What Is the Best Poe Switch for IP Cameras in 2026

The best PoE switch for IP cameras in 2024 is the Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDMP), offering seamless power, data, and centralized management for up to 40+ cameras. With robust PoE+ support, advanced VLAN capabilities, and intuitive software, it outperforms competitors in scalability and reliability for both home and enterprise setups. For budget-conscious users, the TP-Link TL-SG108PE delivers exceptional value with plug-and-play simplicity and 802.3af/at compliance.

Key Takeaways

• Choose PoE+ or PoE++ for high-power IP cameras and future-proofing.
• Prioritize managed switches for granular control and VLAN support.
• Ensure sufficient PoE budget to power all connected cameras reliably.
• Look for 802.3at/af compliance to guarantee compatibility with most IP cameras.
• Opt for fanless designs to reduce noise and maintenance in quiet environments.
• Verify port count and speed to match your camera count and bandwidth needs.

Why the Right PoE Switch Can Make or Break Your IP Camera System

Imagine setting up a state-of-the-art IP camera system to monitor your property, only to face intermittent disconnections, laggy video feeds, or cameras failing to power on. The culprit? Often, it’s not the cameras themselves—but the Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch behind them. As surveillance technology advances, so does the demand for reliable, scalable, and efficient network infrastructure. In 2024, choosing the best PoE switch for IP cameras is no longer a secondary decision—it’s a foundational one.

PoE switches simplify installations by delivering both data and power over a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for separate power outlets near each camera. This is especially valuable for outdoor installations, high-ceiling areas, or large-scale deployments where running electrical wiring is costly and impractical. However, not all PoE switches are created equal. From power budgets and port counts to PoE standards and network management capabilities, the wrong choice can lead to performance bottlenecks, overheating, or even system-wide failures. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a PoE switch truly ideal for IP cameras in 2024, helping you avoid common pitfalls and select a solution that ensures 24/7 reliability, scalability, and future-proof performance.

Understanding PoE Standards and Their Impact on IP Cameras

Before diving into specific models, it’s crucial to understand the PoE standards that govern how power is delivered over Ethernet cables. These standards determine compatibility, maximum power output, and safety—all of which directly affect your IP camera performance.

PoE, PoE+, and PoE++: What’s the Difference?

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has defined several PoE standards, each offering increasing power levels:

• PoE (IEEE 802.3af): Delivers up to 15.4 watts per port, with a guaranteed minimum of 12.95W at the device. Ideal for basic IP cameras, door access systems, and low-power devices.
• PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at): Provides up to 30 watts per port (minimum 25.5W at device). Supports higher-resolution cameras, PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) models, and devices with heaters or IR illuminators.
• PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt): Divided into Type 3 (up to 60W) and Type 4 (up to 100W). Designed for high-power devices like PTZ cameras with pan/tilt motors, dual-sensor cameras, or even small edge servers.

For most standard 4K or 5MP IP cameras, PoE+ is typically sufficient. However, if you’re using advanced models with motorized lenses, heaters (for outdoor use in cold climates), or AI-powered analytics, PoE++ may be necessary.

Why Standard Compliance Matters

Using a non-compliant or underpowered PoE switch can lead to:

• Voltage drop over long cable runs (especially beyond 80 meters), causing cameras to reboot or fail.
• Thermal overload when the switch exceeds its total power budget.
• Incompatibility with newer high-power cameras, limiting future upgrades.

Tip: Always check your camera’s datasheet for its PoE requirements. For example, a Hikvision DS-2DE4425IW-DE(T5) PTZ camera requires 18W—just under PoE+’s 25.5W limit. But if you plan to add a heater (common in outdoor models), that could push power needs beyond 30W, making PoE++ essential.

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

Beyond PoE standards, several technical and practical features determine a switch’s suitability for IP camera networks. Let’s break down the most critical considerations.

Total Power Budget

This is the total wattage the switch can deliver across all PoE ports. For example, a 24-port switch with a 150W budget can’t power 24 PoE+ devices (30W each = 720W needed). Instead, it might support 10–15 cameras, depending on their draw.

Calculation Example: If you have 12 4K PTZ cameras, each drawing ~20W, you need at least 240W total power budget. Add a 20% buffer for future expansion: 240W × 1.2 = 288W minimum. Choose a switch with a 300W+ budget.

Port Count and Scalability

• Small deployments (1–4 cameras): A 5–8 port switch suffices.
• Medium (5–16 cameras): 16–24 port switches are ideal.
• Large (17+ cameras): Consider 48-port switches or stacking multiple units.

Tip: Leave 20–30% of ports free for future cameras, NVRs, or access points. Overloading ports can cause network congestion and reduce throughput.

Managed vs. Unmanaged Switches

• Unmanaged switches: Plug-and-play, no configuration. Best for small, static systems (e.g., home security).
• Managed switches: Offer VLANs, QoS (quality of service), port monitoring, and SNMP. Essential for large or multi-site deployments where traffic prioritization and diagnostics are critical.

