Love the express, but I find the processing slow. You gain wifi but everything in the UI takes long to load and it also takes a while to reboot so just keep that in mind. They are great for small deployments though.
Agree, it takes sometime to reboot and to do updated but small offices with few people and site magic makes it perfect setup at low cost or even just a small home office with minimal needs
I really do like the look of the gate way but sadly I wish they used the switch from the udr or edge router 4 because I really like to power my access point from them
0:21 unboxing 0:45 specs 2:16 Getting it connect + setup 3:20 setting compression unifi express vs cloud gateway ultra 4:01 network segment 6:25 both performance and speed test 7:33 unifi express wifi testing 9:12 pros and cons of both devices 11:10 thermal test | unify express vs cloud gateway ultra 11:34 ventilation 11:43 prizing info that's it Enjoy the video guys 👍
I got the UCG ultra im happy with it, unless you have a teeny apartment get the ultra. i think its the right device for me even now the UCG Max has been announced
Same. Just ordered the Ultra for my house. I don't have any 2.5Gbe devices, have a separate system for surveillance, and wanted to be cost effective. So absolutely no regrets with the Ultra vs the Max
Excellent video! So glad you've taken the time to demo these units. I have two Unifi Express units, one handling internet/security/wifi duties, the other just wifi. The only issue with the Express that I've had is that its a little under powered when running it as an all-in-one device. Specificly, with all the security features enabled, and 25+ clients, I've found that DNS security thrashs the CPU so hard that its not possible to manage the device. Rebooting the unit and getting into the interface to turn off the DNS security fixes the issue. I will be getting either the Ultra or Max to use as the main internet security appliance, and set my primary Express to AP mode only. I had planned to start small with my Unifi deployment and build it up depending on what the performance and feature set was like. One thing I've been considering is replacing the Express units entirely with two U7 Pro's, simply so that I can have more than x3 SSID's assigned to x3 VLANs. The Express only supports 3 BSSD's that can be linked to 3 VLANs (but does support more VLANs via Ethernet). The U7 Pro supports up to x8 BSSID's and thus can be linked to x8 VLANs. However, this would mean having to have PoE injectors or use something akin to the USW-Enterprise-Pro (if we're going to keep the base Ethernet speed at 2.5Gbe. Really enjoy your videos, please keep it up! And yes, would definitely like more videos about LAN customisations, VLANs, firewall security etc. Its a real shame that Ubiquiti didn't put a bit more CPU power into the Express, its a brilliant and affordable product! Its also a shame that the wifi is only 2x2 with only x3 BSSIDs as it would have been great to have x4 BSSIDs (guest, IoT, private and work profiles) which would suite the basic needs of most home users.
I currently have the Express set up, but the Cloud Gateway Ultra would make more sense for my home network. Is there an easy way to transfer over the network settings from Express to Ultra?
Hi v2rv are you able to set bandwidth limit on the WiFi to specific devices or groups? And are you also able to set a data cap per month? On the express (wifi)?
I have dual-WAN, so it was obvious which one I'd go with just as a starter unit. haha Decided to look around at options since I'm getting tired of IPFire/PFSense/ClearOS/Smoothwall/etc -- I've tried every gateway OS on the open market, even Microsoft's old Forefront, and everyone at work raves about Ubiquity so I'm going to give them a shot just for the wife approval factor alone when I'm trying to explain things 😅 If I enjoy the Ultra Gateway I just ordered, I plan to retrofit my whole home lab over time, and since I currently use Eero's in bridge mode, I'll probably eventually migrate those as well once I get to know all the features and such. Guess we'll see what happens! Thanks for the excellent video, loved the side-by-side comparison between the two devices since I almost went for the Express instead just to test it out, but the Ultra meets our needs a lot more closely.
Not sure if it was released 2 months ago, but you also have the Cloud Gateway Max to choose from too, with the MAx being similar to the Ultra, but giving full 2.5gbps, and a bit more RAM. 2.5gbps WAN is a bit of a waste of time if you are limited to 1gbps LAN ports, but I guess the Ultra is an intermediate device before the Max was released
Yes. This is how I have mine setup. I bought the Gateway as an upgrade from the UniFi Express, but I like its flexibility, so I was not interested in getting rid of it. I do have the UniFi Express connected to my UniFi Switch though, and not the Gateway
Do these replace the need for a unifi cloud key or computer based controller on a PC?? Which is better overall for hosting the Unifi Cloud Controller? I just purchased a new U6+ AP to add to my network( AC- Pro ,AC-LR's and one U6 Lite ) and discovered my cloud key gen 1 from like 2018 that wont update to current software to be able to see/adopt the U6+!!! ... any advice would be appreciated
@@InsideWire You’d need a Cloud Key G2 Plus if you want Protect for camera support as the Gateway Ultra doesn't support it. Alternatively you could get the Gateway Max.
