Best managed switches 2022

A managed switch allows users to hook up several devices to the same network and manipulate their traffic. Think of it as a virtual private server offering more than shared web hosting, including configuration and management of QoS, security, and VLANs. They’re common in large networks or enterprise environments, but a managed switch has a place in a busy house if you work from home or otherwise have a lot of devices to handle.

Besides traffic monitoring, benefits compared to unmanaged switches include optimizing network performance and generally preventing common network issues. Managed switches are often significantly more expensive than their unmanaged counterparts but offer more options to an administrator. If you’re taking your home networking seriously or setting up a business, check our picks for the best options.

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Managed switches like the Netgear S8000 are great for allowing you to set up and configure your home network with gaming in mind. This gaming switch houses eight Gigabit ports for hooking up all your consoles, PCs, and other devices to the system. It even rocks some advanced features like traffic prioritization and QoS management.

You get a three-year warranty with it, and the software is incredibly easy to use, but it is — at the end of the day — a network switch. It may sound like quite the investment to spend this amount on a switch, but it’s worth picking up if you’re a gamer, especially if you’re a streamer. Other switches in this collection are better suited for home and business owners, depending on your budget, like the Netgear XS708E.

If you’re unsure whether or not a managed switch is right for you, we’ve got a guide to better understand the differences between unmanaged and managed switches.

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