Best Ubiquiti PoE Switches for UniFi Networks

Introduction 

Building a reliable, high-performance network infrastructure is the backbone of any modern business, campus, or prosumer setup. When it comes to seamless management and enterprise-grade features, Ubiquiti’s UniFi ecosystem is the gold standard. But a network is only as strong as its foundation, and that foundation is your switch infrastructure. Specifically, Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches are the unsung heroes of the UniFi world. 

Whether you are deploying Wi-Fi 7 Access Points (APs), high-resolution security cameras, or VoIP phones, choosing the right switch is critical. In this guide, we break down the 10 Best Ubiquiti PoE Switches for UniFi Networks to help you build the perfect setup.

Why PoE Switches Matters for UniFi Networks

Power over Ethernet, or PoE, allows compatible devices to receive electrical power and network connectivity through the same Ethernet cable. That can simplify the installation of UniFi Access Points, Security Cameras, VoIP Phones, and other supported devices because you do not need a separate power cable and nearby outlet for every endpoint. Ubiquiti offers PoE Switches with different power budgets and PoE standards, so the right choice depends on both the number of devices and their individual power requirements.

• Simpler cabling: One Ethernet cable can carry both data and power to compatible endpoints.
• Centralized power: Connected devices can receive power from the Network Switch rather than separate adapters.
• Better placement options: Access Points and cameras can be installed in locations where an electrical outlet may not be convenient.
• Different PoE levels: PoE+, PoE++, and higher input options support different power requirements, making it important to check device compatibility.
• Centralized management: UniFi switches can be managed through the UniFi Network platform, giving administrators a common interface for network hardware.
• Room for network segmentation: Supported models provide VLAN features that can help separate users, cameras, voice devices, guest traffic, and other network services.

Which Ubiquiti PoE Switch Is Best for You? 

The best Ubiquiti PoE Switch depends on your network size, connected devices, power requirements, and uplink needs. Here are the top 10 models, to help you find your perfect match.

1. Ubiquiti USW-Pro-8-PoE

The Ubiquiti USW-Pro-8-PoE is a strong option when you need a compact Managed Switch but still want Layer 3 functionality and faster uplinks. It has eight 1 GbE RJ45 ports, with six supporting PoE+ and two supporting PoE++, plus two 10G SFP+ ports. Its 120W PoE budget gives a small UniFi deployment enough capacity for several powered devices, while inter-VLAN routing, static routing, DHCP services, and other Layer 3 features make it more capable than a basic access switch.

Key Features: 

• Ports: 8 x 1 GbE RJ45, including 6 PoE+ and 2 PoE++
• Uplinks: 2 x 10G SFP+
• PoE budget: 120W
• Switching capacity: 56 Gbps
• Non-blocking throughput: 28 Gbps
• Forwarding rate: 42 Mpps
• Form factor: Compact desktop or wall mount
• PoE output: Up to 32W PoE+ and 64W PoE++ per port

2. Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-8-PoE 

The Ubiquiti USW-Flex-2.5G-8-PoE is aimed at networks that need more speed at the edge. All eight 2.5 GbE RJ45 ports support PoE++, while a 10 GbE RJ45 uplink and a 10G SFP+ port provide high-speed connectivity back to the rest of the network. With up to 196W available from its 210W AC adapter configuration, it can support a larger collection of powered devices than many compact switches.

Key Features: 

• Ports: 8 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 PoE++
• Uplink: 1 x 10 GbE RJ45 PoE+++ and 1 x 10G SFP+
• PoE budget: Up to 196W with 210W AC adapter input
• Switching capacity: 60 Gbps
• PoE per port: Up to 64W PoE++
• Mounting: Desktop, wall, DIN, or magnetic
• Management: UniFi Network

3. Ubiquiti USW-Ultra-210W

The Ubiquiti USW-Ultra-210W is designed for compact installations that need a higher PoE budget without moving to a larger rack-mounted chassis.When powered by the optional 210W AC adapter, the switch can provide up to 202W of PoE availability, which is a major step up from the lower-power Ultra configuration.

