Hubs & Switches

How to Choose the Best Hubs & Switches in the UK: Top Stores, Brands and Practical Buying Advice

Why hubs and switches still matter in 2025

Ever wondered why a busy home or small office still needs a decent switch even when Wi‑Fi seems to work fine? Wired networking gives predictable speeds, lower latency, and better reliability — think of it as the motorway for your data, where traffic flows smoothly instead of crawling in a jam. Whether you stream 4K content, run IP cameras, or link multiple devices in a studio, the right hub or switch keeps everything moving. In this guide I’ll walk you through the best UK places to buy switches, the brands to trust, and how to pick the right features without getting lost in techno-jargon.

Top UK stores to buy hubs & switches

Looking for a place to buy? The UK market has a mix of specialist electrical merchants and large tech retailers that stock networking gear. Specialist stores often list professional brands and PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches, while mainstream retailers carry consumer-friendly unmanaged switches and Wi‑Fi access gear. Below I highlight stores mentioned in the product list you supplied and add other reputable UK outlets where you can comparison-shop.

Expert Electrical — specialist networking and electrical supplies

Expert Electrical is known for carrying pro-grade parts that installers and advanced DIYers prefer. You’ll find Dahua managed and PoE switches, desktop unmanaged switches with a few PoE ports, plus structured wiring essentials such as RJ45 inserts and telephone modules. If you need multi‑port 16 or 24‑port switches or Cat5e wall sockets like Hamilton or Varilight, this kind of specialist outlet often has them in stock and can advise on compatibility with CCTV systems and smart home devices.

Downlights — lighting specialists that stock switches and accessories

Don’t be surprised to see "Downlights" stores appear in networking lists — many lighting and electrical retailers also supply wall plates, telephone inserts, and smart dimmer switch hardware from brands like Hamilton and Ener‑j. These outlets can be a good source for smart dimmer switches that integrate with home automation, plus matching faceplates so your networking sockets look neat alongside your lighting hardware.

Large retailers and specialist electronics shops

For comparison-shopping, check the likes of Currys PC World, Ebuyer, Scan, RS Components, CCL, and Amazon UK. These retailers cover a wide range from entry-level unmanaged switches to rack‑mount managed PoE switches and also stock brands such as Dahua, Cisco, Netgear, TP‑Link and Ubiquiti. If you want a one‑stop shop for cables, patch panels and patch leads, mainstream retailers and specialist online merchants make it simple to build a complete setup.

Managed vs unmanaged switches: which one do you need?

Choosing between managed and unmanaged switches is one of the first decisions you'll face. Think of an unmanaged switch as a basic power strip for Ethernet — plug and play with no knobs to tweak. Managed switches are the professional control panel: VLANs, QoS, port mirroring, SNMP monitoring and more give you full control of traffic and security. Which one is right depends on your needs.

When to pick an unmanaged switch

Go unmanaged if you have a small home network or a simple office setup where devices are few and traffic is light. They're inexpensive, require no configuration, and are ideal for linking smart TVs, consoles, and a couple of PCs. They’re also a good choice when you just need a handful of extra ports — for example, a 6‑port or 8‑port desktop switch with a few PoE ports for cameras or VoIP phones.

When to pick a managed switch

If you run a busy small business, host VoIP phone systems, manage multiple VLANs for security, or need traffic shaping for video streams, a managed switch is worth the extra cost. Managed models from brands like Dahua and Cisco let you isolate visitor networks, prioritise voice and video traffic with QoS, and monitor performance remotely. For camera deployments, managed PoE switches can also help you manage power budgets and schedule reboots for devices.

PoE switches and IP cameras: a practical view

PoE (Power over Ethernet) changed how IP cameras and access points get power — one cable for data and electricity. If you’re installing CCTV, look for switches with enough PoE budget to power all cameras and some spare capacity for future expansion. For example, a Dahua 16‑port PoE managed switch is a popular choice among installers because it balances port count with power output and management features.

How to size PoE power requirements

Each PoE camera might draw anywhere from a few watts to over 30 watts for PTZ models with heaters or IR. Add up the maximum power draw of every camera and compare that to the switch’s total PoE budget. If you plan growth, add a safety margin — typically 20 to 30 percent — so you don’t overload the switch later. For example, if your cameras total 250 watts, choose a switch with at least 300 watts of PoE budget.

Port count, speed and uplink: picking the right spec

Decide how many devices you need to connect today and what you might add later. Switches commonly come in 5, 8, 16 and 24 port sizes; for small offices, 16 or 24 ports are common. Make sure the ports are Gigabit (10/100/1000) if you transfer large files or use network‑attached storage — Gigabit is the norm for modern networks.

