Last Updated: August 11, 2019 (Refresh Now)
Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway USG
Last Updated: August 11, 2019 (Refresh Now)
8.2
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
987
Old Reviews
263
Unverified
46
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Review Analysis - 678 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Setup
195setup, configure, ubiquiti, usg, unifi controller
+89%
-11%
" ... - the setup really is easy, even if you aren’t an IT pro. ... "
" ... Setup was easy (im a computer tech by trade) and hardly needs any care after setup. ... "
" ... Easy to setup, and manage. ... "
" ... Cheaper and easier than setting up a dedicated box to run the controller. ... "
" ... very simple to install and for updates just need to click on update ... "
" ... Easiest way to setup an UniFi controller for your home or SOHO network. ... Just plug it in to a POE port and you have the controller ready to set up and configure. ... "
" ... but once it is setup it is bulletproof. ... "
" ... V-LANs are easy to set up for running VOIP over the product allow voice prioritization. ... "
Software Platform
159controller software, cloud key, controller, ubiquiti, usg
+67%
-33%
" ... Rather than try to discover the device using a Chrome web-browser plugin, I found it easier to setup the device by finding it's IP address in DHCP and then going to the website (use http, not https as the instructions incorrectly read) http:ip-address. ... You can then login using root / ubnt and configure the device for cloud access. ... "
" ... the interface is very nice and at a glance you can see how your network is doing. ... "
" ... Easy to install easy to use robust security options and a great software interface ... "
" ... 1) You need to have the Unifi controller up and running at all times - best bang for the buck is the Unifi Cloud Key - I just have one for all the sites to connect into, with dynamic DNS for that node. ... "
" ... So I've had this for two weeks now and the performance is LOADS better than my TP Link Archer C7 with a clunky raspberry pi controller for my ubiquiti wireless access point. ... It's firewall system is also more secure than I think the competitors have short of going enterprise level with cisco or something. ... The interface is great, and it's worth the slight learning curve. ... Also with updates and constant improvements by the people at ubiquiti it's well worth keeping as they continually upgrade it. ... "
" ... Using the browser and connecting to the Cloud Key is the easiest way to properly set it up. ... "
" ... Some people might be challenged by the install and configuration, but there is plenty of information out their in forums and Youtube to help. ... "
" ... It runs a little faster than the Raspberry Pi. ... But the performance on the Raspberry Pi was not bad at all. ... My decision to change was to simplify the software management of the controller. ... "
Network
141router, unifi, ap, gateway, wifi
+87%
-13%
" ... This is a lot of router for $100. ... "
" ... Greatly increased my network throughput and reliability over my outgoing Netgear router/AP combo that was far past it's prime. ... "
" ... This USG was the fastest and simplest router to setup, configure, and install into my network. ... "
" ... I decided to install a new wifi in my house. ... "
" ... As advertised, I am now prohibiting what is going on my network ... "
" ... This has allowed me to continue to manage and monitor the network even when out of town. ... "
" ... I love my UniFi network. ... "
" ... However, my network has been absolutely rock solid since day 1 (going on about a year now). ... "
Ease of Use
127easy to setup, unifi, configure, easy to use, easy to configure
+90%
-10%
" ... The UI is very easy to follow and a lot of things to monitor / manage. ... "
" ... Easier to setup than expected. ... "
" ... Everything is seemless and easy. ... "
" ... Great addition to a Ubiquiti setup. ... "
" ... If you are an IT proffessional the install is very simple. ... "
" ... * Easy to setup, configure and use regardless of how well-versed in networking you may or may not be ... "
" ... made my life easy ... "
" ... The Unifi interface is really fantastic. ... "
Device Compatibility
96unifi, manage, cloud key, network, ubiquiti
+76%
-24%
" ... Worked fine, I quickly returned my Ubiquity Unify system and happily returned to my EERO's. ... "
" ... I will admit that it isn't as plug and play as say a Netgear or ASUS but it is more than worth the bit of extra effort. ... "
" ... Was even able to setup a site-to-site VPN to a SonicWALL in my office. ... "
" ... Excellent device that is perfect for home use. ... "
" ... He and I both love the fact that you can manage it from an iPhone. ... "
" ... I am really happy with this product in our small business network of 20-30 devices. ... My relatives and friends won't have to call me all the time when their internet connections go flaky. ... "
