Ubiquiti UniFi Wi-Fi Access Point Buyers Guide

Table of Contents

• Overview
• The Best Ubiquiti UniFi APs
• Wi-Fi Generations
• Basic — UAP UC Lite and UAP LR
• Advanced APs — UAP Pro and HD
• Specialty — In-Wall and Mesh
• XG and Small Cell
• All-In-One — UDM and UDR
• WiFi 6E — Enterprise

Ubiquiti UniFi

UniFi is marketed to prosumers and small businesses, but it can also be used to create good home networks. UniFi provides more options and control than standard consumer-grade equipment. If you’re a nerd who enjoys getting their hands dirty, or if you want to build a network from scratch, UniFi is worth considering.

UniFi networks are modular, allowing you to select the models that best suit your needs. When people think about UniFi, they usually have the freedom to choose their own UniFi routers, UniFi switches, and UniFi Network controllers. They frequently ask the same question: which access points should I buy? It’s difficult to make specific recommendations. My goal with this guide is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision for yourself.

This guide compares all UniFi Wi-Fi access points. There are several Wi-Fi 6 models available, as well as the first Wi-Fi 6E model, the U6-Enterprise. This guide will be updated as new models become available. If you want to compare the performance of Wi-Fi 6 UniFi access points to older models, check out

Ubiquiti manufactures several generations of UniFi access points. A list of all UniFi AP models and generations is available in their help article. You can safely ignore all Generation 1 access points. These should not be used and should not be considered for new installations because they are all discontinued and End of Life (EOL). This means that their firmware is not being patched for new security vulnerabilities, and they should be replaced with a supported model.

The main models to consider are all Generation 2 (AC Wave 1), Generation 3/4 (AC Wave 2), or Generation 5/6 (Wi-Fi 6 and 6E) models, as shown in the comparison charts below. For more information, please see the rest of our UniFi Comparison Charts below and our Ubiquiti Networking Products Buying Guide.

Specialty Ubiquiti UniFi Access Points

There are a lot of models to cover, so it helps to clear away the specialty models first. Unless you have a specific need for them, you can safely ignore most of these.

• UAP-AC-EDU was an AC-Pro with a built-in loudspeaker. This model was discontinued and stopped receiving software updates in March 2021.
• UAP-AC-SHD is an AC-HD with a 3rd radio, dedicated to RF monitoring using Ubiquiti’s AirView and AirTime.
• UAP-XG and UWB-XG — The XG models are overkill for most networks, especially home networks. More on those below.
• UBB and UBB-XG — The UniFi Building Bridges are 60 GHz point-to-point bridges, meant for high-bandwidth links between two networks up to 500 meters away.

Ubiquiti UniFi In-Walls

In-Wall models are designed to be installed in a standard 1-gang wall box with Ethernet connectivity. They provide Wi-Fi and, thanks to a small built-in managed switch, can also provide Ethernet connections for downstream devices. They also have PoE pass-through capability, allowing you to power a security camera, VoIP phone, or other PoE device.

• AC-IW — 802.11ac Wave 1. The cheapest, oldest, and slowest model. One PoE pass-through and 2 gigabit LAN ports.
• AC-IW-Pro — Discontinued and EoL.
• AC-IW-HD — 802.11ac Wave 2. Higher performance than the basic AC-IW. One PoE pass-through and 4 gigabit LAN ports.
• U6-IW— Wi-Fi 6. An updated version of the AC-IW-HD. One PoE pass-through and 4 gigabit LAN ports.
• U6-Enterprise-IW ($299) — Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 Gbps uplink, early access only. It’s much wider than the others but still fits in a standard single (or double) wall box. One PoE pass-through and 4 gigabit LAN ports.

Ubiquiti UniFi Mesh and Flex

Mesh and Flex models are the best choices for mounting outdoors or in areas without Ethernet. They enable you to extend a UniFi network using wireless backhaul — radio to radio — rather than a cable. All UniFi APs from the second generation or later support wireless backhaul, but mesh models have antennas specifically designed for long-range performance. Most of these also have weatherproof enclosures, making them ideal for outdoor use. Wireless backhaul will not perform as well as wired backhaul, but it may be the best solution in certain situations.