Uplink ports and stacking

Uplink or SFP ports let you connect switches using fibre or higher‑speed links, useful for connecting floor switches back to a core switch in larger installations. Stacking capability is handy if you want multiple switches to behave as a single logical unit. For a home or small office, a single Gigabit uplink is usually enough, but larger installs can benefit from 10‑gig uplinks and SFP modules for future‑proofing.

Cabling essentials: Cat5e, Cat6 and practical lengths in feet

Cable choice matters. Cat5e is often adequate for Gigabit connections, while Cat6 gives better noise rejection and headroom for future standards. A common camera or data cable length you’ll see in listings is about 131 ft (roughly a 40‑meter equivalent) — that’s more than enough for most rooms. Keep in mind the Ethernet maximum recommended cable length is about 328 ft, so plan runs accordingly and avoid daisy‑chaining long patch leads.

Choosing connectors and wall plates

Match sockets and faceplates to the brand and finish you prefer: Hamilton and Varilight make decorative RJ45 and telephone inserts in a range of finishes. For a clean install, choose pre‑wired keystone jacks and faceplates that match your interior. If a product listing mentions a telephone module or RJ11 outlet, check whether you need an RJ45 data socket alongside it for modern devices.

Brands to consider: Dahua, Hamilton, Varilight, Click, Ener‑j, Malmbergs and ESP

Brand choice affects warranty, software features, and long‑term reliability. Dahua is well known for CCTV and network switches with PoE and management features tailored to camera systems. Hamilton and Varilight are established makers of sockets, inserts, and switch plates ideal for neat, coordinated installs. Click produces modular electrical outlets and telephone sockets often used in residential projects. Ener‑j focuses on smart dimming and wireless receivers that blend lighting and control — handy when building smart homes. Malmbergs supplies cable accessories and extension leads, while ESP and similar brands provide Cat5e and Cat6 cables tailored to camera and networking needs.

Smart home integration: dimmers, smart switches and networked control

If your goal is a networked smart home, look for devices that support popular ecosystems (Zigbee, Z‑Wave, Wi‑Fi, or proprietary hubs). Ener‑j smart dimmers and Hamilton G2 smart switches often fit into broader home automation setups and can coexist with networked devices on the same infrastructure. When adding smart switches alongside network outlets, think about power and interference — keep wireless access points and cables neat and separated where possible for best performance.

Installation tips and best practices

A tidy installation improves reliability and makes future changes easier. Use a labelled patch panel for multi‑cable installs, and keep cable runs bundled with Velcro ties rather than tight plastic ties. If rack‑mounting a switch, remember a standard 1U rack space is 1.75 inches high — plan ventilation and airflow so the switch doesn’t overheat. For wall‑mounted units, keep them away from heat sources and moisture. Always test every run with a cable tester before terminating to avoid chasing intermittent faults later.

Power and cooling tips

Managed switches with lots of PoE power can run warm. Leave adequate clearance, and if you install several in a cabinet consider forced ventilation or separate the PoE units to prevent heat buildup. If you use a UPS for protection, ensure it can handle the switch’s power draw plus any PoE load you expect during an outage.

How to save money without sacrificing quality

Price compares matter. Look for seasonal sales at larger retailers, refurbished or ex‑demo stock from reputable sellers, and bundle deals that include patch leads and wall plates. Specialist stores sometimes offer trade pricing or discounts on multi‑unit purchases. Remember that the cheapest switch may lack features you need, while a midrange managed unit often delivers better long‑term value through power savings and network stability.

Warranty and support considerations

Longer warranties and robust firmware updates are signs of a manufacturer that stands behind its products. For mission‑critical installs, check whether the switch supports firmware rollbacks, remote monitoring, and has clear documentation. Even when buying locally, check the manufacturer warranty terms — they vary by brand and product class.

Making the final decision: a simple checklist

Before you click buy, run through a quick checklist: how many ports do you need now and in the near future, do you need PoE, will you require VLANs or QoS, is Gigabit speed necessary, and do you want a desktop or rack‑mount unit? Also pick a trusted seller — either a specialist like Expert Electrical for pro gear or mainstream retailers for convenience and returns. Taking five minutes to check these points can save hours of frustration later.

Final words on future‑proofing your network

Networks evolve. A modest investment in a managed switch today can pay dividends as you add cameras, VoIP phones, or media servers. Choose brands known for firmware updates and a good support ecosystem, and plan cabling runs with extra capacity so you won’t need to rewire in a few years. With the right hardware and a bit of planning, your network will be fast, stable, and ready for whatever new devices come through your door.

Conclusion: Whether you’re a DIYer wiring a new home or an installer building a small office network, there’s a solution available across UK stores — from specialist suppliers like Expert Electrical to lighting and electrical retailers that stock accessories and smart dimmers. Prioritise port count, PoE budget, and whether you need management features. Match cabling and faceplates to your interior finishes, and pick retailers and brands that give you confidence with warranties and support. With these tips, you’ll make a choice that works today and keeps your network humming tomorrow.