7 Best Ethernet Switch for Gaming in 2024

Last Updated on 1 day by Touhid

If you’re looking for the best Ethernet switch for gaming, you are in the right place to know and buy. Online gaming requires fast internet and one of the main and necessary steps for that is by using an ethernet switch. Your networks can get congested with too many devices and the ethernet switch can help with it.

Typically, an Ethernet switch is a network device that connects multiple wired devices or node such as computers, laptops, gaming consoles, printers, and servers to a local area network.

However, not every switch is suitable for gaming, and you surely don’t wanna spend your money on a useless switch.

So, keep on reading our guide to find the best ethernet switch for gaming.

Is Ethernet Switch Really Required For Gaming?

Is an Ethernet switch really necessary for gaming? Well, if you’re someone dealing with heaps of data daily, whether you’re a professional or a gamer, getting your hands on an Ethernet switch can be a game-changer. Let’s dive into why.

Uninterrupted Flow Of internet

First off, it’s all about that uninterrupted internet flow. Picture this: no hiccups, no lag – just smooth sailing. And in the gaming world, speed is the name of the game. Ethernet switches bring in Gigabit speeds and even more, ensuring your gaming device talks to the network at lightning speed.

Consistent connection

Then there’s the stability factor. Wi-Fi might have its moments, but Ethernet is like that rock-solid friend who never lets you down. No interference, no pesky obstacles – just a straight-up, reliable connection. Wi-Fi signals can be finicky with interference, obstructions, and other gadgets playing on the same frequency.

Ethernet, with its trusty cables, gives you that interference-free, direct link you’ve been dreaming of. So, yeah, if you want your gaming experience to be as smooth as butter, an Ethernet switch might just be your secret weapon.

Reduces latency

If you are a regular gamer, then you already know the importance of having lower latency. One of the main issues with WiFi is that it causes a lot of latency. But, with ethernet switches, this latency is reduced a lot and this will help you have a faster response time. So, you the best Ethernet Switch for gaming.

Less Congestion

Wi-Fi channels can become crowded in homes where several devices are linked to the same network, which will reduce performance. By distributing the network strain more effectively, Ethernet switches can reduce congestion and guarantee a more enjoyable gaming experience.

Top 7 Best Ethernet Switch For Gaming

Gaming requires faster uninterrupted speeds and that can be made possible by using a faster ethernet switch. From our research, we have found out the 7 best Ethernet Switch for gaming.

1. NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch 

The first ethernet switch for gaming on our list is the Netgear GS105NA. It comes with 5-Gigabit ports offering bandwidths up to 2000 Mbps and consumes only around 3.5 Watts.

The Netgear is one of the most efficient and best gigabit ethernet switches for gaming. It comes with 5 ports which is a great advantage for any gamers. The Netgear ProSafe GS105 V4 has a very straightforward interface. The front of the switch is dominated by five RJ-45 ports.

These three ports can run in 10mbps, 100mbps and gigabit (1,000mbps) modes. For 10M, 100M, and gigabit, there is one LED, one for each. My PC, game console, and other devices are connected to it with ease and clutter-free.

It also rests nicely on our desk and seems robust thanks to the strong metal shell. The gaming connections also function substantially better and are more stable thanks to the gigabit speeds, giving us lag-free gameplay.

Considering the price point, the performance was well up to the mark.  HD video streaming worked without a hitch, and data transfer speeds between nodes ranged from 100 to 125 MB/s.

Key Features

• Connects up to 10 times faster than fast ethernet.
• When a port is not in use, auto power-down mode conserves power.
• Devices at 10, 100, and 1000 Mbps can all be integrated into your network with a quick, auto-switching Ethernet connection.
• Supports both Windows and Macintosh.

Pros

• Comes at a reasonable price.
• Feels solid and sturdy.
• Power consumption is very less.
• Easy to install.

Cons

• The management interface is complicated.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a gigabit ethernet switch with numerous ports under budget, then the Netgear GS105NA is for you. This provides a top bandwidth of 2000 Mbps with easy swap between modes. Additionally, the installation process is very easy and takes only a few minutes.