" ... Using the second lan for a single PC that I'm using as webserver. ... "
" ... It also recognized my AP’s and configured them easily. ... "
Wifi
82router, wifi, unifi, gateway, ap
+90%
-10%
" ... I did my research and found that while the software that's used to more easily program and configure this router/gateway didn't appear to offer configuration options for the functionality that I require, in the end an advanced console like interface, albeit with an obscure json/xml like configuration syntax allowed me to configure it in exactly the manner to replicate all the essential functionality that I required out of my old PC based router that was running a custom setup of OpenBSD. ... "
" ... Best darn router on the market. ... "
" ... Excellent network product ... "
" ... I’d highly recommend this gateway to secure your network. ... "
" ... Good to me - and really anyone looking for a firewall/gateway router device. ... WAN2/LAN2 Is disabled by default & you need to create a new IP network range for it. ... "
" ... Rock solid router. ... "
" ... I was looking for a simple yet powerful home network gateway, and this worked very well. ... "
" ... Receives an IP from the WAN’s DHCP. ... "
Ports
81lan, poe, unifi, usg, ubiquiti
+62%
-38%
" ... I currently have six subnets/VLANs and four wireless networks managed by this router with about 50 devices total. ... "
" ... I own 3 pharmacies and they connect to my house which acts as the hub for the 3 locations to communicate between each other. ... VPN tunnels connect all 3 locations to the central server at my house. ... "
" ... Running this with a switch and 2 access ports. ... "
" ... I have also ordered one of their POE switches for my IP cams. ... "
" ... I plugged it into a IPCAMPOWER POE switch that powers my IP cameras and two UnifI AC Pro WAP's. ... "
" ... The multiple LAN/WAN ports are NICE. ... "
" ... Using the required Ubiquiti controller as well as the APs and a PoE switch, I get some analytics that I don't normally get on a sub $200 router. ... "
" ... The HUGE gap is that it comes with multiple PoE devices, in a special SKU that removes the power bricks, with NOTHING to supply PoE. ... Be aware you have to spend another 100+ for a switch that will have some PoE ports on it, or buy the power bricks for the cloud key and Access Point. ... "
Product Reliability
67months, ubiquiti, stopped, years, quit
+40%
-60%
" ... This past week, the database became corrupted again after powerless and and a factory reset didn't fix it and it began refusing to boot. ... "
" ... It almost worked, but it not quite. ... "
" ... These products are working, but I had to use some extensive knowledge to get it working. ... "
" ... Didn't realize at the time it quit working that I did not even have it for a year. ... "
" ... After a year and a half the device now constantly requires a reset. ... The device must be restarted to get it working again. ... I've done a lot of checking with wireshark and other routers and have determined the USG to be faulty. ... "
" ... Mine lasted 2 months before random 3-5 times a day reboots started happening. ... "
" ... I’m looking at several weeks to a month to get a replacement which is extremely inconvenient. ... "
" ... After 1 week and several hours, they had made it slower. ... "
ISP
63isp, usg, gateway, network, ip
+81%
-19%
" ... Getting full speed that I'm paying for with frontier FiOS. ... "
" ... I needed a new f/w to keep up with my faster internet connection. ... Have worked with support. ... "
" ... Assuming your network is already 192.168.1.x and that your modem/ISP assigns you an IP via DHCP, it "just works". ... "
" ... I get great speeds from device to device and to the internet. ... "
" ... But I also use them as router/gateways. ... "
" ... I bought a Ubiquity Unifi Gateway, POE Router and, Wireless AP. ... "
" ... I kept my existing switch. ... "
" ... Great if you have anything less than a 1GB connection. ... "
Firmware
47updates, unifi, controller, ubiquiti, adopt
+53%
-47%
" ... Unlike traditional routers which have static firmware or are updated infrequently Unifi is always on the cutting edge. ... "
" ... If you're not familiar with ubiquiti equipment they require some pretty extensive firmware upgrades to perform properly out of the box, and if they're behind on updates they will simply not adopt correctly. ... The controller on the raspberry pi detected them immediately and I did the firmware upgrade to them and then imported my profile onto the cloudkey from my raspberry pi. ... "
" ... The device is well built, and has an ever advancing firmware. ... "
" ... Regular firmware updates like other UniFi products, straightforward & easy to use. ... "
" ... They come with good customer support and frequent firmware updates as well. ... "
" ... Updates to the firmware or controller for any Ubiquiti device are seamless. ... "
" ... I'm a fan of the Ubiquiti Unifi systems and this serves my purpose for a router replacing my Asus RT-AC68U model. ... "
