UniFi UNAS Pro NAS – PROs and CONs

UniFi UNAS Pro – The Pros and Cons of their new NAS

UPDATE – The UniFi UNAS Pro NAS is now available and can be found HERE

The UniFi UNAS Pro is Ubiquiti’s first major leap into the NAS (Network Attached Storage) market, building on the success of their networking hardware and ecosystem. This rackmount NAS aims to provide a cost-effective, streamlined option, especially for those who are already invested in the UniFi product ecosystem. But is this device the right choice for your storage needs? In this detailed review, we’ll explore the pros and cons of the UniFi UNAS Pro to help you decide.

Pros of the UniFi UNAS Pro NAS

1. Competitive Pricing

One of the most remarkable selling points of the UniFi UNAS Pro is its price. Retailing at $499, the UNAS Pro offers a 7-bay rackmount NAS, which is significantly more affordable than many competing NAS devices with similar hardware capabilities. For this price, you get a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor, 8GB of DDR4 memory, and a built-in 10GbE networking port alongside a 1GbE port, without the need for additional licenses. In comparison, similar rackmount NAS devices from brands like Synology and QNAP are typically priced closer to $800 or even $1,000. For example, a comparable system like the QNAP TS-832PX often costs around $900 but comes with similar performance in terms of storage and connectivity options. The value proposition is undeniable, especially when you factor in that UniFi’s NAS software comes with no extra costs for features like snapshot management or backups. For small businesses or home users looking for high-capacity storage at a low price, the UniFi UNAS Pro is a solid choice.

2. Ease of Use

Ubiquiti has a long-standing reputation for designing user-friendly products, and the UNAS Pro is no exception. The NAS system comes with an intuitive user interface that’s reminiscent of UniFi’s networking equipment management software, making it easy for existing UniFi users to get up and running quickly. The interface, whether accessed via the web or through UniFi’s mobile app, offers a clean, straightforward experience.

The mobile app, which supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, allows you to monitor and manage the NAS on the go. This functionality is particularly useful for small businesses where IT support might not always be readily available. Additionally, the built-in LCD panel on the front of the device allows for on-the-spot diagnostics and control without needing to access the web interface, offering a more hands-on approach to managing your NAS.

3. Offline Setup Capability

One standout feature of the UniFi UNAS Pro is its ability to be set up and managed offline. Many NAS systems require users to create an online account to access core features or manage the device, but with the UNAS Pro, you can set up local credentials and manage the device without ever needing to connect to the cloud. This means you can retain complete control over your data and avoid sharing anything with external services, which is an attractive option for users who prioritize privacy. Though you will miss out on certain remote access features without a UniFi cloud account, this offline setup capability is ideal for environments where internet access may be unreliable or for users who prefer to keep their storage network air-gapped from the wider web.

Keep in mind however that setting the device up without a UI.com / UniFi account will limit some of the remote access and additional security verification features of the UNAS Pro.

4. Modular Updates

UniFi has implemented a modular update system that makes software maintenance more flexible and customizable. Rather than requiring full system reboots or blanket updates that affect every part of the NAS at once, the UNAS Pro allows users to schedule and manage individual updates for the NAS OS and each of its applications. You can select between stable updates or more cutting-edge early access updates for those who prefer to stay on the forefront of new features. This update system ensures that you can keep critical parts of your system updated while minimizing disruptions to services. For example, you might set security updates to apply immediately while delaying other updates until a convenient time. For a NAS that’s designed to run continuously, this granular control is a valuable feature.

5. Solid Core Features

For its first foray into the NAS market, UniFi has done an excellent job at providing all the core features users expect from a modern NAS. The UNAS Pro excels in basic NAS functionality, such as file storage, folder creation, and permission management. Its a very straight forward system to understand and use, as well as a very responsive GUI (especially for the internal hardware it has being so modest). Whether backing up to another NAS or a cloud service, browsing files/folders on the fly, managing active shares quickly – the process is straightforward and reliable.

RAID support is available out of the box, allowing users to configure their drives for performance, redundancy, or a balance of both. While the hardware might not be top-tier, UniFi has ensured that its software nails down the fundamentals, providing reliable performance for small businesses and home users.

6. 10GbE Connectivity

At this price point, the inclusion of a 10GbE networking port is a significant advantage. Many NAS devices in this price range only include 1GbE or, at best, 2.5GbE networking. The 10GbE port on the UniFi UNAS Pro enables much faster data transfer rates, particularly for users dealing with large file transfers such as video production teams, graphic designers, or those needing to back up multiple systems simultaneously. For small businesses that need faster network throughput without breaking the bank, the UNAS Pro is an excellent option.

7. Seamless UniFi Ecosystem Integration

The UniFi UNAS Pro integrates seamlessly with the broader UniFi product ecosystem. If you’re already using UniFi routers, switches, or access points, the UNAS Pro can be managed alongside these devices through the same UniFi controller interface.

