Ubiquiti PoE Switch Guide: Which UniFi Switch Powers Your Setup?
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Ubiquiti Networks is best known for UniFi, a family of routers, Wi-Fi access points, cameras and switches that are all managed from one app. Many UniFi devices, such as access points and cameras, run on PoE, short for Power over Ethernet. PoE sends both data and electricity down the same network cable, so a ceiling access point or outdoor camera needs just one cable and no power outlet nearby. A PoE switch is the box that supplies that power, and choosing one comes down to how many ports you need and how much power it can deliver.
The six Ubiquiti switches below range from a tiny 5-port desk switch to 48-port rack switches, and they differ in port count, port speed, total PoE power and uplinks; note that two of them, the USW-24 and the Flex Mini style 5-port, do not list PoE output at all.
Ubiquiti PoE Switches Compared
| Model | Ports | PoE output | Fast uplinks | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USW-Pro-Max-48-PoE | 48 (16 x 2.5 GbE, 32 x GbE) | PoE+ and PoE++, budget not clearly listed | 4 x 10G SFP+ | Not listed |
| USW-Pro-Max-16-PoE | 16 (4 x 2.5 GbE, 12 x GbE) | 180W total | 2 x 10G SFP+ | Desktop, wall, rack |
| USW-PRO-48-POE | 48 x GbE | PoE and PoE+, budget not listed | 4 x 10G SFP+ | 1U rack |
| USW-Ultra-60W | 8 x GbE | 52W (7 PoE+ ports) | None listed | Versatile |
| USW-24 | 24 x GbE | None (non-PoE) | 2 x SFP | Rack |
| Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch | 5 x GbE | Not listed (powered by PoE or USB-C) | None | Desktop |
Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-48-PoE for Large, Fast Networks
Ubiquiti Networks
Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-48-PoE
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-48-PoE
Best for: Large networks needing 2.5 GbE PoE
Pros
- 48 ports, 16 at 2.5 GbE
- PoE+ and PoE++ ports
- Four 10G SFP+ uplinks
- Etherlighting port LEDs
Cons
- Total PoE budget not clearly listed
- Spec block looks unreliable
The Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-48-PoE is the biggest and fastest switch here. It is a 48-port Layer 3 switch, which means it can route traffic between separate networks as well as connect devices. Sixteen ports run at 2.5 GbE (2.5 gigabits per second, faster than standard gigabit), with 8 PoE+ and 8 PoE++. The other 32 ports are gigabit, with 24 PoE+ and 8 PoE++. PoE+ supplies more power than basic PoE, and PoE++ supplies more again, for power-hungry devices such as high-end access points or PTZ cameras.
It also has four 10G SFP+ ports. SFP+ is a slot that takes a small module for fibre or copper, usually used as an “uplink”: the fast link that connects this switch to your router, a server or another switch. Its Etherlighting ports glow to show port location, speed and the network each port belongs to, which helps when tracing cables. The listing mentions DC power but is cut off, and the specification block lists a maximum power of 100 watts and a push-button switch type, which do not fit a 48-port PoE++ switch, so check the total PoE budget and mounting on the product page.
This suits a small business or large home with many 2.5 GbE access points and cameras. Most first-time builders will not need this much.
Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-16-PoE for Home Labs and Small Offices
Ubiquiti Networks
Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-16-PoE (180W)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-16-PoE
Best for: Home labs and small offices
Pros
- 180W PoE budget
- Four 2.5 GbE PoE++ ports
- Silent fanless design
- Desktop, wall or rack mounting
Cons
- Only 16 ports
The Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-16-PoE packs Pro Max features into 16 ports. It has four 2.5 GbE PoE++ ports, twelve gigabit PoE+ ports and two 10G SFP+ uplinks, with a 180W total PoE budget. A PoE budget is the total power the switch can share out across all powered ports, so you add up the needs of your cameras and access points and make sure they fit under that number.
It is a Layer 3 switch with Etherlighting, and it uses silent, fanless cooling, which matters if it sits in a living space. It can sit on a desk, mount on a wall or go in a rack; the description calls it 1U rack-mountable. The listing gives 210W power consumption, dimensions of 6.3 x 12.8 x 1.7 inches and a weight of 4.6 pounds.
This is the best all-round pick for a first-time UniFi builder who wants room to grow, with enough power for several UniFi access points and cameras. If you need more than 16 ports, look at the 48-port models.
Ubiquiti Networks UniFi Pro USW-PRO-48-POE for Rack Builds
Best for: Wired devices with no PoE needs
Pros
- 24 Gigabit ports
- Two SFP slots
- Rack mountable
- Metal case
Cons
- No PoE at all
- Layer 2 only
Ubiquiti Networks
Ubiquiti Networks UniFi Pro USW-PRO-48-POE, 48-port gigabit PoE+ managed layer 2/3 switch with 4 SFP+ 10G uplinks
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ubiquiti Networks UniFi Pro USW-PRO-48-POE
Best for: Rack builds with many PoE devices
Pros
- 48 Gigabit PoE+ ports
- Four 10G SFP+ uplinks
- Layer 2/3 management
- Internal power supply
Cons
- Gigabit only, no 2.5 GbE
- PoE budget not listed
The Ubiquiti Networks UniFi Pro USW-PRO-48-POE is the older Pro-series 48-port switch. All 48 ports are gigabit and support PoE and PoE+ (IEEE 802.3af/at) for access points, cameras and VoIP phones. Four 10G SFP+ uplinks provide 176 Gbps switching capacity and 88 Mpps throughput, according to the listing.
