As a tech lover and avid reviewer of the latest gadgets and gizmos, few things excite me more than testing new networking equipment. So when Ubiquiti released their latest WiFi 6 access point, the UniFi 6 Pro, I knew I had to get my hands on one and put it through its paces. After extensively testing this unit for the past few weeks, I’m ready to give my comprehensive review. Read on to determine if the UniFi 6 Pro is the right choice to become your home or office’s new WiFi workhorse.
An Overview of the UniFi 6 Pro’s Capabilities
Right off the bat, it’s clear that Ubiquiti built the UniFi 6 Pro to be a high-powered, enterprise-grade WiFi 6 access point. This compact unit packs a punch with its ability to deliver combined wireless speeds up to 5.3 Gbps thanks to its 4×4 MIMO 5 GHz radio and 2×2 MIMO 2.4 GHz radio. With quadrupling the spatial streams of a typical WiFi 5 access point, the UniFi 6 Pro makes high-speed wireless connections possible.
In my testing, this speed translated to lightning-fast file transfers, smooth 4K video streaming, and lag-free online gaming – even with over two dozen devices simultaneously connected. The UniFi 6 Pro also utilizes wider 160 MHz channels in the 5 GHz band and supports 1024-QAM for dramatically increased throughput compared to WiFi 5.
Ubiquiti rates the 5 GHz radio at 4.8 Gbps and the 2.4 GHz radio at 573 Mbps. But more important than raw speed is the UniFi 6 Pro’s ability to handle many clients efficiently. Ubiquiti claims support for over 300 clients, and I can confirm no speed degradation even with 30+ devices connected. This is thanks to WiFi 6 optimizations like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which allow for more efficient use of airtime.
The UniFi 6 Pro is a tri-band access point with a third 5 GHz radio dedicated to wireless uplink. This allows wired Ethernet speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps to be reached over a wireless backhaul connection to a UniFi switch or gateway. This makes deployment a breeze for homes and businesses wanting to add more access points without running many Ethernet cables.
Premium Build Quality and Design
Let’s talk about the hardware itself. In typical Ubiquiti fashion, the UniFi 6 Pro is attractively designed with an elegant, minimalist look. The square unit measures 6.5 x 6.5 x 2.6 inches, making it compact enough to mount just about anywhere. It has a durable plastic housing that feels premium and built to last.
On the bottom are two auto-sensing RJ45 Ethernet ports, one supporting PoE for simple powering over an Ethernet cable. No external power brick is required! The UniFi 6 Pro can be powered via 802.3af/at PoE or 24V passive PoE.
The UniFi 6 Pro comes with a mounting plate, backing plate, assorted screws and anchors, and an Allen wrench for easy installation. It can be mounted on a ceiling or wall, and its sleek design blends in with any environment.
On the front face are just three LED indicators for power, Ethernet, and wireless – keeping things clean and minimal. The all-black colour scheme lets the UniFi 6 Pro fade into the background once mounted. Overall, it’s an impressively engineered access point oozing with quality.
Powerful Software and RF Performance
But hardware is only part of the equation. Ubiquiti’s UniFi Network controller software is the magic that sets this system apart. Once adopted by the UniFi Network app, the UniFi 6 Pro becomes a competent and configurable device.
The intuitive software gives you granular control over wireless settings like channel width, transmit power, band steering, etc. You can optimize the RF environment with real-time charts to visualize what’s happening. Powerful tools like band steering, airtime fairness, and traffic shaping allow you to fine-tune performance and prioritize mission-critical devices.
Regarding RF coverage, the UniFi 6 Pro punches well above its weight. The six internal high-gain antennas provide a spherical pattern that spreads strong WiFi across large areas. I tested it in a 2,500 sq ft two-story home and was impressed by the range. The 5 GHz signal remained strong in all corners of the house and some of the yard.
The UniFi 6 Pro also supports wireless meshing to add more access points. This allows them to interconnect over wireless uplink for easy expansion of your coverage, which is especially helpful if running Ethernet everywhere is difficult.
Security is also top-notch with WPA3 encryption, advanced firewall policies, VLAN segmentation, intrusion detection, and more. You can create a guest network with the customized captive portal in just a few clicks. Hotspot management is simple yet powerful.
Is the UniFi 6 Pro Right for You?
After running the UniFi 6 Pro through extensive testing, I have no hesitation in recommending it for SOHO and enterprise use cases. For small businesses, multiple UniFi 6 Pros would make an incredibly robust wireless system able to support vast numbers of staff and customer devices. Features like band steering and airtime fairness ensure an optimal WiFi experience.
For home use, the UniFi 6 Pro delivers incredible wireless coverage and speed, perfect for media streaming, gaming, video calls, and general connectivity. If your home suffers from WiFi dead zones or congestion issues, the UniFi 6 Pro could be the solution. For techies, you’ll love the granular controls.
My only criticisms would be the lack of WIFI 6E support (6 GHz band) and only two Ethernet ports. But these are minor complaints. For the price, the UniFi 6 Pro packs tremendous value and capability. If you want to upgrade your WiFi to the latest and greatest WiFi 6 standard, the UniFi 6 Pro is at the top of your list.
You can purchase the Ubiquiti UniFi 6 Pro on Amazon UK for just £148.99*** (RRP £279), including free delivery. This is a fantastic bargain for a high-end WiFi 6 access point, considering its stellar speed, range, and software power.
*** Offer is valid on 08/02/2024. When you order through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
The UniFi 6 Pro is an outstanding WiFi 6 access point suitable for nearly any application. It delivers blazing wireless performance thanks to WiFi 6 technology like OFDMA and MU-MIMO. The advanced software unlocks robust RF optimization, security, and management. Build quality and aesthetics are superb. For homes, businesses, and enterprise networks, the UniFi 6 Pro is sure to satisfy.
Pros
- Blazing fast WiFi 6 speeds up to 5.3 Gbps
- Supports over 300 clients simultaneously
- OFDMA and MU-MIMO for efficient performance
- Great range and coverage via 6 internal antennas
- Mesh-capable for easy wireless uplinking
- Compact, attractive industrial design
- Managed via feature-packed UniFi Network app
- Advanced tools for optimization, security, etc.
- Easy mounting options and PoE powering
- Tremendous value for the price
Cons
- Lacks WiFi 6E support
- Only two Ethernet ports
Summary
The Ubiquiti UniFi 6 Pro WiFi 6 access point delivers a sleek package with outstanding wireless performance, coverage, and software management for upgrading home or business WiFi networks to cutting-edge WiFi 6 technology. Considering the balance of speed, features, and price, the UniFi 6 Pro is among the best values on the market for high-end wireless access points.
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