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UniFi Network

ui.com

From $29/mo Free plan WebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
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Spec score 8.6 #2 of 24 in Network Provisioning Software

What it is

UniFi Network manages internet gateways, Wi-Fi, and switching through real-time traffic dashboards, topology maps, and optimization tips. License-free Site Manager supports remote management and cloud orchestration across UniFi deployments. The software can run on a Cloud Gateway or CloudKey, or be self-hosted on local hardware or in a cloud environment such as AWS, Azure, or GCP. Mobile applications for iOS and Android can manage a network, and the local control plane supports device management during internet outages or in air-gapped deployments.

Wireless security options include WPA2, WPA3, and mixed modes, with pre-shared key or RADIUS/802.1X authentication. Administrators can assign VLANs to Wi-Fi SSIDs and apply segmentation, isolation, and traffic policies. UniFi gateways provide IDS/IPS monitoring, alerts, and threat blocking; CyberSecure is a per-site subscription that expands the threat signature database. The Site Manager API supplies site-wide internet health, device status, and network performance data, while local APIs cover devices, client activity, and traffic insights. Core routing, firewall enforcement, and deep packet inspection run on local equipment, but some updates, notifications, and remote alerts rely on the cloud. UniFi Network software is free, and paid options start at $29/mo.

Spec sheet

What it does
UniFi Network centrally manages UniFi gateways, WiFi access points, switches, and related network infrastructure.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
Mobile apps
Ubiquiti says the UniFi mobile application for iOS and Android can manage a network.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ui.com
Support
Ubiquiti directs customers to its Help Center for technical support and lists professional support among its support options.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ui.com
Headquarters
Ubiquiti lists its headquarters at 685 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ui.com
Alert integrations
Alarm Manager sends event alerts by push notification or email and can call custom GET or POST webhooks, including integrations such as Slack and ServiceNow.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
APIs
The Site Manager API provides site-wide internet health, device status, and network performance data, while local Network APIs cover devices, client activity, and traffic insights.Read 30 Sep 2026 · help.ui.com
Central management
The application provides real-time traffic dashboards, visual topology maps, and network optimization guidance.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
Company founding
Ubiquiti says Robert Pera founded the company in October 2003 and it began current operations in 2005.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ir.ui.com
Data handling
Ubiquiti says core Network tasks such as routing, firewall enforcement, and deep packet inspection run on local equipment, while some updates, notifications, and remote alerts rely on its cloud.Read 30 Sep 2026 · ui.com
Deployment options
Network is preinstalled on Cloud Gateways, runs on CloudKeys, can be self-hosted on customer hardware or public-cloud machines, and is available through Official UniFi Hosting.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
Developer documentation
The developer portal publishes versioned local API references with API-key authentication and machine-readable OpenAPI documentation plus Postman and automation resources.Read 15 Oct 2026 · developer.ui.com
Documentation and support
Ubiquiti provides a Help Center, developer portal, training courses, release downloads, RMA support, and a HackerOne security-reporting channel.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ui.com
Download licensing
Ubiquiti states that UniFi OS Server releases contain GNU GPL and other open-source or free-software components.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ui.com
Hosting
UniFi Network can run on a Cloud Gateway, CloudKey, or self-hosted on local hardware or in a cloud environment such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.Read 30 Sep 2026 · help.ui.com
Hotspot portals
Hotspots support branded captive portals with password, voucher, RADIUS, Facebook, Stripe payment, and external-portal methods.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
Limit: G2 reviewers
Reviewers report that advanced settings may require device-by-device work or SSH, troubleshooting detail and documentation can be weak, mobile features are limited, and firmware updates or failover can be unreliable.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Limit: Gartner reviewers
Gartner reviews describe software updates that can crash networks or degrade devices, recurring connection drops, manual maintenance, and weak support.Read 15 Oct 2026 · gartner.com
Limit: Trustpilot reviewers
Frequent complaints involve slow or unavailable support, difficult RMAs and returns, firmware-bricked hardware, unstable updates, and reliability that reviewers consider poor for the price.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Limit: TrustRadius reviewers
Reported weaknesses include third-party compatibility, difficult WAN failover configuration, firmware-triggered restarts, wireless-mesh problems, limited visibility, and slow or ineffective support.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
Local operation
Ubiquiti says core routing, firewalling, authentication, local administration, and existing Site Magic tunnels continue when cloud services are unavailable, while remote features and updates wait.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ui.com
Maker legal facts
Ubiquiti Inc. is a Delaware company founded by Robert Pera in 2005, with executive offices at 685 Third Avenue, New York.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sec.gov
Maker size
LinkedIn lists Ubiquiti Inc. as a public technology company with 1,001–5,000 employees and New York headquarters.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Multi-site management
License-free Site Manager provides remote management and cloud orchestration across UniFi deployments.Read 30 Sep 2026 · help.ui.com
