Lorex
SecureScore™: 9.2/10
From the most basic residential uses to the most mission-critical professional applications, Lorex offers high-quality equipment with cutting-edge features.
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Zmodo
SecureScore™: 7.3/10
Designed to be simple and affordable, Zmodo makes PoE solutions available for the everyday consumer.
Night Owl
SecureScore™: 7.2/10
Another option for folks looking for the reliability of PoE, Night Owl offers wired camera packages to keep your home safe.
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Lorex
SecureScore™: 9.2/10
From the most basic residential uses to the most mission-critical professional applications, Lorex offers high-quality equipment with cutting-edge features.
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Zmodo
SecureScore™: 7.3/10
Designed to be simple and affordable, Zmodo makes PoE solutions available for the everyday consumer.
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Night Owl
SecureScore™: 7.2/10
Another option for folks looking for the reliability of PoE, Night Owl offers wired camera packages to keep your home safe.
Editor’s Note: Interested in PoE security cameras? Then you might want to look into getting a hardwired home security system. Read our list of the best wired security systems on the market right now.
What Is a PoE Security Camera?
Before we get started, we need to define some terms. There are several ways to power a home security camera. They can be hardwired into your home’s power, they can be battery operated, or they can be powered over Ethernet, or PoE for short.
While a lot of DIYers prefer battery-operated systems since they're the easiest to install, they come with a lot of drawbacks. Not only will you need to periodically charge your equipment, if your internet connection is lost or if your provider offers spotty service, you run the risk of your security network’s functionality suffering.
Hardwiring your system can solve the problem of having to charge cameras every now and then, but if you’re still transmitting data over a Wi-Fi network, your reliability is questionable. If you choose to hardwire your data line too, you’re talking about running multiple wires to multiple endpoints. Unless you’re a licensed and bonded handyman, this will likely be outside of the scope of any weekend warrior home improvement project.
That’s where PoE comes in.
What Are the Benefits of a PoE Security Camera System?
The two big benefits are reliability and simplicity. Since your data and your power are both coming through one cable, the install is suddenly a whole lot easier, and since you're not relying on Wi-Fi to transmit data, your system is going to be a whole lot more reliable.
Simply put, with a PoE system, you’re getting the best of both worlds. That’s why businesses and individuals who take their security seriously are both increasingly turning to PoE systems.
So now that you understand what it is we’re talking about, let’s take a look at some of our favorite PoE security cameras.
Top 5 PoE Security Cameras
- Lorex - Best PoE System Options
- Zmodo - Most Affordable PoE Camera System
- Night Owl - Best Plug-and-Play PoE Camera System
- Ring Stick Up Cam Elite - Best PoE Hybrid Camera
- Arlo - Best PoE Camera Design
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1 Lorex - Best PoE System Options
SecureScore™
9.2
Customer Service
8.8
Value
8.9
Equipment
9.6
Features & Technology
9.7
Ease Of Use
8.9
SecureScore™
9.2
How We Review
Overview:
Lorex cameras truly have something for everyone. If you’re a homeowner looking to keep the neighborhood kids from jumping in your pool or a business owner looking to prevent criminals from breaking into your safe, Lorex has you covered.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Up to 4K resolution
- Long-range color and Infrared night vision
- Lots of equipment options
- Free local recording with up to 2 TB internal storage space
- Smooth app experience
- Strong reputation in security camera manufacturing
Cons:
- Overwhelming amount of options
- No professional monitoring for cameras
- Occasional false alarms
- Wired cameras can be tedious to install
Our Experience:
Lorex is becoming one of the most respected names in the security camera world for their high-quality equipment, industry-leading technology, and highly customizable approach to security systems.
When we reviewed Lorex, we were immediately impressed with the sheer size of their product line as well as the available features. Some models have 4K resolution and others have listen-in audio or two-way talk functionality. Some have floodlights and others have color night vision. All of Lorex’s cameras, though, are high quality and built to last.
