I'm currently using a SonicWall NSA 2700 and wasn't planning to change it, but now I'm exploring UniFi options. We've been using UniFi access points for a long time and have recently started replacing some old equipment with UniFi switches. Now, I'm considering adding UniFi Protect and some cameras, along with the Access application for door control. From what I understand, to fully utilize all these features, a UniFi gateway is necessary.
I'm thinking about purchasing a Dream Machine Pro Max primarily for its NVR capabilities and to manage everything else, but I'm curious if it makes sense to replace the SonicWall altogether. I've never been a fan of SonicWall's management interface, but is the UDM as capable in terms of security? How do they compare nowadays?
4 Answers
We transitioned from a SonicWall NSA4700 to UniFi EFGs, and it’s been smooth for our simple needs. It's nice having everything integrated, but I must say, UniFi's firewall capabilities aren't quite on the same level as SonicWall's. However, we felt confident making the change after the cloud backups were compromised.
Using the UDM Pro Max mainly as an NVR sounds great, but as a firewall, it's more suited for home use than production environments. I'd definitely lean towards UniFi, especially for small to mid-sized businesses, and invest more in endpoint security, given the rise of remote work. That would offer better protection for your floating endpoints.
If your setup isn’t too complex, UniFi could definitely work. I've installed them at small businesses without issue, and they offer some cool features that simplify management. Just remember, if you're relying on SonicWall for security compliance, UniFi may not be able to meet those requirements.
Before making any decision, consider your actual firewall needs. You haven't provided much detail about your current setup. If you're primarily looking for an NVR, it might be wiser to just buy a dedicated NVR instead of a combo device like the UDM. Lots of folks dismiss UniFi, but depending on your requirements, it might actually work well for you.
Good point! I need Network, Protect, Access, and maybe Connect—all of which require a gateway. The UniFi OS app seems limited; it mainly supports the Network and Innerspace functionalities. We have a simple network with some websites hosted internally, and while the SonicWall has been reliable during attacks, I'm unsure about UniFi's capabilities.
Totally agree! While UniFi adds some nice features, the interface can be a bit chaotic at times. You constantly have to hunt for settings because they keep moving things around. SonicWall has a more consistent structure which makes managing it much easier.