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The U7 Pro Max is Ubiquiti's latest Wi-Fi 7 access point and a minor upgrade to the U7 Pro. Still, at the core, it's similar to the company's previous UniFi APs, including the U6 Enterprise.
Here's the bottom line: At the suggested retail price of less than $280—the street price will vary—the U7 Pro Max is an excellent standalone Wi-Fi 7 broadcaster for those who want to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7. However, it's best suited for those with a UniFi console, such as the UDM-SE or Cloud Gateway Max. In this case, you can also consider multiple units to build a robust mesh system.
U7 Pro Max: A Wi-Fi 7-enabled familiar UniFi access point
Out of the box, the U7 Pro Max looks like a typical business access point. It's a round box designed to be mounted on a ceiling or a wall.
Like previous UniFi APs, the U7 Pro Max comes with relatively thick metal mounting accessories that are likely designed to work as the heatsink. On top, it has a ring color-changing status light, and on the underside, there's a single 2.5Gbps PoE+ port that works as the sole power option.
As usual, no PoE injector is included. To put the new AP into use, you need to get one yourself or have a PoE+ switch. Ideally, it's best to have a Ubiquiti switch, such as the Enterprise 8 PoE, which I used for this review.
It's safe to say that, overall, the U7 Pro Max is essentially the same as the U7 Pro or even the U6 Enterprise in setup, management, and functionality. The differences between them are generally their hardware specs, as shown in the table below.
Hardware specifications: U7 Pro Max vs. U7 Pro vs. U6 Enterprise
 |  |  | |
| Model | U7 Pro Max | U7 Pro | U6 Enterprise |
| Name | Ubiquiti UniFi U7 Pro Max Access Point | Ubiquiti UniFi U7 Pro Access Point | Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Enterprise Access Point |
| Wi-Fi Standards | Tri-band BE15000 | Tri-band BE11000 | Tri-band AXE11000 |
| 1st Band 2.4GHz (channel width) | 2x2 BE: Up to 688Mbps (20/40MHz) | 2x2 AX: Up to 600Mbps (20/40MHz) | |
| 2nd Band 5GHz (channel width) | 4x4 BE: Up to 8.5Gbps (20/40/80/160/240MHz) | 2x2 BE: Up to 4.3Gbps (20/40/80/160/240MHz) | 4x4 AX Up to 4.8Gbps (20/40/80/160MHz) |
| 3rd Band 6GHz (channel width) | 2x2 BE: Up to 5.7 Gbps (20/40/80/160/320MHz) | 4x4 AXE: Up to 4.8Gbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | |
| Backward Compatibility | 802.11ax/ac/n/g/a/b | 802.11ac/n/g/a/b | |
| Max Concurrent Clients | 500 | 300 | 600 |
| Antenna Gain | 2.4GHz: 4 dBi 5GHz: 6 dBi 6GHz: 5.9 dBi | 4 dBi 6 dBi 5.8 dBi | 3.2 dBi 5.3 dBi 6 dBi |
| Multi-Link Operation (MLO) | Unavailable at launch (to be added via firmware) | N/A | |
| Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) | Unavailable at launch (to be added via firmware) | N/A | |
| Estimate Wi-Fi Coverage | 1,750 ft² (160 m²) | 1,500 ft² (140 m²) | |
| Power over Ethernet (PoE) | 802.3at (PoE+) | ||
| Max Power Consumption | 25W | 21W | 22W |
| Network Port | 1x 2.5Gbps Multi-Gig PoE+ | ||
| Security | WPA, WPA2, WPA3 | ||
| Local Web-based Management | No (as a standalone AP) | ||
| Cloud-Management | Yes (free) | ||
| Mobile App | UniFi (UI account required) | ||
| Mode | Access Point | ||
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | Ø8.1 x 1.8" (Ø206 x 46 mm) | Ø7.76 x 1.38" (Ø197 x 35 mm) | |
| Weight (with mounting accessories) | 1.5 lb (680 g) | 1.32 lb (600 g) | |
| LED | Color-changing (White/blue) LED | ||
| US Retail Cost (at launch) | $279 | $189 | $290 |
Per the table above, the U7 Pro Max promises faster speed, larger coverage, and more concurrent users than the U7 Pro. The Enterprise lineup generally has the highest support for concurrent users. Other than that, again, these APs are largely the same.
