Ubiquiti UniFi Switch (USW-Lite-16-PoE, 16 Gigabit Ethernet Ports, 8 PoE+ Ports, Wall Mounted)
Quick take
The UniFi Switch USW-Lite-16-PoE is a fully managed Layer 2 gigabit switch designed to run smoothly with a UniFi network controller and the UniFi mobile app. It gives you eight PoE+ ports (with a total PoE power limit) for powering compatible devices like UniFi access points and cameras, but the PoE budget is the key constraint to plan around before you buy.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fully managed Layer 2 switching you can configure and monitor through the UniFi controller and mobile app.
- Eight PoE+ ports with automatic PoE detection, suitable for powering common UniFi and other PoE devices.
- Compact, wall-mount friendly design, with a wall-mount kit included.
- 16 gigabit Ethernet ports, with 10/100/1000-class throughput (1,000 Mbps listed) for wired clients.
Cons
- PoE power is limited, and buyers sometimes wish it offered more headroom for many or power-hungry PoE devices.
- This is not a plug-and-play unmanaged switch, it is meant for UniFi-managed environments.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence highlights quick adoption and straightforward setup, especially for people already using UniFi equipment. Several notes emphasize smooth controller integration and the switch’s compact footprint. On the power side, feedback generally supports that it can run typical home networking PoE loads, while also reinforcing one recurring caveat: the total PoE power budget may feel limiting if you plan to power a larger number of PoE devices at once.
What this switch is for
This is a managed, Layer 2 PoE switch built for wired networks that want centralized control. If your goal is to add more gigabit ports and power PoE devices from one place, the USW-Lite-16-PoE can fit well, particularly when you are already using (or planning to use) UniFi for controller-based configuration and monitoring.
PoE+ ports and the one limitation to plan around
Eight of the 16 Ethernet ports support PoE+, with automatic 802.3at sensing/detection. The total PoE power available is listed at 45W, so the switch is best matched to modest PoE deployments, such as a couple of access points and a small number of cameras or other PoE devices that do not require the full budget.
If you expect to run multiple PoE accessories simultaneously, it is worth double-checking your device power needs against the switch’s total PoE power cap. That single factor is what tends to separate “works great” setups from “I wish it had more power” outcomes.
UniFi management experience
The USW-Lite-16-PoE is designed to be managed and configured using a UniFi network controller, including through the UniFi mobile app. That matters if you want a graphical interface for monitoring switch features, rather than relying on a basic on-switch setup flow.
Buyers who are already familiar with UniFi integration report that adoption can be easy, and that the switch fits cleanly into an existing UniFi network.
Design and connectivity basics
- Ports: 16 total Gigabit Ethernet ports.
- PoE: 8 PoE+ ports, with an overall PoE power limit of 45W.
- Performance: 1,000 Mbps (gigabit) throughput is listed.
- Mounting: Wall-mount kit included, with a compact metal housing (listed item weight: 1200 grams).
- Power: Uses a 60W external power adapter (listed), with voltage listed at 28 volts.
Who should buy it
- You use UniFi (or want to use UniFi) and want a managed switch that you can control and monitor via the UniFi controller and app.
- You need more gigabit wired ports for a home or small office, plus PoE for a couple of access points and other PoE devices.
- You prefer a compact, wall-mount form factor.
Who should skip it
- You want an unmanaged, plug-and-play switch, because this model is built for UniFi controller-based management.
- You plan a larger PoE-heavy setup where the total 45W budget could become a bottleneck.
Price and availability
At the time of writing, this model’s price is listed at $221.79 (with a list price shown as $299.99). Availability is indicated as in stock. If you are deciding between options, compare the PoE budget and number of PoE-required ports first, then confirm the management approach fits your network.
Verdict
The Ubiquiti UniFi Switch USW-Lite-16-PoE is a strong fit for UniFi-centered networks that want gigabit connectivity plus PoE+ power for common devices. It stands out for how cleanly it integrates with UniFi management, but you should size your PoE plan carefully because the total PoE power budget is the main practical limitation called out in buyer feedback.
FAQs
Is this a managed switch?
Yes. It is described as a fully managed Layer 2 switch that is configured and monitored through a UniFi network controller and the UniFi mobile app.
How many ports support PoE+?
Eight of the 16 Ethernet ports are PoE+ ports, with automatic PoE detection. The total PoE power budget is listed as 45W.
What devices is it suitable for powering?
It is intended for PoE devices such as UniFi access points and other PoE-capable equipment. Common home use cases include access points and cameras, as long as the overall PoE power budget fits your device requirements.
Do I need a UniFi controller to use it?
It is designed to be managed by a UniFi network controller, with management also available through the UniFi mobile app, so a UniFi-managed setup is the intended approach.
Is it wall-mountable?
Yes. It is designed for wall mounting, and a wall-mount kit is included.
What is the main limitation to consider?
The most important constraint is the total PoE power budget (45W). If you plan to run many PoE devices at once, verify your device power draw against that limit.
Specifications
| Product Title | Ubiquiti - UniFi Switch (USW-Lite-16-PoE, 16 Gigabit Ethernet Ports, 8 PoE+ Ports, Wall Mounted) |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Networking Products > Switches |
| Brand | Ubiquiti Networks |
| Manufacturer | UBIQUITI Networks |
| Model Number | USW-Lite-16-PoE |
| Item Weight | 1200 Grams |
| Color | multicoloured |
| Number of Ports | 16 |
| Compatible Devices | Different devices, such as smartphones, computers and cameras, as long as they have the corresponding Ethernet or wireless port capabilities. |
| Voltage | 28 Volts |
| Maximum Power | 45 Watts |
| Interface | PoE+ |
| Data Transfer Rate | 1000 Megabits Per Second |
| Switch Type | managed |
| Platform | Not Machine Specific |
| Number of Layers | 1 |
| Case Material Type | Metal |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 7.87"L x 5.91"W x 5.91"H |
| Built-In Media | UniFi Switch Lite USW-Lite-16-POE |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00810010071163 |
| UPC | 810010071163 |
| Mfr Part Number | USW-Lite-16-PoE |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Included Components | UniFi Switch Lite USW-Lite-16-POE |
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