The Ubiquiti UniFi Network Video Recorder Pro is a rock-solid foundation for a secure, scalable surveillance system.

The UniFi Network Video Recorder Pro (UNVR-Pro) is a standout product within Ubiquiti’s UniFi Protect lineup, designed to deliver high-performance video surveillance for businesses and advanced home users. As video surveillance becomes increasingly essential for security in various environments, the UNVR-Pro is a robust, feature-rich solution that offers scalability, extensive storage options, and seamless integration into the UniFi ecosystem. This review will delve into the capabilities, design, specifications, performance, and overall value of the UNVR-Pro.

With a price tag of $499.00 (affiliate link), the UNVR-Pro offers an impressive array of features and capabilities that significantly exceed those of its competitors in this price range. For users needing more than what the UDM-Pro or UDM-SE can provide but not yet ready to invest in enterprise-level equipment, the UNVR-Pro represents an excellent middle ground.

Ubiquiti UniFi Network Video Recorder Pro Key Features

At its core, the UNVR-Pro is built to accommodate demanding surveillance needs. Here are some key features and specifications that highlight its capabilities:

• Camera Support: The UNVR-Pro can manage an impressive number of cameras—up to 70 HD cameras, 35 2K cameras, or 24 4K cameras simultaneously. This scalability makes it suitable for both small home setups and large commercial applications.
• Drive Bays: The device has seven 3.5/2.5” drive bays, providing substantial storage potential. Users can install a wide range of sizes of SATA drives from 1-24tb, allowing for a total raw storage capacity of up to 168TB or more. This design facilitates extensive video recording while maintaining flexibility in storage management, all in a 2u form factor.
• Built-in RAID Functionality: The UNVR-Pro’s built-in RAID options ensure data redundancy and protection against drive failures, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of surveillance data over time.
• Networking Capabilities: The NVR supports 1G and 10G networking, ensuring it can handle heavy camera loads without bottlenecks. This feature is crucial for environments with high bandwidth for streaming multiple video feeds.
• Redundant Power Supply Support: The device includes UniFi Smart Power (USP-RPS) support, which provides an additional layer of reliability by ensuring continuous operation even if the primary power supply fails.
• 1.3” Display: The front-facing display offers critical system information in a pinch, such as storage status, network health, and connected cameras. This feature enables quick monitoring without logging into the UniFi Protect interface.
• Integration with UniFi Ecosystem: The UNVR-Pro seamlessly integrates into the UniFi ecosystem, allowing users to manage cameras, multiple UNVRs, network devices, and security appliances through a unified interface.
• Third-Party Camera Support (Beta): UniFi offers third-party camera support in beta for customers who are not yet ready to migrate all their existing cameras to the UniFi platform. This option is particularly beneficial for those facing budget constraints, providing a transitional solution while maintaining flexibility.

Comparison within the Ubiquiti Lineup

Compared to other solutions within the Ubiquiti lineup, the UNVR-Pro stands out. While the UDM-Pro, UDM-SE, and UDM-Pro Max offer some NVR capabilities, they serve primarily as all-in-one devices focused on routing, security, and limited video recording functions. In contrast, the UNVR-Pro is a dedicated NVR that effectively scales for more extensive surveillance needs, making it ideal for businesses or users requiring long-term video storage and enhanced camera support. A new 16-bay Enterprise NVR is also available in the Ubiquiti lineup if you need to ratchet up the camera requirements.

Dream Machine line / UVNR line Comparison

Regarding specifications, the UNVR-Pro’s quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor and 4 GB DDR4 memory enable it to handle demanding tasks efficiently. The 32GB onboard flash storage supports the operating system and provides a reliable platform for managing extensive video data.

Ubiquiti UniFi Network Video Recorder Pro Specifications

Build and Design

The build quality of the UNVR-Pro is exceptional. Encased in a durable steel 2RU chassis, the device feels robust and industrial grade and is built to withstand the demands of a professional environment. It is also designed to be rack-mounted, which makes it easy to integrate into existing IT infrastructure. This is particularly useful for businesses with a server rack set up.

One of the most user-friendly aspects of the design is the tool-less 3.5” drive bays. Each tray allows for easy loading or swapping of drives, minimizing downtime during upgrades or replacements. This design improvement contrasts with some other NVR systems, where drive installation can be cumbersome. The convenience of quickly accessing drives is invaluable for users managing extensive video storage needs.

