Are you searching for the best stackable switches to upgrade your network infrastructure in 2024? Look no further!
This comprehensive review delves deep into the top 10 stackable switches revolutionizing the industry.
From Cisco’s Catalyst 9300 Series to TP-Link’s T2700G-28TQ JetStream, we explore the cutting-edge features, performance capabilities, and technical specifications that set these switches apart.
Whether managing a sprawling enterprise network or a growing small business, discovering the perfect stackable switch is crucial for seamless connectivity and future-proof scalability.
Join us as we unravel the intricacies of these networking marvels and help you make an informed decision that will transform your network into a powerhouse of efficiency and reliability.
Get ready to unlock your network’s true potential with the best stackable switches of 2024!
| Switch Model | Max Stacking Bandwidth | Max Port Density | Key Feature | PoE Capability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco Catalyst 9300 | 480 Gbps | 448 ports | Cisco IOS XE OS | Up to 90W UPOE+ |
| Aruba 2930M | 56 Gbps | 48 ports | ArubaOS-Switch | 370W PoE+ budget |
| Juniper EX4300 | 320 Gbps | 48 ports | Virtual Chassis | Up to 48 PoE+ ports |
| Cisco Catalyst 3850 | 480 Gbps | 48 ports | Integrated wireless | Up to 60W per port |
| HPE FlexNetwork 5510 HI | 336 Gbps | 48 ports | sFlow monitoring | 1440W PoE+ budget |
| Extreme Networks X465 | 400 Gbps | 48 ports | Multi-rate ports | 1440W PoE++ budget |
| Dell EMC N3000E | 84 Gbps | 48 ports | Fanless models | Up to 30W per port |
| Huawei S5720-HI | 2 Tbps | 48 ports | VRP software | 1080W PoE+ budget |
| Netgear M4300 | 128 Gbps | 48 ports | AV-over-IP optimized | Up to 90W PoE++ |
| TP-Link T2700G-28TQ | 64 Gbps | 24 ports | Fanless design | No PoE support |
10 Best Stackable Switches
1. Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series
The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series switches are designed for the next generation of enterprise networks. Available in sleek charcoal gray, these high-quality switches deliver stellar performance, advanced security, and powerful automation capabilities.
Purpose and Functionality
As the foundation of Cisco’s intent-based networking architecture, Catalyst 9300 switches provide secure, scalable access for converged wired and wireless networks.
They excel as access-layer switches connecting end devices, with support for features like 90W UPOE+, MACsec encryption, and extensible APIs.
Key Features
- Stackable with up to 480 Gbps of stack bandwidth
- Uplink options include 100G, 40G, 25G, 10G, and mGig
- Embedded security with MACsec-256 on all ports
- Cisco IOS XE operating system for open programmability
- x86 CPU for hosting applications at the network edge
Technical Specifications
- 24 or 48 ports of 1G, Multigigabit, and 10G Ethernet
- Up to 448 ports of 90W UPOE+ with Cisco UPOE+
- 2 or 4 fixed uplink ports of your choice
- 480 Gbps stacking bandwidth with StackWise-480
- 100 Gbps of bandwidth per stack member
- Up to 250,000 flexible NetFlow entries
- Dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and fans
- x86 CPU, 8 GB RAM, 16 GB flash storage
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Highly scalable and resilient stacking architecture
- Versatile uplink and PoE options for different needs
- Advanced security features like MACsec, TrustSec, and ETA
- Open, programmable Cisco IOS XE operating system
Cons
- More expensive than some competing switch options
- Licensing and subscription costs can add up
- Learning curve for configuring advanced features
- Overkill for small networks with basic needs
How It Compares
The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series earned a “TrustRadius Top Rated” award in 2024 based on high customer satisfaction. It leads the pack in terms of performance, security, and flexibility.
While priced at a premium, it is an excellent choice for demanding enterprise campus and branch networks.
One network engineer raved, “The Cat9300 is a rock-solid platform with more features than we know what to do with. It has been extremely stable and offers a ton of flexibility in how we design our access layer.”
2. Aruba 2930M Switch Series
The Aruba 2930M Switch Series offers a powerful, versatile, and affordable option for businesses needing a reliable access layer solution. The switches have a compact design with a matte black finish.
