Netgear Insight vs Unifi- which is the better router
Wouldn’t it be nice to just have one networking device that will perform the work of a switch, an access point, and a router, thus obliterating the need to buy the above networking devices separately?
Sadly, technology is yet to consolidate all the above networking devices into one solid system, and since you will have to invest in the various networking equipment for comprehensive coverage there has to be a way for managing all the routers, access points, and switches from one application. And that is why Netgear has made the management of their networking devices easier through the Netgear Insight application.
Unifi hasn’t been left out either and is giving Netgear a stiff competition; they, therefore, offer their users the Unifi network management controller, the company also released, The “Unifi controller,” which is a wireless network management software configured to allow users manage multiple wireless networks through a web browser.
The later application only caters to Unifi outdoor access point devices that use version 3.2 going up, including the Unifi Access point pro, AC and LR.
Table of Contents
Netgear Insight vs Unifi- How do they compare?
Model |
Netgear Insight |
Unifi (Winner) |
Subscription Plans |
Insight Basic
Insight Premium |
Free |
Managed Devices |
Access points, Switches, Storage Devices |
Access points, Switches, and Hubs |
Applications |
Insight App, Insight Cloud portal |
WiFi Mann App |
Video security |
None |
Scalable plug and play |
Netgear Insight Vs Unifi- How do they compare?
Customization
The Netgear application allows autonomous control of select Netgear devices, users can, therefore, configure and monitor devices such as the storage devices, the Wifi Access points, and the Netgear Switches. Management of the above-named device has been enabled via two applications, one which is the cloud portal and the mobile application.
Netgear users, who choose to use the cloud portal will be able to access varied significant services, such as business scalability and top performance, flexibility, automatic software integration, improved collaboration, and automatic software updates. The insight application that can be utilized from the mobile phone also comes with varied advantages. For example, individuals who are not into technical stuff can easily manage some of their activities through the application.
Users can also secure their networks even when in a different location, monitor who gets access to their networking system, prioritize the use of the networks internet resources, and set up parental controls especially in the access points. The Unifi applications can be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store.
So, given the varied control features provided by Netgear, the management applications are not offered for free; therefore, with regard to your needs, you can choose the management application that best suits your needs, that is either the Insight basic or premium. And some of the features that you are going to find in both plans are such as access logs and traffic history, guided installation and configuration, and Instant alerts for critical events among others.
Unifi
Unifi, on the other hand, allows management and control of up to three networking devices, one which is the switch, the access points, and the hub. Remember, therefore, that the networking platform, has consolidated all the networking devices feature in a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) platform, meaning that if the devices are in different locations, you can still manage them from one interface.
And apart from the basic management features, users have also been provided with two options which are the local and cloud. The provided Unifi mobile application can, therefore, be sourced from either Google Play or the App Store. It is also through this application that you have been given the option of easily accessing the local and cloud controllers, and you can also make quick configuration adjustments.
The provided Unif application is the WiFi mann app, that will provide you with information on the network speeds, you will also be able to see the devices on your network, and the available nearby Wi-Fi networks via the device analyzer. Other advanced services offered under the application are such as the channel location option, configured to single out a less crowded channel that will cater to your WiFi access points.
Security
With the spike in security threats to businesses and homes, it has become important for companies to offer their clients advanced security options. So while some have gone an extra length to offer the best security products thus raising the competition bar, Netgear doesn’t offer this service, but you can get it from Arlo technologies formerly Netgear. Unifi, on the other hand, has gone all out and provided its users with scalable video security.
The latter is stored on the user’s secure hardware and not on the cloud servers. The above service is absolutely free, and mind you it is a zero bandwidth consumption service. The Unifi protect is designed to cater to the security needs of three categories of users, the small business owners, the medium-sized business owners, and for home use.
Supported devices
As we mentioned earlier insight will only offer support to some of the devices, and not all, so if you are to benefit from some of the insight premium plans, below are the products that you will have to invest in.
For the switches, the supported models are such as the GC110P, the GC728X, the GC110, GC752XP, GC728XP, GC752X, GC510PP, and the GC510P. For the access points, the options are limited, so you only get two, which are the WAC510 and the WAC505 models. The last supported device under the Netgear insight premium plan is the managed router, and here you only get to use one model which is the BR500.
