Ubiquiti has captured a fair share of the access point market. Credit to their UniFi OS, a network ecosystem where you can control all of their equipment (WAPs, routers, and switches) through a single dashboard.
The Ubiquiti APs range from $99 to over and above $350. There are a lot of models catering to specific needs. Perhaps, the reason for the dilemma to choose the right one. Don’t worry, I’ve used their top 10 WiFi access points for a prolonged period. I’m now in a position to recommend the best options.
Note that each of the 10 devices was tested on multiple aspects, be it speed, range, features, or device handling. I eliminated the ones that didn’t score well and reviewed the rest, highlighting their pros and cons.
6 Best Ubiquiti Access Points of 2024
The list is sorted from premium to mid-range and budget yet reliable choices. The best option might be overkill for your setup, and the budget one can be too basic. So, sort out your needs, go through the reviews below, and make a wise decision.
1. Best Overall: Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Enterprise
- Wireless Access Point offers maximum wireless connection productivity with added dependability
- 10.20 Gbit/s wireless transmission speed is ideal for fast data transfer with maximum reliability
- IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax wireless LAN standard offers a reliable, convenient way of communication
- 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Ethernet technology for a reliable, convenient way of communication and connectivity
- Built-in power supply to ensure all components are being supplied with the accurate voltage
U6 Enterprise is one of the best-rated WiFi 6e access points out there. The manufacturer has had different ambitions with this AP by making a transition towards a 6 GHz band. With a multi-gig port and tri-band support, it truly aims to become a speed champion.
Besides, there are other networking technologies like MU-MIMO, QoS, and others to add a cherry on top.
Speeds & Performance
The tri-band Wi-Fi 6E setup of UniFi U6 has an aggregated speed cap of 10.2 Gbps, where each band maximizes at:
| 6 GHz: 4800 Mbps | 5 GHz: 4800 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
To capture its full potential, I paired the U6 Enterprise with the Zyxel XS1930 PoE+ switch and UDR Dream router. Using a Wi-Fi 6E client, the results obtained with the AT&T Fiber 2 Gbps plan are far superior to most Ubiquiti WiFi APs I tested.
Indeed, at 20 feet, I measured an average of 1910 Mbps download and 1841 Mbps upload speed. While at 40 feet, the throughput was stable and great, considering I saw an average of 1534 Mbps and 1476 Mbps for downloads and uploads, respectively.
Not only that, QoS prioritization is the highlight feature of this enterprise access point. I could set it to a PS5 gaming console and yield up to 12ms ping and 95 FPS. That’s almost on par with top gaming routers or mesh systems.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
Ubiquiti UniFi U6 comes at a theoretical range of 2,500 Sq Ft, meaning the standalone unit is enough for any space as large as a three-bedroom apartment. I bought this to cover the back end of my mid-sized establishment, and it did the job perfectly.
To put it in numbers, the signals from U6 can travel up to 2,340 Sq Ft area, considering the walls aren’t exceptionally stout.
Moving on, the access point includes everything needed to keep the smart devices at bay. Although the claimed numbers are a bit extravagant, the MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and beamforming tech combine to connect up to 160 devices simultaneously.
Conclusion
All in all, the UniFi U6 Enterprise is the best access point that Ubiquiti offers. The Wi-Fi 6E and additional 160 MHz channels make way for faster data transfer and multiple connections at once. But all of it comes at a cost, which is justified by its exceptional features and resultant performance.
Pros
- 6 GHz band
- Long WiFi range
- Multi-Gig ethernet port
- Exceptional speeds
- Handles many devices
- Solid cloud management
Cons
- Premium price
2. Best Runner-Up: Ubiquiti Unifi U6-LR
- 1.3 GHz dual-core processor (now upgraded to support full-duplex 1 Gbps TCP/IP performance).
- Four-stream high-efficiency Wi-Fi 6 technology.
- 5 GHz band 4x4 MU-MIMO and OFDMA with radio rate of 2.4 Gbps.
- 2.4 GHz band 4x4 MIMO with radio rate of 600 Mbps.
- Powered with 802.3at PoE (PoE injector not included).
Bringing in a significant downgrade in throughput and price, the Unifi U6 LR takes the second spot on my list. Wi-Fi 6, IP54 weatherproofing, 4×4 MU-MIMO, and OFDMA techs are there for equal distribution of transmitted data packets.