No 10Gbps port. MLO and AFC are not yet available
It's worth noting that the U7 Pro Max didn't support MLO or AFC at launch, but Ubiquiti told me that these two features of Wi-Fi 7 would be added via firmware when they're fully available to the standard.
That's generally the case for most Wi-Fi 7 hardware released in 2024 and more of an issue with the standard itself than the vendors.
What's disappointing, however, is the fact the U7 Pro Max doesn't feature a 10Gbps PoE port. As a result, its Wi-Fi output will be capped at 2.5Gbps despite the theoretical ≈15Gbps total wireless bandwidth.
Simple app-operated standalone AP, no local web-based user interface
Like the case of the U6 Enterprise, as well as most UniFi APs, the U7 Pro Max can work as a standalone Wi-Fi broadcaster, but it doesn't have local web-based management.
Instead, users will need to use the UniFi mobile app, which requires a login account with Ubiquiti to set it up and manage it. When working that way, the U7 Pro Max is a simple AP that provides a Wi-Fi 7 network.
Ubiquiti and your privacy
Generally, Ubiquiti requires or insists on a vendor-connected login account before you can use its hardware via a mobile app or the cloud-based interface with remote management and other conveniences. Logging in with a vendor translates into privacy risks.
UI account and UniFi consoles
Here's the link to the U.S. networking company's privacy policy.
Online privacy and security are a matter of degree. Different companies handle their users' data differently.
However, when coupled with an UnFi controller, the AP is a totally different beast. For this review, I paired with the Cloud Gateway Max via an Enterprise 8 PoE.
U7 Pro Max: A robust UniFi access point
Like any access point, the U7 Pro Max is designed to add Wi-Fi to a non-Wi-Fi router. For this reason, it's best suited to be part of a UniFi console, such as the UDM-SE, UDM-Pro, UDM-Pro Max, or the recently announced Cloud Gateway Max.
But it'll work the same with any of these controllers because all of these UniFi consoles share the same Network app, as I detailed in the review of the UDM-SE. The U7 Pro Max is simply one of many UniFi devices.
Specifically, you set it up and control it via the console web-based cloud portal at https://account.ui.com/ or its local IP address.
The setup part is simple. All you need to do is physically connect the AP to the controller network within the console's web interface, go to the UniFi Devices of the Network app, and click on the bottom to adopt the AP. Within a minute, it'll become part of the system and automatically use the console's Wi-Fi settings.
And as part of the UniFi ecosystem, the U7 Pro Max has lots to offer. In fact, it virtually has everything you'd need for a Wi-Fi network and then some. And when you use multiple units, you can make them work seamlessly together to form a mesh system.
Most importantly, all of that is accessible via a well-thought-out, well-organized user interface that makes the vast amount of in-depth customization less daunting for novice home users and satisfying for advanced users.
Ubiquiti U7 Pro Max: Excellent performance, runs a bit hot
I used the U7 Pro Max for over a week and was happy with it. For a Wi-Fi 7 broadcaster that has not yet gotten AFC and MLO, it did well considering its 2.5Gbps incoming bandwidth.
The AP generally delivers a Gigabit-class sustained rate at a distance and a close range, and it consistently has Gig+ to multi-Gig real-world performance on the 5GHz and 6GHz bands.
Its 2.4GHz band wasn't as impressive, though that's generally the case for most Wi-Fi 6 and newer broadcasters.
In terms of range, like in the case of the U6 Enterprise, the U7 Pro Max did better than Ubiquiti's claim. It's impossible to put Wi-Fi coverage in numbers, but if you place the AP at the center of a residential area, it likely can blanket around 2500 ft2 (233 m2). Still, your mileage will vary.