Unifi also offers support to devices, but with a much wider variety when compared to what Netgear Insight covers. So here you will get support to all the devices under airMAX such as the airMAX access points, the airMax antennas, the airMAX legacy, and the airMax CPE. Products under Edgemax are also supported and these are such as the EdgeMAX routers, and Switches, among other accessories like the power supply, and the outdoor shielded Ethernet cable.
The information provided above goes to show that Unifi does cover more devices under the WiFi Mann application when compared to both Netgear Insight’s basic and premium packages.
Netgear Insight vs unifi – A comparison overview
Netgear Insight Overview
Insight is determined to provide management across multiple remote locations, there are however other significant features, that you will be able to access as you use the basic and premium plans. For starters set up of the devices has been simplified, so that even the novice users can go through the process with minimal hiccups.
Registration in either of the premium packages is one tap, and for all the insight managed services you have been provided with the email and push notifications to cater to the network problems. You will therefore, need a single insight account for the management of all your networks.
And lastly, you have been spared from investing in additional software, cloud controller, server, appliances, and network portal. And on top of all the above, you will get the remote firmware updates.
Netgear Insight Business router
- One-step instant VPN for business protection and remote or site-to-site secure access
- Stateful packet inspection firewall and easy rule setting for instant protection against intrusion
The insight business router is your networking business solution that gives you a trial window of 30 days so that you can use and decide if the unit caters to your needs or whether you will need another unit. Some of its best features are its remote monitoring capability and management from the insight app.
NETGEAR AC1200 Wireless Access Point
- Maximum Range : 1000 Sq Ft
- Fast dual band 802.11ac WiFi at a combined aggregate speed of 1.2 Gbps (300Mbps at 2.4 GHz and 867Mbps at...
This router provides advanced security for your networking devices, set up and configuration is also pretty easy. The unit offers faster data transfer rates, where you will get about 300mbps at 2.4GHz, and 867mbps at 5GHz.
Pros
- Single password for the management of the entire network
- The application offers full monitoring of the insight managed services
- Users can set limits for the download and upload rates, of the insight, managed wireless access points
- The application is versatile as users can access their network anywhere and at anytime
Cons
- Access to the cloud portal is only available in the insight premium plan
- Caters to fewer devices when compared to Unifi
Unifi Overview
Unifi offers a comprehensive solution in the management of its enterprise system, and this they do outstandingly well by ensuring reliability, and scalability complete with top performance but at a considerable price value. And the one feature that makes Unifi a considerable option when compared to Netgear is that all the above-mentioned services are free, you, therefore, won’t need to pay any extra license or support fees.
Ubiquiti UniFi Security Gateway Router USG Bundle with Unifi AP AC PRO UAP-AC-PRO 11ac PRO
The Unifi access point offers users cost effective and seamless networking, complete with advanced security for your network, the unit is able to create virtual network segments, for network traffic management and security. The unit also supports simultaneous dual band in the 2.4 and 5GHz.
Ubiquiti Networks Commercial EdgeRouter 12P, 10-Port Gigabit Router with 24V PoE
- Total Number of Ports: 10
- Number of Total Expansion Slots: 2
The Unifi router gives users the opportunity to add a large number of networking devices to their network through the provided expansion slots. Set up and use is pretty easy complete with an intuitive interface.
Pros
- System deployment is a single site
- Offers the hybrid cloud technology
- Offers advanced network switching
- provides users with high-performance scalable Wi-Fi
Cons
- Has provided a separate management application “the Unifi Controller for Access Points spanning version 3.2 going up
Verdict; which application is better? Netgear Insight or Unifi
The Unifi application and devices come out as the better option when compared to the Netgear Insight devices and the premium and basic subscription services. All the services offered by Unifi are free but for Netgear, you will have to pay and the cloud option can only be accessed in the premium option, as it is visibly lacking in the basic package.
FAQ’s
-
Is Netgear Insight free?
The Netgear insight application can be downloaded for free from either the App Store or the Google App, and you won’t pay for the non-insight managed services. However, you will need to pay for the Netgear Insight and premium subscription services that are available in monthly and yearly subscriptions.
-
How many Unifi access points do I need for my office?
Different offices have different needs with regard to the size, wall distribution and building material, you will therefore, need to use the comparison chart and the data sheet to select the perfect unit for your office needs.
