TP-Link TL-SG1005P Review: Reliable PoE+ with Caveats
Digging into community experiences, the TP-Link TL-SG1005P 5 Port Gigabit PoE Switch earns a solid 8.0/10 from cross-platform feedback. It’s widely praised for delivering dependable PoE+ power and gigabit speeds in a compact, fanless design, but it’s not without quirks—particularly for users running certain Ubiquiti hardware or high-power PoE loads.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reliable PoE+ up to 30W per port | Incompatible with some Ubiquiti devices |
| Compact, sturdy metal build | Limited to 5 ports, no scalability |
| Fanless, silent operation | No management interface |
| Plug-and-play simplicity | PoE budget may be insufficient for multiple high-load devices |
| QoS & IGMP snooping for smooth streaming | Extend mode reduces speed to 10 Mbps |
Claims vs Reality
TP-Link markets the TL-SG1005P as a “professional high-power 5-port gigabit switch” with 4 PoE+ ports each delivering up to 30W, totaling a 65W PoE budget. While this holds true for most setups, several users found the real-world budget tighter than expected. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Works great for four PoE cameras running 24/7, but I wouldn’t push it with more power-hungry gear.”
Marketing also highlights “plug-and-play” simplicity—no configuration needed. This is accurate, but Reddit user Duncan*** learned it comes at a cost: “I tried accessing the web interface and couldn’t find the switch. Turns out it’s unmanaged—no web UI, no router device listing. Just plug and go.” For basic networks this is fine, but for advanced control it’s a dead end.
TP-Link promotes Extend Mode as a way to boost PoE range to 250m. While functional, the catch is speed reduction to 10 Mbps. Reddit user reports confirm: “Great for distant IP cameras, but you lose gigabit—fine for video feeds, useless for high-speed data.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Trustpilot, and Reddit, the TL-SG1005P’s build quality stands out. A Trustpilot reviewer wrote: “The sturdy metal construction and shielded ports enhance durability and protect against interference.” This appeals to installers in harsh environments—small businesses, warehouses—where physical resilience matters. The fanless design is another winner: “Absolutely silent, can run in a bedroom without noticing it,” said an Amazon buyer.
PoE+ support is a core selling point. Surveillance enthusiasts repeatedly credit it for streamlining setups. One Trustpilot user powering Reolink cameras explained: “Plugged in new switch, was operating in about 30 seconds.” For home office setups, IGMP snooping and QoS help keep video calls clear. A Reddit user remarked: “Voice and video stay lag-free when I prioritize traffic.”
Common Complaints
Not all devices play nice. Multiple reports flag issues with Ubiquiti gear, especially older models. Trustpilot feedback warns: “Doesn’t successfully negotiate PoE to a Unifi Nano AP.” Reddit threads echo this, noting that certain 24V passive PoE devices won’t work at all. For users mixing brands, this can be a dealbreaker.
Port count is another limitation. With only five ports—four PoE and one non-PoE—the switch maxes out quickly. Provantage analysis points to “limited scalability—only five ports available, limiting network expansion.” Larger networks will outgrow it fast.
The 65W budget can be restrictive. High-load devices like PTZ cameras may force the intelligent power management to cut lower-priority ports. This behavior is by design, but can surprise users mid-operation.
Divisive Features
Extend Mode splits opinion: installers love the range for cameras, but networking purists dislike the speed drop. Some call it “perfect for surveillance in large areas,” while others dismiss it as “crippling throughput for anything but video.”
The unmanaged nature is similarly polarizing. Beginners appreciate the absence of setup, but advanced users miss VLAN control, SNMP, and monitoring. As one TP-Link Community post bluntly stated: “It will not appear on the router as a connected device.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot sentiment leans positive, with praise for TP-Link support: “Product and TP-Link support has been fantastic.” Long-term Reddit feedback indicates durability—users report units running for years without failure. The metal casing and fanless design reduce mechanical wear, and multiple buyers describe it as “set it and forget it” hardware.
There’s little evidence of counterfeit issues, but some confusion around specs exists. Baltic and Australian listings claim a 56W budget, while mainstream Amazon specs list 65W. This discrepancy likely stems from regional variations, but buyers should confirm before purchase.
Alternatives
Within TP-Link’s own lineup, the TL-SG105PE offers management features absent here—ideal for those needing VLANs or port monitoring. For pure PoE load capacity, higher-budget switches from Netgear or Cisco may suit heavy multi-camera deployments better. However, at this price point, few match the TL-SG1005P’s blend of PoE+, silent operation, and compact build.
Price & Value
eBay listings show a wide range: from $20 used to $26.99 new, with Amazon averaging around $44.99. Resale value holds well—PicClick data shows “great price and value compared to similar items.” Community buying tips recommend grabbing it new for warranty coverage, as TP-Link offers limited lifetime protection.
FAQ
Q: Does the TL-SG1005P work with Ubiquiti devices?
A: Not reliably. Users report incompatibility with certain older Ubiquiti APs requiring passive 24V PoE. It’s designed for IEEE 802.3af/at devices.
Q: Can I manage VLANs on this switch?
A: No. It’s an unmanaged switch—there’s no web interface or VLAN support. Configuration requires a managed model.
Q: Will Extend Mode affect my network speed?
A: Yes. It extends PoE range to 250m but drops port speed to 10 Mbps, suitable for cameras but not high-speed data.
Q: How noisy is it?
A: Completely silent. The fanless design is frequently praised for quiet operation.
Q: What happens if I exceed the PoE budget?
A: The switch’s intelligent power management will cut power to lower-priority ports to protect the system.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re running small surveillance setups, VoIP phones, or home office networks needing quiet, reliable PoE+ power in a compact form. Avoid if you require advanced management or plan to power multiple high-draw PoE devices. Pro tip from the community: check your device’s PoE standard before buying—this switch won’t handle passive 24V gear.
