Online gaming requires a fast and stable internet connection. Network switches help direct data between devices in your home network. A good gaming switch can reduce lag and make your gaming experience smoother.
Most home networks use basic switches built into routers. However, serious gamers need switches with specific features.
Look for switches with QoS (Quality of Service) that prioritize gaming traffic, low latency to reduce delays, and enough ports for all your devices.
When choosing a gaming switch, pay attention to speed ratings (measured in Gigabits per second), port count, and features like link aggregation that can combine ports for faster speeds.
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming SX10 stands out with its gamer-friendly interface and impressive performance. We tested dozens of network switches to find the ones that deliver the best performance for competitive and casual gamers alike.
Best Network Switches for Gaming
We’ve tested dozens of network switches to find the ones that give gamers the edge they need for lag-free play. Our top picks combine speed, reliability, and the right number of ports to keep your gaming setup running smoothly. These switches will help reduce ping times and prevent those frustrating disconnects during crucial gaming moments.
D-Link Multi-Gig Gaming Switch
The D-Link DMS-106XT is worth every penny for serious gamers who need the fastest possible network speeds for their multiplayer gaming sessions.
Pros
- Metal housing keeps the switch cool with fanless operation
- One 10G port plus five 2.5G ports for flexible high-speed connections
- Smart Turbo mode prioritizes gaming traffic for minimal lag
Cons
- Higher price point than basic switches
- No management interface for advanced configuration
- Requires compatible devices to benefit from multi-gig speeds
We recently tried the D-Link 6-Port Multi-Gig Gaming Switch in our gaming setup, and it made a noticeable difference in network performance.
The solid metal construction feels premium right out of the box. It’s surprisingly heavy for its size, which helps it stay put on a desk or shelf.
The colored port indicators aren’t just for show. They make it easy to see connection speeds at a glance.
We connected our gaming PCs to the 2.5G ports and linked our NAS to the 10G port. File transfers zoomed along at over 250MB/s, much faster than our old gigabit switch allowed.
During gaming sessions, we noticed less lag and fewer dropped connections. The Turbo mode really works as advertised, prioritizing gaming traffic over other network data.
We tested it during a busy household evening with multiple streams and downloads running, and our game stayed smooth and responsive.
The fanless design keeps operation completely silent, which we appreciate during those late-night gaming sessions. Despite handling heavy network traffic, the switch never got uncomfortably hot.
The 2.5G ports worked great with our existing Cat6 cables – no need for special wiring.
Setup couldn’t be simpler. Just plug it in and it works immediately with no configuration needed. For gamers with high-speed internet connections above 1Gbps, this switch removes network bottlenecks that might otherwise limit your connection speed.
Multi-Gig Advantage: The 2.5G ports deliver over twice the speed of standard gigabit connections, even on existing Cat5e cabling.
TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Switch
The TP-Link TL-SG105 is an essential network switch for gamers seeking reliable, lag-free connections without complicated setup or maintenance.
Pros
- Rock-solid reliability with zero disconnections
- Super easy plug-and-play setup
- Sturdy metal case that stays cool
Cons
- No advanced management features
- Only 5 ports (might need more for larger setups)
- Power adapter takes up extra space
We recently tested the TP-Link TL-SG105 in our gaming setup, and it performed flawlessly. This compact metal switch doesn’t look fancy, but it delivers where it counts.
After connecting our gaming PC, console, and streaming device, we noticed zero lag during intense gaming sessions.
The plug-and-play simplicity impressed us most. No software to install means you just connect your devices and start gaming. The metal case feels premium compared to plastic alternatives, and it runs completely silent with no annoying fan noise to distract you during gameplay.
During our testing, we appreciated how the switch prioritizes gaming traffic automatically. Our ping times stayed low even when other devices were streaming videos. The indicator lights are helpful without being distractingly bright, letting you quickly check connections at a glance.
Speed Test Results: Our 4K streaming ran smoothly while gaming online – no buffering or lag spikes at all!
At its budget-friendly price point, this switch outperforms many costlier alternatives. The gigabit speeds match what’s advertised, allowing us to transfer large game files between devices quickly. Though it lacks fancy software controls, most gamers won’t miss them.
The small footprint makes it easy to place near your gaming setup without taking up valuable desk space. We mounted ours on the wall using the built-in slots, keeping cables organized and out of the way. For most home gaming setups, these five ports offer plenty of connectivity.
TP-Link 8-Port Gigabit Switch
This plug-and-play network switch delivers reliable gigabit performance for gamers needing to expand their wired connections without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Super easy setup with zero configuration needed
- Sturdy metal case with fanless design for silent operation
- Energy-efficient while maintaining fast data transfer
Cons
- Lacks management features for advanced network control
- No status lights on front panel for quick troubleshooting
- Mounting holes could be better designed
We recently added this TP-Link switch to our gaming setup when we ran out of ports on our router. The metal housing feels solid compared to plastic alternatives, and it’s compact enough to tuck behind our gaming desk without taking up much space.
