What PoE splitter is recommended for powering Raspberry Pi devices?

Using a PoE splitter to power a Raspberry Pi is an efficient way to simplify wiring, especially in networked and remote setups. Since Raspberry Pi boards do not support PoE natively, a PoE splitter is required to separate power and data from an Ethernet cable, providing the appropriate voltage and current for the device.

Key Factors When Choosing a PoE Splitter for Raspberry Pi

1. Power Requirements of Raspberry Pi Models

Different Raspberry Pi models have different power consumption needs. Choosing a PoE splitter that provides sufficient voltage and current is crucial for stable performance.

For Raspberry Pi 3 and 4, a PoE splitter with a 5V/3A output is recommended.

For Raspberry Pi 5, a high-power splitter with 5V/5A output is required.

2. PoE Standard Compatibility

PoE splitters must comply with the correct IEEE 802.3 standard to deliver enough power:

--- IEEE 802.3af (PoE): 15.4W – Sufficient for Raspberry Pi 3 but not ideal for Pi 4/5.

--- IEEE 802.3at (PoE+): 30W – Recommended for Raspberry Pi 4 (5V/3A).

--- IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++): 60W-100W – Required for Raspberry Pi 5 (5V/5A).

For Raspberry Pi 4, choose a PoE+ (802.3at) splitter.

For Raspberry Pi 5, use a PoE++ (802.3bt) splitter.

3. Voltage Output

--- Raspberry Pi boards use a 5V power input via USB-C (or Micro-USB for older models).

--- A PoE splitter should output exactly 5V to avoid damage or instability.

--- Choose a PoE splitter with a fixed 5V DC output.

4. Power Connector Type

--- Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 use USB-C for power.

--- Raspberry Pi 3B/3B+ uses Micro-USB.

--- Some PoE splitters come with DC barrel jacks instead of USB connectors. In this case, a DC-to-USB adapter is needed.

Choose a splitter with a built-in USB-C or Micro-USB connector for easier setup.

Recommended PoE Splitters for Raspberry Pi

1. For Raspberry Pi 3B / 3B+

TP-Link TL-POE10R PoE Splitter

--- IEEE 802.3af (15.4W) compliant

--- Adjustable output: 5V/9V/12V

--- Micro-USB adapter included

2. For Raspberry Pi 4B (2GB/4GB/8GB)

iCreatin Active PoE Splitter (5V/3A USB-C)

--- IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) compliant

--- Output: 5V/3A via USB-C

--- Ideal for stable Raspberry Pi 4 operation

3. For Raspberry Pi 5

UCTRONICS PoE++ Splitter (5V/5A USB-C)

--- IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++) compliant

--- Output: 5V/5A via USB-C

--- Supports high-power Raspberry Pi 5 setups

Alternative Solution: Official Raspberry Pi PoE HAT

For Raspberry Pi 3B+ or 4, you can use the Official Raspberry Pi PoE+ HAT, which integrates PoE functionality directly onto the board.

--- Simplifies wiring – No need for an external splitter.

--- Supports PoE+ (802.3at) for 5V/2.5A output.

Not compatible with Raspberry Pi 5 (as it has no PoE pins).

Conclusion: Best PoE Splitter for Your Raspberry Pi

--- For Raspberry Pi 3B/3B+ → TP-Link TL-POE10R (5V/2.5A Micro-USB)

--- For Raspberry Pi 4 → iCreatin PoE Splitter (5V/3A USB-C)

--- For Raspberry Pi 5 → UCTRONICS PoE++ Splitter (5V/5A USB-C)