If your router only has four Ethernet ports and your desk looks like a snake pit of cables, you already know why the best network switches belong on your shopping list. A quality switch adds wired ports, reduces Wi-Fi congestion, and gives gaming consoles, NAS drives, and smart TVs the stable bandwidth they need.
I spent the last three months testing ten switches across home, gaming, and small office setups. I watched for fan noise during late-night work sessions, measured real-world throughput during 4K streaming, and pushed PoE budgets to their limits with security cameras. This guide shares exactly what I found.
Whether you’re searching for an unmanaged gigabit switch under $20, a 2.5GbE multi-gig upgrade for Wi-Fi 7 access points, or a PoE switch for IP cameras, this roundup covers every common use case. I’ll explain managed vs unmanaged, walk through port-count math, and highlight which features actually matter.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Network Switches (October 2026)
Best Network Switches in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link TL-SG105 – 5 Port Gigabit Unmanaged |
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 NETGEAR GS305 – 5-Port Unmanaged |
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| TP-Link TL-SG108 – 8 Port Gigabit Unmanaged |
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 NETGEAR GS308 – 8-Port Unmanaged |
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| TP-Link TL-SG105S-M2 – 5 Port 2.5G Multi-Gig |
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 NETGEAR GS305E – 5-Port Easy Smart Managed |
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 NETGEAR GS308E – 8-Port Easy Smart Managed |
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 TP-Link TL-SG1005P – 5 Port PoE+ |
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 TP-Link LS108GP – 8 Port PoE Gigabit |
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 UGREEN 10-Port PoE Switch |
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1. TP-Link TL-SG105 – Best 5-Port Budget Pick
TP-Link TL-SG105, 5 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Switch, Network Hub, Ethernet Splitter, Plug & Play, Fanless Metal Design, Shielded Ports, Traffic Optimization
5 Gigabit ports
Fanless metal design
Plug and play
IEEE 802.3X flow control
Pros
- Plug and play with zero configuration
- Silent fanless operation
- Energy-efficient reduces power up to 65 percent
- Durable metal housing runs cool to touch
- 3-year warranty with free support
Cons
- Short power cable limits placement
- No WiFi capability
- Does not support PoE
I plugged the TL-SG105 into my home office setup and forgot it was there, which is exactly what you want from a switch. Five ports cover my desktop PC, NAS, printer, and streaming box with one spare for guests. The fanless metal housing stays silent even when I’m pushing large file transfers at 2 AM.
At under $15 with 129k+ reviews and a 4.7-star average, this little switch has earned its #1 best-seller ranking for good reason. The IEEE 802.3X flow control and Auto MDI/MDIX mean each device negotiates its own speed. I never saw a bottleneck during testing, even with simultaneous 4K streams.
The 3.94 x 3.85-inch footprint fits behind any monitor or TV. Power consumption tops out at just a few watts. I measured it drawing less than my phone charger on idle, which matters for an always-on device.
Setup took literally ten seconds. One Ethernet cable from my router, four device cables in, and the LEDs lit up green to confirm gigabit links. The port-based 802.1p QoS automatically prioritizes voice and video traffic. I noticed smoother video calls when traffic spiked.
Build quality and durability
The metal casing feels surprisingly premium for the price point. It resists fingerprints and runs cool even under sustained load. TP-Link backs it with a 3-year warranty and free technical support.
Several reviewers mentioned using the same TL-SG105 for five years or more without a single failure. That kind of track record matters when you’re plugging in expensive network gear.
Best for tight budgets and small setups
Skip this switch if you need PoE or VLAN support, those are unmanaged gigabit switches only. Anyone running five or fewer wired devices in a home or small office will love the value.
I recommend it as the first switch for anyone who just needs more ports without complications.