Key Features: 

• Ports: 8 x 1 GbE RJ45
• PoE ports: 7 x PoE+
• PoE input: 1 x PoE++
• PoE availability: Up to 202W with 210W AC adapter
• Switching capacity: 16 Gbps
• Supported VLANs: 256
• Form factor: Desktop, wall, or magnetic

4. Ubiquiti USW-Pro-24-PoE 

Despite the product description sometimes being presented inconsistently, the USW-Pro-24-PoE is a 24-port Layer 3 switch. It has 24 1 GbE RJ45 ports, with 16 supporting PoE+ and eight supporting PoE++, along with two 10G SFP+ uplinks. Its 400W PoE budget gives it enough capacity for a much larger collection of Access Points, cameras, phones, and other powered endpoints.

Key Features: 

• Ports: 24 x 1 GbE RJ45
• PoE: 16 x PoE+ and 8 x PoE++
• Uplinks: 2 x 10G SFP+
• PoE budget: 400W
• Switching capacity: 88 Gbps
• Supported VLANs: 1,000
• Layer: Layer 3
• Power redundancy: USP RPS support

5. Ubiquiti USW-Lite-8-PoE

The Ubiquiti USW-Lite-8-PoE is a straightforward choice for smaller UniFi Networks. It has eight 1 GbE RJ45 ports, four of which support PoE+, with a total PoE budget of 52W. That makes it a good fit for a small office, home office, branch location, or simple deployment with a few powered endpoints.

Key Features: 

• Ports: 8 x 1 GbE RJ45
• PoE ports: 4 x PoE+
• PoE budget: 52W
• Switching capacity: 16 Gbps
• Non-blocking throughput: 8 Gbps
• Forwarding rate: 12 Mpps
• Supported VLANs: 1,000
• MAC address table: 8,000
• Form factor: Compact desktop or wall mount
• Layer: Layer 2

6. Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-16-PoE

The Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-16-PoE sits between compact 8-port switches and larger 24-port models. It has 12 1 GbE PoE+ ports and four 2.5 GbE PoE++ ports, giving it a useful mix for modern networks that are adding faster endpoints. Two 10G SFP+ ports provide high-speed uplinks to a core switch, server, or other network hardware.

Key Features: 

• Ports: 12 x 1 GbE PoE+ and 4 x 2.5 GbE PoE++
• Uplinks: 2 x 10G SFP+
• PoE budget: 180W
• Switching capacity: 84 Gbps
• Non-blocking throughput: 42 Gbps
• Forwarding rate: 62 Mpps
• Layer: Layer 3
• Form factor: Rack mount, desktop, or wall
• Etherlighting: Supported

7. Ubiquiti USW-16-PoE

The Ubiquiti USW-16-PoE is a 16-port rack-mounted switch that provides eight PoE+ ports and two 1G SFP ports. Its total PoE budget is 42W, so it is better suited to deployments with modest power requirements than networks that need to power many high-draw devices at the same time.

Key Features: 

• Ports: 16 x 1 GbE RJ45
• PoE ports: 8 x PoE+
• Uplinks: 2 x 1G SFP
• PoE budget: 42W
• Switching capacity: 36 Gbps
• Form factor: 1U rack mount
• Layer: Layer 2

8. Ubiquiti USW-Pro-XG-8-PoE 

The Ubiquiti USW-Pro-XG-8-PoE is aimed at users who need 10 GbE at the access layer rather than only at the uplink. All eight RJ45 ports support 10 GbE and PoE++, while two 10G SFP+ ports provide additional high-speed connectivity. 

Key Features: 

• Ports: 8 x 10 GbE RJ45 PoE++
• Uplinks: 2 x 10G SFP+
• PoE budget: 155W
• Switching capacity: 200 Gbps
• Non-blocking throughput: 100 Gbps
• Forwarding rate: 149 Mpps
• Supported VLANs: 1,000
• Layer: Layer 3
• PoE per port: Up to 60W PoE++
• Etherlighting: Supported

9. Ubiquiti USW-Pro-48-PoE

For larger installations, the Ubiquiti USW-Pro-48-PoE provides 48 GbE RJ45 ports and four 1/10G SFP+ ports. Its 600W PoE budget is designed for networks with a large number of powered endpoints, while eight ports support 60W PoE++ and the remaining ports support PoE or PoE+ depending on the device.