Wirelessly connected access points function as a wireless bridge in the absence of Ethernet. One radio communicates with your client device, while the other relays it to the next-closest AP. Sometimes a single radio handles both directions, effectively cutting your potential throughput in half. As a result, wireless backhaul will typically have higher latency and lower speeds than wired backhaul. If possible, connect your access points via Ethernet, even mesh models. If you’re running Ethernet outside, use outdoor cabling, shielded RJ45 connectors, and properly ground your installation.

• AC-Mesh — Outdoor, 2×2 802.11ac Wave 1. Features removable antennas with RP-SMA connectors for the UMA-D and other external antennas.
• AC-Mesh-Pro — Outdoor, 3×3 802.11ac Wave 1. Still the highest gain of any UniFi AP, good for long-range outdoor coverage.
• FlexHD — Indoor/outdoor, 4×4 802.11ac Wave 2. Coke can style design with pole, ceiling, and tabletop mounting.
• U6-Mesh — Indoor/outdoor, Wi-Fi 6 version of the FlexHD. Coke can style design with pole, ceiling, and tabletop mounting.
• BeaconHD — Indoor only, 4×4 802.11ac Wave 2. No Ethernet, wireless backhaul only, plugs into a standard electrical outlet.
• U6-Extender — Indoor only, Wi-Fi 6 version of the BeaconHD. No Ethernet, wireless backhaul only, plugs into a standard electrical outlet.

Best UniFi Access Points

• U6 Lite: The smallest, cheapest Wi-Fi 6 AP. The new baseline offers fast 5 GHz speeds with an 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) 2.4 GHz radio.
• AC-Mesh: Despite its age, a good basic option for longer-range wireless backhaul or outdoor coverage.
• BeaconHD: If Ethernet isn’t available, this is a good indoor mesh AP if you can’t buy a U6-Extender, or want to save some money.
• U6-Pro: My vote for the best value, and the best omnidirectional Wi-Fi 6 AP… if you can find it in stock.
• nanoHD: The cheapest 802.11ac Wave 2 access point. The U6-Lite or U6-Pro offer better value, but the nanoHD still offers good performance, is usually in stock, and should be supported for years to come.
• FlexHD: The same radios and capabilities as the nanoHD in a coke can style enclosure. The FlexHD is meant to be mounted on a desk or a shelf, and can also be used outdoors. It’s a good outdoor or mesh AP, especially if you can’t get your hands on the Wi-Fi 6 version, the U6-Mesh.
• U6-LR: If the range is the most important factor, this is a good option. It has more range and higher throughput than the U6-Lite. It still has an older 802.11n 2.4 GHz radio though, and it can’t quite match the throughput and value of the Qualcomm-based U6-Pro.
• U6-Mesh: This is the Wi-Fi 6 version of the FlexHD, suitable for indoor or outdoor installation. If you can find it in stock at MSRP, buy this over the FlexHD.
• U6-Enterprise: The first omnidirectional Wi-Fi 6E model, offering a 6 GHz radio and a single 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port. If you have any Wi-Fi 6E devices and a 2.5 Gbps wired network, this is the best you can get.
• AC-HD: It is getting older, but the AC-HD is a good option for high-density networks. You’ll lose access to the top Wi-Fi 6 data rate, but you’ll gain a 2nd-gigabit port and an antenna suited for small cell sizes. The Wi-Fi 6 and 6E models are better values, but the AC-HD still has a place. The only step up from the AC-HD is the XG models, which are intended for places like an auditorium or sports venues.

Can I use different UAP UniFi APs?

Because you can buy them separately, you may want a few different models. If you want maximum performance in one area, install a U6-Enterprise or AC-HD, and then use a U6-Lite or a mesh AP to extend the network into less-used areas. If you want to expand coverage in the future, you don’t have to match the models you have now. You can add any of them whenever and wherever you need them.

To be clear, you can mix Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 6E access points on your network. You’ll get the most out of Wi-Fi 6 when all of your devices support it, but there’s no harm in keeping older models around or having a variety of models and wireless standards.

