The Best Linksys Network Switches in 2026: 4 Picks

Quick picks

Our 4 picks

1 Best overall

Linksys 8-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch

Best for: Small home networks needing simple wired expansion

Port Count

8

Port Speed

Gigabit

Management Type

Unmanaged

Number of Ports

8 Ports

Dimensions

2.36 × 7.4 × 2.36 inches

Weight

1.2 pounds

View on Amazon: Linksys 8-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch Affiliate link

The Linksys SE3008 is an unmanaged switch with eight Gigabit ports. It supports full-duplex IEEE 802.3x flow control and auto-sensing ports for easy setup. The device includes QoS to prioritize video and audio streaming. It also features an advanced power saving mode to detect unused ports. This compact unit measures 7.4 by 2.36 inches and weighs 1.2 pounds. It suits users needing reliable wired connections for multiple devices.

Pros

• Eight Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity
• QoS prioritizes video and audio applications
• Auto MDI/MDI-X cable detection simplifies installation
• Advanced power saving mode for unused ports

Cons

• Unmanaged design limits network customization options
• Only eight ports may not suit large setups
• No web interface for remote configuration

Good fit if

• You need a simple plug-and-play switch for home offices
• You want to prioritize streaming traffic with QoS
• You have eight devices requiring wired connections

Skip if

• You require more than eight Ethernet ports
• You need managed features for advanced network control
• You want to configure settings remotely via an app

Verdict: Linksys SE3008 8-Port Gigabit Switch offers straightforward reliability for small networks. It fits users who value easy setup and basic traffic prioritization without complex management.

2 Best premium

Linksys 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch

Best for: High port density needs

Port Count

16

Port Speed

Gigabit

Management Type

Unmanaged

Mounting Type

Wall Mount or Desktop

Number of Ports

16 Ports

Recommended Use

Office

View on Amazon: Linksys 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch Affiliate link

The Linksys LGS116 provides 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-density connections. It features Quality of Service to prioritize traffic and meets Energy Efficient Ethernet standards. The metal housing supports wall or desktop mounting. This unmanaged switch suits offices or homes needing many wired connections without configuration complexity.

Pros

• 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Quality of Service traffic prioritization
• Metal housing for durability
• Energy Efficient Ethernet support

Cons

• Unmanaged interface lacks remote monitoring
• No dedicated app for control
• 11-inch width requires significant space

Good fit if

• You need many wired ports
• You prefer plug-and-play setup
• You want QoS traffic control

Skip if

• You need smart management features
• You have limited desk space
• You require remote access

Verdict: Linksys 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch fits users needing high port density with simple setup. It is ideal for offices or homes requiring many wired connections without complex configuration.

3 Best budget

Linksys 5-Port Gigabit Switch

Best for: small home offices needing 5 wired ports

Port Count

5

Port Speed

Gigabit

Number of Ports

5 Ports

Dimensions

2.36 × 7.4 × 2.36 inches

Weight

1.5 pounds

View on Amazon: Linksys 5-Port Gigabit Switch Affiliate link

This Linksys SE3005 is a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for home or small office use. It features full-duplex IEEE 802.3x flow control and QoS to prioritize video and audio streaming. The device includes advanced power saving modes that detect unused ports. It measures 7.4 by 2.36 by 2.36 inches and weighs 1.5 pounds. You should use it to expand wired connections for devices that need reliable Gigabit speeds.

Pros

• 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connectivity
• QoS prioritizes video and audio applications
• Advanced power saving mode detects unused ports
• Non head-of-line blocking architecture ensures smooth data flow

Cons

• Only 5 ports, which is fewer than the 8 or 16-port options on this list
• Sold as a renewed item rather than new
• No mention of managed features or web interface for advanced configuration

Good fit if

• You need to add a few wired connections to your network
• You want a compact switch for a desk or shelf
• You prioritize streaming quality with QoS support

Skip if

• You require more than 5 wired ports
• You need a brand new unit with full warranty
• You want to manage network traffic through a software interface

Verdict: Linksys SE3005 5-Port Gigabit Switch offers solid Gigabit performance and QoS for small setups. It fits users who need a few extra wired ports without managing complex network settings.

