UniFi Switch Lite USW-Lite-16-PoE - 16-Port Managed Gigabit Switch

In this review the UniFi Switch Lite USW-Lite-16-PoE is evaluated as a compact, wall-mountable Layer 2 switch aimed at small offices and advanced home networks that need managed Ethernet and PoE. The bottom line: it delivers reliable Gigabit switching with eight ports offering automatic 802.3at PoE+ support and centralized management via the UniFi controller, making it a solid choice when the priority is ease of management and powering UniFi access points from a single, neat unit.

Key Features

• 16 Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Provides ample wired connectivity for desktops, access points, and other RJ45 devices while maintaining full Gigabit throughput for each port.
• Eight PoE+ Ports: Supplies automatic 802.3at PoE+ on eight ports so you can power UniFi access points and other PoE devices without separate injectors.
• Managed Layer 2 Switch: Supports Layer 2 switching protocols and application features for VLANs, link aggregation and traffic management under UniFi control.
• Centralized UniFi Management: Configure and monitor the switch from the UniFi network controller or mobile app, making setup and ongoing management more visual and accessible.
• Wall Mountable Design: Includes a wall mount kit and a 60W external power adapter for flexible installation in network closets or on office walls.

Who It's For

The USW-Lite-16-PoE is best for small office environments, branch sites, and tech-savvy homeowners who already run or plan to run a UniFi network and want an integrated, manageable switch with PoE+ to power multiple access points. It is also a good fit where wall mounting and a compact footprint matter.

Those who need very high PoE budgets for many cameras or high-power devices, or organizations requiring Layer 3 routing features built into the switch, should look elsewhere or pair this switch with additional PoE injectors or a router with Layer 3 capabilities.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact, wall-mountable form factor that saves rack space and simplifies placement.
• Eight automatic 802.3at PoE+ ports that can reliably power multiple UniFi access points without extra hardware.
• Fully managed via the UniFi network controller and mobile app, offering a graphical interface for configuration and monitoring.
• Gigabit ports across the board provide full-speed connections for wired devices.

Cons

• Limited total PoE budget (45W available across PoE ports) may not support many high-draw devices at once.
• Not a Layer 3 switch, so advanced routing must be handled by separate equipment.

Specifications

Product	UniFi Switch Lite USW-Lite-16-PoE
Ports	16 Gigabit Ethernet ports
PoE	8 ports with automatic 802.3at PoE+
Total PoE Power	Up to 45W total PoE power
Management	Managed by UniFi network controller and UniFi mobile app
Power Adapter	60W external power adapter included
Mounting	Wall mount kit included

Our Verdict

The UniFi Switch Lite USW-Lite-16-PoE is a practical, managed Gigabit switch for users who want neat wall-mounted deployment and integrated PoE+ support for several access points. For small offices or homes running UniFi equipment, it balances management convenience and functionality, though sites needing large PoE budgets or built-in Layer 3 routing should consider other models or supplementary hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this switch power UniFi access points directly?
Yes, eight ports support automatic 802.3at PoE+ and can power UniFi access points, though the total PoE budget is limited to 45W so plan device loads accordingly.

How is the switch configured and monitored?
The switch is configured and monitored using the UniFi network controller or the UniFi mobile app, providing a graphical interface for most switch features.

Is the unit suitable for rack mounting?
The unit is supplied with a wall mount kit and is intended for wall-mounted installations; it is compact but not designed as a standard rack-mount chassis.