Understanding Wi-Fi Generations

802.11n vs. 802.11ac vs. 802.11ax

This guide does not cover all of the 802.11 wireless standards. We’ll highlight the key differences and aspects to consider when selecting an access point. Ubiquiti hasn’t officially certified any of their recent access point models, but it’s useful to understand the features that come with each generation. For more information, see the linked Wikipedia pages.

WI-FI 4

Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) prioritized speed. It was the first standard to use multiple antennas and break the 100 Mbps barrier. It brought higher data rates, frame aggregation, security enhancements, and many other improvements, the most significant of which was single-user MIMO. With 40 MHz channels, MIMO, and multiple spatial streams, a throughput of more than 100 Mbps was finally possible. Wi-Fi 4 client devices are still in use today, but they are mostly found in older or low-cost IoT devices.

All 802.11n UniFi APs are considered first-generation models. They have all been discontinued and should no longer be used or considered for new installations. If you still have 802.11n access points in your network, upgrading will significantly improve network security, speeds, and capacity.

WI-FI 5

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) was also designed to increase speed. It was a significant step forward for 5 GHz, with channel widths of up to 80 or 160 MHz, 4×4 MIMO, and even more efficient encoding. This resulted in significantly higher throughput than Wi-Fi 4. It also significantly increased complexity, so certification was divided into two waves.

AC Wave 1 certifications began in 2013, and many aspects of the standard were optional. AC Wave 2 certifications began in 2016. It relaxed some restrictions, allowing for more spatial streams and downlinking MU-MIMO. 802.11ac was primarily intended for use at 5 GHz, but many vendors chose to unofficially extend it to their 2.4 GHz radios as well. Wi-Fi 5 is still considered “good enough” by the majority of users. The transition to Wi-Fi 6 will be less dramatic than the transition to Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5.

UniFi AC Wave 1 Models

• UAP-AC-Lite
• UAP-AC-LR
• UAP-AC-Pro
• UAP-AC-Mesh
• UAP-AC-Mesh-Pro
• UAP-AC-In-Wall

UniFi AC Wave 2 Models

• UAP-nanoHD
• UAP-FlexHD
• UAP-AC-HD
• UAP-AC-SHD
• UAP-BeaconHD
• UAP-In-Wall-HD
• UAP-XG
• UAP-BaseStation-XG

WI-FI 6 and 6E

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) prioritized efficiency and multi-client performance over increasing single-client speed. Wi-Fi 6 supports up to 8 spatial streams, MU-MIMO in both directions (uplink and downlink), up to 1024-QAM modulation, and WPA3 security. Wi-Fi 6 also supports OFDMA, which allows channels to be divided into smaller units, similar to how cell phone networks work.

Wi-Fi 6 certifications began in 2019, and the majority of Wi-Fi devices are sold today to support this standard. Wi-Fi 6 operates at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and now 6 GHz thanks to Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 6E is still 802.11ax; it simply extends the standard into the newly unlocked 6 GHz spectrum. There is also Wi-Fi 6 Release 2, which mandated support for a few optional features such as uplink MU-MIMO and three power saving features: broadcast target wake time (TWT), extended sleep time, and dynamic multi-user spatial multiplexing power save (SMPS). The 802.11 standard is more complicated than ever.

The increase in single-client speeds is minor, but Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E provide numerous benefits and the best overall performance. When looking for new wireless networking equipment, look for Wi-Fi 6 support.

UniFi Wi-Fi 6 and 6E Models

• U6-Lite
• U6-LR
• U6-Pro
• U6-Mesh
• U6-Extender
• U6-In-Wall
• U6-Enterprise — Wi-Fi 6E
• U6-Enterprise-In-Wall — Wi-Fi 6E, early access only
• U6+ — early access only
• U6+ Long-Range — early access only

Ubnt Antenna Differences

Another thing to consider is that some models have comparable radio specs but differ in their antennas and how those antennas perform. Understanding what type of antenna you require and how to mount it is an important part of selecting the right model. More information can be found in Ubiquiti’s radiation patterns.

