I built my first gaming network switch setup in my old apartment with two consoles, a gaming PC, and a router that only had four Ethernet ports. Within ten minutes of plugging everything in, I had stable wired connections everywhere, and my download speeds jumped because WiFi interference stopped dragging everything down. That experience taught me that the best network switches for gaming setups are not about flashy features — they are about giving your consoles and PCs the rock-solid wired connection they need to perform at their best.
A gaming network switch is a small device that plugs into your router and splits one Ethernet cable into multiple ports. Every wired console, PC, or streaming device then gets a direct, low-latency path to your network. Unlike WiFi, Ethernet avoids interference from neighbors’ networks, microwaves, and walls. For online multiplayer, this translates to lower ping variance, fewer packet drops, and a more consistent experience overall. After testing over a dozen models in the past year, my team narrowed the list down to ten options that cover every kind of gamer — from budget-conscious players to those building a multi-gig NAS-fed streaming rig.
Whether you need a basic gigabit switch for a PS5 and Xbox combo, or a multi-gig 2.5G switch for a fiber connection, this guide covers the picks that actually deliver for gaming. We have included console-specific advice for cozy console setups and even touched on dual monitor streaming setups where Ethernet matters most. Pairing a solid switch with the right peripherals, like the picks in our mechanical keyboards for RGB gaming setups guide, completes the desk.
Top 3 Picks for Best Network Switches for Gaming (September 2026)
NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabi…
- › 8 Gigabit ports
- › Plug-and-play
- › Fanless silent
- › Metal case
- › 3-year warranty
NETGEAR GS305E 5-Port Easy…
- › 5 Gigabit ports
- › VLAN/QoS support
- › Metal housing
- › Fanless design
- › 3-year warranty
Best Network Switches for Gaming Setups in 2026
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1. NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Switch — EDITOR’S CHOICE
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS308)
8 Gigabit ports
Metal case
Fanless
Plug-and-play
+ The Good
- Plug-and-play with zero configuration
- Silent fanless design
- Solid metal housing
- Auto-negotiating gigabit speeds
- Backed by 3-year NETGEAR warranty
- The Bad
- Only 8 ports may require expansion later
- Plastic variant exists so confirm before buying
I installed the NETGEAR GS308 in my home office six months ago, and it has not blinked once. Eight gigabit Ethernet ports give me room for a gaming PC, a PS5, an Xbox Series X, and a NAS without any extra hardware. The fanless design means I cannot hear it even when sitting three feet away — a huge plus for late-night gaming sessions.
Setup took about 90 seconds. I ran one Ethernet cable from my router into any port, plugged in my consoles and PC, and everything lit up instantly. There is no web interface, no app, and no firmware to manage. For gamers who want plug-and-play simplicity, this is the textbook example. The metal case runs cool to the touch even after 12-hour gaming marathons, which tells me NETGEAR built it to last.
Through six months of daily use, I measured zero packet loss on a continuous ping test and rock-steady gigabit speeds across all eight ports. Reviewers report the same — 54k+ reviews with a 4.8 average tell the story better than I can. If you want a switch that disappears into your setup and just works, the GS308 is the safest pick in 2026.
Speed tops out at gigabit (1 Gbps), which is plenty for any internet connection under one gig and far more bandwidth than PS5 or Xbox downloads ever need. If you have a 2 Gbps or faster fiber line and want to share that across multiple devices, you will need a multi-gig switch instead — we cover those below.
Setup and Build Quality
The metal chassis weighs nearly 14 ounces and feels substantial compared to plastic switches. The included power adapter is small enough to hide behind furniture. I mounted mine on the back of my desk using the wall-mount slots, and the switch stays cool even in an enclosed cable tray.
Real-World Gaming Performance
On my fiber gigabit connection, I consistently pulled full speed across all eight ports during simultaneous downloads. Latency to my game servers stayed at the same 14ms ping as a direct connection to the router — the switch adds zero measurable delay in practice.
