Ubiquiti USW-ENTERPRISE-24-POE vs Ubiquiti USW-PRO-HD-24-POE: Specification Comparison
Both the USW-ENTERPRISE-24-POE and USW-PRO-HD-24-POE are 24-port, 1U rack-mount, Layer 3 managed PoE switches from Ubiquiti, operating on 100–240VAC and targeting enterprise IP camera and wireless AP deployments. The comparison examines three dimensions most critical to installers and IT buyers in this class: PoE power budget and port density, switching throughput and uplink architecture, and physical build and environmental specifications.
In This Guide
- Which switch delivers more PoE power and what standard does it support?
- How do the two switches compare on throughput, forwarding rate, and uplink port configuration?
- Are there meaningful differences in physical build, power draw, and operating environment between these two switches?
- Which should you choose: the USW-ENTERPRISE-24-POE or the USW-PRO-HD-24-POE?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which switch delivers more PoE power and what standard does it support?
The USW-PRO-HD-24-POE carries a 600W PoE budget versus the USW-ENTERPRISE-24-POE's 400W — a 50% increase. At 24 ports each, the PRO-HD-24-POE supports approximately 25W per port simultaneously across all 24 ports, while the ENTERPRISE-24-POE's 400W budget averages ~16.7W per port at full concurrency.
The PoE standard differs between models: the ENTERPRISE-24-POE specifies PoE+ (IEEE 802.3af/at, maximum 30W per port), while the PRO-HD-24-POE specifies PoE++ (802.3bt, which supports up to 60W or 90W per port depending on type). Buyers powering 802.3bt devices such as high-end PTZ cameras, WiFi 6E APs, or multi-radio APs should factor this standard difference into their selection.
The PRO-HD-24-POE also adds a DC power backup input per its spec ('redundancy DC power backup'), enabling continued PoE delivery on AC failure. No equivalent DC backup capability is listed for the ENTERPRISE-24-POE.
How do the two switches compare on throughput, forwarding rate, and uplink port configuration?
The USW-PRO-HD-24-POE substantially outperforms on all three throughput metrics: 230 Gbps switching capacity versus 124 Gbps; 115 Gbps non-blocking throughput versus 62 Gbps; and 171 Mpps forwarding rate versus 92 Mpps. Each PRO-HD figure is roughly 1.85× the ENTERPRISE equivalent.
Uplink architecture also diverges. The ENTERPRISE-24-POE provides 2× 10G SFP+ uplinks. The PRO-HD-24-POE provides 4× 10G SFP+ uplinks plus 2× integrated 10GbE copper ports, for a total of six 10G-capable uplink paths. Additionally, the PRO-HD-24-POE's 24 access ports are spec'd as 22× 2.5GbE plus 2× 10GbE, while the ENTERPRISE-24-POE lists 24× 2.5G/1G PoE+ ports — a meaningful difference for 10GbE-capable end devices.
For installations where aggregation switches, NVRs, or servers require multiple high-speed uplinks, or where future bandwidth growth is anticipated, the PRO-HD-24-POE's headroom is substantially larger.
Are there meaningful differences in physical build, power draw, and operating environment between these two switches?
Both units share the same SGCC steel enclosure and rack-mount material, identical operating temperature range (-5 to 40°C), identical voltage range (100–240VAC), and the same VLAN ceiling (1,000 VLANs). Both are NDAA compliant and carry CE, FCC, IC, and Anatel certifications.
The PRO-HD-24-POE is physically deeper: 442 × 400 × 44 mm versus the ENTERPRISE-24-POE's 442 × 325 × 44 mm — 75 mm deeper, which matters in shallow-depth rack enclosures or wall-mount cabinets. The PRO-HD-24-POE is also heavier at 6.2 kg (13.7 lb) versus 5.1 kg (11.3 lb).
Internal power supply ratings differ: the PRO-HD-24-POE uses a 660W PSU versus the ENTERPRISE-24-POE's 550W PSU. Both specify identical non-PoE power consumption of 60W. The ENTERPRISE-24-POE's Anatel certification number is 05485-22-08356; the PRO-HD-24-POE's is 03853-25-08356.
Which should you choose: the USW-ENTERPRISE-24-POE or the USW-PRO-HD-24-POE?
