Looking for the best POE Security Cameras or the best system for monitoring cameras. This guide will help you find the Power-over-Ethernet camera (or cameras) that are right for you, as well as the best price. Compared to “Siamese cables,” which were used in the past, security cameras that use PoE technology are much easier to set up and use.
At the same time, they get rid of the need to charge batteries often and get around the security and range problems of wi-fi, which modern wireless systems rely on. Ethernet cables can carry enough power to run a surveillance camera, and if you don’t mind using networking protocols, you can easily handle a digital video signal.
Other cameras connect directly to power and the internet through a router, and you can use an app or software of your choice to access their features. In either case, PoE also makes software updates and P2P security for remote viewing easier. This means you can feel safe putting cameras wherever you want, since they are much harder to hack than, say, a cheap multi-pack of wi-fi cameras. Below we mentioned the Best POE Security Cameras.
Best POE Security Cameras
Axis P3248-LVE
Specifications
| Sensor | 4K |
| Video | 4K @ 30fps |
| Recording format | H.264, H.265 or MJPEG |
| Field of view | 100˚ to 53˚ (4.3-8.6mm) |
| Dimensions | 149 x 149 x 104 mm |
This camera has much better image quality than many of its competitors. Not only does it have 4K, but it also has imaging algorithms that have been carefully tuned to avoid too much sharpening or contrast while still supporting a wide dynamic range.
The AI in Axis can be set up to not only find movement in certain areas but also watch for things like loitering. In fact, the Axis might be too much for the average install, since users can install apps, which are like plug-ins, to add to the already wide range of features. The Axis gallery has over 100 features, such as licence plate recognition.
We couldn’t leave it off the list, though, because despite the price, the varifocal lens (optical zoom) and color and infrared night vision make it a great camera. It also has multiple video streams and can record to a local MicroSD card. So, if you want one of the Best POE Security Cameras, we highly recommend this product.
Pros
- Image quality
- AI can detect behavior like loitering
- Built-in tampering alarm
- Axis platform supports third party apps
Cons
- High price
- Machine learning might be more than you need
- Two-way audio requires extra accessory
Amcrest UltraHD IP5M-B1186EW-28MM
Specifications
| Sensor | 5K |
| Video | 2592 x 1944 px |
| Recording format | H.264, H.265 |
| Field of view | 103˚ |
| Night vision | 30m (100ft) |
| Dimensions | 166 x 69 x 69 mm |
The B1186EW is a classic bullet camera, which is a good shape for a camera as well as a good deterrent. In this case, it gives you a clear 5-megapixel image that you can view on a web browser or NVR. Overall, this is one of the Best POE Security Cameras that you can buy right now. Because the camera has a fairly wide field of view, you can put it up to keep an eye on a large area without having to pay for a PTZ system and deal with all of its extra parts.
With infrared and a low-lux image sensor, the camera can see in the dark. The 5-megapixel image is a good compromise between the large amount of data needed for 4K and the lower resolution of 1080P. We also liked that we could save videos to a MicroSD card onboard, and we can see why some people might like Amcrest’s completely optional cloud service.
Pros
- Wide angle view
- Sensibly priced
- Good low-light performance
- Amcrest Cloud connects to Alexa
Cons
- Wide angle reduces detail at equal distance
- No microphone
ZOSI PoE CCTV Home Security System
Specifications
| Sensor | 2MP |
| Video | 1080P @ 15fps |
| Recording format | H.265+ |
| Field of view | 95˚ |
| Night vision | 30m (100ft) |
| Dimensions | 229 x 43 x 229 mm |
The ZOSI NVR looks like a retro hi-fi component with its brushed gold finish. The cameras don’t have the latest specs, but it comes with a 1TB hard drive and 4 1080P cameras and costs much less than other sets.
Modern features are also present: H.265+ compression is supported, so the drive won’t fill up too quickly, and the Zosi app supports rich alerts, motion detection zones, and privacy alerts, keeping up with much more expensive systems. A Zosi AVSS client for Mac and PC is also available.
There is also room for growth: the system has eight PoE ports and can handle video up to 5 megapixels, so you can add higher-definition cameras in the future if you want to. So, if you want one of the Best POE Security Cameras, we highly recommend this product.
Pros
- Accessibly priced system
- Lower frame rate fills drive less quickly
- App alerts to your phone
Cons
- 15fps limit
- Shorter night-vision than some
Revotech Mini
Specifications
| Sensor | 1/3in CMOS |
| Video | 2304 x 1293 (3MP) @ 20fps |
| Recording format | H.265 |
| Field of view | 65˚ |
| Night vision | 0.1 Lux |
| Dimensions | 30 x 30 x mm |
If you want to try out PoE cameras for the first time, the Revotech Mini is a great choice. The tiny 30mm square camera comes with a bracket that lets you change the angle. It can be connected to a system just as easily as most other PoE cameras, but it costs less and can be hidden even better if you want to use it inside.