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2. NETGEAR 8-Port Ethernet Switch for Gaming

This is another best Ethernet switch for gaming, which offers the number of fantastic features with efficient energy use.  A less expensive managed switch is the Netgear GS308E – 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch. 

One of the most innovative features of the Netgear GS308E is the IGMP Snooping. By preventing the switch from flooding every port with traffic, this feature prevents a decline in network performance. The switch maintains an intelligent map, identifying connections that are hungry for particular IP multicast streams.

Moreover, to keep things neat, it transmits multicast traffic only to the connections that genuinely want it, as opposed to flooding all ports with it. For multicast data, it serves as a traffic officer, ensuring that information only travels where necessary.

Additionally, this is very helpful for high-bandwidth applications (e.g., IPTV), where Layer 2 performance optimization is essential. A network multitasker that guarantees effective data flow is called IGMP snooping.

This is the best Ethernet Switch for gaming, which is also very simple to install and use. You can easily remove and insert patch wires without using much force. The power consumption is also quite less, the wall wart supplies 12V/1A power electricity at a maximum usage of 3.8W.

Key Features

• Comes with 8-gigabit ethernet ports.
• 3az compatible design that is energy efficient.
• Offers 3-year limited interested warranty.
• Allows for wall or tabletop mounting placement.

Pros

• Offers port mirroring capabilities.
• Comes with Built-in cable tester.
• Silent operation making it suitable for quite environments.
• Small and compact design

Cons

• Doesn’t have any SSH access to the switch.

Final Verdict

The NETGEAR GS308E is a good option if you’re searching for a dependable, feature-rich gigabit switch that allows you a little more control over your network without being overly complicated.  The switches are well-built and made of metal. They’re really sturdy. Additionally, they are unmanaged—all you have to do is plug in your devices and the power source.

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3. D-Link 6-Port 10GB & 2.5GB Gaming Switch

The D-Link DMS-106XT Unmanaged Gaming Switch is the best network switch for gaming. It comes with one 10 Gbps Ethernet port and five 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports for unlimited Wi-Fi 6 or AP connections. It has a power consumption of 10.6 Watts.

With a 10-gigabit port for high-bandwidth network uplink or connectivity to a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) gadget, the DMS-106XT 6-Port Multi-Gigabit Gaming Switch is ideal for sophisticated home networking setups or multimedia-rich offices.

One of the best features of this best Ethernet switch for gaming is the turbo mode. You can maintain the fastest possible network speeds for your 4K streaming and online gaming by using the Turbo Mode. This is ideal for consistently enjoying entertainment on the internet.

With five more 2.5 Gigabit ports and one very fast 10 Gbps connector, the DMS-106XT connects all of your high-speed devices—from Wi-Fi 6 routers to access points—efficiently. With its powerful capabilities, this network guarantees that your house or small company has unfettered access to a multi-gigabit network, giving all of your devices the best possible connections.

Key Features

• Coloured indicators to show the speed of each port.
• Includes 6 ports; 5 Gbps and one 10 Gbps.
• Quality of Service (QoS) is delivered via Smart Turbo Mode.
• Plug and play design.

Pros

• The LED light gives it an aesthetic outlook.
• Has a silent operation.
• The design is very sturdy.
• Lower heat dissipation makes it environmentally friendly.

Cons

• Basic setup does not have a customization page.

Final Verdict

If you are tired of the boring outlook for an ethernet switch for gaming then the D-Link DMS-106XT is the one for you. With this exclusive look and RGB lighting, the performance is also quite exceptional. The 6 ports give you an option to connect as many devices as you want for your gaming.

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4. D-Link 7-Port 2.5GB Gaming Ethernet Switch 

This is another best Ethernet Switch for gaming. Connecting multi-gig equipment such as 2.5G NAS, 2.5G PCIe Adapters, 2.5G Servers, Gaming PCs, and more is made easy with the D-Link 8-Port Multi-Gigabit Unmanaged Switch (DMS-107). This switch is perfect for making the most of every gigabit on your network.

