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[Pre Order] Ubiquiti UniFi Express UX Wi-Fi 6 Router $269 + Delivery ($0 C&C/in-store) @ PLE

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Newly released Unifi Express, ETA for stock is 30 JAN 24. Scorptec who currently have it for $309 have just updated their website to indicates a change from 25 JAN 24, now to 01 FEB 24. Sounds like all resellers are awaiting the same ship!

This is cheaper than the previous Wireless1 deal (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/825645) which was $309.
Shipping varies, however as an example to central Melbourne it's free. Locations outside Melbourne CBD I've seen $17.

This a fantastic price for an item which is only just been released. Reviews seem to be overall very positive so long as you don't need more than 5 total Unifi devices adopted to the controller (note: 4 devices in addition to the Express itself). Perfect for small homes/offices. Price with PLE also reflects just under 20% price increase from the US store, which is great for Unifi devices.

Edit: same price at Wireless1 now as well (https://www.wireless1.com.au/ubiquiti-unifi-express-ux-power…) thanks to @Ozitravel.

Features:

Built-in WiFi 6 AP
140 m² (1,500 ft²) single-unit coverage
60+ connected WiFi devices
(1) GbE RJ45 WAN port
(1) GbE RJ45 LAN port to extend network
0.96" LCM status display
Manages up to four additional UniFi Network devices when operated as a gateway (5 total including the Express which is an AP)
Managed with UniFi Network 8.0.7 and later

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closed Comments

  • +5

    Newly released but it's WiFi 6 rather than WiFi 6E?

    • +7

      TBH - I've always viewed 6E as an interim step to WiFi 7 which is a big step up.

      I'll probably grab one of these to upgrade my current WiFi 5 ISP box.

      • -4

        6E gets you access to new spectrum, which is big for short range high density environments as nobody is using it yet. But 6E took so long to hit the market that it seems to be one of those blink and you missed it events.

        I wouldn't touch corporate grade Unifi gear with a bargepole, much less this consumer grade offering. (I look fowards to the incoming downvotes for stating this)

        • +2

          Ugh, this high speed modem is intolerably slow.

          Hey, what the? Huh
          The internet king, I wonder if he can provide faster nudity.

  • +11

    Ubiquiti just released the U7-Pro that is wifi 7. They also just released another AP which is Wifi5. Each has a use case

    • To use the U7-Pro you'll need a PoE+ capable network switch, or a PoE+ injector.

      • Poe injector is hardly an issue. If you can manage to plug in a phone charger you have all the required skills. They aren't a deal breaker.

        • +2

          It doesn't come with one though so it's an additional expense you need to account for.

          From a review online

          And like the case of its predecessors, as well as most business APs, the U7 Pro features PoE+ and does not come with any powering accessory

          From the U6-Pro manual PDF

          UniFi U6 Pro - Tech Specs
          Power method: PoE
          Power supply: UniFi PoE switch or PoE adapter (not included)

  • Might ditch my pfsense box for this

    • Interesting, I'm weighing this up vs an opnsense box.

      • Yeah ive had an old ewaste i3 desktop running Pfsense for a number of years with no issues and poe switch to Unifi AP, getting this would lower power draw(no I havnt done the math on how much it costs to keep it running, being an oz bargainer I should)
        Getting this would mean simplier network and lower power consumption from memory in reviews I read this thing draws maybe 5watts max?

        • ive done exactly this, reducing my power consumption from 35watt mini pc to a raspberry pi for home assistant and this to run unifi controller software and internet. at least 0.50cents a day so $15 dollar + savings a month maybe more.

    • +1

      Pfsense is awesome though

      • +1

        On the flipside I could just replace the hardware I have with one of those aliexpress routers

        • +1

          My Lenovo m720q with a broadcom 4*nic is rock solid and sips power with pfsense, runs 8th gen pentium gold cpu

          • +1

            @blues99: Good point was looking into those, also thought about proxmox or something on one. Guess its my next project

          • -1

            @blues99: Also virtualise it

        • Have you got a link to one of those that you recommend?

          On a budget but not something that sucks. For home use.

