The 7 Best PoE Switch Review & Buying Guide In 2023

With fast-evolving technology, the variety of components needed for an efficient telecommunication network is also changing. One of the components that are crucial to any network is the network switch. This is because it ensures smooth operation.

Now network switches can be of two types – a Power over Ethernet (POE) switch or a regular network switch. But in this article, we are concerned only about the PoE switch.

PoE or Power over Ethernet switch is a network switch that adds PoE to your network. This is considered to be the most effective way of using PoE when you have multiple PoE-enabled devices such as access points or security cameras.

To ensure that you make a well-informed choice, we have come up with this Best PoE switch guide. In this post, we will tell you how PoE switches work and why you should use them. Along with that, we will also suggest some of the best POE switch currently available in the market.

What is a POE Switch?

PoE switch refers to a network switch that is based on power over Ethernet technology. When linked with multiple network devices, it can support data and power transmission over a single Ethernet cable at the same time.

With the help of the PoE switch, you can easily simplify the cabling process. This in return will help you to reduce the network costs. A Best PoE switch can be of various types, such as managed and unmanaged PoE switch or 48/24/12/8/ port PoE switch.

Best PoE Switch Review

Below you will find the reviews of the best PoE switch available in the market. We have explained the features of each product in detail to give you a good idea about the unit. Go through the reviews and pick the one that you think is right for you.

1. NETGEAR 8-Port PoE Switch (GS108PP): Our Best Pick

Netgear is a trusted brand for network-related devices such as modems, switches, and routers. This is an unmanaged PoE Switch that can be easily connected to your system. But before you think of getting it, let’s take a look at the features.

Addition Plus Point:

• It has 8 PoE+ Ethernet ports with a 123W total power budget.
• It can be easily mounted on a wall, rackmount, or desk without any issues. All the required mounting hardware is provided with the unit.
• It has a simple plug-and-play setup and doesn’t require any software installation or configuration.
• It is an energy-efficient unit in compliance with IEEE802.3az.
• It promotes silent operation, which makes it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments.
• It comes with a limited lifetime warranty, so you can purchase it with confidence.

Best Fit For

If you are looking for a best poe switch for ip cameras, you can consider opting for this one.

2. BV-Tech 6 Port PoE+ Switch: Best Affordable

With 4.5 star ratings, BV-Tech 6 Port PoE switch you will find on the market. This PoE switch is an affordable option for all budget buyers. It comes with unique functions and makes an ideal choice for setting up a wired network in your office or home.

Addition Plus Point:

• It is equipped with 4 PoE+ ports and 2 Ethernet uplink ports at 10/100Mbps each for easy and convenient network setup.
• It is a high-performance unit with port 1 providing up to 60W, and ports 2-4 up to 30W per port. It is a maximum total power of 60W.
• It can be used for PoE transmission over 100 meters to 250 meters distance.
• PD detection will automatically detect and supply the required power demanded by your PoE devices.
• It is backed by a 1-year warranty as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Best Fit For

You can use this unit with PoE switch cameras and CCTVs.

3. TP-Link TL-SG1005P V2 5 Port Gigabit PoE Switch: Best-Selling

TP-Link is arguably the most popular brand for network devices. The TP-Link TL-SG1005P V2 PoE Switch is currently best buy poe switch unit in the market. If you are looking for a quality switch, you should probably opt for this one. But before that, let’s check out the features.

Addition Plus Point:

• It has 4 PoE+ 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports with power up to 30W per port. The total power budget is 65W. It also includes a gigabit non-PoE port for high-speed connections.
• It features a plug-and-play design and easy setup. Unlike other units, it doesn’t need to be configured.
• It prioritizes your traffic and provides high-quality voice or video data transmission with IGMP and Port-based 802.1p/DSCP QoS snooping.
• It comes with a durable metal casing along with wall/desktop mounting which makes it ideal for different environments.
• It has a fanless design to ensure noiseless operation.
• It includes a lifetime warranty and free 24/7 technical support.

Best Fit For

This TP-Link PoE switch makes an ideal choice for security cameras. You can use it both at home or the office.

4. Linksys LGS116P Gigabit PoE+ Unmanaged Switch: Best For Commercial Use

Linksys LGS116P Gigabit PoE+ Unmanaged Network Switch is a simple yet powerful solution for extending your office network. It is a high-performance unit that can be used for video surveillance and IP telephones.

