UniFi Dream Machine vs Dream Machine Pro

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Trying to choose between UDM vs UDM Pro?

Trying to choose between a UDM (UniFi Dream Machine) vs UDM (UniFi Dream Machine) Pro? 

The Ubiquiti Networks UniFi line is our preferred networking equipment for small to medium size businesses and homes as it can scale from a very small installation to very large installations.

Let’s start with some of the basic details of each these routers.

 

  • UDM Pro does not have WiFi built in UDM does
  • UDM Pro has advanced traffic stats
Both of these appliances can performing the following functions:
  • Router
  • Firewall
  • Security Gateway
  • Runs UniFi Apps – Protect, Access, Network, Connect

The Ubiquiti Networks Dream Machine and Dream Machine Pro are both all-in-one network devices that combine routing, switching, security, and wireless capabilities. However, they have some differences:

 

  • Dream Machine: This is an entry-level device that is designed for small to medium-sized networks. It has a 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. It offers a single Gigabit Ethernet port for WAN connectivity, and four Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN connectivity. It also includes a built-in wireless access point with 2×2 MIMO technology and support for the 802.11ac standard.

  • Dream Machine Pro: This is an advanced device that is designed for larger networks and high-performance environments. It has a 1.7GHz quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and 16GB of eMMC storage. It offers a single 10 Gbps SFP+ port for WAN connectivity, and eight Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN connectivity. It does not include a wireless access point but can be easily paired with 4×4 MIMO technology and support for the 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard.

  • Features: Both devices include a built-in firewall, VPN, and intrusion detection and prevention. The Dream Machine Pro has more advanced features such as Link Aggregation, and more advanced Quality of Service (QoS).

  • Management: Both devices can be managed using the UniFi Controller software, which allows you to monitor and configure your network from a single interface. But the Dream Machine Pro has more advanced management and analytics capabilitie2

UDM Dashboard

UDM Pro Dashboard

The difference in power and traffic stats is significant.  The UDM Pro offers much more.

Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro)

Dream Router (UDR)

Dream Router is the replacement for the Dream Machine
As of early 2024 we have not seen the UniFi Dream Machine on the Ubiquiti Networks website.  We believe it has been discontinued.  For this reason you should consider the Dream Router.

An interesting device, the Dream Router actually has some features that the Dream Machine did not.

For instance, the Dream Router has 2 built in PoE ports! Wow.  It also has a cheaper price than the Dream Machine by about $100.

The Dream Router is better with the PoE ports, and yet less powerful in CPU.  We have tried it for home offices and small offices and it seems to do a good job along with being able to record for 3 cameras at a time we have had great success with the Dream Router.