4 Also great

Linksys SE3005 V2 5-Port Gigabit Switch

Best for: small home office setups

Port Count

5

Port Speed

10/100/1000 Mbps

Management Type

Unmanaged

Mounting Type

Desktop or Wall Mount

Number of Ports

5 Ports

Dimensions

6.6 × 3.54 × 1 inches

View on Amazon: Linksys SE3005 V2 5-Port Gigabit Switch Affiliate link

This Linksys SE3005 V2 is a 5-port unmanaged switch designed for simple home networking. It features Gigabit Ethernet ports that support Auto-Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX for easy connections. The metal casing includes a fanless design for silent operation. It also offers 802.1p QoS to prioritize video and voice traffic. You can mount it on a wall or place it on a desktop.

Pros

• 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed connections
• Fanless metal design ensures silent operation
• 802.1p QoS prioritizes video and voice traffic
• Supports desktop or wall mounting

Cons

• Only 5 ports, limiting expansion capacity
• Unmanaged interface lacks configuration software
• No mention of LED status indicators

Good fit if

• You need a compact switch for a few devices
• You want silent operation without fans
• You prefer wall-mounting options

Skip if

• You require more than 5 ports
• You need managed switch features
• You want a larger port count

Verdict: Linksys SE3005 V2 5-Port Gigabit Switch suits users who need a quiet, compact solution for a small number of wired devices. It is ideal for home offices or media setups where silence and simplicity matter.

Specifications side by side

Linksys Switch Lineup Overview

Linksys provides unmanaged Gigabit switches for simple wired expansion. The SE3008 and SE3005 models offer five or eight ports in compact, desktop-friendly designs. These units suit small home offices needing a few extra connections without complex management. The SE3005 V2 adds wall-mount capability for discreet placement in media setups.

For higher density, the LGS116 delivers sixteen ports in a slim chassis. This unit fits users requiring many wired connections for offices or larger homes. All listed models prioritize straightforward reliability over advanced features. You select based on port count and physical footprint needs rather than software controls or power delivery specifications.

Where Linksys Fits Your Network

Linksys focuses on compact, unmanaged Gigabit switches for simple wired expansion. The range spans from five-port units like the SE3005 to eight-port SE3008 models. These fit small home offices needing basic connectivity. For higher density, the 16-port LGS116 offers many connections in a larger footprint. All listed products are unmanaged, meaning you get straightforward plug-and-play setup without complex configuration. You will not find managed features or PoE options here. This brand suits users who prioritize ease of use and reliable Gigabit speeds over advanced network control.

How to Choose the Right Linksys Switch

1. Check Port Count Needs

   Start by counting your wired devices. If you need just a few connections, the 5-Port Gigabit Switch works well. It fits small home offices needing extra ports without clutter. For larger setups, the 8-Port model offers more capacity. If you require high density for many devices, the 16-Port unit is the better choice. Match the port count to your current devices and future growth. This ensures you have enough connections without buying a larger unit than necessary.

2. Confirm Gigabit Speed

   All listed Linksys switches support Gigabit speeds. This means each port can handle up to 1,000 Mbps. This speed is sufficient for most home networking tasks, including streaming and file transfers. You do not need to worry about slower connections with these models. The consistent Gigabit rating across the lineup ensures reliable performance for connected devices. This standard supports modern bandwidth requirements without the complexity of higher-end enterprise gear.

3. Verify Unmanaged Simplicity

   Every switch in this list is unmanaged. This means no software setup or configuration is required. You simply plug in your Ethernet cables and they work. This is ideal for users who want straightforward reliability without complex management. Unmanaged switches handle traffic prioritization automatically. You avoid the hassle of VLANs or QoS settings. This simplicity makes them perfect for homes and small offices where ease of use is a priority.

4. Assess Physical Size

   Consider where you will place the switch. The 5-Port models are compact, measuring around 2.36 inches in height. They fit easily on desks or shelves. The 8-Port unit is slightly larger but still desktop-friendly. The 16-Port switch is wider and designed for higher density. It supports wall mounting if you need to save desk space. Check the dimensions to ensure the unit fits your available area without obstructing other equipment.

5. Consider Mounting Options

   Some models offer flexible mounting. The 16-Port and V2 5-Port switches support both desktop and wall mounting. This allows you to attach them to a wall or rack for a cleaner look. The smaller 5-Port and 8-Port models are designed primarily for desktop use. If you need to save surface space, choose a model with wall-mount capability. This feature helps keep your network area organized and tidy.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best linksys network switches with 5 Ports
• best linksys desktop network switches
• best EIGHTREE smart switches
• best manual transfer switches