Quick Answer

Paying extra for more LAN ports is worth it when you have wired gear that needs a stable, low-latency link: a desktop, a console, a NAS, or a smart TV. A router with four Gigabit LAN ports sits around R1,600 to R2,800, and that beats hanging a cheap switch off a two-port box in a cramped setup.

Counting Your Wired Devices First

List what actually plugs in. A gaming PC and a PS5 both benefit from wired Ethernet for the lowest, most consistent ping, and a wired connection sidesteps the Wi-Fi congestion that builds up in a busy flat. If you have three or more wired devices, a four-port router keeps cabling clean instead of daisy-chaining adapters across a small desk.

Check the port speed, not just the count. All four LAN ports should be Gigabit (1000Mbps); some budget routers ship 100Mbps ports that quietly cap your wired devices to a tenth of a gigabit fibre line. A 2.5Gbps port is a bonus only if you run a NAS or a 1Gbps-plus fibre plan that can use it.

Ports Versus A Separate Switch

In a space-limited build, more onboard ports beat a tangle of extra boxes. A router with four Gigabit ports plus Wi-Fi 6 around R2,000 to R2,800 keeps one tidy unit on the desk. Only add a dedicated 5 or 8-port Gigabit switch (from about R450) once you genuinely outgrow four wired devices.

FAQ

How many LAN ports do I actually need?

Most home setups are fine with four Gigabit ports: PC, console, TV, and one spare. If you only wire one device, a two-port router saves money, but four ports cover almost any small build without a switch.

Are 100Mbps LAN ports a problem on fibre?

Yes, if your line is faster than 100Mbps. A 100Mbps port throttles a wired PC on a 200Mbps or gigabit plan, so confirm all ports are Gigabit before buying.

Should I buy a switch instead of a router with more ports?

For four or fewer wired devices, an onboard four-port router is cleaner and cheaper. Add a R450-plus Gigabit switch only when you exceed what the router offers.

TIP

count the cables already running to your desk. If three or more devices are wired, choose a four-port Gigabit router so you never hang a separate switch off a cramped setup.