The Complete Guide to UniFi NVR Solutions
Unifi
Keeping your property or business secure starts with selecting the right network video recorder (NVR) system. UniFi offers a range of NVR options that provide robust, license-free surveillance solutions. Whether you’re a small business owner or a property manager, this guide breaks down each UniFi NVR product, its best use cases, and the advantages of choosing UniFi. Let’s dive in!
What is an NVR and Why Does it Matter?
A Network Video Recorder (NVR) is a specialized device designed to record video footage from IP cameras over a network. Unlike older systems that rely on analog cameras and DVRs (Digital Video Recorders), NVRs are built to handle high-definition digital video, offering greater clarity and advanced features.
Key Benefits of an NVR:
Centralized Management: Record, store, and access footage from multiple cameras in one place.
Scalability: Easily add or upgrade cameras as your needs grow.
Enhanced Security: Ensure your footage is stored safely and accessed securely.
UniFi stands out in the NVR market due to its seamless integration with the UniFi Protect platform. This "single pane of glass" management system simplifies monitoring and control, allowing you to oversee cameras, settings, and recordings all in one intuitive interface. It’s a game-changer for businesses looking for efficiency and ease of use.
NVRs are an essential component for any modern surveillance system, providing the backbone for effective monitoring and peace of mind. Now, let’s explore UniFi’s exceptional NVR lineup.
Overview of UniFi NVR Options
1. UniFi Enterprise NVR (UNVR Enterprise)
Best For: Enterprise-grade deployments with high storage needs.
Features:
Supports up to 60 cameras*.
Includes 4 bays for hard drives, enabling up to 80TB of storage.
Enhanced performance with built-in 10G SFP+ connectivity.
Advantages: High capacity and future-proof for large-scale deployments.
Considerations: Overkill for small installations.
2. UniFi Pro (UNVR-PRO)
Best For: Medium-to-large installations needing reliability and scalability.
Features:
Supports up to 50 cameras*.
Comes with 7 bays for 3.5” hard drives.
Redundant power supply for added reliability.
Advantages: Perfect for medium-sized deployments or those wanting extra power.
Considerations: Higher upfront cost compared to smaller models.
3. UniFi NVR (UNVR)
Best For: Small-to-medium-sized businesses.
Features:
Supports up to 30 cameras*.
Equipped with 4 bays for hard drives, offering ample storage.
Compact design for limited spaces.
Advantages: Cost-effective and powerful enough for most SMBs.
Considerations: Limited scalability for larger setups.
4. CloudKey Gen2+
Best For: Small offices or home setups.
Features:
Compact, all-in-one device with integrated NVR functionality.
Includes 1TB hard drive (upgradeable).
Supports up to 20 cameras*.
Advantages: Affordable, easy to set up, and space-saving.
Considerations: Limited storage and camera capacity for larger setups.
BONUS: Protect Viewport
Best For: Real-time monitoring needs.
Features:
Displays live feeds on a 4K screen.
Compatible with UniFi Protect systems.
Simplifies centralized monitoring for security teams.
Advantages: Enhances the visibility of live camera feeds.
Considerations: Doesn’t store footage—complements an existing NVR system.
*Number of cameras supported depends on camera resolution (720p, 1080p, 2K, 4K, & other factors).
Additional UniFi Devices That Can Act as NVRs
While dedicated UniFi NVRs like the UNVR and UNVR Pro are built for scale, other UniFi devices can serve as small-scale NVRs, perfect for light-duty surveillance needs or hybrid deployments. Here’s a breakdown:
1. UCG Max (Cloud Gateway Max)
Supports up to 5 4K cameras
Up to 2TB storage
Provides approximately 5 days of footage retention
Great for: Small business or single-building installs where routing and Protect are needed in one box.
2. UDW (UniFi Dream Wall)
Supports up to 4 4K cameras
512GB internal storage
No official storage duration listed, but capacity is limited
Great for: Wall-mount aesthetic installs where AP, gateway, and Protect are all-in-one.
Check out the Dream Wall - Ubiquiti Store United States
3. UDR (UniFi Dream Router)
Supports up to 1 4K camera
Includes integrated storage, but no duration provided
Great for: Home or ultra-small-scale deployments with light NVR needs.
Check out the Dream Router 7 - Ubiquiti Store United States
4. Dream Machine Pro/Special Edition (UDM Pro / UDM SE)
Supports up to 8 4K cameras
Expandable up to 24TB of storage
Approx. 38 days of retention
Great for: Mid-size businesses or multi-camera installs needing long retention and full UniFi integration.
Check out the Dream Machine Pro - Ubiquiti Store United States
5. Dream Machine Pro Max (UDM Pro Max)
Supports up to 15 4K cameras
Up to 24TB of storage
Offers around 20 days of storage retention
Great for: High-performance environments needing extended camera support and reliability.
Check out the Dream Machine Pro Max - Ubiquiti Store United States
Comparison Table
| Model | Max Cameras | Storage Bays | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise NVR | 60 | 16 (up to 80TB) | Large-scale deployments | 10G SFP+ connectivity |
| UNVR Pro | 50 | 7 | Medium-to-large setups | Redundant power supply |
| UNVR | 30 | 4 | Small-to-medium businesses | Compact design |
| CloudKey Gen2+ | 20 | 1 (up to 5TB) | Small offices or homes | Affordable and easy to set up |
| UCG Max | 5 (4K) | Internal (2TB) | Small businesses | 5-day retention, all-in-one routing + NVR |
| UDW (Dream Wall) | 4 (4K) | Internal (512GB) | Aesthetic wall-mount setups | All-in-one design, limited storage |
| UDR (Dream Router) | 1 (4K) | Internal | Home/small offices | Basic NVR functionality |
| UDM Pro / SE | 8 (4K) | 1 (up to 24TB) | SMBs and branch offices | Full UniFi OS support, long retention |
| UDM Pro Max | 15 (4K) | 1 (up to 24TB) | High-performance environments | Faster processor, 20-day 4K retention |
Why Choose UniFi NVR Solutions?
License-Free Operation: Unlike many competitors, UniFi Protect requires no ongoing licenses, saving you money in the long term.
Scalability: Options ranging from small setups to enterprise-grade solutions ensure there’s a product for every need.
Centralized Management: Manage everything through UniFi Protect’s intuitive software.
Cost-Effective: Upfront investments pay off with no recurring fees, making it an economical choice.
How Interstate Telecommunications Can Help
At Interstate Telecommunications, we specialize in designing, installing, and optimizing UniFi Protect systems tailored to your needs. Whether you’re managing a single office or a sprawling property, we’re here to:
Assess your requirements and recommend the ideal setup.
Handle installation and configuration for seamless operation.
Provide ongoing support to ensure your system runs smoothly.
Ready to secure your property with UniFi Protect?
Find out more about our UniFi Solutions here: Contact our UniFi Experts
Contact us today for more information!
👉770-781-4787 or sales@interstatenetworks.com
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