7 Best Ethernet Switch for Gaming: Buying Tips

Last Updated on 3 months by Touhid

If you are looking for the best Ethernet switch for gaming then you are in the right place to buy the best Ethernet switch for gaming.

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

You need faster internet and high speed to play video games. The best Ethernet switch will ensure smooth access across several devices.

Summary of Best Ethernet Switch for Gaming

As a video gamer, you have to select and purchase the best Ethernet switch for gaming. A few days ago I was facing the same issue and after a proper search online, I selected and bought an Ethernet switch that is best according to my needs.

Here is the list of the affordable and best Ethernet switches for gaming.

1. NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch (GS105NA)
2. NETGEAR 5 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Switch (GS305EP)
3. D-Link Gigabit Ethernet Switch (DGS-1008G)
4. Zyxel 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch (GS105S)
5. NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308)

I’ve analyzed the listed best Ethernet switch for gaming and found some key comparisons so you can pick your desired best Network switch for gaming very easily.

Best Ethernet Switch for Gaming – Buying Guide

Why Ethernet switch is required for gaming? If you don’t have sufficient Network ports to directly connect all of your devices to the router, then an Ethernet switch is very much required for gaming.

In addition, an Ethernet switch has multiple ports so you can add your gaming consoles alongside other devices such as computers and laptops. Based on the device’s requirements, an Ethernet switch can allocate data speed and bandwidth to all connected devices.

Now in this section, I’ll put the key features, product information, pros, cons, and how to buy each best Ethernet switch for gaming.

1. NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch

The NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Switch (GS105NA) is the best Ethernet Switch for gaming, which is a simple plug-and-play device.

NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch doesn’t require any installation software or configuration to install the switch. And of course, why not, as there are more than 12.48K reviews with 4.8 good ratings on Amazon (to check the latest price click here).

There are several ports of the NETGEAR Gigabit Ethernet switch such as 5 ports, 8 ports, 16 ports, and 24 ports so you can buy according to your needs and ability.

Specification/ Features

There are several special features of the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch, which are as follows:

About This Item

Simple plug-and-play: The setup of the NETGEAR 5-port Gigabit Ethernet switch is a simple plug-and-play and it has no required software and no configuration needed to install.

Mount Placement: You can mount the NETGEAR 5-port Ethernet switch for gaming in versatile placement, such as you can mount it on the desktop or wall-mounted for operations.

Energy Efficient: This Ethernet switch is designed to be energy efficient and it is compliant with the IEEE802.3 AZ energy Ethernet mode. It reduces the costs of the process and optimizes power usage.

Reliable and Secure Network: You will get a trustworthy and secure network without getting connectivity interruption. This Ethernet switch is designed for gaming, small, medium, and large enterprises.

Operating System: The NETGEAR Ethernet switch is compatible with different operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS, NetWare, and Linux.

Warranty: After purchasing the NETGEAR 5-port Gigabit Ethernet switch for gaming, you will get a lifetime-limited hardware warranty and a 24/7 live web chat with a NETGEAR expert.

Pros

• Reliable and Secure Network
• Simple plug-and-play
• No software is required to install
• Quality of material

Cons

• Limited Hardware Warranty.

How to Buy/ Price?

Click on the following Amazon button to check the price or buy this NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch, which is the best Ethernet switch for gaming and applications.

Buy On Amazon

2. NETGEAR 5 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Switch (GS305EP)

NETGEAR 5 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet plus Switch will be another choice for you, which is the best Ethernet switch for gaming. This Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch (GS305EP) has 4 PoE+ ports with a 63W total power budget.

Typically, it has basic and advanced network management features that can help to enhance the performance of the network. There are more than 1.9K reviews with 4.7 good ratings on Amazon (to check the latest price click here).

Specification/ Features

The features of the NETGEAR 5 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch are as follows:

About This Item

Easy-To-Use: Using the NETGEAR 5 Port Ethernet plus Switch, you can easily manage, configure, secure, and monitor your network. It is flexible and you can easy-to-use web browser-based management GUI.

