As businesses and homes increasingly rely on digital solutions, the demands on network infrastructure have grown significantly. These days, reliable security, seamless connectivity, and high-speed internet are necessities. UniFi products are frequently praised for their low cost, simplicity of installation, and ease of maintenance and wide range of products. However, because of UniFi’s extensive ecosystem, selecting the appropriate networking hardware is essential, and two standout options from Ubiquiti’s UniFi ecosystem are the UniFi UDM-Pro and the UniFi UXG-Pro. Both devices offer robust networking capabilities but are designed for different use cases and environments.
UDM-Pro
Overview
First launched in 2019, the UniFi Dream Machine (UDM) is an all-in-one network device designed to deliver comprehensive networking capabilities in a single unit. Initially, the UDM faced several challenges and was not the preferred choice for many customers. However, Ubiquiti listened to user feedback and quickly adapted, leading to the introduction of the UniFi UDM-Pro.
The UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro) combines a security gateway, network switch, network video recorder (NVR), and UniFi controller with built-in software to run all UniFi applications, including Network, Protect, Talk, Access, and Identity. Compared to previous discontinued models, the UDM-Pro offers more powerful hardware, higher performance, and additional software features. This makes it an ideal choice for home users and small to medium-sized businesses, delivering a robust and efficient networking solution that meets a wide range of needs.
Pros
- The UDM-Pro includes an integrated security gateway, 8-port switch, NVR and UniFi Network controller, reducing the need for multiple devices.
- Offers DPI, threat management, and a built-in IDS/IPS system to enhance network security.
- Includes dual WAN ports for failover and load balancing, enhancing reliability and performance.
- Supports UniFi Protect, Access, and Talk, allowing for a comprehensive UniFi ecosystem.
- Given its features, the UDM-Pro provides excellent value for money.
Cons
- The built-in switch has only 8 ports, which might be insufficient for larger networks.
- Large deployments including all additional applications active, might find the UDM-Pro’s performance lacking.
- UniFi Protect application officially supports UniFi Cameras only.
UXG-Pro
Overview
The UniFi Network Gateway Pro (UXG Pro) is a next generation security gateway, designed as an upgrade to the now-discontinued USG-Pro. It offers high performance and advanced networking features, perfect for large enterprises and users who need a customizable, high-performance network setup. It excels in environments where redundancy, load balancing, and high throughput are essential.
Unlike the UDM-Pro, the UXG-Pro does not include an integrated switch, NVR, or network controller, making it ideal for users who already have these components or only need a gateway. It features two 10 Gbps SFP+ ports and two 1 Gbps RJ45 ports. With the same CPU as the UDM-Pro and 2GB DDR4 memory, it functions as a dedicated high-performance gateway without built-in applications like Network, Protect, Talk, Access, and Identity.
Pros
- Designed for high throughput, the UXG-Pro can handle more demanding environments and larger networks.
- Offers DPI, threat management, and a built-in IDS/IPS system to enhance network security.
- Includes dual WAN ports for failover and load balancing, enhancing reliability and performance.
- Allows for a more customizable setup, ideal for environments where specific networking components are already in place.
Cons
- UXG-Pro does not have an integrated switch or controller, necessitating additional purchases.
- The setup process can be more complex, requiring more networking knowledge and additional UniFi components.
- When combined with the necessary additional hardware, the total cost can be higher than the UDM-Pro.
Hardware Comparison
| Hardware Comparison | |||
| Model | UDM-Pro | UXG-Pro | |
| Mechanical | Dimensions | 442.4 x 43.7 x 285.6 mm | 442.4 x 43.7 x 285.6 mm |
| Weight | 3.9 kg | 3.4 kg | |
| Hardware | Processor | Quad-core ARM-A57 at 1.7 GHz | Quad-core ARM-A57 at 1.7 GHz |
| Memory | 4 GB DDR4 | 2 GB DDR4 | |
| On-board storage | 16 GB eMMC | No | |
| LAN Interface | Ethernet | (8) GbE RJ45 ports | (1) 1 GbE RJ45 port |
| Fiber SFP | (1) 10G SFP+ port | (1) 10G SFP+ port | |
| WAN Interface | Ethernet | (1) GbE RJ45 port | (1) 1 GbE RJ45 port |
| Fiber SFP | (1) 10G SFP+ port | (1) 10G SFP+ port | |
| Advanced Features | Dual WAN | Yes | Yes |
| Load Balancing | Yes | Yes | |
| Built-in UniFi Controller | Yes | No | |
| UniFi Applications | Yes | No | |
| UniFi Cloud Access | Yes | No | |
| DPI | Yes | Yes | |
| IDS/IPS | Yes | Yes | |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No | |
| LCM Display | (1) 1.3″ touchscreen | (1) 1.3″ touchscreen | |
| Button | Factory Reset | Factory Reset | |
Conclusion
Choosing between the UniFi UDM-Pro and UniFi UXG-Pro depends largely on your specific needs and environment. The UDM-Pro is a cost-effective, all-in-one solution that simplifies network management and is perfect for small to medium-sized locations. On the other hand, the UXG-Pro offers greater flexibility, performance, and redundancy, making it a better choice for larger enterprises and complex network environments.
Ultimately, both devices excel in their respective areas, and understanding the unique needs of your network will guide you to the right choice. Whether you prioritize ease of use and integration with the UDM-Pro or seek high performance and customization with the UXG-Pro.
