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NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305v3) vs TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch

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

both judged against network switches at a similar price

The TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch scores 6.2/10 overall, ahead of the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305v3) at 6.0/10.

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

The TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch leads on management and port count and uplinks.

They score the same on port speeds, poE and firmware and support.

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

TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch

TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch

6.2/10verdict: wait for deal

The TP-Link LS1005G is for anyone who needs a few more wired Ethernet ports without any setup. It suits a desk, media cabinet or small homelab corner where gigabit is enough and VLANs are not needed. Buyers who want management features, PoE or faster links should look at other switches.

Typically about £9.99 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)TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch
Port speeds30%6/106/10
Management20%5/106/10
Port count and uplinks15%5/106/10
Noise and efficiency15%9/108/10
PoE10%5/105/10
Firmware and support10%6/106/10
Overall6.0/106.2/10

Specifications

SpecNETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS305v3)TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch
Ports55 x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports, auto-MDI/MDIX
Port speedsGigabit (5 x 10/100/1000Mbps ports, Auto Uplink)10/100/1000 Mbps per port, auto-negotiation
ManagementUnmanagedUnmanaged, plug-and-play, no configuration needed
PoE budgetNot applicable (PoE budget N/A)None
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)not listedNone; RJ45 only, no SFP/SFP+ uplinks
Switching capacityNon-blocking bandwidth 10 Gbps10 Gbps switching capacity, 7.4 Mpps packet forwarding rate
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 ›

TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch

  • + Plug-and-play with no configuration
  • + Fanless and reported as quiet
  • + Two-year warranty from the UK seller
  • − Unmanaged: no VLANs or QoS
  • − Gigabit only, no SFP/SFP+ uplinks
  • − No PoE on any port

Skip it if:

  • Homelabbers who need VLANs, QoS or other management features
  • Buyers who want PoE for cameras or access points
  • Anyone who needs 2.5GbE, 10GbE or SFP/SFP+ uplinks
Read the full TP-Link LS1005G 5-Port Gigabit Switch review ›

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