It is a fully managed Layer 2/3 switch with VLANs, spanning tree protocol, 802.1x and RADIUS authentication, a DHCP server and port mirroring, and it works with the UniFi Network application. It is a 1U rack-mountable unit measuring 442.4 x 399.6 x 43.7 mm, with an internal power supply for 100-240V AC and an operating range of -5 to 40°C. The listing does not state a total PoE budget, and parts of its specification block (such as a 12 kiloamp current rating) are clearly garbled.
This suits a rack-based build with many gigabit PoE devices that do not need 2.5 GbE. For 2.5 GbE and PoE++, the Pro Max 48 is the newer choice.
Ubiquiti USW-Ultra-60W for a Few PoE Devices
Ubiquiti Networks
Ubiquiti USW-Ultra-60W
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ubiquiti USW-Ultra-60W
Best for: A few cameras or access points
Pros
- Seven PoE+ output ports
- 52W with included adapter
- Optional PoE++ input
- Compact size
Cons
- Small PoE budget
- No SFP uplink
The Ubiquiti USW-Ultra-60W is a compact Layer 2, 8-port gigabit switch. Seven ports provide PoE+ output, and the eighth port can optionally take PoE++ input, which means it can be powered by another switch upstream. With the included AC adapter, it provides 52W of PoE.
It measures 5.75 x 3.89 x 1.05 inches and has versatile mounting options, according to the description. There are no SFP uplinks listed.
This suits a small home with two or three access points or cameras, or a remote spot like a garage fed by one cable. Watch the 52W budget if you plan several power-hungry devices. For a fuller camera setup, see our UniFi camera system guide.
Ubiquiti Networks UniFi USW-24 Switch for Non-PoE Wired Devices
The Ubiquiti Networks UniFi USW-24 Switch is included for comparison, but it is important to know it is not a PoE switch. The description literally says “24 Port Non-POE Ubiquiti Switch”. It offers 24 gigabit ports and two SFP slots, is managed at Layer 2 and is rack mountable, with a metal case weighing 3 kg.
It cannot power access points or cameras, so pair it with a PoE injector or a PoE switch if you need that. The listing gives very little else.
This suits a network with many wired computers, consoles or TVs and no PoE devices. If you need power over the cable, choose one of the PoE models above.
Ubiquiti Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch for Desks and TV Corners
Best for: Desk or TV corner expansion
Pros
- Powered by PoE or USB-C
- Tiny desktop footprint
- VLAN and port settings
Cons
- Does not list PoE output
- Only 5 ports
The Ubiquiti Compact 5-Port Gigabit Switch is a tiny desktop switch. It is powered either by 802.3af/at PoE from an upstream switch or by USB Type-C. That is PoE input: a PoE switch can power it through one cable. The listing does not say it can pass PoE on to other devices, so do not count on it to power cameras.
The description lists centralized configuration, VLAN settings, per-port mirroring, storm control, jumbo frames and flow control, and it is described as energy efficient with a compact footprint.
This suits a desk or entertainment center where you need a few extra wired ports, powered from the main PoE switch. It is also a handy small gift for someone already using UniFi.
How to Choose the Right Ubiquiti PoE Switch
Count your PoE devices and add up their power. Check each access point and camera’s power need and stay under the switch’s budget. The Ultra gives 52W, the Pro Max 16 gives 180W.
Match port speed. Newer Wi-Fi access points can use 2.5 GbE, which the Pro Max models provide. Gigabit is fine for most cameras and computers.
Plan uplinks. SFP+ ports connect switches and servers at 10G. The Pro Max and Pro 48 models include them.
Decide on mounting. Rack switches suit network cabinets. The Pro Max 16 works on a desk, wall or rack, and the Ultra and 5-port suit small spaces.
Leave room to grow. Buy a few more ports than you need today.
FAQ
Which UniFi switch should I buy first?
For most homes, the USW-Pro-Max-16-PoE balances ports, 180W of PoE and fanless quiet. For just a couple of devices, the USW-Ultra-60W is enough.
Does the USW-24 provide PoE?
No. Its description says it is a non-PoE switch.
What is the difference between PoE+ and PoE++?
Both send power over Ethernet, but PoE++ can deliver more power per port than PoE+, for demanding devices.
What is an SFP+ port used for?
It takes a small module for a fast 10G link, usually to connect switches, routers or servers.
Can the 5-port switch power my camera?
The listing only says it is powered by PoE or USB-C, not that it outputs PoE.
