Hardware Specifications/features
Powerful CPU
UDM base and UDM Pro shares the same CPU, which is an ARM Quad Core A57 1.7 GHz processor (ref). This is a fairly powerful chip for a router. For instance, it is used in some models of Qnap Network Attached Storage device (NAS) such as in TS-832X and TS-432U. These NAS units are technically capable of some Plex media server streaming, which is an indication of the decent power of the CPU.
Memory
Although at the first glance UDM Pro (4GB) has twice memory size than the UDM base (2GB), we have to take into the consideration UDM Pro may have potential of running other controller apps like UniFi Protect, Access and Talk. So more memory may not necessary translates direct performance benefit when looking just at UniFi Network.
Built in NVR
UDM Pro has a built in Network Video Recorder slot for one HDD or SSD drive with the drive sold separately. Given it is a single drive slot, there is no data redundancy option.
I personally use NAS rated SSD for my one UniFi Doorbell and one G3 Flex camera. There were some hiccup setting up UniFi Doorbell in my area due to severe weather, which is beyond the rated use of the product and also old mechanical doorbell, I have managed to setup system so doorbell rings to all my Sonos and HomePod speakers.
I also had some video recording issue one point, but overall I like the system.
If you are looking for data redundancy, you will need to purchase dedicated NVR system like UniFi Network Video Recorder or Network Video Recorder Pro.
If you are determined to go with these dedicated NVR units, they come with built in UniFi Protect controller and better than UDM Pro built in NVR. So having UDM base will not be seen as disadvantage in such situation.
Power Redundancy
Some of the the latest generation UniFi products provide a proprietary redundant power system protection for the events of sudden power loss.
UDM Pro is one of the device capable of connecting to the Redundant Power Supply (RPS) module ($399) for this purpose while UDM base does not have this compatibility.
Dual WAN
UDM Pro comes with two WAN ports while UDM base has only one.
Having two pathways to internet connection can potentially give two advantages:
- Failover
- Load balance
Fail over functionality reduces a chance of internet outage by having second connection from router to internet so in case one fails, the other could still be working.
Load balance functionality spreads the load of traffic and hence improving overall performance. I don’t use these functionality myself so I can’t speak about these functionality myself.
UDM Pro currently only supports failover and not weighted load balancing.
UniFi – UDM/USG: WAN Load Balancing Configuration and Troubleshooting
If you absolutely need failover or back up internet connection, you can technically set it up even with UniFi Dream Machine base by using UniFi LTE.
Fortunately, I rarely see my internet service to be down so I cannot speak about these functionality, and don’t see much use in most home network setting.
Performance
One of the main reason why someone may be interested in UniFi network system, particularly a gateway or router is looking for network traffic security. Although there are reportedly better options for those who are willing to setup own gateway system, I personally think UniFi network intrusion detection and protection system as well as deep packet inspection system works adequately for most home users.
In fact, in my personal experience when I had ASUS router with its protection system called AiProtection turned on, I still saw handful attempted access to my QNAP NAS server. Since the switch the UniFi IDS/IPS, I have seen none on the NAS server itself instead all traffic are caught on the router/gateway. So I know it is doing something.
Both UDM base and UDM Pro, as well as older gateway devices come with this protection functionality without monthly subscription; however, the difference is performance trade-off when you have these functionality turned on.
UDM Base provide near full gigabit speed, rated 850 Mbps with IDS/IPS and DPI turned on. This is close but not quite a full gigabit speed. In contrast, UDM Pro is rated all way up to 3.5 Gbps with all protection features turned on.