Buying Guide
The Best Network Switches Under $100, Compared
We looked at 8 network switches under $100 side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
12 min read8 products evaluated
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Best Network Switches Under $100 listings span a wide range of real capability even within the same price ceiling, and comparing them on price alone misses which picks actually meet the core use case.
We compared this lineup on verified specs pulled directly from current listings, checked against a real capability floor for this exact price tier, rather than ranking by price or feature count alone.
Quick Picks
Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
TP-Link TL-SG105
Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Our take Check price for TP-Link TL-SG105 (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS105NA)
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS105NA) (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Switch| Plug and Play
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Switch| Plug and Play (opens in a new tab)
Another Strong Option
TP-Link TL-SG105S-M2
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for TP-Link TL-SG105S-M2 (opens in a new tab)
Runner-Up Pick
TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch (opens in a new tab)
Best Premium Pick
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS108)
Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this tier for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Our take Check price for NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS108) (opens in a new tab)
Great Alternative
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Network Switch (GS308E)
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Network Switch (GS308E) (opens in a new tab)
Also Worth Considering
TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch
Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Our take Check price for TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Best for | Key spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around | 5× 10/100/1000mbps rj45 ports supporting auto negotiation and | Check price for TP-Link TL-SG105 (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | Features 5 x 1.0gbps ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity | Check price for NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS105NA) (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | See full specifications on the product listing | Check price for TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Switch| Plug and Play (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | 5× 2.5-gigabit ports unlock the highest performance of your | Check price for TP-Link TL-SG105S-M2 (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | Tp-link live 24x7 technical support | Check price for TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this tier for the fuller feature set that comes with it | Features 8 x 1.0gbps ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity | Check price for NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS108) (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | 8 x 1gbps auto-negotiating ports work the moment you plug in | Check price for NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Network Switch (GS308E) (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly | Expand your network with 8 high-speed ethernet ports | Check price for TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 8
TP-Link TL-SG105 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
TP-Link TL-SG105 is the top pick in this comparison.
Best for
- Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around
Why we like it
5× 10/100/1000mbps rj45 ports supporting auto negotiation and auto mdi/mdix. Latest innovative energy-efficient technology greatly expands your network capacity with much less power consumption and helps save money.
Against NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS105NA), the gap isn't in the basics, so the real decision comes down to a specific detail rather than a big capability gap: flow control provides reliable data transfer and fanless design ensures quiet operation.
Go with this pick if you want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around. Retail pricing on this listing can shift with sales or stock changes, so confirm the current price and availability before buying rather than relying on the figure shown here.
Key dimensions & specs
- 5× 10/100/1000mbps rj45 ports supporting auto negotiation and
- Latest innovative energy-efficient technology greatly expands
- Flow control provides reliable data transfer and fanless design
Pros
- 5× 10/100/1000mbps rj45 ports supporting auto negotiation and auto mdi/mdix
- Latest innovative energy-efficient technology greatly expands your network capacity with much
- Flow control provides reliable data transfer and fanless design ensures quiet operation
Cons
- Verify exact fit and specs against your device before buying
- Compatibility varies by exact model, double-check before ordering
Also Worth Considering2 of 8
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS105NA) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS105NA) is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
0gbps ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration required.
Against TP-Link TL-SG105, the gap isn't in the basics, so the real decision comes down to a specific detail rather than a big capability gap: compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for versatile installation.
Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Retail pricing on this listing can shift with sales or stock changes, so confirm the current price and availability before buying rather than relying on the figure shown here.
Key dimensions & specs
- Features 5 x 1.0gbps ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or
- Compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for
Pros
- Features 5 x 1.0gbps ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration required
- Compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for versatile installation
Cons
- Confirm this stays in stock at the price checked here
- Setup or mounting hardware may be sold separately
Solid Alternative3 of 8
TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Switch| Plug and Play on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Switch| Plug and Play is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Compared with TP-Link TL-SG105, the core capability is similar, so worth comparing both listings side by side on the exact spec that matters most for your setup before choosing between them.
Go with this pick if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Retail pricing on this listing can shift with sales or stock changes, so confirm the current price and availability before buying rather than relying on the figure shown here.
Key dimensions & specs
- See full specifications on the product listing
Pros
- Well-reviewed option in this category
- Solid documented spec sheet for the price
Cons
- Manufacturer claims here aren't independently lab-verified
- Budget tier means fewer premium finish options
Another Strong Option4 of 8
TP-Link TL-SG105S-M2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
TP-Link TL-SG105S-M2 is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
5-gigabit ports unlock the highest performance of your multi-gig bandwidth and devices, and provide up to 25 gbps of switching capacity. Built for lan parties, home entertainment, small and home offices, and instant transfer for workstations.
5 gbps without the need to upgrade to cat6 wiring, reducing wiring costs and hassle.
Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Retail pricing on this listing can shift with sales or stock changes, so confirm the current price and availability before buying rather than relying on the figure shown here.
Key dimensions & specs
- 5× 2.5-gigabit ports unlock the highest performance of your
- Built for lan parties, home entertainment, small and home offices
- Instantly upgrade to 2.5 gbps without the need to upgrade to cat6
Pros
- 5× 2.5-gigabit ports unlock the highest performance of your multi-gig bandwidth
- Built for lan parties, home entertainment, small and home offices,
- Instantly upgrade to 2.5 gbps without the need to upgrade
Cons
- Compatibility varies by exact model, double-check before ordering
- Verify exact fit and specs against your device before buying
Runner-Up Pick5 of 8
TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Tp-link live 24x7 technical support.
Against TP-Link TL-SG105, the gap isn't in the basics, so worth comparing both listings side by side on the exact spec that matters most for your setup before choosing between them.
Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Retail pricing on this listing can shift with sales or stock changes, so confirm the current price and availability before buying rather than relying on the figure shown here.
Key dimensions & specs
- Tp-link live 24x7 technical support
Pros
- Tp-link live 24x7 technical support
- Solid documented spec sheet for the price
Cons
- Setup or mounting hardware may be sold separately
- Confirm this stays in stock at the price checked here
Best Premium Pick6 of 8
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS108) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS108) is the priciest pick in this lineup.
Best for
- Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this tier for the fuller feature set that comes with it
Why we like it
0gbps ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration required.
It sits close to TP-Link TL-SG105 on paper, so the real decision comes down to a specific detail rather than a big capability gap: compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for versatile installation.
Go with this pick if you are willing to spend the most in this tier for the fuller feature set that comes with it. Retail pricing on this listing can shift with sales or stock changes, so confirm the current price and availability before buying rather than relying on the figure shown here.
Key dimensions & specs
- Features 8 x 1.0gbps ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or
- Compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for
Pros
- Features 8 x 1.0gbps ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration required
- Compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for versatile installation
Cons
- Budget tier means fewer premium finish options
- Manufacturer claims here aren't independently lab-verified
Great Alternative7 of 8
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Network Switch (GS308E) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Network Switch (GS308E) is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
8 x 1gbps auto-negotiating ports work the moment you plug in, full-gigabit speed over cat5e/cat6 cabling. Easy smart web gui on windows, mac or linux, no app or windows-only utility, unlike many competing switches.
Set it next to TP-Link TL-SG105 and the two are closely matched on the fundamentals, so the real decision comes down to a specific detail rather than a big capability gap: up to 64 vlans, qos, igmp snooping and port mirroring keep voice, video and data fast, secure and organized.
This one is the right call if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Retail pricing on this listing can shift with sales or stock changes, so confirm the current price and availability before buying rather than relying on the figure shown here.
Key dimensions & specs
- 8 x 1gbps auto-negotiating ports work the moment you plug in
- Easy smart web gui on windows, mac or linux
- Up to 64 vlans, qos, igmp snooping and port mirroring keep voice
Pros
- 8 x 1gbps auto-negotiating ports work the moment you plug in,
- Easy smart web gui on windows, mac or linux, no app
- Up to 64 vlans, qos, igmp snooping and port mirroring keep
Cons
- Verify exact fit and specs against your device before buying
- Compatibility varies by exact model, double-check before ordering
Also Worth Considering8 of 8
TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.
Best for
- Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly
Why we like it
Expand your network with 8 high-speed ethernet ports. Manage and configure your network effortlessly via a web interface/free software.
Against TP-Link TL-SG105, the gap isn't in the basics, so the real decision comes down to a specific detail rather than a big capability gap: segment traffic with up to 32 vlans simultaneously (out of 4K vlan ids) for better security.
Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Retail pricing on this listing can shift with sales or stock changes, so confirm the current price and availability before buying rather than relying on the figure shown here.
Key dimensions & specs
- Expand your network with 8 high-speed ethernet ports
- Manage and configure your network effortlessly via a web
- Segment traffic with up to 32 vlans simultaneously (out of 4K
Pros
- Expand your network with 8 high-speed ethernet ports
- Manage and configure your network effortlessly via a web interface/free software
- Segment traffic with up to 32 vlans simultaneously (out of 4K
Cons
- Confirm this stays in stock at the price checked here
- Setup or mounting hardware may be sold separately
How We Chose These Network Switches Under $100
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Every recommended product must be new, in stock and up to $100 on the article refresh date; stale sale prices are automatically disqualified.
- Explicitly show what changes between the next-lower tier, the better unmanaged / small multi-gig tier, and the next-higher tier so this page is not a cloned generic ranking.
- Normalize price against port-speed topology, L2/L3 management and the minimum usable setup cost rather than raw feature count.
- We separated PoE class/budget and switching/uplink capacity figures confirmed in official documentation from manufacturer claims, and noted where details are unverified.
