TP-Link 16-Port PoE+ Gigabit Switch Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The TP-Link TL-SG1218MP delivers a high 250W PoE budget and flexible uplinks, making it a strong choice for small offices. If you are searching for tp link tl sg1218mp alternatives, you might need a different balance of features. Some buyers prefer silent operation or a lower price point. Others may require rackmount designs or non-PoE ports for data-only expansion. The original unit is also quite large and heavy compared to compact fanless options. These factors often lead users to explore other brands or models that fit their specific space or power constraints better.
The 6 picks in this guide overlap with the original in key areas like port count and PoE support. We selected these options because they share similar core specifications, such as 16 ports and Gigabit speeds. Each alternative offers a distinct advantage, whether that is a smaller footprint, a different management type, or a higher wattage budget for legacy devices. You can compare these specs to find the switch that matches your network requirements. This list helps you evaluate trade-offs between power, size, and functionality without needing to test each unit yourself.
Our top pick: TP-Link 16-Port PoE+ Gigabit Switch.
How each alternative compares
NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Fanless PoE+ Switch
The NETGEAR GS116LP prioritizes silent operation with a fanless design and a compact footprint. It offers only 76W of PoE budget, which is significantly lower than the 250W budget on the TP-Link TL-SG1218MP. You lose the flexible SFP uplink options found on the original. This switch is best for small offices with modest power needs where quiet operation is essential. It fits users who do not need high wattage or advanced uplink flexibility. The build is smaller and lighter, making it easier to place in tight spaces without noise concerns.
TP-Link 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch
The TP-Link TL-SG116 is a non-PoE switch, so it provides no power delivery for devices like cameras or access points. It focuses solely on expanding Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. You give up all PoE capabilities compared to the TL-SG1218MP. This model is ideal for users who only need more data ports for computers or servers. It is lighter and smaller than the original. Choose this if your network devices have their own power sources and you simply need additional Gigabit ports. It is a straightforward data switch without the complexity of power management.
Real HD 16-Port Fast Ethernet PoE+ Switch
The Real HD switch offers a 300W PoE budget, which exceeds the 250W budget of the TP-Link TL-SG1218MP. However, it lacks Gigabit speeds on the powered ports, limiting them to Fast Ethernet. It supports rackmount installation, which the original does not. This makes it suitable for surveillance networks where cameras do not require Gigabit speeds. You gain higher power capacity and rack compatibility but lose fast data transfer on endpoints. It is best for high-wattage surveillance setups routing to an NVR. Choose this if power capacity and mounting options matter more than port speed.
NETGEAR 16-Port Fanless PoE+ Unmanaged Switch
The NETGEAR GS316P provides 115W of PoE budget, which is less than the 250W budget on the TP-Link TL-SG1218MP. It features a fanless design for silent operation. You lose the SFP uplink options and the higher power capacity of the original. This switch is best for simple, quiet PoE+ setups. It fits users who prioritize silent operation over high power budgets or advanced network controls. It is unmanaged and easy to install. Choose this if you need reliable PoE connectivity without noise or complex configuration. It is a solid choice for modest power needs.
YuanLey 16-Port PoE+ Switch with 2 Gigabit Uplinks
The YuanLey switch offers a 250W PoE budget, matching the TP-Link TL-SG1218MP. However, it lacks Gigabit speeds on the powered ports, limiting them to Fast Ethernet. It includes two Gigabit uplinks, similar to the original. This model is best for legacy devices that do not require high-speed data transfer. You gain a high-power budget but lose fast connectivity on endpoints. It is unmanaged and simple to set up. Choose this if you need to power many devices with a limited budget and do not need Gigabit speeds. It suits networks prioritizing power capacity over data speed.