Purpose and Functionality
Aruba 2930M switches provide high performance and scalability for enterprise edge and SMB networks. They work seamlessly with Aruba wireless APs and offer advanced Layer 3 traffic management.
Key Features
- Stackable with backplane stacking cables or SFP+ ports
- Built-in 10GbE uplinks and models with PoE+
- ArubaOS-Switch software with enterprise-class features
- Supports static, RIP, and Access OSPF routing
- IPv6 host and routing support
Technical Specifications
- 24 or 48 ports of 1GbE
- 370 W PoE+ power budget
- 4 built-in 10GbE SFP+ ports
- 1x Aruba Module slot
- 56 Gbps maximum stacking bandwidth
- 41.6 Mpps throughput
- 32,000 MAC addresses
- 1000 VLANs maximum
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Easy to deploy and manage with web GUI
- Lifetime warranty with next-business-day replacement
- Energy efficient with 80 PLUS Silver certified power supplies
Cons
- Stacking bandwidth lower than some competitors
- Limited to 10G uplinks, no 40G/100G options
- Some advanced features require a license
- Aruba OS is not as mature as Cisco IOS
How It Compares
The Aruba 2930M is a solid choice for cost-conscious organizations that still need enterprise-grade features. Gartner named Aruba a Leader in the 2024 Magic Quadrant for Wired and Wireless LAN Access Infrastructure.
“We have had great success with the 2930M switches,” said one IT manager. “They were a breeze to set up, and the price was unbeatable for the port density and features we got. Highly recommended.”
3. Juniper EX4300 Ethernet Switch
The Juniper EX4300 Ethernet Switch provides a scalable, secure, and highly available platform in a sleek, compact form factor. The front panel features an LCD that provides visibility into the system status.
Purpose and Functionality
Designed for enterprise campus distribution and aggregation layers, the EX4300 delivers a flexible foundation for deploying advanced IT services. Virtual Chassis technology enables high availability and simplified management.
Key Features
- Stackable up to 10 switches using Virtual Chassis
- Dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and fans
- Built-in 40GbE uplinks for high-speed connectivity
- Junos OS Evolved for reliability and programmability
- Support for Mist AI, 128 Technology SD-WAN, and more
Technical Specifications
- 24 or 48 ports of 1GbE/10GbE, with up to 48 ports of PoE+
- 8 x 10GbE SFP/SFP+ or 2/4 x 40GbE QSFP+ uplinks
- Up to 320 Gbps of Virtual Chassis interconnect capacity
- 1 Tbps (bidirectional) aggregate switching capacity
- Junos OS Evolved with Linux kernel and microservices
- Supports BGP, IS-IS, and OSPF dynamic routing protocols
- MACsec AES-256 encryption on all ports
- Precision Time Protocol (PTP) transparent clock and boundary clock
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Highly resilient and scalable Virtual Chassis stacking
- Advanced Junos OS Evolved with open programmability
- Tight integration with Mist AI for insights and automation
- Excellent switching capacity and 40GbE density
Cons
- More complex to configure than some web-managed switches
- No support for Multigigabit Ethernet or 100GbE uplinks
- Junos OS learning curve for non-Juniper shops
- Higher price point than some competing options
How It Compares
The EX4300 is a powerful workhorse switch for Juniper-centric networks. It offers some of the most advanced features, like Mist AI integration, among stackable enterprise switches.
A senior network architect shared, “The EX4300 is the Swiss Army knife of switches. There isn’t much it can’t do, especially when paired with Mist. The Virtual Chassis capability makes it super easy to scale and manage as well.”
4. Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series
The Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series is part of Cisco’s leading Catalyst switching portfolio. It has a rugged, compact design suitable for wiring closets or office spaces.
Purpose and Functionality
As a stackable access switch, the Catalyst 3850 converges wired and wireless networks with integrated wireless LAN controller functionality. This unified approach simplifies operations and enables common policies.
