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NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305v3) vs TL-SG108S

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

both judged against network switches at a similar price

The NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305v3) scores 6.0/10 overall, ahead of the TL-SG108S at 5.9/10.

The NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305v3) leads on firmware and support.

They score the same on port speeds, management, port count and uplinks, noise and efficiency and poE.

NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305v3)

NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305v3)

6.0/10verdict: wait for deal

The GS305v3 is for anyone who needs a few extra wired Gigabit ports with no setup. It suits a desk, a media cabinet or a small office where silence matters. It does not suit people who need VLANs, PoE, SFP uplinks or more than five ports.

Typically about £13.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

TL-SG108S

TL-SG108S

5.9/10verdict: skip

The TL-SG108S is for anyone who needs eight more wired Gigabit ports with no setup. It suits desks, living-room cabinets and small home networks where quiet running matters. It is not for anyone who needs VLANs or a web interface.

Typically about £17.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightNETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305v3)TL-SG108S
Port speeds30%6/106/10
Management20%5/105/10
Port count and uplinks15%5/105/10
Noise and efficiency15%9/109/10
PoE10%5/105/10
Firmware and support10%6/105/10
Overall6.0/105.9/10

Specifications

SpecNETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305v3)TL-SG108S
Ports58 RJ45 ports (8 10/100/1000 Mbps ports, Auto-MDI/MDIX)
Port speedsGigabit (5 x 10/100/1000Mbps ports, Auto Uplink)10/100/1000 Mbps per port, auto-negotiated
ManagementUnmanagedUnmanaged, plug and play
PoE budgetNot applicable (PoE budget N/A)not listed
Switching capacityNon-blocking bandwidth 10 GbpsPacket forwarding rate 11.9Mpps
CoolingFanlessFanless

Strengths and weaknesses

NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305v3)

  • + Fanless and silent, as owners report
  • + Plug-and-play with no software or configuration
  • + Listed maximum draw of 2.34W, with 802.3az support
  • − Unmanaged, so no VLAN or QoS
  • − Only five ports and no SFP uplink
  • − Gigabit only, with no 2.5GbE or 10GbE

Skip it if:

  • Homelabbers who need VLANs, QoS or other management features
  • Buyers who need PoE to power access points or cameras
  • Anyone who needs more than five ports, SFP uplinks or links faster than Gigabit
Read the full NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305v3) review ›

TL-SG108S

  • + Fanless and quiet in owner reports
  • + Metal build and plug-and-play setup
  • + Eight Gigabit ports with auto-negotiation
  • − No VLANs or web management listed
  • − No SFP uplink or PoE listed
  • − Gigabit only on every port

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need VLANs or a web management interface
  • Anyone who wants to power cameras or access points over PoE
  • Users with 2.5GbE or 10GbE devices or who need SFP uplinks
Read the full TL-SG108S review ›

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