Ubiquiti’s UniFi has only recently been applicable for the home. It’s a line of advanced hardware initially designed for business and enterprise environments.
This list includes the top five best UniFi consoles (equivalent to “routers”) you can confidently consider, based on my real-world experience. It will also include tips on which UniFi switch or access points to match, depending on your broadband speed and whether your home is wired with network cables or not.
Ultimately, this post provides quick answers to help you determine which UniFi console is right for you.
With that, let’s dig in!
Dong’s note: I first published this frequently revised roundup on April 26, 2025, and last updated it on June 12, 2025, with the latest, up-to-date picks.

The five best UniFi consoles and quick shopping tips
There is a long list of UniFi consoles, often referred to as “UniFi Cloud Gateways” or UCGs. However, if you start today, it’s best to go with one that has no Wi-Fi, a non-Wi-Fi router, or one with built-in Wi-Fi 7.
Tip
All UniFi Cloud Gateways (also known as UniFi consoles) share the same basic features and settings, but their capacities, namely the breadth and depth of applications they can handle, vary depending on the hardware specs.
Main applications in the UniFi Application Suite include:
- Network (default): This application enables the hardware to function as an advanced router by managing all things network-related, including network settings/features, security, firewall, Wi-Fi, and support for extenders and access points to form a Wi-Fi system.
- Protect: The support for IP cameras as an advanced surveillance system, including a built-in NVR.
- Talk: A locally hosted Voice-over-IP system.
- Access: A “platform designed for Access Control Systems”—per Ubiquiti. Examples include door-related security IoT devices, such as doorbells, key fobs, locks, etc.
- Connect: Application that manages digital signage and EV Stations
Each of these applications is a world in itself, with various in-depth customizations and different types of UniFi devices.
Regardless of which one you choose, you can always add a UniFi access point to it to enhance or extend Wi-Fi coverage. So, here are a couple of general tips:
- If your home is wired with network cables, it’s best to start with a non-Wi-Fi console and add one or more UniFi access point(s) to get the best coverage and flexibility. However, you can also opt for a Wi-Fi-ready unit, such as the UDR7, and an access point, like the UX7, to extend coverage if needed.
- If your home is not wired and you can’t run network cables yourself:
- If your home only requires a single Wi-Fi broadcaster, then get a single Wi-Fi-integrated console. In this case, it’s helpful to place the hardware at the optimal location for the best coverage.
- If your home requires more than one broadcaster, consider using a Wi-Fi-integrated console, such as the UDR7 (or UDR), and pair it with the UX7 (or UX) as a wireless mesh point.
Below are the top five best UniFi consoles (or gateways) and why you should consider them. All of them are similar. While the numbers are based on their rating, any of these will work equally well as long as you pick the right one for your situation.
Top 5 Best UniFi Gateways to Build an Advanced Network
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Name | Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber)’s Rating | Ubiquiti UniFi Cloud Gateway Max (UCG-Max)’s Rating | Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Router 7 (UDR7)’s Rating | Ubiquiti UniFi Express 7 (UX7)’s Rating | Ubiquiti UDM Pro Max’s Rating |
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1. UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber): The best non-Wi-Fi router for a top-tier 10 Gbps network

The UCG-Fiber is currently the best compact console for a home or small office. It features three 10Gbps ports and five 2.5Gbps ports, one of which supports PoE+. As a result, it’s a perfect non-Wi-Fi router that can host an access point right out of the box, preferably the U7 Pro Max, U7 Pro XG, or one of those that feature PoE+ (or PoE) standards.
The gateway comes with an integrated SSD slot to host storage for its various other features, including Protect, an advanced surveillance system.
If you need more 10Gbps ports for your network, the Switch Pro XG 8 PoE is the ideal choice to couple with the UCG-Fiber. In this case, thanks to the switch’s PoE++ support, you can also opt for higher-end UniFi access points, such as the U7 Pro XGS, U7 Pro Max, or even the ultimate E7.
Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber)'s Rating

Pros
Top-tier hardware with three 10Gbps ports, four 2.5GBASE-T ports, PoE+ support, and an NVMe slot for NVR
Excellent and reliable real-world performance; can handle lots of concurrent UniFi devices (Wi-Fi access points, cameras, IP phones, etc.) and end-users
Compact and aesthetically pleasant design with everything for all users, from home to enterprise-grade
Lots of valuable features, each with tons of customization, comparatively affordable
Cons
Only one PoE+ port, no PoE++ support; SFP+ ports are less practical than 10GBASE-T
A Ubiquiti login account is required for the built-in Remote Management, as well as some other useful features, to work
Runs a bit warm, no SSD caddy is included in the non-storage version; no USB port or network-attached storage features
2. UniFi Cloud Gateway Max (UCG-Max): The best non-Wi-Fi router for an entry-level multi-Gigabit (2.5Gbps) network

The UCG-Max is a tier lower than the UCG-Fiber above, but it’s still a formidable non-Wi-Fi router. In fact, it’s the best for those with 2.5Gbps or slower broadband. It, too, has a similar SSD slot for internal storage.
If you’re looking for a UniFi access point to couple with it, keep in mind that you’ll need a PoE switch in this case or an injector. In this case, get the switch that features the PoE standard of the AP you want. Considering the gateway has only a 2.5Gbps port, the Enterprise 8 PoE or any of these is a good choice. After that, the U7 Pro, U7 Pro Max, or U7 Pro XG, or any of these, is a great access point to match.
Ubiquiti UniFi Cloud Gateway Max (UCG-Max)'s Rating

