Quick answer: The Best Cloud Managed Switch in 2024 is Netgear S8000!
Wired connections, while less practical than wireless connections, are still a staple of every household and company. However, connecting dozens of devices to a router sometimes isn’t going to work because of its limits, which could have an impact on the overall performance.
In this case, a good idea is to have one of the best cloud managed switches. A network switch lets you connect multiple devices to it and it’s basically a networking hub where you can fully control the traffic in many ways.
Moreover, a network switch offers more ports than a router, on top of which, it can prioritize certain online processes, filter LAN traffic, and make your online activities more secure. There are dozens of cloud managed switches on the market, though, making it extremely hard to choose one.
However, my task today is to alleviate the stress of choosing the best cloud managed switch. I’ll give you a couple of choices I tested, both cheap and expensive, to make sure you can choose the one according to your needs and financial possibilities.
With so many options on the market, the best cloud managed switches differ not only in pricing but also in the overall number of features. Thus, to avoid making this list longer than it needs to be, I’ve decided to include 7 of my favorite options that should offer a bit of something for everyone.
The Netgear S8000 stands out in the market of cloud-managed switches, particularly for users who value both aesthetics and performance in network hardware. Here’s a detailed explanation of why it’s a strong choice, despite its higher price point:
Aesthetic Design: One of the unique selling points of the Netgear S8000 is its modern, aesthetically pleasing design. Unlike many traditional switches that have a more utilitarian look, the S8000’s stylish appearance allows it to fit seamlessly into a variety of environments, including home offices or gaming setups.
High Performance and Low Latency: With a latency of under 3.2 microseconds and all ports offering speeds of 10/100/1G, the S8000 is well-suited for applications that require fast and reliable network connections. This low latency is particularly beneficial for gaming, high-speed trading, or any situation where quick data transfer is crucial.
Durable Build Quality: The switch’s housing is made of zinc-alloy, which not only contributes to its sleek appearance but also ensures durability and a quiet operation. This build quality is an important factor for users who need a switch that can withstand constant use.
Ease of Setup and Management: As a managed switch, the S8000 provides enhanced control over network traffic with features like Quality of Service (QoS) management. The user-friendly GUI (Graphical User Interface) makes it easier to configure and monitor the network, appealing to both professional and amateur network administrators.
Advanced Security Features: Managed switches like the S8000 offer more security features compared to unmanaged switches. These features are crucial for protecting the network against various threats and ensuring data integrity.
Generous Warranty: The 3-year hardware warranty offered by Netgear is a testament to the product’s quality and the company’s confidence in its durability. This extended warranty period provides peace of mind and value for money.
Layer 2 Management and VLAN Support: The inclusion of Layer 2 management capabilities and VLAN support allows for better segmentation and management of network traffic, which is beneficial in complex network environments.
High-Speed Performance: The S8000’s performance is suitable for demanding tasks, making it a great choice for high-bandwidth applications, gaming, streaming, and professional environments.
Pricing: While the price of around $450 makes it less appealing for budget-conscious users, the range of features and quality it offers justify the cost for those who need a high-performance, feature-rich managed switch.
In summary, the Netgear S8000 is an excellent choice for users who are looking for a high-performing, beautifully designed managed ethernet switch with low latency, robust security features, and advanced management capabilities. While it may not be the best fit for those on a tight budget, its quality, performance, and warranty make it a worthwhile investment for those who can afford it.
The TP-Link T2600G stands out as a valuable option for a cloud-managed switch, especially for environments like small or medium-sized businesses, offices, and large workspaces, as well as for tech-savvy home users with numerous devices. Here are the reasons why it is considered a good choice:
High Connectivity with 24 Ethernet Ports: The T2600G comes with 24 Ethernet ports, offering extensive connectivity options. This is particularly useful in environments where multiple devices need to be networked, such as in offices or homes with many smart devices.
Power Over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) Support: The switch features 24 PoE+ ports with a substantial power budget of 384 W. PoE+ capability allows the switch to deliver power and data over a single cable, simplifying the network setup and reducing cabling requirements. This feature is essential for powering devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points directly from the switch.
Layer 2+ Management Features: The T2600G supports Layer 2+ (L2+) features such as static routing, IGMP snooping, and IPv6 MLD snooping. These features provide better traffic management, enhanced security, and improved network efficiency.
