🏆 Winner: Gigabit Switch
⚡ Quick Answer
Gigabit is 10x faster (1000 Mbps vs 100 Mbps). Fast Ethernet is obsolete. Always buy Gigabit switches in 2026.
| Factor |
Gigabit Switch |
Fast Ethernet Switch |
| Speed |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1000 Mbps |
⭐⭐ 100 Mbps |
| Price (8-port) |
$20-30 |
$15-25 |
| Worth It |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
Gigabit Switch
Network switch supporting 1000 Mbps per port.
✓ Pros
- 10x faster
- Future-proof
- NAS/media streaming
- Backward compatible
✗ Cons
- Slightly more expensive (barely)
Fast Ethernet Switch
Old network switch limited to 100 Mbps per port.
✓ Pros
- Cheap
- Works with old devices
✗ Cons
- 10x slower
- Obsolete
- Bottlenecks network
- Not worth saving $5
The Verdict
Always buy Gigabit. The price difference is $5-10. Fast Ethernet bottlenecks file transfers, NAS, and local streaming. Not worth saving pennies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Gigabit if my internet is 100 Mbps?
Yes. Local network speed (NAS, computer to computer) benefits. Plus internet speeds increase over time.
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Last updated: April 21, 2026 •
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