Best 24-Port PoE Switches for Ubiquiti Systems

When it comes to powering Ubiquiti UniFi devices, a 24-port PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch is essential. These switches power access points (APs), security cameras, and VoIP phones—all through a single Ethernet cable. This setup cuts down on cable clutter and reduces the need for extra power adapters.

But with so many options available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for your network. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.

Let's Dive In!

Why you need a 24-port PoE switch for UniFi
What to look for in a 24-port PoE switch
Best 24-Port PoE Switches for UniFi
Comparison Table
Final Thoughts

Why you need a 24-port PoE switch for UniFi

A 24-port PoE switch does two big jobs: it powers devices like UniFi access points (APs) and security cameras while also providing a network connection. It simplifies installation, reduces cabling, and saves you from needing extra power adapters for every device.

Here’s why it’s crucial for a UniFi setup:

Power UniFi Access Points: Most UniFi APs require PoE to operate, and a switch delivers both data and power with one cable.
Power Security Cameras: UniFi cameras, like the G4 Bullet, need PoE, making the switch a must-have for any surveillance system.
Save Space and Reduce Clutter: One Ethernet cable per device instead of two (power + data) keeps the setup clean.
Centralized Power Management: No more dealing with multiple power supplies or adapters. Just one switch powers them all.

What to look for in a 24-port PoE switch

When picking a 24-port PoE switch, there are a few things to consider. These features impact performance, compatibility, and cost.

PoE Budget (Total Wattage)
The PoE budget is the total amount of power the switch can provide to connected devices. For example, if a switch has a 250W PoE budget and you plug in 10 devices that each use 25W, you’ve used up all the power. Cameras and Wi-Fi 6 APs tend to consume more power, so plan accordingly.
PoE Standards (802.3af/at/bt)
Different devices have different power needs.
- 802.3af (PoE): Delivers up to 15.4W per port (good for small devices).
- 802.3at (PoE+): Up to 30W per port (needed for larger APs and some cameras).
- 802.3bt (PoE++): Up to 60W or even 100W for heavy-duty devices like 4K security cameras.
Switch Capacity (Throughput & Bandwidth)
You’ll want a switch with enough total bandwidth to handle all connected devices. Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) support is standard, but if you have lots of devices streaming video (like security cameras), you’ll want to make sure the switch can handle it.
SFP Ports for Uplinks
SFP (small form-factor pluggable) ports let you connect fiber optic uplinks to your switch. These are useful for long-distance connections or linking to another switch.
Managed vs. Unmanaged
A managed switch lets you prioritize certain types of traffic, set VLANs, and control network flows.
Unmanaged switches just work out of the box, but they lack control features. For most UniFi setups, managed switches are preferred.
Cooling (Fanless or Active Cooling)
Fanless switches are quieter but may get warm under load. If you have a switch running at full capacity, fans help keep things cool — but they make noise.

Best 24-Port PoE Switches for UniFi

We’ve rounded up the best 24-port PoE switches to power your UniFi devices. Whether you're building a home network, small office, or large deployment, there’s something here for you.

1. Ubiquiti USW-24-POE

Best for Small-to-Medium UniFi Deployments

PoE Budget: 95W (16 of 24 ports)
PoE Standard: 802.3af/at
Management: UniFi Controller (managed)
SFP Ports: 2
Cooling: Fanless (silent operation)

This switch is the bread and butter for small UniFi networks. It’s fully integrated with the UniFi Controller and powers up to 16 PoE devices (out of 24). The fanless design makes it ideal for home or office environments where noise is a concern. If you only need to power a few APs and cameras, this switch is perfect.

2. Ubiquiti USW-24-250W

Best for Growing Networks and Power-Hungry Devices

PoE Budget: 250W (24 of 24 ports)
PoE Standard: 802.3af/at (PoE+)
Management: UniFi Controller (managed)
SFP Ports: 2
Cooling: Fans (not silent)

This switch is the next step up from the USW-24-POE. It offers a full 24 PoE ports and a higher 250W power budget. It’s ideal for setups that need to power multiple APs, Protect cameras, or VoIP phones.

3. Ubiquiti USW-Pro-24-POE

Best for Large UniFi Deployments

PoE Budget: 400W (24 of 24 ports)
PoE Standard: 802.3af/at
Management: UniFi Controller (managed, Layer 3 routing)
SFP Ports: 2 x SFP+ (10Gb)
Cooling: Active cooling with fans

This one’s a powerhouse. It has a 400W PoE budget, dual 10Gb SFP+ ports, and Layer 3 routing. If you’re building a larger network with multiple APs, cameras, and switches, this is the way to go.

4. TP-Link TL-SG3428XMP

Budget-Friendly Option for Mixed Networks

PoE Budget: 384W (24 ports)
PoE Standard: 802.3af/at (PoE+)
Management: Standalone (no UniFi Controller)
SFP Ports: 4
Cooling: Fans (not silent)

This switch is an affordable alternative. While it won’t integrate with the UniFi Controller, it still offers 24 PoE+ ports with a 384W power budget.

5. Cisco SG350-28P

For Enterprise Environments with Advanced Security

PoE Budget: 195W (24 of 24 ports)
PoE Standard: 802.3af/at
Management: Cisco dashboard (managed)
SFP Ports: 2
Cooling: Active cooling

The Cisco SG350-28P is the gold standard for enterprise-grade performance. It features advanced VLANs, port mirroring, and network security. If you want bulletproof security and don't mind paying a premium, this is a solid choice.

Comparison Table

Switch	PoE Budget	PoE Ports	Management	SFP Ports	Silent
Ubiquiti USW-24-POE	95W	16	UniFi Controller	2	Yes
Ubiquiti USW-24-250W	250W	24	UniFi Controller	2	No
Ubiquiti USW-Pro-24-POE	400W	24	UniFi Controller	2 (SFP+)	No
TP-Link TL-SG3428XMP	384W	24	Standalone	4	No
Cisco SG350-28P	195W	24	Cisco dashboard	2	No

Final Thoughts

If you’re building a small UniFi network, the USW-24-POE is a great pick. If you need something with more power and future-proofing, get the USW-24-250W or the USW-Pro-24-POE. For tighter budgets, the TP-Link TL-SG3428XMP delivers great value.

At UniHosted, we offer hassle-free, hosted UniFi Controller so you can easily manage your entire network from anywhere. It’s simple, fast, and secure. If you’re ready to scale up, check out our UniFi Controller as a Service.

Need help picking the right switch for your UniFi setup? Reach out and we’ll guide you every step of the way.If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.