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If you scan my home security camera lists, you’ll see I occasionally recommend a PoE camera. That stands for Power over Ethernet, but the term alone doesn’t help the average security shopper very much. So I’m taking a minute to go over what this type of wired camera connection means and where it can be useful.
For the average home-haver, I still recommend a wireless camera, or potentially a floodlight camera if you have a junction box in the right spot. But PoE cameras have unique qualities that can be the ideal fit in the right problem-shaped hole.
How PoE security cameras work
PoE begins with the right cables and ports.
A Power over Ethernet connection simply means that a camera is wired into a special type of Ethernet cable. Ethernet cables provide the internet connection to your Wi-Fi router. These PoE cables supply both electrical power and internet over a single connection.
That means you don’t have to worry about a Wi-Fi connection (and reliability issues that may come with it) or recharging any batteries. However, it also means you can only install PoE cameras in certain locations, and they need special connections, often with extra equipment.
How do you install a PoE camera?
Reolink had an affordable PoE cam but installation is the tricky part.
A PoE camera requires two things. The first is a PoE Ethernet cable rated for outdoor use, which means it has additional protection against water and temperature extremes. The second is a PoE Ethernet port on a device connected to your internet.
Many modern routers have a port that supports a PoE connection, which is typically the best solution for the average user. Otherwise, companies sell NVRs, which are like DVRs but for security video footage. They offer PoE connections and automatically store captured videos for you. NVRs are more common with multi-camera setups and typically cost $200 to $300.
Once you have the PoE cable and a PoE internet port, the biggest challenge is routing that cable from your device (the Wi-Fi router or NVR) to the camera. The farther away the camera, the more cable you need and the higher the cost. You may also need to route the cable through walls or ceilings to reach your router/NVR, which requires extra drilling, caulking and lots of time in crawlspaces.
All these requirements are why choosing the right location for your PoE camera is so important. It needs to have the right viewing angle for the space you want to monitor, and be as close to the router/NVR as possible, and route through spaces in your home that you can work with (no brick, cement, foundations, etc.).
Installing your own PoE can be a DIY project, but I don’t recommend it, especially if you don’t have much wiring experience. So PoE cameras frequently come with the added cost of a professional installation.
When are PoE security cameras the best choice?
PoE cameras have excellent, but limited, applications.
After all the hassle of installation, PoE cameras are one of the most hands-off experiences in home security. You don’t need to worry about dropped connections, dying batteries or interference. That makes them well-suited in a few special cases.
- When Wi-Fi isn’t available
The most popular spots for LTE cameras are areas where Wi-Fi isn’t possible, but more advanced streaming cameras are still important. That includes cabins where Wi-Fi isn’t a year-round inclusion but still need long-term monitoring, construction zones that can support a PoE connection and very large properties that may have driveways, barns, trailers or garages far from any Wi-Fi, but can still support PoE with the right installation.
2. When Wi-Fi isn’t reliable enough
Sometimes security cameras can use Wi-Fi, but because of their specific position, there’s too much interference for a reliable signal, and connections drop all the time. While Wi-Fi extenders or Mesh Router systems may be able to help with this problem, a PoE camera is an alternative solution that may not require an additional device or outlet.
3. When users are worried about Wi-Fi security
Localized home hacking via Wi-Fi signals is very rare — most attacks come through internet connections first instead of trying to eavesdrop on Wi-Fi signals. But if you’re worried about a nearby cybercriminal trying to intercept your Wi-Fi signal and control your security camera, a PoE will prevent that particular issue.
What about ePOE?
ePOE stands for Enhanced Power over Ethernet. It’s a standard of cables and connections that enables PoE over longer distances. It’s not really something people at home need to worry about, and it is mostly designed for very large commercial applications.
Who makes PoE security cameras?
Reolink is one brand that offers PoE camera models.
Plenty of brands make PoE cameras, but only a few make models that are suitable for homes. I recommend checking out Reolink, Eufy and Lorex for some of the best PoE options.
If you don’t mind paying a subscription fee, Arlo has some of the best cameras around and offers a PoE adapter that can work with multiple models. Take a look at our review of the Reolink Duo 3 to see one of the PoE cameras in action, and check out our versus breakdown of an Arlo PoE cam and the Eufy Starlight cam.
But don’t stop there. Explore the best cameras with subscriptions, the best security for renters and the best DIY security systems to get a good idea of everything that’s available.