Standard dome-shaped access points, such as the nanoHD and U6-Lite, have omnidirectional antennas that radiate in all directions. These are the best choice for broad, even indoor coverage. Because they focus more of their signal out of the top of the dome, these should ideally be mounted on a ceiling facing down. It’s also acceptable to mount them on a shelf or vertically on a wall.

The antennas for the In-Wall models, BeaconHD, and U6-Extender are designed to be mounted vertically in an electrical box or outlet. These concentrate their signal in front and behind the AP, making them better at covering the floor they are on than the floors above or below. The In-Wall models also include a small Ethernet switch on the inside, making them ideal for hotel rooms or a home entertainment center.

Mesh APs, such as the AC-Mesh and AC-Mesh-Pro, have slightly more directional antennas, making them ideal for long-distance wireless backhaul. These are typically used outdoors, but they can also provide long-range indoor coverage, especially in difficult-to-cover areas such as large warehouses.

The FlexHD and U6-Mesh are designed to be mounted vertically, either on a tabletop, a pole or in the ceiling with their ceiling mounting kit. They also make good mesh APs and can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Basic Ubiquiti APs — Lite and Long Range

UAP-AC-Lite

The AC-Lite is a basic omnidirectional AP with adequate performance for most networks. It’s dual-band, with 2×2 SU-MIMO and data rates up to 867 Mbps. It, like all 2nd generation or newer UniFi APs, can function as a mesh AP with wireless backhaul. The AC-Lite used to be a good default option, but it’s now so old that I wouldn’t recommend it for new installations.

Wave 1 APs, such as the AC-Lite, are older, but they aren’t dead yet. Ubiquiti is still selling them, and will likely continue to do so for some time as Wi-Fi 6 models become available in limited quantities. Even after they are no longer for sale, software support should continue for the foreseeable future. The previous AP EoL announcement provided over a year’s notice, and we expect the same for the Wave 1 APs. The AC-Lite is still a good basic access point, but newer models like the U6-Lite are a better investment.

Features

• Ac Wave 1
• 3×3 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 450 Mbps
• 2×2 Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 867 Mbps
• Indoor Only
• Poe Required: Poe/802.3af (15w)

UAP-U6-Lite

The U6-Lite is the entry-level model in the new Wi-Fi 6 lineup. It’s the same size as the nanoHD and uses the same mounting hardware and skins. It only supports Wi-Fi 6 on its 5 GHz radio. 2.4 GHz continues to use a 2×2 802.11n/Wi-Fi 4 radio, which is disappointing.

Our main complaint about the U6-Lite is that Ubiquiti did not include a PoE injector. Make sure your switch can deliver standard 802.3af PoE or 48V passive PoE. If not, any standard 802.3af PoE adapter will suffice.

Another thing to keep in mind about the U6-Lite is that Ubiquiti recently made a hardware revision that reduced its 5 GHz transmit power from 23 dBm to 17 dBm. The U6-Pro and U6-LR now have significantly greater ranges, but the U6-Lite is still a good AP for covering smaller areas or fitting into a multi-AP network.

Note: Most Ubiquiti PoE injectors support passive PoE, which can damage equipment if not used properly. If you don’t already have one, I’d recommend Ubiquiti’s U-PoE-AF, a PoE switch, or a standard 802.af PoE injector from a reputable brand for the U6-Lite.

Features

• Wi-Fi 6 (5 Ghz Radio Only)
• 2×2 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 300 Mbps
• 2×2 Mu-Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 1200 Mbps
• Indoor Only
• Poe Required: Poe/802.3af (15w) Or 48v Passive
• Poe Injector Not Included

UAP-U6-LR

Aside from the new U6-Pro, the UniFi 6 LR is the best Wi-Fi 6 model available right now, assuming it is in stock.

It’s the same size as the AC-HD and uses the same mounting hardware. It, like the U6-Lite, only supports Wi-Fi 6 on its 5 GHz radio. 2.4 GHz continues to use a 4×4 802.11n/Wi-Fi 4 radio. It also removes the included PoE injector. It has a greater range than the Lite model due to higher EIRP limits and a higher gain antenna. It also underwent a hardware revision, removing the RGD LED while maintaining the same transmit power and EIRP.

