Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

TP-Link TL-SG108E vs TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2

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

all judged against network switches at a similar price

The TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2 scores 6.8/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link TL-SG108E at 6.2/10.

The TP-Link TL-SG108E leads on noise and efficiency and firmware and support.

The TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2 leads on port speeds, management, port count and uplinks and poE.

The biggest difference is noise and efficiency, where the TP-Link TL-SG108E scores 9/10 to the TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2's 3/10.

TP-Link TL-SG108E

TP-Link TL-SG108E

6.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The TL-SG108E is for home and homelab users who want a small, silent eight-port gigabit switch with basic VLAN support. It suits setups that need a few separate networks, not strict isolation. It is a poor fit if you need PoE, fibre uplinks, faster-than-gigabit ports or Spanning Tree.

Typically about £45 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

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

TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2

TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2

6.8/10verdict: buy

The TL-SG3210XHP-M2 is for people building a small rack-based network who need PoE+ and real managed-switch features. It suits setups with 2.5GbE access points or cameras and 10G SFP+ uplinks. It is a poor fit for quiet rooms because it has two fans.

Typically about £340 in the UK when we researched itSearch 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

CriterionWeightTP-Link TL-SG108ETP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2
Port speeds30%6/108/10
Management20%6/108/10
Port count and uplinks15%5/107/10
Noise and efficiency15%9/103/10
PoE10%5/108/10
Firmware and support10%6/105/10
Overall6.2/106.8/10

Specifications

SpecTP-Link TL-SG108ETP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2
Ports8 x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports8x 2.5GbE RJ45 PoE+ ports, 2x 10G SFP+ slots, plus one RJ45 and one Micro-USB console port (not data ports)
Port speeds10/100/1000 MbpsRJ45 ports 100/1000/2500 Mbps; SFP+ slots 10 Gbps
ManagementEasy Smart; web user interface and Windows management utility; port-based, 802.1Q and MTU VLAN (32 VLANs active out of 4K IDs), port mirroring, loop prevention, IGMP snooping, cable diagnosticsL2+ managed; web management, Omada app, cloud or hardware/software controllers; 802.1Q VLAN, static routing, ACLs, 802.1X
PoE budgetnot listed240 W total PoE budget; 8 PoE+ ports (802.3af/at); 30 W per port
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)not listed2x 10 Gbps SFP+
Switching capacity16 Gbps switching capacity; 11.9 Mpps forwarding rate; 4K MAC table80 Gbps switching capacity; 59.52 Mpps forwarding rate; 16K MAC table
CoolingFanless, metal casingTwo fans (Fan Quantity: 2), not fanless

Strengths and weaknesses

TP-Link TL-SG108E

  • + Fanless metal casing, so no fan noise
  • + 802.1Q VLANs and port mirroring on a web UI
  • + Owners report VLANs working on current firmware
  • − Gigabit only, with no SFP/SFP+ uplink published
  • − VLAN 1 cannot be removed and no Spanning Tree
  • − Owners describe VLAN setup as fiddly

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need PoE for access points, cameras or phones
  • Anyone who needs strict VLAN isolation, Spanning Tree or a management interface off the user ports
  • Users who want 2.5GbE, 10GbE or SFP/SFP+ uplinks
Read the full TP-Link TL-SG108E review ›

TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2

  • + Eight 2.5GbE PoE+ ports with a 240 W total budget
  • + L2+ management with VLANs, static routing, ACLs and 802.1X
  • + Two 10 Gbps SFP+ uplinks
  • − Two fans; one owner report calls it too loud for offices
  • − Cloud management needs a hardware controller or dedicated computer
  • − Update history and warranty terms aren't stated

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need a silent or fanless switch for an office or desk
  • Anyone needing more than ten data ports on one switch
  • Buyers wanting cloud management without a hardware controller or dedicated computer
Read the full TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2 review ›

More comparisons

Compare all network switches · Best network switches