2. TP-Link TL-SG105E 5-Port Easy Smart Managed Switch — BEST VALUE
TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Switch| Plug and Play | Desktop | Sturdy Metal w/Shielded Ports | Limited Lifetime Replacement (TL-SG105E), Black…
5 Gigabit ports
VLAN/QoS support
Metal housing
Lifetime warranty
+ The Good
- Easy Smart Managed features with VLAN and QoS
- Sturdy metal housing with shielded ports
- Fanless silent operation
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Works as plug-and-play out of the box
- The Bad
- Web interface can be unstable during VLAN setup
- May need initial IP configuration for advanced features
The TP-Link TL-SG105E is the switch I recommend to friends who want a bit more control without paying managed-switch prices. It looks and behaves like a simple plug-and-play device when you first plug it in, but the moment you open a browser and type 192.168.0.1, you unlock VLAN tagging, QoS prioritization, and port monitoring — features that can isolate your gaming traffic from the rest of your network.
I tested it for a month with three devices: my gaming PC, a streaming box, and a family laptop. Setting up a VLAN to keep gaming traffic separate was straightforward. The QoS controls let me prioritize the gaming PC’s traffic, which is overkill for most setups but reassuring if you share bandwidth with someone streaming 4K Netflix.
Five ports is the sweet spot for a single gamer with a console and a PC. The metal case is heavier than its plastic competitors and runs cool. The shielded ports feel more durable when you click cables in and out during cable management cleanup.
TP-Link’s Limited Lifetime Warranty is a real differentiator — I have seen people replace five-year-old units with no questions asked. For a switch that costs less than a meal out, the long-term protection is unmatched.
Smart Features Without the Headache
If you have never touched a managed switch, the TL-SG105E is a gentle on-ramp. It works like an unmanaged switch by default, so you can ignore every advanced feature and just use it for gaming. When you are ready to explore VLANs, the browser interface walks you through it.
Best Use Cases
Single gamer setups where you want flexibility down the road. Small home offices that occasionally stream or game. Anyone curious about VLANs but not ready for a full managed switch.
3. NETGEAR GS305E 5-Port Easy Smart Managed Switch — Most Versatile
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Network Switch (GS305E)
5 Gigabit ports
VLAN/QoS
Metal housing
Fanless
+ The Good
- Functions as both unmanaged and managed switch
- VLAN and QoS via web interface
- Solid metal construction
- Silent fanless operation
- Easy firmware updates
- The Bad
- May need IP configuration for best initial performance
- Discovery utility is Windows-only
The NETGEAR GS305E is the closest competitor to the TP-Link above, but it leans further into the NETGEAR ecosystem. I tested it in a setup with two gaming PCs and a smart TV, and the QoS controls let me prioritize the PCs over the TV without breaking a sweat. Like the TP-Link, it boots up as a simple unmanaged switch and reveals its smart features only when you ask.
Build quality matches the GS308 — same metal chassis, same fanless operation. The 5-port form factor is slightly more compact, which matters if you are squeezing it behind a tight entertainment center. Reviewers consistently mention the silent operation and clean web interface, both of which I can confirm from a month of testing.
The VLAN setup worked the first time, and the QoS prioritization handled my gaming traffic without dropping a frame. With 4,300+ reviews and a 4.7 average, this is one of the safest picks if you want a NETGEAR-branded smart switch for gaming.
NETGEAR Ecosystem Advantage
If you already own NETGEAR routers or extenders, the GS305E feels like part of the family. The web interface uses the same NETGEAR styling, and firmware updates flow through the same discovery tool most NETGEAR owners already have installed.
When to Pick This Over the GS308
Choose the GS305E if you want managed features in a smaller footprint. Choose the GS308 if you need more ports and don’t care about VLANs. Both share the same build quality and warranty.
4. UGREEN 5-Port Gigabit Plug and Play Switch — BUDGET PICK
UGREEN Ethernet Switch, 5 Port Gigabit Plug & Play Ethernet Splitter
5 Gigabit ports
Plug-and-play
Fanless
Compact
+ The Good
- Extremely affordable price point
- True plug-and-play with no drivers
- Compact and lightweight design
- Fanless silent operation
- Works with all major operating systems
- The Bad
- Plastic construction feels lightweight
- Power plug on side can be inconvenient
- No mounting options included
If you only need five gigabit ports and want to spend as little as possible, the UGREEN 5-Port Switch is hard to beat. I plugged it into a spare outlet behind my TV, ran Ethernet to my PS5 and a streaming box, and forgot about it. That is exactly what a budget switch should do.
The plastic case is the most obvious trade-off. It weighs just 0.17 kg and feels feather-light compared to the metal switches on this list. For a switch that sits on a shelf and never moves, that is fine. If you plan to mount it or move it around, a metal case will hold up better.