Advanced Security Features: It includes security functionalities like IP-MAC-Port binding and DoS (Denial of Service) defense. These features help in securing the network against unauthorized access and various types of cyber attacks.
User-Friendly Interface: The comprehensive graphical user interface (GUI) makes it easier to manage and configure the switch. A user-friendly GUI is crucial for efficient network management, especially for those who may not be highly experienced in networking.
Durable Build Quality: The alloy steel casing of the T2600G enhances its durability, making it a more robust option for various working environments.
Cost-Effectiveness for Its Features: Although priced around $429, the T2600G offers a combination of features that might be hard to find in other switches in the same price range, making it a cost-effective choice for its capabilities.
Ideal for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: Given its feature set, the T2600G is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses that require a robust network infrastructure without the complexity and cost of enterprise-level solutions.
While the design of the T2600G may not be the most aesthetically pleasing compared to some competitors, its functional advantages like high port count, PoE+ support, advanced management features, and security capabilities make it a compelling option for those prioritizing performance and connectivity over appearance.
The Netgear XS708E stands out as a good cloud-managed switch for several reasons, particularly in the over $400 price range:
High Port Count and Performance: With 10 Ethernet ports, the XS708E offers ample connectivity options for various devices. The presence of 10 Gb ports means it can handle high-speed data transfer, which is crucial for environments with significant data throughput needs, such as enterprise-level companies or tech-intensive workplaces.
Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) Support: The inclusion of PoE+ ports with a 180 W power budget is a significant advantage. Each port can deliver up to 30 Watts, allowing for the connection and powering of multiple devices such as VoIP phones, WiFi access points, and computers directly through the Ethernet cable. This feature simplifies wiring and can save on installation costs.
Additional 10G SFP+ Port: The inclusion of a 10G SFP+ port enhances the switch’s performance by allowing for higher speed connections and greater flexibility in terms of network design and fiber optic connections.
Versatile Connectivity Options: The versatility of its ports, capable of handling different types of devices, makes the XS708E a flexible solution suitable for various networking needs.
Limited Lifetime Protection: Offering limited lifetime protection provides a sense of security in the investment, ensuring that the product is covered against certain types of failures.
24/7 Support: The availability of 24/7 live chat support is a significant benefit, especially in scenarios where immediate assistance is required to resolve networking issues.
Robust Build: While the design may not be particularly exciting, the sturdy construction of the XS708E suggests reliability and durability, important for a device that will be part of critical infrastructure.
However, there are some downsides:
Aesthetic Design: The design of the XS708E, though sturdy, may not be as visually appealing as some users might expect at this price point.
Noise Level: The switch could be quieter, which might be a consideration for environments where noise is a concern, such as small offices or quiet workspaces.
In summary, the Netgear XS708E is a robust and high-performing cloud-managed switch suitable for environments that require high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity options. Its PoE+ capability, additional SFP+ port, and reliable support make it a compelling choice, despite minor drawbacks in design and noise level.
The Cisco Meraki Go offers an impressive array of features and capabilities for a cloud-managed switch under $400, making it a compelling choice in its price range. Here’s a detailed look at its advantages and a few considerations:
Pros
Affordable Pricing: At around $230, Cisco Meraki Go is positioned as an affordable yet powerful option for those who need a quality managed switch without breaking the bank. This price point sets it apart in the budget switch category.
PoE Capability: The inclusion of 8 Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches is a significant benefit at this price point. PoE allows for both power and network connectivity to be delivered over a single cable, simplifying wiring and supporting a variety of devices like VoIP phones, IP cameras, and wireless access points.
Expandable Ethernet Ports: The base model comes with 8 Ethernet switches, with the option to expand up to 24. This scalability is useful for growing businesses or evolving network needs.
High-Speed Uplinks: The 2×1 GB uplinks provide solid performance for most small to medium-sized network environments, ensuring efficient data transfer and connectivity.
Quality of Service (QoS) Management: With QoS management, the switch can prioritize network traffic, which is crucial for ensuring that high-priority tasks get the bandwidth they need.
Easy Management with Meraki Go App: The Meraki Go app simplifies network management, allowing users to easily adjust settings, monitor network performance, and troubleshoot issues from a mobile device.
Advanced Features: The presence of 2 SFP ports adds flexibility for network connectivity, and VLAN support is a valuable feature for segmenting network traffic and enhancing security – both impressive inclusions at this price point.