    • Completely different set of capabilities though. If you only need the minimalist features of a Unifi Gateway, go for it!

    • +3

      Eh, I moved from pfsense to USG a while back to get better integration with the rest of my UniFi gear, but ended up switching back after a few months. The UniFi UI works fine if you have a simple flat network or two, but if you do anything more advanced it's a bit lacking.

      In particular, I have my network segregated into a few VLANs to prevent compromised devices from leaping to other devices/servers. I found configuration of the firewall rules between these VLANs to be much more rudimentary and hard to read versus pfsense. Also Avahi (needed if you segregate Google Cast or Airplay sinks from your main network) has a UI in pfsense while it's a hacky command line affair in USG.

    • +2

      I ditched my dream machine for an ebay dell optiplex micro with proxmox running pfsense, TP link omada and home assistant.

      Still have unifi AP's etc at work but pfsense is a way better choice than unifi at a gateway position.

  • +2

    So this one device could replace a UCKv1, a USG, and a U6-Lite?
    As long as its only 4 additional devices ? I think i can live with that.

    • Seems like it. I'm running an 8 port PoE switch and 3 more AP's. Can't see need for anything more.

      • +3

        No IDS/IPS is the only downgrade i see.. The USG currently drops to 100meg WAN when its enabled, but nbn is only 50meg anyway so doesnt matter.

        • +1

          Almost had me reaching for my wallet to rip out my USG, UCKG1 and U6 lite until I read that it doesn't support IDS/IPS…

    • Not ideal case for peeps with self-hosted controller. Express UX cannot be adopted as AP to any self-hosted controllers. Only compatible with UnifiOS based systems at this stage; also not migratable from self-hosted system to Express UX network controller. No in-place migration path for self-hosted folks. Only way is to setup a new site on Express UX as controller and adopt your existing devises. Not sure if Ubiquiti's will ever shower their love to the self-hosted peeps. At least this is what I have found from my quick research…

  • +2

    This is a great price - but given how the pre-order prices are dropping. I'm wondering if they'll sell for much lower after launch?

  • whats the use purpose of this?

    Does it have a simcard tray so it could act as a portable router?

    • +1

      It's a entry level WiFi router that gives you a stepping stone into the UniFi ecosystem. Not bad if you're not planning on adding cameras, doorbells etc. at home.

      • isnt this more of an AP, to give you more coverage across the house? Looks like its more meant to be ceiling mounted.

        • it can be both. its a better version of the old Unifi Security Gateway basically.

        • Yes and no. It can be adopted to another controller and therefore act as only a mesh AP, or it can be the controller/gateway itself. A U6-lite (which is also a 2x2 MIMO and effectively the same AP) would need to have a separate controller, this doesn't.

  • Where do you get the 6 device limit from? The FAQ on UI's product page states:

    When operated as a gateway, UniFi Express manages up to four additional UniFi Network devices such as other UniFi Express units, switches, and WiFi access points

    I'm guessing the 6 might be the 4 mentioned above + the inbuilt AP + inbuilt controller?

    Either way, that's quite limiting. It's frustrating to see UI skimp on their hardware a bit. It's the same thing they did with the Dream Router (Which replaced the regular Dream Machine but was less powerful)

    • +1

      Clarifying, it has a device limit of 5, which is the Express (UX) and 4 other devices. So unless you want 6+ devices the Express is great. Ive edited the post to make this more clear.
      My view is the price for what you're getting is great value in comparison to the UDR, which is 2-3x the cost.

      • A Unifi device limit, or will it only give an IP address to 5 other devices?
        ie 1x TV, 2x Phone and 2x Computer
        (I'm assuming it's a max 5 Unifi devices, cause the alternative sounds ridiculous)

        • It's Unifi devices. Can do 60+ clients (phones tvs etc) on itself via Wifi

        • I interpret it the same as you.

    • 5 Unifi devices would be fine for even an 8 bedroom mansion, or a small to medium enterprise.
      Even if you hardwired everything requiring 2x24 port switches, that still leaves you capacity for 3 AP's.

      • +5

        I've got 3 Unifi APs and 2 switches, which would put me over the limit for this unit. Not a particularly big house either. Could easily have a few cameras as well which would be even further over.

