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PoE (Power over Ethernet) security camera systems are a reliable choice for both home and business monitoring. These wired security camera systems use Internet Protocol (IP) cameras with PoE technology. Instead of requiring separate ethernet and power cables, a PoE security camera uses a single ethernet cable to draw power, connect to the internet, and transmit video footage to the network.
“PoE cameras are the industry standard for professional installations and are highly recommended for most consumers, especially for permanent setups,” says Cameron Walker-Miller, director of Standards & Technology with the Security Industry Association.
To help you find a suitable PoE security system for your needs, we reviewed more than a dozen top-rated models. The Reolink RLK8-810B4-A Smart 4K Security Kit is our favorite. It includes four cameras (including a bullet camera) and is filled with safety and security features such as human and vehicle detection, effective night vision, and audio recording for excellent home monitoring.
Read on to learn more about how these cameras work, and check out our recommendations for the best PoE security camera systems to monitor your property.
- BEST OVERALL: Reolink RLK8-Reolink RLK8-800B4 Smart 4K Security Kit800B4 Smart 4K Security Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Amcrest ProHD Outdoor Security IP Turret PoE Camera
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DOME: Amcrest UltraHD 4K 8MP Dome POE IP Security Camera
↓ Jump to Review - BEST TWO-WAY AUDIO: Hiseeu 4K PoE Security Camera System
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MOTION-DETECTION: Reolink RLK8-520D4-5MP Home Security Camera System
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HEAT-SENSING: Swann Master-Series 8-Camera, 8-Channel NVR System
↓ Jump to Review
| Product Name | Type | Video Resolution | Storage Capacity |
| Reolink RLK8-800B4 Smart 4K Security Kit | Bullet camera | 4K | 2TB |
| Amcrest ProHD Outdoor Security IP Turret PoE Camera | Turret camera | 5MP | N/A |
| Amcrest UltraHD 4K 8MP Dome POE IP Security Camera | Dome camera | 4K | N/A |
| Hiseeu 4K PoE Security Camera System | Bullet camera | 5MP | 3TB |
| Reolink RLK8-520D4-5MP Home Security Camera System | Dome camera | 5MP | 2TB |
| Swann Master-Series 8-Camera, 8-Channel NVR System | Bullet camera | 4K | 2TB |
Our Top Picks
System setup, video storage, and home/business monitoring can be easy with the best PoE security camera products ahead.
Best Overall
Reolink RLK8-800B4 Smart 4K Security Kit
What We Like
- All-in-one starter kit
- Excellent security features
- Easily expandable camera system
What We Don’t Like
- Rather narrow 87-degree horizontal viewing angle
Specs
- Type: Bullet camera
- Video resolution: 4K
- Storage capacity: 2TB
The Reolink RLK8-800B4 Smart 4K Security Kit pairs classic bullet cameras with several smart security features, making it a great PoE security camera system for most homes. We like that the presence of a bullet camera makes it obvious that the home is being monitored, but if that’s not enough of a deterrent, this camera has several security features for added protection.
This security kit includes four PoE cameras, an eight-channel NVR with a 2TB storage capacity (expandable to 12TB), the necessary cables to get started, and a mounting template and hardware. The cameras capture sharp 4K footage within the viewing angle, and the IP67 weatherproof housing means this camera is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Other features include human and vehicle detection, audio recording, night vision up to 100 feet, video playback filters, record schedules, and motion zones.
Get the Reolink RLK8-810B4-A PoE security camera system on Amazon or at Lowe’s.
Best Bang for the Buck
Amcrest ProHD Outdoor Security IP Turret PoE Camera
What We Like
- IP67 weatherproof housing
- Wide field of view
- Affordable price point
What We Don’t Like
- Fixed; doesn’t pan or tilt
- Only includes one camera
- PoE injector or switch not included
Specs
- Type: Turret camera
- Video resolution: 5MP
- Storage capacity: N/A
The Amcrest IP5M-T1179EW-AI-V3 PoE camera offers a budget-friendly way to monitor your home. It features a super-wide 132-degree viewing angle, 5MP resolution for clear playbacks, and built-in one-way audio.
The Amcrest PoE video surveillance camera sends motion alert notifications via the Amcrest View app. It also includes Amcrest Surveillance for Windows and Mac, which allows you to playback or record videos professionally. The camera is compatible with a 256GB microSD card (sold separately) and the Amcrest Cloud remote storage subscription, which allows users to store their videos at an off-site, third-party location.