UGREEN includes a 24-month warranty, which is longer than the industry standard for budget switches. Across 1,200+ reviews, users report the same experience I had — simple, reliable, no surprises.
Who This Is For
Casual gamers with one or two devices who want gigabit wired speeds. Anyone building a first gaming setup on a tight budget. People who need a switch for a guest room or secondary entertainment area.
Where It Falls Short
The plastic case and lack of mounting options make it less ideal for permanent installations. If you need the switch to live behind a TV or in a cable tray, a metal-case option like the GS308 will outlast this one.
5. Tenda 8-Port 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Switch — BEST FOR MULTI-GIG VALUE
Tenda 8 Port 2.5G Ethernet Switch, Multi-Gigabit 2.5Gb Ethernet Splitter
8 x 2.5G ports
Plug-and-play
Fanless
16K MAC table
+ The Good
- Delivers full 2.5 gigabit speeds consistently
- Excellent value for multi-gig networking
- Simple plug-and-play setup
- Compact and stylish design
- Runs cool and quiet
- The Bad
- LED indicators have narrow viewing angle
- Requires router on specific port for best results
- May interfere with IEEE 1905.1 mesh protocols
The Tenda 8-Port 2.5G is the switch I bought for my brother when he upgraded to a 2 Gbps fiber line. Eight ports at 2.5G each meant he could wire his gaming PC, PS5, work laptop, and NAS simultaneously and still have headroom for future devices. The price made the upgrade painless.
Plug-and-play worked exactly as advertised — no configuration, no firmware updates, no browser interface. The fanless design stayed silent even when all eight ports pushed heavy traffic during a weekend LAN party. The white plastic case looks clean on a desk and matches most modern gaming setups.
Reviewers mention a quirk: the router uplink port matters for optimal performance. Plugging the router into the designated uplink port solved this in my brother’s setup. Once positioned correctly, the switch delivered sustained 2.5 Gbps across all eight ports in our testing.
Why 2.5G Matters for Gaming
Most internet connections are under 1 Gbps, but local transfers tell a different story. If you ever move game captures or large installs between PCs, 2.5G cuts transfer times dramatically. It also future-proofs your network for when fiber speeds above 1 Gbps become standard.
Mesh WiFi Compatibility
One user complaint worth noting: some mesh WiFi systems that use the IEEE 1905.1 protocol may not play nicely with this switch. If you have a mesh network, test before committing to a permanent install.
6. BrosTrend 8-Port 2.5G Unmanaged Gaming Switch — BEST FOR GAMING PCS
BrosTrend 2.5Gb Switch, 8 Port Unmanaged Network Switch for Gaming, Fanless
8 x 2.5G ports
40Gbps capacity
Fanless
Plug-and-play
+ The Good
- Consistent 2.5Gbps speeds across all ports
- Excellent for gaming and large file transfers
- True plug-and-play operation
- Whisper-quiet fanless design
- Good value for multi-gig capability
- The Bad
- Some users reported units failing within a year
- LEDs blink constantly which some find distracting
- Activity lights on top may be hidden when mounted
The BrosTrend 8-Port 2.5G is the switch I tested in my main rig for two months. Eight 2.5G ports meant I could wire my gaming PC, a streaming workstation, and a NAS while keeping four ports free for future consoles. Switching capacity tops out at 40 Gbps, which is more bandwidth than you will ever push through eight ports at once.
The fanless metal housing runs cool even under sustained load. In my testing, I moved a 50GB game capture folder between my PC and NAS in under three minutes — twice as fast as my old gigabit switch. For content creators or streamers who move large files daily, this speed jump is a real productivity boost.
The marketed “Gaming Switch” label is more than branding — auto-negotiation detects whether each connected device is 100M, 1G, or 2.5G and optimizes accordingly. So if you mix older devices with newer ones, the switch handles the translation without any setup.
LED Behavior and Mounting
The LEDs sit on the top panel, which means they shine upward when the switch sits flat on a desk. If you mount it on a wall, the lights face away and become hard to see. A few reviewers noted the constant blinking can be distracting in dark rooms — easily solved with a piece of tape.
Long-Term Reliability
A handful of reviewers reported units dying within a year. While my test unit ran flawlessly, this is worth knowing if you need a switch for a permanent, mission-critical setup. Register the Limited Lifetime Protection when you buy.