Pros
Excellent entry-level Multi-Gig performance for a comparatively low-cost
Compact and aesthetically pleasant design with powerful hardware to handle a home or small business network via multiple simultaneous enterprise-class applications
A complete set of useful networking features, including powerful security/web-filtering and WireGuard VPN; excellent web user interface; useful mobile apps
No subscription is required
Cons
No 10Gbps ports or built-in PoE
A Ubiquiti login account is required for the mobile apps and built-in Remote Management, as well as other features, to work
Runs a bit warm, no SSD caddy is included in the non-storage version
3. UniFi Dream Router 7 (UDR7): A robust Wi-Fi-7 router for a multi-Gigabit network


The UDR7 is Ubiquiti’s first UniFi console with built-in Wi-Fi 7. It comes with plenty of 2.5Gbps ports and one 10Gbps port, making it suitable for a network with slightly faster than 2.5Gbps broadband. Additionally, the built-in PoE support and microSD slot for storage are also beneficial.
It’s worth noting that, in addition to hosting UniFi access points, you can also use the UDR7 with the UX7 (below) to form a wireless mesh network.
Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Router 7 (UDR7)'s Rating

Pros
All Multi-Gig ports, support all of Ubiquiti's business hardware segments, built-in PoE
Excellent throughput performance with excellent coverage (for the specs)
Tons of useful networking features, including a mesh controller, all via a comprehensive web user interface and an optional mobile app—neither requires a login account.
Compact and beautiful design
Comparatively affordable, quiet operator
Cons
No 2nd 10Gbps ports, single low-power PoE port
Not wall-mount-ready, internal fan, awkwardly placed microSD slot
2.4GH band's performance could be better
4. UniFi Express 7 (UX7): A flexible yet straightforward multi-Gigabit Wi-Fi 7 router

The UX7 is Ubiquiti’s second Wi-Fi 7 router, and it’s pretty remarkable. It’s the only one on this list that can only work as a router (and not as the host of other applications, such as Protect). In return, it’s also the only one that can work as an access point or a wireless mesh point.
As a result, you can use multiple UX7 units to form a Wi-Fi mesh system or use one unit or a few in conjunction with the UDR7 to extend Wi-Fi coverage. In fact, you have to use your Wi-Fi system in the AP mode, such as when you need to avoid double NAT, the UX7 is the only UnFi option.
Ubiquiti UniFi Express 7 (UX7)'s Rating

Pros
Flexible enough to be the primary router or a satellite unit of a robust UniFi mesh system
Excellent throughput performance for the specs, reliable coverage
Tons of useful network-related features, including a mesh controller
Compact, fanless, and beautiful design, comprehensive web user interface with an optional mobile app
Affordable, quiet, and remains relatively cool during operation
Cons
Only two network ports, with only one being 10 Gbps, no PoE, support only the UniFi Network application
Convenient network-related features require a UI login account, not wall-mount-ready
Rigid backhaul as a mesh satellite unit; no AP mode when hosting a Wi-Fi system; the MLO feature could be better overall
5. UniFi Dream Machine Pro Max (UDM Pro Max): The ultimate full-scale rackmount non-Wi-Fi router

The UDM Pro Max is currently the latest home-friendly, full-scale, non-Wi-Fi router designed for those with a network rack. With two 10Gbps ports, one 2.5Gbps port, and numerous Gigabit PoE ports, it’s ready to host a wide range of devices. The console also features two hard drive bays to accommodate terabytes of RAID1-protected storage space for its other functions.
Alternatively, you can also consider the similar UDM-SE, which has slightly lower hardware specifications and only a single drive bay.
There are a couple of things to note about the UDM Pro Max:
- The console has no PoE support. To use any PoE device with it, you’ll need to get an injector for each or a PoE switch of the same or higher PoE standard.
- Considering the console itself has only two 10Gbps SFP+ ports, the best switch to couple with it is the Pro XG 10 PoE or Pro XG 24 PoE among the 2025 XG lineup. However, the Pro XG 8 PoE will work, too.
- Depending on the switch or injector you have, you can use any of these UniFi Wi-Fi 7 access points with it.
Ubiquiti UDM Pro Max's Rating

Pros
Robust hardware to handle large-scale networks via multiple simultaneous enterprise-class applications; excellent overall performance
A complete set of useful networking features, including powerful security/web-filtering and WireGuard VPN; excellent web user interface; useful mobile apps
Dual drive support with RAID 1; no subscription required; runs relatively cool and quiet
Cons
Bulky design with only two SFP+ (10Gbps) and one 2.5GBASE-T ports, no 10GBASE-T port, no PoE support
A Ubiquiti login account is required for some useful features to work
The final tips on which UniFi Cloud Gateway is right for you
All of these UniFi consoles can work with all standard Wi-Fi access points. However, if you build a network from scratch, it’s best to use UniFi hardware, as you can control all of them as a system.
If you’re currently using a third-party mesh Wi-Fi system, such as those from TP-Link, Asus, or Netgear, you can select a non-Wi-Fi UniFi router and use your existing Wi-Fi system in access point (AP) mode on top of it. Now, you’ll still have a robust network with the Wi-Fi coverage you’ve been accustomed to.
Thanks for that review. I would love to purchase an Ubiquiti Gateway Fiber but it is constantly out of stock in Australia. Wonder if that will be the case for a long time?
It’s normal, Leon. It’s a great console. I think there’s a way for you to get a notification when it’s available again.
Thanks Dong 👍