15 Best Cisco Switch Alternatives 2026

Network switches are networking hardware designed to send data packets between devices. They differ from routers because they forward packets directly to devices instead of pushing them to a network.

Cisco networking switches are advertised as some of the most secure and durable on the market. They come in a variety of sizes and designs.

They also incorporate multiple ports for easy connectivity. However, they are not the only networking switches available out there.

Other impressive alternatives include Dell EMC switches, TP-Link switches, HPE networking switches, and Huawei ethernet switches. Nonetheless, the best Cisco switch alternative is Juniper Networks Switching thanks to their ease of use, high performance, and affordability.

Why Would You Need Cisco Switch Alternatives?

While Cisco switches can offer good performance, they are relatively pricier than most alternatives in the market. The switches also require a lot of patience during setup and configuration because of the heavy firmware.

Another downside to using Cisco switches is that they tend to take a long time to update during firmware upgrades. This may mean that you lose a few hours as you wait for the system to get back online.

Luckily, there are a number of Cisco switch alternatives that are easy to set up and cost a lot less.

Read on.

Best Cisco Switch Alternatives

1. Juniper Networks Switching

Juniper Networks Switching has a variety of products to suit different needs. There are switches for small, medium, and large environments meaning you can be sure to find something suitable for your unique needs.

These switches run on a Linux system which is quite versatile and can therefore handle a variety of tasks. They offer a single point of management making it easy for you to control different aspects of your network.

The switches often include multiple ports to allow users to connect many peripheral devices. These ports also allow for the prioritization of voice, video, and data traffic.

They incorporate AI automation which makes it possible for you to attend to other issues while delicate tasks are executed automatically. In most cases, these switches utilize high 1GbE, 10GbE, 40GbE, and 100GbE port densities to simplify network topologies and operations.

Juniper Networks Switching devices feature dual internal load-sharing AC power supplies and redundant variable-speed fans that help cool down the system. Finally, the products have a rugged physical design to ensure durability regardless of the frequency of use.

Juniper switches are a perfect replacement for Cisco switches.

2. Dell EMC Switches

Dell EMC switches come in a variety of designs with the most popular being PowerSwitch Data Center, PowerSwitch Edge, and PowerEdge MX I/O Modules.

One of the things that make Dell EMC switches popular is that they are easy to set up. They also have a tough build making it possible for them to remain in good shape over long periods of time.

Efficient fan systems within the switches ensure proper cooling while power-regulating features prevent damage when electric current becomes unstable. These switches have user-friendly GUI which is why just about anyone can get started using them without prior experience.

The switches incorporate security features to keep your network safe at all times. They also have a compact profile so you can be sure they won’t take up a lot of space.

They have multiple ports so you can connect various peripherals with different specifications including 100Gb, 40Gb, and 25Gb. In case you are having any problems setting up your Dell EMC switches, you can always go online and find documentation to help.

Dell EMC switches are relatively cheaper than Cisco switches. Additionally, they are easier to license, especially considering the long process you have to go through when trying to acquire a Cisco license.

3. HPE Networking Switches

Next up on this list of the best Cisco Switch alternatives is HPE Networking switches. Like most alternatives here, they have a solid build that ensures they remain in good shape over a long time.

Unlike Cisco switches, HPE Networking switches do not produce a lot of noise even when they have been operational for a long time. They allow users to configure the network through the web or console.

Another impressive thing about these switches is that they have a simple GUI so that users can adjust settings with relative ease. The process of upgrading firmware is also quite fast.

HPE Networking switches are quite small so they don’t take up a lot of space. They include multiple ports with specified outputs making it easy for users to know where to connect a PC or VOIP system.

You’ll be pleased to know that these switches come with a lifetime warranty so you can always contact support for help in case your device is experiencing problems. The switches run on the Aruba operating system which allows users to automate some processes while also simplifying others.

4. Huawei Ethernet Switches

An impressive thing about Huawei Ethernet switches is that they are less costly when compared to their Cisco counterparts. They are also designed with a hard casing and durable internal materials to ensure that users can continue working with them for a long time.

Huawei switches vary in size and cost which is why you can be sure to find something suitable for your specific needs. In most cases, the switches are designed to work wirelessly or through wire connections so it is up to you to decide which method to use.

You can enter commands through a mouse or keyboard depending on what you prefer. Another impressive thing about these switches is that they are designed to be as silent as possible.

The switches are easy to set up physically. They also include a simple GUI allowing just about anyone to navigate and adjust settings as they will.