While this PoE outdoor camera is fixed and won’t pan or tilt, it does have night vision capabilities of up to 98 feet.
Get the Amcrest PoE security camera system on Amazon or Amcrest.
Best Dome
Amcrest UltraHD 4K 8MP Dome POE IP Security Camera
What We Like
- Weather- and tamper-resistant
- Wide viewing angle
- Advanced zone detection
What We Don’t Like
- Only includes camera
- Lacks human detection
Specs
- Type: Dome camera
- Video resolution: 4K
- Storage capacity: N/A
A dome camera is the best choice for those seeking a tamper-resistant option. Amcrest UltraHD 4K 8MP Dome POE IP Security Camera has a range of attractive features that make it an excellent option for home or commercial use.
With an IP67 housing, this camera can be installed indoors or outdoors. The vandal-resistant camera records in 4K resolution, day or night, with a 125-degree viewing angle. Night vision illuminates the view up to 98 feet away. Motion detection alerts make it simple for users to keep a watchful eye when away, with live view and video footage playback accessible from the Amcrest app. The app also allows users to set detection zones (as well as detection sensitivity) to cut down on false alerts.
This product only includes the camera, so users will need to pair it with a compatible NVR and hardware. Amcrest also offers an optional Cloud storage service for those who want to store videos online.
Get the Amcrest PoE security camera system on Amazon.
Best Two-Way Audio
Hiseeu 4K PoE Security Camera System
What We Like
- 2-way audio feature
- Face detection sensors
- IP67 weather-resistant casing
- Affordable PoE IP camera system
What We Don’t Like
- Not the most user-friendly interface
Specs
- Type: Bullet camera
- Video resolution: 5MP
- Storage capacity: 3TB
Two-way audio makes it easy to communicate with whoever is in front of the camera, whether to speak with an expected visitor or spook an intruder. The Hiseeu is an affordable PoE CCTV camera system that includes two-way audio. This security camera kit includes four PoE cameras, an eight-channel NVR, and installation and mounting hardware. The IP67 weatherproof housing means these cameras can be installed indoors or outdoors.
This system also boasts face detection to notify the mobile app as soon as a person is detected, so users can respond and communicate immediately via two-way audio. The camera features night vision as well. In terms of storage, this system includes a 3TB NVR, which will hold several days’ worth of footage from the cameras, each of which offers 5MP video resolution (a step down from 4K resolution that still offers an excellent picture).
Get the Hiseeu PoE security camera system on Amazon.
Best Motion-Detection
Reolink RLK8-520D4-5MP Home Security Camera System
What We Like
- 100 foot night vision
- 2-way audio capabilities
- Person and vehicle detection
What We Don’t Like
- Narrow viewing angle
Specs
- Type: Dome camera
- Video resolution: 5MP
- Storage capacity: 2TB
The Reolink RLK8-520D4-5MP has advanced motion-detecting capabilities, distinguishing people and vehicles from other objects. It also distinguishes trivial movements (like those from bugs or leaves) from suspicious movements. The Reolink smartphone app will send security alerts to your phone when any suspicious activity occurs.
We appreciate the 18 infrared LED lights in each of the four cameras, enabling the system to capture clear footage from up to 100 feet away at night. The IP66 waterproof certified cameras work well indoors or outdoors.
While this PoE IP camera system only has four cameras, it can be upgraded to eight and is compatible with all other Reolink PoE cameras.
Get the Reolink RLK8-520D4-5MP PoE security camera system on Amazon and Walmart.
Best Heat-Sensing
Swann Master-Series 8-Camera, 8-Channel NVR System
What We Like
- Motion- and heat-sensing capabilities
- Color night vision
- Bright sensor spotlights
What We Don’t Like
- Very narrow viewing angle
Specs
- Type: Bullet camera
- Video resolution: 4K
- Storage capacity: 2TB
When motion detection doesn’t offer enough security, a heat-sensing camera can ensure no intruders are missed. The Swann Master-Series 8-Camera, 8-Channel NVR System includes both, as well as eight cameras, a 2TB eight-channel NVR, and installation and mounting hardware. Each camera features a heat and motion sensor, which can be set to trigger the sensor lights, start video recording, or send a push notification to the user-friendly app.
Each audio-enabled PoE surveillance camera can be installed indoors or outdoors to record clear and crisp 4K footage. There’s also a spotlight on each camera, which enables the system to capture color night footage up to 32 feet (or black-and-white night footage up to 130 feet). The 80-degree viewing angle is decidedly narrow, but with such great detection features, it’s unlikely that the system will miss a thing.