Managed Applications: This Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Plus Switch (GS305EP) has 4 PoE+ ports that can connect with the gaming console, VoIP phones, IP cameras, and wireless access points. It has 63W total power that can ensure the running of all connected applications.

Mount Placement: You can mount the NETGEAR 5 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch for gaming in versatile placement such as you can mount it on the desktop or can be wall-mounted for operations.

Energy Efficient: This Ethernet switch is designed to be energy efficient and it is compliant with the IEEE802.3 AZ energy Ethernet mode. It reduces the costs of the process and optimizes power usage.

Network Management Features: It has basic and advanced network management features including VLANs, QoS, and IGMP Snooping that can help to enhance the network’s performance.

Uninterrupted PoE: It has uninterrupted PoE and ensures the power is on even when the NETGEAR switch is performing a software reboot or updating firmware.

VLAN Control: Moreover, it can reduce cost and management by configuring multiple virtual networks to ensure network security and increase performance. Typically it supports up to 64 VLANs for traffic segmentation and includes Quality-of-Service (QoS) for traffic prioritization.

Warranty: After purchasing the NETGEAR 5 Port PoE switch, you will get an industry-leading 3-year limited hardware warranty and a 24/7 live web chat with a NETGEAR expert.

Pros

• Reliable and Secure Network.
• Easy to use.
• User interface (GUI).
• Quality of material.

Cons

• Limited Warranty period.

How to Buy/ Price?

Click on the following Amazon button to check the price or buy this NETGEAR 5 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Switch (GS305EP), which is the best Ethernet Switch for gaming.

Buy On Amazon

3. D-Link Gigabit Ethernet Switch (DGS-1008G)

The D-Link 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch is another best Ethernet switch for gaming. It transfers data at gigabit speeds and boosts your network performance and it is reliable when playing games.

The setup of the D-Link Gigabit Ethernet Switch (DGS-1008G) is very simple, just a Plug-and-Play device, and requires no configuration to install the switch.

Using this Ethernet Switch, you can securely connect multiple computers and create a multi-player gaming environment. It has more than 1.8K reviews with 4.6 good ratings on Amazon (to check the latest price click here).

Specification/ Features

The D-Link 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch (DGS-1008G) has some special features, which are as follows:

About This Item

Simple Setup: The setup of the D-Link Gigabit Ethernet Switch (DGS-1008G) is very simple, hassle-free, just a Plug-and-Play device, and requires no configuration to install the switch.

Gaming Environment: Using this Ethernet Switch, you can easily connect multiple computers and create a multi-player gaming environment.

Network Performance: It transfers data at gigabit speeds and boosts your network performance and the switch is reliable when playing online games.

Gaming Experience: The D-Link 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch has QoS (4 Queues, Strict Mode) support for VOIP calls and is very smooth for the online game experience.

Ideal Switch: The D-Link 8-Port Ethernet Switch provides faster Ethernet speeds, is secure to store/forward, and is ideal for gaming and applications.

Green Technology: The DGS-1008G 8-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Desktop Switch uses the D-Link Green Ethernet technology, which helps to save energy when the device is not in use.

RoHS Compliant: D-Link 8-Port Ethernet switches use recyclable packaging and reduce the use of unsafe materials, and it is also RoHS compliant.

Lifetime Warranty: After purchasing a D-Link Ethernet Switch, you will get a Limited Lifetime Warranty and a 24/7 live web chat with a D-Link expert person to further its commitment to ensuring product quality.

Pros

• Simple Setup.
• Easy to use.
• Green Technology.
• Multi-player gaming environment.
• Energy efficiency.
• Fanless design for silent operation.

Cons

• Plastic shell.

How to Buy/ Price?

Click on the following Amazon button to check the price or buy this D-Link 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch, which is the best Ethernet Switch for gaming PC.

Buy On Amazon

4. Zyxel 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch for Gaming

This is one Zyxel 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch for Gaming and Media [GS-105S v2] that is very attractive and productively designed for maximum convenience and performance.