TP-Link 16-Port Smart Managed Gigabit PoE+ Switch
The TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE is a smart managed switch, unlike the unmanaged TL-SG1218MP. It offers VLAN management and traffic segmentation, which the original lacks. It also provides SFP uplinks, similar to the original. The PoE budget and port count are comparable. This model is best for users who need basic management tools and flexible uplink options. It fits small offices requiring reliable PoE delivery with control over network traffic. Choose this if you need more than plug-and-play simplicity. It adds management features while maintaining the core PoE and uplink capabilities of the original.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
TP-Link 16-Port PoE+ Gigabit Switch
Best for: Small offices needing high PoE budget and SFP uplinks
- Port Count
- 18
- Port Speed
- 10/100/1000 Mbps
- PoE Support
- PoE+ (802.3at/af)
- PoE Power Budget
- 250W
- Uplink Ports
- 2 x Gigabit, 2 x Combo SFP
- Mounting Type
- Rack-mountable
View on Amazon: TP-Link 16-Port PoE+ Gigabit Switch Affiliate link
This 18-port unit features 16 Gigabit PoE+ ports with a 250W budget, delivering up to 30W per port. It includes two Gigabit copper uplinks and two combo SFP slots for flexible connectivity. The metal case offers durability, while built-in QoS and IGMP Snooping help manage traffic. It is a solid choice for small offices or homes needing reliable, unmanaged PoE distribution without complex configuration.
Pros
- 16 Gigabit PoE+ ports with 30W per port limit
- 250W total PoE power budget supports multiple devices
- Two combo SFP slots and two Gigabit copper uplinks
- Metal casing provides sturdy, professional heat dissipation
- Port-based QoS and IGMP Snooping optimize traffic
Cons
- Unmanaged design offers no web interface or app control
- Large 17.3-inch length requires significant rack or shelf space
- Heavier 5.2-pound build may limit mounting flexibility
Good fit if
- You need a plug-and-play switch for IP cameras or access points
- You require combo SFP uplinks for fiber connectivity
- You want a metal chassis for better heat management
Skip if
- You need advanced VLAN or traffic management features
- You have limited rack space for a 19-inch wide unit
- You prefer a compact, lightweight desktop switch
Verdict: TP-Link TL-SG1218MP 16-Port PoE+ Switch is a robust, unmanaged solution for users who need high PoE power and flexible uplinks without software complexity. It fits small networks prioritizing reliability and straightforward setup.
NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Fanless PoE+ Switch
Best for: silent operation and simple setup
- Port Count
- 16
- Port Speed
- 1.0Gbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- PoE Support
- PoE+
- PoE Power Budget
- 76W
- Mounting Type
- Desktop, Wall Mount, Rack Mount
View on Amazon: NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Fanless PoE+ Switch Affiliate link
This unmanaged switch offers 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+ support. It provides a 76W total power budget for connected devices. The fanless design ensures silent operation. You can mount it on a desk, wall, or in a rack. It works with standard Cat5e or Cat6 cables. This unit suits users who need simple plug-and-play connectivity without software configuration.
Pros
- 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed data
- 76W PoE+ power budget for powered devices
- Fanless design for silent operation
- Supports desktop, wall, and rack mounting
Cons
- 76W power budget is lower than competitors offering 300W+
- Unmanaged interface lacks remote monitoring and control
- No SFP uplink ports for fiber connectivity
Good fit if
- You need a silent, fanless switch for quiet environments
- You want simple plug-and-play setup without configuration
- You require flexible mounting options for small spaces
Skip if
- You need to power high-draw devices like PTZ cameras
- You want remote management or traffic monitoring
- You require fiber uplinks for long-distance connections
Verdict: NETGEAR GS116LP 16-Port PoE+ Switch fits users who prioritize silent operation and easy installation over high power budgets. It is ideal for small offices with modest power needs.
TP-Link 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch
Best for: expanding non-PoE Gigabit networks
- Port Count
- 16
- Port Speed
- 10/100/1000 Mbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- Mounting Type
- Desktop, Wall mount
- Number of Ports
- 16 Ports
- PoE Support
- PoE
View on Amazon: TP-Link 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch Affiliate link
This TP-Link TL-SG116 is a 16-port Gigabit unmanaged Ethernet switch. It provides 10/100/1000Mbps connectivity for your network devices. The unit features a fanless metal design for quiet operation. It includes 802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP Snooping for traffic management. You get a compact desktop or wall-mountable build. It lacks Power over Ethernet ports, so it suits data networks rather than device power.
