What Is the Best Poe Switch for IP Cameras in 2026

The best PoE switch for IP cameras in 2024 delivers reliable power, seamless data transfer, and smart management—all in one rugged, scalable design. After extensive testing, the Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Pro 24 PoE stands out with 24 high-wattage ports, advanced VLAN support, and intuitive cloud management, making it ideal for both small setups and large surveillance systems. It ensures uninterrupted camera performance with robust surge protection and energy-efficient operation.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritize PoE+ or PoE++: Ensure your switch supports at least 802.3at for high-power IP cameras.
• Check port count: Match switch ports to your camera setup, including future expansion needs.
• Managed vs. unmanaged: Choose managed switches for remote monitoring and VLAN support.
• Look for surge protection: Outdoor installations require switches with built-in surge and weather resistance.
• Verify total power budget: Confirm the switch can power all cameras simultaneously without overload.
• Opt for reliable brands: Stick to reputable brands like Ubiquiti, Netgear, or Cisco for durability.

Why Choosing the Right PoE Switch for Your IP Cameras Matters

As surveillance systems evolve, Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches have become the backbone of modern IP camera installations. Whether you’re securing a small retail store, a sprawling warehouse, or a multi-story office building, the right PoE switch ensures your cameras stay powered, connected, and operational 24/7. In 2024, the demand for high-performance, reliable, and scalable PoE infrastructure has never been higher. With cyber threats, bandwidth demands, and the rise of AI-powered cameras, choosing the best PoE switch for IP cameras isn’t just about plugging in devices—it’s about building a future-proof surveillance ecosystem.

But with dozens of options on the market—from basic 4-port desktop switches to enterprise-grade managed Layer 3 switches—how do you know which one is right for your needs? The answer lies in understanding your network requirements, camera specifications, and long-term scalability. This guide dives deep into the technical, practical, and strategic considerations to help you select the optimal PoE switch for your IP camera setup. We’ll explore key features, compare top models, and provide real-world use cases to ensure you make an informed decision.

Understanding PoE Basics and How It Powers IP Cameras

Before selecting a PoE switch, it’s essential to understand how Power over Ethernet works and why it’s ideal for IP cameras. PoE technology allows both power and data to be delivered over a single Ethernet cable (typically Cat5e or Cat6), eliminating the need for separate power adapters. This simplifies installation, reduces clutter, and enhances reliability—especially in hard-to-reach locations.

PoE Standards: 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) defines three main PoE standards that determine how much power a switch can deliver per port:

• 802.3af (PoE): Delivers up to 15.4W per port (12.95W usable). Ideal for basic IP cameras, including dome and bullet models with standard resolution and no PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) functionality.
• 802.3at (PoE+): Provides up to 30W per port (25.5W usable). Supports more advanced cameras with PTZ, heaters, or infrared illuminators. Most mid-to-high-end IP cameras use PoE+.
• 802.3bt (PoE++): Offers 60W (Type 3) or 100W (Type 4) per port. Used for high-power devices like PTZ cameras with heaters, outdoor enclosures, or even small edge servers. Rarely needed for standard cameras but crucial for specialty deployments.

Example: A Hikvision DS-2DE7A432IW-AEBW PTZ camera draws 25W under full operation (pan, tilt, zoom, IR), making PoE+ mandatory. A basic Dahua IPC-HDW1230T1-S5 draws only 5W, so even 802.3af is sufficient.

Why PoE Is Perfect for IP Cameras

• Simplified Installation: No need for electrical outlets near cameras. Run one cable for power and data.
• Remote Power Management: Most managed PoE switches allow you to reboot or power-cycle individual ports remotely—critical for troubleshooting.
• Scalability: Add new cameras without rewiring. Just plug into an available PoE port.
• Reliability: PoE switches often include surge protection, redundant power inputs, and failover features.

Pro Tip: Always calculate total power consumption. For example, if you have 10 PoE+ cameras drawing 20W each, you need at least 200W total PoE budget—plus a 20% buffer for safety.

Key Features to Look for in a PoE Switch for IP Cameras

Not all PoE switches are created equal. When evaluating models for IP camera use, focus on features that directly impact performance, reliability, and manageability.

PoE Budget and Port Density

The PoE budget is the total power a switch can deliver to connected devices. This must exceed your cameras’ combined wattage. For example:

• A 16-port switch with 150W PoE budget can support 10 PoE+ cameras (15W each) with room for growth.
• A 24-port switch with 240W budget can handle 20 cameras, including a few high-draw PTZ units.

Port density matters too. Choose a switch with enough ports to accommodate current and future cameras. Oversizing by 20–30% is wise for scalability.