Network API scope
Version-specific Network API documentation covers access points, switches, gateways, client activity, usage statistics, bandwidth, and traffic trends.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
Network management
UniFi Network combines internet gateways, scalable Wi-Fi, and switching, with real-time traffic dashboards, topology maps, and optimization tips.Read 30 Sep 2026 · help.ui.com
Notable news: UniFi Network 11
On October 12, 2026, Ubiquiti announced UniFi Network 11 with claimed telemetry scalability gains, Live Traffic Flows, Time Machine Topology, expanded VLAN capacity, WiFi WAN backup, enhanced threat explanations, SD-WAN routing controls, and Matter integration.Read 15 Oct 2026 · blog.ui.com
Official API
The Site Manager API exposes cross-site Internet health, device status, and network performance, while each local UniFi application exposes more detailed endpoints.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
Offline operation
For air-gapped deployments or internet outages, the local control plane provides offline device management.Read 30 Sep 2026 · help.ui.com
Ownership
The 2026 annual filing says Robert Pera beneficially controlled a majority of voting power and intended to retain majority control.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sec.gov
Policy engine
A centralized Policy Engine handles zone firewalls, application filtering, policy-based routing, QoS, ProAV optimization, switch ACLs, domain filtering, NAT, port forwarding, and custom DNS.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
Praise: G2 reviewers
Reviewers repeatedly praise the centralized dashboard, intuitive setup, multi-site and VLAN management, reliability, competitive pricing, and lack of subscription fees.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Praise: Gartner reviewers
Gartner reviewers value one dashboard for monitoring, client history and device statistics, and consistent security and wireless configuration.Read 15 Oct 2026 · gartner.com
Praise: Trustpilot reviewers
Positive Trustpilot comments mention easy setup, attractive products, good pricing, no licensing charges, and a helpful user community.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Praise: TrustRadius reviewers
TrustRadius reviewers commonly cite affordable hardware, no recurring license fees, deployment in minutes, broad access-point choice, and dependable coverage.Read 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
Product licence
The UniFi Controller terms grant a limited, revocable license for managing UniFi devices and prohibit copying, redistribution, modification, and reverse engineering, so the product itself is proprietary.Read 15 Oct 2026 · ui.com
Rating on Apple App Store
4.7 out of 5 from 24K reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Rating on G2
4.5 out of 5 from 39 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Rating on Gartner Peer Insights
4.8 out of 5 from 207 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · gartner.com
Rating on Google Play
4.8 out of 5 from 84K reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Rating on Trustpilot
1.8 out of 5 from 119 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Rating on TrustRadius
8.9 out of 10 from 183 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
Security controls
UniFi supports WPA2/WPA3, RADIUS or 802.1X, VLAN segmentation, gateway IPS/IDS, CyberSecure threat feeds, RBAC, MFA, encrypted administration, and audit logs.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
Segmentation
Administrators can assign VLANs to Wi-Fi SSIDs and use network segmentation, isolation, and traffic policies.Read 30 Sep 2026 · help.ui.com
Self-hosting limits
The OS Server must keep running for management, cannot be used with Cloud Gateways, is not offered as a standalone container, and cannot self-host Protect, Access, Talk, or Connect.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
Self-hosting requirements
UniFi OS Server requires x86-64, at least 2 GB RAM, 100 Mbps wired networking, and 10 GB free storage; supported hosts include Ubuntu 24.04+, Debian 13+, Windows 10/Server 2022, and macOS Catalina 13.1+.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
Threat detection
UniFi gateways provide IDS/IPS that monitors network traffic, alerts administrators, and can block detected threats; CyberSecure is a per-site subscription that expands the threat signature database.Read 30 Sep 2026 · help.ui.com
VLANs
Administrators can create virtual networks with DHCP, isolation, content filtering, DNS settings, SSID mapping, PPSK assignment, and MAC-based assignment.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
WiFi controls
WiFi settings include SSID and password configuration, access-point selection, PPSK, captive portals, Passpoint, and local or cloud RADIUS authentication.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
Wireless security
UniFi supports WPA2, WPA3, and mixed WPA2/WPA3 modes, with pre-shared key or RADIUS/802.1X authentication.Read 30 Sep 2026 · help.ui.com
Workforce
Ubiquiti reported 1,818 full-time-equivalent employees as of June 30, 2026, including 1,321 in research and development.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sec.gov
Zone firewall
Zone-based firewalling groups VLAN, WAN, VPN, hotspot, DMZ, and gateway interfaces into policy zones with a visual traffic matrix; it requires Network 9.0 or newer and a compatible gateway.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com

Plans and prices

UniFi Network software Free License-free Site Manager; Network Server can be self-hosted or run on UniFi hardware Read 30 Sep 2026 · help.ui.com
UniFi OS Server (self-hosted) Free Completely license-free Self-managed installation, maintenance, and uptime · UniFi Network application only; other UniFi applications require compatible consoles Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.ui.com
Official UniFi Hosting $29 a month From $29.00 /month Up to 1,000 UniFi Network devices · Centralized Site Manager · Optional UXG gateway pairing Read 15 Oct 2026 · store.ui.com

Every UniFi Network plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • License-free Site Manager supports remote management.
  • Local control plane manages devices offline.
  • Supports WPA2, WPA3, and RADIUS/802.1X.
  • API access covers site and local network data.
  • Software is free.