This makes it easy to monitor and manage all your network infrastructure from a single dashboard. For businesses already invested in UniFi, this integration adds significant value and simplifies network management.

8. Very Easy Snapshot and Backup Management

The UNAS Pro’s snapshot management is another highlight. It allows for easy setup and quick recovery of snapshots, making it a powerful tool for backing up and restoring data.

Whether you’re scheduling automatic snapshots or manually backing up your most important files, the system is responsive and reliable. Data can also be backed up to a cloud service like Google Drive, adding flexibility to your data management strategy.

Cons of the UniFi UNAS Pro NAS

1. Modest Hardware Specifications

Despite its many strengths, the UniFi UNAS Pro’s hardware can feel somewhat underwhelming, especially for more demanding users. The device is powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor, which is capable but not nearly as powerful as the Intel or AMD x86 processors found in higher-end NAS devices.

Specification	Details
Brand	UniFi (from Ubiquiti)
Model	UniFi UNAS Professional Rackmount NAS
Dimensions	442.4 x 325 x 43.7 mm (17.4 x 12.8 x 1.7 inches)
Weight	Without Rackmount Brackets: 5.11 kg (11.27 lb)
	With Rackmount Brackets: 5.20 kg (11.46 lb)
Enclosure Characteristics	SGCC Steel
Processor	Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A57 at 1.7 GHz
System Memory	8GB DDR4
On-Board Flash Storage	SPI NOR 32 MB, USB Flash 8 GB
Power Supply	200W Lipet Internal
Max. Power Consumption	160W
Max. Power Budget for Drives	135W
Power Method	(1) Universal AC Input
	(1) RPS DC Input
Power Supply	100-240VAC, 50/60 Hz, 2A
Networking Interfaces	(1) 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet
	(1) 1/10 Gbps SFP+ Ethernet
Management Interface	Ethernet In-Band Management
ESD/EMP Protection	Air: ±12kV, Contact: ±8kV
Operating Temperature	-5 to 40° C (23 to 104° F)
Operating Humidity	5 – 95% Non-condensing
LED Indicators	System: (1) Power, Blue/White

While the ARM processor is energy-efficient and suitable for basic tasks like file storage, it lacks the muscle required for more demanding workloads like virtualization, media transcoding, or running complex applications.

For users who need to perform CPU-intensive tasks or run multiple concurrent operations, the ARM architecture could be a limiting factor. Although it’s understandable that UniFi opted for ARM to keep costs down, this choice might alienate users looking for a high-performance solution.

2. Limited Expandability

One of the most significant downsides of the UniFi UNAS Pro is its lack of expandability. While the 7-bay design offers substantial storage out of the box, there are no options for expanding the system beyond that. The device lacks PCIe slots for adding features like SSD caching, additional networking interfaces, or other hardware upgrades. Additionally, the 8GB of DDR4 RAM is non-upgradable, which means users are stuck with the default memory capacity—limiting the NAS’s potential to handle more intensive applications or larger numbers of users.

This lack of scalability could be a dealbreaker for businesses or IT professionals who expect their storage needs to grow over time and want a system that can grow with them.

3. Single Storage Pool

Unlike more advanced NAS systems that allow users to create multiple storage pools, the UniFi UNAS Pro is limited to a single storage pool. This limitation could be problematic for users who want to segregate different types of data or use different storage media, such as SSDs for high-speed access and HDDs for bulk storage. While the system does allow for RAID configurations, the lack of flexibility in storage pool management could be a downside for more advanced users who need granular control over their storage environments.

4. No Redundant Power Supply

For businesses that require constant uptime, the lack of a redundant power supply on the UniFi UNAS Pro is a significant shortcoming. While the device does support an external uninterruptible power supply (UPS), it lacks the built-in redundancy that is common in many higher-end NAS systems. Redundant power supplies are critical in ensuring that hardware failures don’t lead to extended downtime. Without this feature, the UNAS Pro may not be suitable for mission-critical environments where uptime is a priority.

5. Lack of UniFi Protect Support

A surprising omission in the UniFi UNAS Pro is its lack of support for UniFi Protect, UniFi’s popular video surveillance platform. UniFi Protect is available on other UniFi hardware such as the Dream Machine and UNVR systems, but it cannot be installed on the UNAS Pro. This is a missed opportunity, especially for users who might want to centralize their storage and surveillance needs on a single device. While future software updates may address this, the current lack of Protect support limits the device’s versatility, particularly for small businesses or homeowners looking to consolidate network and surveillance management.

6. Absence of Popular NAS Apps and Virtualization

Compared to more established NAS solutions like QNAP or Synology, the UniFi UNAS Pro falls short when it comes to app availability. There’s no support for popular applications like Plex or Docker, which limits its utility for users who want to run media servers, manage smart home devices, or deploy containerized applications. This absence is particularly noticeable when compared to NAS solutions from other brands that have built extensive app ecosystems over many years. Additionally, the lack of virtualization support makes the UNAS Pro less appealing for businesses that need to run virtual machines or isolated environments for development and testing. While this might not matter to users looking for simple storage solutions, it’s a glaring omission for power users.