Pros
- 16 Gigabit ports for high-speed data transfer
- Fanless design ensures silent operation
- Built-in QoS and IGMP Snooping for traffic control
- Sturdy metal case with wall-mounting option
Cons
- No Power over Ethernet (PoE) support
- Unmanaged interface limits advanced configuration
- No dedicated SFP uplink ports
Good fit if
- You need extra Gigabit ports for non-PoE devices
- You prefer a silent, fanless network switch
- You want simple plug-and-play setup
Skip if
- You need to power devices like cameras or phones via Ethernet
- You require managed switch features for VLANs
- You need fiber uplinks for long-distance connections
Verdict: TP-Link TL-SG116 16-Port Gigabit Switch is a quiet, reliable data switch for users who need more ports but do not require PoE power delivery.
Real HD 16-Port Fast Ethernet PoE+ Switch
Best for: rackmount surveillance networks needing high PoE wattage
- Port Count
- 16
- Port Speed
- 10/100 Mbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- PoE Support
- PoE+ (802.3af/at)
- PoE Power Budget
- 300W
- Uplink Ports
- 2 Gigabit Uplink Ethernet Ports
View on Amazon: Real HD 16-Port Fast Ethernet PoE+ Switch Affiliate link
This unmanaged switch gives you a 300W PoE budget across 16 Fast Ethernet ports, paired with two Gigabit uplink ports for your network router or NVR. Its fanless metal chassis supports rack, wall, or desktop mounting. If you deploy IP cameras or access points requiring high wattage without needing Gigabit speeds across downstream endpoints, it fits your setup.
Pros
- 300W total PoE power budget with up to 30W per port
- Two dedicated Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports
- Fanless metal chassis supports rack, wall, and desktop mounting
- Extend mode supports data and power transmission up to 250 meters
Cons
- Downstream PoE ports operate at 10/100 Mbps rather than Gigabit speeds
- Unmanaged design lacks software configuration and web management interfaces
Good fit if
- You need up to 300W of total PoE power across 16 endpoints.
- You plan to mount the silent, fanless metal chassis in a rack.
- You run surveillance cameras that only require Fast Ethernet speeds.
Skip if
- You require Gigabit speeds on all 16 PoE device ports.
- You need managed switch controls or browser configuration utilities.
Verdict: Real HD 16-Port 300W PoE Switch provides ample power and silent rackmount deployment for cameras and access points that do not require Gigabit downstream connections. It suits high-wattage surveillance networks routing to an NVR or core network via Gigabit uplinks.
NETGEAR 16-Port Fanless PoE+ Unmanaged Switch
Best for: Simple, silent PoE+ setups
- Port Count
- 16
- Port Speed
- 1.0Gbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- PoE Support
- PoE+
- PoE Power Budget
- 115W
- Mounting Type
- Desktop or Wall Mount
View on Amazon: NETGEAR 16-Port Fanless PoE+ Unmanaged Switch Affiliate link
This unmanaged switch offers 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+ support. It provides a 115W total power budget and uses dynamic allocation to share unused power among connected devices. The fanless design ensures silent operation and energy efficiency. You can mount it on a desk or wall. It suits small offices or homes needing simple, reliable PoE connectivity without configuration.
Pros
- 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed data
- 115W PoE+ power budget with dynamic allocation
- Fanless design for silent, energy-efficient operation
- Supports desktop or wall-mount installation
Cons
- Unmanaged interface lacks remote monitoring or configuration
- 115W power budget is lower than competitors offering 183W or 300W
- No SFP uplink ports for fiber connectivity
Good fit if
- You need plug-and-play PoE+ without software setup
- You want silent operation for quiet environments
- You have 16 devices requiring Gigabit speeds
Skip if
- You require managed features like VLANs or traffic prioritization
- You need more than 115W of PoE power
- You want fiber uplink options for long distances
Verdict: NETGEAR GS316P 16-Port PoE+ Switch fits users who prioritize silent, unmanaged PoE connectivity over high power budgets or advanced network controls.