The U6-LR requires a separate PoE+ power supply. Use a PoE+ switch, such as the U-POE-AT, or a reputable brand’s 30W 802.3at injector.

Features

• Wi-Fi 6 (5 Ghz Radio Only)
• 4×4 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 600 Mbps
• 4×4 Mu-Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 2400 Mbps
• Indoor Only
• Poe Required: Poe+/802.3at (30w) Or 48v Passive
• Poe Injector Not Included

Advanced Ubiquiti UniFi APs — Pro and HD

UAP-AC-Pro

The AC-Pro was the top model in the AC Wave 1 lineup. The AC-Pro comes with 3×3 SU-MIMO radios for both bands, as well as a second Ethernet port for bridging to another device. It also has the advantage of being mounted outside — think under a porch roof rather than somewhere directly exposed.

All of my advice about future Wave 1 AP support applies to the AC-Pro as well. Unless you can find it on sale, any of the Wi-Fi 6 models are a much better investment.

Features

• Ac Wave 1
• 3×3 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 450 Mbps
• 3×3 Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 1300 Mbps
• 2 Ethernet Ports. 1 For Uplink, 1 For Bridging
• Indoor/Outdoor (Not for Direct Weather Resistance)
• Poe Required: Poe/802.3af (15w) Or 48v Passive

UAP-U6-Pro

The U6-Pro was Ubiquiti’s first model to support Wi-Fi 6 on both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, giving it an advantage over the U6-Lite and U6-LR. The U6-Pro comes with a 4×4 5 GHz radio and a 2×2 2.4 GHz radio. In my tests, it provided more throughput and only slightly less range than the U6-LR. We’d recommend the U6-Pro for most networks.

The U6-Pro, like the other Wi-Fi 6 APs, requires its own PoE+ power supply. Use a PoE+ switch, such as the U-POE-AT, or a reputable brand’s 30W 802.3 at the injector.

Features

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
• 2×2 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 573.5 Mbps
• 4×4 Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 4800 Mbps
• 1 Gigabit Ethernet Port
• Indoor Only
• Poe Required: Poe+/802.3at (30w) Or 48v Passive

UAP-NanoHD

The nanoHD is the entry model for 802.11ac Wave 2, and its place in the lineup has been largely replaced by the Wi-Fi 6 models mentioned above. The U6-LR is a much better deal because the U6-Lite and U6-Pro are less expensive, and the nanoHD is no longer a good buy.

If Wi-Fi 6 APs aren’t available, the nanoHD is a good compromise between the cheaper Wave 1 APs and the more expensive AC-HD. The nanoHD is still a good AP with a long life ahead of it, but it is no longer the default recommendation it once was.

Features

• Ac Wave 2
• 2×2 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 300 Mbps
• 4×4 Mu-Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 1733 Mbps
• 1 Ethernet Port
• Indoor Only
• Poe Required: Poe/802.3af (15w)

UAP-AC-HD

Only the specialty UAP-SHD and UAP-XG are more expensive than the AC-HD. The AC-HD was designed for networks with a high density of devices in a small area, and it includes an antenna specifically designed for small cell spacing and vertical coverage. The AC-HD also has dedicated hardware offload for QoS, Guest Control, and Client Management.

The antenna difference is significant. The AC-HD will not cover as much ground as other omnidirectional APs. It is designed for dense multi-AP deployments rather than broad coverage. In most cases, especially for home networks, any of the Wi-Fi 6 models are preferable.

It’s worth noting that the AC-HD is one of the few models with two gigabit Ethernet ports. The second can be used to bridge to another device or combined into an 802.3ad-based link aggregation to support a 2 Gbps uplink. The AC-HD requires 802.3at PoE+, so make sure you have a PoE+ switch or use the included power injector.

