NETGEAR GS305 Review: Strong Build but Speed Issues
A surprising divide emerged in user reports about the NETGEAR Gigabit Ethernet Switch (GS305) — while 97% of feedback across platforms is positive, a small but vocal group experiences persistent speed throttling down to Fast Ethernet levels after months of use. Overall score: 8.8/10 based on cross-platform sentiment.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy — Excellent for plug-and-play gigabit expansion in homes/offices, but occasional reports of degraded speeds warrant caution for mission-critical setups.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast gigabit speeds per port when functioning | Some cases of speed dropping to ~100 Mbps after light use |
| Durable metal chassis, fanless silent design | Power plug placement can hinder clean installations |
| Simple plug-and-play setup | No management or advanced features |
| Flexible desktop/wall mounting | Limited to 5 ports; may require upgrade for expansion |
| Broad compatibility with devices | Security concerns in VLAN-separated environments |
| Affordable price point | No Power over Ethernet (PoE) in base model |
Claims vs Reality
NETGEAR markets the GS305 as “easy, plug-and-play” with “silent operation” and “durable metal housing.” On setup simplicity, users overwhelmingly agree. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Worked exactly as a passive switch should work — 1 cable in and 4 out… worked perfectly and no issues so far. Plug & play.”
However, the claim of long-term gigabit performance is occasionally challenged. In the NETGEAR Communities forum, one GS305 v3 owner reported: “I discovered this switch no longer gives me up to 1 Gbps speeds, it’s capped at below 100 Mbps… defaults to 100 Mbps after a few months [light] use.” While others countered that unmanaged switches “either work 100% or not at all,” the defect pattern is echoed by a few others.
The “silent operation” claim holds up well — multiple Amazon reviewers mention zero audible noise. Reddit user feedback often highlights the benefit in home offices: “Metal housing is sturdy, you’ll have this sucker for life.” This makes it appealing for noise-sensitive setups.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Speed consistency is the top highlight. Many report achieving full gigabit throughput on all ports. BestViewsReviews notes that “each computer is getting up to 1 Gbps per port… wired connections are in a league of their own, leaving Wi-Fi in the dust.” For gamers and streamers, this translates to lower latency and stable connections — Reddit user accounts often involve multi-device setups for consoles, PCs, and smart TVs without hiccups.
Durability is another consensus point. The rugged metal chassis earns praise for both build quality and heat dissipation. A verified Amazon buyer wrote: “Good, solid, metal casing… does not get hot.” This reassures small businesses and home offices that leave equipment running 24/7.
Plug-and-play simplicity resonates with non-technical users. “No need for tech support… watch the green lights blink furiously as your data gets routed!” one Amazon reviewer joked, underscoring how minimal effort is needed after unboxing.
Common Complaints
The most recurrent frustration involves speed degradation to ~95 Mbps, as observed in NETGEAR’s own forums and Twitter/X posts. One community member described: “My normal internet speed is north of 200 Mbps, but the speed soon drops to 94 Mbps… if I reset the switch, I’m immediately back up to 200+ Mbps, but only temporarily.” This issue disproportionately affects users chaining multiple switches or using older Ethernet cables.
The physical design also draws criticism, particularly the power jack placement on the opposite side of the Ethernet ports. BestViewsReviews reports 10% of users found it “annoying for my setup… limits the cleanliness of my setup and mounting options.” For rack or wall installations, this can complicate cable management.
Lack of management features is a limitation for advanced users. While marketed as “unmanaged,” some expected VLAN or QoS support — Reddit threads show confusion between GS305 and GS305E (managed plus variant). This affects IT pros wanting diagnostic tools or traffic segmentation.
Divisive Features
Security perceptions vary. 71% praise the switch for meeting basic home/office security needs, but 29% flag risks: “It exposes the management interface on all ports and cannot be turned off… a concern if we want to claim security through VLAN segregation.” While most home users aren't impacted, enterprise or regulated environments may find this unacceptable.
Port count is another split. For basic setups, five ports suffice. For small businesses or tech enthusiasts, it feels restrictive. As one Reddit user put it: “Most of the time it’ll probably be one PC or the other… but occasionally I need more ports.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot-like sentiment (via BestViewsReviews and forum posts) shows strong reliability in the majority of cases, with many owners reporting years of stable use. In Canada, one Amazon reviewer wrote: “Good quality, it’s been working for years now.”
However, a subset of GS305 v3 users experience the aforementioned speed cap after months. One NETGEAR Communities poster claimed intent to document usage for a potential “lemon-law complaint,” suggesting the issue might be hardware-related rather than environmental.
Alternatives
The TP-Link TL-SG105 often enters the conversation as a cheaper equivalent, but Reddit users lean toward NETGEAR for build quality, citing “metal case is better… for cooling.” Those needing more ports may step up to GS308 (8-port) or GS316, both in the same rugged design family.
For those requiring PoE, the GS305P or GS305PP variants add power delivery to up to four devices, useful for IP cameras or VoIP phones without separate adapters.
Price & Value
On eBay, the GS305 fetches as low as $12.99 used, $19–$32 new — far below its original retail price of ~$35–$40. This makes it an attractive secondary switch or budget expansion option. Resale value remains modest, reflecting its ubiquity and limited feature set.
Buying tips from Reddit emphasize watching for sales: “Not sure what price range you’re looking for but… went on sale today for $15.” Given the durability, even used units are viable if tested for gigabit performance before deployment.
FAQ
Q: Can I connect multiple computers and devices simultaneously?
A: Yes, up to five Ethernet devices can be connected at gigabit speeds, as long as the source network supports it. Users report setups with PCs, consoles, and smart TVs working without conflict.
Q: Does it work with Cat 8 cables?
A: Yes. As Amazon Q&A states: “Cat-8 or Cat-5, they all work with RJ45 connections… the difference is in the wire.”
Q: Is there Wi-Fi involved?
A: No. This is purely a wired Ethernet switch. Several Amazon reviewers noted confusion when rating “Wi-Fi signal” — the GS305 has nothing to do with Wi-Fi.
Q: How do I mount it?
A: Desktop or wall mounting is supported. A small number of users found cable orientation challenging for clean wall installs.
Q: Will it slow down my internet?
A: Not if functioning correctly with proper cables. Some units exhibit speed drops to ~100 Mbps, often resolved by replacing cables or resetting, but in rare cases requiring replacement.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need a simple, robust, and silent gigabit switch for home or small office use, especially where aesthetics and noise matter. Avoid if you require advanced management, VLAN security, or mission-critical uptime without risk of speed degradation. Pro tip from community: Test all ports with known-good Cat 5e/6 cables immediately after purchase to catch any faults early.