There are different security measures incorporated to ensure that your network remains safe at all times. Some of the network and connectivity features available include STP, QoS, VLAN, static routing, and PoE.

Huawei offers exceptional customer support services so you can always get in touch in case you are facing any difficulties with the switches.

5. Arista Switches

If you are looking for Cisco switch alternatives that can handle more tasks and peripherals, Arista switches should be at the top of your list. They have a strong build to ensure they can withstand wear and tear.

Their built-in fan systems are relatively quiet and produce enough air circulation to keep equipment cool even during hot summers. These are multilayer switches that are commonly used for routing purposes in data centers.

Another exciting thing about using these switches is that they allow you to automate certain tasks so that you don’t have to spend a lot of time doing the same thing repeatedly.

The Arista Latency Analyzer tracks the source of congestion in your network and uses the information to distribute traffic accordingly. This ensures you do not have to deal with a speed drop.

There is also the Arista DANZ feature which monitors and analyzes the network to ensure security, compliance, and proper reporting even when the network is handling a lot of traffic.

6. Netgear Switches

Netgear switches make it to the list because of their diversity. You can choose these switches based on different things including size, number of ports, speed of ports, and PoE capabilities.

Unlike Cisco switches, Netgear includes unmanaged switches that do not require any setup or management. Instead, you simply have to plug them into a power outlet and start using them right away.

There are also Plus switches that are easy to configure and require little maintenance. This brand also includes smart switches that offer high-bandwidth handling and incorporate state-of-the-art security features to keep your network safe at all times.

Most switches from this brand are designed with efficient fans for proper cooling even when they are used over long periods. They also incorporate efficient energy-use technology to keep your power bills manageable.

They are designed with a small profile so as to save space. However, they are also quite tough which is why you can expect to use them over a long time.

7. Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch

Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch is another series of products that can work seamlessly for you. They come in a variety of sizes and models with some suitable for a small office setup while others are most suited for a busy industrial environment.

The switches feature a simple command-line interface that makes it easy for just about anyone to configure the system. They have different ports that handle different devices and incorporate security features to keep your network safe.

Unlike Cisco switches, Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch products are available at different budget ranges and are relatively cheaper. Additionally, they come with a lifetime warranty so you can always get in touch with customer support in case you are facing any difficulty.

Like most switches on this list, these also include built-in cooling systems that allow you to enjoy extended operations even when temperatures go high. They have a sturdy design that keeps them in good shape over many years.

8. Extreme Switching

Extreme Switching is another reputable name when it comes to quality ethernet switches. It offers a wide variety of products for you to choose from including those that are suitable for low-traffic environments and others that are best suited for high-traffic environments.

One of the things that distinguish Extreme Switching from Cisco switches is that you can always upgrade the firmware fast. You can also change the firmware altogether and repurpose your switches instead of having to buy new ones.

These switches easily integrate with other programs including ExtremeCloud IQ to provide network insights and help with system settings or finetuning of the network. The switches have some of the latest link encryptions to ensure that all users on the network remain safe.

Most of these switches have automated functions so you don’t have to worry about doing everything manually. They are compact in size so they can fit just about anywhere.

They are also relatively lightweight and feature robust casing to help promote longevity. You’ll also be pleased to learn that they utilize the latest energy-saving technologies to keep your power bills down.

9. D-Link Switches

D-Link switches offer a simple and affordable alternative to Cisco switches. With these switches, you have the freedom to choose from a variety of products and models.

There are unmanaged switches that do not require any direct input from users except while setting up physically. Once you plug them into a power source you can start using them right away.

There are also smart-managed switches that strike a balance between your personal input and automated functions. Additionally, you can opt for the fully managed switches that give you control over everything.

You can choose smaller switches for your home or office or go for the bigger versions that are ideal for an industrial environment. These switches provide 10-Gigabit connectivity which is fast enough to process a lot of data within a short time.

The user interface is quite straightforward so you can manage everything without needing to read long guides or tutorials. The switches often go through frequent updates to ensure they can remain in good condition and avoid any potential security breaches.

Most switches from this brand are designed in a way that they can be stacked together to save space. They are also designed with tough materials to withstand frequent use in diverse environments.

10. Ruckus ICX Switches

Next on this list of the best Cisco switch alternatives is Ruckus ICX switches. These are fixed-form factor alternatives that can provide exceptional performance.

The switches have a low latency, non-blocking architecture that provides impressive throughput for some of the most demanding applications. They often pair up with Ruckus wireless access points and Ruckus SmartZone network controllers to deliver high performance.

