TP-Link or YuanLey? Network Switches Compared in 2026
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This TP-Link vs YuanLey network switch comparison helps you choose between two unmanaged options. Both devices offer plug-and-play simplicity and gigabit speeds for home or office use. The main difference lies in their port count and power capabilities. The TP-Link provides five standard Ethernet ports in a compact plastic case. The YuanLey offers eight ports with PoE support for powered devices. You must decide based on your specific connectivity needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch | YuanLey 8-Port Gigabit 120W PoE Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Port Count | 5 | 8 |
| PoE Support | Not listed | PoE+ (802.3af/at) |
| PoE Power Budget | Not listed | 120W |
| Case Material | Plastic | Metal |
| Switching Capacity | Not listed | 12 Gbps |
Which one should you choose?
Choose TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch if
- You only need to connect five wired devices like a laptop or printer.
- You prefer a lightweight, compact plastic unit for desktop placement.
- You do not require power delivery for cameras or access points.
Choose YuanLey 8-Port Gigabit 120W PoE Switch if
- You need to power multiple PoE devices like security cameras or APs.
- You require eight ports for a larger network setup.
- You want a metal chassis for better heat dissipation and durability.
Verdict: Choose the TP-Link if you need a simple, small switch for basic wired connections. Select the YuanLey if you need to power and connect eight devices simultaneously. The PoE capability makes the YuanLey essential for security or mesh node deployments.
TP-Link vs YuanLey Switch Specs
Port Count
The TP-Link model offers five Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing enough connections for a small home office or a few key devices. The YuanLey switch doubles that capacity with eight ports. This extra connectivity is valuable if you have multiple wired endpoints like computers, printers, or gaming consoles. More ports mean fewer external splitters or additional switches are needed later. The YuanLey provides greater expansion potential for growing networks, while the TP-Link is sufficient for simpler setups with fewer devices.
PoE Support
Power over Ethernet capability is a major differentiator between these two switches. The YuanLey supports 802.3af/at standards, delivering up to 30 watts per port with a total budget of 120 watts. This allows you to power devices like security cameras, wireless access points, or VoIP phones directly through the network cable. The TP-Link is a standard Ethernet switch without PoE support. It only provides data connectivity. If you need to power devices, the YuanLey is the only viable option here.
Switching Capacity
Switching capacity determines how much data the device can handle simultaneously across all ports. The YuanLey switch features a backplane bandwidth of 12 Gbps. This higher throughput supports the eight ports and PoE traffic more efficiently. The TP-Link lists its port speeds as Gigabit but does not specify a total switching capacity in the provided data. Higher capacity generally means less congestion when multiple devices transfer large files at once. The YuanLey offers a clearly defined, higher bandwidth ceiling for its eight ports.
Build and Size
The TP-Link switch is designed for compact spaces, measuring 6.5 by 4.3 inches and weighing just 4.23 ounces. It fits easily on a desk or can be wall-mounted. The YuanLey unit is larger, measuring 9.06 by 7.48 inches and weighing 2.16 pounds. It features a sturdy metal case for better heat dissipation and durability. The TP-Link is lighter and smaller, making it less obtrusive. The YuanLey is heavier and bulkier, offering a more robust build for permanent installations.
Mounting Options
Both switches support flexible installation methods. The TP-Link explicitly supports both desktop placement and wall mounting, giving you options for where to hide the device. The YuanLey includes hanging ears for wall installation and is designed for various environments. However, the TP-Link is specifically marketed as a desktop or wall-mount unit with a plastic case that is lightweight. The YuanLey relies on its metal case and included hardware for mounting. Both allow you to keep the switch off the floor, but the TP-Link offers a lighter, dual-purpose form factor.
Power Efficiency
The TP-Link switch highlights its power efficiency, claiming up to 80% power savings. It automatically adjusts consumption based on link status and cable length. This feature helps reduce electricity usage over time. The YuanLey data does not mention specific power-saving percentages or intelligent power adjustment features. It simply lists the total PoE budget. For users concerned with ongoing energy costs for a device that runs 24/7, the TP-Link provides specific data on efficient power management that the YuanLey lacks in the provided specifications.
Which switch fits your needs
Small office with few wired devices
You need just five connections for laptops or printers. This TP-Link model offers five Gigabit ports with plug-and-play simplicity. Its compact desktop design fits easily on a desk or can be wall-mounted. You get reliable data transfer with IEEE 802.3x flow control and automatic power saving.
User powering multiple PoE cameras or APs
You require power and data over a single cable for security cameras or wireless access points. This YuanLey switch provides eight PoE+ ports with a 120W total budget. Each port delivers up to 30W. The metal case ensures durability, and the 12Gbps backplane bandwidth supports high-speed services efficiently.
Home with many wired gadgets
You have eight or more devices needing wired connections. This YuanLey switch offers eight Gigabit ports, doubling the capacity of the alternative. All ports support auto-negotiation and can serve as uplinks. The fanless design keeps noise low, making it suitable for living spaces or quiet home offices.
