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Today, Ubiquiti releases its latest UniFi controller, the Dream Machine Pro Max, a.k.a. UDM Pro Max.
While sharing the same physical rackmount design and shape as the previous versions, including the UDM-SE, the new controller seems to have enough improvements to justify its more expensive $599 price tag.
So, is this new UDM Pro Max finally the ultimate UniFi controller you’ve been waiting for? Let’s find out!
Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro Max: The most powerful UniFi controller yet
The first and most significant physical improvement is that the UDM Pro Max includes two 3.5-inch drive bays instead of just one. As a result, it can host two hard drives (or SSDs) to increase storage space for its NVR function or use them in a RAID 1 configuration to protect data.
Other than that, the new controller remains similar to the UDM-SE on the port front. It has an SFP+ and 2.5Gbps port on the WAN side and another SFP+ and eight Gigabit ports on the LAN side.
It’s worth noting that, unlike the UDM-SE, it has no PoE port, which is a bit disappointing. You’ll need to resort to a PoE switch, such as the Enterprise 8 PoE, if you want to host UniFi access points, such as the U6 Enterprise or any other PoE devices.
On the inside, the new UDM Pro Max has more power and, therefore, can manage more devices simultaneously. For example, per Ubiquiti, it has enough power to route at 5Gbps with full DPI and IPS features enabled, a significant improvement compared to the 3.5Gbps of the UDM-SE.
The table below shows the differences between the new UDM Pro Max and the previous model, the UDM-SE.
UDM Pro Max vs. UDM-SE: Hardware specfications
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine Pro Max | Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine Special Edition |
| Model | UDM Pro Max | UDM-SE |
| Built-in Wi-Fi Bandwidth | None | |
| Processing Power | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 at 2.0 GHz, 8GB RAM | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 at 1.7 GHz, 4GB RAM |
| Storage | 32 GB eMMC, Integrated 128 GB SSD, 2x 3.5-inch SATA storage bays | 16GB eMMC, Integrated 128GB SSD, 1x 3.5-inch SATA storage bay |
| Dimensions | 17.4 x 1.7 x 11.2 in (442.4 x 43.7 x 285.6 mm) | |
| Weight | 10.4 lb (4.7 kg) | 10.9 lb (4.95 kg) |
| Gigabit Ports | 8x LAN | |
| PoE Ports | None | 6x 802.3af (PoE) 2x 802.3at (PoE+) |
| Multi-Gig Ports | 1x 2.5GBASE-WAN 1x 10Gbps SFP+ WAN 1x 10Gbps SFP+ LAN | |
| Power Method | Universal AC input, USP-RPS DC input | |
| Supported Voltage | 100 -240V AC | |
| Power Consumption (per 24 hours) | Not yet tested | ≈ 430 Wh (measured with no PoE device) |
| Internal Fan | Yes | |
| Notable Design | Standard rackmount, 1.3″ touchscreen | |
| Default UniFi Application | Network: Up to 150 access points/extenders | Network: Up to 75 access points/extenders |
| Optional UniFi Applications | Protect: Up to twenty-five HD cams, fifteen 2K cams, or ten 4K cams. Talk: Up to 100 IP phones Access: Up to 100 doorbells UID: A premium enterprise feature for easy access across multiple platforms and locations. Connect: The support for new types of products, including UniFi screens and EV chargers. | Protect: Up to twenty HD cams, twelve 2K cams, or seven 4K cam Talk: Up to 100 IP phones Access: Up to 50 doorbells UID: A premium enterprise feature for easy access across multiple platforms and locations. Connect: The support for new types of products, including UniFi screens and EV chargers. |
| Simultaneous Applications Support | All (limited by available resources) | |
| Release Date | April 23, 2024 | January 22, 2022 |
| US Cost (at launch) | $599 | $499 |
A familiar controller to take advantage of UniOS 4.0
As shown in the table above, the new UDM Pro Max is very similar to the UDM-SE. In fact, it trades the PoE support for a more powerful CPU and doubles the amount of RAM and storage space. Other than that, just like the predecessors, it remains a typical UniFi controller that can run many applications at a time, including:
- Network: All things related to the function of a network, including network settings/features, Wi-Fi, mesh, and the support for extender/access points, etc. This is the default application of any UniFi controller where it works as the “router”.
- Protect: The support for IP cameras as a surveillance system. The controller can work as the NVR, where the new UDM Pro Max’s drive bay will play a significant role.
- Talk: The support for Voice over IP phones.
- Access: A “platform designed for Access Control Systems”—per Ubiquiti. Examples are door-related security IoT devices, such as doorbells, keyfobs, locks, etc.
- UID (UniFi Identity): A premium feature for enterprises that allows single sign-on across multiple hardware platforms and applications.
- Connect (currently in Early Access): A fully integrated “Enterprise of Things” hardware and software solution that works with UID to simplify IT management for organizations.
There will likely be even more applications down the line.
The UDM Pro Max disappoints on the network port front—it has no improvement over the previous model. Specifically, there are still no 10GBASE-T ports. As a result, to use it with most 10Gbps broadband Fiber-optic ONTs, you’ll have to get an SFP+ to RJ45 adapter. Additionally, the 8 LAN ports could also support Multi-Gig instead of Gigabit.
Still, with powerful hardware, the UDM Pro Max is set to take advantage of the new UniFi OS 4.0, which has improved Shadow Mode with automatic failover to enhance network high availability. With the launch of the new controller, the latest OS has become available to Early Access users. It’ll eventually be available as an upgrade to existing controllers.
Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro Max's Preliminary Rating
Pros
Powerful hardware to handle large-scale networks via multiple simultaneous enterprise-class applications
A complete set of useful networking features, including powerful security/web-filtering and WireGuard VPN; excellent web user interface; useful mobile apps
No subscription is required; quiet
Cons
Single Multi-Gig (2.5GBASE-T) port; no 10GBASE-T port; no PoE support
Requires an account with Ubiquiti to work
The takeaway
The Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro Max is the most powerful UniFi controller yet. Still, it doesn’t have enough to justify an upgrade if you currently have the UDM-SE. In fact, if you have PoE devices, the older model is still a better fit, especially when considering that it costs $100 less.
However, if you have room for its large physical size and are on the market to build a new network from scratch, the UDM Pro Max is an excellent option among non-Wi-Fi routers that can do so much more than just handle a home or small office network. Judging from my experience with the UDM-SE, which I have been using since the review, the UDM Pro Max will be another reliable, robust, and even fun networking machine to operate, well worth its $599 price tag (street price will vary).
Hi Dong – I have a 5GB fiber internet link, which I distribute to my LAN via it’s 10GB ethernet port. Do I have to buy a ethernet to fiber SFP to land the link into the DM Pro Special edition?
If I catch your drift, Danny, yes. But there’s a chance I didn’t.
Is it still running 1gig backplane? For individuals who will be setting up a new environment; would it be better to buy udm se or this pro max. (Currently have udr with U7 pro).
I’d go with the UDM- SE, J. It’s been great in my personal experience and the Pro Max doesn’t have much more for most homes and SMBs, and the whole 8 PoE port less.
Well that’a a miss. Expected at least one or two 2.5 GbE lan ports and an updgraded CPU.
Agreed.