Key Features
- Stackable with 480 Gbps of stack bandwidth
- Integrated wireless LAN controller for converged access
- UADP ASIC enables wired and wireless features
- StackPower shares power across stack members
- Supports advanced security and application visibility
Technical Specifications
- 12, 24, or 48 ports of 1G/10G Ethernet
- 24 or 48 ports of PoE+, up to 60W per port
- 4 x 1G, 4 x 10G SFP+, or 2 x 40G QSFP+ uplink models
- 480 Gbps of stacking bandwidth with StackWise-480
- 250,000 flexible NetFlow entries in hardware
- UADP 2.0 with integrated CPU for wireless termination
- Dual redundant, modular power supplies and fans
- Supports up to 50 access points and 2000 wireless clients
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Simplifies wired and wireless convergence
- High stacking bandwidth and availability with StackWise-480
- Flexible NetFlow for deep application visibility
- Advanced security features like TrustSec, MACsec encryption
Cons
- Wireless features require a license
- StackPower cables are sold separately
- Less powerful than the newer Catalyst 9300 Series
- 40G uplinks may be limiting for some deployments
How It Compares
The Catalyst 3850 has been a go-to access switch since its launch in 2013. While the newer Catalyst 9300 Series offers more speed and capabilities, the 3850 remains a solid choice for wired and wireless convergence.
One network admin noted, “The Cat3850 has been a very stable switch for us as we combine our wired and wireless networks. The StackPower feature has saved us more than once during a power outage. It’s still a great switch if you don’t need the latest and greatest.”
5. HPE FlexNetwork 5510 HI Switch Series
The HPE FlexNetwork 5510 HI is a family of high-density, resilient switches with a compact 1U form factor. Several models are available with 1GbE or 10GbE connectivity.
Purpose and Functionality
Optimized for enterprise edge and core deployments, the 5510 HI delivers wire-speed Layer 2 switching with static and RIP Layer 3 routing. Redundant power supplies and fans ensure high availability.
Key Features
- Stackable with 10GbE SFP+ or backplane cables
- Up to 1440W PoE+ power budget for IP devices
- Supports static, RIP, and OSPF routing
- sFlow traffic monitoring for network visibility
- Access OSPF for large-scale networks
Technical Specifications
- 24 or 48 ports of 100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G
- 4 built-in 1/10GbE SFP+ uplinks
- Up to 336 Gbps stacking bandwidth
- Up to 1440W PoE+ power budget
- 16K MAC addresses and 4K VLANs
- 19.2 Gbps maximum switching capacity
- Dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies
- 80 PLUS Platinum certified power supplies
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Versatile connectivity with 100M to 10G options
- High PoE power budget for supporting many devices
- Convenient built-in 10G SFP+ uplinks
- Efficient performance with wire-speed switching
Cons
- Backplane stacking cables are sold separately
- No support for 40G/100G uplinks
- Limited to static and RIP routing
- sFlow monitoring is not as robust as some alternatives
How It Compares
The HPE 5510 HI is a flexible switch suited for high-density enterprise wiring closets. It strikes a good balance between performance, features, and cost.
An IT director shared, “The 5510 HI has been a reliable performer for our campus network. It handles everything we throw at it, including our high-density PoE deployments. The 10G uplinks and stacking give us plenty of room to grow as well.”
6. Extreme Networks X465 Series
The Extreme Networks X465 Series are stackable multi-rate Gigabit Ethernet switches in a 1U form factor. The front panel has a clean design with easy-to-read status LEDs.
Purpose and Functionality
Built for enterprise aggregation and edge deployments, the X465 delivers high-density 1G/2.5G/5G/10G access with 10G/25G/40G/100G uplinks. The ExtremeXOS operating system enables advanced features and open programmability.
Key Features
- Stackable up to 8 units with 400 Gbps of bandwidth
- Multi-rate ports support 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10G speeds
- 10G/25G/40G/100G uplinks for network-core connectivity
- ExtremeXOS with APIs, SDN support, and built-in security
- Redundant power supplies and fans for high availability
Technical Specifications
- 24 or 48 ports of 100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G Ethernet
- 8 x 10G/25G SFP28 or 2 x 40G/100G QSFP28 uplink ports
- Up to 400 Gbps of stacking bandwidth over standard cabling
- Up to 1440W PoE++ power budget with 90W per port
- 288 Gbps switching capacity, 212 Mpps throughput
- 64K MAC addresses, 4K VLANs, 12K ARP/NDP entries
- Supports BGP, OSPF, PIM, and IPv4/IPv6 routing
- MACsec 256-bit encryption and secure boot
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Versatile multi-rate ports for device flexibility
- High-speed 25G to 100G uplinks for core connectivity
- Powerful ExtremeXOS software for automation and visibility
- Excellent stacking density and bandwidth over standard cables
Cons
- 12 port model has limited uplink options
- No support for StackPower cable-based power-sharing
- Some advanced features require additional licensing
- Less common in enterprise vs. Cisco or Aruba
How It Compares
The Extreme X465 is a strong contender for multi-rate access with high-speed uplinks. The ExtremeXOS software and open architecture appeal to organizations looking beyond market share leaders.