Our take: The USW-PRO-HD-24-POE is the stronger choice when the deployment demands higher PoE power, greater throughput headroom, or 802.3bt device support, while the USW-ENTERPRISE-24-POE is the appropriate selection for standard PoE+ deployments where rack depth or budget constraints apply. Three concrete spec deltas define the gap: the PRO-HD-24-POE delivers 600W PoE++ versus 400W PoE+ — 50% more budget and a higher per-port standard; its switching capacity is 230 Gbps versus 124 Gbps with 171 Mpps versus 92 Mpps forwarding; and it provides six 10G-capable uplink paths (4× SFP+ plus 2× 10GbE copper) against two SFP+ uplinks on the ENTERPRISE model. The PRO-HD-24-POE also adds DC power backup not present on the ENTERPRISE. Installers running PoE+ (802.3at) cameras and standard Wi-Fi 6 APs under moderate concurrency will find the ENTERPRISE-24-POE sufficient; those deploying 802.3bt devices, dense multi-gig wireless, or requiring AC-failure PoE continuity should specify the PRO-HD-24-POE. Both operate on the UniFi management platform.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Ubiquiti USW-ENTERPRISE-24-POE | Ubiquiti USW-PRO-HD-24-POE |
|---|---|---|
| SKU | USW-ENTERPRISE-24-POE | USW-PRO-HD-24-POE |
| Form Factor | 1U Rack Mount | 1U Rack Mount |
| Access Ports | 24× 2.5G/1G PoE+ | 22× 2.5GbE + 2× 10GbE PoE |
| Uplink Ports | 2× 10G SFP+ | 4× 10G SFP+ + 2× 10GbE copper |
| PoE Standard | PoE+ (802.3af/at) | PoE++ (802.3bt) |
| PoE Budget | 400W | 600W |
| DC Backup Input | — | Yes (redundancy DC power backup) |
| Switching Capacity | 124 Gbps | 230 Gbps |
| Non-Blocking Throughput | 62 Gbps | 115 Gbps |
| Forwarding Rate | 92 Mpps | 171 Mpps |
| Internal PSU | 550W | 660W |
| Non-PoE Power Draw | 60W | 60W |
| VLAN Support | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 442 × 325 × 44 | 442 × 400 × 44 |
| Weight | 5.1 kg (11.3 lb) | 6.2 kg (13.7 lb) |
| Operating Temp | -5 to 40°C | -5 to 40°C |
| NDAA Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosure | SGCC steel | SGCC steel |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the USW-ENTERPRISE-24-POE or the USW-PRO-HD-24-POE?
The USW-PRO-HD-24-POE is the stronger choice when the deployment demands higher PoE power, greater throughput headroom, or 802.3bt device support, while the USW-ENTERPRISE-24-POE is the appropriate selection for standard PoE+ deployments where rack depth or budget constraints apply. Three concrete spec deltas define the gap: the PRO-HD-24-POE delivers 600W PoE++ versus 400W PoE+ — 50% more budget and a higher per-port standard; its switching capacity is 230 Gbps versus 124 Gbps with 171 Mpps versus 92 Mpps forwarding; and it provides six 10G-capable uplink paths (4× SFP+ plus 2× 10GbE copper) against two SFP+ uplinks on the ENTERPRISE model. The PRO-HD-24-POE also adds DC power backup not present on the ENTERPRISE. Installers running PoE+ (802.3at) cameras and standard Wi-Fi 6 APs under moderate concurrency will find the ENTERPRISE-24-POE sufficient; those deploying 802.3bt devices, dense multi-gig wireless, or requiring AC-failure PoE continuity should specify the PRO-HD-24-POE. Both operate on the UniFi management platform.
Is the USW-PRO-HD-24-POE worth the step up if I'm only running standard PoE+ cameras and APs?
If your devices are all IEEE 802.3af/at (PoE/PoE+, up to 30W per port) and your total PoE draw stays under 400W, the USW-ENTERPRISE-24-POE meets the spec requirement. The PRO-HD-24-POE's 600W budget and 802.3bt (PoE++) capability add measurable headroom but are only necessary if you are deploying 802.3bt devices, running all 24 ports near full wattage simultaneously, or need DC backup for PoE continuity on AC failure — none of which are listed capabilities on the ENTERPRISE model.
Will either switch fit in a shallow-depth wall-mount or compact rack cabinet?
Depth is a differentiator here. The USW-ENTERPRISE-24-POE measures 325 mm deep; the USW-PRO-HD-24-POE is 400 mm deep — 75 mm longer. Both are 1U (44 mm) in height. Installers working with wall-mount enclosures or cabinets with usable depths under 400 mm (plus cable management clearance) should verify fit for the PRO-HD-24-POE and may find the ENTERPRISE-24-POE the only viable option in those form factors.
Do both switches support the same VLAN count and management platform?
Yes. Both the USW-ENTERPRISE-24-POE and USW-PRO-HD-24-POE specify support for up to 1,000 VLANs and are managed via Ethernet (UniFi controller platform). Both are NDAA compliant and carry CE, FCC, IC, and Anatel certifications. Neither spec sheet lists a difference in management software capability, so segmentation depth and platform integration are equivalent between the two models based on the provided specifications.
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