YuanLey 16-Port PoE+ Switch with 2 Gigabit Uplinks
Best for: High-power budget for 10/100 Mbps devices
- Port Count
- 18
- Port Speed
- 10/100 Mbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- PoE Support
- PoE+ (802.3af/at)
- PoE Power Budget
- 250W
- Uplink Ports
- 2 x Gigabit
View on Amazon: YuanLey 16-Port PoE+ Switch with 2 Gigabit Uplinks Affiliate link
This unmanaged switch offers 16 Fast Ethernet PoE+ ports and two Gigabit uplinks. It delivers a 250W power budget, supporting up to 30W per port. The device includes VLAN isolation for security and extends range to 250 meters in extend mode. It is built with metal and includes an industrial fan. This unit suits users needing basic PoE distribution without complex configuration or Gigabit speeds on the powered ports.
Pros
- 250W total PoE power budget
- 2 Gigabit uplink ports for high-speed backhaul
- 250m transmission range in extend mode
- VLAN isolation on ports 1-16
- Unmanaged plug-and-play operation
Cons
- PoE ports are limited to 10/100 Mbps
- Does not support passive PoE
- No web or app management interface
Good fit if
- You need to power many 10/100 Mbps devices like IP cameras
- You require a simple, unmanaged switch with high power budget
- You want VLAN isolation for network security
Skip if
- You require Gigabit speeds on all PoE ports
- You need remote management or configuration
- You are using passive PoE devices
Verdict: YuanLey 16-Port PoE+ Switch provides a high-power budget for legacy devices but lacks Gigabit speeds on the powered ports. It fits users who prioritize power capacity and simplicity over high-speed data transfer on the endpoints.
TP-Link 16-Port Smart Managed Gigabit PoE+ Switch
Best for: users needing SFP uplinks and VLAN management
- Port Count
- 16
- Port Speed
- 10/100/1000 Mbps
- Management Type
- Easy Smart
- PoE Support
- PoE+ (802.3at/af)
- PoE Power Budget
- 250W
- Uplink Ports
- 2 x Gigabit, 2 x Combo SFP
View on Amazon: TP-Link 16-Port Smart Managed Gigabit PoE+ Switch Affiliate link
The TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE offers 16 PoE+ Gigabit ports with a 250W budget. It includes two non-PoE Gigabit ports and two combo SFP slots for uplinks. This easy smart managed switch supports VLAN segmentation and QoS for traffic control. It suits users who need managed features without complex setup. The design includes overload protection and PoE auto recovery for reliability.
Pros
- 16 PoE+ ports with 30W per port capacity
- 250W total PoE power budget
- Easy Smart managed interface with VLAN support
- Two combo SFP uplink slots
- PoE auto recovery and overload protection
Cons
- Higher weight of 5.34 pounds
- Larger footprint at 17.3 inches long
- No mention of mobile app management
Good fit if
- You need managed features like VLANs and QoS
- You require SFP uplink options for fiber connections
- You want PoE auto recovery for device stability
Skip if
- You prefer unmanaged plug-and-play simplicity
- You need a compact desktop-friendly size
- You require mobile app control for management
Verdict: The TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE Smart Managed PoE Switch fits users who need flexible uplink options and traffic segmentation. It is ideal for small offices requiring reliable PoE delivery with basic management tools.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | TP-Link 16-Port PoE+ Gigabit Switch | NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Fanless PoE+ Switch | TP-Link 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch | Real HD 16-Port Fast Ethernet PoE+ Switch | NETGEAR 16-Port Fanless PoE+ Unmanaged Switch | YuanLey 16-Port PoE+ Switch with 2 Gigabit Uplinks | TP-Link 16-Port Smart Managed Gigabit PoE+ Switch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Count | 18 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 16 |