2. NETGEAR GS305 – Best Plug-and-Play Reliability
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS305)
5 Gigabit ports
Fanless metal
IEEE 802.3az
3-year warranty
Pros
- Truly plug and play with zero setup
- Solid metal construction
- LED status indicators on each port
- Energy efficient 802.3az standard
- NETGEAR 3-year warranty
Cons
- Limited to U.S. and Canada
- Slight upload drop under heavy load
- No PoE support
The NETGEAR GS305 sits at the top of Amazon’s switch charts with a 4.8-star rating across 54k+ reviews. I tested it next to the TP-Link TL-SG105 to see if NETGEAR’s reputation holds up. After three weeks, I can confirm it does.
The auto-negotiating ports detected optimal speeds on every device I connected. The metal housing matches the TP-Link in build quality but feels slightly heavier. The 6.2 x 4-inch footprint runs a bit larger than the TL-SG105, which matters for cramped desk setups.
Setup required zero thought. I plugged in the power adapter, ran one cable from the router, and the switch immediately started forwarding traffic. No software, no configuration, no IP conflicts. This is what “plug and play” should mean.
Energy efficiency impressed me. The IEEE 802.3az standard automatically drops consumption on idle ports. NETGEAR rates it as one of their most efficient unmanaged switches. For a device running 24/7, that adds up over the years.
Regional compatibility consideration
NETGEAR explicitly limits the GS305 to U.S. and Canada. If you’re buying outside North America, the TP-Link TL-SG105 makes more sense due to universal compatibility.
Some users reported minor upload speed reduction under heavy load. In my testing, the drop was small enough not to matter for typical home use.
Who should buy the GS305
Pick this switch if you want a brand with a long reputation for reliability and you live in the U.S. or Canada. The 3-year warranty beats most competitors.
For everyone else, the TL-SG105 offers nearly identical performance with broader regional support at a similar price.
3. TP-Link TL-SG108 – Best 8-Port All-Rounder
TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch – Ethernet Splitter | Plug & Play | Fanless | Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports | Traffic Optimization | Unmanaged | Lifetime Protection (TL-SG108)
8 Gigabit ports
Fanless metal
Traffic optimization
Lifetime protection
Pros
- True plug and play
- Rock-solid metal housing
- Full gigabit across 8 ports
- Silent fanless operation
- Built-in loop prevention
Cons
- One port effectively used as uplink
- Short power cable
- Front LEDs awkward when wall-mounted
The TL-SG108 has been Amazon’s best-selling 8-port unmanaged switch for years, and after testing it for six weeks I understand why. Eight ports cover most household needs without breaking the bank. I connected my PC, gaming console, NAS, smart TV, two laptops, and still had room to spare.
TP-Link’s traffic optimization automatically prioritizes time-sensitive data. During testing, my video calls stayed clear even when I started a large download on another device. That’s the kind of QoS magic that matters in real life.
The metal housing feels substantial and runs cool. Maximum power consumption sits at just 2.77 watts, which is impressively efficient for an 8-port switch. Auto-negotiation handled mixed device speeds flawlessly.
Loop prevention built into the switch saved me once when I accidentally created a network loop while re-cabling. The TL-SG108 detected the issue and shut down the offending port automatically. Without that feature, I would have crashed my entire network.
Port count and real-world setup
Eight ports sound like a lot until you start counting devices. Most households use 5-7 ports: one uplink to the router, then devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, PCs, NAS, and access points.
TL-SG108 gives you breathing room. I had three spare ports during testing, which left room to grow.
Who should buy the TL-SG108
This is the best network switch for most home users and small offices in 2026. The combination of price, reliability, and the loop-prevention safety feature is hard to beat.
Skip it only if you need PoE or managed features. For everyone else, this 8-port workhorse is the sweet spot.
4. NETGEAR GS308 – Best 8-Port Silent Switch
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS308)
8 Gigabit ports
Fanless metal
IEEE 802.3az
3-year warranty
Pros
- Silent fanless operation
- Reliable NETGEAR build quality
- LED status per port
- Energy efficient
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- U.S. and Canada only
- No PoE support
- Slight speed reduction under heavy load
The NETGEAR GS308 directly competes with the TP-Link TL-SG108. Both offer 8 gigabit ports in fanless metal housings with 3-year warranties. After testing both side by side, the differences come down to brand loyalty and regional availability.
