UGREEN 2.5Gb Switch, 5-Port Ethernet Switch, 5 x 2.5Gb Uplink, Plug & Play, Unmanaged Ethernet Splitter
Quick take
The UGREEN 5-port 2.5Gb unmanaged switch is designed to help you add multi-gig Ethernet for a NAS, a 2.5Gb PC, and other local devices without configuring network settings. It is fanless and built for quiet, desk or wall use, and it supports 2.5Gb links while staying compatible with older 1Gb and 100Mb equipment. The main limitation is that you get only five 2.5Gb ports, and because it is unmanaged, it does not offer advanced controls if you need them.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Plug-and-play setup, no drivers or software required for basic use.
- Fanless, quiet operation, plus bottom and side ventilation for heat management.
- All 5 ports are 2.5Gb capable, useful when every device in a small setup supports multi-gig.
- Backward compatible with 1Gb and 100Mb devices via auto-negotiation.
Cons
- Unmanaged, so there is no user-accessible configuration or advanced monitoring.
- Five ports may be tight if you plan to expand beyond a small cluster of devices.
- Limited visibility into link speed at a glance, since port status indicators are simple.
What buyers think
Buyer feedback is strongly centered on ease of use and day-to-day stability. Many people describe straightforward installation, with devices coming online without needing network settings changes. Several comments highlight that the switch stays cool during normal use and does not add noticeable noise, which matters for home offices and gaming setups. Performance-focused feedback mentions stable multi-gig connections and “snappy” transfers when paired with 2.5Gb-capable devices. The overall tone suggests this is a practical add-on for expanding a small, unmanaged network, but buyer-review evidence is mixed on how the device behaves with IP leasing details (some users notice DHCP lease behavior that differs from older gigabit switches). There is also some concern that the lightweight, plastic case feels less premium than higher-end switches, and the indicators do not clearly show whether a port is negotiating at 2.5Gb.
Who this switch is best for
- Small multi-device 2.5Gb setups: If you want to connect a NAS, a desktop PC, and a couple of other wired devices, five 2.5Gb ports can be a good fit.
- Upgraders moving beyond gigabit: It is intended to upgrade Ethernet from 1Gb to 2.5Gb for compatible endpoints while still working with older gear.
- Quiet, desk-friendly networking: Fanless design and ventilation on the bottom and sides support continuous operation without audible fan noise.
- People who want “it should just work” networking: Unmanaged and Layer 2, store-and-forward operation targets simplicity over customization.
Key features and what they mean in real use
2.5Gb on every port, with auto-negotiation
All five RJ45 ports are built for 2.5Gb Ethernet, which is helpful if your devices can actually use multi-gig speeds. Auto-negotiation keeps things compatible with 1Gb and 100Mb devices, so you can mix older equipment without having to replace everything at once.
Unmanaged, plug-and-play behavior
Because it is unmanaged, you should expect a straightforward workflow: power it on, connect devices, and rely on standard Ethernet negotiation. There is no management interface for VLANs, traffic rules, or user-level diagnostics, so it is not the right choice if you specifically need configurable network features.
Cooling and noise profile
The switch is fanless and uses ventilation on the bottom and sides. In practice, buyers repeatedly mention it staying cool during typical use and being quiet on a desk. This makes it well-suited for home offices and gaming spaces where fan noise can be distracting.
Placement and physical design
It is designed for either desktop or wall mounting, with LED indicators and non-slip feet. The case is plastic, which keeps it lightweight, but it can also contribute to a less premium feel compared with metal enclosures.
Pros and cons in context
Pros you will likely notice
- Fewer setup steps: Plug-and-play helps you avoid manual configuration.
- Quiet operation: Fanless design is ideal for close-to-you setups.
- Consistent multi-gig links: When your endpoints support 2.5Gb, you can better match their capabilities across the small network.
Tradeoffs to consider before buying
- Port count: Five ports are enough for some NAS and PC ecosystems, but not for larger wired households or multi-room setups.
- Limited visibility: If you want to confirm link speed (2.5Gb vs 1Gb) at a glance, the indicator system is described as not very informative.
- Unmanaged behavior: If you are sensitive to how IP leasing appears on your network, unmanaged switches may behave differently than older gigabit models. This is typically not a “performance” issue, but it can be confusing.
Price and availability
The list price is significantly higher than the current price shown on the product page, so it may be worth checking the latest price and stock status before you commit. If you are shopping for value, compare the total cost against the number of 2.5Gb ports you truly need and whether you might want an 8-port or higher alternative later.
Comparison guidance (how to choose the right type of switch)
Since no specific competing models were provided, use these decision filters to compare options in the same category:
Choose this if you want
- An unmanaged switch for a simple home network.
- 2.5Gb Ethernet across a small set of wired devices.
- Quiet, fanless operation and easy desk or wall placement.
Consider a different option if you need
- More ports: If you need to connect many wired devices, a larger-port switch will save you from upgrading again soon.
- PoE power: This model is not a PoE switch, so cameras or access points that require PoE need a PoE-capable model instead.
- Management features: If you want VLANs or deeper control, you will need a managed switch.
Verdict
The UGREEN 5-port 2.5Gb unmanaged switch is a solid pick for anyone upgrading a small wired network to multi-gig speeds without getting into configuration. It is fanless, simple to set up, and designed to deliver consistent performance when your devices support 2.5Gb. Buy it if five ports covers your current NAS and PC needs, and you want quiet, low-hassle networking. Skip it if you require PoE, a managed feature set, or you expect to outgrow the port count quickly.
FAQ
Is the UGREEN 2.5Gb switch managed or unmanaged?
It is an unmanaged Layer 2 switch, so it is meant for plug-and-play use rather than user configuration.
Will it work with 1Gb Ethernet devices?
Yes. It uses auto-negotiation and is compatible with older 1Gb and 100Mb equipment.
Does it have PoE (Power over Ethernet)?
No, it is a non-PoE switch. If you need PoE for devices like cameras or some access points, you will need a PoE-capable model.
Is it loud or does it have a fan?
It is fanless (no fan) and designed for quiet operation, with ventilation on the bottom and sides.
How many devices can I connect?
You have five RJ45 ports. It is best for small setups, such as a NAS, a 2.5Gb PC, and a few other wired devices.
Can I tell if a port is negotiating at 2.5Gb?
Feedback suggests the indicators are simple, so it may be harder to confirm link speed at a glance. You may need to check on your connected devices’ network status screens.
Specifications
| Product Title | UGREEN 2.5Gb Switch, 5-Port Ethernet Switch, 5 x 2.5Gb Uplink, Plug & Play, Unmanaged Ethernet Splitter, Desktop/Wall Mount Network Hub, with LED, Fanless Quiet, for NAS, PC, Game Console |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Networking Products > Switches |
| Brand | UGREEN |
| Manufacturer | Ugreen Group Limited |
| Model Number | CM953 |
| Color | Black |
| Number of Ports | 5 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Gaming Console, Laptop, NAS |
| Interface | DC 12V Port, RJ45 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 2.5 Gigabits Per Second |
| Switch Type | unmanaged, store-and-forward, fixed, non-PoE, layer 2 |
| Platform | Not Machine Specific |
| Case Material Type | Plastic |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 6.6"L x 4.2"W x 1.2"H |
| Built-In Media | 2.5Gb Ethernet Switch, DC Power Adapter, User Guide |
| Warranty Description | 24 Months Warranty Service by UGREEN |
| Unit Count | 5.0 Count |
| Included Components | 2.5Gb Ethernet Switch, DC Power Adapter, User Guide |
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