Cons
Occasional Connectivity Issues: Some users have reported intermittent connectivity issues, which might be a concern for environments where consistent network performance is critical.
Aesthetic Design: The Cisco Meraki Go has a standard, utilitarian design that may not stand out in terms of appearance. However, for most users focused on functionality, this is unlikely to be a significant issue.
Conclusion
For its price, the Cisco Meraki Go is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses or users needing a manageable, feature-rich network switch without a high cost. Its PoE capabilities, expandable ethernet ports, high-speed uplinks, easy management via a mobile app, and advanced features like SFP ports and VLAN support make it a standout option in the under $400 category. While there are some reports of connectivity issues, for most standard usage scenarios, it offers great value for money, balancing affordability with a robust set of features.
The Ubiquiti UniFi USW Flex Mini is a compelling option for those seeking a cloud-managed switch under $400, offering a balance of features, performance, and durability. Here’s an overview of why it stands out:
Price-Value Balance: Priced at $321, the USW Flex Mini is not the cheapest option available, but it offers significant value for its price range. This makes it an attractive choice for users who prioritize quality and functionality over the lowest possible cost.
Port Configuration and Power Efficiency: With five Ethernet ports and USB-C powered operation, the USW Flex Mini is designed for efficiency and convenience. The ability to supply around 15 Watts of power to each port is sufficient for various applications, making it suitable for home or small business networks.
Performance and Speed: The switch offers gigabit speeds on all ports, ensuring fast and reliable network performance. This is particularly important for environments where high-speed data transfer and connectivity are essential.
Managed Switch Capabilities: As a managed switch, the USW Flex Mini offers features like Quality of Service (QoS) management, which is crucial for prioritizing network traffic to ensure efficient bandwidth usage. Additionally, the inclusion of 802.3af/at PoE (Power over Ethernet) ports adds flexibility and functionality for powering devices directly through the network cables.
Durability and Outdoor Use: The build of the USW Flex Mini is suited for outdoor use, making it one of the more resilient choices in its category. This durability is a significant advantage for deployments in challenging environments.
Compact and Quality Design: The switch’s compact and sturdy build is ideal for users who need a space-efficient and reliable networking device.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Heat Emission: The device can reach high temperatures, up to 45 degrees Celsius, which might be a concern in environments without adequate cooling.
Limited Advanced Features: Despite being a managed switch, it may lack some advanced features expected in higher-end or more specialized switches.
In summary, the Ubiquiti UniFi USW Flex Mini is a strong choice for those looking for a reliable, efficient, and well-performing managed switch under $400. It’s particularly suited for small business and home use, where its blend of power efficiency, network management features, and durability are most beneficial. The considerations regarding heat emission and feature set are important but may not detract significantly from its overall value proposition for many users.
The TP-Link TL-SG105E stands out as a highly attractive option for cloud-managed switches, particularly for those on a tight budget, and here’s why:
Affordable Price: Priced around $20, it’s exceptionally budget-friendly, especially when compared to other cloud-managed switches in the market. This price point makes it an ideal choice for individuals or small businesses who need efficient network management without a hefty investment.
Managed Switch Capabilities: Despite its low cost, the TL-SG105E is a managed switch. This means it offers more control and monitoring capabilities than an unmanaged switch, allowing for better management of network traffic and enhanced security.
High-Speed Performance: With 5-Gigabit Ethernet ports, it provides ample bandwidth for high-speed data transfer. This is suitable for environments where large file transfers or high-bandwidth applications are common.
Advanced Features: The inclusion of DDR3 SDRAM and a 15K jumbo frame supports faster and more efficient handling of large files. This is particularly beneficial in environments where large data packets are frequently transmitted.
Compact and Efficient Design: Its small size makes it ideal for environments with limited space. While compact, its performance and quality are not compromised, making it a practical choice for small office or home setups.
Quality of Service (QoS): QoS support allows for prioritizing network traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth, which is essential in a business environment.
VLAN Support: The inclusion of VLAN features is a significant advantage for network segmentation and management, improving both the security and performance of the network.
Additional Premium Features: Features like IGMP snooping and shielded ports are typically found in more expensive models, making TL-SG105E a feature-rich option at a low cost.
Suitability for Small Scale Use: While it may not cater to the demands of large businesses, it’s an excellent choice for home networks or small offices, where advanced networking features are needed but on a smaller scale.