Not only that, but the case has been used by other companies, so there are a lot of accessories for it. For example, Revotech sells the camera with a 6-22mm telephoto, which lets you place the camera far away from your target. It’s important to remember, though, that this inexpensive accessory needs to be manually focused. For serious security situations, a PTZ camera might be better because it’s more of a deterrent.
The company’s NVSEE app is available for both iPhone and Android, so it’s easy to see what the camera is seeing in real time. You might find that this camera is all you need. In addition to the ONVIF Profile, it can do things like detect motion. Currently, this is one of the Best POE Security Cameras that you can buy right now.
Pros
- Compact and discrete
- Optional accessories including tele lens
- Straightforward remote access via apps
Cons
- No infrared
- PoE injector required
Annke C800 4K Zoom Bullet Camera
Specifications
| Recording format | H.265+ |
| Sensor | 1/2.5in CMOS |
| Dimensions | 297.5 x 93mm |
| Waterproof | IP67 |
| Field of view | 40-125˚ (diagonal) |
| Video | 4000 x 3000 (12MP) @ 25fps |
This is a very flexible system that uses a Sony EXIR image sensor and a 4x optical zoom, along with a 2.8-12mm varifocal (motorized) lens, to make pictures that look great even in very low light (0.018 Lux). Still, this is one of the Best POE Security Cameras that you can buy right now.
This means that a single camera can cover a large area while looking similar to other bullet cameras though it is slightly bigger than some. The field of view can be changed remotely or by a timed programme.
All of Annke’s behavior analysis and AI systems are built into the camera. These include human recognition to avoid false alarms from moving pets or leaves and scene change detection and defocus detection, which can tell you if someone is trying to mess with the camera and can even be linked directly to the alarms.
Pros
- Large Sony IMX226 CMOS
- Sophisticated AI systems
- Optical zoom
- Ultra
Cons
- Expensive for private buyers
Lorex Fusion Bundle 4K PoE System
Specifications
| Sensor | 1/2.5in CMOS |
| Video | 4K (8MP) @ 25fps |
| Recording format | H.265+ |
| Waterproof | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 175 x 73 x 73mm / Box: 324 x 249 x 60mm |
| Field of view | 108˚ (diagonal) |
The Lorex system is good not only because it uses true 4K cameras, which let you record high-quality video from camera positions, but also because it can be used with up to two other compatible products, such as Lorex’s wi-fi cameras and doorbells, so you can also store video from these places. That gives your security system a more complete picture of what’s going on.
Also, the included NVR records it as continuous video, even from the extra Wi-Fi cameras, and you don’t have to pay a monthly fee. Thanks to the app, you can also talk back and forth, and the on-the-go connection is at least as good as a camera that only works with Wi-Fi.
The included cameras have colour night vision and a metal housing that is very durable. They can work in temperatures from -30°C to 60°C (-22°F to 140°F), so they are both durable and flexible. So, if you want one of the Best POE Security Cameras, we highly recommend this product.
Pros
- Allows smart triggering for lighting
- Face Detection, person detection, & left object options
- Amazon, Google & Apple TV integrations
Cons
- System might be more than you need
- Only 8 PoE sockets (additional wi-fi sensors can be added)
What is a PoE security camera system?
PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology is used to power and send data to IP cameras in a PoE security camera system. An ethernet cable is used to connect a PoE security camera to the network and get power from it. Using the same ethernet cable, video footage can also be sent back to the network to be stored or viewed from afar.
How We Picked The Best PoE Cameras?
Our main job is to test and compare security cameras, so when we write about the best security cameras, we always make sure to cover all the important points. Usually, it takes us months to research, buy, and test cameras. We also come up with our own ways to compare cameras. One of the most important things we looked at for PoE security cameras in particular was how easy they were to set up.
FAQs
What type of cable do PoE cameras use?
PoE cameras get power and send data with the help of an Ethernet cable that supports PoE.
Is PoE better than Wi-Fi?
Both Wi-Fi security systems and systems that use Power over Ethernet (PoE) have their own benefits. Consider a PoE system if you want a security camera system that is reliable, wired, and connected to the internet. A Wi-Fi security system is best for people who want a wireless system.
How much power do PoE cameras use?
How much power a camera needs depends on what kind of camera it is (for example, a fixed camera tends to use less power than a PTZ camera). PoE cameras, on the other hand, don’t usually use a lot of power.