Lorex Cameras
But since you’re specifically interested in PoE offerings, let’s talk about Lorex’s IP camera offerings. These include:
- 8-Channel Fusion NVR System With 4K (8 MP) IP Cameras
- 8-Channel Fusion NVR System With 4K (8 MP) IP Dome Cameras with Listen-In Audio
- 16-Channel Fusion NVR System With 4K (8 MP) IP Cameras
- 32-Channel NVR System With 4K (8 MP) IP Cameras
- 4K NVR Security System With Smart Deterrence Cameras, Fusion Capabilities, and Smart Motion Detection Plus
Now there is one thing to note. As we discuss in our guide to Lorex cameras and pricing, this company’s equipment isn’t the cheapest on the market. I’d argue, though, that it shouldn’t be. These are high-quality, technologically advanced cameras, so it’s expected that you’ll pay a premium. For what you’re getting, though, you’ll really see where the money is going.
That said, if you’re looking to build out a PoE camera network on a budget, there are other options available; namely, the next manufacturer on this list.
Product Specs:
Connectivity Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or PoE Power Wired, battery, or PoE Field of View Up to 180° Resolution Up to 4K Storage Free local, optional cloud Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home View Packages -
2 Zmodo - Most Affordable PoE Camera System
SecureScore™
7.3
Customer Service
6.9
Value
8.1
Equipment
7.4
Features & Technology
6.8
Ease Of Use
7.2
SecureScore™
7.3
How We Review
Overview:
When some people hear “affordable,” they automatically think “cheap.” Not so with Zmodo. This manufacturer offers quality PoE cameras that won’t break the bank.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Low-Cost Cameras
- Simple, Discreet Design
- No Paid Subscription Required
- Clear 1080p Video Quality
- Numerous Indoor Camera Options
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- 30-day Money-Back Guarantee
- 1-year Warranty
Cons:
- Limited Features
- Some Delay on Wake Time in App
- Bulky design
Our Experience:
When we put Zmodo’s cameras to the test, we really liked their design, ease of setup, and — of course — affordability. Even though it’s not as expensive as some of their competitors, Zmodo’s PoE camera system will get the job done in most use cases.
Zmodo Cameras
Like many camera manufacturers, Zmodo offers quite a few options for customers looking to customize their home security network. If you’re looking for PoE, though, Zmodo’s NVR series is for you. But it’s worth noting that this line doesn’t offer a super-high-definition picture — you’re going to be recording in 720p only. While that’s below the industry standard of 1080p, don’t fret; it’s enough to get the job done. You can read more about their offerings in our guide to Zmodo products and costs.
Product Specs:
Connectivity Wi-fi, ethernet Power Wired, battery, PoE Field of View Up to 360° Resolution Up to 1080p Storage Cloud Smart Platform Compatibility Alexa and Google Home -
3 Night Owl - Best Plug-and-Play PoE Camera System
SecureScore™
7.2
Customer Service
7.4
Value
7.1
Equipment
7.7
Features & Technology
7.9
Ease Of Use
6.1
SecureScore™
7.2
How We Review
Overview:
Designed right here in the US of A, Night Owl’s PoE offerings are a hoot. C’mon. You have to give that one to me.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Choice of Wired or Wireless Cameras
- No Contracts
- 1080p HD Video Resolution
- NVR, DVR Systems Stabilize Connection
- Night Vision
- Two-Way Audio
- Facial Recognition and Human Detection Features
- Works With Google Assistant
Cons:
- App Is Buggy
- Wide Selection Can Be Overwhelming
- No Livestreaming on Battery-Powered Cameras
- Limited Home Automation Integrations
Our Experience:
If you’re looking for a middle-of-the-road PoE option, Night Owl is a security camera manufacturer to consider. It’s not as budget-friendly as Zmodo, but their cameras do seem to be a bit higher quality. And while they don’t offer all the bells and whistles of Lorex, in our Night Owl review, we found features like facial recognition, human detection, high resolution, and Google Assistant integration.
Night Owl Indoor-Outdoor Wireless Cam
That said, if you’re looking for features, you’re going to have to pay for them. Most of their higher-tech offerings are available only on their highest-end cameras, which means your PoE network of security cameras might end up costing you north of $1,000. More on that in our roundup of Night Owl.
Another drawback is that if you’re looking for PoE cameras, their selection is pretty limited. You can choose between these two:
- Wired IP Spotlight Camera With 2-Way Audio and Audio Alerts
- Wired IP Camera
With that in mind, I will say that for most home applications, these two pieces of equipment will more than get the job done for basic security needs right out of the box.
Before we wrap up, though, we have two more cameras to consider.
