As an IT consultant who designs and manages networks, I get asked constantly about Ubiquiti‘s Dream Machine routers. People want to know:
- What makes these shiny boxes so special?
- How is the new Special Edition different from the Pro?
- Most importantly – which one is right for MY home or business?
The Dream Machine lineup provides mega power for networks in sleek all-in-one packages. But high price tags demand that you buy the one tailored to your use case.
Let me decode the key distinctions to help you invest wisely.
What Dreams Are Made Of
Ubiquiti broke new ground in home networking by packing enterprise-grade features into intuitive interfaces.
The standard Dream Machine (UDM) arrived in 2019 sporting the onboard UniFi Controller plus a built-in access point for Wi-Fi.
Hot on its heels came the Dream Machine Pro (UDM Pro) in 2020. This upgraded model removes Wi-Fi capabilities but adds way more muscle for routing, security, and performance.
Most recently, Ubiquiti launched the Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM SE) in 2022. Consider it the DELUXE edition – with enhanced connectivity, storage and PoE over even the mighty Pro.
But which mix of trailblazing features is perfect for YOUR situation? Let‘s break it down…
Comparing Key Wireless Capabilities
While the standard UDM includes Wi-Fi 6 support as an access point, here is how the Pro and SE compare:
| Spec | UDM Pro | UDM SE |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi chipset | None | Wi-Fi 6 radio |
| Max wireless speed | N/A | 1.7 Gbps |
| MU-MIMO | N/A | Yes |
| Built-in access point | No | Yes |
So if you need wireless connectivity from your router itself, the Special Edition keeps that option intact despite having higher wired abilities akin to the Pro.
Breakdown of Wired Ports and Speeds
Now let‘s get nerdy and dig into the ports, PoE capabilities, and multi-gig support differentiating these beasts.
Standard Gigabit Ethernet Ports
Both the UDM Pro and SE give you eight Gigabit RJ45 network ports for your wired devices. The same table stakes…but here‘s where wires diverge.
Power Over Ethernet
The Special Edition includes an integrated 8-port PoE switch ready to power your devices without added hardware.
- 6 ports provide 15W for standard PoE devices
- 2 ports give 30W for high-power PoE+ gear like access points
But the UDM Pro has zero built-in PoE. So you‘ll need injectors or an external switch to power things like access points, phones, or security cameras.
As someone who designs networks loaded with PoE devices, having it embedded saves me cabling hassles and clutter.
Multi-Gigabit Uplinks
While those eight ports give you Gigabit Ethernet feeds, faster connectivity calls for…
10GbE SFP+ Ports
Both Dream Machines deliver two 10-Gigabit uplink ports. That means potential 20 Gbps total throughput via fiber or copper 10G transceivers.
But what about their internet ports bringing broadband speeds IN from your ISP?
The Special Edition gives you:
- 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45 WAN port
- 1 x 10GbE SFP+ WAN port
That unique 2.5Gbps RJ45 uplink supports multi-gigabit internet without pricey SFP+ transceivers.
Because the UDM Pro only supplies 1GbE on its WAN, you‘d need an SFP+ module to hit 2.5 Gbps symmetry.
So if you have access to exotic speeds beyond 1Gb, the SE definitely saves you cash.
Storage: 16GB + 128GB SSD
Both Dream Machines pack 16GB of onboard flash for system operations and built-in controller functions.
But the Special Edition takes storage up a notch with an integrated 128GB SSD ready to:
- Expand video surveillance archives
- Store backups
- Push software updates
And having that SSD pre-installed just means one less upgrade chore.
The UDM Pro has room to insert your own drive. But you probably want at least 500GB, meaning >$100 price tag.
So I consider that integrated 128GB SSD some welcome icing on the SE‘s cake.
Use Case Breakdown
So when should YOU get fancy with your network backbone and buy one of these Dream Machines?
Good Fit for UDM Pro
The Pro makes sense if you need:
- Robust firewall, monitoring and threat management
- 10GbE WAN/LAN without integrated PoE or Wi-Fi
- 50 or less devices on average
Like for a 20 person small business.
Step Up to UDM SE For…
The Special Edition shines when:
- More than 50 wired devices call for extra ports
- Multi-gig internet exceeds 1Gbps speeds
- You have several PoE security cams, access points or phones
- Local storage for archiving footage or backups
Think ambitious smart home, office with robust Wi-Fi, or retail shop with PoE devices everywhere.
The Special Edition costs over $200 more…but delivers expanded specs to justify that premium.
Its integrated SSD and PoE switch alone run ~$300 if bought separately. Now THAT‘S dreamy!
The Bottom Line
As someone knee-deep in networks all day, here is my conclusive take:
Casual smart home aficionados will find the standard UDM with its Wi-Fi 6 and built-in controller provides plenty already.
But businesses or high-end users needing 10GbE, advanced security protections, or over 50 wired devices should get the well-rounded Dream Machine Pro.
However, if you‘re leveling up to distributed surveillance cameras, VoIP phones everywhere, access points galore, and multi-gig feeds…I consider the Dream Machine Special Edition an investment to grow with you over time.
Either way, comparing your current and future needs to what I‘ve outlined here should help you pick the right beast to anchor your ambitious network!
Let me know if you have any other questions. I‘m here to help you build your digital dream world!