Finally, like the case of most Uniquiti networking devices, which have had the reputation as space heaters, the U7 Pro Max ran hot in my trial. I used it without the metal base and couldn't hold it on my palm comfortably for longer than 10 seconds.
Considering my previous experience with Ubiquiti hardware, the heat didn't bother me much. Other Wi-Fi 7 broadcasters I've tested had heat-related concerns, too. Still, it's recommended to use the unit in a cool area.
Ubiquiti recommends using the AP in an area with an ambient temperature no higher than 122° F (50° C), but lower is always better. Additionally, mounting it in an open space using the included metal accessories will help.
Ubiquiti U7 Pro Max's Rating
Pros
Gig+ and faster performance with excellent coverage via Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gbps PoE+ port
Seamless integration with an UniFi console to deliver a robust mesh system with lots of advanced and useful features
Simple to set up and manage
Cons
No 10Gbps port, mid-tier Wi-Fi 7 specs; no PoE injector included
No local management or web user interface and requires a vendor login account to work as a standalone AP
Runs hot; comparatively slow 2.4GHz performance
Conclusion
At less than $280, the Ubiquiti U7 Pro Max is an excellent standalone simple access point for anyone to move to Wi-Fi 7. However, its full potential is realized when you also have a UniFi router. In this case, the combination of the two will give you the most advanced Wi-Fi network. If you live in a wired home, get one today! When you're at it, also consider the Cloud Gateways Max (or the UDM-SE) to pair it with.
Try to understand the management interface.
sounds like you must use Ubiquiti cloud to manage?
Is that correct? no local management?
It’s in the “Cons”, Bill, among other places. Give the review a serious read!
Sorry, but that’s just another inaccuracy in this article. Look at any recent UniFi install video on YouTube (or simply try it yourself) and you’ll see that there is an option to proceed WITHOUT an online login.
You can absolutely still self-host with a local controller.
Another? Where’s the first one? This AP has no local web user interface and you must use the UniFi mobile app to use it as a standalone AP. Since I already did that with the U6 Enterprise, I used the UCG-Max with it in this review and the interface is that of the controller.
1) The metal ring is not a heat shield/sink/whatever other made up thing. It’s a mounting bracket, as evidenced by the fact that everyone advertises it as such and that most UniFi APs are plastic backed, so how would they properly transfer heat if it was a heat sink?
https://store.ui.com/us/en/products/unifi-professional-mounting-systems
2) You can run the UniFi controller as software on any PC/Rpi/etc or get one of their hardware controllers. None of which require a cloud account, especially the software you simply download to a PC. The phone is for simplistic one-time installs or limited installs. You shouldn’t use that as the primary use-case, especially when answering questions for those who will take the answers as gospel.
You absolutely can run UniFi locally. I do it all the time.
Please fact-check your answers.
1. I didn’t say it was purposely a heatsink, but in my exprience it worked that way and considering the hardware was hot, the metal indeed helped.
2. I said that the account is required if you want remote management, etc. Without the account, many features are unvailable.
Appreciate the input but make sure you understand the nuances.
“comes with relatively thick metal mounting accessories that are likely designed to work as the heatsink”
Those are your words. Words are important, especially in a tech review. They are in no way designed as a heatsink. UniFi is not trying to transfer heat from plastic-metal rings, esp when said rings don’t even have fins of any kind for heat dissipation. To even suggest this will only cause confusion and possibly cause a reader to worry about airflow and other mounting requirements when no such concerns are necessary.
As to the remote management question, perhaps you should re-read it – “sounds like you must use Ubiquiti cloud to manage?
Is that correct? no local management?”
The person asking the question never mentioned the word “remote”, so the correct answer is that local mgmt IS possible. Please stop giving out misinformation that may cause confusion and for people to incorrectly dismiss a product that may suit their needs. Even if he did say the word “remote”, it’s arguable that a local-only install qualifies as remote mgmt. Can you remotely manage a full local install using the helper app on mobile…..absolutely. Can you manage said install when at another location….not easily without the cloud login or something like a VPN.
