While wireless security cameras promise simple setup, their spotty connectivity and limited range can leave blind spots in your coverage. For robust and reliable surveillance, PoE cameras are the way to go—they draw continuous power and data over Ethernet for nonstop, high-definition monitoring. To spotlight the leading plug-and-play PoE cams for homes and businesses, we put popular models through their paces and narrowed down to five security all-stars.
Top Picks
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Best overall: REOLINK 8CH 5MP Home Security Camera System
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Best budget: Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) Outdoor Security IP Turret PoE Camera
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Best for night vision: ZOSI 4K 16CH PoE Security Camera System
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Best for large areas: REOLINK 4K PoE Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle Security Camera System
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Best flexible: Lorex 4K Security Camera System
Best PoE Security Cameras Buying Guide
Video quality:
Look for cameras with 4K resolution and wide dynamic range for clear day and night video. Most of option we recommend come with 4K so you can easily pick the one you need such as the REOLINK 8CH 5MP Home Security Camera System.
Field of view:
A larger field of view lets you monitor a bigger area. But a too-wide view can distort the image or miss details. Some security cameras offer adjustable FOV or interchangeable lenses. The best option for large view security cameras is the REOLINK 4K PoE Ultra-Wide Viewing Angle Security Camera System.
Audio:
Look for two-way audio to listen in and communicate via the camera's built-in mic and speaker. The audio quality is important for clearly hearing and talking to people in the camera's view. Examples: ZOSI 4K 16CH PoE Security Camera System has high-quality two-way audio to easily talk to someone on your property.
Night vision:
For 24/7 monitoring, look for infrared night vision with long range and good image quality in low light and darkness. For instance, The ZOSI 4K 16CH PoE Security Camera System has color night vision up to 100 feet away.
Smart features:
Look for useful smart features like motion detection zones, facial recognition, people/vehicle detection, and smart alerts. These features can reduce false alerts and help you monitor for specific activity.
Apps and remote access:
Consider the camera's mobile apps and remote access options. Look for 24/7 live streaming, access to recordings, and controls to pan/tilt/zoom the camera as needed. Examples: The Reolink Go lets you remotely access your cameras and footage on the go via the Reolink app or software.
See also:
FAQs
1. Do I need a PoE switch or injector?
PoE cameras require Power over Ethernet to receive power and data over a single Ethernet cable. If your network router or switch doesn't support PoE, you'll need to use a separate PoE switch or a PoE injector. The injector plugs into your router and provides power to the camera via Ethernet.
2. How many cameras do I need?
This depends on the size of your home or business and the areas you want to monitor. For basic coverage, 2-4 cameras are typical but you may want more cameras for larger properties or to monitor high-risk areas. It's best to place cameras at entry/exit points and other strategic locations with a good view of potential activity.
Conclusion
PoE security cameras offer a simple plug-and-play solution for 24/7 surveillance. By comparing models on key factors like video quality, field of view, and smart features, you can find cameras suited to your needs and budget. Our recommendations and buying guide will help you choose PoE cameras to professionally monitor your home or business with high performance and reliability.