Get the Swann PoE security camera system on Amazon.
How We Chose the Best PoE Security Camera Systems
A security camera system is an investment in your safety and peace of mind, so it’s important to find the right option for your home. When selecting the best PoE security camera systems, we kept reliability, ease of installation, and security features in mind. We chose camera systems from reputable brands, conducting extensive product research and reviewing shopper feedback to find dependable cameras.
Installing a security camera system can feel daunting, so to make the task easier, we prioritized camera systems with plug-and-play installation processes. When looking at full-system products, we also considered what came in the package; systems that included an NVR, cables, and mounting hardware rose to the top.
For better security (and the best value), we looked for cameras with robust security features, including motion detection, human recognition, night vision, and even a model with heat detection. We also prioritized systems with ample storage space that make it easy to store footage. Lastly, security shouldn’t come at an exorbitant price, so we chose several budget-friendly options.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best PoE Security Camera Systems
Most PoE security camera systems include one or more PoE cameras as well as a network video recorder (NVR) to store the video footage. Stand-alone PoE cameras are also available for those who only need a single camera or for adding onto an existing system. The important features to keep in mind when choosing the best PoE security camera or camera system are explained ahead.
Type
PoE ethernet cameras are available in the most popular security camera types, which include bullet, dome, turret, and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ).
- Bullet cameras, named for their cylindrical shape, are a basic and popular option. They have a fixed viewing angle and tend to offer great image quality. Plus, they obviously look like a camera, which by itself can make them a good visual deterrent against intruders.
- Dome cameras, so called for their rounded housing made of break-resistant glass or plastic, also have a fixed viewing angle. Their small size and protective housing make them discreet and vandal-resistant, but the dome can cause glare, which can negatively impact image quality.
- Turret cameras have a compact design and fixed viewing angle similar to that of a dome camera but without the glass housing. While this makes turret cameras less tamper-resistant, it also eliminates the image quality issues that can be caused by dome glass.
- PTZ cameras are able to pan, tilt, and zoom, offering variable viewing angles. Users can move the camera’s field of view and zoom to see the area in more detail.
Video Quality and Viewing Angle
PoE cameras can have excellent video quality with a resolution range from 1080p up to 4K. The higher the camera resolution, the more detailed the video image, which can mean the difference between identifying an intruder and useless footage. Most folks concerned about security will want a PoE camera with the best resolution they can afford.
The viewing angle, also called the field of view, refers to the visible area that the camera covers. The viewing angle can range from around 80 to a full 360 degrees. Some cameras also have a zoom feature, which allows users to zoom in on the camera’s field of view.
Security Features
The security features available with power over ethernet cameras for video surveillance include motion detection, night vision, facial recognition, vehicle recognition, and audio.
- Motion detection will notify users and/or start recording as soon as the camera detects movement in the area. Effective motion detection means the camera won’t miss a thing.
- Night vision cameras make it possible to see footage taken in the dark, providing 24-hour security. This may not be necessary in areas that are well lit around-the-clock (such as inside a store), but it could be backup in an emergency should the lights go out. When evaluating night vision, consider how far the camera can capture footage. Most can capture black-and-white footage up to 100 feet away; some cameras have powerful built-in spotlights to capture color nighttime footage.
- Facial recognition is a high-tech feature available on some cameras that can identify and/or confirm identity by a person’s face. Typically, most PoE cameras can discern between a human being—which will trigger an alert and/or record—as opposed to a windblown leaf or a neighborhood critter passing by.
- Vehicle recognition can be especially useful for business security. Cameras with vehicle recognition will send an alert or start recording when a vehicle comes into view. Some have a license-plate-capture feature for even more robust security.
- Audio allows users to hear as well as see what’s going on in the field of view. This adds an extra level of security since many cameras are video only.
Storage Capacity
PoE security cameras can have onboard storage, but most security camera systems will connect to a network video recorder (NVR) to store video footage. A larger storage capacity means the NVR can store more footage. These camera systems will overwrite old footage as they record more.
Many of the best NVR camera system options come with at least 1 terabyte (TB) of storage. For four-camera systems, look for at least 1TB of storage, and for eight-camera systems, look for at least 2TB. Video quality and clip length will affect storage space, but even in camera systems with 4K video, 1TB or 2TB of storage space should allow the system to store days to weeks worth of footage. Many systems also have an expandable storage capacity.