A network architect noted, “Don’t overlook Extreme switches, especially if you want an alternative to Cisco. The X465 packs a ton of performance and features into a 1U box. The multi-rate ports and 100G uplinks give us a flexible foundation to build on.”
7. Dell EMC Networking N3000E Series
The Dell EMC Networking N3000E Series are cost-effective 1GbE switches for enterprise access and SMB networks. Multiple port-count models are available in a 1U form factor.
Purpose and Functionality
N3000E switches deliver Layer 2 switching with basic Layer 3 routing for small to mid-size networks. Web-based management and intuitive CLI make them easy to deploy and operate.
Key Features
- Stackable up to 12 units for simplified management
- Energy-efficient hardware with low power consumption
- Enterprise-class features at an affordable price
- Easy to use web-based GUI and industry-standard CLI
- Limited lifetime warranty with next-business-day replacement
Technical Specifications
- 24 or 48 ports of 10/100/1000BASE-T
- 2 or 4 x 1GbE SFP+ uplinks
- 84 Gbps physical stacking bandwidth
- 176 Gbps switching capacity, 131 Mpps throughput
- 16K MAC addresses and 4K VLANs
- Static and RIP routing with 512 IPv4 routes
- Fanless models available for quiet operation
- Supports PoE+ with up to 30W per port
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent value for basic Layer 2 switching
- Easy to deploy and manage via web GUI or CLI
- Fanless models for noise-sensitive environments
- Limited lifetime warranty with NBD replacement
Cons
- No support for 10 Gigabit Ethernet
- Limited to 84G stacking bandwidth
- Basic Layer 3 feature set
- PoE models limited to 30W per port
How It Compares
The Dell N3000E Series is a reliable, affordable option for cost-conscious organizations that need simple Layer 2 switching. It may lack advanced features, but it covers the basics well.
An IT manager shared, “We have Dell N3000E switches deployed in multiple remote offices. They are perfect for those environments since they just need basic connectivity. The web interface is simple to use, and the CLI is there if we need it. Hard to beat for the price.”
8. Huawei S5720-HI Series
The Huawei S5720-HI Series are high-performance switches designed for enterprise campus networks. They offer a variety of port configurations in a compact 1U form factor.
Purpose and Functionality
S5720-HI switches provide high-density Gigabit access with 10GE uplinks, along with advanced features like Eth-OAM, Smart Link, and L3 routing. The Huawei eSight management platform enables centralized control.
Key Features
- Stackable up to 9 units with 2 Tbps of bandwidth
- Up to 48 ports of Gigabit access with PoE+ support
- 10GE SFP+ uplinks for high-speed connectivity
- Huawei Versatile Routing Platform (VRP) software
- Hot-swappable power supplies and fans
Technical Specifications
- 24 or 48 ports of 10/100/1000BASE-T
- 4 x 10GE SFP+ and 1 x GE management ports
- Up to 2 Tbps of stacking bandwidth
- 598 Gbps switching capacity, 444 Mpps throughput
- 32K MAC addresses and 4K VLANs
- Supports RIP, OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP routing
- Up to 1080W PoE+ power budget
- Integrated USB port for configuration
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High stacking bandwidth up to 2 Tbps
- Versatile Gigabit access with 10GE uplinks
- Advanced L3 features like OSPF and BGP
- eSight platform for centralized management
Cons
- Limited lifetime warranty only on some models
- No multi-rate Gigabit Ethernet support
- Fewer 10GE uplink ports than some competitors
- Less common than Cisco or Aruba in North America
How It Compares
The Huawei S5720-HI is a fully-featured switch that competes well against other mainstream enterprise offerings. Organizations already using Huawei equipment may find it an especially good fit.
One network engineer said, “We use S5720-HI switches in multiple sites as part of an all-Huawei infrastructure. The performance has been rock-solid, and the eSight platform makes management simple. They have been a great value for us.”