" ... After a firmware update, it was completely setup and the UniFi system already pushed my configuration to the device. ... "
Price
33cost, money, worth, enterprise, class
+91%
-9%
" ... Totally worth it!! ... "
" ... I was a little dubious of it initially because the cost of everything I wanted was about the price of 1 and 1/2 of the routers that I was looking at buying. ... "
" ... Paid for new . ... and at a reduced price I would think. ... "
" ... Take your time and learn everything you can about it, use the available resources, then spend the money. ... Its worth it and you wont regret it. ... "
" ... Worth the money ... "
" ... Reminiscent of something from much larger companies that you'd pay thousands of dollars for. ... "
" ... Hard to believe how useful this little device is for its size and cost. ... "
" ... Give you enterprise class device for consumer price. ... "
Apps
30cloud key, controller software, run the controller, unifi, ubnt
+70%
-30%
" ... I followed the suggestion of moving the app to the desktop. ... "
" ... I highly recommend you Google how to add the cloud key to an existing site. ... The app for the iPhone is responsive and well designed. ... You can do most things in the UniFi controller straight from the app. ... "
" ... If you don't want to run the controller software on a PC you will need this. ... "
" ... The integration with their apps is great, mobile or native, your preference. ... "
" ... Once that is done, go into the settings and restore the backup you made of the software settings and you are done. ... "
" ... Rather than try to discover the device using a Chrome web-browser plugin, I found it easier to setup the device by finding it's IP address in DHCP and then going to the website (use http, not https as the instructions incorrectly read) http:ip-address. ... "
" ... Their controller software allows you to track all of the units on your system. ... "
" ... Very happy with it and the UBNT software for controlling it is very informative. ... "
Overall performance
28speed, speeds, usg, throughput, pfsense
+86%
-14%
" ... I use this in some comercial projects and at home, is really fast. ... "
" ... I've seen much better throughput as well as reliability. ... "
" ... This is a necessary tool for the job. ... "
" ... After that hiccup, everything went very well. ... "
" ... That said I get just as much performance and way more capabilities with this device. ... DPI and IPS/IDS seem to significantly impact my performance. ... "
" ... Yes that would run you around $500-$600 but the performance, features and reliability this setup has proven to me and shown it's worth. ... It's separated like you'd find in a enterprise environment and easily connected together for the highest performance. ... "
" ... I believe I could go up to Gig speed without any worries. ... "
" ... Low power with solid performance. ... "
Capacity
23network, unifi, office, networks, ap
+100%
" ... For small to medium sized networks Unifi is by far the best. ... I even put one in my house. ... "
" ... Excellent device that is perfect for home use. ... "
" ... I'm pushing 500 down no problem and the AP covers my whole 1600 SQ ft house like nothing. ... "
" ... Commercial quality, but affordable for even home networks. ... Perfect for SOHO environments. ... "
" ... For 500$ I setup a whole home network that is on a whole different standard than normal consumer equipment. ... "
" ... Use Unifi switch and AP with it and perfect setup for home, office or large installations. ... "
" ... My Cloud Key is managing a local network with 8 unifi access points spread over a large multi-building property. ... "
" ... Bought one for everyone in family. ... "
Returns
22back, returned, refund, third, ship
-100%
" ... I am returning it and replacing it with a Fortinet. ... "
" ... I wish I could return this product. ... "
" ... This cost around $130 and I'm hoping some type of refund is involved now at this point. ... "
" ... That's the moment I decided to pack it up and send it back. ... "
" ... Will return product. ... "
" ... DO NOT BUY THIS AS IT HAS A NON-EXISTENT REPLACEMENT POLICY. ... "
" ... It went dead instead. ... I tried a third time and gave up, intending to return it. ... "
" ... Returned the whole set up. ... "
Features
21usg, feature set, basic, advanced, unifi
+86%
-14%
" ... The UniFi controller is great and very simple to use, while providing all the advanced features I need. ... "
" ... I'm sure these features are on the horizon, but if you need them now you may want to look elsewhere. ... "
" ... It is probably not a good solution if you need extensive list of customization and appreciate access to every last bit of exotic settings. ... "
" ... I decided to try the USG to replace the SRX due to the low cost, and listed feature set. ... "
" ... Easiness of setup, quality of features ... "
" ... The features are pretty impressive. ... "
" ... Because it has many features there is a level of added complexity to getting it setup. ... "