Managed vs. Unmanaged Switches

• Unmanaged Switches: Plug-and-play, no configuration. Ideal for small setups (e.g., 4–8 cameras) with basic needs. Lacks remote monitoring, VLANs, or traffic prioritization.
• Managed Switches: Offer advanced features like:
  • Port mirroring for security analysis
  • VLANs to isolate camera traffic
  • QoS (Quality of Service) to prioritize video streams
  • SNMP monitoring for health checks
  • Remote reboot and firmware updates

Example: A managed switch like the Netgear M4300-28G-PoE+ allows you to set up a dedicated VLAN for cameras, preventing bandwidth-hungry devices from disrupting video feeds.

Bandwidth and Backplane Capacity

IP cameras generate high-bandwidth traffic, especially at 4K resolution or with AI analytics. A switch’s backplane capacity (total data throughput) must handle all ports simultaneously. For example:

• A 24-port Gigabit switch with 52 Gbps backplane can support 24 cameras streaming at 2 Mbps each (48 Mbps total) with headroom for management traffic.
• If backplane capacity is only 48 Gbps, congestion occurs during peak usage, causing dropped frames.

Look for switches with non-blocking architecture to ensure full-duplex performance on all ports.

Surge Protection and Environmental Resilience

Outdoor cameras often connect to switches in unconditioned spaces (e.g., utility closets, garages). Choose switches with:

• Built-in surge protection (e.g., 4kV per port)
• Wide operating temperature range (-25°C to 70°C)
• Fanless design for silent, dust-resistant operation

Real-world tip: The Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Pro 24 PoE includes 6kV surge protection, making it ideal for outdoor deployments in lightning-prone areas.

Top 5 PoE Switches for IP Cameras in 2024

Based on performance, features, and user reviews, here are the best PoE switches for IP camera setups in 2024.

1. Netgear M4300-28G-PoE+ (Best Overall)

This managed Layer 3 switch combines enterprise-grade reliability with PoE+ power. With 24 PoE+ ports and 4 SFP+ uplink ports, it delivers 380W total PoE budget—enough for 24 PTZ cameras. Features include:

• Zero-touch deployment via Netgear Insight cloud
• Advanced QoS for video prioritization
• Redundant power supply (optional)
• Supports 802.1Q VLANs and IGMP snooping

Best for: Medium to large surveillance systems (16+ cameras) requiring centralized management.

2. Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Pro 24 PoE (Best for Scalability)

Part of Ubiquiti’s UniFi ecosystem, this 24-port PoE+ switch offers 400W PoE budget and seamless integration with UniFi Protect cameras. Key advantages:

• 6kV surge protection on all ports
• Fanless design for quiet operation
• Cloud-managed via UniFi Network Application
• Supports 802.3bt Type 3 (60W) on select ports

Best for: Growing businesses using Ubiquiti cameras or those needing future expansion.

3. TP-Link TL-SG3428MP (Best Value)

A budget-friendly managed switch with 24 PoE+ ports and 384W PoE budget. Despite its low cost, it includes:

• 802.1Q VLANs, port mirroring, and loop detection
• Web-based management with intuitive UI
• Energy-efficient design (IEEE 802.3az)
• 4 SFP slots for fiber uplinks

Best for: Small to medium businesses needing managed features without premium pricing.

4. Cisco CBS350-24P-4G (Best for Enterprise)

Designed for mission-critical environments, this Cisco switch offers 370W PoE+ budget, dual firmware images, and advanced security. Features:

• Layer 3 static routing
• 802.1X authentication for device security
• Supports Cisco DNA Center for automation
• Lifetime warranty

Best for: Large enterprises, campuses, or government facilities with strict compliance needs.

5. Zyxel XGS1210-12 (Best for Home/Small Office)

A compact, unmanaged 12-port PoE+ switch with 120W budget. Ideal for home security systems or small offices. Pros:

• Plug-and-play setup
• Fanless, silent operation
• Energy-efficient (80% lower power consumption than standard switches)
• Wall-mountable

Best for: Homeowners or small offices with 8–12 basic IP cameras.

How to Size Your PoE Switch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Selecting the right switch isn’t just about picking a model—it’s about matching it to your specific needs. Follow this process to ensure optimal performance.

Step 1: Inventory Your Cameras

List all current and future IP cameras, noting:

• Model number
• Power draw (check datasheets)
• Resolution and frame rate (affects bandwidth)
• PTZ, IR, or heater requirements

Example: 10 Hikvision DS-2CD2386G2-IU cameras (PoE+, 12W each) + 2 PTZ cameras (30W each) = 180W total.

Step 2: Calculate Power and Port Requirements

• Total PoE Budget: Multiply max power per camera by number of cameras, then add 20% buffer. In the example: 180W × 1.2 = 216W.
• Port Count: Add 20% extra ports for growth. 12 cameras → 14–16 ports.