The cost-effective 2.5G switch solution provided by D-Link’s 7-Port Multi-Gig Switch combines cutting-edge high-bandwidth performance with usability, robustness, dependability, and excellent value.

This DMS-107 switch has two extremely fast 2.5G ports and five more 1G ports, for a total switching capability of 20Gbps. It’s an adaptable solution that meets your demands for lightning-fast connectivity without going over budget.

This is the best Ethernet switch for gaming. One of its key features is the auto-sensing port capabilities, With auto-sensing ports, the two Multi-Gig ports on the DMS-107 detect your devices’ connection rates and intelligently switch to three different speeds (100Mb/1G/2.5G) for optimal efficiency and flexibility.

Key Features

• Includes two 2.5 Gbps Gigabit ports along with 5 other ports.
• Eight priority levels for traffic classification are possible with the 802.1p QoS functionality.
• Multi-Gig ports smoothly switch between three speeds by auto-detecting and adapting to the link speeds of your devices.
• Has support for IEEE 802.3az Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE).

Pros

• Comes at a reasonable price.
• Time-sensitive data remain untouched even during spikes in high-volume network traffic because of QoS’s intelligent prioritization of network traffic.
• Easy to install and use.
• Has a lightweight and compact design.

Cons

• Can cause issues when you try to connect two of these switches together.

Final Verdict

With its seven connections, including two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the D-Link DMS-106 offers multi-speed transmission that is perfect for high-performance Wi-Fi 6 networks. This maximizes network bandwidth and enables quick data transfers.

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5. TP-Link 8 Port Network Switch for Gaming

There are several ways the TL-SG108 may help you grow your network. To enjoy improved performance, just link it to a WiFi device, like a router or range extender, and send dependable internet to up to seven linked devices.

One of the best features of the TP-Link TL-SG108 is traffic optimization. Additionally, IGMP Snooping enhances the transmission of multimedia traffic to provide a better network experience, particularly for IPTV applications.

Furthermore, Advanced Software Features Use port-based 802.1p/DSCP QoS to prioritize your traffic and ensure high-quality audio or video data delivery.

TP-Link TL-SG108 is the best gaming ethernet switch. One notable feature of the TP-Link TL-SG108 is its silent operation and dependability. Implementing IEEE 802.3X flow control lowers the possibility of data packet collisions and improves overall network stability by guaranteeing a trustworthy data transmission mechanism.

This is very important to have a steady and dependable connection, especially while engaging in high-demand activities like streaming videos or playing online games. Additionally, with its 8× 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports, it is the best option for network expansion.

With support for Auto MDI/MDIX and Auto-Negotiation, it eliminates the need for manual setting and is user-friendly in design. Because of its plug-and-play capability, users of all technical skill levels can configure it with ease and have a flawless experience.

Key Features

• Includes a total of 8 ports for multi-connections.
• Data transfer is dependable and silent thanks to IEEE 802.3X flow control.
• Comes with a 3-year warranty.
• Enhanced software functionalities give your traffic first priority and ensure that your audio or video data is sent in high-quality form.

Pros

• Noiseless design enables it to be used it on any environment.
• Has a small and compact design.
• Can be easily mounted on the wall.
• Can be used even under extreme temperatures.

Cons

• The data is not scalable.

Final Verdict

Performance and ease of use are well-balanced in the TP-Link TL-SG108. With its reliable flow control, you can stay assured higher traffic intended work will get its required speed. Additionally, the 8 ports give you the flexibility to connect all your devices.

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6. Zyxel 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch 

If you’re looking for the reasonable and best network switch for gaming, the Zyxel GS-105S is for you. The Zyxel GS-105S v2 Desktop Gigabit Ethernet Media Switch comes with 5 ports. You can pair the GS-105S v2 to VoIP, media players, gaming consoles, and more with its simple plug-and-play capabilities.

This gaming switch is unique in that it optimizes media and games using Quality of Service (QoS) ports. This makes it perfect for gaming and streaming movies as it guarantees a smooth and prioritized experience for bandwidth-intensive apps.

