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Quick answer: Get the GS305 for almost any home or small office, because it does the same job with slightly lower power use, and Netgear’s own store listed it for less. Pick the GS105 only if you already run them or you find one at the same price.
GS305 vs GS105: Specs at a Glance
Highlighted rows show where the two products differ.
Specs are from Netgear’s listings for the GS305v3 and the current GS105 page, which links the GS105v5 data sheet.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Network Performance
Both switches are five-port, unmanaged gigabit models, so each port runs up to 1,000 Mbps with nothing to configure. Netgear’s spec sheets also match on the numbers that decide how a small switch handles traffic: 128 KB of packet buffer and a 2K MAC address table. Neither one has PoE or any multi-gig port. Plugged in between a router and a few wired devices, you should expect the same speed from either.
Winner: Tie
Build and Design
Netgear lists both switches in metal housings, so neither is the cheap plastic option some buyers worry about. Sizes are very close, with the GS305 slightly deeper in one direction and the GS105 slightly in the other, and the GS105 is also a touch heavier at 0.261 kg against 0.24 kg. Either one will sit behind a TV or under a desk without trouble, and their footprints are close enough that shelf space should not decide this.
Winner: Tie
Power Use
The GS305 is rated at a maximum of 2.34 W, while the GS105 lists 2.7 W. Both are tiny numbers, and neither will show up on your electric bill in any meaningful way. Still, if a switch is going to run every hour of the year, the lower figure is the better one, and the GS305 gets there with no loss of features that matter at this level.
Winner: GS305
Features and Jumbo Frames
Netgear spells out jumbo frame support up to 9,216 bytes on the GS305, while the GS105 page just says jumbo frames are supported. Both pages also mention 802.1p traffic prioritization, which helps keep voice and video traffic moving when the switch is busy. For home use you will rarely touch these details, but it is useful to know that the cheaper-looking model is not missing anything important here.
Winner: Tie
Value and Warranty
Both switches carry Netgear’s limited lifetime hardware warranty, so long-term protection does not separate them. The difference is what you pay. Netgear’s US store listed the GS305 for noticeably less than the GS105 at the time of writing, and the GS305 is marketed as an Essentials model built for simple home and small office setups. Since the specs line up so closely, paying more for the GS105 rarely buys anything extra.
Winner: GS305
Winner by Category
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the GS305 if:
- You want the lowest-cost metal gigabit switch from Netgear
- You care about the lower power rating
- You want a simple plug-in network expansion
Buy the GS105 if:
- You already run GS105 switches and want a matching one
- You find it at the same price as the GS305
- You prefer the slightly thinner case
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GS105 faster than the GS305?
No. Both have five gigabit ports with the same 128 KB buffer, so speed is the same in normal use.
Do the GS305 and GS105 need setup?
No. Both are unmanaged switches that work once you plug in power and Ethernet cables.
Are both switches metal?
Yes. Netgear lists a metal housing for both models, and both carry a limited lifetime hardware warranty.
Can either switch power devices over Ethernet?
No. Neither supports PoE. Netgear sells separate PoE versions, such as the GS305P, if you need to power cameras or access points.
Final Verdict
The GS305 is the better buy for most people who need a basic 5-port switch. The two switches share gigabit speed, the same buffer and MAC table, a metal case, and a lifetime warranty, so the choice comes down to price and power draw. The GS305 wins both, while the GS105 is only worth buying if it costs the same or you want to match existing hardware.