The UniFi Dream Machine gives you everything you need for a UniFi system in one device.

It features a controller, router, switch and access point, making it a good way to get started. The router is far ahead of their current standalone USG and USG-Pro in performance, allowing for 850 Mbps IDS/IPS performances. The 4 port switch allows gigabit Ethernet connections to a few of your most important devices, or a way to attach a bigger switch for even more wired ports.

The 4x4 802.11ac wave 2 wireless access point is the equivalent to a nanoHD — a great access point that will cover small to medium sized houses and businesses. For even more wireless coverage, you can wire in any other UniFi AP, or add one of the new Beacon HD mesh APs.

While it has a lot of the benefits of UniFi, it also has some downsides. UDMs are not able to be adopted by external controllers, complicating things for people that want to deploy it at an external site. A lot of managed service providers deploy UniFi systems for customers (or parents), and manage them all centrally from one instance of the controller software. That isn’t possible with the UDM right now. The only way to manage multiple remote sites is through Ubquiti’s free cloud service.

Another downside is common to every all-in-one device, and makes the UDM a weird fit in the UniFi line: it’s an all-in-one. If you want to upgrade in a few years, you can’t just replace one part. In order to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6, you’d have to purchase everything again, or use an external AP. It makes the UDM kind of an awkward product, one that goes against a lot of the benefits that UniFi normally provides.

I still think the UDM is a compelling entry in the UniFi lineup, and serves its role well. If you want to piece together your own setup you still can. If you want an easy way in and don’t mind the trade offs, the UDM is for you.

Quick Note on Wi-Fi 6

One of the most disappointing things about the UDM and Ubiquiti’s products right now is their lack of 802.11ax AKA Wi-Fi 6. If you don’t know, Wi-Fi 6 is the newest standard, replacing 802.11ac (Wi-fi 5). Wi-Fi 6 brings a lot of big improvements to how wireless networks work, and it’s what you should be looking to buy if you’re investing in new equipment. The lack of Wi-Fi 6 isn’t a deal breaker, 802.11ac Wave 2 is still plenty fast, but this is definitely one thing counting against the UDM going forward.

Enter the Amplifi Alien