Moreover, the five Gigabit Ethernet ports on the switch enable quick and dependable connectivity for several devices, resulting in a smooth networking experience.

This is the best Ethernet Switch for gaming, that has a very simple appearance. After a 12V DC input, we receive five 2.5GbE ports and status LEDs. On the side, the status LEDs are spaced apart from the ports themselves.

In addition, the Zyxel GS-105S v2 has auto-sensing capability and Gigabit Ethernet ports with clearly visible LED indicators, enabling users to rapidly and easily monitor link and activity status.

One of its best features is the green ethernet feature; the IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet standard, is compatible with the Zyxel GS-105S v2, guaranteeing energy savings without sacrificing performance.

So, when fewer gadgets are linked together or when the distance of the Ethernet connection is shorter, it automatically modifies power consumption based on the number of active connected devices and the cable.

Key Features

• Includes a total of 5 ports.
• Three-level prioritizing has been incorporated with the QoS ports.
• Green Ethernet feature helps to save energy.
• Has Bi-color indicators.

Pros

• Saves a lot of energy.
• Provides very fast Gigabit data transmission.
• Can work without causing any lag 24/7
• Doesn’t make any fan noise.

Cons

• No option to turn off the LED.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a compact yet effective ethernet switch for gaming with many ports, then the Zyxel GS105Sv2 is for you. Additionally, the LED indicators make it easier to keep an eye on the connection status and the easy plug-and-play design makes sure you can connect it without any hassle.

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7. D-Link 5-Port 2.5GB Unmanaged Gaming Switch

The last and best gaming ethernet switch on our list is the D-Link DMS-105, it comes with 5 ports each with 2.5 GB gigabit capabilities. Up to 25 Gbps of switching capacity can be supplied by it.

Your 2.5G devices’ full potential may be realized thanks to their flawless interoperability. This switch is made to improve the performance of your whole network environment, including WiFi 6 APs, NAS, PCIe adapters, servers, gaming PCs, 8K video, and IPTV. With this all-inclusive solution, embrace an unprecedented degree of connectedness and productivity.

This is the best ethernet switch for gaming, which has designed to provide the best possible Wi-Fi 6 experience. This switch is ideal for high-volume networks. It guarantees multi-speed transmission with five 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connections, enabling blazing-fast data transfers while optimizing network bandwidth overall. Savor its remarkable switching speed, which can exceed 25 Gbps.

Additionally, with the QoS function, you can enjoy more control over your network by automatically categorizing traffic into eight priority categories. Savor a more dependable connection as Flow Control reduces the number of lost packets.

Plus, use IGMP Snooping to effectively manage multicast data streams and optimize bandwidth for applications that require a lot of data. Greetings from a network that enhances your productivity!

Key Features

• Comes with 5 x 2.5 GB gigabit capabilities.
• Eight priority levels for traffic classification are accessible with the QoS function.
• Based on the capability of your devices, auto-negotiation dynamically modifies link speeds between 100Mb, 1G, and 2.5G.
• Noiseless operation due to fanless design.

Pros

• Ideal for using Wifi-6 gadgets.
• Helps lower the total ownership cost (TCO).
• You can use the CAT5e to upgrade to 2.5 Gbps without needing. to upgrade to another wire.
• Metal casing makes it sturdy.

Cons

• Price is on the expensive side.

Final Verdict

The D-Link DMS-105 is one of the most efficient ethernet gaming switches out there. It comes with 5, 2.5 GB ethernet ports so you can stay assured all of your connected devices will have the same possible speed. So, if you have a high budget this can be the perfect choice for you.

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How will you select the Best Ethernet Switch for Gaming?

If you are interested in or enjoyed playing an online video game, then you should purchase the best Ethernet switch for gaming. There are different brands and models of Ethernet switches for gaming and applications in the market.

However, if you have proper knowledge about Ethernet switches then you can choose your desired switch, otherwise very difficult to pick a good Ethernet switch.

