the complexity of fully managed solutions. Incorporating QoS and supporting link aggregation further enhances its scalability, ensuring appropriate resource allocation and increased bandwidth as the network expands.
Fast data transfer speeds effectively support data-intensive applications and large file transfers. Higher speeds like 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps facilitate smooth data transmission, mitigating network congestion.
The Juniper EX2300 switches are well-suited for branch and remote offices due to their compact and scalable design. The switches in this series come in a form factor conducive to environments with space constraints, making them ideal for deployment in branch offices.
The table below offers a side-by-side comparison of the best network switch products on the market, providing a clear overview of their management types, port count, speed, pricing, and warranty details.
The Ubiquiti Unifi Switch 48-Port Gigabit Managed Network features 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports and four 1G SFP Ethernet ports, delivering a total non-blocking throughput of 70 Gbps for high-performance networking. This switch is particularly well-suited for large-scale deployments requiring high data transfer rates.
The NETGEAR MSM4352 is a high-performance, scalable switch ideal for large enterprises. It is part of NETGEAR’s edge-to-core stackable platform, ranging from 1 to 100Gb, which allows for non-stop forwarding (NSF) and hitless failover across the stack, making it ideal for businesses needing high availability and resilience in their network infrastructure.
Here are the 2024 recommendations for the best network switches:
The DGS-1100-24PV2 is priced at £229.99 on D-Link’s official website.
One standout feature of this switch is its PoE support, enabling the switch to supply power to connected devices over Ethernet cables, reducing the need for separate power supplies. It also supports QoS features, streamlining the prioritization of various network traffic types. Additionally, this product includes built-in security features like access control lists (ACLs), authentication, port security, VLAN security, and secure remote access.
We chose the Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series for its potent yet flexible switching capabilities. It delivers high-speed connectivity with support for multi-gigabit and 10-gigabit Ethernet. Its modular design and scalability make it adaptable to different network sizes and requirements, making it a future-proof choice.
Apart from its energy efficiency, TRENDnet TEG-S24Dg features a switching capacity of 48 Gbps, facilitating smooth data traffic flow and minimizing network bottlenecks. The switch also supports jumbo frames for transmitting larger Ethernet frames up to 10KB.
To evaluate core features, we took into account metrics such as port density, data transfer speed, management type, PoE, QoS, VLAN support, energy efficiency, and built-in security capabilities.
The Linksys LGS116P is priced at £220.99. However, it’s worth noting that the product’s weight and size may occupy a significant amount of space.
Best for branch and remote offices
Despite its advanced features, the Zyxel MG-108 remains an affordable entry point into multi-gig networking, making it a cost-effective solution for SMBs looking to enhance their network performance. The device’s plug-and-play functionality eliminates complex configurations, saving valuable time and resources for growing businesses.
Best for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs)
Product design: The NETGEAR MSM4352 has a rack-mountable design for placement in a server room or data center. Weighing 16 lbs, it is relatively heavy, making hardware handling and installation more challenging compared to lighter, more compact switches.
The EX2300 series brings redundant power options and link aggregation features, boosting network resilience and minimizing downtime in case of failures. It also incorporates the Junos OS to streamline network management tasks for remote administrators.
TRENDnet TEG-S24Dg offers high-speed connectivity with 24 gigabit ports and stands out for its energy efficiency. This network switch employs GREENnet technology to adjust power consumption based on network traffic, reducing power usage by up to 70% and promoting a sustainable network infrastructure.
Juniper has been steadily upgrading the EX2300 series over time. Some models are now compatible with PoE standards 802.3af Class 3 and 802.3at PoE+, enabling them to power various network devices. Additionally, EX2300 switches now support cloud-based operations and are zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) enabled, fostering seamless onboarding, configuration, and management through Juniper Mist Wired Assurance.
Product design: The Linksys LGS116P boasts a sleek and space-saving design, making it easy to integrate into any workspace. It is also wall-mountable, offering flexibility in placement. The switch’s metal casing provides protection, while clearly labeled ports ease the setup process.
Product development: Zyxel introduced SMB switches with PoE scheduling to assist businesses in reducing energy costs. This feature enables you to schedule switches to power down during non-working hours, aiming to enhance efficiency and sustainability, particularly in the face of rising energy prices.
For scalability, we considered the features that permit network switches to handle significant network growth, including scalability, PoE, QoS, and security features.
D-Link DGS-1100-24PV2 ranks among the best network switch products on our list, thanks to its scalability, reliability, and the overall brand reputation of D-Link. The switch supports QoS, prioritizing network traffic to maintain optimal performance for critical network applications. It also features Static MAC, allowing the creation of a MAC allowlist for specific ports to safeguard your business network. Furthermore, it comes with a lifetime warranty, reflecting D-Link’s commitment to product excellence and long-term customer trust.
VLAN support enables network segmentation into multiple virtual networks, with each VLAN operating independently. It offers isolation and control over network traffic, bolstering security and network organization.
We considered the performance of each network switch for each criterion and rated them accordingly. Their total scores were then calculated.