The Max's main benefit is it adds the Protect app and on-device storage to support cameras, however it also has 2.5G LAN ports which is beneficial if you have an Internet connection faster than 1G. The reviewer here is actually on a Virgin Media service which runs at 1150mbps so is losing over 200mbps by using the Ultra versus the Max.
i am planning on buiying ubiquity cloud gateway max. there is a no storage version. my question is, do i need to buy a nvme caddy as well for installing the nvme or does it come with the caddy and i can just install the nvme on the caddy and be good to go?
Just looking at setting up a home network, my requirements are 2x unifi 6 lite and 2x ethernet ports. This will be supplied by a Starlink connection. Will a unifi cloud gateway ultra be a workable solution for this setup?
I thought the Express would suit me fine, I was wrong. The UI is incredibly SLOW. I just bought the Ultra and will use that as my main gateway and the express as an AP. I have 2 other AP's as well and around 50 devices so I was maxing out the express I think. The phone app was unusable most of the time.
Which one are you buying UniFi Express or Cloud Gateway Ultra?
Purchase here:
Cloud Gateway Ultra: amzn.to/3Yl9x9V
Unifi Express: amzn.to/3S5Y8qv
Literally placed my order for the UniFi Express and watched this video and realized I wanted the Cloud Gateway Ultra! lol. Great video!
Love the express, but I find the processing slow. You gain wifi but everything in the UI takes long to load and it also takes a while to reboot so just keep that in mind. They are great for small deployments though.
Agree, it takes sometime to reboot and to do updated but small offices with few people and site magic makes it perfect setup at low cost or even just a small home office with minimal needs
I really do like the look of the gate way but sadly I wish they used the switch from the udr or edge router 4 because I really like to power my access point from them
True, if the ports were POE this would be good and make it more desirable. Nice and easy to plug in an access point.
I have been running the Cloud Gateway Ultra for 3 months (Replaced Cloud Key Gen 1 and USG) at home - Love it!
if I want add wifi to the Cloud Gateway Ultra, what can i do?
@@3RenRen3 You will need to add a Access Point like the U7 Pro
0:21 unboxing
0:45 specs
2:16 Getting it connect + setup
3:20 setting compression unifi express vs cloud gateway ultra
4:01 network segment
6:25 both performance and speed test
7:33 unifi express wifi testing
9:12 pros and cons of both devices
11:10 thermal test | unify express vs cloud gateway ultra
11:34 ventilation
11:43 prizing info
that's it
Enjoy the video guys 👍
I got the UCG ultra im happy with it, unless you have a teeny apartment get the ultra. i think its the right device for me even now the UCG Max has been announced
Same. Just ordered the Ultra for my house. I don't have any 2.5Gbe devices, have a separate system for surveillance, and wanted to be cost effective. So absolutely no regrets with the Ultra vs the Max
Excellent video! So glad you've taken the time to demo these units.
I have two Unifi Express units, one handling internet/security/wifi duties, the other just wifi. The only issue with the Express that I've had is that its a little under powered when running it as an all-in-one device. Specificly, with all the security features enabled, and 25+ clients, I've found that DNS security thrashs the CPU so hard that its not possible to manage the device. Rebooting the unit and getting into the interface to turn off the DNS security fixes the issue.
I will be getting either the Ultra or Max to use as the main internet security appliance, and set my primary Express to AP mode only. I had planned to start small with my Unifi deployment and build it up depending on what the performance and feature set was like.
One thing I've been considering is replacing the Express units entirely with two U7 Pro's, simply so that I can have more than x3 SSID's assigned to x3 VLANs. The Express only supports 3 BSSD's that can be linked to 3 VLANs (but does support more VLANs via Ethernet). The U7 Pro supports up to x8 BSSID's and thus can be linked to x8 VLANs. However, this would mean having to have PoE injectors or use something akin to the USW-Enterprise-Pro (if we're going to keep the base Ethernet speed at 2.5Gbe.
Really enjoy your videos, please keep it up! And yes, would definitely like more videos about LAN customisations, VLANs, firewall security etc.
