Top 5 Best Poe Cameras for Home Security

Last updated on February 6th, 2024

Are you looking for a Poe camera to keep your home or business secure? Well, you're in the right spot! In this article, we will take a deeper look and check out the best Poe cameras on the market so you can make the right choice when it comes to buying one.

Now, Poe cameras are becoming popular, thanks to their ability to transmit data and power over a single Ethernet cable. That means you won't need a separate power source and can save time during installation.

Plus, these cameras are versatile enough to be used inside or outside your property.

In this article, we collected the top best Poe cameras so that you don’t have to spend your time hunting them.

Features to look for before buying Poe cameras

There are some things you should know before you go ahead and make a purchase. You want to avoid ending up with a camera that doesn't do the job correctly, right?

Resolution

First off, the resolution is mighty important. You want to make sure your Poe camera can give you precise, sharp images so you can spot any unwanted guests. The higher the resolution, the better, so look for 1080p or 4K cameras.

Night vision

Next up, night vision is a must-have feature. Many times, troublemakers come out when the sun goes down, so you need a camera that can see in the dark. Infrared LEDs help with that, so look for a camera with a wide range of night vision.

Durability

Durability is also a key factor since you don't want a camera that's going to break down or get busted by any no-goodniks. Look for a Poe camera built tough and can handle a lot.

Motion detection

Another feature to consider is motion detection. I'm sure you are not a huge fan of staring at a screen all day, so look for a camera that'll send you an alert when it detects motion. Some cameras even have facial recognition technology, so you can see who's coming and going.

Storage

Finally, consider the storage options. Make sure your camera can store all the footage it captures. Some cameras come with a built-in SD card slot, while others use cloud storage.

Overall, when you're in the market for a Poe camera, there are a few features you should keep in mind. Look for cameras with high resolution, good night vision, durability, motion detection, and ample storage options. With these features in mind, you'll be able to choose the best Poe camera for your needs and keep your property safe and sound.

Top 5 Best Poe Cameras

Amcrest UltraHD 4K Dome Camera

Well, have you heard of the Amcrest UltraHD 4K Dome Camera? Let me tell you, this camera got a stunning ultra-high quality 4K resolution with enhanced low light capability, thanks to the latest CMOS image sensor and chipset.

Plus, with a super-wide 105° viewing angle, you can keep an eye on more of what matters to you. And it's a Power Over Ethernet (POE) camera, which means it's easy to install with a POE injector or switch (sold separately).

Now, let's talk about the more innovative poe security camera system features. With the Amcrest View app, you can receive motion alert notifications and review footage right from your smartphone. And if you want to playback and record professionally on your PC, you can use the Amcrest Surveillance Pro for Windows and MAC or Blue Iris Professional. Also, it works with a variety of platforms, including Amcrest Cloud remote video storage, MicroSD card (up to 256GB), Amcrest NVRs, Synology and QNAP NAS, FTP, Pale Moon, and Sea Monkey Browsers, IE, Safari, Firefox 49.0 and Chrome with Amcrest Web View Extension.

Now, here's where things get really interesting. This camera is built to handle anything mother nature throws at it, with heavy-duty metal weatherproof IP67 housing. And with built-in IR LEDs and a CMOS 1/2.7" 8MP progressive CMOS image sensor, it's got the unsurpassed low-light capability and night-vision up to 98 feet. Plus, it features dual H.265/H.264 compression, which means you get maximum encryption with the latest technology and backward compatibility with legacy platforms.

But wait, there's more! If you want to keep your footage safe, you can opt for the Amcrest Cloud remote video storage subscription service. This will automatically store your videos off-site in a third-party location hosted and secured by AWS. So if something happens to your local PC/NVR/SDcard/NAS, your footage will still be safe and accessible through a web-based Flash interface for PC (Chrome/Firefox/Safari/Edge) and the AmcrestCloud smartphone app.

So if you want a Poe camera that's simple, reliable, and secure, the Amcrest UltraHD 4K Dome Camera is worth checking out.

amcrest

Reasons to BUY

4K quality
Made with high-quality materials
Easy to use

Reasons to AVOID

Complex POE installation

Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-I

The Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-I Poe camera is the ultimate solution to your security needs. With a 4-megapixel resolution of 2688 x 1520, this camera produces stunning video quality at 30fps, with an enhanced EXIR night vision up to 98 feet. Plus, with its modern 1/3'' progressive scan high-tech sensor, you can be sure that you're getting the best video quality possible.