" ... Also many of the advanced features are in Beta, so do your research if you will rely on the full feature set. ... "
Lagging
14restart, rebooting, requires, offline, cloud key
+29%
-71%
" ... This lockup requires a reboot of the cloud key. ... "
" ... The cloud key I purchased goes offline after about 2 days and the only way to access it is to reboot. ... "
" ... After a year and a half the device now constantly requires a reset. ... "
" ... A few days later I couldn't log in and had to reboot it again. ... "
" ... Other times it when I clicked on "controller" it would immediately reboot. ... "
" ... It's necessary to reset and reinstall from a backup. ... "
" ... Mongod Databases corrupted on every reboot. ... "
Build Quality
14metal, usg, together, sealed, parts
+71%
-29%
" ... * Looks and feels like a well-made product ... "
" ... Both the USG and the Unifi Controller are solid. ... "
" ... #2 it is super quiet having no fans and low power consumption, but also appears to be built well, sturdy metal casing and not some cheap plastic. ... "
" ... You can do it in an afternoon, if you have all the right parts and they're all working together. ... "
" ... The construction is machined metal (probably aluminum) and solid. ... All of their products have a quality heft to them. ... "
" ... The device itself is built well and made mostly of metal. ... "
" ... They were bundled together well packaged, sealed, and showed no signs of previous use as others complained of. ... "
" ... Very solid tool. ... "
Power Consumption
11ups, source, recover, outages, outage
+36%
-64%
" ... Have to power cycle to get it back online. ... "
" ... Turns into a BRICK with unexpected power loss. ... Unless you live in a place where power losses never exceed the capability of your UPS . ... "
" ... The only issue I have with these is the power supply. ... "
" ... I have it plugged into a UPS so there are no power outages. ... "
" ... Unfortunately, I learned the hard way about power loss. ... "
" ... This unit is very finicky when it comes to power. ... "
Remote
11network, access, managing, management, manage
+82%
-18%
" ... I've managed the network both locally and from a remote location without any issues. ... "
" ... Perfect for remote administration and much easier than using a RaspberryPi. ... "
" ... This plugs in anywhere handy on your ethernet network (it is the size of a slim remote control) and then it is constantly standing ready, for local or remote access commands. ... "
" ... It simplifies the remote capabilities of managing your network. ... "
" ... This works GREAT for remote WiFi site control. ... "
" ... I live my life with remote capabilities. ... "
" ... Best thing about remote secure access, this company is tops ... "
" ... It make managing and remote access so much easier. ... "
Cables
10ck, stress, speed, hot, ethernet
+60%
-40%
" ... I cant fault the Pi as much as I fault the Pi's power supply but this is better without the extra wire and power outlet needed. ... "
" ... FYI, I have RCN cable in Chicago with 150Mbs speed and the USG seems to handle the speed/traffic without any issues. ... "
" ... It can route and translate at pretty much wire speed from at least my initial testing (admittedly I have a very simple ruleset). ... "
" ... It can route and translate at pretty much wire speed from at least my initial testing (admittedly I have a very simple ruleset). ... "
" ... It's tiny as well, smaller than my cable modem. ... "
Marketplace
9works, used, time, seller, purchased
+67%
-33%
" ... Last time was for a site to site von. ... "
" ... you get the picture. ... "
" ... works as advertised ... "
" ... Great product and good seller! ... "
" ... I plan to be a lifetime customer! ... "
Controls
8cloud key, looking, command line, cli, warm
+63%
-38%
" ... If you want maximum control and flexibility, you might want to keep looking. ... "
" ... The entire unifi line is designed to be controlled by a Cloud Key or Cloud Key G2, the cloud key acts as a central control and configuration interface, so make sure you got one of those when buying otherwise you may find yourself disappointed with this router. ... "
" ... Once it is up -- you have opened a great control panel that gives you back total absolute control of your internet -- and isn't that what we all are really looking for? ... "
" ... Once it is up -- you have opened a great control panel that gives you back total absolute control of your internet -- and isn't that what we all are really looking for? ... "
" ... you might need to go into the command line. ... "
Delivery
8arrived, works, quick, packaged, sent
+75%
-25%
" ... Works great right out the box. ... "
" ... I like this little box. ... "
" ... Does what the box says ... "
" ... The units arrived on time, were packaged well and work better than expected. ... "
Size
8business, work, usg, home, device
+100%
" ... I work in an IT environment and Im just used to small/medium business grade equipment. ... "
" ... A must have for small business. ... "