Limits

  • Some updates, notifications, and remote alerts rely on the cloud.
  • CyberSecure is a per-site subscription.
  • Paid options start at $29/mo.

Who it suits

UniFi Network suits administrators managing UniFi gateways, Wi-Fi, and switching across one or more sites. Its local control plane is relevant for air-gapped deployments or internet outages.

UniFi Network in depth

Read the full write-up

Overview

UniFi Network brings gateway, Wi-Fi, and switching administration into a single system for homes and organizations building around UniFi equipment. It suits teams that want centralized oversight without giving up local control. Its broad management and security controls are compelling, but some remote functions depend on Ubiquiti’s cloud and expanded threat signatures cost extra.

Key features

Traffic dashboards, topology maps, and optimization tips help administrators follow network activity and manage configuration. License-free Site Manager adds remote administration and cloud orchestration across deployments, while the local control plane continues to manage devices during internet outages or in air-gapped environments. The split is useful for resilient operations, though updates, notifications, and remote alerts still rely in part on the cloud.

Administrators can run the Network Server on a Cloud Gateway or CloudKey, or self-host it on local hardware or in AWS, Azure, or GCP. This gives teams latitude over deployment, but requires suitable UniFi hardware or a host. Ubiquiti’s iOS and Android mobile apps can manage a network. Site Manager and local APIs expose internet health, device status, performance, client activity, and traffic insights.

Wireless access supports WPA2, WPA3, and mixed modes, with pre-shared keys or RADIUS/802.1X authentication. VLAN assignment to Wi-Fi SSIDs, segmentation, isolation, and traffic policies help separate users and devices. Gateways also provide IDS/IPS to alert on and block detected threats. CyberSecure expands the threat signature database for a per-site subscription, so the core threat controls do not include that expanded coverage at no additional charge.

Configuration management, backups, policy automation, and network discovery round out the administrative toolkit. The managed-device limit is 1,000, a substantial ceiling for many deployments, but a factor to check for larger estates.

Pricing

The UniFi Network software plan is free at free. It includes license-free Site Manager, and the Network Server can be self-hosted or run on UniFi hardware. This is the natural fit for teams that can provide their own host and want core management without a software license charge.

Paid pricing starts at $29/mo. CyberSecure is a separate per-site subscription for expanded threat signatures; organizations that need that broader database should account for an added recurring cost. The free plan remains useful for core management, but it does not include the expanded signatures. The managed-device limit is 1,000.

Platforms

UniFi Network supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, web, API, and self-hosted use. Hosting options span UniFi hardware, local hardware, and cloud environments, while mobile management is available on iOS and Android.

Who it's for

Choose UniFi Network if your organization is building around UniFi gateways, Wi-Fi, and switches and needs multi-site administration, local operation, and configurable wireless security. It is less suitable if expanded threat signatures must be included without a separate per-site subscription, or if you do not want some remote functions tied to a cloud service.

Pros and cons

Pro: Site Manager provides multi-site remote management and cloud orchestration without a license fee, keeping core administration costs down.

Pro: Local device management can continue through outages or in air-gapped deployments, supporting networks that cannot rely on continuous internet access.

Pro: WPA2/WPA3, RADIUS/802.1X, VLANs, segmentation, and gateway IDS/IPS give administrators several ways to control access and threats.

Con: Some updates, notifications, and remote alerts rely on Ubiquiti’s cloud, which matters to teams seeking fully local operations.

Con: Expanded threat signatures require a per-site CyberSecure subscription, adding a recurring cost for organizations that need them.

Con: The 1,000-device managed limit may rule it out for larger deployments.

Alternatives

PacketFence is worth considering for teams that prioritize open-source, self-hosted network access control: its self-hosted edition is GPL v2+ with unlimited devices and full source code.

TP-Link Omada SDN is a fit for organizations comparing controller-based network management; its free Software Controller manages up to 1,500 devices, with capacity dependent on the host PC or server.

Portnox NAC is another network access control option, with a free trial and no free plan.

RUCKUS Cloudpath Enrollment System is an option for organizations seeking user-based cloud subscriptions, with tiers based on user count and terms of one, three, or five years.

Arista NG Firewall offers a free plan with basic security and connectivity capabilities.

Cambium cnMaestro has a no-subscription Essentials plan for up to 10,000 devices and 10 management users.

HPE Morpheus VM Essentials Software is an alternative for teams focused on virtualization and cloud management.

SecureW2 JoinNow is a paid option with custom pricing tailored to organizational requirements and device count.

Browse Network Provisioning Software, Wireless Network Management Software, and Network Management Software for more options by category.

Verdict

UniFi Network is a strong choice for UniFi-based networks that need centralized multi-site management, flexible hosting, and local device control. Its license-free core keeps the barrier to entry low; look elsewhere if you need expanded threat signatures included or want remote functions entirely independent of the cloud.

Verdict

UniFi Network offers centralized site management alongside local operation and a range of wireless security and segmentation controls. Some remote functions depend on the cloud, and expanded threat signatures require a per-site subscription.

Where Specifiction places it

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