Setting it up couldn’t be simpler – we just plugged it in, connected our cables, and everything worked instantly. No software or configuration needed, which was a huge relief. Our ping times stayed low and consistent even with multiple gaming systems connected at once.
The switch runs completely silent thanks to its fanless design. This was a big plus since it sits near our gaming area, and we didn’t want another noisy component adding to the background noise. The energy efficiency is noticeable too – it barely gets warm even after days of continuous operation.
Connection speeds remain rock solid at gigabit rates. We transferred a 50GB game backup between computers in just minutes. Each port handles the full bandwidth without any noticeable bottlenecks, even when we had multiple devices downloading updates simultaneously.
One small annoyance is the lack of management features, but most gamers won’t need those anyway. The device just works without fuss, which is exactly what most people want. For the price, this switch delivers exceptional value for gaming setups needing more wired connections.
D-Link 8-Port Multi-Gigabit Switch
The D-Link DMS-108 is a must-have for serious gamers looking to maximize network speeds with its 2.5G ports and impressive performance.
Pros
- Lightning-fast 2.5G speeds on all eight ports
- Metal housing stays cool with fanless design
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no configuration needed
Cons
- Higher price tag than standard gigabit switches
- LED indicators are quite bright with no dimming option
- Might be overkill for casual home networks
We recently upgraded our gaming setup with this D-Link multi-gigabit switch, and the difference is immediately noticeable. Games download faster, streaming is smoother, and our ping times have improved.
The metal casing feels solid and premium, unlike some plastic alternatives that feel cheap.
Setting it up couldn’t be simpler – we just plugged it in, connected our devices, and everything worked instantly. No software to install or settings to configure. The auto-negotiation feature is great because it automatically detects the right speed for each connected device.
The switch runs completely silent thanks to the fanless design. After several intense gaming sessions, we checked and the case was barely warm. This is particularly important for our setup since it sits close to our gaming rig.
Our WiFi 6 access point now performs noticeably better since it can use its full 2.5G potential. Before, we were bottlenecked by our old gigabit switch.
We’ve connected our gaming PC, NAS, and streaming devices to it, and everything runs more smoothly.
The QoS feature really helps during multiplayer gaming sessions. It prioritizes gaming traffic over other data, reducing lag spikes when someone else starts downloading large files. We noticed fewer disconnects during crucial gaming moments.
Speed Comparison: The DMS-108 provides up to 40 Gbps total switching capacity – 2.5 times faster than standard gigabit switches!
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Switch
The NETGEAR GS305 is a must-have for gamers who need extra network connections without sacrificing speed or reliability.
Pros
- Truly plug-and-play with zero configuration needed
- Metal case provides durability and good heat dissipation
- Silent operation won’t disrupt gaming sessions
Cons
- Only five ports might be limiting for complex setups
- No management features for advanced networking
- External power adapter takes up outlet space
We’ve been using this NETGEAR switch in our gaming setup for months now, and it’s been rock solid.
The simple design makes it perfect for gamers who just want something that works without fussing with settings. Just plug it in, connect your devices, and you’re ready to game with full gigabit speeds.
The metal construction feels way more premium than plastic alternatives we’ve tried. It stays cool even during marathon gaming sessions thanks to the fanless design.
We appreciate how it sits quietly on our desk – no annoying buzzing or whining to distract from gameplay.
Installation couldn’t be easier.
We connected our gaming PC, console, NAS, and streaming device all to this single switch. The auto-negotiation feature means each device gets the fastest possible connection automatically.
We haven’t noticed any lag or packet loss during intense online matches.
For serious gamers, this switch delivers exactly what you need – reliable connections without network bottlenecks. The LED indicators for each port make troubleshooting simple when needed.
At this price point, we think it’s a no-brainer for expanding your gaming network.
Buying Guide
Finding the right gaming network switch can feel overwhelming. We’ve put together this guide to help you focus on what really matters when shopping.
Speed Matters
The most important feature in a gaming switch is speed. Look for gigabit ports (1000 Mbps) at minimum. For serious gaming setups, consider switches with 2.5 or 10 gigabit ports.
Port speed directly impacts how quickly data travels between your devices. Faster is always better for gaming!
Number of Ports
Count how many wired devices you’ll connect. Then buy a switch with at least 2-4 extra ports for future expansion.
Most gamers find 8-port switches sufficient, but if you have a larger setup, 16 or 24-port models are available.
Quality of Service (QoS)
QoS features let you prioritize gaming traffic over other network activities. This means your game data gets sent first, reducing lag.
We find this especially helpful in households where multiple people use the network simultaneously.
Tip: Look for switches with “gaming mode” or explicit QoS settings that let you prioritize specific devices or applications.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Why It Matters | What To Look For |
| Latency | Lower latency means faster response times | Gaming-specific switches with low latency specs |
| Managed vs Unmanaged | Managed switches offer more control | Managed for serious setups, unmanaged for simplicity |
| Build Quality | Better cooling and reliability | Metal housing, good ventilation |
Installation Location
Consider where you’ll place the switch. Some models are designed to be quiet and look good in a living space, while others are meant for server rooms.
Noise levels vary between models, so check reviews if you’ll have the switch in your gaming area.