While the UniFi UNAS Pro covers the basics well, it lacks many of the advanced features that have become standard in more mature NAS systems. There’s no support for containerization, virtual environments, or advanced SaaS integrations like Google Workspace or Office 365. These high-end features are often essential for businesses with complex workflows or larger teams. The absence of these capabilities makes the UNAS Pro less competitive for users who need more than basic file storage and backups.

7. Limited OS Client Tools and File Syncing

Although the UNAS Pro offers a web interface and easy-to-use file sharing features, it lacks the more sophisticated client tools available on competing NAS platforms. For instance, Synology Drive and QNAP QSync offer robust client tools that allow users to sync files across multiple devices or manage their NAS more comprehensively from their desktop, without any need to engage with the system dashboard or the NAS GUI itself – with all file synchronization happening in the background whilst they only interact with their native OS file manager. By contrast, the UniFi UNAS Pro’s file syncing tools are fairly limited and although mapping via SMB and similar is possible, there is little to no live sync tools at launch, which could be frustrating for users looking for more advanced file management capabilities. I really think this is something that UniFi will remedy in time, but at least right now, this is absent to the same degree as their new NAS competitors.

Should You Buy the UniFi UNAS Pro NAS?

The UniFi UNAS Pro is a compelling entry into the NAS market, offering excellent value for money, ease of use, and seamless integration with the UniFi ecosystem. For users looking for a simple, reliable NAS solution that can handle basic storage tasks and backups, the UNAS Pro is a great option, particularly at its competitive price point of $499. However, the device’s limitations in hardware scalability, application support, and advanced features mean that it may not be the best choice for power users or businesses with more complex needs – at least at launch. If you’re already invested in UniFi’s ecosystem and only need a NAS for fundamental storage and backups, the UNAS Pro is a solid choice. But for users seeking greater flexibility, more advanced features, or the ability to scale their storage, other NAS systems from QNAP or Synology may be a better fit.

I feel like a bit of a broken record in this review, and I keep repeating the same two words in conjunction with the UniFi UNAS Pro—fundamentals and consistency! It’s pretty clear that UniFi has prioritized the need for this system to perfectly complement their existing UniFi ecosystem and make it a true part of their hardware portfolio. In doing so, it has resulted in them focusing considerably on the fundamental storage requirements of a NAS system and making sure that these are as good as they possibly can be out of the gate. To this end, I would say that UniFi has unquestionably succeeded. The cracks in the surface begin once you start comparing this system with other offerings in the market right now—which is inevitably what users are going to do and have been doing since the first indications of a UniFi NAS system were being rumored. It may seem tremendously unfair to compare the newly released UniFi NAS with solutions from vendors that have had more than 20 years of experience in this field, but for a business that wants to fully detach themselves from the cloud and wants true user-friendly but highly featured control of their network operations, comparison is inevitable! The UniFi UNAS Pro is an excellent choice for users seeking a budget-friendly, easy-to-use NAS solution with solid core features and strong integration into the UniFi ecosystem. However, for those needing more advanced capabilities or future-proof scalability, it may be worth exploring other options in the NAS market.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.2

PROS

👍🏻Nails down the fundamentals of NAS Storage very well
👍🏻Easy to use GUI and well suited in the UniFi Ecosystem/UX
👍🏻Complete Offline Use is supported
👍🏻Use of a UI account is NOT compulsory
👍🏻Excellently deployed Snapshot Features
👍🏻10GbE out-the-box
👍🏻Open HDD Compatibility, but also 1st party options too
👍🏻Backup and Restoration Options Nailed down perfectly
👍🏻Very power efficient and CPU/, Memory utilization rarely high
👍🏻Compact, Quite and well designed chassis
👍🏻The LCD controls are completely \'different level\' compared to other brands in the market
👍🏻Promised competitive pricing
👍🏻FAST deployment (3-5mins tops)
👍🏻Reactive Storage expandability and easy-to-understand storage failover options
👍🏻Mobile app deployment is intuitive/fast
👍🏻Feels stable, secure and reliable at all times
👍🏻Performance is respectable (considering SATA Bay count and CPU) but also sustained performance is very good
👍🏻Single screen dashboard is clear and intuitive
👍🏻Ditto for the native file explorer

CONS

👎🏻7 Bays is a bit unusual, plus feels like the existing UNVR with different firmware
👎🏻Additional App installation (eg. \'Protect\') not currently supported. So no container support for 3rd party apps
👎🏻Network Controls are limited
👎🏻Works at it\'s best in an existing UniFi managed network, feels a little limited in \'standalone\'
👎🏻Multiple storage pools not supported (nor is RAID 0)
👎🏻Lack of Scheduled On/Off
👎🏻Lack of redundant PSU
👎🏻Only 1 10Gb port and 1x 1GbE, no USBs for expanded storage or an expansion

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