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Verdict: The Horaco reviewed here is a quiet, fanless, unmanaged switch with eight 2.5GbE RJ45 ports and one 10GbE SFP+ port. It makes sense for a budget home lab or NAS setup that needs several faster copper connections and one faster uplink. It is not an eight-port 10GbE switch, its uplink is not ordinary RJ45 10GBASE-T, and it has no PoE or switch-management features. Whether it is still a bargain depends on the exact model, delivered price, and seller available in your region.
Which Horaco switch is this?
This review concerns the AliExpress-sourced variant tested by ServeTheHome in June 2023: eight 2.5GbE RJ45 access ports and one 10GbE SFP+ port, in an unmanaged, non-PoE, fanless desktop chassis. Its findings should not be applied automatically to every Horaco listing. The company has sold similar-looking models with different combinations of management, PoE, and uplink ports, so check the model identifier and port diagram before buying.
The reviewed unit had an external 12V/2A power adapter, a rear DC input and grounding point, and no rack ears. The labeling may differ between units or sellers. ServeTheHome’s original review describes the physical hardware; its test results and limitations are on page two.
What the SFP+ uplink is for
The single SFP+ port is useful when the switch’s several 2.5GbE clients need a faster shared path to a NAS, server, router, or core switch. A typical layout is:
#1 Best Overall
- 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝟮.𝟱 𝗚𝗯𝗽𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿-𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 8× 2.5-Gigabit ports unlock the highest performance of your Multi-Gig bandwidth and devices, and provide up to 40 Gbps of switching capacity.
- 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼-𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Auto-negotiation intelligently senses the link speeds and adjusts between 3-speeds (100Mb/1G/2.5G) for compatibility and optimal performance for all your devices, including 2.5G WiFi 6 AP, 2.5G NAS, 2.5G PCIe Adapter, 2.5G Server, gaming computer, 4K video, and more.
- 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀: Built for LAN parties, home entertainment, small and home offices, and instant transfer for workstations.
- 𝗛𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗹𝗲-𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: Instantly upgrade to 2.5 Gbps without the need to upgrade to Cat6 wiring, reducing wiring costs and hassle. *
- 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Industry-leading fanless design ensures silent operation, ideal for any home or business.
10GbE NAS, server, or core switch
│
10GbE SFP+ uplink
│
Horaco switch
├── 2.5GbE desktop
├── 2.5GbE workstation
├── 2.5GbE mini PC
├── 2.5GbE access point
└── other 2.5GbE clients
The SFP+ port can connect through a compatible DAC, optical transceiver, or SFP+-to-10GBASE-T adapter. It does not take a regular Ethernet cable directly. A copper adapter can be more power-hungry and hot; DACs and optics have their own compatibility requirements.
One 10GbE uplink is still only one 10GbE connection. It does not let two 10GbE devices communicate through this switch at 10GbE, provide redundant 10GbE links, or give every attached client a 10Gbps connection. If several 2.5GbE clients send traffic upstream at once, their combined demand can exceed the uplink’s capacity.
Performance: ordinary 2.5GbE, with a useful faster path
In ServeTheHome’s testing, the eight copper ports delivered expected 2.5GbE performance, with results within roughly 3% of other switches in that comparison series. The reviewer also reported successful SMB3 multichannel operation between an Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T NAS and a 10GbE client connected through an SFP+-to-10GBASE-T adapter. Performance was not a major differentiator among the comparable switches tested.
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These results describe one sample and a particular collection of hosts, storage, cabling, and adapters—not a guarantee for every later hardware revision. A 2.5GbE link rate is 2.5 gigabits per second, not 2.5 gigabytes per second; real file transfers are slower after networking and protocol overhead. A single client remains limited by its own negotiated connection. Multiple clients can benefit from the faster shared uplink only if the switch, NAS or server, storage, and workload can keep up.
Rank #2
- High-speed 2.5GbE connectivity provides immediately noticeable improvements compared to standard 1GbE
- Supports three speeds (2.5G / 1G / 100M) and provides higher transmission speeds with existing Cat 5e cables
- Supports 12K Jumbo Frames for more efficient large file transfers and reduced packet loss.
