UniFi UNAS Pro Review – Real-World Performance Tested

Last updated on 20 Jan 2025 📧 Subscribe
Contents hide
1 Overview of the UniFi UNAS Pro
2 Features and Pros
2.1 1. Touchscreen Interface
2.2 2. Easy Setup
2.3 3. Tool-Free Drive Installation
2.4 4. Low Noise
3 Missing Features and Cons
4 Performance Tests
4.1 Boot Time
4.2 Shutdown Time
4.3 RAID Build Times
4.4 File Transfer Speeds
5 Final Thoughts
5.1 Frequently Asked Questions

The UniFi UNAS Pro is the first NAS solution from UniFi, designed to provide robust storage capabilities for home and business users. While many reviews focus on specifications, we’ve tested its performance in real-world scenarios, including RAID builds, file transfers, and overall system performance. Let’s dive into what the UniFi UNAS Pro offers, its pros and cons, and how it compares to other NAS systems.

Overview of the UniFi UNAS Pro

The UniFi UNAS Pro is an innovative entry into the NAS market. Its sleek design is complemented by a touchscreen interface for easy control. It allows users to monitor system status, errors, and even reboot without accessing the admin panel. However, some features common in other NAS systems, such as USB ports and NVMe caching, are notably absent.

Key Specifications:

  • Display: Built-in touchscreen for IP display and controls.
  • Connectivity: 10GbE support for fast networking.
  • Drives: Supports 2.5-inch SSDs and 3.5-inch HDDs.
  • Setup: Bluetooth-enabled for easy setup via smartphone.

Features and Pros

1. Touchscreen Interface

The NAS features a built-in touchscreen for quick monitoring and controls, eliminating the need to access the admin panel for basic tasks.

2. Easy Setup

With Bluetooth support, setting up the UniFi UNAS Pro is straightforward. Users can pair their smartphone, set a username and password, and be ready to go in minutes.

3. Tool-Free Drive Installation

The drive trays are among the easiest to use, with no screws or clips required for installation.

4. Low Noise

The system operates quietly, making it ideal for home use.

Missing Features and Cons

While the UniFi UNAS Pro shines in some areas, it lacks several features expected in modern NAS systems:

  • No Power-On Button: Scheduled tasks like automatic shutdown require replugging to restart.
  • Limited RAID Support: Lacks SHR or BeyondRAID functionality for flexible drive configurations.
  • No NVMe or SSD Caching: Reduces potential performance optimization for demanding tasks.
  • No USB Ports: Inconvenient for external backups.
  • No Docker Support: Limits multimedia or advanced application hosting capabilities.

Performance Tests

Boot Time

  • SMB Service Available: 1 minute, 13 seconds.
  • Admin Panel Ready: 2 minutes, 34 seconds.

Shutdown Time

  • Completed in 1 minute, 15 seconds, ensuring compatibility with most UPS systems for safe power-downs.

RAID Build Times

  • RAID 1 (2 SSDs): 39 minutes, 6 seconds.
  • RAID 5 (3 HDDs): 40 minutes, 3 seconds.
  • RAID 5 Rebuild: 38 minutes, 8 seconds.

File Transfer Speeds

  • 19GB File (NAS to PC): 28 seconds (~700-800 MB/s).
  • 19GB File (PC to NAS): 41 seconds (~500 MB/s).
  • 1GB File to Remote Location: 2 minutes, 32 seconds using a 1Gbps connection.

Final Thoughts

The UniFi UNAS Pro brings a lot of potential as a first-generation NAS, but it has room for improvement. While its quiet operation, easy setup, and user-friendly interface make it appealing, the lack of essential features like NVMe caching, Docker support, and USB connectivity may deter advanced users.

This NAS is ideal for those seeking a simple, efficient solution with a focus on easy maintenance and real-world performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the UniFi UNAS Pro support SHR or BeyondRAID?
No, it uses traditional RAID levels without hybrid configurations.

2. Can this NAS handle multimedia applications?
It lacks Docker support, so hosting advanced applications may be challenging.

3. Is it compatible with 10GbE networks?
Yes, it includes 10GbE support for fast file transfers.

For a detailed breakdown of tests, configurations, and alternative NAS recommendations, stay tuned to NASCompares.com.

 

 

 

 

 

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