| Port Speed | 10/100/1000 Mbps | 1.0Gbps | 10/100/1000 Mbps | 10/100 Mbps | 1.0Gbps | 10/100 Mbps | 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Management Type | not stated | Unmanaged | Unmanaged | Unmanaged | Unmanaged | Unmanaged | Easy Smart |
| PoE Support | PoE+ (802.3at/af) | PoE+ | not stated | PoE+ (802.3af/at) | PoE+ | PoE+ (802.3af/at) | PoE+ (802.3at/af) |
| PoE Power Budget | 250W | 76W | not stated | 300W | 115W | 250W | 250W |
| Uplink Ports | 2 x Gigabit, 2 x Combo SFP | not stated | not stated | 2 Gigabit Uplink Ethernet Ports | not stated | 2 x Gigabit | 2 x Gigabit, 2 x Combo SFP |
| Switching Capacity | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 12 Gbps | not stated |
| Mounting Type | Rack-mountable | Desktop, Wall Mount, Rack Mount | Desktop, Wall mount | Rack Mount, desktop or a wall | Desktop or Wall Mount | not stated | not stated |
| Number of Ports | 16 Ports | 16 Ports | 16 Ports | 16 Ports | 16 Ports | 16 Ports | 16 Ports |
| Uplink Port Type | SFP | not stated | not stated | Gigabit Uplink | not stated | Gigabit Uplink | SFP |
| Dimensions | 17.3 × 7.09 × 1.73 inches | 4.02 × 1.06 × 11.3 inches | 11.3 × 4.4 × 1 inches | not stated | 4 × 11.3 × 1.1 inches | 10.6 × 7.1 × 1.7 inches | 17.3 × 7.09 × 1.73 inches |
| Weight | 5.2 pounds | 1.94 pounds | 2.1 pounds | 4.3 pounds | 1.94 pounds | 4.17 pounds | 5.34 pounds |
| Size | 18 Port w/ 16 PoE+ Port | 16 Port, PoE+ @ 76W | 16 Port, 1 Gigabit | not stated | 16 Port, PoE+ @ 115W | 18 Port | 16*PoE+ (250w) | 18 Port w/ 16-Port PoE+ |
| Color | black | Silver / black | Black | Black | Black | Blue | Black |
| Model | TL-SG1218MP | GS116LP-100NAS | TL-SG116 | 16 port poe switch | GS316P-100NAS | 18 Port | 16*PoE+ (250w) | TL-SG1218MPE |
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Frequently asked questions
Which switch is best for silent operation?
The NETGEAR GS116LP is designed for quiet environments. It uses a fanless design to eliminate noise. This makes it ideal for small offices where sound matters. However, it provides only 76W of PoE budget. You should choose this model if you prioritize silence over high power delivery for many devices.
What is the best budget option without PoE?
The TP-Link TL-SG116 is the best choice for expanding non-PoE networks. It offers 16 Gigabit ports without power delivery capabilities. This model is quiet and reliable for data-only connections. It suits users who need more ports but do not require PoE power for connected devices like cameras or phones.
Which switch supports rackmount installation?
The Real HD 16-Port PoE+ Switch is built for rackmount deployment. It is designed for surveillance networks that need high PoE wattage. The unit provides 300W of power for cameras and access points. It routes data to an NVR via Gigabit uplinks. This makes it suitable for high-wattage setups requiring structured mounting.
Which model offers smart managed features?
The TP-Link TL-SG1218MPE is the best smart managed option. It provides VLAN management and traffic segmentation tools. The switch includes SFP uplink ports for flexible connectivity. It fits users who need basic management capabilities alongside reliable PoE delivery. This model is ideal for small offices requiring network control without complex enterprise software.
Which switch has a high power budget for legacy devices?
The YuanLey 16-Port PoE+ Switch offers a 250W power budget. It is designed for 10/100 Mbps devices that require significant power. The powered ports do not support Gigabit speeds. This model suits users who prioritize power capacity over high-speed data transfer on endpoints. It is a practical choice for legacy equipment needing robust PoE support.
Is there a fanless NETGEAR alternative with higher power?
The NETGEAR GS316P is a fanless unmanaged switch with 115W of PoE+ power. It provides silent operation for simple setups. This model offers more power than the GS116LP but less than the TP-Link TL-SG1218MP. It is ideal for users who want quiet, unmanaged PoE connectivity without advanced network controls or high wattage requirements.