While the U6 LR does not have the same level of coverage as the Unifi Ap-AC LR, it does bring the upgraded Wi-Fi standard, PoE, and improved throughput capacity.
Speeds & Performance
With the Wi-Fi 6 standard, the U6 LR comes at a maximum speed of 3000 Mbps, capping the respective bands at:
| 5 GHz: 2400 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
Upon unboxing the U6-LR, I was impressed by seeing its PoE port upgraded to PoE+. So I connected it to Ubiquiti’s USW-Lite-8-PoE switch and UDR dream router.
Now let’s see how client devices fare when connected to the 160 MHz channels. The wireless performance was outstanding, especially at close range.
At 20 feet distance, I saw 949 Mbps download and 48 Mbps upload speed with Xfinity Gigabit connection. The speed outputs at 50 feet were great, going to 563 Mbps and 34 Mbps in download and upload, respectively.
With such speeds, most of my workspace tasks, like video calls, sending emails, communicating via Skype, and staying online on the project management software, are viable, even at 100 feet. At a close distance, you can even engage in high-bandwidth tasks like gaming and streaming.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
I had high hopes for Unifi U6 LR in the coverage department, and honestly, it didn’t disappoint. Claiming a decent range of 2,000 Sq Ft, its powerful beamforming antennas could transmit signals as far as 1,920 square feet in all directions.
It makes the AP a safe bet to take in mid-to-large workspaces, beach houses, two-story houses, and more.
The antennas, with further support from MU-MIMO and OFDMA, ensure all connected devices have access to equal bandwidth. While the company claims to handle over 350 devices, I paired 187 clients, and they ran seamlessly.
Conclusion
Overall, U6 LR strikes the perfect balance between features, price, and productivity. Its weatherproofing design makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Plus, stable connectivity and PoE support make a compelling case.
Pros
- Great WiFi range
- Stable throughput
- IP54 weatherproofing
- Handles many devices
- Easy setup & mgmt.
- PoE support
Cons
- The Gig-E port limits max speeds
- 802.11n 2.4 GHz frequency
3. Best for SMBs: Ubiquiti UAP-nanoHD
- Model: UAP-NanoHD-US UniFi nanoHD Wave-2 Access Point Discretely install the UniFi nanoHD 4x4 MU-MIMO 802.11ac Wave-2 Access Point from Ubiquiti Networks into nearly any building environment, thanks to the optional skins which come in a variety of designs including camouflage, concrete, marble, wood, black and fabric. This Ubiquiti Networks AP also comes equipped with a single Gigabit Ethernet 802.3af PoE-compliant network port and includes mounting kits for easy installation to either the wall
- Deploy the UniFi nanoHD AP in high-density environments requiring maximum wireless performance and minimal footprint.
- Our Smallest UniFi Access Point Available On the Market. UAP nanoHD is 30% smaller than UAP AC Pro version.
- Supports 200+ Concurrent Users
If you’re a small business in search of a good Ubiquiti AP that’s priced reasonably, get the UAP-NANOHD. It’s compact and very well-designed, the setup is easy, and it can throw strong Wi-Fi signals over a 3,000 Sq Ft area.
Besides, technologies like MU-MIMO and OFDMA pave the way for connecting a plethora of devices at once.
Speeds & Performance
As per the spec sheet, UAP-NANOHD PoE comes with a Wi-Fi 5 standard with a speed rating of AC2100, where the speed on each band is as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1733 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
Like most networking devices, the access point doesn’t achieve the maximum speed its data sheet claims. To gauge its real-time speed and to keep the playing field the same, I used the Xfinity Gigabit plan and a Ubiquiti UDR dream router plugged further into an 8-port PoE switch.
At 20 feet, the said setup got a speed of around 923 Mbps and 46 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. That’s certainly an improvement. But moving further to 50 feet, speeds dropped by almost 25%, valuing at 689 Mbps and 34 Mbps, respectively.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
Picked up this access point, mounted it in the farthest corner of my garage, and completed the installation in no time.
The Nano AP got power right away and signals now easily pass through thick walls. In practical scenarios, the nanoHD could cover up to 2,790 Sq Ft with an ideal placement.
Besides, the device entails MU-MIMO, beamforming, and OFDMA to help me connect as many as 95 devices at once. Unless you move very far away, the device should soldier through any smart devices like laptops, consoles, smartphones, etc.