Key Features: 

• Ports: 48 x 1 GbE RJ45
• Uplinks: 4 x 1/10G SFP+
• PoE budget: 600W
• PoE++ ports: 8
• Switching capacity: 176 Gbps
• Non-blocking throughput: 88 Gbps
• Forwarding rate: 130.944 Mpps
• Maximum PoE++ output: 64W per port
• Form factor: 1U rack mount
• Layer: Layer 3 capable

10. Ubiquiti US-24-500W (500W)

The US-24-500W (Gen 1 Classic) remains a legendary workhorse for legacy installations requiring legacy 24V passive PoE alongside standard 802.3af/at power. It includes two SFP uplink ports for fiber connectivity. This model is best for established UniFi networks requiring a high PoE budget but not necessarily the latest features like multi-gigabit ports or Layer 3 routing. 

Key Features: 

• Ports: 24 × 10/100/1000 Mbps 
• PoE budget: 500W
• Switching Capacity: 52 Gbps
• Total Non-Blocking Throughput: 26 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: ~38.69 Mpps
• Maximum Power Budget (PoE): 500 W
• PoE Standards: IEEE 802.3af/at + 
• Max PoE+ Wattage per Port: Up to ~34.2 W
• Power Input: 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
• Form Factor: Rack-mountable, 1U high

Comparison Matrix

Installation Tips for UniFi PoE Networks

To ensure your UniFi network runs smoothly for years to come, follow these best practices during installation:

• Calculate the PoE load: Add the expected power requirements of connected devices and keep spare capacity for expansion.
• Check PoE standards: Confirm whether each endpoint needs PoE, PoE+, or PoE++ before connecting it.
• Plan VLANs: Separate guest access, staff devices, cameras, voice traffic, and management traffic where the network design calls for it.
• Choose the right uplink: Use SFP+ or faster Ethernet uplinks when connecting the switch to high-speed network hardware.
• Check cable runs: Verify cable quality and distance before relying on multi-gigabit Ethernet or higher PoE levels.
• Leave room for growth: A few unused ports and spare PoE capacity can prevent an expensive replacement later.
• Keep power in mind: Larger PoE switches can draw substantial power, so the electrical circuit and backup power system should match the installation.

Power Your UniFi Network with Compu Devices

Choosing the right PoE switch is about matching your hardware to your actual network requirements. A small home network might only need a compact 8-port switch. A growing business may benefit from a 16- or 24-port model, while larger deployments could require 48 ports and a substantial PoE budget.

At Compu Devices, we stock a broad inventory of networking devices including switches, routers, transceivers, adapters and other essential accessories. Our networking experts can help you design the perfect topology, calculate your exact budgets, and provide the hardware you need to keep your business connected. 

Contact Compu Devices Today for a custom quote and expert consultation on your next UniFi deployment.

FAQs

1. Do I need a Layer 3 switch if I already have a UniFi Gateway?

No. A Layer 3 switch is not automatically required simply because you are using a UniFi Gateway. In many UniFi Networks, the Gateway handles routing between VLANs and networks while the switch handles Ethernet connectivity and Layer 2 functions. A Layer 2 PoE Switch can be enough for a small or medium deployment where routing is centralized at the Gateway.

2. Do I need Layer 3 for a small office UniFi network?

Usually, no. A small office with a UniFi Gateway, one or more UniFi switches, several access points, and a few VLANs can typically operate perfectly well without relying on Layer 3 switching. For most small offices, factors such as PoE budget, port count, uplink speed, reliability, and manageability are more important when choosing a switch.

3. How do I calculate PoE budget for multiple APs and cameras?

Start by identifying the maximum PoE power requirement of every device you plan to connect.For example:4 APs × 20W = 80W8 cameras × 10W = 80W2 phones × 7W = 14WEstimated total = 174WRemember that actual power consumption can vary depending on the device, features being used, and operating conditions. Use the manufacturer's specifications for final planning.

4. Can I mix Lite, Pro, and Flex switches in one UniFi network?

Yes. Different UniFi switch families can be used within the same UniFi Network environment as long as the network design, VLAN configuration, uplinks, PoE requirements, and supported software versions are compatible. A business does not need to use one switch model throughout the entire building.

Also read: 

Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches: Features, Benefits, and Use Cases