MikroTik RouterOS vs UniFi Network
MikroTik RouterOS
mikrotik.com
UniFi Network
ui.comSide by side
| Figure | MikroTik RouterOS | UniFi Network |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $45/mo | $29/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 12 | 3 |
| Spec score · Network Management Software | 8.9 (#2) | 8.7 (#3) |
| Company founding | MikroTik states that the company was founded in 1996 and develops its products through a full EU-based production cycle. | Ubiquiti says Robert Pera founded the company in October 2003 and it began current operations in 2005. |
| Headquarters | Riga, Latvia | Ubiquiti lists its headquarters at 685 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017. |
| Rating on Apple App Store | 3.9 out of 5 from 281 ratings | 4.7 out of 5 from 24K reviews |
| Rating on G2 | 4.6 out of 5 from 30 reviews | 4.5 out of 5 from 39 reviews |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.2 out of 5 from 14.1K reviews | 4.8 out of 5 from 84K reviews |
| Rating on Trustpilot | 2.9 out of 5 from 3 reviews | 1.8 out of 5 from 119 reviews |
| Rating on TrustRadius | 9 out of 10 from 28 reviews | 8.9 out of 10 from 183 reviews |
| What it does | RouterOS is a Linux-kernel network operating system for MikroTik routers, switches and wireless devices, and can turn a PC into a router. | UniFi Network centrally manages UniFi gateways, WiFi access points, switches, and related network infrastructure. |
Plans
MikroTik RouterOS
- Free DemoFree
- Level 4 WISP$45 a month
- Level 4 WISP$45, paid once
- Level 5 WISP$95, paid once
- Level 5 WISP$95 a month
- Level 6 Controller$250, paid once
- Level 6 Controller$250 a month
- 60-day TrialFree
- Free CHRFree
- P1$45, paid once
UniFi Network
- UniFi Network softwareFree
- UniFi OS Server (self-hosted)Free
- Official UniFi Hosting$29 a month
In their own words
MikroTik RouterOS
MikroTik RouterOS is networking software with VPN access, site-to-site networking, audit logs and advanced administrative controls. It supports WebFig, Windows WinBox, Android, iOS, command line, API, MikroTik hardware, x86 PCs and virtual machines. The Free Demo costs nothing and operates in 24-hour trial mode before licensing. Level 4 WISP costs $45 a month and allows 200 PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP and OVPN tunnels each. Level 5 WISP costs $95, paid once, with 500 PPPoE, PPTP and L2TP tunnels and unlimited OVPN tunnels. Level 6 Controller costs $250 a month and allows unlimited tunnels for all four types. RouterOS is listed as having a free plan and a free trial. SSO/SCIM and device posture are not supported. MikroTik is headquartered in Riga, Latvia.
UniFi Network
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.