Which UniFi gateway?
Five questions, one gateway, and why.
The gateway is the box that connects your network to the internet, runs the firewall and, on most UniFi models, records your cameras too. We compare four: Cloud Gateway Max, Cloud Gateway Fiber, Dream Machine Pro Max and the EFG (Enterprise Firewall). The numbers come from Ubiquiti's published specs.
Five questions
Your pick
Cloud Gateway Max
$279 with 512 GB SSD (no-storage version $199) on the Ubiquiti store, as of Oct 12, 2026. Equipment only.
Plenty for a home on up to 2.5 Gig, with room for a few cameras.
IPS 2.3 Gbps
Cameras 5 4K
Ports 5x 2.5 GbE
Also fits: Cloud Gateway Fiber
Add-on prices
- 1 TB NVMe SSD: $390
- 2 TB NVMe SSD: $730
- 8 TB HDD: $379
- 16 TB HDD: $699
- UniFi 5G Backup: $99
Add-ons on the Ubiquiti store, as of Oct 12, 2026. Equipment only.
Our pick from Ubiquiti published specs. A walk confirms it.
Want it installed with the switch and cameras?
The four side by side
| Spec | EFG (Enterprise Firewall) | Dream Machine Pro Max | Cloud Gateway Fiber | Cloud Gateway Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPS throughput | 12.5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | 5 Gbps | 2.3 Gbps |
| Cameras (Protect, 4K) | No Protect | 15 4K | 5 4K | 5 4K |
| Ports | 2x 2.5 GbE, 2x 10G SFP+, 2x 25G SFP28 | 8x 1 GbE, 1x 2.5 GbE, 2x 10G SFP+ | 4x 2.5 GbE, 1x 10 GbE, 2x 10G SFP+ | 5x 2.5 GbE |
| Price (Ubiquiti store, Oct 12, 2026) | $1,999 | $599 | $279, no storage (with 1 TB SSD $669) | $279 with 512 GB SSD (no-storage version $199) |
| Form factor | 1U rack, 2 hot-swap PSUs | 1U rack | Compact desktop | Compact desktop |
Questions
UCG Fiber or UDM Pro Max?
Both inspect traffic at 5 Gbps. The Pro Max is a rack unit with two drive bays and handles 15 4K cameras. The Fiber is a small desktop box for 5 4K cameras with 10G ports.
Which UniFi gateway is best for a home?
Most homes do well with Cloud Gateway Max or Cloud Gateway Fiber. Pick Fiber if your internet is over 1 Gig.
How many cameras can a Cloud Gateway Fiber run?
Ubiquiti lists 15 HD, 8 2K or 5 4K cameras.
Does the EFG (Enterprise Firewall) record cameras?
No. It runs the Network app only. Cameras need a separate UniFi recorder.
Do I need a gateway with PoE?
Only for one small powered device. The Cloud Gateway Fiber has one PoE+ port with a 30W budget, good for a 5G Backup. Cameras and APs belong on a PoE switch.
Are these prices installed?
No. They are Ubiquiti store equipment prices as of Oct 12, 2026.
Sources
EFG (Enterprise Firewall) on techspecs.ui.com
Dream Machine Pro Max on techspecs.ui.com
Cloud Gateway Fiber on techspecs.ui.com
Cloud Gateway Max on techspecs.ui.com
Checked Oct 12, 2026.