What are the best managed switches for a small business looking to improve network security and performance?

The best managed switch depends on your size, budget and who will manage it. These product lines are common choices for small business security and performance. Model availability and prices change, so check each vendor's current page.

Top product lines

• Cisco Business 350 series (CBS350): strong security features, Layer 3 options, 10G uplinks, and a long record in business networks. Higher price.
• Aruba Instant On 1960 and 1930: simple setup with a mobile app and cloud portal, aimed at small offices.
• Ubiquiti UniFi Pro switches: a clean dashboard and good value if you also use UniFi Wi-Fi and cameras.
• TP-Link Omada managed switches: low cost, centralized control with Omada access points and gateways.
• Netgear Insight managed and smart managed Pro switches: app-based management and PoE options.

Security features to look for

• VLANs for guest, staff and camera networks.
• 802.1X port authentication.
• ACLs and port security.
• DHCP snooping and ARP inspection.
• Encrypted management with SSH, HTTPS and SNMPv3.
• Regular firmware updates.

Performance features to look for

• Non-blocking switching capacity.
• 10G SFP+ uplinks for servers and storage.
• QoS for voice and video.
• Link aggregation (LACP).
• A PoE budget large enough for your phones, cameras and access points.

Quick recommendations

• Established business, wants vendor support: Cisco CBS350.
• Wants easy management on a budget: Aruba Instant On or TP-Link Omada.
• Already uses UniFi: Ubiquiti UniFi Pro switches.

Buy a switch with more ports than you need now, so you do not have to replace it when staff and devices grow.