UniFi UNAS Pro Review – Affordable 7-Bay NAS with Promising Features

The UniFi UNAS Pro has recently emerged as an exciting contender in the NAS market, offering a 7-bay solution with 10GbE connectivity at an affordable price point. After two months of testing, we’re here to unpack its pros, cons, and overall performance to help you decide if this NAS is the right fit for your setup.

Hardware Overview

The UniFi UNAS Pro sports an ARM-based CPU, providing sufficient power for standard NAS tasks, though it struggles with sustained 10GbE performance under heavy loads. Its chassis is made from premium metallic materials, complemented by a modern touchscreen display, offering quick access to status information and basic controls. The device is designed to be rack-mountable and surprisingly quiet, making it suitable for office and home environments alike.

Key Specifications:

• CPU: ARM-based processor (specific model unspecified)
• Drive Bays: 7 SATA bays (compatible with most SATA drives)
• Connectivity: 10GbE and 1GbE LAN ports (labeled for clarity)
• Design: Sleek metallic chassis with a built-in touchscreen panel
• Setup: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled setup via mobile app

Pros of the UniFi UNAS Pro

1. Incredible Value for Money

For approximately $500/£500, the UNAS Pro delivers features typically found in higher-priced NAS devices. Its inclusion of 10GbE connectivity is a standout feature at this price point.

2. Easy Setup

The initial setup process is simple and user-friendly. Thanks to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options, users can quickly configure the NAS via a smartphone app, even without prior technical experience.

3. Expandable RAID Configuration

The UNAS Pro makes it easy to expand RAID configurations. Sliding in additional drives automatically transitions the array from RAID 1 to RAID 5 or higher, depending on the number of drives added.

4. Snapshots for Data Protection

The inclusion of snapshots allows users to recover previous versions of files or folders, adding an extra layer of security against ransomware or accidental deletions.

5. Touchscreen Panel

The touchscreen display on the front of the device provides quick access to system status, network settings, and shutdown/restart options without needing to log into the admin panel.

6. Quiet Operation

Rack-mounted NAS devices often suffer from noisy fans, but the UNAS Pro is designed to operate quietly, making it an ideal choice for home and small office setups.

Cons of the UniFi UNAS Pro

1. Limited RAID Options

The NAS supports only a single RAID group at a time, and RAID 6 is notably absent. Users looking for multiple RAID setups or advanced configurations like Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) will be disappointed.

2. No USB Ports

The lack of USB ports limits the ability to back up data to or from external drives. This omission could be a dealbreaker for some users.

3. ARM CPU Limitations

The ARM-based processor struggles with consistent 10GbE speeds during real-world file transfers, making it less suitable for high-performance environments.

4. No NVMe or SSD Caching

The NAS lacks support for SSD caching, which could have enhanced its overall performance. NVMe slots are also absent, reducing its potential as a hybrid storage solution.

5. No Mobile App for Backups

While the UNAS Pro supports a mobile app for initial setup, it lacks a dedicated app for managing backups, file synchronization, and photo uploads—features commonly offered by competitors.

6. Limited Active Directory Integration

Some users have reported difficulties integrating the NAS into Active Directory environments, a critical feature for business users.

Who Is the UniFi UNAS Pro For?

The UniFi UNAS Pro is a great choice for home users, small offices, or those looking for an affordable entry into 10GbE NAS solutions. Its straightforward setup, quiet operation, and competitive price make it a compelling option for basic storage needs. However, power users or businesses requiring advanced features, such as RAID 6, NVMe caching, or Docker support, may find its limitations restrictive.

Conclusion

The UniFi UNAS Pro strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, offering key features like 10GbE connectivity, snapshots, and user-friendly setup at a price point that’s hard to ignore. While it has some notable limitations, especially for high-performance or enterprise environments, it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking reliable storage with modern conveniences.

If you’re looking for a NAS with solid value and features, the UniFi UNAS Pro deserves consideration. However, be sure to weigh its limitations against your specific needs.

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