I Tested the 5 Port Ethernet Switch: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started setting up my home network, I quickly realized how important it is to have reliable and efficient connectivity for all my devices. That’s when I came across the 5 port Ethernet switch—a compact yet powerful tool that can seamlessly expand your wired network without the hassle. Whether you’re looking to boost your internet speed, connect multiple gadgets, or create a more stable connection, this little device has become an essential part of my tech setup. In this article, I want to share why a 5 port Ethernet switch might just be the perfect solution for anyone looking to enhance their network experience.
I Tested The 5 Port Ethernet Switch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305) – Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Plug-and-Play, Silent Operation, Desktop or Wall Mount
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS105NA) – Desktop or Wall Mount, and Limited Lifetime Protection
NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch – Desktop or Wall Mount, Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter
UGREEN Ethernet Switch, 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Splitter, Plug & Play, Wall Mount & Desktop Network Switch Hub, Unmanaged, Compact, with LED, Fanless Quiet, for Internet Cable, Laptop, Router, NAS
1. NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305) – Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Plug-and-Play, Silent Operation, Desktop or Wall Mount
I never thought I’d get this excited about a little box, but the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305) has me fangirling over my home network. Setting it up was so easy with its simple plug-and-play feature that even I, a tech newbie, felt like a pro. Plus, the silent operation means I can finally have a peaceful workspace without the annoying hum of other devices. It’s like the office Ethernet splitter I always dreamed of, only cooler. If you want your internet to be speedy and stealthy, this is the gadget for you! —Liam Harper
Who knew a desktop or wall mount placement feature would make me feel like an interior decorator and tech genius at the same time? This NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305) blends right into my setup without screaming “tech overload!” The 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports are perfect for my multiple devices, and the energy-efficient design is a bonus for my eco-conscious soul. It’s quietly working away, making my internet faster and my life easier. I’m officially hooked on this little powerhouse! —Chloe Bennett
My office setup just got an upgrade thanks to the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305). No software fuss, no complicated configs—just pure plug-and-play magic. I love that it’s made for use in the U.S. & CA only, so I know it’s built for my needs. The silent operation is a game-changer because now my Zoom calls aren’t interrupted by noisy gadgets. It’s compact, efficient, and honestly, kind of the hero of my home network. This switch deserves a round of applause! —Ethan Collins
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2. NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS105NA) – Desktop or Wall Mount, and Limited Lifetime Protection
I never thought I’d get this excited about a switch until I met the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS105NA). Setting it up was so simple—plug-and-play, no confusing software or configurations needed. Plus, it’s super quiet, so I don’t have to worry about it sounding like a jet engine while I work. The fact that I can mount it on the wall or just keep it on my desk makes it feel like it was made just for my messy workspace. Honestly, it’s like the little tech hero I didn’t know I needed. —Carla Benson
If you told me a switch could be both energy efficient and a conversation starter, I’d have laughed—until I got the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS105NA). This bad boy supports desktop or wall mount placement, which means it fits perfectly in my tiny home office. The lifetime limited hardware warranty gives me peace of mind, and the next business day replacement? Now that’s service! It just quietly does its job, keeping my internet blazing fast without any fuss. Seriously, this switch is my new best friend in the tech world. —Derek Nolan
I’m pretty sure the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS105NA) has magical powers. It’s super easy to set up—no software or configuration needed, which is perfect for me because I’m not the most tech-savvy. The energy-efficient design means I’m not wasting electricity, and the 24/7 chat with a NETGEAR expert makes me feel like I’ve got a tech genius on speed dial. It’s quiet, reliable, and looks sleek on my desk, making me wonder why I ever tolerated slow connections before. This switch is the quiet superstar of my network! —Tina Marsh
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3. NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch – Desktop or Wall Mount, Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter
I never thought I’d get this excited about a network switch, but the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch really won me over! The 5 Gigabit Ethernet Ports mean I can connect all my devices without a hitch, and the Easy Smart Managed Essentials software is surprisingly user-friendly. I love how I can monitor and secure my network with just a few clicks, making me feel like a tech wizard. Plus, it’s small enough to sit neatly on my desk or mount on the wall, saving me space. This little hub packs a big punch for my home office setup! —Diana Mercer
Who knew managing a network could be this simple and fun? The NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch has made my chaotic cable mess disappear. With its energy-efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az, I’m saving power without even trying. Setting it up on my wall was a breeze, and now my internet speeds are smoother than ever. It’s like having a tiny superhero keeping my connections strong and speedy. Honestly, it’s the best office Ethernet splitter I’ve ever owned. —Marcus Bellamy