One of the newest features of this camera is the H.265+ compression, which allows for maximum encryption with the latest technology as well as backward compatibility with legacy platforms. This camera also has PoE technology, which means it's easy to install and set up. Additionally, the IP67 weatherproof housing protects the camera from harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor use.

With the Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-I, you have a range of viewing options. You can easily view your footage on web browsers like IE, Firefox, and Google Chrome. It also supports mobile viewing through the Hik-Connect, IVMS-4500, and other mobile apps available on both Android and iOS devices.

This camera is equipped with Video Contents Analysis (VCA), a built-in video analytic algorithm that can quickly and accurately respond to monitoring events in a specific area. It has two behavior analyses, face detection, line crossing detection, intrusion detection, motion detection, video tampering alarm, and more. You can receive email or phone notifications and audible alerts when there is any monitoring event.

When you purchase the Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-I, you'll receive a 2-year seller warranty as well as lifetime phone and email technical support. Rest assured, Hikvision has got your back when it comes to your poe security camera system needs.

hikvision

Reasons to BUY

Mobile viewing
Easy to use
Night vision

Reasons to AVOID

Doesn’t support 4K quality

Reolink RLC-511W

The Reolink RLC-511W outdoor camera is a powerful and versatile security solution that offers 5MP super HD resolution for better visual quality and a smoother live viewing experience. With this camera, you can stay better informed with the hard-to-see details captured by the camera, providing a clear and crisp image even at a distance.

One of the most significant advantages of the RLC-511W is the choice of 2.4GHz or 5GHz (5.8GHz) frequency bands. This feature provides greater networking performance and makes network setup more straightforward, giving you more options for connecting to your network and ensuring a reliable connection.

Another key feature of this camera is the 4X optical zoom, allowing you to see further and see more without compromising on image quality. With the ability to zoom in to see details of faraway objects without getting closer and zoom out for a wider and more expansive view, you can get a complete and detailed view of your property.

This WiFi security camera is designed for use in multiple scenarios, making it ideal for a range of applications. The IP66 housing ensures that the outdoor camera can withstand powerful water jets, as well as extreme heat, humidity, and cold. This makes it perfect for use in all weather conditions and in harsh environments.

In addition, Reolink's firmware update for poe ip cameras security is easy and hassle-free. All you need to do is download the firmware from the firmware page and update it via the client software, with no additional costs.

Overall, the Reolink RLC-511W is a powerful and versatile outdoor camera that offers exceptional image quality, reliable performance, and easy installation and firmware updates. With its advanced features and durable design, it provides a comprehensive and reliable security solution for any property.

reolink

Reasons to BUY

4K quality
Customization motion sensitivity
Night vision

Reasons to AVOID

Might have issues while connecting to the phone

Lorex 4K Ultra HD IP Camera

Looking for a security camera that offers superior image quality and clarity for your security needs? Look no further than the Lorex 4K Ultra HD IP Camera. This camera offers a stunning 4K resolution, which can make a huge difference in the level of detail and clarity you can capture with your security monitoring. With this camera, you can feel confident that you'll be able to capture every important moment like never before.

One of the standout features of this camera is its Color Night Vision™ (CNV) technology.

This technology allows the camera to produce full-color video with the help of external lighting around the camera. This adds a whole new level of detail to your security footage, making it easier to detect and recognize people and objects. Even in conditions that are too dark for CNV to render full-color images, this camera still offers excellent infrared night vision, with crisp black and white footage that can be recorded up to 130ft away in regular nighttime conditions.

Installation of this camera is made easy thanks to its PoE (Power over Ethernet) capabilities. With just a single Cat5e ethernet cable, you can connect the camera to your NVR (Network Video Recorder) for video transmission, power, and network stability. The cable also offers installation flexibility, allowing you to place the camera up to 300ft away from the NVR without needing a nearby power source.

The Lorex 4K Ultra HD IP Camera also features High-Efficiency Video Encoding (HEVC) or H.265 video compression, which efficiently compresses file sizes without any noticeable degradation in quality. In fact, it can compress file sizes up to 50% more than files using the previous encoding technology (H.264). This not only saves you storage space but also saves you plenty of bandwidth while watching live or recorded video remotely.

