ChoiceTally is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Networking Devices · Head to head

TP-Link TL-SG105S 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet vs Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit: Which Should You Buy?

TP-Link switch or Amazon Basics adapter: two different fixes for a wired internet problem.

TP-Link TL-SG105S 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch, Ethernet Splitter 1 to 4, Network 4 Way Ethernet Hub, Desktop & Wal TP-Link

TP-Link TL-SG105S 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch

4.7 / 5 140,088 reviews
£12.99 at time of writing
Check price on Amazon →
Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter, Black, 1-Pack Amazon Basics

Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet

4.4 / 5 22,123 reviews
£7.99 at time of writing
Check price on Amazon →

Side by side

TP-Link TL-SG105S 5 Port Gigabit EthernetAmazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit
Price£12.99£7.99
Rating★★★★★ 4.7★★★★☆ 4.4
Review count140,08822,123
BrandTP-LinkAmazon Basics
Highlights
  • Ethernet Splitter 1 to 4 - A robust solution for splitting your internet connection into 4 Gigabit signals wit…
  • 5 Port Gigabit Switch - Enjoy the benefits of a fast and stable wired network with Gigabit RJ45 Ethernet Ports…
  • Unmanaged Plug-and-Play Switch - Easy to use with no configuration required, making it simple to set up and ex…
  • Connects a USB 3.0 device (computer/laptop) to a router, modem, or network switch to deliver Gigabit Ethernet …
  • Supported features include Wake-on-LAN function, Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet…
  • Supports IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce Cental Processing Unit (CPU) loading

Our verdict

Different jobs entirely, despite both ending in an Ethernet cable. The TP-Link TL-SG105S at £12.99 turns one gigabit connection into four extra ports with zero configuration, and its 4.7 rating across an enormous 140,088 reviews makes it about as safe a purchase as networking gets. The Amazon Basics adapter at £7.99 does the opposite trick: it gives a laptop without an Ethernet port a gigabit connection over USB 3.0, with Wake-on-LAN support, rated 4.4 by 22,123 buyers. Too few ports on your router? TP-Link. No port on your laptop? Amazon Basics. Simple as that.

Which one is for you?

Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in Networking Devices or see the whole Computers & Accessories department. New to the category? Start with our buying guide.