The products compared
TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch
Best for: Basic home wired network expansion
- Port Count
- 5
- Port Speed
- 10/100/1000 Mbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- Mounting Type
- Desktop, Wall-Mount
- Number of Ports
- 5 Ports
- Dimensions
- 1.1 × 6.5 × 4.3 inches
View on Amazon: TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch Affiliate link
This TP-Link TL-SG1005D is a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for simple, wired network expansion. It features unmanaged plug-and-play setup with no software required. The device supports 10/100/1000 Mbps auto-negotiation and includes IEEE 802.3x flow control for reliable data transfer. Its fanless design operates quietly, and it can be mounted on a desktop or wall. This unit offers a compact footprint for basic home networking needs.
Pros
- 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired expansion
- Unmanaged plug-and-play with no configuration needed
- Fanless design for quiet operation
- Supports desktop or wall mounting
Cons
- Only 5 ports available for connections
- No Power over Ethernet (PoE) support
- Unmanaged interface limits advanced network settings
Good fit if
- You need to add a few wired connections to your home network
- You prefer a simple setup without configuring software or settings
- You want a quiet, fanless device for a living space
Skip if
- You require Power over Ethernet to power devices like cameras or access points
- You need more than 5 wired connections from a single unit
- You want advanced management features or traffic monitoring
Verdict: TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch is a straightforward solution for users who simply need to expand their wired network without complexity. It fits well in homes where basic connectivity is the only goal.
YuanLey 8-Port Gigabit 120W PoE Switch
Best for: powering multiple PoE cameras and access points
- Port Count
- 8
- Port Speed
- 1000 Mbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- PoE Support
- PoE+ (802.3af/at)
- PoE Power Budget
- 120W
- Switching Capacity
- 12 Gbps
View on Amazon: YuanLey 8-Port Gigabit 120W PoE Switch Affiliate link
You get an unmanaged network switch with eight gigabit ports that all supply 802.3af/at PoE+. The unit delivers a 120-watt total power budget with up to 30 watts per port, backed by a 12 Gbps switching capacity. Its fanless metal chassis operates silently with a built-in power supply. This setup fits you if you need to power multiple IP cameras or wireless access points.
Pros
- All eight gigabit ports provide 802.3af/at PoE+ power
- 120W total PoE power budget with up to 30W per port
- Fanless metal chassis runs without noise
- Internal power supply eliminates external power bricks
Cons
- 12 Gbps switching capacity is lower than standard 16 Gbps full-duplex backplane limits
- Unmanaged architecture provides no VLAN or network management settings
Good fit if
- You need to run power and data to multiple cameras or access points over Ethernet.
- You want silent, fanless hardware for a desktop or quiet room.
- You prefer an unmanaged, plug-and-play installation without software configuration.
Skip if
- You need managed features like VLAN tagging or remote port management.
- You require 16 Gbps wire-speed non-blocking backplane bandwidth across all eight ports.
Verdict: YuanLey 8-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch suits network setups that require centralized power for multiple PoE-enabled devices without adding fan noise. It supplies high per-port power directly from a durable metal enclosure.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch | YuanLey 8-Port Gigabit 120W PoE Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Port Count | 5 | 8 |
| Port Speed | 10/100/1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
| Management Type | Unmanaged | Unmanaged |
| PoE Support | not stated | PoE+ (802.3af/at) |
| PoE Power Budget | not stated | 120W |
| Switching Capacity | not stated | 12 Gbps |
| Mounting Type | Desktop, Wall-Mount | not stated |
| Number of Ports | 5 Ports | 8 Ports |
| Dimensions | 1.1 × 6.5 × 4.3 inches | 9.06 × 7.48 × 2.76 inches |
| Weight | 4.23 ounces | 2.16 pounds |
| Size | 5 Port Gigabit | 8 Port | 8*PoE+ (120w) |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | TL-SG1005D | 8 Port 1G PoE Unmanaged Switch (120W) |
Frequently asked questions
Which switch is better for a small home network?
The TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch is the better choice for basic home expansion. It offers five ports sufficient for a few key devices. Its compact size fits easily on a desk or wall. This straightforward solution avoids complexity for users who only need standard connectivity.
Does the YuanLey switch support PoE for cameras?
Yes, the YuanLey 8-Port Gigabit 120W PoE Switch supports Power over Ethernet. It provides eight ports, all capable of delivering power. This makes it ideal for simple PoE camera installations. You can connect and power devices without separate power adapters, simplifying your setup significantly.
Can I mount these switches on a wall?
The TP-Link model supports both desktop and wall mounting. This flexibility allows you to place it in various locations. The YuanLey switch is larger and heavier, weighing over two pounds. Its dimensions suggest it is best suited for desktop placement rather than wall mounting.
What is the maximum port count for these switches?
The YuanLey switch offers eight ports, which is the higher count. The TP-Link model provides five ports. If you need to connect more wired devices, the YuanLey option gives you extra capacity. Both models operate at gigabit speeds for fast data transfer.
Are these switches easy to set up?
Both switches are unmanaged, meaning they require no configuration. You simply plug them in and connect your devices. They work immediately for basic networking needs. This plug-and-play simplicity is ideal for users who want a straightforward solution without dealing with complex settings.
Which switch is more compact?
The TP-Link switch is significantly more compact. It measures 6.5 inches wide and weighs just over four ounces. The YuanLey switch is larger, measuring 9.06 inches long and weighing over two pounds. The TP-Link model is easier to hide or place in tight spaces.