Unifi dream machine Review

When you’re building your home network, you’re also thinking about the cost of all the network devices you’ll need to create an effective and efficient network. However, with the Unifi dream machine, you don’t have to worry about getting so many gadgets because it’s an all-in-one device that provides you with everything you need for your network.

The Unifi dream machine or UDM is a convenient device that contains a controller, switch, router, and access point, everything you need for a home or office network. Its CPU makes it a capable security gateway for fast internet connections, the 4×4 802.11ac wave 2 wireless access point is similar to a nonaHD which can provide enough coverage for your apartment and small to medium-sized homes and businesses, and the managed gigabit switch will allow you to connect 4 devices or switches to add room for more wired ports. The built-in controller makes it easy for you to configure and monitor your network remotely using the web interface or your phone app.

Unifi dream machine review and breakdown

Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine | UDM-US

• High‐Performance Dual Band 802. 11ac 4x4 Wave 2 AP
• Managed 4-Port Gigabit Switch

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The Unifi dream machine is a unique device that integrates all the components in one device for wifi or a small-scale wired network. It’s user-friendly and provides you with the benefits of Unifi for your home or business. This simple looking all-white device has excellent performance and hardware apart from its aesthetics. The UDM has most of the expand-ability options where the built-in controller can handle downstream devices, you can connect an Unifi AP if you need more wireless coverage, or add a network switch if you have morewired devices to connect or PoE out. Since the PoE doesn’t provide PoE, you’ll need a way to power these devices either using a separate PoE switch or power injector. The UDM doesn’t support the security camera software and VoIP applications.

To get the UDM running, you need to connect it to a power source using the WAN port and have an internet connection from your modem. You can use the phone app or the web browser to set it up, using the app is much faster and easier because the app will automatically find your UDM and guide you through the process. You can configure some of the settings using the app or use the Unifi controller for more advanced setting configurations and management. The controller allows the UDM to do things most home routers can’t do well or doesn’t do.

It supports features like dynamic DNS, port forwarding, custom DNS filtering, SIP, mDNS, adding networks, DHCP snooping, and many more. You have plenty of options and tools to improve the performance of your wireless networks. Using a web portal, you can easily add a guest network using the guest control settings. You can opt to use a password, make it an open network, use Facebook, or use Google.

What we liked 

• A beautiful device with great hardware
• The mobile app is convenient and easy to use
• Allows you to create other networks
• Made with quality and durable materials
• Has a nice aesthetic appeal

What we didn’t like

• Internet drops
• Coverage isn’t so good

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Unifi dream machine specs

Unifi dream machine features

Design

Out of the box, the Unifi dream machine looks super sleek with a cylinder shape that is about 7.25 inches tall and 4.33 inches wide and weighs about 1.05 kg. It’s designed with a sturdy plastic shell with an LED ring at the top that glows blue when the UDM is functioning properly and white when it’s booting up and during updates, and a rubber base that helps to prevent it from sliding of flat surfaces. Its aesthetic design allows it to blend in well with your home or office décor. You can control the LED light using the mobile app. It has an integrated fan that kick starts when you’re doing your initial setup. At the back are 5-gigabit network ports, 4 LAN and 1 WAN ports, and a power input for the 2-prong power cord.

Functionality

To build an Unifi ecosystem, you need a switch, an access point, and a security gateway to allow you access to the Unifi controller, and all these features are found in the UDM. It provides a secure and completely managed network solution packed in a compact and aesthetically appealing cylinder. It runs the Unifi controller software and integrates the advanced security gateway to provide a business-class firewall with IPS. The UDM functions as both a professional and consumer product and provide you with a better upgrade and boost if you use it with wifi functions provided by your internet service provider.

Features

The integrated Cloud key allows you to use the Unifi controller to handle system traffic, arrange your connected Unifi devices and also map out your networks. The UDM will also allow you to create a guest network that will allow others to automatically log in before connecting to your system.

Although the UDM is designed for home and small business use, it can also handle a high-performing wifi network which makes it suitable for high-density environments. It also has features you’ll find in a high-end router like the advanced QoS and dynamic DNS.

The managed 4-gigabit ports allow you to add more wired devices or network storage very easily and conveniently.

Who is it best suited for?

The Unifi dream machine is ideal for homeowners and small businesses that are looking to create a wifi or wired network that has centralized control management. It’s also a great device if you want to build a customizable network and you can use the mobile app or the web browser to configure and manage your network easily.

Are there alternatives to the Unifi dream machine?

Yes, there are alternatives to the UDM that include the Unifi dream machine Pro and security gateway Pro 4 that will give you a ton of versatility, flexibility, and upgradability. This will allow you to place individual components and consolidate your network infrastructure which will make it easier to manage it.

Features of the alternative UDMs

Final verdict. Should you get the Unifi dream machine?

Yes, you should get the UDM because although you’ll pay a premium for it, it has a better wifi range than other routers and it’s highly versatile since it will allow you to add more access points and install security cameras. You can also a fast home internet system that is easy to set up and expand which makes it ideal for your home or small business.

FAQ

Is the Unifi controller free?

The Unifi controller a separate feature from the Unifi Cloud access but it’s free which allows you to host and manage your network through the internet.

Is Ubiquiti any good?

Ubiquiti produces great devices with excellent functionality that you would expect from a product that is more than double its price. It doesn’t charge extra for additional devices or its management software.