NETGEAR 8-Port PoE Switch Review UK (2026) – Tested

You’ve probably seen the glowing Amazon ratings. Maybe you’ve read the spec sheet that promises plug-and-play simplicity. But does this NETGEAR 8-Port PoE Switch actually deliver when you’re running IP cameras, access points, and VoIP phones through it? I’ve spent two weeks pushing this switch through various network setups to find out what it’s genuinely good at, and where it falls short.

The 62W power budget is both a strength and limitation. It’s plenty for typical deployments, I ran four Ubiquiti access points and three IP cameras simultaneously without issues. But if you’re planning to power hungry devices like PTZ cameras or high-power access points, you’ll hit that ceiling quickly. Do the maths before you buy.

VLAN configuration is straightforward, you can set up port-based or 802.1Q tagged VLANs through dropdown menus. I set up three separate VLANs (cameras, office, guest) in about 15 minutes, including testing. That’s pretty impressive for a switch at this price point.

The QoS implementation works well for prioritizing traffic. I configured it to prioritize VoIP and video traffic, and call quality remained solid even when running large file transfers across the network. Not revolutionary, but it does what it claims.

The switching performance is exactly what you’d expect from a proper gigabit switch. I ran iperf3 tests between multiple devices and consistently hit 940+ Mbps in both directions. No packet loss, no weird hiccups. It just works.

Where things get interesting is the PoE delivery. The 62W budget sounds limiting on paper, and it is if you’re not careful. But for typical deployments, it’s actually fine. I ran four Ubiquiti UAP-AC-Pro access points (each drawing about 8.5W) plus three Hikvision IP cameras (around 6W each) without any issues. The switch handled power allocation intelligently, and I never experienced unexpected device resets or power brownouts.

The fanless design means it runs silent, which is brilliant for office environments. However, the chassis does get properly warm under sustained load, not dangerously hot, but warm enough that you’ll want decent ventilation around it. I wouldn’t stack it with other equipment in a confined space.

The LED indicators are well-implemented. Each port gets activity/link lights, plus there’s a separate PoE indicator showing when power is being delivered. They’re bright enough to see clearly but not so bright that they’ll light up a room at night. Sensible design choices throughout.

Mounting options are versatile. It works fine sitting on a desk, and the included hardware lets you wall-mount it or rack-mount it (though you’ll need to buy NETGEAR’s rack mount kit separately for proper 19-inch rack installation). The rubber feet are decent quality and actually keep it from sliding around.

If you want to access the management features, you’ll need to discover the switch’s IP address (it grabs one via DHCP by default) and access the web interface. The Plus software loads quickly and the interface is logically organized. Everything you need is within two clicks of the home page.

One minor annoyance: the default admin password is printed on a sticker on the bottom of the switch. Fine for security, slightly irritating when the switch is already mounted and you need to reference it. Write it down during installation.

The web interface doesn’t require Java or Flash (thank goodness), and it works fine in any modern browser. Configuration changes apply immediately without requiring a reboot, which is genuinely convenient when you’re testing settings.

The Ubiquiti USW-Lite-8-PoE is the more interesting comparison. It’s got a lower PoE budget (52W vs 62W) but integrates beautifully if you’re already running UniFi gear. The catch? You need the UniFi Controller software running somewhere on your network, which adds complexity. The NETGEAR’s standalone web interface is simpler if you’re not building a full UniFi ecosystem.

For small business use, I’d take the NETGEAR over the Ubiquiti unless you’re already committed to UniFi. The higher power budget matters, and the Plus interface gives you enough management capability without the overhead of controller software.

The power budget complaints are valid but somewhat predictable. People see “PoE on all 8 ports” and assume they can run eight high-power devices. The maths doesn’t work. At 62W total, you’re averaging 7.75W per port if everything’s connected. That’s fine for standard PoE devices but not for power-hungry equipment.

The value proposition is genuinely strong here. You’re getting managed switch capabilities, PoE on all ports, and NETGEAR reliability at a lower mid-range price point. Compare this to basic unmanaged switches at £40-50 that give you no management features or PoE, and the NETGEAR’s extra cost makes complete sense.

The three-year warranty is worth mentioning because it’s better than most competitors at this price point. TP-Link offers lifetime warranties on some models, but Ubiquiti only gives you one year. Three years is reasonable coverage for network equipment.

The main question you need to answer before buying: will 62W cover your PoE needs? If you’re running standard IP cameras, access points, or VoIP phones, the answer is probably yes. If you’re powering PTZ cameras or high-power outdoor APs, you’ll need something with a bigger power budget.