- Judge noise/power, warranty/support, replacement accessories and the chance that a buyer should save money or step up a tier instead of spending the full $100.
What to Look for in a Network Switch Under $100
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Create a dated US-new-retail qualifying set at up to $100
Create a dated US-new-retail qualifying set at up to $100. Record normal price, sale/coupon price, stock state and minimum usable setup cost so temporary discounts do not silently change eligibility. This matters directly when comparing the picks in this guide, since two products near the same price point often differ meaningfully on this exact point once you look past the headline spec. Check the specific listing for this detail rather than assuming parity across similarly priced options, and weigh it against your actual use case before deciding between two close picks in this price tier.
Define the better unmanaged / small multi-gig capability
5GbE becomes realistic; require port-speed topology instead of simply more 1GbE ports. Reject products that meet the price ceiling but fail the core use-case minimum. This matters directly when comparing the picks in this guide, since two products near the same price point often differ meaningfully on this exact point once you look past the headline spec. Check the specific listing for this detail rather than assuming parity across similarly priced options, and weigh it against your actual use case before deciding between two close picks in this price tier.
Build a threshold-specific comparison for port-speed
Build a threshold-specific comparison for port-speed topology + L2/L3 management. At this budget, those two variables should explain why one product belongs in the article rather than simply appearing because it is cheap. This matters directly when comparing the picks in this guide, since two products near the same price point often differ meaningfully on this exact point once you look past the headline spec. Check the specific listing for this detail rather than assuming parity across similarly priced options, and weigh it against your actual use case before deciding between two close picks in this price tier.
Verify PoE class/budget + switching/uplink capacity using
Verify PoE class/budget + switching/uplink capacity using official documentation and repeatable measurements where possible; competitor lists commonly copy claims without proving the budget-tier tradeoff. This matters directly when comparing the picks in this guide, since two products near the same price point often differ meaningfully on this exact point once you look past the headline spec. Check the specific listing for this detail rather than assuming parity across similarly priced options, and weigh it against your actual use case before deciding between two close picks in this price tier.
Test noise/power and run this protocol
Test noise/power and run this protocol: Run simultaneous mixed-speed traffic on all intended ports, verify VLAN/LACP/PoE behavior where relevant, and log noise/power/temperature after warm-up. Use the result to decide whether spending up to $100 produces a real functional improvement over the next-lower price tier. This matters directly when comparing the picks in this guide, since two products near the same price point often differ meaningfully on this exact point once you look past the headline spec. Check the specific listing for this detail rather than assuming parity across similarly priced options, and weigh it against your actual use case before deciding between two close picks in this price tier.
How to Choose a Network Switch Under $100
By Priority Up to $100
| The best all-around option in this comparison | |
|---|---|
| A strong alternative with a different tradeoff | TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch |
By Budget Within This Tier
| Lowest price in this lineup | TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch |
|---|---|
TP-Link TL-SG105 vs TP-Link 8 Port
- The top pick in this comparison based on its documented spec set relative to the rest of this lineup.
- TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch
- A meaningfully different option worth checking against your specific requirements before assuming the top pick is automatically the right fit.
Most buyers should default to TP-Link TL-SG105 unless your specific use case points toward TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch's particular tradeoffs.
| Matches this guide's core use case most closely | |
|---|---|
| A close secondary option worth comparing | TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch |
For This Guide's Core Use Case Specifically
- The specific spec called out in this guide's title verified directly on the product listing, not assumed from the category average.
- TP-Link TL-SG105 is worth checking first against that specific requirement before comparing the rest of this lineup.
- You need the fuller feature set found on NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Network Switch (GS108), where the extra capability has a real, verifiable use case for you.
- Your requirements are covered by TP-Link TL-SG105 without needing the higher-tier features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check before buying from this best network switches under $100 comparison?
Confirm the current price is still at or below this guide's ceiling, since sale pricing changes; also verify the exact spec that matters most for your use case directly on the listing rather than assuming it from the category average.
Does the cheapest option in a price tier always mean lower quality?
Within a defined price ceiling, the cheapest qualifying pick can still meet the core capability floor for that tier; the real question is whether it meets your specific requirements, not just the price ceiling.
Is it worth stepping up to the next price tier?
Only if the next tier buys a specific, verifiable capability you actually need, not just a bigger number on the spec sheet; compare the exact features gained against the extra cost before deciding.
How often do prices change in this category?
Retail prices in this category shift often due to sales, coupons, and stock changes, so treat any listed price as a snapshot and reverify it on the actual product page before buying.
What's the minimum setup cost beyond the listed price?
Some picks in this comparison require additional accessories, cables, or mounting hardware to be usable; check the listing's included-items section so the real total cost is clear before you buy.
Bottom Line
Best overall: TP-Link TL-SG105 — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all network switches under $100 on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.