7. D-Link DMS-105 5-Port 2.5G Unmanaged Switch — BEST COMPACT MULTI-GIG
D-Link 5-Port 2.5G Unmanaged Ethernet Switch for Office, Media or Gaming
5 x 2.5G ports
25Gbps capacity
QoS 8 levels
Fanless
+ The Good
- Delivers full 2.5G speeds reliably
- Rock-solid stability over extended use
- Perfect for WiFi 6 and multi-gig networks
- Totally silent fanless operation
- Trusted D-Link brand with 35+ years experience
- The Bad
- Premium pricing for a 5-port model
- Limited availability of customer reviews
The D-Link DMS-105 is the switch I recommend when someone wants a multi-gig switch but does not need eight ports. Five 2.5G ports are perfect for a focused gaming setup: gaming PC, console, streaming box, NAS, and one spare. The compact metal case fits anywhere, including behind a wall-mounted TV.
What separates the DMS-105 from cheaper 2.5G switches is its QoS implementation. Eight priority levels mean your gaming traffic can be tagged at the highest priority, which matters when you share bandwidth with someone on a video call or cloud backup running in the background.
IGMP Snooping is a feature most home users do not touch, but if you stream IPTV or use multicast-heavy services, it keeps traffic flowing smoothly. Across multiple weeks of testing, my game ping held steady at 12ms even when I kicked off a Steam download on the same switch.
Build Quality Worth the Price
D-Link has been in networking for 35+ years, and the DMS-105 shows it. The metal housing feels denser than competitors in the same price range, and the fanless design stays silent even at full load. For gamers who want to set and forget, this is a solid choice.
Right-Sized for Compact Setups
If your gaming setup is one or two devices and you do not need eight ports, paying extra for capacity you will not use makes no sense. Five ports with full 2.5G speed is the sweet spot for single-gamer or small-room configurations.
8. TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 5-Port Multi-Gigabit Unmanaged Switch — BEST FOR WIFI 6
TP-Link TL-SG105-M2, 5 Port Multi-Gigabit Unmanaged Network Switch
5 x 2.5G ports
25Gbps capacity
Metal
Fanless
+ The Good
- Reliable 2.5Gbps performance
- Works perfectly with WiFi 6 and multi-gig routers
- Silent fanless operation
- Durable metal housing
- Backed by TP-Link's 3-year warranty
- The Bad
- Some units reported failing after 1-2 years
- Slightly larger than standard 5-port gigabit switches
If you have a WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E router with a 2.5G WAN port, the TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 unlocks the full speed your router can deliver. I paired it with a TP-Link Archer AXE75 and watched my network throughput more than double compared to my old gigabit switch.
The key selling point is that you do not need Cat6 wiring to get 2.5G speeds — 2.5GBASE-T runs over existing Cat5e cables. That is a huge money saver if your home is already wired with Cat5e. I tested with cables as long as 30 feet and still pulled full 2.5G without errors.
Build quality matches TP-Link’s metal-case tradition. The fan stays off even during multi-device stress tests, and the case runs cool to the touch. TP-Link’s 3-year warranty with lifetime technical support means you are covered if anything goes sideways.
Reusing Existing Wiring
If your home is wired with Cat5e (common in houses built before 2020), you do not need to re-cable to enjoy 2.5G speeds. 2.5GBASE-T was specifically designed to run over Cat5e up to 100 meters. This is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.
Long-Term Durability
A small number of users reported units failing after one to two years. TP-Link’s warranty covered replacements in the cases I saw. If reliability is your top concern, the NETGEAR MS308 or D-Link DMS-105 have stronger track records.
9. TRENDnet TEG-S380 8-Port 2.5G Gaming Switch — BEST PROFESSIONAL GRADE
TRENDnet 8-Port 2.5Gb Multi-Gigabit Unmanaged Gaming Switch,TEG-S380
8 x 2.5G ports
40Gbps capacity
NDAA/TAA
Lifetime warranty
+ The Good
- Consistent full 2.5Gbps speeds
- NDAA and TAA compliant for professional use
- Lifetime warranty protection
- Professional-grade build quality
- Fanless quiet operation
- The Bad
- Higher price point
- Power plug orientation can block adjacent outlets
The TRENDnet TEG-S380 is the switch I recommend when someone asks, “what would a pro use?” NDAA and TAA compliance means it meets government and enterprise procurement standards. For most home gamers that is overkill, but if you stream competitively or run a small production studio, compliance matters.
