Amcrest 8-Port POE Switch POE+ 96W Total - Compact Desktop Switch

Our review of the Amcrest 8-Port POE Switch finds it best suited for small offices, home labs, and installers who need a compact, reliable way to power multiple devices over Ethernet. The single biggest reason to buy is its balance of power and simplicity: eight POE+ ports delivering up to 30w per port with a 96w shared budget in a small metal desktop housing, making it straightforward to set up cameras, access points, or VoIP phones without a complex configuration. Installation is truly plug-and-play and the LED indicators make status obvious at a glance.

Key Features

• 8-Port POE+ 802.3at: Provides up to 30w per port so more demanding devices like PTZ cameras and access points can run without separate power adapters.
• 96W total power budget: The shared 96w limit lets multiple devices run simultaneously while informing deployment planning for high-power setups.
• Fast Ethernet 10/100: Suitable for surveillance and access point links where Gigabit speeds are not required, reducing cost and heat.
• Auto-MDIX and Auto-Negotiation: Simplifies cabling by automatically correcting for straight or crossover cables and matching link speeds.
• Compact metal desktop housing: Small footprint and sturdy construction make it easy to place on a shelf or rack area and endure regular use.
• LED activity indicators: Per-port LEDs provide quick visual confirmation of link and POE status for troubleshooting without logging in.

Who It's For

This switch is aimed at small business owners, security installers, and tech-savvy homeowners who need to power up to eight POE devices without the expense or complexity of managed switches. Its plug-and-play nature and metal housing suit deployments where simplicity and durability matter more than advanced switching features.

Users requiring Gigabit uplinks, VLANs, QoS, or advanced managed features should look elsewhere; likewise larger deployments needing more than 96w of concurrent POE power will need a higher-capacity model or multiple switches to avoid power contention.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact, sturdy metal build that fits desktop or small rack spaces and feels durable.
• Delivers POE+ power up to 30w per port with a 96w shared budget, covering most cameras and APs.
• Plug-and-play operation with Auto-MDIX and clear LED indicators makes setup fast and intuitive.
• Good value for the combination of POE capacity and hardware quality for small deployments.

Cons

• Fast Ethernet only (10/100) limits throughput for bandwidth-heavy devices compared with Gigabit switches.
• Some customers report occasional reconnection issues, which may require troubleshooting in mixed environments.

Specifications

Model type	9-Port POE Desktop Switch
POE ports	8 x POE+ 802.3at
Per-port power	Up to 30w per POE port
Total POE power	96w available to all POE ports
Data rate	10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet
Indicators	LED activity indicator lights
Warranty	1-Year Warranty

Our Verdict

The Amcrest 8-Port POE Switch is a solid, budget-friendly choice for small installations that need reliable POE+ power without advanced management. It is good value for powering cameras, access points, and phones when Gigabit speeds are not essential, but larger or performance-focused networks should opt for higher-capacity or managed Gigabit alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it power PTZ cameras?
Yes; the POE+ ports supply up to 30w per port, which is sufficient for many PTZ cameras, though total simultaneous power is limited by the 96w budget.

Is this switch managed?
No; it is an unmanaged plug-and-play switch designed for simple deployment without configuration.

Does it include uplink ports?
Yes; it includes 2 uplink ports for connecting to a router or uplink device to extend the network.