5 Alternatives to the TP-Link TL-SG108S 8-Port Gigabit Switch

The TP-Link TL-SG108S is a very solid no-frills 8-port gigabit switch: metal case, plug-and-play setup, QoS, IGMP snooping, and a low price. If that’s all you need, it’s hard to beat. But the alternatives below make sense if you want Wi‑Fi built in, faster multi-gig ports for a NAS or router upgrade, or a better long-term networking platform.

1) GL.iNet GL-MT6000 (Flint 2) — £152.99

This is not a direct switch replacement; it’s a powerful Wi‑Fi 6 router with 2 x 2.5GbE ports. Compared with the TL-SG108S, it’s far more expensive and far more capable. What’s better: faster wireless, VPN performance, and multi-gig connectivity for fibre users, NAS devices, or a home lab. What’s worse: you only get two 2.5GbE ports rather than eight simple gigabit ports, so it won’t replace a basic desktop switch for lots of wired devices. Choose this if you need a router upgrade and want to future-proof your network.

2) TP-Link Archer C80 AC1900 — £43.99

This is a budget dual-band router, not a switch, but it can be a sensible alternative if your real problem is poor Wi‑Fi rather than lack of Ethernet ports. Compared with the TL-SG108S, it adds wireless coverage and basic routing features. What’s better: lower cost than the premium router options and useful for small flats or starter home networks. What’s worse: it only has a handful of Ethernet ports and those are for routing, not expanding a wired network like a dedicated switch. Pick this if you want an all-in-one home router and don’t need a proper switch.

3) GL.iNet GL-AX1800 (Flint) — £74.79

A stronger middle-ground choice, the Flint offers Wi‑Fi 6, five 1GbE ports, and good OpenVPN/WireGuard support. Relative to the TL-SG108S, it’s much more flexible and can serve as a router, access point, or small network hub. What’s better: better wireless, more advanced firmware options, and enough Ethernet ports for a small NAS/PC/console setup. What’s worse: still not an 8-port switch, and it costs significantly more. This suits users who want networking gear that can do more than one job.

4) ASUS RT-AX82U AX5400 — £169.69

This is a premium Wi‑Fi 6 gaming router with strong wireless performance, security features, and mesh support. Against the TL-SG108S, it’s in a totally different category: you’re paying for speed, coverage, and router features rather than lots of wired ports. What’s better: excellent Wi‑Fi, gaming-focused features, and a polished ecosystem. What’s worse: expensive, and only practical if you actually need a router rather than a switch. Choose it if you’re upgrading the whole home network and want strong wireless plus decent wired connectivity.

5) GL.iNet GL-BE9300 (Flint 3) — £187.99

This is the most future-proof option here, with Wi‑Fi 7 and 5 x 2.5GbE ports. Compared with the TL-SG108S, it’s massively more advanced and aimed at faster internet plans, NAS users, and busy households. What’s better: multi-gig wired ports, much higher wireless potential, and better long-term value if you’re building a faster network. What’s worse: it’s very expensive and overkill for a basic 8-port gigabit switch replacement. Go for this if you’re building a serious home lab or want to avoid upgrading again soon.

In short, the TL-SG108S is still the best simple switch here, but the GL.iNet models are better if you’re also upgrading your router or need 2.5GbE for a NAS, Plex server, or fibre connection.