That’s why in this section, we have identified some factors that will help you to choose the best Ethernet switch for your gaming. The factors are as follows:

• Mounting Type
• Speed
• Number Of Ports
• Managed and Unmanaged Switch

Mounting Type

There are different ways or options that network switches can be mounted, such as wall-mounted or desktop mounting. In the market, you will see that most of the network switches have mounting options.

Moreover, the benefit of the wall-mounted switch is that it can be placed anywhere in the room while the desktop-mounted switch will need a standard location to place the switch. If you are unsure which mounting will be best, then you may select and purchase the versatile wall-mounted and desktop mountable switch.

Number of Ports

Typically, the number of ports on the network switches between 2 and 64 ports. You have to determine or identify the number of devices you want to connect with the switch at a time then you can select the Ethernet switch for gaming.

If you think your devices will increase over some time or in the future, then you should select a network switch with more ports (at least 5 ports). Hope that will be the best selection to purchase the best network switch for gaming.

Speed

Speed is another prime factor in selecting the best Ethernet switch. An Ethernet switch has different types of speeds such as 5Mbps, 10Mbps, 100Mbps, 1000Mbps, and 10GB/s. If you want to send an email then 5 to 10Mbps is enough for you.

Now, 100Mbps speed is called Fast Ethernet, which is a solid speed for gaming online and transferring small files. But if you want to play smooth gaming then you need faster speeds, usually 1Gbps (1,000Mbps). So, you should consider the 1000Mbps standard speed to select the best Ethernet switch for gaming.

Unmanaged and Managed Ethernet Switch

This is one of the most common features to select the best Ethernet switch for gaming and application. An unmanaged Ethernet switch is a type of network switch that comes with a pre-set configuration, so you don’t need to change the configuration to run the switch.

The switch is typically used in the home or small office networks. Using the unmanaged switch, you can easily expand your network without special configuration, and you can simply increase the number of ports.

Now, the managed Ethernet switch is a type of switch that needs to be configured and the switch is designed for that network whose capacity will expand in the future. A managed Ethernet switch will give you better network security and flexibility than an unmanaged switch because the managed Ethernet can be configured to custom-fit the network.

To maintain a managed Ethernet switch, you need network expertise to manage and configure, which is problematic to hire for you. But if you have a large office with more requirements and need to ensure cyber security, then a managed switch will be the best solution for you.

So, you can pick the unmanaged Ethernet switch to select the best Ethernet switch for gaming and applications.

FAQs

Are you still having some questions about the best ethernet switch for gaming, after reading our guide so far? Then keep on reading the FAQs below to clear all your confusion.

Can I play games without ethernet switches?

You do not require an Ethernet switch to play games. Although they are not necessary, having one can help things go more smoothly because of quicker and more dependable connections.

If you’re content to use simply your gaming device, connect it directly to the network using an Ethernet connection. However, an Ethernet switch might be your gaming ally if you’re creating a gaming center with several devices.

Does an ethernet switch improve the gaming experience?

Consider Ethernet if you’re a dedicated player who appreciates a quick, dependable connection with little latency. There might not be a need to switch, though, if your present Wi-Fi configuration is satisfactory and you don’t have any severe latency or connection problems.

Can an ethernet switch reduce latency?

Although Ethernet switches don’t usually lower latency on their own, they can help create a network configuration that does. An Ethernet switch’s main function is to enable communication between connected devices on a local network. Although switches are important for optimizing traffic on local networks, latency is also influenced by other elements of the network design, cabling quality, and internet connection speed.

Conclusion

Even though you can do gaming without ethernet switches, having one can be beneficial especially if you are a professional gamer or you take gaming seriously.

However, while selecting an ethernet switch make sure it has enough ports as required for the total number of devices you have. Additionally, make sure you go for Gigabit speed as anything lower won’t be sufficient for gaming.

We’ve discussed the best Ethernet switches for gaming, which are easy to manage and set up, Plug-and-Play, efficient, professional, and exclusive features included. Hope this post will be helpful to find out the best Ethernet switch for gaming from the market.