5 Best 26 Port Gigabit Switches in 2026
Need 24 ports plus fiber uplinks? We ranked the best 26 port gigabit switches in 2026, from silent NETGEAR smart switches to 380W PoE+ picks for camera setups.
Network Switches
Unmanaged, managed, PoE, 2.5G and 10G switches for homes, home labs and small offices.
A network switch is the simplest way to add more wired ports to your home or office. You plug one cable from your router into the switch, and every other port becomes a full-speed connection for a PC, console, TV, NAS or access point. Most homes only need a small unmanaged gigabit switch, but bigger setups may want PoE to power cameras, a managed switch for VLANs, or a rackmount model that lines up under a patch panel.
Our switch reviews are split by port count, so you can jump straight to the size you need. Each one compares five top-rated models on Amazon.com, with real buyer feedback on noise, heat, build quality and how well each switch holds up after months of use.
Our top picks
The number one pick from each of our reviews, chosen for value, build quality and real buyer feedback.
Best 26 port gigabit switches
NETGEAR 26-Port Gigabit Ethernet Smart Managed Pro Switch (GS324T)
9.3/10 our score
Best 24 port gigabit switches
TP-Link TL-SG1024S 24 Port Gigabit Desktop/Rackmount Switch
9.2/10 our score
Best 16 port gigabit switches
TP-Link TL-SG116 16 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Switch
9.3/10 our score
Best 8 port gigabit switches
TP-Link TL-SG108 8 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Switch
9.3/10 our score
Best 5 port gigabit switches
TP-Link TL-SG105 5 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Switch
9.3/10 our score
All network switches reviews
Each review compares five top-rated products from Amazon.com, with a comparison table, pros and cons, and a buying guide.
The 5 Best 24 Port Gigabit Switches in 2026
Wiring an office or a whole home? We ranked the best 24 port gigabit switches in 2026, from silent rackmount picks to smart managed and 250 W PoE+ switches.
The 5 Best 16 Port Gigabit Switches in 2026
Running out of ports? We ranked the best 16 port gigabit switches in 2026, from silent desktop TP-Link and D-Link picks to PoE+, managed and rackmount models.
The 5 Best 8 Port Gigabit Switches in 2026
Need more Ethernet ports? We ranked the best 8 port gigabit switches in 2026, from silent metal TP-Link and NETGEAR picks to smart managed and PoE+ models.
5 Best 5 Port Gigabit Switches in 2026
Out of LAN ports? These are the best 5 port gigabit switches in 2026, from silent metal TP-Link and D-Link picks to PoE and managed models that last for years.
Quick buying tips
Keep these points in mind before you buy.
1
Count ports, then add a few
Add up every wired device you have today and leave 2 or 3 spare ports. One port always goes to your router.
2
Unmanaged is fine for most homes
Plug-and-play switches need no setup. Pick a smart managed model only if you want VLANs, link aggregation or port statistics.
3
Check PoE budget, not just PoE ports
If you power cameras or access points, add up their watts and make sure the switch budget covers all of them with room to spare.
Learn more about network switches
Plain-English guides that explain the basics before you buy.
Managed vs Unmanaged Switch: Key DifferencesManaged vs unmanaged switch explained: what VLANs, QoS and smart switches really do, the downsides, and a simple way to choose the right switch for your home.How to Set Up a Network Switch: Easy StepsHow to set up a network switch in five easy steps: where to place it, how to connect it to your router, what the lights mean, daisy chaining and quick fixes.Switch vs Router: What Is the Difference?Switch vs router explained simply: what each device does, how they work together, and when you need a switch for more ports or a new router for better internet.What Is PoE? Power over Ethernet ExplainedWhat is PoE? Learn how Power over Ethernet sends power and data on one cable, the 802.3af, at and bt standards, active vs passive PoE and PoE power budgets.How to Set Up a VLAN on a Managed SwitchLearn how to set up a VLAN on a managed switch in six steps, with tagged vs untagged ports and PVIDs explained, plus the common mistakes that break a new VLAN.What Is Link Aggregation (LACP)? ExplainedWhat is link aggregation? Learn how LACP bonds Ethernet ports for more bandwidth and backup, why it will not speed up one transfer, and how to set it up right.What Is an Uplink Port on a Network Switch?What is an uplink port on a switch? Learn how uplinks connect switches to your router, the difference between RJ45, SFP and SFP+ uplinks, and when it matters.What Is an SFP Port? SFP Modules ExplainedWhat is an SFP port? Learn how SFP and SFP+ slots work, fiber vs copper modules, distances, combo ports, compatibility and when your switch really needs one.Network Switch vs Hub: Differences ExplainedNetwork switch vs hub explained: how each one moves data, half vs full duplex, collisions, speed and security, and why every Ethernet hub sold now is a switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a network switch or a new router?
If your internet works well and you just ran out of Ethernet ports, add a switch. If Wi-Fi coverage or internet speed is the problem, look at the router first. A switch does not make your internet faster.
Does a network switch slow down my internet?
No. A gigabit switch passes traffic at full line speed, so your devices get the same internet speed as if they were plugged into the router. It only adds a tiny fraction of a millisecond of latency.
What size network switch should I buy?
Five and eight-port switches suit a desk, TV stand or gaming setup. Sixteen and twenty-four-port switches suit a whole-home or office network, usually in a rack next to a patch panel.
Are cheap unmanaged switches reliable?
Yes, from established brands. Metal-cased fanless models from TP-Link, Netgear and similar brands often run for years without a reboot, which is why they top our lists.