9. Netgear M4300 Series
The Netgear M4300 Series are stackable managed switches designed for converged networks. They come in both half-width and full-width 1U models to suit different deployment needs.
Purpose and Functionality
M4300 switches converge audio, video, and data on a single network, with features tailored for AV-over-IP applications. The NETGEAR IGMP Plus™ software enables fast multicast switching.
Key Features
- Stackable up to 10 units with front and rear ports
- Flexible PoE++ with up to 90W per port
- Preconfigured AV profiles for easy deployment
- Layer 3 routing between VLANs
- Redundant power supply units available
Technical Specifications
- 24 or 48 ports of 1G/2.5G/5G/10GBASE-T
- 4 x 10GbE SFP+ and 2 x 1GbE RJ45 uplink ports
- 128 Gbps of stacking bandwidth over HDMI cables
- Up to 1440W PoE++ power budget
- 880 Gbps total switching capacity
- 16K MAC addresses, 4K VLANs, 10K IGMP groups
- Supports static routing, RIP, and VRRP
- Dual hot-swappable power supplies and fans
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Purpose-built for AV-over-IP applications
- Flexible PoE++ powering with 90W support
- Intuitive AV user interface and configuration
- Rear-port stacking for clean cabling
Cons
- Relatively low 128G stacking bandwidth
- No support for full L3 protocols like OSPF
- HDMI stacking cables are proprietary
- 10 switch stacking limit is lower than some
How It Compares
The Netgear M4300 stands out for its AV-over-IP feature set, which is uncommon among other enterprise switches. For general use, it competes well on flexibility and ease of use.
An AV systems engineer shared, “The M4300 has been a game-changer for our AV-over-IP deployments. The preconfigured profiles and AV-oriented UI make setup a breeze. It also handles our general data needs well. The PoE++ is a major plus for powering high-wattage devices.”
10. TP-Link T2700G-28TQ JetStream
The TP-Link T2700G-28TQ is a 24-port stackable Gigabit smart switch with 10GE uplinks. It offers enterprise-level features and performance at an entry-level price point.
Purpose and Functionality
Designed for SMBs, the T2700G-28TQ can handle core switching duties or work as an access layer switch with 10GE connectivity. The JetStream web interface and scheduling features streamline management.
Key Features
- Stackable up to 8 units for unified management
- 4 x 10GE SFP+ ports for high-bandwidth uplinks
- Supports L3 static routing between VLANs
- IPv6 management and hardware ACL
- Limited lifetime warranty and 24/7 technical support
Technical Specifications
- 24 ports of 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45
- 4 x 10GE SFP+ slots
- 64 Gbps of physical stacking bandwidth
- 128 Gbps switching capacity, 96 Mpps throughput
- 16K MAC address table
- Supports 802.1Q VLANs and VLAN routing
- IPv4/IPv6 static routing and hardware ACLs
- 1U rack-mountable, fanless design
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent value for core or access switching
- 10GE SFP+ ports included on all models
- Intuitive web management interface
- Fanless design for quiet operation
- Limited lifetime warranty with 24/7 support
Cons
- Relatively low 64G physical stacking bandwidth
- No PoE support for powering devices
- Limited to static routing, no dynamic protocols
- Fewer security features than some competitors
How It Compares
The TP-Link T2700G-28TQ offers a compelling mix of performance, features, and value for small-to-midsize networks. While it may lack some advanced capabilities, it covers the key bases well.
A small business owner noted, “We’ve been very happy with the T2700G-28TQ switches we deployed. The 10GbE ports were a must-have, and the price was unbeatable. The web UI is easy to navigate. Stacking was simple to set up. We haven’t had any problems, but the warranty and support are great to have.”
Wrap Up
How do you choose the best stackable switch for your network? With so many options available, it’s crucial to consider your specific needs and budget.
The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series stands out for its advanced security and high performance, while the Aruba 2930M offers excellent value and ease of use.
Juniper’s EX4300 excels in scalability and integration with Mist AI, and the Netgear M4300 is a top choice for AV-over-IP applications. Each switch reviewed here brings something unique to the table, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every network scenario.
As technology evolves, investing in a reliable, scalable, and feature-rich stackable switch will future-proof your network and enhance its capabilities.
Make your choice wisely, and enjoy seamless, efficient, and robust network performance for years to come. Ready to elevate your network infrastructure? The right stackable switch awaits you.