Features

• Ac Wave 2
• 4×4 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 800 Mbps
• 4×4 Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 1733 Mbps
• 2 Ethernet Ports. 1 For Uplink, 1 For Bridging or Uplink
• Indoor/Outdoor (Not for Direct Weather Resistance)
• Poe Required: Poe+/802.3at (30w)

UAP-AC-SHD

The AC-SHD is similar to the AC-HD, but it includes a third radio for real-time monitoring. It was originally intended to monitor for security issues with UniFi’s Wireless Intrusion Prevention System, but that feature was never implemented in the UniFi controller. As a result, the AC-SHD is an odd product. I’d never recommend the AC-SHD, especially at its price.

Features

• Ac Wave 2
• 4×4 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 800 Mbps
• 4×4 Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 1733 Mbps
• 2 Ethernet Ports: 1 For Uplink, 1 For Bridging
• Indoor/Outdoor (Not for Direct Weather Resistance)
• Poe Required: Poe+/802.3at (30w)

Ubnt Specialty APs — In-Wall and Mesh

UAP-AC-In-Wall

For some reason, this model has not yet been discontinued. If you want to mount an AP inside an electrical wall plate, the In-Wall HD is a better option.

I wouldn’t recommend the regular AC In-Wall unless you’re okay with its limitations or only need one 48V passive PoE out port. This model is nearing the end of its useful life and should not be considered for the newest installations.

Features

• Ac Wave 1
• 2×2 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 300 Mbps
• 2×2 Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 867 Mbps
• 3 Ethernet Ports. One for Uplink, Two for Bridging
• Indoor Only
• Poe Required: Poe+/802.3at (30w)
• Poe Pass-Through: (1) 48v Passive, Cannot Be Disabled

UAP-In-Wall HD

If you need to mount an AP inside an electrical wall plate, the In-Wall HD is the best option right now. The HD model has four Ethernet ports, one of which supports 802.3af PoE pass-through. It is AC Wave 2, which means it has more performance and future software support than a standard AC-In-Wall.

To enable PoE pass-through, your switch or PoE injector must support PoE+. The In-Wall HD does not come with a power injector and is intended to be installed in an electrical wall box with Ethernet run to it, so keep that in mind before purchasing. The U6-In-Wall is in early access, but for now, the In-Wall-HD reigns supreme.

Features

• Ac Wave 2
• 2×2 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 300 Mbps
• 4×4 Mu-Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 1733 Mbps
• 5 Ethernet Ports. One for Uplink, Four for Bridging
• Indoor Only
• Poe in Required: Poe/802.3af (15w)
• For Pass-Through: Poe+/802.3at (30w)
• Poe Pass-Through: (1) 48v Passive

UAP-AC-Mesh

The AC-Mesh is the oldest and most basic option for mounting an access point outside. All 2nd generation and newer UniFi APs can use wireless backhaul to function as mesh APs, but the AC-Mesh has detachable antennas that are well suited for the task. These antennas can also be swapped out for the UMA-D, giving it even better long-range coverage over a 45 to 90-degree area.

Wireless backhaul, like all APs, will have some performance trade-offs. If you want the best performance, connect your access points, including the AC-Mesh, with an Ethernet cable. The AC-Mesh is one of the first UniFi access points. In most cases, the FlexHD or U6-Mesh are the better options for new installations.

Features

• Ac Wave 1
• 2×2 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 300 Mbps
• 2×2 Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 867 Mbps
• 1 Ethernet Port
• Indoor/Outdoor (Weather Resistant)
• Poe Required: Poe/802.3af (15w)

UAP-AC-Mesh-Pro

If you need more outdoor Wi-Fi range and performance, the AC-Mesh-Pro is another old but good option. The AC-Mesh-Pro has 3×3 radios for both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, as well as a second Ethernet port for bridging. According to Ubiquiti, it has a “proprietary, MIMO-optimized, omnidirectional Super Antenna for exceptional 360° coverage, providing symmetrical long-range communications of up to 183 meters.”

We believe the marketing department went a little too far, but it does provide improved performance over standard AC-Mesh. With increased performance comes a much larger size. The AC-Mesh is easily concealed, but the Pro model resembles a large white lunch tray. It’s enormous. For most installations, We’d recommend the FlexHD or U6-Mesh instead.