Product Specs:
Connectivity Wi-fi Power Wired, battery Field of View Up to 180° Resolution Up to 1080p Storage Cloud, local Smart Platform Compatibility Google Home -
4 Ring Stick Up Cam Elite - Best PoE Hybrid Camera
SecureScore™
9.2
Customer Service
8.0
Value
9.3
Equipment
10.0
Features & Technology
9.3
Ease Of Use
9.5
SecureScore™
9.2
How We Review
Overview:
Ring is one of the most respected names in the home security industry, and their PoE camera lives up to that name.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Versatile Stick-Up Mounting
- Easy DIY Installation
- Low Up-front Cost
- No Wires (for battery model)
- 1080p HD Video
- Designed for Indoors or Outdoors
- Highly Customizable Settings
- Livestream Video
- Two-Way Talk
- Motion-Activated Notifications
- Infrared Night Vision
- Works With Amazon Alexa
Cons:
- Battery Takes a Long Time to Fully Charge
- Doesn’t Have Facial Recognition
- Brief Delays on Live Audio and Video
- No Pan or Tilt Feature
- Doesn’t Work With Google Assistant
Our Experience:
We’ve included Ring as an honorable mention here since they offer only one product that can be powered over Ethernet: the Stick Up Cam Elite.
But only kind of.
Ring Stick Up Camera
For more information, you can read our full Ring review, but for our purposes, I’ll explain the Stick Up Cam Elite as a sort of hybrid piece of technology. By using a PoE adapter that you have to plug into a wall, you can run the camera off of an Ethernet cable.
Technically, it’s not strictly PoE, but it could simplify some installations. And if you’re already using their other equipment, like one of Ring’s doorbells, this solution might be for you.
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5 Arlo - Best PoE Camera Design
SecureScore™
8.2
Customer Service
8.0
Value
7.5
Equipment
9.5
Features & Technology
8.2
Ease Of Use
7.8
SecureScore™
8.2
How We Review
Overview:
Known for their high-quality, DIY-friendly wireless cameras, Arlo does bring a PoE item to the table: the Arlo Q.
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Responsive design and easy use
- Night vision and video quality is good
- Activity zone programming is an option
- Indoor home security camera that’s DIY
Cons:
- Less feature-packed than other products
- Five second lag time
Our Experience:
One of the things that we liked the most when we analyzed Arlo was their focus on elevating wireless cameras. Even though the vast majority of their equipment is battery-operated, their cameras can still go toe-to-toe with many of their hardwired competitors.
That said, very similar to Ring, Arlo does offer one camera that can be powered over Ethernet: the Arlo Q. Note, though, that the Q is only for indoor use.
That said, if you’re into Arlo’s affordable cameras and sleek design but want the added reliability of a hardwired connection, it’s worth noting the Q is an option to consider.
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Final Thoughts on PoE Security Cameras
Now for the final consideration. Do you really need a PoE security camera system?
It all comes down to what your needs are. If you’re interested in just keeping an eye on your front door to prevent porch pirates from snatching your latest Amazon delivery, it might be overkill to invest in a full-blown PoE network of cameras.
However, if you’re concerned about covering multiple entry points to your home, protecting valuable lawn care equipment in your garage, and making sure no one’s coming in through the back gate without worrying about any downtime or lag in your overall system, then yes, a PoE network is probably the system for you.
Like I said before, PoE systems offer the best of both worlds. They’re nowhere near as complicated to set up as a hardwired system, which taps into your house’s power, but they’re far more reliable than battery-operated equipment communicating over a Wi-Fi network. If you’re looking to up your security game, a PoE network might be that next step.
Not convinced you need PoE? No worries! Head over to our guide to the best home security cameras of 2024 to get a better idea of what’s available.
PoE Security Camera FAQs
- What is a PoE security camera?
Powered over Ethernet, or PoE for short, security cameras use a single Ethernet cable to draw power and transmit data.
- What are the benefits of PoE security cameras?
PoE security cameras are easier to install than traditional hardwired cameras and offer better reliability than battery-operated equipment transmitting data over a Wi-Fi network.
- Are PoE cameras expensive?
It depends on the manufacturer, but generally speaking, PoE cameras are a little bit pricier than their battery-operated counterparts.
- Do I need a PoE camera?
It depends on what you need security cameras for. If you value reliability, though, PoE is something to consider.
- Who makes the best PoE cameras?
In our opinion, Lorex offers the best PoE cameras in the industry today. They offer a great balance of technological tools, affordability, and ease of use. While not covered on this list, other providers such as Defender also offer PoE options.
