Which UniFi Cloud Gateway Should You Buy? (2026 Comparison)
UXG, UCG, Dream Machine, Express, Dream Router — UniFi's gateway range is huge. This guide cuts through it with real specs and clear recommendations by use case.
UniFi's gateway range has grown to the point where choosing is genuinely confusing. The good news: there's a clear logic to it. Match the gateway to your internet speed, device count and whether you need built-in storage for cameras.
The quick answer
- Apartment / small home: UniFi Express 7 (UX7) — router + WiFi in one
- Home / home lab: Cloud Gateway Ultra (UCG-Ultra)
- Prosumer / busy home: Cloud Gateway Max (UCG-Max) or Dream Router 7
- Fibre small business: Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber)
- Business all-in-one (with cameras): Dream Machine Pro Max
- Large / multi-site enterprise: Gateway Enterprise or Enterprise Fortress Gateway
- Hyperscale flagship (coming): Dream Machine Beast
Entry to mid tier
| Feature | UDM-PRO | UCG-MAX | UCG-ULTRA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managed UniFi devices | 100+ | 30+ | 30+ |
| Simultaneous users | 1,000+ | 300+ | 300+ |
| IDS/IPS throughput | 3.5 Gbps | 2.3 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| WAN | 10G SFP+ / GbE | 2.5 GbE | 2.5 GbE |
| LAN ports | 8x GbE | 5x 2.5 GbE | 4x GbE |
| Form factor | Rack 1U | Desktop | Desktop |
High tier
| Feature | UDM-PRO-MAX | UCG-FIBER | EFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managed UniFi devices | 200+ | 50+ | 500+ |
| Simultaneous users | 2,000+ | 500+ | 5,000+ |
| IDS/IPS throughput | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | 12.5 Gbps |
| Default WAN | 10G SFP+ / 2.5 GbE | 10G SFP+ / 10 GbE | 25G SFP28 / 2.5 GbE |
| BGP routing | Yes | No | Yes |
| Form factor | Rack 1U | Desktop | Rack 1U |
Shop the gateway range
UBIQUITI UniFi EXPRESS 7, CLOUD GATEWAY, (1)10 GbE WAN, 30+DEVICES, 300+USERS, 1YR
Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway Ultra, Multi-WAN, (4) GbE RJ45 ports, (1) 1/2.5 GbE RJ45 ports, USB Type C, 5V DC/3A, 100â240V AC, Max 6.2W
Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway Max, Compact 2.5G With 30+ UniFi device/300+ Client Support, 1.5 Gbps IPS Routing, 512GB NVMe SSD Included
Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway Fiber,UCG-Fiber, Desktop 10G Cloud Gateway,Integrated PoE Switch,Selectable NVR Storage,Full UniFi Application Support
Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro Max, Professional-grade, Rack-mount Cloud Gateway,10 Gbps Multi-WAN Load Balancing, 2 NVR Drive Bays Design
Ubiquiti Gateway Enterprise,25G Independent Gateway Multi-WAN load Balancing,12.5 Gbps IPS Routing,Redundant Hot-swap PSUs, *Require Deal Reg*
Only up to your plan's speed. A bigger gateway helps when you have a fast connection AND want heavy IDS/IPS inspection, many devices, or VPN throughput. Don't overbuy for a slow connection.
Only if you want UniFi Protect on the gateway itself. Otherwise pair any gateway with a separate UNVR — often the better choice for scaling cameras.
It's the new hyperscale flagship, announced April 2026, aimed at very large sites. For most buyers the Pro Max or a Cloud Gateway is the right call — see our Beast preview for details.
Related reading
- Cloud Gateway Ultra review — the entry pick
- Cloud Gateway Fiber review — the 10G SMB pick
- Ubiquiti for small business — a complete business build
- Dream Machine Beast — the new hyperscale gateway
- Home network setup guide — build around your gateway
Tell us your internet speed and device count — we'll pick the gateway.
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