To calculate the scores for this criterion, we examined whether each vendor offers multiple customer support options such as live chat, phone, email, active community, and detailed documentation or knowledge base. We also verified the availability of real-time assistance to customers 24/7.
For the Cost category, we assessed the pricing range of each switch, its warranty, and the pricing transparency of the network switch company.
In product development news, D-Link has broadened its product range by unveiling the DMS-106XT Multi Gigabit Unmanaged switch. This model enhances wired connections with multi-gigabit connectivity. Noteworthy is its Turbo Mode function, which intelligently prioritizes latency-sensitive applications to optimize performance.
Furthermore, this switch includes 44 ports supporting 2.5Gb Ethernet, 4 ports supporting 10-gigabit Ethernet, and 4 uplinks supporting 25Gb Ethernet. This enables high data transfer speeds required by large enterprises with heavy network traffic.
We picked the Linksys LGS116P for its excellent value relative to its price, offering reliable performance and advanced features. It delivers gigabit transfer speeds, supports QoS, and complies with the Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) 802.3az standard, reducing power consumption without compromising performance.
Best for small office/home office (SOHO) networks
Best for scalability
We picked Ubiquiti Unifi Switch 48-Port Gigabit Managed Network for its high performance, comprehensive feature set, and robust security measures. This switch equips network administrators with essential tools for securing networks and efficiently managing access.
The Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series comprises versatile switches that facilitate various business operations, ensuring a secure experience and delivering high speeds.
Product design: TEG-S24Dg sports a metal housing that contributes to its durability. It is lightweight and fits well on a desktop, optimizing space utilization. Furthermore, the switch comes with a built-in universal power supply, reducing cable clutter.
The speed of data transfer, expressed in megabits or gigabits per second (Mbps/Gbps), signifies the rate of data transmission between devices connected to the switch.
Criterion winner: TRENDnet TEG-S24Dg
The Linksys LGS116P is a robust, unmanaged switch that serves as an excellent choice for SOHO networks, primarily due to its solid PoE+ support.
In recent product development news, Linksys has updated its Privacy Pledge, reinforcing its commitment to user privacy and security. The new pledge assures that Linksys products and apps do not track user activity or sell personal information, aiming to provide a secure online experience and enhance trust and peace of mind for Linksys customers.
We employed two distinct
Product design-wise, the DGS-1100-24PV2 is space-efficient and suitable for rack installation or placement on a desktop. This switch also operates silently due to its fanless design.
In a business environment, this feature aids in deploying devices in areas with limited power outlets or where an organized cabling infrastructure is vital.
The EX2300 series has a modern and compact design suitable for crowded wiring closets and space-constrained access locations. Occupying only one rack unit in depth, the switch offers a low acoustic profile.
We included TRENDnet TEG-S24Dg as one of the top network switches because its high performance, energy efficiency, and user-friendly design make it a valuable addition to any SMB network.
The TEG-S24Dg is priced at £104.49 on TRENDnet’s website.
Best for energy efficiency
This network switch family emerged as the top Ethernet switch overall due to its robust feature set, high speed, and performance excellence. It provides a broad bandwidth range and scalability to meet the demands of both large and small data experiences. Moreover, the series leverages advanced Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality and incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for continuous zero-trust security.
Best for multi-cloud networks
High port density is crucial for scalability in expanding networks, enabling more devices to connect without the need for additional infrastructure. This aids in efficient resource utilization and simplifies network complexity by consolidating devices.
Regarding product design, the Cisco Catalyst 9000 Series features a unified internal and external design. Internally, it utilizes a common ASIC, the Cisco UADP, offering flexibility for packet handling. Externally, the hardware is stackable and can be mounted in standard server racks or network cabinets.
Zyxel MG-108 is priced at £138.87 on the Zyxel website.
Criterion winners: Cisco Catalyst 9000, NETGEAR MSM4352, Ubiquiti Unifi Switch, and Juniper EX2300.
With its top-notch speed and extensive features, the NETGEAR MSM4352 captured our attention and secured its spot on our list of recommended network switch products. This switch boasts automatic configuration that seamlessly connects with other M4350 (and M4250) switches, simplifying network expansion as needs evolve. Moreover, it supports various traffic types and VLANs, and comes equipped with a Layer 3 feature set offering static, policy-based, and dynamic routing capabilities.
We chose TL-SG3452XP for its comprehensive feature set, including support for a full suite of L2 and L2+ features such as static routing, enterprise-level QoS, and IGMP snooping. It also incorporates elaborate security strategies to safeguard LAN area investment. Furthermore, it offers standalone management capabilities through its web interface, CLI (Console Port, Telnet, SSH), SNMP, RMON, and Dual Image.
The best overall network switch:
Juniper Networks does not disclose pricing details for the EX2300 switches on their website. For detailed pricing information, contact their sales team.
The TP-Link TL-SG3452XP is a business-grade switch from TP-Link’s JetStream series, equipped with 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports and four 10G SFP+ slots — ensuring fast and reliable connections to servers and other switches.