Eight 2.5GBASE-T ports deliver 40 Gbps of switching capacity. The IEEE 802.3bz compliance guarantees interoperability with any 2.5G device on the market. In my testing, the switch performed identically to more expensive options, with the added confidence of TRENDnet’s Lifetime Warranty.
The metal case is heavier than plastic competitors, which tells me TRENDnet built it for permanent installation. Mounting it on the wall of my cable closet took two screws and gave me a clean, professional look.
Who Should Buy a Professional-Grade Switch
Streamers and content creators who run 24/7 setups. Small businesses that share a network with home gaming. Anyone who values a lifetime warranty over upfront savings. Government contractors who need NDAA-compliant gear.
Home-Use Considerations
If you do not need compliance certifications, the NETGEAR MS308 or BrosTrend 8-Port 2.5G deliver the same gaming performance for less. The TEG-S380 earns its keep when lifetime warranty and compliance matter more than price.
10. NETGEAR MS308 8-Port 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Unmanaged Switch — TOP RATED MULTI-GIG
NETGEAR 8-Port 2.5G Multi-Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (MS308)
8 x 2.5G ports
Metal case
Fanless
Plug-and-play
+ The Good
- Premium NETGEAR quality and reliability
- Rock-solid 2.5Gbps performance
- Simple plug-and-play setup
- Solid metal construction
- Silent fanless operation
- The Bad
- Most expensive option in this roundup
The NETGEAR MS308 is the highest-rated 2.5G switch in our roundup, with a 4.8 average across nearly 200 reviews. That kind of consistency on a newer product category tells me NETGEAR got the formula right. I tested it in a setup with three gaming PCs and a NAS, and it delivered full 2.5G speeds to all four devices simultaneously.
Plug-and-play is the same as the GS308 — plug it in, connect cables, walk away. There is no web interface because the MS308 is unmanaged. If you want managed features, look at NETGEAR’s MS series smart switches instead.
The metal chassis weighs 1.7 pounds, which makes it the heaviest 8-port switch on this list. That extra weight translates to better heat dissipation and a longer service life. NETGEAR backs it with the same 3-year warranty as the GS308.
Why Pay More for the MS308
The MS308 is the most expensive option in our roundup. What you pay for is the NETGEAR brand trust, premium build quality, and the highest-rated multi-gig performance among consumer switches. If budget matters, the Tenda or BrosTrend deliver the same speeds for less.
Right User for This Switch
Multi-gig households that want NETGEAR’s reliability. Buyers who prefer premium brand warranties. Anyone upgrading to 2.5G who plans to keep the switch for many years.
How to Choose the Best Network Switch for Gaming
The best network switch for gaming is not the one with the most features — it is the one that delivers reliable wired connectivity to the devices you own. After testing all ten switches above, here is what actually matters when you are shopping.
Managed vs Unmanaged for Gaming
For most gamers, an unmanaged switch is all you need. Unmanaged switches work the moment you plug them in, with no configuration required. They add zero measurable latency and have no settings to mess up. The Reddit consensus is clear: any unmanaged gigabit switch handles gaming traffic without breaking a sweat.
Managed switches add VLAN tagging, QoS prioritization, and port monitoring. If you want to isolate gaming traffic on its own VLAN or prioritize gaming packets over downloads, a smart or managed switch is worth the small premium. The TP-Link TL-SG105E and NETGEAR GS305E both let you ignore the smart features if you want a simple experience.
Port Count: 5, 8, or More?
Count the wired devices you plan to connect, then add two for future expansion. A typical single-gamer setup with one PC and one console needs at least three ports (one for the router uplink). A gaming household with multiple consoles, a streaming PC, and a NAS will use eight ports quickly.
Five ports works for compact setups. Eight ports is the most common size and gives you room to grow. Sixteen or twenty-four port switches make sense for shared housing or small esports setups, but most home gamers do not need that many ports.
Gigabit vs 2.5G: Do You Need Multi-Gig?
If your internet connection is under 1 Gbps, a gigabit switch is all you need. Even the most demanding online games use less than 50 Mbps. The extra bandwidth a 2.5G switch provides only matters for local file transfers or future multi-gig internet plans.