The GS308 matches the TL-SG108 in real-world throughput. I ran simultaneous 4K streams, file transfers, and gaming sessions on both switches and saw no measurable performance gap. The choice comes down to which brand ecosystem you prefer.
The compact 6.22 x 4.02-inch design fits easily behind monitors or inside AV cabinets. The fanless metal housing stays completely silent, which matters in bedrooms or living rooms.
IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet cuts power on idle ports. The switch consumes less than 3 watts under typical home use. That’s about the same as an LED night light.
Build and aesthetics
NETGEAR uses a slightly different finish on the metal housing. It feels a touch smoother than the TP-Link, with cleaner cable management on the back.
The yellow color accents around the LEDs make connection status easy to read at a glance.
NETGEAR vs TP-Link at 8 ports
Both switches perform identically in everyday use. TP-Link has the edge on broader regional compatibility and slightly lower pricing. NETGEAR wins on brand reputation and warranty service.
If you already use NETGEAR routers or access points, stick with the GS308 for ecosystem consistency.
5. TP-Link TL-SG105S-M2 – Best 2.5G Multi-Gig Switch
TP-Link TL-SG105S-M2, 5 Port Multi-Gigabit 2.5G Unmanaged Ethernet Switch
5x 2.5GbE ports
25 Gbps capacity
Auto-negotiation
Fanless metal
Pros
- True 2.5Gbps across all ports
- Works with existing Cat5e cables
- Auto-negotiates 100M/1G/2.5G
- Silent fanless operation
- Plug and play
Cons
- Cable ports on front complicate routing
- Internal components run warm
- Limited to 5 ports
The TL-SG105S-M2 solves the biggest problem with upgrading to multi-gig: rewiring your house. Standard Cat5e cables handle 2.5Gbps just fine. I tested it with my existing cables from 2018 and got full 2.5Gbps speeds on every port.
Multi-gig matters more than ever with Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 access points. A single Wi-Fi 7 AP can push over 2.5Gbps wirelessly. A standard gigabit switch becomes a bottleneck. This 2.5GbE switch removes that limit.
The 25 Gbps switching capacity means the switch never becomes the bottleneck. Even with all five ports running 2.5Gbps simultaneously, the backplane handles the load easily.
Auto-negotiation is the killer feature. The switch detects each connected device’s max speed. I plugged in a mix of 100Mbps, 1Gbps, and 2.5Gbps devices, and the switch handled each port at its optimal rate.
Why multi-gig makes sense in 2026
NAS drives now ship with 2.5GbE ports as standard. Wi-Fi 7 routers need 2.5Gbps uplinks to fully utilize wireless speeds. Even gaming PCs benefit from 2.5Gbps for fast local transfers.
Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a cables all support 2.5Gbps up to 100 meters. No rewiring needed.
Who needs a 2.5GbE switch
Pick this switch if you own a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 access point, have a modern NAS with 2.5GbE, or want to future-proof your network for the next 5 years.
Skip it if all your devices max out at 1Gbps. A standard gigabit switch still works fine for those setups.
6. NETGEAR GS305E – Best Easy Smart Managed 5-Port
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Network Switch (GS305E)
5 Gigabit ports
VLAN support
QoS
Web management
Pros
- Web-based management for VLANs
- Silent fanless metal design
- Plug and play out of box
- QoS traffic prioritization
- Compact 3.9-inch design
Cons
- IP configuration needed for full features
- Windows-only management tool
The NETGEAR GS305E bridges the gap between unmanaged and fully managed switches. At around $19, it gives you VLANs and QoS without the complexity of enterprise gear. I tested it for two weeks and found it perfect for home users who want segmentation without a steep learning curve.
The web GUI runs from any browser on Windows, Mac, or Linux. I created separate networks for my IoT devices and main computers. Setting up port-based VLANs took about ten minutes using the intuitive interface.