Addition Plus Point:

• This is an unmanaged PoE switch with 16 available ports and a dedicated PoE power budget of 80 W.
• It is designed to stream high-bandwidth files without interference. Compared to other units, it offers reduced transfer times.
• It provides wired connection speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.
• It supports various network standards including IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.3az, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3af, and IEEE 802.3at (PoE+).
• It features a durable and sturdy build that is meant to serve you for a long time.
• It is provided with a 1-year warranty.

Best Fit For

This unit is designed for commercial applications, which means you can use it to set up a security camera system at your office.

5. Cisco SG250-08HP with 8 Gigabit Ethernet Ports PoE Switch: Best Gigabit Unit

This is yet another quality option you can opt for. The Cisco SG250-08HP Smart Switch is efficient enough for a variety of applications. This is ideal for users who are looking for an easy-to-use unit.

Addition Plus Point:

• It comes with a total of 8 gigabit PoE ports with 45W total power.
• Compared to other PoE switches, this one is easy to install and includes a WebUI interface for convenient use.
• It supports VLANs and static routing along with IGMP technology for delivering high performance.
• It provides customizable routing, switching, and wireless solutions catering to every stage of your business.
• It includes many useful features such as SNMP, PnP, auto-discovery, Cisco FindIT Network Manager, zero-touch deployment, etc.
• It comes with a built-in security feature including Cisco Umbrella. It helps mitigate breaches while keeping privacy intact.

Best Fit For

This unit is mainly suitable for offices. It is ideal for users who are willing to get an Ethernet connection for NVR systems.

6. D-Link 8 Port Ethernet Gigabit Unmanaged PoE Switch: Best Design

D-Link is yet another brand that is trusted by users. It is similar to TP-Link in terms of quality and performance. The D-Link PoE Switch comes with 8 ports and has a durable design. To give you a better idea about the unit, we have listed the features below.

Addition Plus Point:

• The first 4 ports of the unit support the 02.3at PoE and IEEE 802.3af protocol. Each of these four ports supplies up to 30 watts for a total PoE budget of 68 watts. Plug and Play Installation.
• It is a plug-and-play unit that doesn’t need to be configured.
• It is compact and has a fanless design. This allows you to install it anywhere power or data is required.
• It also supports IEEE 802.1p QoS, which automatically prioritizes compliant device traffic.
• Unlike many other units, this one operates silently and is ideal for office and home use.
• It is easy to install because of the plug-and-play design.
• It has an auto MDI/MDIX crossover for all 8 ports.

Best Fit For

You can use this PoE switch for applications that are away from power outlets. It can also be used in situations where you want to reduce the clutter of additional cables.

7. MokerLink 24 Port PoE Switch: Best Features

If you are in search of a PoE switch with lots of great features, Mokerlink 24 Port PoE switch is best buy for you. It has received very good ratings from users which says a lot about the unit.

Addition Plus Point:

• It has a built-in 400W power supply, which can be directly connected to the outlet using a power cord. Unlike other units, it doesn’t require an external power adapter.
• It is equipped with a LED light that indicates the working status and troubleshoots ports.
• This unit can automatically detect power devices. It supports IEEE802.3af/at protocol, which delivers the exact power supply to your devices with up to 30W power output.
• It comes with a durable metal case along with a high-quality fan for excellent heat dissipation.
• It is easy to use the unit with a plug-and-play design. All you need to do is connect it to the PoE devices and power cable.
• It includes 24 PoE ports and 2-gigabit UpLink ports to provide more bandwidth.
• It has a maximum power output of 400W. Due to the built-in power supply, installing the unit becomes easy.
• When used in the extended mode, you can use the unit to cover a distance of 250 meters.
• It has a small and compact design.
• It is backed by a 1-year limited warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Best Fit For

This unit can be used for a large number of applications. For instance, you can connect it to wireless access points, HD IP cameras, routers, modems, NVRs, etc. It delivers 100% satisfaction to users.

Buying Guide For The Best PoE Switch

Buying a PoE switch is not an easy task, especially if you don’t have much idea about it. In most cases, people seek professional help when it comes to installing a PoE switch. But if you want to choose a PoE switch on your own, you will need to make yourself familiar with the technology. We have pointed out the important factors that you need to consider when buying a PoE switch.