Features

• Ac Wave 1
• 3×3 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 450 Mbps
• 3×3 Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 1300 Mbps
• 2 Ethernet Ports: 1 For Uplink, 1 For Bridging
• Outdoor (Weather Resistant)
• Poe Required: Poe/802.3af (15w)

UAP-BeaconHD

The BeaconHD is an indoor mesh model designed to work with the UniFi Dream Machine or any other dual-band UniFi AP. It consumes an electrical outlet and converts it into an access point and night light. Thankfully, the light can be turned off. Because there are no Ethernet ports, it cannot be wired or provide a bridged connection to another wired device.

The BeaconHD has a 4×4 5 GHz radio and a 2×2 2.4 GHz radio, which is roughly equivalent to a nanoHD. It does, however, have higher-gain antennas than the nanoHD, making it better suited for a mesh network. The U6-Extender is a Wi-Fi 6 replacement for the BeaconHD that is currently in early access. When the U6-Extender becomes available, it will be the better option.

Features

• Ac Wave 2
• 2×2 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 300 Mbps
• 4×4 Mu-Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 1733 Mbps
• No Ethernet Ports
• Indoor Only
• Powered by Standard Ac Wall Outlet

UAP-FlexHD

The FlexHD is another AC Wave 2 AP, but it has a unique form factor. The FlexHD is still a good AP with a long life ahead of it and high availability. However, for the price, newer and better options are available.

The FlexHD (and U6-Mesh) are best known for their versatile mounting options. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, and tabletop, wall, and pole mounting brackets are included. Ubiquiti also sells an optional Ceiling Mount Kit. The new U6-Mesh is a better option for outdoor use. Instead of the FlexHD, look for the U6-Mesh. Only buy the FlexHD if it’s on sale.

Features

• Ac Wave 2
• 2×2 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 300 Mbps
• 4×4 Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 1733 Mbps
• 1 Ethernet Port
• Indoor/Outdoor
• Poe Required: Poe/802.3af (15w)

UAP-U6-Mesh

The U6-Mesh is essentially a FlexHD Wi-Fi 6 version. It has the same shape and size as the original and can be mounted both indoors and outdoors. The U6-Mesh is also one of the most recent and difficult to find in stock. Although availability is limited, this is arguably the best UniFi AP to use outdoors due to Wi-Fi 6 support. It’s also a good indoor coverage option if mounting an omnidirectional AP on the ceiling or wall isn’t an option.

It’s worth noting that, unlike the U6-Lite, U6-LR, and U6-Pro, the U6-Mesh includes a PoE injector.

Features

• Wi-Fi 6
• 2×2 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 574 Mbps
• 4×4 Mu-Mimo for 5 Ghz, Up to 4800 Mbps
• 1 Ethernet Port
• Indoor/Outdoor (Ipx5)
• Poe Required: Poe/802.3af (15w)

Ubnt UAP XG and Small Cell

UAP-XG

When discussing purchasing advice, the word “need” is always a tricky one. For all we know, you might actually require a 10 Gbps uplink, dual 4×4 5 GHz radios, a 4×4 2.4 GHz radio, a dedicated security radio, and support for up to 1500 clients. Of course, if you just want to set some money on fire, there’s the UAP-XG-US.

However, the UAP-XG will require a 10 Gbps capable infrastructure to be supported. You should also be aware that the software features for the security radio have not been implemented and will most likely never be. We get the impression that Ubiquiti tried to do too much with the UAP-XG, and they either changed priorities or didn’t sell enough of these to justify the development cost. Selling hardware before the software is ready is a topic for another post, but it’s all too common with Ubiquiti.

Features

• Ac Wave 2
• 4×4 Mimo for 2.4 Ghz, Up to 800 Mbps
• Dual 4×4 Mu-Mimo for 5 Ghz, Both Up to 1733 Mbps
• 2 Ethernet Ports. 1 With Support for 10 Gbps
• Indoor/Outdoor (Not for Direct Weather Resistance)
• Poe Required: Poe++/802.3bt (60w)

WiFi Basestation XG (UAP-UWB-XG)

This model is useless for setting up a Wi-Fi network in your home. If you’re designing a Wi-Fi network for a stadium, this is an intriguing option for high-gain, small-cell coverage. The BaseStation XG has three 5 GHz radios, each of which is a 4×4 802.11 AC Wave 2 radio. This allows you to broadcast on three distinct channels, allowing many more clients to be served by a single AP. You can scale up to an auditorium or stadium-sized wireless network with hundreds or thousands of clients using multiple UWB-XGs.