To assess performance, we examined the transfer speeds, latency of each network switch, and explored any connectivity issues from a variety of user reviews.
Product development: TRENDnet replaced the TEG-S24Dg versions v1.0R and v2.0R with TEG-S24Dg to keep pace with technological advancements and changing market demands. This new version comes with additional CB and UL/CUL certifications in addition to the CE and FCC certifications the old versions had, indicating compliance with safety and operational standards in many regions.
Best for large-scale deployments
Power over Ethernet (PoE) enables the network switch to deliver data and electrical power over the same Ethernet cable. Consequently, devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones can receive power and data over a single cable, simplifying installation and eliminating the need for extra wires and power sources.
Cisco does not list prices on their website, contact their sales team for full pricing details.
Some critical features to consider when selecting the best network switch for your business include port density, data transfer speed, VLAN support, QoS, and PoE.
Product development: Ubiquiti recently launched Network 8.0R, introducing a revamped UI for streamlined management. This update offers numerous improvements, including a new Port Manager that enhances control and visibility over individual ports. It also features VLAN tagging visualization, providing a clear overview of VLAN configurations per port. This advancement offers greater control and insights into network segmentation, contributing to more efficient management and troubleshooting processes.
The Ubiquiti Unifi Switch 48-Port Gigabit Managed Network is available for £399.00 on Ubiquiti’s website.
VLAN support plays a critical role in business settings where distinct departments or user groups necessitate separate network segments.
Criterion winners: Cisco Catalyst 9000, Ubiquiti Unifi Switch, and Juniper EX2300.
In addition to its advanced features, we selected the Juniper EX2300 series for its reliable performance. It maintains high performance with low latency, ensuring efficient data transfer within the network. Furthermore, the switch supports Virtual Chassis technology, ideal for organizations prioritizing virtualization, allowing multiple interconnected switches to operate as a single logical device.
When it comes to product design, the Zyxel MG-108 stands out with its compact and lightweight build. It fits perfectly on a desktop or within a standard rack, complemented by its fanless design for silent and stable operation.
Product design: The switch is rack-mountable and suitable for installation in server rooms. It features a sturdy steel casing, enhancing durability. Ports and indicators on the front panel facilitate easy monitoring and management of network connections.
TP-Link does not disclose prices for the TL-SG3452XP. Contact their sales department for more information.
Port density refers to the number of ports or Ethernet interfaces present on the network switch, determining the direct connections available for devices.
In product development strides, Cisco has recently introduced the Cisco Catalyst 1200 and 1300 Series switches designed for small and medium businesses in the Asia-Pacific region. These innovations simplify network setup and security management, accelerate digital transformation for SMBs, and reduce complexity for resource-constrained operations teams.
A network switch connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN), directing data to specific devices to optimize data traffic and enhance network performance. In a business setting, network switches facilitate seamless communication, file sharing, and resource access among computers, servers, and other networked devices.
Best for large enterprises needing high availability
In product development updates, NETGEAR continues to deliver innovative networking solutions for small and mid-sized businesses with the launch of its MS108TUP Smart Switch. This product equips SMBs with modern switch functionalities for enhanced network performance, flexibility, and efficiency.
The D-Link DGS-1100-24PV2 is a 24-port gigabit PoE Smart Managed switch designed to meet the requirements of diverse networking environments. It incorporates 24 gigabit Ethernet ports, including 12 PoE+ ports, delivering high-speed wired connectivity and power for various devices.
We singled out Zyxel MG-108 as a viable network switch for businesses seeking to enhance their network performance without incurring high costs. Besides affordability, it supports multiple speeds (100M, 1G, 2.5G), enabling it to handle various devices and network speeds.
What sets the TL-SG3452XP apart for multi-cloud networks is its seamless integration with Omada’s software-defined networking (SDN) platform. This platform offers centralized cloud management, allowing remote and centralized control of the entire network from various locations using a single interface. The switch is ideal for businesses requiring seamless wireless and wired connections.
Criterion winners: Cisco Catalyst 9000, NETGEAR MSM4352, Linksys LGS116P, and Juniper EX2300.
Product development: TP-Link’s future strategies emphasize the significance of the Smart Home Ecosystem, a comprehensive solution for home automation. The vendor is also investing in the development of ColorPro™ Night Vision technology, promising to revolutionize security solutions. These strategic focus areas underscore TP-Link’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet evolving needs.
For pricing details on NETGEAR products, it is advised to contact a NETGEAR representative for a quote.
The Zyxel MG-108 is a multi-gigabit switch tailored for SMBs, optimizing multi-gig bandwidth and device performance. It supports multiple speeds and effectively caters to a range of networks.
With 16 gigabit Ethernet ports, this switch provides ample room for network expansion. The PoE+ feature allows VoIP phones, wireless access points, and IP cameras to receive both power and data over a single Ethernet cable, simplifying the installation process and reducing clutter — particularly helpful in SOHO networks where multiple devices are often spread across a confined space.
We evaluated scalability and performance separately for this category:
Quality of Service (QoS) comprises technologies and protocols prioritizing specific network traffic types.
