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Best Networking Hubs

Updated September 2021
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
TP-LINK 8-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Network Switch, Ethernet Splitter
TP-LINK
8-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Network Switch, Ethernet Splitter
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Best for Large Households
Bottom Line

Expand your network with 10/100/1,000 Mbps RJ45 ports offering power, performance, and maximum speed for up to 8 devices at a time.

Pros

Sturdy metal case keeps its temperature without overheating. Ready to use out of the box. Quiet operation without annoying fans and whirs. Several buyers note the sturdy design for an affordable price. Powerful but energy-saving performance.

Cons

No individual port lights to know what is happening at a glance.

Best Bang for the Buck
TP-LINK 5-Port 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch
TP-LINK
5-Port 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch
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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

Five 10/100 Mbps ports with power and reliability that's available as soon as buyers plug it in.

Pros

Ready out of the box thanks to the plug-and-play construction. Bargain option that stands up admirably to other companies' more expensive options. The power-conscious design keeps your power bill in mind. Reliable flow for consistent performance.

Cons

Device may struggle for gaming or high bandwidth products. Others note only 4 ports are usable once 1 connects to internet.

TP-LINK TL-SG105 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Network Switch
TP-LINK
TL-SG105 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Network Switch
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Five ports with up to 1,000 Mbps speed from an industry leader in energy-saving performance and quality.

Pros

Fanless design keeps cool and quiet no matter the level of power and volume. Traffic prioritization lets bandwidth go where it is needed. Easy plug-and-play setup makes it ready out of the box. Several setup options. Buyers applaud shielded ports that cut back interference.

Cons

Buyers report receiving older version with harder setup/interface.

NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS208)
NETGEAR
8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS208)
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Simple plug-and-play hub with Gigabit Ethernet and plug-and-play setup for maximum performance and convenience.

Pros

Signature Netgear power and performance with a fanless, energy-saving build. Auto-MDI reduces wire clutter and frustration alike. Automatically connects and negotiates connections for quick results upon plugging in. LED lights in the front to see where network goes/misses.

Cons

Advertised wall-mounting requires extra equipment. Several claims of short working life/underperforming.

NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS305E)
NETGEAR
5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS305E)
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Expert-Recommended
Bottom Line

Five-port network hub with increased performance for gaming, streaming, and standard network readiness.

Pros

Favorite brand among IT experts that's ready out of the box and provides peak performance with energy-efficient construction. LED lights let users know exactly what is happening and where. Simple, sturdy design lets power and performance do the talking.

Cons

Some security concerns with management interface. No link aggregation. Buyers recommend surge protectors to avoid burnout.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
57
Models
Considered
166
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
Category cover
Our Top Picks
TP-LINK
Best of the Best
TP-LINK
8-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Network Switch, Ethernet Splitter
Bottom Line
Expand your network with 10/100/1,000 Mbps RJ45 ports offering power, performance, and maximum speed for up to 8 devices at a time.
Shop Now
TP-LINK
Best Bang for the Buck
TP-LINK
5-Port 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch
Bottom Line
Five 10/100 Mbps ports with power and reliability that's available as soon as buyers plug it in.
Shop Now
TP-LINK
Top Pick
TP-LINK
TL-SG105 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Network Switch
Bottom Line
Five ports with up to 1,000 Mbps speed from an industry leader in energy-saving performance and quality.
Shop Now
NETGEAR
Top Pick
NETGEAR
8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS208)
Bottom Line
Simple plug-and-play hub with Gigabit Ethernet and plug-and-play setup for maximum performance and convenience.
Shop Now
NETGEAR
Top Pick
NETGEAR
5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS305E)
Bottom Line
Five-port network hub with increased performance for gaming, streaming, and standard network readiness.
Shop Now