- Fanless design with advanced heat dissipation keeps noise to a minimum—ideal for workspaces.
- Loop detection and blocking automatically prevent network disruptions caused by looped connections.
Silent, but not heat-free
The reviewed unit is fanless, so it has no fan noise. ServeTheHome measured 1.6W at idle, about 2.3W with one 2.5GbE port connected, and about 3.3W with an SFP+-to-10GBASE-T adapter connected. These are measurements of that sample and setup, not guaranteed figures for every revision or transceiver.
Leave room for airflow and avoid stacking it beneath warm equipment. A copper SFP+ adapter may add appreciable heat at the port. For a NAS or home lab, powering the switch and related network equipment from the same UPS can help keep local connectivity available during a brief outage.
Unmanaged means no network controls
This model is plug-and-play switching, not a managed network device. Do not buy it expecting a web interface, command line, or switch-side controls for:
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- LACP or link aggregation
- QoS, ACLs, or port isolation
- Port mirroring, SNMP, traffic counters, or per-port monitoring
- Loop-prevention controls or firmware-based troubleshooting
An unmanaged switch may pass VLAN-tagged frames transparently in some setups, but that is not the same as configuring VLAN membership or policies on the switch. If segmentation, visibility, or access control matters, choose a managed model.
Rank #3
- PERFECT FOR YOUR WIFI 6 NETWORK: Eight 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports provide multi-speed transmission ideal for high-performance Wi-Fi 6 networks, allowing fast data transfers and maximizing network bandwidth. Provides up to 40Gbps switching capacity.
- GET THE MOST FROM YOUR 2.5G DEVICES: Perfect for 2.5G WiFi 6 APs, 2.5G NAS, 2.5G PCIe Adapters, 2.5G Servers, gaming computer, 8K video, IPTV and more.
- EFFICIENT AND SMART: Auto-negotiation intelligently senses the link speeds of your devices and adjusts between 3-speeds (100Mb/1G/2.5G) for compatibility and optimal performance.
- PRIORITIZED TRAFFIC: The QoS feature allows traffic to be classified in 8 priority levels. Flow Control helps minimize dropped packets for a more reliable connection. IGMP Snooping optimizes multicast data streams for bandwidth-intensive applications.
- DURABLE, QUIET, AND EFFICIENT: Metal housing and fanless design help improve heat dissipation, durability and allows quiet operation. IEEE 802.3az Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) reduces power consumption, conserving energy and lowering costs.
The tested Horaco also did not provide PoE. It cannot power an access point, camera, phone, or other PoE device. Verify the precise variant and its power budget: similar Horaco products may advertise PoE or management, but those features are not part of this review unit.
SFP+ compatibility and reliability checks
ServeTheHome tested generic DACs and optics and also used an SFP+-to-10GBASE-T adapter. The review reported one occasion when plugging in an SFP+ DAC reset the switch; the issue could not be reproduced on later attempts or on the related switches. That is an isolated warning from the test, not evidence of a systematic fault—but it is a reason to test your specific link before relying on it.
- Confirm that the listing says SFP+ if that is the connection you need; this is not an RJ45 10GBASE-T port.
- Check that the DAC, optic, or copper adapter supports the required link and is suitable for the device at both ends.
- Allow for extra heat from copper SFP+ adapters and keep the switch ventilated.
- Connect and test the link before permanent installation, checking the negotiated speed on both endpoints.
- Keep the return window in mind, particularly when buying through a marketplace seller.
A module that works in a server NIC may not behave identically in this switch. If a 2.5GbE connection negotiates at 1GbE, check both endpoints and the cabling before assuming the switch has failed. With no management interface or port counters, troubleshooting must rely on the router, host operating systems, NAS, and NICs.
Is it a worthwhile upgrade from Gigabit Ethernet?
It can be a meaningful upgrade if devices on the local network can use the extra bandwidth: 2.5GbE desktops, workstations, mini PCs, virtualization hosts, faster NAS connections, or Wi-Fi access points with multi-gig Ethernet. Large backups and work with files stored on a capable NAS are more likely to benefit than ordinary web browsing.
