Written 22 Aug 2026. Specs from the maker pages linked below. Prices from those stores. I haven't used these.
Metal 8-port that costs more than the shipped TP-Link default: Netgear MS308 vs TL-SG108S-M2
A metal 8-port that costs more than the shipped TP-Link default. Buy Netgear only if the warranty story is worth the extra money.
A metal 8-port that costs more than the shipped TP-Link default. Both are fanless unmanaged 8× 2.5G, no PoE. MS308 lists 0 fans and 7.98 W max (Netgear spec table). Netgear.com $109.99 (was $199.99). TP-Link MSRP $79.99, Prime-week street $49.99 (Tom's Hardware, 26 Jun 2026). Buy Netgear only if the warranty/support story matters more than about $30–60. The full closet table is on the 8-port roundup. Port count: 8 vs 5.
What to buy
| Box | What it is | Street, 22 Aug 2026 | Buy if |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link TL-SG108S-M2 | 8× 2.5G, unmanaged, fanless | MSRP $79.99. Tom's 26 Jun 2026 $49.99 (ASIN B0CMFX748Y). | The closet default. Same job, less money. |
| Netgear MS308-100NAS | 8× 2.5G, unmanaged, fanless, 7.98 W max | Maker $109.99. Amazon new B0D54STHFZ one snap $129.99. Newegg list $199.99. Official-refurb Amazon B0F1DCW98M exists. | The Netgear paper is worth $30–60 to you. Otherwise no. |
Also-ran in this class, not a third hero: Zyxel MG-108, all-8×2.5G fanless, street $119.99 vs the TP-Link at $50–80. Loses the default.
Skip
Skip paying $130 for the Netgear when the TP-Link is $50–80 and you have no support reason. Skip TL-SG108-M2 (non-S) unless it is actually cheaper than the S-M2 today. Already a row in the roundup. Skip SODOLA / HASIVO / MokerLink toys. Skip used 24-port 1G enterprise for this job.
Sources
Netgear MS308. Amazon MS308 (B0D54STHFZ). Newegg MS308 (N82E16833222332). Tom's Hardware, 26 Jun 2026. Street ranges move. Check the live price before you click.