Durability Concerns: The small form factor might raise questions about its durability compared to larger, more robust models. However, for users with limited space and lower traffic demands, this should not be a major issue.
In summary, the TP-Link TL-SG105E offers an impressive array of features for its price, making it an excellent choice for those in need of a cloud-managed switch on a budget. Its combination of high-speed performance, advanced features, and compact design make it particularly suitable for small businesses or home networks.
The Netgear ProSafe GS108 offers several features that make it a compelling choice for a cloud-managed switch, especially considering its price point under $100:
Affordable Price: Priced at around $65, the GS108 provides significant value, offering a range of managed switch features at a cost-effective price point. This makes it an accessible choice for small businesses or home offices looking to upgrade their network infrastructure without a substantial investment.
8 Gigabit Ethernet Ports: The inclusion of 8 ethernet ports with gigabit speeds is a major advantage for a switch in this price range. It allows for multiple devices to be connected with high-speed connectivity, suitable for demanding applications like high-definition video streaming, large file transfers, or multiple concurrent users.
Ease of Setup and Support: Netgear is known for its customer support, and the ease of setting up the GS108 makes it user-friendly. This is particularly beneficial for those who may not have extensive networking expertise.
Advanced Management Features: Despite its affordability, the GS108 includes a “Plus” level of management, featuring QoS (Quality of Service), basic VLAN support, IGMP storm control, and auto DoS prevention. These features are typically found in more expensive models, making the GS108 a versatile choice for managing network traffic and ensuring security.
Quiet Operation and Low Heat: Compared to some other models like the USW Flex, the GS108 operates quietly and maintains a lower temperature, which is an important consideration in environments where noise and heat could be a concern.
Decent Performance: Although it lacks PoE (Power over Ethernet) ports, the GS108 still delivers decent performance for most standard networking needs. This makes it suitable for a variety of applications, from small office networks to home entertainment systems.
Network Monitoring and Security: As a managed switch, the GS108 offers better capabilities for monitoring and securing your network compared to unmanaged switches. This can be crucial for businesses that prioritize network security and reliability.
Lifetime Limited Hardware Warranty: Netgear’s lifetime warranty for the GS108, coupled with next-business-day replacement and 24/7 live chat support, offers peace of mind and ensures longevity and reliability. This level of support is particularly valuable for a product in this price range.
In summary, the Netgear ProSafe GS108 strikes a balance between affordability, performance, and advanced features. Its combination of gigabit ethernet ports, ease of use, management features, quiet operation, and strong warranty and support make it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable managed switch without a high cost.
Choosing the best managed cloud switch for your needs doesn’t often come as an easy feat. You need to think about several factors, which often include the number of ports, speed/performance, and how much power you need.
The more ports you have, the better the connectivity, so if you have a large business or lots of devices, it’s always better to go for the one with more ports. As for the speeds, ideally, you want to aim for at least a gigabit of speed, but anything over 2 gigabytes is more than enough.
And finally, in terms of power, you should think about which devices you want to connect to a switch. If it’s a power-hungry device like a 5G server or large storage, you’re going to need a more powerful i.e. more expensive managed switch.
3. FAQ
3.1 What is the best ethernet switch for gaming?
The best cloud managed switch for gaming is Netgear S8000. It has extremely low latency, great speeds, and a beautiful design that will perfectly complement your gaming setup. You can also try TP-Link T2600G for this purpose, as it offers lots of ports and great performance.
3.2 Are managed switches better than unmanaged ones?
Yes, they’re much better due to the sheer number of security features. Managed features offer VLAN functionalities, QoS, and many other functionalities that unmanaged switches don’t offer.
In the same fashion, unmanaged switches are cheaper, but the price difference isn’t THAT big, making managed cloud switches a better deal.
3.3 Are cheap cloud managed switches any good?
Yes, they can be good as well, although more expensive switches will offer better performance and more features. For home use, cheap cloud managed switches will do the job, but if you need one for business or gaming needs, you’ll need to pay at least $400 for a good managed switch.
Marcus is a cybersecurity analyst with a focus on VPN and proxy services. As the founder and driving force behind a prominent VPN and proxy website, Private Proxy Guide, Marcus has emerged as a trusted authority in the digital realm. With a passion for staying ahead of evolving cyber threats, he has played a pivotal role in educating and empowering individuals and businesses to safeguard their online presence.
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