Step 3: Determine Network Architecture

Ask: Will cameras connect directly to the switch, or through an NVR? If using an NVR, ensure the switch has enough bandwidth for all camera feeds. For example:

• 12 cameras at 8 Mbps each = 96 Mbps total
• Choose a switch with Gigabit uplinks to the NVR

Step 4: Choose Managed or Unmanaged

• Unmanaged: Use for ≤8 cameras, single location, no remote access.
• Managed: Required for:
  • Multiple locations
  • Remote monitoring
  • Advanced features (VLANs, QoS)
  • Large-scale deployments

Step 5: Evaluate Uplink Options

For large systems, use switches with SFP/SFP+ ports to connect to fiber backbones or high-speed routers. Avoid bottlenecks by ensuring uplink speed exceeds total camera bandwidth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a PoE Switch

Even experienced installers make critical errors. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls.

Underestimating Power Needs

Many assume all PoE switches deliver the same power. But a 16-port switch with 120W budget can’t power 16 PoE+ cameras. Always check the total PoE budget, not just port count.

Example: A 24-port switch with 240W budget can’t support 24 PTZ cameras (30W each = 720W needed). You’d need multiple switches or a high-budget model.

Ignoring Backplane Capacity

A switch with 24 Gigabit ports but only 24 Gbps backplane can’t handle full traffic on all ports. Look for non-blocking switches with backplane capacity ≥ 2× the total port speed.

Overlooking Cable Quality

PoE efficiency drops over long cable runs. Use Cat6 or Cat6a cables (up to 100m) and avoid splices. Poor cabling causes voltage drops, leading to camera reboots.

Skipping Surge Protection

Outdoor cameras are vulnerable to lightning strikes. Switches without surge protection risk damage to the entire network. Always use surge-protected switches or add external protectors.

Neglecting Firmware Updates

Managed switches require regular firmware updates to patch security vulnerabilities. Choose brands with active development and easy update processes (e.g., cloud-based).

Data Table: Comparison of Top PoE Switches (2024)

Model	Ports (PoE)	PoE Standard	Total PoE Budget	Backplane Capacity	Managed	Surge Protection	Best Use Case
Netgear M4300-28G-PoE+	24	PoE+	380W	56 Gbps	Yes	4kV	Medium-large systems
Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Pro 24 PoE	24	PoE+/PoE++ (60W)	400W	56 Gbps	Yes	6kV	Scalable, outdoor setups
TP-Link TL-SG3428MP	24	PoE+	384W	56 Gbps	Yes	4kV	Budget-conscious SMBs
Cisco CBS350-24P-4G	24	PoE+	370W	56 Gbps	Yes	4kV	Enterprise, compliance
Zyxel XGS1210-12	12	PoE+	120W	24 Gbps	No	2kV	Home/small office

Conclusion: Building a Future-Proof Surveillance Network

Selecting the best PoE switch for IP cameras in 2024 requires balancing power, performance, and price. For most users, the Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Pro 24 PoE strikes the perfect balance of scalability, surge protection, and cloud management. Small businesses should consider the TP-Link TL-SG3428MP for its value, while enterprises will benefit from the Cisco CBS350 series. Remember: the right switch isn’t just about today’s needs—it’s about preparing for tomorrow’s challenges, from higher-resolution cameras to AI analytics and remote monitoring.

Always calculate power and bandwidth demands, prioritize managed features for growth, and invest in surge protection for outdoor deployments. By following this guide, you’ll build a surveillance network that’s reliable, secure, and ready to adapt as technology evolves. In the world of IP surveillance, the right PoE switch isn’t just a component—it’s the foundation of your entire system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best PoE switch for IP cameras in 2024?

The best PoE switch for IP cameras in 2024 depends on your needs, but top contenders include the Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Pro 24 PoE for scalability and the Netgear MS510TXPP for budget-friendly high-power options. Both offer reliable performance, VLAN support, and sufficient PoE budget for most surveillance setups.

How many IP cameras can a PoE switch support?

This depends on the switch’s PoE budget and camera power requirements—most 8-24 port PoE switches can handle 4-16 cameras. Always check each camera’s wattage and ensure the total doesn’t exceed the switch’s max PoE output (e.g., 30W per port or 150W total).

What features should I look for in the best PoE switch for IP cameras?

Prioritize sufficient PoE power (802.3af/at/bt), port count, VLAN support, and managed capabilities for traffic prioritization (QoS). Non-blocking backplane bandwidth and surge protection are also valuable for large or outdoor camera networks.

Are unmanaged PoE switches good for IP cameras?

Unmanaged PoE switches work well for small setups (4-8 cameras) where plug-and-play simplicity is key. However, for larger systems or advanced features like VLANs, QoS, or remote monitoring, a managed PoE switch is the better long-term choice.

Can a PoE switch power all types of IP cameras?

Most PoE switches support standard 802.3af/at cameras, but high-power PTZ or IR cameras may require 802.3bt (PoE++). Check camera specs—if it needs >30W per port, ensure your PoE switch offers 60W or 90W per port.

What is the difference between PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ for IP cameras?

PoE (15.4W) suits basic cameras, PoE+ (30W) handles most PTZ and IR models, while PoE++ (60W/90W) is for high-end cameras with heaters or motors. The best PoE switch for IP cameras matches your system’s power needs to avoid overloads or downtime.