Smart Integration and Notifications
One major advantage of internet-connected cameras is the ability to respond to problems quickly. For this reason, remote access is a crucial feature to look for. Many cameras can be viewed remotely from a smartphone. These camera systems can be set up to notify users when motion or sound is detected; users can then log in to view a live stream or stored footage.
Along with remote access, some PoE security camera systems also have smart-home integrations. This is less common in PoE cameras than wireless cameras, but the most common integration is voice-assistant compatibility. This feature allows users to access the system using voice commands and/or receive audio notifications as well as an alert to their phone.
Waterproof and Vandal Proof
A security camera is only useful if it’s running properly, so ensure that the system is equipped for its environment. Weather-resistant construction is essential to ensure that an outdoor security camera will not be damaged by stormy conditions.
Look for a PoE external camera with an IP66 rating or higher. The IP (Ingress Protection) code measures how well protected a device is against dust and water intrusion. IP66 cameras are dustproof and protected against powerful water jets, meaning they’ll hold up well to bad weather or an accidental spray from the garden hose.
A vandal-resistant design is also an important feature for some homes and many businesses. A dome camera, with its break-resistant glass or plastic shield, will offer the best protection against tampering.
Ease of Installation
One of the main draws of a PoE security camera system is its ease of installation. Since each camera only needs to connect to an ethernet cable, most systems feature a plug-and-play design where users simply connect the camera, the NVR, and the router to start monitoring and recording.
The power over ethernet camera systems make installation even easier on consumers with complete sets that include the NVR, power and installation cables, and mounting hardware. When looking at these systems, consider cable length to ensure it will suit space. For adding cameras down the road, also keep compatibility in mind. Some PoE cameras are only compatible with other devices from the same brand.
The Advantages of Owning the Best PoE Security Camera Systems
The best PoE security camera systems offer a host of benefits, including reliable connectivity, ease of installation, and ease of use.
As a wired and often self-monitored system, a good PoE system will be less prone to slowed speeds, unreliable connectivity, or cyber attacks when compared to Wi-Fi camera systems. However, since they’re still connected to the internet, the best PoE systems can also offer many of the benefits of internet-connected security cameras, including real-time alerts, remote viewing and control, and Cloud storage.
Since they only need to connect to an ethernet cable, PoE cameras aren’t restricted by outlets. This setup results in less cord clutter and more installation flexibility. The best PoE camera systems have a plug-and-play design that is easy to set up and expand, so they’re great for both home and commercial use.
A PoE system from a reputable brand will be safe and efficient. These devices will have checks in place to prevent overloading, under powering, and short circuiting. These reputable products will often come with many of the same features as the best security cameras, including good camera resolution, motion sensing, zone controls, and smart integrations. Best of all, the top PoE camera systems can still keep recording, even if the internet goes out. In short, the best PoE security camera systems can offer the following features:
- Plug-and-play setup
- Easy to expand
- Reliable connection (camera works without wi-fi)
- Continuous recording, even if internet connection cuts out
- Remote alerts, viewing, and control
- Local NVR and/or Cloud storage options available
FAQs
With many options available and several technical features to consider, looking for the best PoE camera system can feel overwhelming. With no subscription costs, PoE security camera systems are affordable and easy to maintain over the long run, but it’s worth making sure you have the best one for your needs. Still deciding if a PoE camera system is right for you? Read on for some frequently asked questions and their answers.
A PoE security camera system utilizes PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology to power its IP cameras and transfer data. A PoE security camera draws power from and connects to the network via an ethernet cable. The same ethernet cable also feeds video footage back to the network for storage or remote viewing, creating a reliable and simple camera monitoring system.
PoE cameras use an ethernet cable that supports PoE to draw power and transmit data.
Both PoE security systems and Wi-Fi security systems have their distinct advantages. Those looking for a reliable, wired, and internet-enabled security camera system should consider a PoE system. Those looking for a wireless system would prefer a Wi-Fi security system.
Yes, PoE cameras are a great choice for home security.
How much power a camera uses will depend on the camera (for example, a fixed camera tends to use less power than a PTZ camera). However, in general, PoE cameras don’t use very much power.
Yes, it is possible for any security system that is connected to the internet to be hacked. However, the overall risk is low and many consumers feel the benefits of having a camera security system outweighs the small risk of being hacked.
The maximum distance for most PoE cameras is 328 feet from the PoE injector or switch. Any further than this, the signal begins to weaken.
No, you don’t always need an NVR for a PoE camera, although some systems require it. An alternative is purchasing a PoE camera compatible with microSD cards for onboard storage.
