The 7 Best Ethernet Splitters/Switches of 2023

By Cory Maki Cory Maki has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team
Published on January 18, 2023

Did you know that walls can interfere with the strength of your Wi-Fi signal? Or common household items like baby monitors or even microwaves? While a wireless Internet connection seems to be the common standard nowadays, there is an argument for using a hardwired connection for Internet use. This means that you’re directly connecting your device directly to your router via an Ethernet cable for a faster connection that is also technically more secure. 

The problem with using an Ethernet cable is that it only allows you to hardwire one device at a time. How do you solve that when you’ve got a big family that all wants to hardwire their devices?

An Ethernet splitter/switch is a device that allows you to divide your hardwired internet connection amongst two or more devices. We’ve compiled a list of the seven best Ethernet splitters/switches on the market.


If you’re in a hurry, here are our top 3 quick picks for the Best Ethernet Splitters


Criteria for Choosing the Best Ethernet Splitter

Speed: One of the primary reasons to buy a splitter is to maximize internet speed. One of the most important things for a splitter to do is improve your Internet speeds via a Wi-Fi connection. 

Is It Really A Plug and Play Setup? A lot of Ethernet splitters advertise that they are easy to set up: simply plug and play. We examined user reviews to see which splitters were actually easy to assemble. 

Is It Durable/Reliable? If you have a five-port splitter are the Internet speeds still consistent whether you use two ports or all five? Does the splitter still work after months/years of use? 


The 7 Best Ethernet Splitters

TP-Link TL-SG105 | 5 Port Gigabit Unmanaged Ethernet Network Switch, Ethernet Splitter

The TP-Link Ethernet splitter is designed with a metal casing and five Gigabit shielded ports. Gigabit ports also mean that each port is capable of speeds up to MBPS, or megabits per second. The shielded ports help prevent static interference when a user has to transfer files. 

The TP-Link touts that this splitter requires a minimal plug-and-play setup, and thus users don’t have to worry about setting up complicated software or difficult configurations. 

PROS
  • Great price for this one
  • Better connection speed over competitors

CONS
  • Not as durable as some other splitters

NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS305)

This Netgear splitter/switch port comes with a 3-year limited warranty. You can also purchase this product with five one gigabit ports or eight. The best thing about the design of this splitter is that you can set it on a desktop or mount it on the wall. Buyers are also supposed to be able to just plug and play this device, for ease of assembly. 

There is also an LED indicator light on each port. This product is also priced under twenty dollars.

PROS
  • Does not drop speed
  • Easy to set up
  • Reliable and durable

CONS
  • Might not reach promised one gig speed

Tenda 9-Port Unmanaged 10/100Mbps PoE Ethernet Switch

The Tenda 9-Port Unmanaged 10/100Mbps PoE Ethernet Switch (TEF1109P) features 8 PoE+ ports with a 63W output, delivering swift and reliable connections. It comes in a sturdy metal frame that ensures better heat diffusion and protects internal components. The Ethernet switch supports both desktop and wall mount options, providing versatile and efficient usage. It also includes lightning security with 4KV lightning protection on all ports. Furthermore, Tenda offers an industry-leading 3-year warranty with free lifetime tech support.

PROS
  • 9 auto-negotiating MDIX RJ45 Ethernet ports
  • Plug and play functionality
  • Multiple mounting options

CONS
  • Only 10/100 Mbps speed, not gigabit
  • No software configuration

Aumox 5 Port Gigabit PoE Switch

The Aumox 5-Port Gigabit PoE Switch (SG305P) is designed with IEEE802.3af/at standards, enabling simultaneous transmission of network data and power. With 4 PoE ports, it offers a maximum of 78W PoE power in total, and each port can supply up to 30W. The switch features 100/1000 Mbps ports for ultra-fast wired connectivity and large file transfers. Its one-key VLAN mode ensures network security by isolating ports. The sturdy, fanless metal housing ensures reliable use and quiet operation, and its intelligent recognition feature protects powered devices.

PROS
  • 4-Port 78W PoE for various power supply requirements
  • Gigabit Ethernet for ultra-fast connectivity
  • One-Key VLAN for enhanced network security

CONS
  • Unmanaged switch limits advanced control
  • Fanless design may limit heat dissipation

The Koromu RJ45 Ethernet Splitter Cable

The KOROMU RJ45 Ethernet Splitter Cable is a practical solution for avoiding the hassle of pulling cables back and forth. This 1 to 3 RJ45 splitter is compatible with various devices and cable types, including Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7. It transforms an RJ45 connection into two RJ45 sockets, allowing two computers to share high-speed DSL, cable modems, and Ethernet ports without the need for a router. The splitter, made with high-quality materials, incorporates a 2mm thick PCB board and gold-plated pure copper needles for more stable transmission. Please note that this splitter allows one device to connect to the internet at a time, not simultaneously.

PROS
  • Convenient for sharing high-speed connections
  • Compatible with multiple cable types
  • High-quality materials for stable transmission

CONS
  • Only one device can connect at a time
  • Not a substitute for a router

Linksys SE3005: 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch

The Linksys SE3005 is a 5-port gigabit Ethernet unmanaged switch that offers an efficient solution for managing your computer network. It comes with auto-sensing ports which adjust to maximize data flow rates of 10/100/1000 Mbps, effectively providing 10x faster connections than standard 10/100 Ethernet. The switch supports full-duplex IEEE 802.3x flow control and half-duplex backpressure with intelligent port-based congestion detection and broadcast rate control. All ports support auto MDI/MDI X cable detection. Its power-saving mode can detect unused ports, helping to reduce power consumption.

PROS
  • Auto-sensing ports
  • Power-saving mode
  • High-speed connections

CONS
  • Limited features
  • Only five ports

TP-Link 5 Port 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch | Desktop Ethernet Splitter

The TP-Link 5 Port 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch is an essential device for expanding your home or office network. This switch is plug-and-play, meaning no complicated setup or software is required. It acts as an Ethernet splitter, providing additional wired connections to devices such as laptops, gaming consoles, and printers. It boasts five 10/100 Mbps auto-negotiation RJ45 ports that significantly boost network capacity.

Moreover, it’s cost-effective, with a fanless design that offers quiet operation and a compact, desktop-friendly footprint. This device offers reliable data transfer, thanks to IEEE 802.3x flow control. It’s also energy efficient, automatically adjusting power consumption based on link status and cable length, thus saving up to 68% power. It supports Auto-MDI/MDIX, eliminating the need for crossover cables. To top it off, TP-Link offers unlimited 24/7 technical support for free.

PROS
  • Easy setup
  • Power-saving feature
  • Reliable data transfer

CONS
  • Limited to 100 Mbps
  • Only five ports

In Conclusion 

We hope this list helped narrow down your search for a suitable splitter/switch device for your needs. The bottom line is this. Nobody likes slow Internet. Make your connection faster and more secure with one of the products listed above. You can get your work done and keep your family entertained all at the same time. 


Other Products You May Need

We hope you enjoy these products! But keep in mind, Grit Daily might take a small commission on the items recommended here—but that doesn’t mean we don’t believe in them. We only recommend products that we would buy or use ourselves, so don’t be wary of our suggestions. 

By Cory Maki Cory Maki has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team

Cory Maki is a former Staff Editor and the Business Development Manager at Grit Daily.

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