PoE security cameras use a single Ethernet cable to carry both power and data, providing a stable wired connection without requiring separate power cables at each camera. In this guide, we’ve compared the best PoE security cameras in the UK, focusing on video quality, night vision, smart detection, weather resistance and ease of installation. For a broader look at protecting and monitoring your home, our Ultimate Smart Home Security Guide covers the main security devices and features worth considering.
So, let’s get started.
Best Options At A Glance
📹 Best PoE Security Cameras UK Comparison
The table below provides a quick comparison of the best PoE security cameras, making it easier to compare their resolution, size, weight and standout security features.
| 📹 Model | 🎥 Resolution | ⚖️ Weight | 📏 Dimensions | ⭐ Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reolink RLC-520A | 2K / 5MP | 730 g | 9.5 × 9.5 × 10.5 cm | 5MP Video & Smart Human/Vehicle/Animal Detection |
| Tapo C325WB | 2K / 4MP | 530 g | 14.9 × 10.3 × 7.1 cm | ColorPro Colour Night Vision & Dual PoE/Wi-Fi Connectivity |
| ANNKE 4K Dual-Lens | 4K / 8MP | 570 g | 24 × 12 × 10 cm | 180° Dual-Lens Panoramic View |
| Reolink TrackMix PoE | 4K | 1.62 kg | 22.4 × 13.2 × 13 cm | Dual-Lens Auto Tracking & 6× Hybrid Zoom |
| eufy PoE NVR System E50 | 4K | 235 g | 9.3 × 6.8 × 10.8 cm | Dual-Lens 360° Tracking & Cross-Camera AI |
Product Summaries
Reolink 5MP PoE Camera Outdoor
- Brand - Reolink
- Dimensions - 9.5 x 9.5 x 10.5 cm
- Weight - 730 g
- Resolution - 2K
- Special Feature - 5MP Video & Smart Human/Vehicle/Animal Detection
Firstly we have the Reolink 5MP PoE Camera Outdoor. It’s currently selling for £60/$80 on Amazon.
The Reolink RLC-520A combines 5MP Super HD recording with smart detection, capturing video at up to 2560 × 1920 while distinguishing between people, vehicles and animals. A built-in microphone also records ambient audio alongside the footage.
As a PoE camera, it uses a single Ethernet cable for both power and data, simplifying installation while providing a reliable wired connection. It’s designed for indoor or outdoor surveillance, with an IP67-rated housing for protection against challenging weather conditions.
Real-time alerts can be sent through the Reolink app or by email when relevant movement is detected. The camera also supports night vision and several recording options, including microSD cards up to 512GB, Reolink NVRs and FTP servers, with continuous, motion-triggered or scheduled recording available.
Overall, the RLC-520A is a strong all-round PoE security camera for home surveillance, combining detailed 5MP footage, intelligent detection and flexible local recording without requiring a wireless connection.
Buy the Reolink 5MP PoE Camera Outdoor from Amazon for only £60/$80:
Tapo C325WB 2K QHD Outdoor Security PoE Camera
- Brand - Tapo
- Dimensions - 14.9 x 10.3 x 7.1 cm
- Weight - 530 g
- Resolution - 2K
- Special Feature - ColorPro Colour Night Vision & Dual PoE/Wi-Fi Connectivity
Another great option is the Tapo C325WB 2K QHD Outdoor Security PoE Camera. It’s currently selling for £100/$133 on Amazon.
The Tapo C325WB records in 2K QHD resolution at 2688 × 1520, providing a sharper image than standard 1080p cameras. Its 127° field of view also helps cover a wider area, reducing potential blind spots around entrances, gardens and driveways.
One of its main advantages is ColorPro night vision, which is designed to capture colour footage in very low light without relying on bright spotlights. This makes it particularly useful if you want clearer night-time detail without illuminating the surrounding area.
Installation is flexible, with support for both PoE and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Built-in AI detection can identify people, pets and vehicles, while custom activity zones help reduce unnecessary alerts. Essential detection features do not require a monthly subscription.
Footage can be stored locally on a microSD card up to 512GB or through Tapo Care cloud storage. With IP66 weather resistance, two-way audio and Alexa support, the C325WB is a versatile option for outdoor home security where both wired and wireless installation flexibility are useful.
Buy the Tapo C325WB 2K QHD Outdoor Security PoE Camera from Amazon for only £100/$133:
ANNKE 4K 8MP Dual-Lens PoE Security Camera
- Brand - ANNKE
- Dimensions - 24 x 12 x 10 cm
- Weight - 570 g
- Resolution - 4K
- Special Feature - 180° Dual-Lens Panoramic View
The ANNKE 4K 8MP Dual-Lens PoE Security Camera is another great choice. It’s currently selling for £130/$173 on Amazon.
The ANNKE 4K PoE Security Camera uses a dual-lens system to provide a 180° panoramic view, helping cover wide areas with fewer blind spots. Its 8MP sensor records 4K UHD footage at up to 20fps, making it particularly suited to monitoring larger spaces.
Its dual-light night vision combines infrared and white lighting. The camera normally operates in black and white at night, but can automatically activate its white light and switch to full-colour night vision when a person or vehicle is detected, with a stated night-vision range of up to 100ft.