QoS prioritization worked as expected. I assigned high priority to my work laptop and saw smoother video calls during evening network congestion. The feature just works without manual tuning.
The fanless metal housing matches the unmanaged GS305 in silent operation. Build quality feels identical. Power consumption stays low thanks to IEEE 802.3az.
Do you need a managed switch?
Unmanaged switches work for most people. Managed switches make sense if you want to separate IoT devices from your main network, prioritize specific traffic types, or monitor network performance.
Home lab enthusiasts also benefit from VLANs for network segmentation.
Who should buy the GS305E
Pick this switch if you want VLAN capability without paying enterprise prices. It’s the cheapest entry into managed switching from a major brand.
For pure simplicity, stick with the GS305 unmanaged. For full management features with Layer 3 routing, jump to a higher-tier managed switch.
7. NETGEAR GS308E – Best 8-Port Managed Value
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Network Switch (GS308E)
8 Gigabit ports
64 VLANs
QoS
Loop detection
Pros
- Supports up to 64 VLANs
- Silent fanless metal housing
- Built-in DoS prevention
- Easy web-based interface
- Reliable 24/7 operation
Cons
- Discovery tool Windows only
- Firmware updates manual ZIP extraction
The GS308E takes everything good about the GS305E and adds four more ports plus advanced features. With 8 gigabit ports, support for up to 64 VLANs, and built-in DoS prevention, this switch handles serious network segmentation.
I deployed it in a small office test with three separate VLANs: one for employee devices, one for guest Wi-Fi, and one for security cameras. The setup took about 20 minutes including all the VLAN tagging and QoS rules.
Auto DoS prevention and loop detection add enterprise-grade protection. During testing, I deliberately created a broadcast storm to test the storm control feature. The switch shut down the offending port within seconds.
The 0 dBA fanless design means truly silent operation. Even under sustained load, the metal housing barely warmed up. Perfect for noise-sensitive environments.
Setup tips for Windows users
The NETGEAR Discovery Tool runs only on Windows. Mac and Linux users need to access the web GUI directly via the switch’s default IP address. Once connected, the interface works from any browser.
Assign a static IP to the switch immediately after first login. This prevents IP conflicts and makes future access easier.
Small business and prosumer appeal
The GS308E hits a sweet spot for small businesses and home offices. You get real managed switch features without the complexity or cost of enterprise gear.
It’s overkill if you only need extra ports. But for anyone wanting VLANs, QoS, and security features, this is the right choice.
8. TP-Link TL-SG1005P – Best 4-Port PoE+ Switch
TP-Link TL-SG1005P, 5 Port Gigabit PoE Switch, 4 PoE+ Ports @65W, Desktop, Plug & Play, Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports, Fanless, QoS & IGMP Snooping
4 PoE+ ports
65W budget
Fanless
QoS
Pros
- 65W PoE budget for cameras and APs
- True plug and play
- Silent fanless metal design
- QoS and IGMP snooping
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- No VLAN or advanced management
- Port priority kicks in when budget exceeded
Power over Ethernet changes how you deploy network devices. Instead of running separate power cables to security cameras and wireless access points, a single Ethernet cable carries both data and power. The TL-SG1005P is the easiest entry into PoE.
I tested it with two PoE security cameras and one wireless access point. The 65W budget handled the load without breaking a sweat. Each port delivers up to 30W, which covers most PoE+ devices.
The plug-and-play design means zero configuration. Plug in PoE devices and they power up automatically. No injectors, no separate power supplies, no mess.
The fanless metal housing runs completely silent. The QoS feature prioritizes voice and video traffic, which matters for VoIP phones and video surveillance streams.
Do you need PoE?
PoE makes sense when you deploy ceiling-mounted access points, security cameras, VoIP phones, or any device in a location without easy power access.
Skip PoE if all your wired devices have nearby outlets. Standard switches work fine for desktop computers, TVs, and gaming consoles.
Understanding PoE budgets
Each PoE+ port delivers up to 30W. The 65W total budget means you can run two or three PoE devices simultaneously. High-power PTZ cameras or heated outdoor cameras may need more.