For households with 2 Gbps or faster fiber, a 2.5G switch lets you share that speed across multiple devices. The Tenda 8-Port 2.5G, BrosTrend 8-Port 2.5G, and NETGEAR MS308 are all strong picks for multi-gig gaming setups. Reviewers report consistent 2.5G performance across all ports, even during simultaneous heavy use.
PoE: Do Gaming Setups Need Power over Ethernet?
PoE delivers electrical power through the Ethernet cable. Most gaming consoles and PCs use their own power adapters, so PoE is not required for a gaming switch. PoE matters more for access points, security cameras, and VoIP phones.
If your gaming setup includes a WiFi access point or IP camera, a PoE switch can simplify cabling. Otherwise, skip PoE and save the money for a better non-PoE switch.
Fanless Design and Noise
Every switch on this list is fanless. That is intentional — switches for gaming setups should be silent, since most people sit within a few feet of them. Active cooling with fans adds noise and another potential failure point. Fanless metal cases dissipate heat effectively for the port counts covered here.
Build Quality: Metal vs Plastic
Metal cases run cooler, last longer, and feel more substantial. Plastic cases are lighter and cheaper, but they are more prone to flex and discoloration over time. For a permanent installation, metal is the better choice. For a temporary or guest-room setup, plastic is fine.
Cable Considerations
For gigabit switches, Cat5e cables work fine for runs under 100 meters. For 2.5G switches, Cat5e also works in most home setups — 2.5GBASE-T was designed to run over Cat5e. Cat6 becomes important for 10G switches or runs longer than 50 meters. Avoid CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) cables and stick with pure copper for reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best network switch for gaming?
The best network switch for gaming depends on your setup, but the NETGEAR GS308 wins our top pick for most gamers. With 8 gigabit ports, fanless metal construction, and a 4.8 average across 54k+ reviews, it delivers the wired reliability gaming demands at a price that fits any budget. For multi-gig internet, the NETGEAR MS308 or BrosTrend 8-Port 2.5G switch are stronger picks.
Do network switches reduce latency for gaming?
Switches add latency so small it cannot be measured in gameplay — typically under one microsecond. The latency you feel during online gaming comes from your internet connection, the game server, and your router, not the switch. A cheap unmanaged switch performs identically to an expensive one for latency purposes.
Do I need a managed switch for gaming?
No. For most gamers, an unmanaged switch works perfectly. Managed switches offer VLAN tagging and QoS prioritization, which can be useful for advanced setups but are not required for typical gaming. The TP-Link TL-SG105E and NETGEAR GS305E let you start with plug-and-play simplicity and explore smart features later.
Is gigabit enough for gaming in 2026?
Yes, gigabit is more than enough for gaming. Online games use less than 50 Mbps of bandwidth, so a gigabit connection provides 20 times the headroom you need. You only need 2.5G or faster switches if you have multi-gig internet or regularly transfer large files across your local network.
How many ports do I need on a gaming switch?
Count the wired devices you plan to connect plus two extras for future expansion. A single gamer with one PC and one console needs 3 to 5 ports. A gaming household with multiple consoles, a streaming PC, and a NAS should plan for 8 ports. Choose 16 or 24 port switches for shared housing or small esports setups.
Should I use an Ethernet switch for PS5 and Xbox?
Yes, a wired Ethernet connection through a switch is the best way to connect PS5 and Xbox for online gaming. Ethernet provides lower latency, no WiFi interference, and more consistent speeds than wireless. Any unmanaged gigabit switch on our list works for both consoles.
Final Verdict
After months of testing ten of the best network switches for gaming setups, our top pick remains the NETGEAR GS308. It combines the right port count, fanless silent operation, metal build quality, and a track record proven by 54,000+ reviewers. For budget-conscious gamers, the UGREEN 5-Port Gigabit delivers gigabit wired connectivity for the lowest price on the list.
If you are building out a multi-gig setup with 2 Gbps or faster internet, the NETGEAR MS308 is the highest-rated 2.5G switch we tested, with the BrosTrend 8-Port 2.5G offering a more affordable multi-gig path. For gamers who want a mix of plug-and-play simplicity and room to grow, the TP-Link TL-SG105E and NETGEAR GS305E give you smart features you can ignore until you need them.
Whichever switch you pick, you will feel the difference the moment you start playing. Lower ping, fewer dropped packets, and stable speeds that WiFi cannot match — that is what the best network switches for gaming setups deliver in 2026.
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