Its a real shame that Ubiquiti didn't put a bit more CPU power into the Express, its a brilliant and affordable product! Its also a shame that the wifi is only 2x2 with only x3 BSSIDs as it would have been great to have x4 BSSIDs (guest, IoT, private and work profiles) which would suite the basic needs of most home users.
Thank you for your kind words! I will be sure to release more videos around these topics.
@@InsideWire Earlier this week I bought the Cloud Gateway Max, overkill I know, but my goodness it's a very fast device!
I currently have the Express set up, but the Cloud Gateway Ultra would make more sense for my home network. Is there an easy way to transfer over the network settings from Express to Ultra?
You can always do a backup & restore from one to another, fairly straight forward.
Hi v2rv are you able to set bandwidth limit on the WiFi to specific devices or groups?
And are you also able to set a data cap per month?
On the express (wifi)?
@@RobertBrown876 No idea where to look for these settings, sorry. You can create traffic rules per device like block some domains or limit the speed.
I have dual-WAN, so it was obvious which one I'd go with just as a starter unit. haha
Decided to look around at options since I'm getting tired of IPFire/PFSense/ClearOS/Smoothwall/etc -- I've tried every gateway OS on the open market, even Microsoft's old Forefront, and everyone at work raves about Ubiquity so I'm going to give them a shot just for the wife approval factor alone when I'm trying to explain things 😅 If I enjoy the Ultra Gateway I just ordered, I plan to retrofit my whole home lab over time, and since I currently use Eero's in bridge mode, I'll probably eventually migrate those as well once I get to know all the features and such.
Guess we'll see what happens! Thanks for the excellent video, loved the side-by-side comparison between the two devices since I almost went for the Express instead just to test it out, but the Ultra meets our needs a lot more closely.
Awesome, you wont look back, but Ubiquiti is an expensive hobby haha.
Good luck more videos coming soon :)
Not sure if it was released 2 months ago, but you also have the Cloud Gateway Max to choose from too, with the MAx being similar to the Ultra, but giving full 2.5gbps, and a bit more RAM.
2.5gbps WAN is a bit of a waste of time if you are limited to 1gbps LAN ports, but I guess the Ultra is an intermediate device before the Max was released
Hi, thanks for your review. Is it possible to connect them together and use the smaller one only as an access point? Thanks in advance.
Yes. This is how I have mine setup. I bought the Gateway as an upgrade from the UniFi Express, but I like its flexibility, so I was not interested in getting rid of it. I do have the UniFi Express connected to my UniFi Switch though, and not the Gateway
very professional insights, thank you for sharing~~
Thank you 🙏🏽
Very consise and love the pros and cons
Thank you 🙌
Do these replace the need for a unifi cloud key or computer based controller on a PC?? Which is better overall for hosting the Unifi Cloud Controller? I just purchased a new U6+ AP to add to my network( AC- Pro ,AC-LR's and one U6 Lite ) and discovered my cloud key gen 1 from like 2018 that wont update to current software to be able to see/adopt the U6+!!! ... any advice would be appreciated
do i need a cloud key gen 2 when using cloud gateway ultra?
No you dont.
@@InsideWire You’d need a Cloud Key G2 Plus if you want Protect for camera support as the Gateway Ultra doesn't support it. Alternatively you could get the Gateway Max.
What do you think about the Max for $70 more?
The Max's main benefit is it adds the Protect app and on-device storage to support cameras, however it also has 2.5G LAN ports which is beneficial if you have an Internet connection faster than 1G. The reviewer here is actually on a Virgin Media service which runs at 1150mbps so is losing over 200mbps by using the Ultra versus the Max.
i am planning on buiying ubiquity cloud gateway max. there is a no storage version. my question is, do i need to buy a nvme caddy as well for installing the nvme or does it come with the caddy and i can just install the nvme on the caddy and be good to go?
Yes!!! More unifi!
What other videos do you want to see? Or just anything UniFi
Just looking at setting up a home network, my requirements are 2x unifi 6 lite and 2x ethernet ports. This will be supplied by a Starlink connection. Will a unifi cloud gateway ultra be a workable solution for this setup?
I dont see why not, you would need poe injectors for your access points though.
Would either of these replace my failed cloud key?
yes
My daughter saw me watching your video and wants to know where she can get the LED light on your wall
Which one? I have a few in my backdrop.
@@InsideWire around 2:38
Govee rope light
I thought the Express would suit me fine, I was wrong. The UI is incredibly SLOW. I just bought the Ultra and will use that as my main gateway and the express as an AP. I have 2 other AP's as well and around 50 devices so I was maxing out the express I think. The phone app was unusable most of the time.