Reviewing the UniFi Pro XG 8 Pro: A Compact Powerhouse for High-Speed Networking

We've got a cool one today! In our latest YouTube video, we dive deep into UniFi's newest release—the Pro XG 8 Pro switch. If you're a fan of UniFi's expanding lineup of 8-port switches, this one's going to grab your attention.

As someone who has long used the Enterprise 8 Pro, I was excited to see how the new Pro XG 8 Pro stacks up—and let me tell you, it doesn’t disappoint. Below is a full breakdown of what’s new, what’s powerful, and why this might just be your next favorite piece of networking gear.

What’s in the Box?

UniFi stays true to its polished presentation. The Pro XG 8 Pro arrives with:

• The sleek switch itself
• Wall mounts for both the switch and the 210W AC power adapter (same one used with the Pro Max 16 and Flex 2.5 PoE)
• Standard mounting hardware and leveling template

Just note: the power brick is substantial, but it delivers serious juice—enough to power even demanding devices.

Hardware Highlights

• Eight 10GbE PoE++ RJ45 ports: Backward compatible down to 100Mbps
• Two 10GbE SFP+ uplinks
• No LCD screen on the front (unlike some other UniFi models), but Ethernet port lighting is included
• Robust metal chassis with substantial weight—feels pro-grade

It’s narrower than the Enterprise 8 Pro, making it ideal for 10” racks—a big win for home lab or compact deployments.

Side-by-Side Comparison

In the video, we compare the Pro XG 8 Pro to:

• Enterprise 8 PoE
• Flex 2.5G PoE
• USW Flex XG 10

Here's what stood out:

Feature	Pro XG 8 Pro	Enterprise 8 Pro	Flex 2.5G PoE
Port Speed	10GbE	2.5GbE	2.5GbE
PoE	PoE++	PoE+	PoE+
Total PoE Budget	185W	120W	46W
Price	$499	$479	$199
Build	Metal, heavy	Metal, fins	Plastic, lighter
Mounting	10” rack fit	No	Flexible install

For only $20 more than the Enterprise 8 Pro, you’re getting significantly more bandwidth and power capacity.

Use Cases That Shine

1. Home Lab Enthusiasts

Its 10” rack compatibility, quiet operation, and high-power delivery make it a fantastic core switch for a compact home setup.

2. Decentralized Homes

Great for setups with multiple wiring clusters. Use a central Pro XG 8 Pro to power remote Flex 2.5G PoE switches around the house without needing additional power.

3. Test Benches & Development Rigs

Every port supports 10GbE and PoE++, making it ideal for environments where you're frequently plugging in devices of various specs.

4. Small Office or Creative Studios

Perfect for teams of video editors or engineers working off a NAS. The switch can easily handle multiple Macs pulling large files at high speed.

5. UniFi Protect Deployments

Need to power 8 security cameras and maybe a WAP or another switch? This device provides more than enough power and bandwidth.

Software & Setup

Setup is classic UniFi: plug it in, click “Adopt,” and you’re off. The UniFi dashboard gives detailed stats, port speeds, and PoE usage. Highlights include:

• VLAN management
• Port Manager for detailed port status
• System stats (CPU, memory, uptime)
• Adjustable Ethernet lighting and LED controls

Final Thoughts

The UniFi Pro XG 8 Pro may not be the cheapest switch out there, but it certainly earns its $499 price tag. Between the power budget, 10GbE performance, and compact design—it’s hard not to see it as a steal, especially when compared to the Enterprise 8 Pro.

If you’re running a modern, high-performance network—whether at home or in a small office—this switch offers a perfect blend of versatility, speed, and robustness.

Click here to watch this YouTube video!

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Click here to purchase the Pro XG 8 PoE