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10 Best Ethernet Switch For Gaming 2025 in the United States

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#1

Winner

Ubiquiti USW-24-POE Ethernet Switch

The Ubiquiti USW-24-POE Ethernet Switch offers a solid choice for gaming setups with its 24 ports, which can accommodate multiple devices such as gaming consoles, computers, and other networked components. Each port supports speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is essential for seamless online gaming and fast data transfer. The switch is managed, allowing for greater control over your network settings, and it supports Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize gaming traffic, minimizing latency and ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

Latency is further reduced by its fanless design, which keeps the switch cool without the noise of a fan, making it ideal for quieter gaming environments. The inclusion of Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a bonus, as it allows you to power devices like IP cameras and access points directly through the Ethernet cables, reducing clutter and the need for additional power sources.

However, the switch does not come cheap and may be overkill for casual gamers or smaller setups. Additionally, it lacks advanced gaming-specific features like link aggregation for even higher speeds or low-latency modes that some dedicated gaming switches offer. Despite these limitations, for serious gamers looking for a robust and reliable network switch that can handle extensive setups, the Ubiquiti USW-24-POE is a strong contender.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Managed vs. Unmanaged
The Unifi GUI is fantastic, offering both user-friendly and advanced CLI options.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
A year later, still going strong with 8 PoE devices and excellent performance.
#2

Ubiquiti Networks Unifi 48Port Pro Switch Gen2 (USW-PRO-48-POE)

The Ubiquiti Networks Unifi 48Port Pro Switch Gen2 (USW-PRO-48-POE) is a high-performance switch designed with 48 ports, making it well-suited for users needing extensive connectivity options, such as a gaming setup with multiple devices. The switch supports data transfer rates up to 10,000 Mbps, which is excellent for gaming, ensuring fast and reliable network performance. The inclusion of Power over Ethernet (PoE) support is a significant advantage, as it allows the switch to power connected devices, reducing the need for additional power supplies and cables, streamlining your setup.

Additionally, this is a managed switch, providing advanced features like Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize gaming traffic, which is crucial for reducing latency and maintaining a stable connection during intense gaming sessions. However, the switch's dimensions and weight might be a drawback for users with limited space, as it measures 20 x 14 x 2.5 inches and weighs about 17.1 pounds. Also, the product’s case material is plastic, which might not feel as robust as metal options.

Despite these considerations, this switch is best suited for serious gamers or small businesses that require a stable and high-speed network with advanced management features.

#3

Ubiquiti UniFi 16-Port PoE Switch

The Ubiquiti UniFi 16-Port PoE Switch is a robust choice for gamers seeking efficient and reliable connectivity for their gaming setup. With 16 ports, it allows for extensive network expansion, accommodating multiple devices with ease. The gigabit Ethernet ports ensure ultra-fast data transfer rates, which is essential for gaming to reduce latency and provide seamless gameplay.

Additionally, the switch supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), simplifying cable management by allowing devices like gaming routers or access points to receive power through the Ethernet cable itself. The built-in power supply and rack-mountable design contribute to a tidy and organized setup. Management features such as IGMP snooping, port mirroring, and spanning tree provide enhanced control and network optimization.

This can be particularly useful for advanced users who want to fine-tune their network for gaming performance. However, the switch may be overkill for casual gamers or smaller setups. Its rack-mountable form factor suggests it's designed for more professional or dedicated gaming environments. The 1.6E+4 Megabits Per Second data transfer rate is excellent, but the advanced features and management capabilities might be underutilized by users without technical expertise. The Ubiquiti UniFi 16-Port PoE Switch is ideal for gamers who need a high-performance, scalable network solution with advanced management features.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Minor issues with PoE+ ports were resolved with firmware updates, ensuring reliable performance.

Buying Guide for the Best Ethernet Switch For Gaming

Choosing the right Ethernet switch for gaming can significantly enhance your online gaming experience by providing a stable and fast network connection. When selecting an Ethernet switch, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your gaming needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and get the best performance out of your gaming setup.
Port CountThe port count refers to the number of devices you can connect to the Ethernet switch. This is important because it determines how many gaming consoles, PCs, and other network devices you can connect simultaneously. If you have a simple setup with just a few devices, a switch with 4 to 8 ports may suffice. For more complex setups with multiple gaming devices, streaming equipment, and other peripherals, you might need a switch with 16 or more ports. Consider your current and future needs to choose the right port count for your setup.
SpeedThe speed of an Ethernet switch is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). This spec is crucial for gaming because it affects how quickly data can be transferred between your devices and the internet. Common speeds include 10/100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) and 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet). For gaming, a Gigabit Ethernet switch is recommended as it provides faster data transfer rates, reducing lag and improving overall performance. If you have a high-speed internet connection and multiple devices, a Gigabit switch is the best choice.
Managed vs. UnmanagedEthernet switches come in two main types: managed and unmanaged. Unmanaged switches are simple plug-and-play devices with no configuration options, making them easy to use but less flexible. Managed switches offer advanced features like traffic prioritization, VLANs, and network monitoring, which can be beneficial for optimizing gaming performance. If you are a casual gamer with a straightforward network setup, an unmanaged switch may be sufficient. However, if you want more control over your network and the ability to fine-tune settings for optimal gaming performance, a managed switch is the better option.
Quality of Service (QoS)Quality of Service (QoS) is a feature that allows you to prioritize certain types of network traffic, such as gaming data, over others. This is important for gaming because it helps ensure that your gaming traffic gets the bandwidth it needs, reducing lag and improving performance. When looking at Ethernet switches, check if they support QoS and how easy it is to configure. If you frequently experience network congestion or have multiple users on your network, a switch with QoS can help maintain a smooth gaming experience.
LatencyLatency refers to the delay between sending and receiving data over the network. Low latency is crucial for gaming as it ensures quick response times and a more seamless experience. Ethernet switches with low latency are designed to minimize this delay, providing faster communication between your gaming devices and the internet. When choosing a switch, look for models that are specifically marketed as low-latency or gaming switches. If you play fast-paced online games where every millisecond counts, prioritizing low latency is essential.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows the switch to deliver power to connected devices, such as gaming consoles or network cameras, through the Ethernet cables. This can be useful if you want to reduce the number of power adapters and cables in your setup. While PoE is not a necessity for gaming, it can add convenience and reduce clutter. If you have devices that support PoE and you want a cleaner setup, consider an Ethernet switch with PoE capabilities.

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