For IP cameras, managed switches are highly recommended. They let you:

• Prioritize video traffic using QoS to prevent lag during peak usage.
• Create VLANs to isolate cameras from other network traffic (e.g., computers, IoT devices).
• Monitor port status and power usage via web interface or CLI.

Network Speed and Backplane Bandwidth

Most IP cameras require 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps ports. A 24-port 1Gbps switch with a 48 Gbps backplane (e.g., 24 ports × 1 Gbps × 2 for bidirectional traffic = 48 Gbps) ensures no internal bottlenecks. Avoid switches with lower backplane capacity—they’ll choke under heavy video streaming.

Redundancy and Reliability

Look for:

• Dual power inputs: Accepts both AC and DC power (e.g., for backup battery systems).
• Fanless design: Reduces noise and failure points (critical for indoor installations).
• Industrial-grade components: For outdoor or harsh environments (e.g., -40°C to 75°C operation).

Top 5 PoE Switches for IP Cameras in 2024 (Reviewed)

After testing and analyzing dozens of models, we’ve identified the top 5 PoE switches that balance performance, reliability, and value for IP camera systems in 2024.

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

• Ports: 24 x 1G PoE+, 4 x 10G SFP+
• Power Budget: 370W (240W for PoE+)
• Features: Layer 3 managed, VLANs, QoS, fanless, dual power inputs
• Best For: Medium to large businesses, campuses, and multi-site deployments

This switch excels in scalability and redundancy. The 10G uplinks handle 4K/8K camera traffic effortlessly, while the 240W PoE+ budget supports 12–16 high-end PTZ cameras. The fanless design makes it ideal for server closets or offices.

2. Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine Pro + Switch 24 PoE (Best for Smart Homes & SMBs)

• Ports: 24 x 1G PoE+, 2 x 10G SFP+
• Power Budget: 400W
• Features: Integrated router/firewall (UDM Pro), UniFi OS, VLANs, PoE scheduling, cloud management
• Best For: Home users, small offices, and tech-savvy installers

Ubiquiti’s ecosystem shines here. The UniFi Protect integration lets you manage cameras, switches, and access points from a single dashboard. PoE scheduling (e.g., turning off cameras overnight) saves energy. The 400W budget supports 20+ cameras, including 4K models.

3. TP-Link JetStream T1600G-28PS (Best Budget Managed)

• Ports: 24 x 1G PoE+, 4 x 1G SFP
• Power Budget: 192W
• Features: Layer 2 managed, QoS, VLANs, port monitoring, web interface
• Best For: Small businesses, schools, and cost-conscious users

At under $300, this switch offers enterprise-grade management at a fraction of the price. The 192W budget supports 10–12 PoE+ cameras. While it lacks 10G uplinks, it’s perfect for 100 Mbps camera systems.

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

• Ports: 24 x 1G PoE+, 4 x 1G SFP
• Power Budget: 370W
• Features: Layer 3 managed, QoS, VLANs, SNMP, dual firmware images, CLI
• Best For: Large enterprises, hospitals, and government facilities

Cisco’s reputation for reliability and security makes this switch ideal for mission-critical surveillance. The CLI and SNMP support let IT teams integrate it into existing network monitoring tools. The 370W budget ensures headroom for future upgrades.

5. Hikvision DS-3E0518P-E (Best OEM Option)

• Ports: 16 x 1G PoE+, 2 x 1G SFP
• Power Budget: 250W
• Features: Unmanaged, plug-and-play, Hikvision camera compatibility, surge protection
• Best For: Hikvision camera users, small installations

While unmanaged, this switch is optimized for Hikvision’s ecosystem. The surge protection (6kV) is a standout for outdoor deployments. The 250W budget supports 12–15 cameras. A cost-effective choice if you’re all-in on Hikvision.

Installation Tips: Getting the Most from Your PoE Switch

Even the best switch won’t perform if installed incorrectly. Follow these best practices to avoid common issues.

1. Cable Length and Quality

PoE voltage drops over distance. For runs over 80 meters:

• Use Cat 6 or Cat 6a cables (lower resistance than Cat 5e).
• Consider PoE extenders or midspan injectors.
• Test voltage at the camera end with a PoE tester (e.g., Fluke Networks LinkRunner).

Example: A 100-meter Cat 5e run can drop voltage by 15%, potentially starving a camera of power.

2. Power Budget Monitoring

Use the switch’s management interface to:

• Check real-time power draw per port.
• Set alerts for low power budgets (e.g., 80% usage).
• Enable auto-power reset for stuck cameras.

3. VLANs for Traffic Isolation

Create a dedicated VLAN for cameras to:

• Prevent bandwidth competition with other devices.
• Enhance security (cameras can’t access internal servers).
• Simplify troubleshooting (isolate camera traffic).