Conclusion
Coming at a lesser price than my top picks, the UAP-nanoHD has got many things right. Be its WiFi range, solid near-band speeds, stability, and ability to handle over 100 devices, it has got it all an SMB setup would ever desire.
Pros
- Smallest UniFi AP
- Covers large areas
- Great near & far band speeds
- Handles multiple devices
- Uplink (mesh) support
- Has 802.11af PoE adapter
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Middling aggregated speed capacity
4. Best for Long Range: Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Mesh
- Wireless Access Point offers maximum wireless connection productivity with added dependability
- 5.30 Gbit/s wireless transmission speed provides high and efficient communication with maximum efficiency
- Build a reliable home or business network with this Wireless Access Point, that features IEEE 802.11a/b/g technology and speeds up to 5.30 Gbit/s
- Up to 10x faster than standard Ethernet connectivity for your wired network
- With PoE Port, transfer data and power from a single cable to places where a power outlet is not present
If you are in for a mesh access point to cover most parts of your large business or property, then this IPX5-rated UniFi U6 mesh can be a smart pick.
Aside from its massive range, this WiFi 6-rated device brings in a massive 5400 Mbps throughput cap and other networking traits to emerge as an all-rounder device.
Speeds & Performance
Ubiquiti UniFi U6 mesh access point has a neet throughput cap of 5400 Mbps, which is split between its two operating bands as follows:
| 5 GHz: 4800 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 600 Mbps |
Before I get into the actual results, it’s worth mentioning that an Ethernet switch or PoE is mandatory. So I used the Zyxel XS1930, which was further paired with a UDR dream router subscribed to an AT&T 1 Gbps plan.
At closer range, the WAP performance is excellent, delivering an average of 912 Mbps for downloads and 735 Mbps for uploads.
Moving a bit farther from the AP and keeping the device connected, I could see a speed drop to 703 Mbps and 587 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. Besides, a three-bar signal with 413 Mbps download speed was accessible at 90 feet.
Now with such speeds in hand, any high-end tasks like gaming, streaming, video conferencing, and others seem like a childsplay.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
Being a mesh wireless access point, WiFi coverage is the strongest part of U6-Mesh, and with a theoretical cap of 600 feet, exceeds my expectations.
I mounted it on my 20-foot-tall garden pole, and its beamforming antennas made signals accessible even at 450 feet in all directions, making it a suitable fit for large beach houses, tall corporate establishments, and others.
The antennas further work in tandem with MU-MIMO and OFDMA to support up to 35 smart devices spread across the large space. These include bandwidth-hogging devices like computers, laptops, smartphones, etc.
Conclusion
UniFi U6 mesh overall turns out decent in my tests, especially in areas like throughput and range. Paired with powerful antennas and networking technology, the signals were consistent over large areas and connected to many devices at a time.
But a below-par device handling ability has pushed it down to the fourth position.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Exceptional WiFi range
- Great wireless throughput
- IPX5 certified
- Simple setup & management
Cons
- Middling device handling capacity
5. Best Value for Money: Ubiquiti UniFi 6 Lite
- 2x2 high-efficiency Wi-Fi 6
- 5 GHz band 2x2 MU-MIMO and OFDMA with radio rate of 1.2 Gbps
- 2.4 GHz band 2x2 MIMO with radio rate of 300 Mbps
- Gigabit Ethernet, powered with 802.3af PoE
- 802.3af PoE adapter not included
As I slowly traverse through the list of the top-performing access points from Ubiquiti, I make it to the penultimate item, UniFi 6 Lite.
Coming at just around $120, the WAP has certainly not a lot but a series of helpful features to serve the purpose of filling your small business space with signals.
Some of it includes a dual-band Wi-Fi 5, beamforming antennas, MU-MIMO, and a massive device-handling ability.
Speeds & Performance
UniFi 6 Lite with an 802.11ac Wi-Fi setup can transfer data packets at a rate of 1500 Mbps, and the capability of individual bands are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 1200 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
Before I get into actual speed results, I must mention that it has a Gigabit PoE, so I paired the available Ubiquiti 8-port switch. I used the Xfinity Gigabit plan and my MacBook Pro for testing, alongside tried to keep the interference at a minimum.
At close range (20 feet), the results were excellent, delivering an average of 919 Mbps for downloads and 43 Mbps for uploads. The respective throughput at 50 feet was 634 Mbps and 30 Mbps, which should keep your office smart devices up and running.