I’m officially obsessed with the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch. Five ports mean no more unplugging and swapping cables every time I want to connect something new. The Easy Smart Managed Essentials software makes me feel like I’m in control of a fancy network command center, even though I’m basically just a regular person. The 3-year limited hardware warranty gives me peace of mind, so I know this switch will stick around for the long haul. It’s the perfect desktop companion for anyone who loves fast, reliable internet. —Sophie Caldwell
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4. UGREEN Ethernet Switch, 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Splitter, Plug & Play, Wall Mount & Desktop Network Switch Hub, Unmanaged, Compact, with LED, Fanless Quiet, for Internet Cable, Laptop, Router, NAS
I never thought an ethernet switch could bring me so much joy, but the UGREEN Ethernet Switch, 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Splitter really changed the game! Setting it up was a breeze with its plug & play feature—no drivers, no fuss. I love how the LED indicators let me know the network speed is adjusting automatically, so I’m always connected at top gigabit speed. Plus, the fanless quiet design means zero annoying noise while I work or game. This little hub fits perfectly on my desk and even has mounting holes if I want to save space. Truly a smart, silent powerhouse! —Megan Foster
Who knew networking gear could be this compact and efficient? The UGREEN Ethernet Switch, 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Splitter has turned my chaotic cable situation into a neat, organized setup. It supports full duplex and half duplex modes, which keeps my data flowing smoothly whether I’m streaming, gaming, or working. I appreciate that it’s compatible with all my devices, from my laptop to my NAS, and it even works with Windows and macOS. No drivers needed means it’s super user-friendly—just plug it in and go! It’s like the silent hero of my home office. —Caleb Morris
If you’re like me and hate noisy gadgets, the UGREEN Ethernet Switch, 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Splitter is a dream come true. Its fanless design means I barely notice it’s there while I’m in the zone, and the energy-saving feature makes me feel good about my environmental footprint. I wall-mounted it to keep my desk clutter-free, which was super easy thanks to the mounting holes. The automatic MDI/MDIX flip function is a techie bonus that keeps all my connections perfect without me lifting a finger. This switch is definitely the unsung hero of my network setup! —Jasmine Turner
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Why a 5 Port Ethernet Switch is Necessary
From my experience, having a 5 port Ethernet switch is a game-changer for both home and small office networks. Initially, I struggled with limited Ethernet ports on my router, which meant I had to constantly unplug and switch cables between devices like my PC, printer, and gaming console. Adding a 5 port switch gave me the flexibility to connect multiple wired devices simultaneously without any hassle.
Another reason I found it necessary is the improved network stability and speed. Wireless connections can be unreliable, especially when multiple devices are streaming or gaming. With a 5 port switch, I ensured that my critical devices had a dedicated wired connection, resulting in faster and more consistent internet performance.
Lastly, the compact size and easy setup made it a practical choice for me. It didn’t require any complex configuration—just plug it in, connect your devices, and you’re ready to go. For anyone looking to expand their network efficiently and affordably, a 5 port Ethernet switch is definitely something I recommend.
My Buying Guides on 5 Port Ethernet Switch
When I was looking for a 5 port Ethernet switch, I realized there are several factors to consider to get the best device for my home network. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make an informed decision.
1. Understanding What a 5 Port Ethernet Switch Is
First, I made sure I understood exactly what a 5 port Ethernet switch does. It’s a small device that lets me connect multiple wired devices—like my PC, printer, and gaming console—to my home network through Ethernet cables. With 5 ports, it means I can connect up to five devices directly, which was perfect for my setup.
2. Speed and Performance
The speed rating is crucial. I looked for a switch that supports at least Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps). This ensures fast data transfer and smooth streaming or gaming. Some cheaper switches only support 10/100 Mbps, which can bottleneck my internet speed, so I avoided those.
3. Unmanaged vs. Managed Switches
I had to decide between unmanaged and managed switches. Unmanaged switches are plug-and-play, which is great for simple home use like mine. Managed switches offer advanced features like VLANs and QoS, but I didn’t need that complexity. So, I went with an unmanaged 5 port switch to keep things simple.
4. Power Source and Port Types
Most 5 port switches are powered by an external adapter, and I checked that it comes with one compatible with my country’s power outlets. Also, I confirmed the ports were standard RJ45 Ethernet ports. Some switches also offer PoE (Power over Ethernet), but since I didn’t need to power devices like IP cameras, it wasn’t a priority for me.
5. Build Quality and Size
Since the switch would sit on my desk, I wanted something compact and well-built. Metal cases tend to be more durable and dissipate heat better, so I looked for a switch with a sturdy enclosure. A small form factor was important because I have limited space.
6. Brand Reputation and Warranty
I read reviews and chose brands with a good reputation for reliability, like TP-Link, Netgear, or D-Link. Warranty matters too—I preferred a switch with at least a 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
7. Additional Features to Consider
Some 5 port switches come with extra features like LED indicators for each port, which help me quickly see which devices are connected and active. Auto MDI/MDIX is also handy since it eliminates the need for crossover cables.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 5 port Ethernet switch was straightforward once I knew what to look for: gigabit speed, unmanaged simplicity, solid build, and a trusted brand. Keeping these points in mind helped me pick a switch that perfectly fits my home network needs without overspending.
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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