You can decide to use a wired connection or go wireless if that is what you prefer. The switches can work in a standalone configuration or they can stack up to handle even more peripherals.

With these switches, you can expect 1, 10, 40, and 100 GbE uplinks. Their compact and lightweight design makes it easy for you to place them in any room.

Finally, they have quality cooling systems that ensure nothing gets damaged due to overheating.

11. Micronet Switches

Micronet switches are another excellent choice if you want quality performance without the need to spend as much money as you would when buying and setting up Cisco switches.

The first option you can go for is the Micronet SP6528 Gigabit Managed Switch. It is popular because of the high-speed delivery it provides.

It also incorporates layer 2+ management functions so you can stay in control of different aspects of the network. There is also the Micronet SP6526P option that offers 24 different ports so you can connect as many peripherals.

The multifunction switch is ideal for busy office settings rather than domestic use. Regardless of the switch you pick you can be sure to enjoy good performance at all times.

You’ll be pleased to know that the switches have a sturdy build that helps to keep them in good condition despite changing environmental conditions. They also have a noiseless cooling system that keeps everything within manageable temperature limits.

12. Nvidia Spectrum

The Nvidia Spectrum series of switches can be another excellent alternative to Cisco switches. These switches utilize a fully shared packet buffer that guarantees a fair, predictable, and high-bandwidth data path so that traffic is processed fast and efficiently.

They offer a consistent and low cut-through latency while also providing the best-in-class VXLAN scale. The switches have internal mechanisms that ensure the firmware, hardware, and software are secure at all times.

These switches have multiple ports so you can connect many devices at the same time. The entire process of setup is simple and takes up a few minutes only.

Like most options on this list, they can be stacked on each other without the risk of developing dents or compromising air circulation. They also incorporate energy-saving technologies to keep your power bill to a minimum.

13. TP-Link Switches

TP-Link switches have also gained a reputation for being some of the best in the market. They are available in a wide range including those with 5, 8, 16, and 24 ports.

Most of them have a tough plastic case and can be placed on a desktop. You can also mount them on a wall if that is what you want.

Unlike Cisco switches which almost always require some form of configuring, TP-Link switches are plug-and-play devices. That means you only have to plug them into a power outlet and start using them without any configuration.

These switches incorporate TP-Link power-saving technology that cuts down the use of power by almost 70%. They are relatively cheaper than most alternatives in the market.

It is worth pointing out that they have a fanless design so you won’t be bothered by any noise. They also have a non-blocking switching architecture.

If you are looking for a simple ethernet switching solution at a reasonable rate this is definitely one of the options you should go for.

14. TRENDnet Switches

TRENDnet is another brand that provides a full range of reliable network switches. You can expect to find PoE, fully managed, unmanaged, Layer 2 managed, and industrial switches at varying rates.

The switches come in different casings including metallic and plastic designs. Regardless of the one you pick, you can be sure to enjoy longevity because all cases are made from top-quality materials.

The switches come in different form factors making it possible for you to install them in a flexible manner. For instance, you can choose switches that mount on the wall or those that sit on the desktop.

Managed switches under this brand support advanced switching features that include VLAN, LACP, QoS, and IGMP snooping. These switches have embedded GREENnet technology that helps cut down on the amount of energy consumed.

This technology works by automatically adjusting power input according to need. The switches come with a lifetime warranty so you can be sure to receive assistance any time you encounter problems.

15. EnGenius Switches

EnGenius switches are available in a variety of designs and sizes so you can browse through the ones available and pick something that suits your specific needs.

Most of the switches have 10, 100, and 1000 Base-T GbE ports so you can change from one to another depending on your needs and the peripheral devices in use. They provide a full-featured Layer 2 switching capability too.

The units include SFP Uplink ports that make it easy for you to scale up connections. Another impressive thing about these switches is that they come with a mobile application that simplifies management.

There is also a cloud service so you do not have to worry about having a physical storage device. These switches incorporate a fan system to ensure proper air circulation and cooling.

Like most switches on this list, EnGenius switches have clearly labeled ports and buttons so you’ll know exactly what cable to plug in every port. The casing is quite sturdy which helps keep all the internal components safe.

Wrapping Up

There are plenty of network switches available on the market today. However, finding the right one can be difficult since each brand claims to offer the best.

Cisco switches are among the most popular. However, they are also quite expensive and may require a lot of patience during setup.

Instead of having to endure all that, pick cheaper and more efficient alternatives such as Dell EMC switches or Juniper Networks Switching solutions. You can also opt to use plug-and-play options such as TP-Link or unmanaged D-Link switches.