These speeds were enough for my workflow. I could breeze through all the tasks I threw at it.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
Coming to the coverage, Ubiquiti UniFi 6 Lite stays in line with the UniFi nanoHD with a theoretical value of 2,300 Sq Ft. With 3dBi and 2.8dBi antennas in place, the standalone AP could encase almost the entire test lab with powerful signals.
Similar to most of my recommendations, the WAP integrates an MU-MIMO and beamforming tech to support fast connections on multiple devices. But that doesn’t make its extravagant claims of handling 300 devices valid.
In my test, the limit maxed out at 104, still bettering many access points in this price range.
Conclusion
The UniFi 6 Lite might not be the fastest but proves to be a highly proficient WAP by Ubiquiti to deploy in medium-sized corporate environments. The coverage was decent, and most of my devices experienced satisfactory speeds & coverage.
Pros
- Decent range
- Support for gigabit PoE
- Handles more than 90 devices
- Easy to setup
Cons
- Middling speeds
6. Cheapest Option: UniFi AP AC In Wall
- Ubiquiti Networks networks networks networks Unifi AP AC in wall
Last but not least, presenting you with the cheapest access point by Ubiquiti, i.e., AP AC In Wall wireless access point.
Its range might not be amongst the best, but with three Gig-E ports, a decent speed, and supporting technologies like 2×2 MU-MIMO and beamforming keeps it in the upper echelon. Besides, it surely can handle most devices in your establishment.
Speeds & Performance
UniFi AP AC In Wall is a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 device with a speed rating of AC1200, and the respective band-wise speeds are as follows:
| 5 GHz: 867 Mbps | 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps |
With a single unit paired with Ubiquiti 8-port PoE switch and UDR router, the speed results were impressive, especially at close distances.
At a close distance (20 feet), the access point with an active Xfinity 800 Mbps plan managed respective speeds of 715 Mbps for downloads and 34 Mbps for uploads. Moving the test device by 50 feet resulted in 499 Mbps and 23 Mbps, respectively.
These are still great speeds, and you’ve got three Ethernet ports on its rear panel with Gigabit speed capacity, the best in the lot. The speeds over a wired connection could reach up to 789 Mbps and 39 Mbps, respectively.
I could connect a gaming console and stream HD content on a smart TV while many devices were connected and running on the network.
Coverage & Devices Capacity
A single unit of AP AC In-Wall AP can cover up to 2,000 Sq Ft area, which, paired with any decent router, should be enough for a 2-3 bedroom apartment. In real-world tests, the range is about 1,780 Sq Ft, which is not bad.
Despite locking in a 2×2 MIMO, the access point claims to handle up to 300 devices, but with the available bandwidth and antennas, the maximum reached up to 97. That still betters many top access points out there.
Conclusion
UniFi AP AC In Wall, from the features and performance it delivers, can be tagged as a reliable Ubiquiti wireless access point on a budget. The range might be less, but it should be enough for most homes. However, a sub-par throughput capacity and range have pushed it to the bottom.
Pros
- Decent speeds
- Handles multiple devices
- MU-MIMO
- Compact size
- Easy to setup
Cons
- Middling range
Frequently Asked Questions
Ubiquiti access points, like most, extend the router signals to network weak or dead spots or your house or corporate establishment.
Of all the APs I have tested, Ubiquiti Unifi Ap-AC LR has the longest range, with theoretical values at about 600 feet.
U6-LR and U6-Pro differ primarily in terms of throughput and range. The former can transmit signals much further, while the speeds of the latter are much better.
Verdict
Ubiquiti is among the well-known names in the space of access points and is deemed as most reliable. But each of them is unique in its own way and, therefore, must be carefully picked.
If my curated list hasn’t helped you make a decision, here are my final suggestions:
- If you need the best-performing AP from Ubiquiti in terms of features and performance, its UniFi U6 Enterprise is the one.
- If you can’t afford to spend too much and yet can’t compromise much on the features, go for Ubiquiti UAP-NanoHD.
- If you need a long-range AP, opt for the Unifi U6-Mesh.
- For a basic yet reliable access point, opt for UniFi AP AC In Wall.
With that comes an end to this piece. Let me know in the comment box below if you have any suggestions or queries. Saying that I’d take a leave.