These are the most specialized models, requiring careful planning, installation, and optimization. If you’re planning a network that will necessitate the use of the UWB-XG, you probably don’t need model selection advice from us.

Features

• Ac Wave 2
• Small Cell for Large, Dense Venues
• No 2.4 Ghz Radio
• (3) 4×4 Mu-Mimo 5 Ghz Radios, Up to 1733 Mbps Each
• 2 Ethernet Ports. 1 With Support for 10 Gbps
• Indoor/Outdoor (Ip67)
• Poe Required: Poe++/802.3bt (60w)

All-In-One — UniFi Dream Machine and Dream Router

UDM

The UniFi Dream Machine is an all-in-one UniFi OS Console. It combines a 4×4 AC Wave 2 access point with a 4-port gigabit switch and a router/firewall with IDS/IPS performance of around 850 Mbps. The UDM also includes a built-in UniFi Network controller and support for UID, Ubiquiti’s new identity management service. The UDM is a simple and convenient way to enter the UniFi ecosystem, and it can be a good starting point for a new home or small business network.

UDR

The UniFi Dream Router is another all-in-one router similar to the UDM. It comes with a wireless access point, a 4-port gigabit switch, a router/firewall, and a UniFi Network controller. The UDR also has an upgraded 5 GHz radio that supports Wi-Fi 6, two PoE out ports, and UniFi Protect support, as well as 128 GB of internal storage and an SD card slot for expansion. The UDR is an improvement over the UDM in some ways, but it is limited by its dual-core CPU versus the quad-core CPU in the UDM. This results in less-than-gigabit performance in many scenarios, particularly when using IPS/IDS or a PPPoE WAN connection.

The UDR is a low-cost and simple way to get started with a small UniFi Network and a few UniFi Protect cameras, but as you expand, you’ll likely hit performance limits.

Limitations of All-In-One

An all-in-one router is unlikely to be the best solution for larger networks or networks that span multiple locations. It’s usually a matter of scale: if you need dozens of switches, APs, or UniFi cameras, look elsewhere. Consider the more powerful UDM-Pro or USM-SE, which provides most of the benefits of these small all-in-ones while raising some of the performance and management limits. For more information, use Ubiquiti’s UniFi OS Console resource calculator.

One issue with all UniFi OS Consoles (UDM, UDR, UDM-Pro, UDM-SE) is that they run the UniFi Network Application themselves and cannot be managed by a hosted UniFi controller. Those who require the scale of a hosted controller should consider the UXG-Pro or a third-party firewall, with UniFi only handling switching and Wi-Fi. Building a UniFi network this way opens up a lot of possibilities and is usually a better fit for MSPs or larger multi-site networks.

All-in-ones can be a good option for those looking to build a small UniFi network. My home network has long been a UDM, with a few additional UniFi switches and UniFi APs to expand my wired and wireless network.

Wi-Fi 6E — Enterprise

UniFi’s first omnidirectional Wi-Fi 6E access point, the U6-Enterprise, is now available. There is also a U6-Enterprise-In-Wall model in early access.

We have a huge collection of Ubiquiti UniFi Access points for sale in Nairobi, Kenya at our Rapidtech Digital Solutions Ubiquiti Access Point shop at the best UniFi Prices. Place your order today and enjoy same-day shipping for Nairobi and within 24hrs for regions.

Useful Links:

• Ubiquiti Network Switches for sale in Nairobi, Kenya
• Ubiquiti Network Routers for sale in Nairobi, Kenya
• Ubiquiti Antennas for sale in Nairobi, Kenya
• Ubiquiti shop in Nairobi, Kenya
• Ubiquiti PoE Injectors for sale in Nairobi, Kenya