We also enjoy the attention to detail. While Ubiquiti leverages the traditional C13 power cable design, the UNVR-Pro ships with a special version that works with a locking retention pin. This prevents the unit from being accidentally unplugged during use. You can still use a normal cable if you wish, but leveraging the Ubiquiti-supplied one gives you that added piece of mind.

Performance Testing and Integration

To evaluate the Ubiquiti UniFi Network Video Recorder Pro’s capabilities, we conducted a series of tests involving a variety of UniFi cameras in the office thanks to Kevin, including the UniFi G5 Bullet, AI Bullet, AI Theta, G5 Pro, G5 Dome Ultra, AI Pro, and G5 Turret Ultra. These models represent a range of resolutions from 2K to 4K, allowing us to thoroughly assess the performance of the UNVR-Pro under different conditions.

Setup Process

The initial setup was remarkably straightforward. Once the drives were installed, we configured the UNVR-Pro and connected it to our network. The UniFi Protect software automatically detected and configured the cameras once connected, making the onboarding process efficient and hassle-free.

User Experience

The UniFi Protect app, which operates on the UNVR-Pro, provides an intuitive interface for managing and viewing camera footage on-premise and remotely off-premises. Users can easily monitor live streams, review recorded footage, and adjust settings for each camera. The app is well-designed, allowing for smooth navigation between different functions.

One of its standout features is the integration of smart detection and AI capabilities, enabling users to receive alerts for specific events, such as motion from people or vehicles. This intelligent filtering reduces false alarms, ensuring users stay informed about significant activities without unnecessary distractions and enhancing overall security management.

Scalability and Performance

During testing, we pushed the device to manage multiple camera feeds simultaneously, specifically testing with a mix of 2K and 4K cameras. The UNVR-Pro handled the load exceptionally well, working seven cameras simultaneously without any noticeable lag or delays in accessing live feeds or scrubbing through recorded footage. This performance speaks volumes about the system’s capability to scale as more cameras are added, making it an ideal choice for users planning to expand their surveillance setups.

Storage Management

One significant advantage of Ubiquiti UniFi Network Video Recorder Pro is its efficient storage. With built-in RAID configurations, users can choose between maximizing available storage space or prioritizing data redundancy to protect against drive failures. This flexibility ensures that users can tailor the system to their needs, balancing storage requirements with security concerns.

Simulated Drive Failures and Hot Spare Functionality

To further assess the UNVR-Pro’s reliability, we conducted simulated drive failure tests. We installed seven of the 24TB Seagate Exos X24 drives in our configuration and set the storage to a higher protection mode. This configuration enhances data integrity by employing a robust RAID-5 system, with one drive designated as a hot spare.

During our tests, we intentionally removed one of the active drives while the system was operational. The hot spare immediately activated, allowing the system to function without interruption. The replaced drive began rebuilding data promptly, showcasing the effectiveness of the hot spare feature. This functionality is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted video recording and data integrity, particularly in environments where security is paramount.

Throughout the testing period, we continuously monitored the health of the drives and storage usage via the UniFi interface. The system provided real-time alerts and performance metrics, including power-on hours, disk temperatures, and bad sector counts. This level of monitoring simplifies the system’s management and allows users to proactively address potential issues before they become critical.

Conclusion

The UniFi Network Video Recorder Pro (UNVR-Pro) is a powerful, scalable, and flexible solution for users looking to manage many cameras while ensuring data protection and redundancy. Its ability to support up to 70 HD cameras, 35 2K cameras, or 24 4K cameras makes it an excellent choice for home users and small businesses seeking to enhance their security systems.

With seven drive bays, built-in RAID functionality, and 1G and 10G networking support, the UNVR-Pro delivers exceptional storage flexibility and protection, making it suitable for high-bandwidth environments. Including redundant power supply support adds another layer of reliability, ensuring continuous operation even in adverse conditions.

Moreover, the UNVR-Pro’s seamless integration into the UniFi ecosystem makes it a logical choice for users already invested in UniFi products, providing a unified interface for managing cameras and network devices.

The UNVR-Pro is a rock-solid foundation for a secure, scalable surveillance system. It is a highly recommended solution for anyone looking to enhance their video surveillance capabilities. Whether protecting a home or managing a small to medium business, the UNVR-Pro delivers on its promise of performance, reliability, and value, making it a standout option in the professional surveillance market.

UNVR-Pro Page (affiliate link)

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