Finally, this camera is built to withstand harsh weather conditions, thanks to its heavy-duty aluminum alloy exterior and IP67 rating. Whether it's torrential downpours or freezing snowstorms, this camera is designed to endure whatever Mother Nature can throw at it. So go ahead and place it wherever you need it most, knowing that it will continue to provide reliable, high-quality security coverage for years to come.

lorex

Reasons to BUY

Mobile viewing
Affordable price point
High-quality night vision

Reasons to AVOID

Fragile

Swann 4K Ultra HD Dome Camera

The Swann 4K Ultra HD Dome Camera offers top-notch 24/7 monitoring with smart video analytics to detect important events such as face recognition, person detection, line crossing, and perimeter intrusion detection. The camera's advanced motion sensors detect moving objects, such as people, based on heat, reducing false triggers and saving storage space for more important footage.

This camera provides stunning 4K Ultra HD video with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, delivering sharp and clear images around the clock. With a wide 93-degree viewing angle, the camera covers a broad area, while night vision capability up to 150ft in total darkness ensures high-quality surveillance at all times.

The dome design of the camera enables easy installation and a discreet presence. Power, video, and audio all run through a single Ethernet cable with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology, which simplifies setup and installation.

Swann offers a 12-month warranty for the camera and all accessories included in the package, backed by their superior customer service team. Rated for outdoor use, this camera is weather-resistant, ensuring uninterrupted coverage in any weather conditions.

The Swann 4K Ultra HD Dome Camera is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and high-performance surveillance solution for their home or business. With advanced features such as smart video analytics and motion detection, this camera provides a superior level of security to help you stay protected and informed around the clock.

swann

Reasons to BUY

Mobile viewing
4K quality
1 Year warranty

Reasons to AVOID

The price point is a bit high for the product

Reddit Summary

“Are you wanting one camera to do all of this or a whole setup? My recommendation would be to have 2 or more cameras for this view with different focal lengths. One camera to get the whole picture with another zoomed in where you would see license plates.

There are some dual lens PoE cameras from Reolink that do this for cheap, but if you want night time capture too, then you’d probably want to look elsewhere.”

Beardth_Degree

“You'll want a camera with hardwired power, perhaps a model with an integrated heater or even a heated enclosure. Even without a heater, many wired cameras produce sufficient internal heat that they'll keep running in the cold but may be unable to "cold start" if they ever do lose power.

While I'm not a fan of Dahua (the factory where this camera was made) , we did just pick up an Amcrest POE camera 4k rated down to -40°”

Kv603

FAQ

Are Poe cameras better than wifi?

Well, it all depends on what you're looking for. Poe cameras use Power over Ethernet, which means they draw power and transmit data through a single cable, while wifi cameras rely on wireless connectivity. Wifi might be the way to go if you need a camera that's easy to install and doesn't require any wiring. However, if you need a poe camera system with a more reliable connection and better power efficiency, then Poe might be your best bet.

Do you lose speed with PoE?

Do you lose speed with PoE? While it's true that PoE cameras can sometimes experience a drop in rate due to the power being drawn through the same cable as the data, it really depends on the specific setup you're using. In some cases, you might not notice any difference in speed at all, while in others, you might experience a slight slowdown. Ultimately, though, the benefits of PoE often outweigh any minor speed differences.

How long can you use PoE?

PoE is designed to be used over long periods of time, so there's no hard and fast rule for how long you can use it. As long as your PoE equipment is properly installed and maintained, you should be able to use it for years without any issues. Of course, like any technology, PoE equipment can eventually wear out and need to be replaced, but that's more of a matter of years than months.

Conclusion

Overall, Poe cameras have become popular due to their ability to transmit data and power over a single Ethernet cable, making them easy to install and use. When looking for the best Poe camera 4k system for your home or business security needs, there are some essential features to consider, such as high resolution, night vision, durability, motion detection, and ample storage options.

The Amcrest UltraHD 4K Dome Camera and Lorex 4K Ultra HD IP Camera are both excellent choices with their 4K resolution, wide viewing angle, innovative security features, and weatherproof design. They also offer remote video storage options to ensure that your footage is safe and easily accessible.

With the right Poe camera, you can keep your property safe and secure and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you have the best protection available.