Configuration Tip: Assign the camera VLAN to a separate subnet (e.g., 192.168.10.x) and use firewall rules to control access.

4. Redundancy and Backup Power

• Connect the switch to a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to maintain operation during outages.
• For outdoor installations, use PoE-powered surge protectors to guard against lightning strikes.
• Consider dual switches in critical systems (e.g., hospitals) with LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) for failover.

Future-Proofing Your Surveillance Network

IP camera technology is evolving rapidly. To ensure your PoE switch remains viable for 5–10 years, consider these forward-looking factors.

Support for Higher-Resolution Cameras

4K and 8K cameras require more bandwidth and power. A 4K camera streaming at 30 fps needs ~20 Mbps—10x more than a 720p camera. Ensure your switch has:

• 10G uplinks to connect to NVRs or core switches.
• High backplane bandwidth to handle multiple streams.

PoE++ (802.3bt) Compatibility

As AI-powered cameras (e.g., those with onboard analytics, facial recognition, or thermal sensors) become mainstream, PoE++ will become standard. Even if your current cameras only need PoE+, choosing a PoE++-ready switch avoids costly upgrades later.

Cloud and Remote Management

Switches with cloud management platforms (e.g., Ubiquiti UniFi, Netgear Insight) let you monitor and configure your network from anywhere. Features like:

• Remote firmware updates
• Email alerts for outages
• Usage analytics

…are invaluable for large or remote installations.

Environmental Resilience

For outdoor or industrial use, choose switches rated for:

• Extended temperature ranges (e.g., -40°C to 75°C)
• IP40 or higher ingress protection (dust/water resistance)
• EMI shielding (to resist interference from machinery)

Comparison Table: Top PoE Switches for IP Cameras (2024)

Model	Ports	Power Budget	PoE Standard	Managed?	10G Uplinks?	Best Use Case	Price Range
Netgear M4300-28G-POE+	24 x 1G, 4 x 10G	370W (240W PoE+)	PoE+ (802.3at)	Yes (L3)	Yes	Large enterprises, campuses	$800–$1,000
Ubiquiti UDM Pro + Switch 24 PoE	24 x 1G, 2 x 10G	400W	PoE+ (802.3at)	Yes (UniFi OS)	Yes	Smart homes, SMBs	$700–$900
TP-Link T1600G-28PS	24 x 1G, 4 x 1G SFP	192W	PoE+ (802.3at)	Yes (L2)	No	Small businesses, schools	$250–$300
Cisco CBS350-24P-4G	24 x 1G, 4 x 1G SFP	370W	PoE+ (802.3at)	Yes (L3)	No	Enterprises, government	$600–$750
Hikvision DS-3E0518P-E	16 x 1G, 2 x 1G SFP	250W	PoE+ (802.3at)	No	No	Hikvision users, small sites	$200–$250

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best PoE Switch for Your Needs

The “best” PoE switch for IP cameras isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your scale, budget, and future goals. For most users in 2024, the Netgear M4300-28G-POE+ strikes the perfect balance of power, scalability, and enterprise features. If you’re building a smart home or small business system, the Ubiquiti UDM Pro + Switch 24 PoE offers unmatched integration and ease of use. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the TP-Link T1600G-28PS, while large organizations will benefit from the Cisco CBS350‘s reliability.

Remember: A PoE switch is more than a power source—it’s the backbone of your surveillance network. Prioritize total power budget, management capabilities, and future-proofing over minor cost savings. With the right switch, your IP cameras will deliver crisp, reliable footage for years to come—rain or shine, day or night. Invest wisely, and your security system will pay dividends in peace of mind and operational efficiency.

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 Dream Machine and Netgear MS510TX. These models offer reliable power delivery, VLAN support, and scalability for both home and enterprise setups.

How many IP cameras can a single PoE switch support?

Most mid-range PoE switches support 4–24 cameras, depending on port count and power budget. Ensure the switch’s total PoE wattage exceeds your cameras’ combined power draw (e.g., 8 cameras at 12W each need a 100W+ budget).

Do I need a managed PoE switch for IP cameras?

Managed PoE switches are ideal for large installations, offering VLANs, QoS, and remote monitoring to optimize camera traffic. For small setups, unmanaged switches work but lack advanced features for troubleshooting or network segmentation.

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

PoE (15.4W), PoE+ (30W), and PoE++ (60W/100W) deliver increasing power per port. Most IP cameras use PoE or PoE+, but high-performance models like PTZ or thermal cameras may require PoE++ for optimal performance.

Can a PoE switch power non-PoE devices?

Yes, PoE switches automatically detect device compatibility and only deliver power to PoE-enabled equipment. Non-PoE devices connect safely without power, but you may need PoE splitters for older IP cameras.

What features should I prioritize in a PoE switch for IP cameras?

Prioritize power budget, port count, and support for IEEE 802.3af/at/bt standards. Bonus features like surge protection, fanless design, and remote management enhance reliability for 24/7 camera operation.