Is the Unifi Cloud Gateway Max Worth the Hype? VPN Speed Test and Review

Choosing The Right Compact UnIFi: Cloud Gateway Max or Ultra?

The UniFi Cloud Gateway Max is equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor clocked at 1.5 GHz and has 3 GB of DDR4 memory. It has five 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, with one port designated for WAN and four ports for LAN. One of the LAN ports can be reassigned as a second WAN port for failover or load balancing purposes.

The device comes with the UniFi controller built-in, which can support up to 30 UniFi devices, including switches and access points. It can also run UniFi Protect, UniFi Access, UniFi Connect, UniFi Interpace, and UniFi Talk.

There are options available for models with MVMe storage if you intend to use the device for UniFi Protect. It is important to note that if you choose a model without added storage, the tray adapter required for MVMe storage is not included and must be purchased separately from UniFi's website.

The device has a maximum power consumption of 16 Watts, but typically idles around 10 Watts, which is impressive.

The device performed well over several months of testing, with no issues encountered. The auto-update feature ensures that the device remains up to date with the latest software releases.

Overall, the device is a great addition to the UniFi ecosystem, providing a solid performance and a range of features.

Connect With Us
---------------------------------------------------

Lawrence Systems Shirts and Swag
---------------------------------------------------

AFFILIATES & REFERRAL LINKS
---------------------------------------------------
Amazon Affiliate Store

UniFi Affiliate Link

All Of Our Affiliates help us out and can get you discounts!

Gear we use on Kit

Use OfferCode LTSERVICES to get 10% off your order at

Digital Ocean Offer Code

HostiFi UniFi Cloud Hosting Service

Protect your privacy with a VPN from Private Internet Access

Patreon

Chapters
00:00 The Hardware and Specifications
01:38 The Ad
02:38 UniFi Cloud Gateway VPN Speed Test
07:14 Should You Buy The Cloud Gateway Max?

[magnusjohn]

The nice thing is they are actually listening and responding which not all companies do these days

[StHabibiJohnsonAhmedFranklin]

For anyone, there's 3D printed versions of the tray so if you opt getting the cheaper one, there's an option for that!

[FTLN]

Nice review Tom, just to note that IPv6 support on all Unifi devices is currently BETA and for some features they don't even support IPv6, for example Management interfaces, IDS/IPS, country blocker and VPN do not yet currently support IPv6. So beware when using IPv6 guys :)

[FoxFixesStuff]

I am moving all of my family and friends to unifi. The management is easy, and updates have been stable.

[matthewsallman]

Bought the No Storage version the day it came out. I helped update my church to a full Unifi setup and I was very happy with how it came together. This gives me much more capability and control on my home network than my old ASUS routers. Was happy to get the No Storage version now as I don't have any current need for Protect, but glad to have the option to buy the sled and drive in case I want to add it later.

[richardrodgers]

It's very impressive and the price point makes it exceptionally easy to recommend to any home user

[FEFE]

Already bought the device, thanks for confirming it's a good choice. It's my first step into the Unifi world.

[tac]

My MAX came a couple of days ago. After setup, my testing turned into full-on migration from a pfSense SG-4100. I think I love this thing! 😊

[LiveWireBT]

I would buy it if I didn't have a UDM. Much more convincing than the first cloud key with HDD I first bought.
Unfi has come a long way in just a few years. The software they have today and the cloud gateway max would have been a fantastic start for me in 2020~2021 or even 2022.

[peterjackson]

I bought the Unifi Express, but found that it didn't have enough performance to run most of the features. So I got the UCG-Max and have been very impressed with it. I'll be buying the UGC-Ultra for a family member soon, it'll be good to run VPNs between our two networks for backup replications. Excellent video 👍

[thpar]

So I just installed the max with 3 mesh 6 AP’s. Replaced nest WiFi and needed 8 qty of those AP’s to get marginal coverage in my 3000 sqft house. Ubiquiti is the real deal. I paid $600 and have amazing WiFi coverage with extreme reliability. I can’t recommend this setup enough. They could make a ton of $$ if they market against google and really everyone else.

[mrc]

I had to say goodbye to my perfectly functional, 10 year old, end-of-lifed Cisco Meraki Z1 and MR32 yesterday. Was going to cost 400 UKP to replace the Z1 with a Z4 and I didn't bother asking how much replace the MR32 once I found out there was nearly 400 UKP on top in subscription licences. So, Cisco lost a customer to Ubiquiti yesterday. All in, a U6 Mesh Pro and Cloud Gateway Max cost me just over 400 UKP and an afternoon's work with no subscription licence costs. Works perfectly for my needs and I couldn't be happier.

[cameronfrye]

I'm just waiting to see what happens with their ONVIF announcement next month. If I can move my installed cameras over I'm moving to UniFi.

[Mlinko]

I have an Unifi CGU for my home setup and it's working mega so far. I used to have Unifi USG but since it was "out of everything" I swaped it to CGU and I'm not regreting it at all.

[qalih]

Got this on the day of release the NS version. So far so good! Needed a 2.5g switch for my server and main gaming PC and needed all the VLAN, DHCP and Firewall features the ISP router doesnt provide. So do not need a separate mini tiny pc for my own router or pi-hole or a separate 2.5g switch - this little powerhouse fits the bill perfectly.

[tac]

I currently have a Netgate SG-4100 MAX, Grandstream GWN-7813 switch, and 3 GWN-7660 access points. After seeing your video on the unifi cloud gateway Max, I decided to take the plunge, as it looks intriguing. The features are impressive! I especially like the support for VLANs, WireGuard and IDS/IPS. Who knows, I might even keep it in place after a test period? If nothing else, it looks like it'll be fun to play with!

[keyboard_g]

A53 is a really old Core from 2012. They must get them for pennies. I guess if it fits their purpose that’s fine. It’s probably why IDS can’t run at full speed.

[SuspiciousAra]

For a regular home user such as a friend of mine, two AP's in that house, it is a perfect choise. UDM PRO or SE is overkill for many normal users. Great hardware, long gone are they days as well for bad Network software.

[Skynet_]

Apparently this runs at crazy hot temps. Like 80 to 90 degrees.

[enderish]

i really wish this had come out earlier, i set up a sibling with a Gateway Express and CKG2+ and this would have simplified the setup a lot. It'll definitely be the Unifi device i suggest to anyone in the future, its exactly what a lot of people need to run 1 or 2 cameras and a doorbell alongside their router. The flexibility of using APs instead of built in Wifi while more expensive is a lot more practical. Unifi is on the right track here.