But you can 100% MANAGE an install with a local controller, no cloud logins necessary.
“Likely” means it’s not actually is. In this case, that was my guess. And yes, I still think the metal helps with the heat since I’ve tried the AP both with and wihtout it. I was describing my real-life exprience with it.
I dind’t answer that question, did I? I told them to read the review, per the comment rules. These rules apply to you, too, by the way. And you’re wrong, the U7 Pro Max does NOT have local managmeent when working as a standalone access point, such as when you use it with a third-party router. And I mentioned that in the review.
As for the UniFi consoles, as mentioned, you can mange them locally but then many features are unavailable.
Yes, words are important so make sure you read them.
My issue with your answers and “cons” with regards to remote management is you are just reading the UI help page, which doesn’t give the full picture.
Standalone mode, according to UniFi, is if you have just 1 AP and are unwilling to use any other hardware besides your mobile device. Given those limitations, your answers are correct. But those are not global answers.
If you have a PC on your network, RPi, or just about anything else capable of running the controller ONE TIME for initial setup, you can set up your AP to run on it’s own and you don’t need any cloud account to do it. And it will run perfectly fine behind a third-party router, including something like the Ubiquiti Edge series.
When you list cons the way you do, it makes it sound like UniFI has no facility to run without cloud logins, which is patently false and could disqualify the product for someone who needs to hit compliancy standards or just doesn’t want cloud accounts.
Agree to disagree on the mounting plate being a heatsink, but I think it adds another potential point of confusion for the reader, as they may now be concerned about where is an acceptable location to mount the AP when in reality, they have no such limitations and can be mounted without any regard for the mounting hardware being utilized as a heatsink.
I normally enjoy your reviews immensely, but it feels like you just consulted the UI help page for some of these answers and don’t have much experience actually running the controller.
Your issue is likely that you spend too much time on YouTube and have a short attention span. Ideas are complicated and often you need to read something in whole to understand what it means. Give reading a bit more attention, it’ll help you a lot. I mean it.
In any case, appreciate the enthusiasm. There’s nothing to agree to disagree, you just didn’t read my post or my replies (likely including this one) fully.
As for the “limitations” of running in standalone mode, they are all essentially nonsense – each AP must be configured individually, roaming isn’t supported, no remote management, and logins are limited to the mobile app when set up there. These are all obvious things since you are setting up things in a mode meant for only 1 AP.
Set up a local controller with no cloud logins and those limitations all disappear (except for remote access, which is easy to work around).
There is no meaningful limitation that takes place in the controller simply because you are running it locally (without a UI account), except for the obvious one about accessing it from off-site. But again, you can use a VPN, remote access, or any number of other solutions to get around that and not be tied to any UI-related security practices.
When you say that you can manage the controller locally, but many limitations apply…..what exactly are you talking about? Because nothing will be greyed out in the controller, which is what it sounds like.
If you don’t use a UniFi ecosystem router/gateway, then of course certain functions will not appear/work in the controller, but that’s to be expected since those features will be located in the UI for your non-UniFi hardware.
My point is that there is no appreciable difference running the full controller locally with an offline login vs using the cloud. If anything, you are missing the opportunity to discuss real negatives of the UniFi ecosystem – inconsistent UI design with some features not working in Classic vs new, poorly tested controller/firmware updates, use of non-standard networking terminology or counter-intuitive use of already standard terminology (see VLAN trunks). There is a ton of interesting stuff to dig into with regards to UniFi and none of it was addressed here unfortunately.
Even with the latest version (8.4.62 as of today), you can install and run a full controller without any online account.
1) Download the latest controller version and run
2) Once the service starts, click the button that says “Manage server in browser”
3) Set your server name, region, and checkbox to agree to the TOS (terms) before clicking “Next”
4) Click “Advanced Setup” on the next screen
5) Click “Skip” on the “Create a UI account” screen
6) Set the username/pwd/email details for your local user login and hit “Finish”
No cloud necessary in case this is a requirement at your location or you just prefer local logins
So? That’s been the case with the hardware consoles but you’ll lose many features. Did you read my previous replies?