" ... Hard to believe how useful this little device is for its size and cost. ... "
" ... This unit would be more appropriate for small businesses but handles heavy home use like a champ. ... "
" ... All of their products have a quality heft to them. ... "
Gaming
7pc, running, back, usg, software
+57%
-43%
" ... Controller: software is pretty straight forward. ... "
" ... If you don't want to run the controller software on a PC you will need this. ... "
" ... Yes, you can run the Controller software on your computer to do nearly the same thing, but then that computer must be up and running all the time and I don't think you can access the Controller over the network. ... "
" ... The USG makes quick work of all the traffic, multiple video streams, video games, etc. ... "
For Running
7run, controller, server, pc, long
+57%
-43%
" ... It has been running for about 12 hours now. ... "
" ... Easily with the cost just to save having to run the controller on a server or another machine that needs to be up and running 24/7. ... "
" ... UPS is clearly desired in a long run. ... "
Storage
7card, reset, recognize, every, days
+14%
-86%
" ... It has crashed about 4 times by corrupting the software on the SD card requiring a new setup each time which is frustrating as it loses all network settings and you need to reprovision all hardware. ... The thing runs extremely hot there and have been stories of melted SD cards on other message boards. ... "
" ... I am also running into a problem where the cloud key will no longer recognize it's internal SD card, making routine backups impossible. ... It keeps insisting there is no SD card, I reset it, it sees the SD card, then when it tries to backup it fails and insists there's no SD card. ... My SD card and autobackup worked fine for 2 months, until they messed with it. ... "
" ... Every few days I get an error "Missing SD Card - We have detected that your SD card is missing. ... "
" ... The only complaint I have is that mine seemed to arrive with a dead microSD card. ... "
Video Playback
6youtube, watched, videos, setup, easy
+100%
" ... There are many good YouTube instructional videos out there and it doesn't take much to get it right the first time. ... "
" ... Setup was easy after actually reading instructions and watching a few YouTube videos. ... "
" ... In anticipation, I read blogs, forums, and watched videos about this particular device and was really wondering how easy it was going to be to setup given some of the feedback but, for me, it was a breeze. ... "
" ... The USG makes quick work of all the traffic, multiple video streams, video games, etc. ... "
" ... The USG makes quick work of all the traffic, multiple video streams, video games, etc. ... "
Fit
6small, end, like, experienced
+50%
-50%
" ... I had to remove the cover off of it to keep it stable. ... "
" ... Constantly locks up. ... "
" ... And yes Ubiquiti I want to hear from you, all of these where an expensive investment and all are not fit for purpose. ... "
Comfort
5like, experienced, fell, end
-100%
" ... Full disclosure, some of the pain I experienced was likely due to docker and maybe pihole. ... "
" ... The cloud key was the straw that broke the camel's back. ... "
" ... Already feeling like garbage. ... "
" ... That said, it was a HUGE pain in the butt to set up behind an AT&T gateway. ... "
Internet
4connectivity, network, home
+50%
-50%
" ... It shouldn't require adoption or updates (which requires the internet). ... "
Design
4unifi, solid, metal, line, gui
+75%
-25%
" ... * Looks and feels like a well-made product ... "
" ... I'm sure these features are on the horizon, but if you need them now you may want to look elsewhere. ... "
" ... The construction is machined metal (probably aluminum) and solid. ... "
Memory
3memory, gig
+33%
-67%
" ... Upon researching, I found out that the RAM is bad and I need to send it back to RMA it. ... "
" ... Memory and processor usage is very low even when a large number of clients are actively using the network resources. ... "
Picture Quality
3+100%
" ... you get the picture. ... "
" ... Pictures to come once everything is in its final home ... "
" ... Pictures to come once everything is in its final home ... "
Product As Described
3advertised
+100%
" ... you get the picture. ... "
" ... works as advertised ... "
Defective Delivery
3working, sent, replacement, parts, defective
-100%
" ... I was sent an obviously open-box item. ... "
" ... appeared to have been an opened box. ... "
Heating
3heat, use, gets
-100%
" ... It just seemed too hot. ... "
" ... Heat is an enemy for computer and electronic equipment so this is a big issue. ... "
Display Clarity
3ips, ids, really, performance, led
+67%
-33%
" ... DPI and IPS/IDS seem to significantly impact my performance. ... "
" ... They have implemented some really great new features such as GeoIP Blocking and IDS/IPS, two things I've really been waiting for, and now they are there. ... "
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Specifications
No specs available.