One of the advantage of UniFi network system is its modularity. However, for a new starter in the UniFi ecosystem, this can be a source of confusion. Both UniFi Dream Machine base and UniFi Dream Machine Pro are the latest publicly released UniFi network controller units as well as a router unit.
Disclaimer: I have been using UniFi Dream Machine Pro for over a year and half without any problem, but I have never owned UniFi Dream Machine base myself. So my view of UDM base is purely from what I have been reading on the internet and online specifications.
Update:
9/13/2021 – Major revision/near complete re-writing & Youtube Video
3/27/2021 – Added beyond Gigabit speed discussion under 10GBase-T.
So which one is the better choice for home networking?
All in One
Unlike conventional home network system, the full UniFi network system consists of “controller”, which is essentially a type of application. This is a brain of the UniFi network system and provides nice looking interface about your network traffic, let you configure network setting including network security related setting like Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) and deep packet inspection (DPI).
In the past, unlike consumer standard, UniFi system had gateway unit separate from the controller unit.
However, the current and the latest recommended practice for home network UniFi system user is to use one of the two router unit, which has a build in network controller.
I view both unit as a type of All in One device.
Dream Machine Base
This unit is analogous to typical consumer router whether its ASUS, TP-link, Netgear or others.
UniFi Dream Machine base (UDM) has a built in wireless access point functionality so this unit can replace your existing router unit.
From consumer perspective, this sounds like nothing special other than replacing your existing router with other brand router.
Dream Machine Pro
In contrast, UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDMP) lacks access point functionality. This means by the UDM Pro alone will not let you connect WiFi clients. So why do I still consider this as an all in one unit?
Well, this is because from the controller stand point of view, UDM Pro is all-in-one.
from the controller stand point of view, UDM Pro is all-in-one.
Although you may be currently only interested in UniFi system as a network system, UniFi has various other product platforms including surveillance/security camera type system. This is called UniFi Protect.
This product line includes Doorbell camera like that of Ring or Nest Hello.
One of the main benefit of UniFi Protect line is they run locally on your network. So all video recordings are stored on my own hard drive without paying subscription. Furthermore, they are locally processed so accessing these camera are faster and works even when I lose internet connection.
However, UniFi Protect controller is separate from the UniFi Network controller. You can imagine Netgear Arlo security camera has its own configuration interface and hub unit that is separate from Netgear router.
In case of UDM Pro, the unit supports all four UniFi product line controllers, which include Network, Protect, Access (security door system) and Talk (VoIP). Whereas, UDM base only has network controller.
This is the reason why I see UDM Pro as an All-in-One controller unit.