Exactly what features will you lose by running the full controller without a UI cloud login?
We manage multiple sites with only local logins (due to security requirements) and there is nothing greyed out in the controller from a functionality standpoint besides ease of access from outside the building because you aren’t trusting your login details to the UI cloud.
A VPN solves that easily.
As mentioned, you lose the convience, cloud backup and Teleport and in return you don’t have to deal with privacy risks. There are different options for different usecases. Nobody says you have to use the UI account. I’m not sure what you’re getting at. If you don’t strop trolling, I’ll remove your privilege to post comments here.
This is not trolling, but it’s your site so you can do as you wish obviously.
The things you “lose” with not having an online login are nothing special that can’t be replicated elsewhere. And some installations are not allowed to trust other vendors with access to their infrastructure, so using a UI cloud account is a no-go.
Teleport is cool but it’s essentially just Wireguard. Cloud backup is fine I guess, but you can still schedule local backups and push those to whatever approved cloud vendor (if any) you currently use. If you mean the convenience of remote access….just install actual actual Wireguard and you’ll essentially have Teleport.
I would argue, and do, that you are exposing yourself to more privacy issues by allowing remote access to your network through Ubiquiti directly, when you can protect yourself better by rolling with a local login only and using MFA on whatever remote access tool you choose. At least then it’s your own fault if a login is exposed, vs being at the mercy of trusting UI’s security policies for data.
Either way, the choice can be yours.
The metal ring is for mounting directly to ceiling tiles (drop-ceiling) and has been around since the first UAP. There is no heat dissipation advantage to using it, especially since the underside of the APs are just plastic anyway, it’s not like the metal ring is making contact with an internal heatsink (or any metal at all for that matter.
It helps. I actually tried it.
The 2.5GbE port is not a limitation, in my opinion.
It is for those who have 2.5Gbps or faster broadband, among other things. But it’s plenty fast.
FWIW, MLO seems to already be in the beta firmware as of the past few weeks. Did Ubiquiti explicitly promise that AFC was coming in the same hardware as well? My impression was that, at least in the US, some sort of GPS hardware was required in order to receive FCC approval for AFC. Indeed, the U7 Outdoor doesn’t even seem to include a 6GHz radio.
Yeap, Matt, AFC is in alpha supposedly. Like the case of the ZenWiFi BQ16 Pro, it’ll give the 6GHz the same range as the 5GHz. The U7 Outdoor seems similar to the Asus RT-BE88U or TP-Link Archer BE230.
Thanks for the review, Dong.
I need to get another AP for my home (currently running 2 U7 Pros), and wondering if I should wait for the U7 Enterprise to finally come out. I’m also afraid that it would need PoE++, and my Enterprise 8 PoE won’t be enough.
Do you have a measurement comparison for the U7 Pro Max against the U7 Pro?
BTW, about the 10GbE, a limiting factor is that UniFi doesn’t have any 10GbE PoE+(or better) switch in their current lineup. They used to have the XG 6 PoE (Gen1), but it never got a refresh.
I think you don’t need to wait for the U7 Enterprise, like the name is for large corporation. This U7 Pro Max is great and it’ll only get better with future firmware when AFC and MLO is added, both are in beta and alpha now per Ubiquiti. As or U7 Pro Max vs U7 Pro, check out the specs table above.
Thanks, I was wondering more about a hands-on comparison. I read somewhere that the U7 Pro Max is getting much hotter than the U7 Pro.
It can be. They are all hot, as mentioned, but that’s generally the case for all Ubiquiti stuff. I’ve used many of them for years, and the heat hasn’t proven to be an issue in terms of longevity. I’m not gonna review the U7 Pro since it’ll be largerly the same except for the lower client support as shown in the specs table. I can’t afford to test all variants and generally only pick the prominent representatives.