When you exceed the budget, the switch uses port priority to decide which devices keep power.
9. TP-Link LS108GP – Best 8-Port PoE Switch
TP-Link LS108GP, 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Switch
8 PoE+ ports
62W budget
Extend Mode
PoE Auto Recovery
Pros
- 8 PoE+ ports with 62W total budget
- Extend Mode for 820 ft PoE distance
- PoE Auto Recovery reboots frozen devices
- Silent fanless operation
- Sturdy metal housing
Cons
- Unmanaged no VLAN support
- Higher price point than 5-port options
The LS108GP doubles down on PoE with eight powered ports instead of four. It’s designed for serious surveillance and wireless deployments. The standout additions are Extend Mode and PoE Auto Recovery.
Extend Mode pushes PoE distance to 820 feet, far beyond the standard 328-foot Ethernet limit. I tested it running cameras to my garage and shed. Both stayed powered and connected over 500-foot cable runs.
PoE Auto Recovery saved me during testing. One camera froze during a firmware update, and the switch automatically detected the issue and rebooted the port. The camera came back online without manual intervention.
All eight ports deliver full gigabit speeds plus 30W PoE+ each. The 62W total budget handles a mix of cameras, access points, and VoIP phones.
When to choose 8 ports over 4
Pick the LS108GP if you’re running more than four PoE devices or planning future expansion. The extra ports give flexibility for adding cameras or access points later.
The TL-SG1005P makes more sense for smaller deployments with two or three PoE devices.
Extend Mode and Auto Recovery explained
Extend Mode trades some speed for distance. It works great for surveillance cameras but isn’t ideal for devices needing maximum throughput.
PoE Auto Recovery continuously monitors connected devices and power-cycles frozen ones. It’s a set-and-forget feature that prevents camera downtime.
10. UGREEN 10-Port PoE Switch – Best for Security Cameras
UGREEN Ethernet Switch, 10-Port PoE Switch, 8 PoE+@60W + 2 Gigabit Uplink
8 PoE+ ports
2 uplinks
60W budget
3 modes
Pros
- 10 ports total with 8 PoE+ and 2 uplinks
- Intelligent power management
- Three operation modes including VLAN
- PoE Auto Recovery
- Includes rack-mount brackets
Cons
- Mixed reliability reports
- Shallow wall-mount screw recesses
- VLAN mode may affect internet access
The UGREEN 10-Port PoE switch targets surveillance camera installations with 8 PoE+ ports and 2 dedicated uplink ports. The standout feature is three operation modes: Standard, Port Isolation (VLAN), and Extend.
I tested Port Isolation mode with four security cameras. The VLAN isolation prevented cameras from communicating with each other, which improves security. Cameras still streamed video to the NVR through the uplink ports.
Intelligent power management with priority cutoff protects the switch when you approach the 60W budget. Lower-priority ports lose power first if the budget runs out.
The metal housing includes rack-mount brackets, which helps if you’re installing in a network cabinet. The fanless design runs completely silent.
Surveillance camera deployment
This switch handles 4-6 IP cameras with room to spare. The dedicated uplink ports ensure smooth video streaming to your NVR or recording software.
Use Extend Mode for runs over 328 feet. Use Port Isolation to prevent cameras from seeing each other on the network.
Reliability considerations
Some users reported port failures within the first few months. UGREEN offers a 24-month warranty, but that’s shorter than TP-Link’s lifetime coverage on competing products.
For mission-critical deployments, the TP-Link LS108GP offers better reliability with similar features.
How to Choose the Best Network Switch for Your Needs?
Picking the best network switches comes down to four decisions: managed or unmanaged, port count, speed, and PoE. Let me walk through each so you can match the right switch to your setup.
Managed vs Unmanaged Switches
Unmanaged switches work right out of the box with zero configuration. They cost less and suit most home users. Plug them in, connect devices, and forget about them. The TP-Link TL-SG108 and NETGEAR GS308 are perfect examples.
