Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →An unmanaged Ethernet switch is a plug-and-play device that adds wired Ethernet ports to a local network. Connect it to a router or another switch, then connect computers and other Ethernet devices; it forwards network traffic without requiring you to configure it. That simplicity suits basic home and small-office networks, but not setups that need configurable traffic controls or monitoring.
What an unmanaged Ethernet switch does
A switch connects devices on a local Ethernet network and forwards traffic between them. It learns and stores devices’ MAC addresses to direct traffic, unlike an Ethernet hub, which does not make the same forwarding decisions. The switch still performs internal networking functions; “unmanaged” means users have little or no interface for changing its settings or controlling its operation. Cisco describes unmanaged switches as devices that “just plug in and run, with no settings to configure.” Cisco’s explanation of managed and unmanaged switches covers this distinction.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to connect one
- Connect one Ethernet cable from a router or an existing switch to the unmanaged switch. This is the uplink to the rest of the network.
- Connect computers and other Ethernet-capable devices to the remaining ports.
- Check the device indicators and model-specific instructions if a connected device does not establish a link. The exact installation guidance can vary by model.
On some models, any port can serve as the uplink; TP-Link describes that arrangement for its unmanaged switches. Follow the instructions for the specific switch you own rather than assuming every model works identically. TP-Link / Omada’s unmanaged-switch FAQ explains its setup guidance.
What “unmanaged” means for configuration
An unmanaged switch generally has no web interface or utility for changing network settings. TP-Link says its unmanaged switches cannot be managed through a utility or web interface. You can use the ports for connectivity, but you should not expect to log in to configure features such as traffic segmentation or port policies.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: 5× 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports supporting Auto Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX.
- 𝗚𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆: Latest innovative energy-efficient technology greatly expands your network capacity with much less power consumption and helps save money.
- 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁: IEEE 802.3X flow control provides reliable data transfer and Fanless design ensures quiet operation.
- 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆: Easy setup with no software installation or configuration needed.
- 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀: Prioritize your traffic and guarantee high quality of video or voice data transmission with Port-based 802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP Snooping.
The trade-off is simplicity for less control. VLAN configuration, quality-of-service (QoS) prioritization, port monitoring, remote management, and configurable access or security policies are not capabilities to assume on an unmanaged model. Exact features vary, so check the product specifications when a particular function matters.
How unmanaged, smart, and managed switches differ
| Need | Unmanaged | Smart or easy-smart | Managed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add Ethernet ports with minimal setup | Suitable | Can be suitable | Can be suitable, with configuration options |
| Configure VLANs to separate traffic | Generally unavailable | Basic support may be available | Broader configurable support may be available |
| Prioritize traffic with QoS | Do not assume it is configurable | Basic options may be available | More extensive controls may be available |
| Monitor ports or manage remotely | Little or no user-facing management | Limited features may be available | Broader monitoring and management may be available |
| Set network access or security policies | Do not assume these controls exist | Some features may be available | Broader configurable controls may be available |
Smart or easy-smart switches sit between basic unmanaged models and more fully managed products. For example, TP-Link describes its easy-smart switches as offering a web interface for basic VLAN, QoS, and monitoring functions. These are category-level distinctions, not guarantees for every model; verify the features of the exact device. Cisco’s switch-category guide and TP-Link’s managed-switch overview describe these differences.
Rank #2
- GIGABIT ETHERNET PORTS: Features 5 x 1.0Gbps Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. Auto-negotiating ports detect the optimal speed for connected devices and work with existing Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables.
- PLUG-AND-PLAY UNMANAGED NETWORK SWITCH: Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration required.
- FLEXIBLE MOUNTING OPTIONS: Compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for versatile installation.
- SILENT & ENERGY-EFFICIENT OPERATION: Fanless design ensures silent performance, while IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet reduces power consumption without compromising high-speed network performance.
- REGIONAL COMPATIBILITY: Made for use in U.S. & CA only
Does an unmanaged switch support PoE?
Sometimes. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is model-dependent, not something the word “unmanaged” promises. If you want the switch to power a camera, access point, or other endpoint, confirm that the particular model supports the required PoE standard and provides an adequate power budget. TP-Link’s FAQ treats PoE as a product-specific question.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What to check before choosing a model
- Port count: Count the devices that need wired connections and leave a port for the uplink.
- Ethernet speed: Match the switch-port speeds to the requirements of your network and connected devices.
- PoE: If the switch needs to power endpoints, verify the PoE standard and power budget for the exact model.
- Placement: Check whether the device is suitable for desktop, wall, or rack mounting in its product documentation.
- Management: If you need VLANs, QoS, monitoring, or configurable access controls, compare smart or managed options and confirm the specific model’s feature list.
For basic port expansion, an unmanaged switch is often the straightforward choice. If the network needs configurable controls or visibility, the additional management features of a smart or managed switch may be more appropriate. Cisco’s network-switching overview also discusses unmanaged switches in the context of small networks.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝟮.𝟱 𝗚𝗯𝗽𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿-𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 5× 2.5-Gigabit ports unlock the highest performance of your Multi-Gig bandwidth and devices, and provide up to 25 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.
Rank #4
- 8 GIGABIT PORTS: Features 8 RJ45 ports supporting 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds, providing high-speed wired network connectivity for computers, printers, gaming consoles, and other Ethernet-enabled devices
- PLUG AND PLAY SETUP: No configuration required; simply connect the switch to your network devices and it is ready to use immediately, making network expansion quick and hassle-free
- FANLESS QUIET DESIGN: The fanless design ensures silent operation, making this switch suitable for noise-sensitive environments such as home offices, bedrooms, or conference rooms
- STURDY METAL CONSTRUCTION: Built with a durable metal housing and shielded ports that provide reliable performance, better heat dissipation, and protection against electromagnetic interference
- TRAFFIC OPTIMIZATION: Supports IEEE 802.3x flow control and advanced traffic optimization technology to reduce data bottlenecks and ensure smooth, efficient data transfer across your network
Rank #3
- GIGABIT ETHERNET PORTS: Features 8 x 1.0Gbps Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. Auto-negotiating ports detect the optimal speed for connected devices and work with existing Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables.
- PLUG-AND-PLAY UNMANAGED NETWORK SWITCH: Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration required.
- FLEXIBLE MOUNTING OPTIONS: Compact metal design supports desktop or wall-mount placement for versatile installation.
- SILENT & ENERGY-EFFICIENT OPERATION: Fanless design ensures silent performance, while IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet reduces power consumption without compromising high-speed network performance.
- REGIONAL COMPATIBILITY: Made for use in U.S. & CA only
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.