Rank #4
- Blazing-Fast 2.5 Gbps Speed: Upgrade your network with the 2.5G network switch, delivering 2.5 Gbps across all 8 ports, 2.5X faster than gigabit switches. It seamlessly handles multiple high-speed devices with a switching capacity of up to 40 Gbps
- 8 Ports for All Connectivity: Connect more wired devices with eight 2.5 Gbps ports, ideal for home office, entertainment, gaming and LAN parties. Compatible with desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, NAS, WiFi access points, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more
- Ultimate Connections, Maximum Value: Featuring eight RJ45 ports, this 2.5gb switch offers more connections without the complexity of optical SFP ports, delivering exceptional value by saving you from the need for additional SFP transceivers and optical fiber cables
- Plug and Play: Enjoy an effortless setup with the Ethernet switch 2.5 gigabit, no software installation required. Simply plug it into your router, connect your devices, and you're ready for a multi-gig connection
- Plays It Quiet: The fanless design of the 2.5Gb switch ensures silent operation, so it never interrupts your work or rest. It remains whisper-quiet even during demanding tasks
The improvement may be small if most devices are still 1GbE, the NAS storage or CPU cannot sustain faster transfers, or local traffic is light. Internet service below 1Gbps does not prevent faster local transfers, but a faster switch alone does not make the internet connection quicker. For Wi-Fi access points, remember that this reviewed model supplies no PoE; the AP needs its own suitable power source.
Price and alternatives
The “Sub $100” framing belongs to the 2023 review context: ServeTheHome reported a price around $95 through AliExpress at the time. A later deal report cited about $29.99 delivered during a promotion, but that is not a dependable current US street price. Check the delivered price, shipping time, variant, and return terms for your country before comparing it with retail alternatives. The original AliExpress order took more than 2.5 weeks to arrive.
Compare alternatives by what they actually provide, not just by the number of ports:
| Option | Consider it when | Trade-off to check |
|---|---|---|
| Horaco 8 × 2.5GbE + 1 × SFP+ | You need eight multi-gig copper ports, one SFP+ uplink, fanless operation, and a low price. | Unmanaged, no PoE; seller, model, compatibility, and returns matter. |
| TP-Link TL-SG108-M2 | You want a mainstream eight-port unmanaged 2.5GbE switch. | It is not the same SFP+-uplink layout. |
| TRENDnet TEG-S380 | Retail support and documentation are a priority for an eight-port 2.5GbE option. | Check its ports against your need for a 10GbE SFP+ uplink. |
| QNAP QSW-M2108R-2C | You need management and multiple 10GbE-capable connections. | It is a substantially more capable, higher-cost class of switch. |
| Zyxel XMG1915 family | You need managed features, VLANs, monitoring, or multiple faster uplinks. | Costs and configuration complexity are higher than for a simple unmanaged switch. |
| NETGEAR MS308 | You prefer a mainstream unmanaged eight-port 2.5GbE product. | Check the exact port layout; it is not automatically a substitute for an SFP+ uplink. |
Secondary comparison coverage reported indicative prices of about $89 for the TP-Link, $97 for the TRENDnet, and $299 for the QNAP in 2026; these are not live quotes. Compare current local prices and exact specifications. A managed Horaco variant may also be an option if you need controls, but it is a different product from the unmanaged unit reviewed here.
Quick Recap
Who should buy it?
- Good fit: A price-sensitive home lab or small network with up to eight 2.5GbE copper clients, one SFP+ uplink, no PoE need, and no requirement for switch management.
- Potential fit: A NAS-heavy setup where a single 10GbE path can serve several faster clients, provided the NAS, storage, and adapters are up to the task.
- Poor fit: A managed network needing VLANs, LACP, QoS, monitoring, or port isolation; an access-point or camera setup needing PoE; or an environment with multiple 10GbE devices.
- Think twice: A business-critical deployment where predictable warranty, fast replacement, firmware support, and detailed diagnostics matter more than the lowest upfront price.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