You can easily connect multiple devices (such as VoIP, game consoles, media players, TV sets, and Web browsing devices) at the same time at a faster Gigabit speed.

The setup of the Zyxel 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch is very simple, just a Plug-and-Play device, and requires no configuration effort to install the switch.

Specification/ Features

The features of the Zyxel 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch for Gaming and Media [GS-105S v2] are as follows:

About This Item

Simple Setup: The setup of the Zyxel 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch is very simple, just a Plug-and-Play device, and requires no configuration effort to install the switch.

Connect Multiple Devices: In addition, you can easily connect multiple devices (such as VoIP, game consoles, media players, TV sets, and Web browsing devices) at the same time at a faster Gigabit speed.

3-Level Prioritization: The switch has QoS ports with 3-level-prioritization for users to assign their preferred network applications. The ports are low, medium, and high priorities so you can connect your applications according to your needs.

Smooth Gaming: When you want to play online gaming, you just connect the game console to the medium-priority QoS port and you will enjoy smooth gaming.

Multimedia Streaming: If you want smooth and high-quality voice and multimedia streaming at your home, then connect your VoIP or media players to the high-priority ports.

Fast Gigabit Data Transmission: The Zyxel GS-105S v2 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet switch is designed to provide trustworthy high-performance network connectivity and you will get 10 times faster data transmission than Fast Ethernet. So no doubt this Zyxel GS-105S v2 switch will satisfy your demands for online gaming and multimedia streaming.

Green Ethernet Technology: The GS-105S v2 switch uses Green Ethernet technology, which helps to save energy without compromising network performance. The switch will ensure that it will automatically detect the power consumption of connected network devices.

Bi-Color LED Indicators: You can easily check the link and activity status of the switch because the Zyxel GS-105S v2 has an auto-sensing function and LED indicators.

Pros

• Simple Setup.
• Smooth gaming and media streaming.
• Green Ethernet Technology.
• Bi-Color LED Indicators.
• Energy efficiency.
• Gigabit Data Transmission.

How to Buy/ Price?

Click on the following Amazon button to check the price or buy this Zyxel 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch [GS-105S v2], which is one of the best Ethernet Switch for Gaming and Media.

Buy On Amazon

5. NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308)

This is the last and best Ethernet switch for gaming and applications of the NETGEAR brand. The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308) is easy to use, reliable, and improves your home and gaming environment.

It has more than 43.7K reviews with 4.8 good ratings on Amazon (to check the latest price click here).

Specification/ Features

The specifications of the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch are as follows:

About This Item

Plug-and-Play Setup: The setup of the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch is very simple, just a Plug-and-Play device, and no configuration or software is required.

Energy Efficient Design: The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308) Switch uses energy-efficient technology, which helps to save energy without disrupting the network performance. The switch will ensure that it will automatically detect the power consumption of connected network devices for your home.

Mount Placement: You can mount the NETGEAR 8 Switch for gaming in versatile placement such as you can mount it on the desktop or can be wall-mounted for operations.

Easily Expand: This Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch has 8 ports; you can also find the option for a 5-port switch. Using this switch, you can easily expand wired connectivity anywhere in your home. The connectivity can be a computer, game console, TV, router, and printer.

Silent Operation: The NETGEAR 8-Port Ethernet Switch (GS308) is ideal for noise-sensitive environments.

Warranty: After purchasing the product you will get an industry-leading 3-year limited hardware warranty and 24/7 technical support is provided for 90 days from the purchase date.

Pros

• Simple Setup.
• Energy-efficient design.
• Silent Operation.
• Easily expand Connectivity.

Cons

• Only for home and small office.

How to Buy/ Price?

Click on the following Amazon button to check the price or buy NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308), which is the best cheap Ethernet Switch for Gaming.

Buy On Amazon

How you will 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 which 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 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.

Conclusion

At last, all the listed Ethernet switches for gaming in this post are the best Ethernet switch for gaming and they have huge positive reviews on Amazon and are affordable.

I’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 the article will be helpful to find out the best Ethernet switch for gaming.