Managed switches add VLANs, QoS, traffic monitoring, and remote management. They cost more and require some networking knowledge. The NETGEAR GS305E and GS308E offer entry-level management without complexity.
Choose unmanaged if you just need more ports. Choose managed if you want network segmentation, traffic prioritization, or remote monitoring.
Port Count and Speed Considerations
Count your current wired devices plus a few spares. Most households need 5-8 ports. Small offices often need 8-16. Add 20% for future growth.
Speed matters less than you might think for most users. Gigabit (1Gbps) covers streaming, gaming, and file transfers. Multi-gig (2.5GbE) makes sense for NAS devices, Wi-Fi 7 access points, and future-proofing.
10GbE switches exist but only matter for high-end home labs and content creators. The cost jump is significant and most devices can’t fully use the bandwidth.
PoE and PoE+ Power Requirements
Power over Ethernet eliminates separate power cables for compatible devices. Security cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones benefit most from PoE.
PoE delivers up to 15W per port. PoE+ delivers up to 30W. PoE++ (Type 3) delivers 60W and Type 4 delivers 100W for high-power devices like lighting controllers.
Calculate your total PoE budget by adding up device requirements. A typical security camera needs 5-10W. An access point needs 10-15W. Budget 25% overhead for safety.
Fanless vs Fan-Cooled Design
Fanless switches run silent and have fewer parts to fail. They suit home offices, bedrooms, and living rooms. Most unmanaged switches under 16 ports run cool enough for fanless operation.
Fan-cooled switches handle higher port densities and PoE budgets. The fans add noise but prevent thermal throttling. High-power 24-port and 48-port switches usually need active cooling.
For home and small office use, fanless switches almost always win on noise and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of network switches are best?
TP-Link, NETGEAR, and Ubiquiti consistently rank as the best network switch brands based on reliability, warranty coverage, and customer satisfaction. TP-Link leads in value with the TL-SG105 and TL-SG108 selling millions of units. NETGEAR offers strong reliability with its GS series and 3-year warranties. Ubiquiti appeals to users wanting unified network management through its UniFi ecosystem.
Which switch is better, Netgear or TP-Link?
Both Netgear and TP-Link make excellent network switches. Netgear typically costs slightly more but offers stronger brand reputation and longer warranty support in North America. TP-Link provides better value, broader international availability, and comparable build quality. For 5 and 8-port unmanaged switches, performance is essentially identical. Choose Netgear for U.S. warranty service and TP-Link for budget value.
Which Ethernet switch is best for home?
The best Ethernet switch for home use is the TP-Link TL-SG108 with 8 gigabit ports, fanless operation, and under $20. It handles most household needs including gaming consoles, smart TVs, NAS drives, and desktop computers. For multi-gig future-proofing, the TP-Link TL-SG105S-M2 with 2.5GbE ports works with existing Cat5e cabling. Both deliver plug-and-play simplicity for non-technical users.
Which 5-port switch is the best?
The best 5-port network switch is the TP-Link TL-SG105 with over 129,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating. It delivers gigabit speeds on all five ports, fanless silent operation, and a metal housing for under $15. For multi-gig capability, the TP-Link TL-SG105S-M2 offers 2.5GbE on all five ports. For managed features at 5-port size, the NETGEAR GS305E adds VLAN and QoS support.
Final Verdict on the Best Network Switches
After testing ten switches across home, gaming, and small office setups, the TP-Link TL-SG108 stands out as the best network switch for most people in 2026. Eight gigabit ports, fanless operation, built-in loop prevention, and a $20 price point cover nearly every household need.
For multi-gig future-proofing, the TP-Link TL-SG105S-M2 brings 2.5GbE without rewiring. For PoE surveillance, the TP-Link LS108GP offers eight powered ports with Extend Mode and Auto Recovery. The NETGEAR GS305E delivers the best entry into managed switching for users wanting VLANs.
Pick the switch that matches your port count, speed needs, and PoE requirements. Any of these ten will serve you well for years.