• Purpose

You need to first determine why you need a PoE switch. This is an important factor that cannot be ignored. You can do your research to understand your needs and buy a PoE switch that will suit your requirements the best.

• Type

Before you set out to buy a PoE switch, you need to know the type of PoE switches that exist.

• Unmanaged POE switch: An unmanaged POE switch allows Ethernet gadgets to interact with each other.
• Managed POE switch: Managed POE switches provide more power over LAN traffic.
• Hybrid POE switch: This type of PoE switch is needed for business applications.

check out Gigabit Switch vs Fast Ethernet Switch if you want more information about the switch.

• Total Power Budget

When buying a POE switch, you should consider the power available at each port. Besides that, you also need to consider the total power budget of the unit. You need to buy a switch that has sufficient power to support your devices in your system. This is why it is recommended you get a POE switch with a high power budget, so it can efficiently power your current system and future upgrades.

• Bandwidth Capacity

There exist different types of POE switches in terms of bandwidth capacity. For instance, some PoE switches have a bandwidth capacity of 10 to 100 Mbps, and some others have up to 1 Gbps speed. The advantage of using a high bandwidth POE switch is that it allows you to install top-quality cameras in your systems.

• Number of Ports

The next important thing to consider is the available number of ports as it represents the capacity of the switch. The PoE switch you are buying should have more ports than the number of cameras in your PoE system. This will allow you to connect all your CCTVs without any hassles.

• Stacking 

Stacking allows you to boost productivity so that you can make the most out of the available resources. This feature also helps you to increase adaptability. However, it should be noted that this feature is not applicable to PoE switches installed for personal home utilization. To buy a switch with this feature, you will need to spare some extra money.

• Transmission Distance

PoE switches are helpful when it comes to transmission over a large distance. This is why many users opt for a switch in the first place. Before you get a PoE switch make sure to measure your workspace or home. You must look for an efficient switch to improve productivity.

Where to Use PoE Switch?

Now that you know what a PoE switch is, let’s talk about the way it is used. PoE switch is primarily used for wireless access points (WAP), VoIP phones, and IP cameras.

• VoIP Phone

This is probably the most common application of a PoE switch. It requires just a single connection to a wall socket and can be powered down remotely. A gigabit PoE switch requires only a data network cable. With the help of an efficient PoE switch, you can promote business communications and also cut down on VoIP deployment costs.

• Wireless Access Points

Using a PoE, you can drastically enhance a wireless network. PoE technology transforms a wireless network by providing electricity and data over the same Ethernet cable. Not just that, but you can also simplify access points and controllers with a PoE Ethernet switch. This is why it is the most popular way to build an enterprise wireless network.

• IP Camera

A PoE switch can be used for data connection and power supply to a PoE-enabled IP camera system. This can be made possible through network cables like Cat6, Cat5, and Cat5e. Regardless of the location or industry, IP security cameras have become important as it is needed to ensure the safety of business and people.

Why use PoE Switch?

Installing a PoE switch has many advantages. This includes:

• Reliability

PoE power comes from a compatible source, instead of a set of distributed wall adapters. It can also be supported by a continuous power supply.

• Flexibility

PoE switch facilitates power through an Ethernet cable. It also eliminates the need for any extra electrical wiring. This allows you to install equipment wherever it is needed. The combination of wireless and PoE technology can help you set up a cable-free setting. 

• Cost-Efficient

A PoE network switch eliminates the need for additional electrical outlets and wires. This allows you to save a significant amount on maintenance and installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

PoE technology is not only more cost-effective but also less time-consuming. It makes an ideal choice for cable installation by supplying electrical power over the network cable. Not just that, but you can also use a PoE switch with multiple devices such as an IP camera, wireless AP, and VoIP phone. If you are currently looking for the best PoE switch, you can choose from the given list of options. Hopefully, you will find what you are looking for.

Related Posts:

• Managed Vs. Unmanaged Network Switch: Which One You Choose?
• Difference Between Switch and Router | Switch Vs. Router
• 10 Best Coaxial Cables for Internet, TV, Modem, Antenna
• 7 Best Managed Switch Reviews & Buying Guide