AI detection distinguishes between people and vehicles and can send app or email alerts when relevant movement is detected. A built-in microphone and speaker provide two-way audio, while the integrated sound and light alarm can automatically or manually activate to help deter intruders.
Overall, the ANNKE is a strong option for wide-area PoE surveillance, with its 180° panoramic coverage, 4K resolution and intelligent colour night vision offering a different approach to conventional single-lens security cameras.
Buy the ANNKE 4K 8MP Dual-Lens PoE Security Camera from Amazon for only £130/$173:
Reolink 4K PTZ PoE Security Camera Outdoor
- Brand - Reolink
- Dimensions - 22.4 x 13.2 x 13 cm
- Weight - 1.62 kg
- Resolution - 4K
- Special Feature - Dual-Lens Auto Tracking & 6× Hybrid Zoom
Next we have the Reolink 4K PTZ PoE Security Camera Outdoor. It’s currently selling for £160/$213 on Amazon.
The Reolink TrackMix PoE combines 4K recording with a dual-lens design, using a 2.8mm wide-angle lens for a broader view and an 8mm telephoto lens for close-up details. Both views can be displayed simultaneously, helping you monitor an area while retaining a closer view of a moving subject.
Its PTZ system provides 355° pan and 90° tilt, with automatic tracking for people, vehicles and animals. The two lenses work together to provide up to 6× hybrid zoom, allowing the camera to follow detected subjects while capturing a closer view.
Smart detection can trigger push notifications and email alerts, alongside the camera’s built-in spotlights and siren. It also supports colour night vision, two-way audio and detection-filtered playback, with the core smart detection features requiring no subscription.
Overall, the TrackMix PoE is a strong option for monitoring larger outdoor areas, particularly where automatic tracking and zoom are more useful than the fixed viewpoint offered by a conventional PoE camera.
Buy the Reolink 4K PTZ PoE Security Camera Outdoor from Amazon for only £160/$213:
eufy Security PoE NVR System E50
- Brand - eufy
- Dimensions - 9.3 × 6.8 × 10.8 cm
- Weight - 235 g
- Resolution - 4K
- Special Feature - Dual-Lens 360° Tracking & Cross-Camera AI
Finally we have the eufy Security PoE NVR System E50. It’s currently selling for £999/$1327 on Amazon.
The eufy E50 is a complete four-camera PoE surveillance system, combining a fixed 2K wide-angle lens with a separate 4K PTZ lens on each camera. The fixed lens maintains a broad view while the PTZ camera provides 360° coverage and up to 5× automatic zoom for tracking activity in greater detail. eufy
Its OmniTrack system can automatically follow detected subjects, while live cross-camera tracking allows movement to be followed between different cameras around the property. Colour and infrared night-vision modes are available, and the E50 cameras carry an IP65 weather-resistance rating. eufy
The included NVR provides continuous 24/7 local recording to a pre-installed 2TB hard drive, which can be expanded to 16TB. Eight PoE ports are built in, with support for up to 16 channels when expanded using a PoE switch. Smart Video Finder also lets you search recorded footage using keywords rather than manually reviewing hours of video. eufy
Overall, the E50 is a more comprehensive option for whole-property PoE surveillance, particularly if you want multiple cameras, continuous local recording and AI tracking in one system rather than purchasing individual cameras and an NVR separately.
Buy the eufy Security PoE NVR System E50 from Amazon for only £999/$1327:
PoE Security Camera Types & What You Actually Get
PoE security cameras vary considerably in their coverage, recording capabilities and smart security features. The table below compares the main types and highlights which are best suited to general home security, wide-area monitoring and more advanced surveillance setups.
| 📹 Type | 🎥 Typical Resolution | 👁️ Coverage | ⚡ Key Features | ✅ Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed PoE Cameras | 2K–4K | Fixed View | Reliable Wired Connection, Motion Detection, Night Vision | General Home Security |
| Dual-Lens PoE Cameras | 2K–4K | Wide / Panoramic | Multiple Lenses, Wider Coverage, Reduced Blind Spots | Driveways & Large Areas |
| PTZ PoE Cameras | 2K–4K | Pan, Tilt & Zoom | Auto Tracking, Optical / Hybrid Zoom, Wide Coverage | Active Outdoor Monitoring |
| AI PoE Cameras | 2K–4K | Varies | Person, Vehicle & Animal Detection, Smart Alerts | Reducing False Alerts |
| PoE NVR Systems | 2K–4K+ | Multi-Camera | 24/7 Recording, Local Storage, Multiple Camera Channels | Whole-Property Surveillance |
FAQs
A PoE security camera uses Power over Ethernet to receive both electrical power and network data through a single Ethernet cable. This can simplify installation while providing a stable wired connection for transmitting security footage.
PoE cameras generally provide a more stable network connection because footage is transmitted over Ethernet rather than WiFi. WiFi cameras can be easier to install in locations where running Ethernet cables would be difficult, so the better option depends on the property and installation.
PoE cameras don’t necessarily require an internet connection for local operation and recording, depending on the system. Internet access is typically required for features such as remote viewing, cloud services and notifications outside your local network.
Thanks for reading our article covering the best PoE security cameras.
If you’re still deciding which type of security setup is right for your home, take a look at our Wired vs Wireless Security Systems guide for a closer comparison of the two approaches.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or queries that you’d like us to take a look at – we’d be happy to help.