        A 5 UI device limit seems pretty low to me.

        • +1

          (this includes an AP, so it'd still actually be fine for your situation if you just substituted out one of your existing APs)
          But yeah, I forgot they did cameras now.
          On that basis alone it seems like they'd be cutting out business for themselves with this arbitrary limit.

          • +1

            @ESEMCE: This device is perfect for smaller houses/your parents place where you can also remotely manage their setup. It's an entry level device to be sure. Get a dream machine if you want more devices. But the price difference in the US is much smaller than here.. Dream machine is almost twice the price here! Makes this device for 300 or less pretty compelling. Remembering this also includes the controller so you don't need a separate device there. (I currently have a single AP, controller is on my NAS running in docker, but will replace that controller with this)

            • +2

              @ReaperX22: At this price, I think it'll be a really successful product for them for residential users.
              It'll be top of my list when I need to update.

              They need to kill the stupid cylinder form factor for the UDM and cut the price at least $50 here, then they have a sensible product range.

    • surely there is no way that its a hardware limitation that causes the limit to be 5 for as something as simple as an ap controller, it will be a product decision to artificially limit it and not cannibilize dream machine or cloud key sales

      • It's a CPU limitation, or that's what UI have stated for previous devices. Keep in mind that the controller needs to be doing all the AP handoff, band steering, VLAN management etc for each Unifi device. If they're cameras then it needs to do all the recording management for them as well.

        There's a fair bit of work that it could potentially need to do per device and the little CPU really chokes. The dual core A53 running at 1.35GHz in the UDR maxes out 100% most of the time if you run it at its device limits.

        • I'm not overly familiar with Ubiquiti's product stack but the fact this has such a slow dual core CPU in it is something that I've seen plenty of other budget routers get crucified for.. yet here people seem happy to spend over twice what those ones cost and it's accepted..

          Is the Ubiqitui software stack that good, or are people just blind to the double standards?

          • +2

            @roadeh: The slower CPUs are a bit of a new thing for Ubiquiti, so they have created a few unhappy customers. Prior to the chip shortage their hardware was pretty good spec wise. Their Dream Machine, which was a prosumer level router/AP that was only slightly more expensive than this one had a decently powerful quad-core and ran really well. They replaced it with a better product (The Dream Router) but then downgraded the CPU, it was a strange decision.

            All of that said, the software is very good. The real value in it is that it's a whole coherent ecosystem and the central management for all devices is really nice. I haven't seen another consumer level set of network/wifi/camera devices that are all centrally managed like UI.

        • -1

          It’s 100% an artificial limitation. Perhaps artificially chosen because of CPU limitations but the CPU doesn’t magically run out of capacity when the 6th device gets added.
          If you wanted to use this with 4 APs (for extra coverage) and a switch with only a dozen or two devices in the house that should not be artificially restricted.

        • It's a CPU limitation, or that's what UI have stated for previous devices.

          I'd have doubts about that, given that the full Controller can easily run on a Pi 3.

          Far as I can tell, the controller doesn't do much beyond push out config changes. It doesn't even do proper channel selection- when I have observed my previous Unifi APs in realtime, they just stick to the worst possible bands for the environment without changing. The brand that I replaced it with does proper on the fly adjustments- scans every 30 seconds by default and changes channels on a fairly regular basis.

          • @rumblytangara: The Pi3 is basically the same Cortex A53 as what is in this router, but with 4 cores instead of 2, so it's literally twice as powerful.

            I've got a Dream Router setup that runs 2 APs and 2 cameras, it never drops below 70% CPU usage.

            • @noisymime:

              I've got a Dream Router setup that runs 2 APs and 2 cameras, it never drops below 70% CPU usage.

              Wow, that's bonkers. What is it doing- transcoding the video streams and writing to disk?

              Managing APs should take close to zero resources. My AP master doesn't even bother to display utilisation, and the software is artificially capped to manage 50 APs (most I've bothered with is 6 because that was for laughs and I ran out of APs) because it's running the license-free version.

              • +1

                @rumblytangara: It's doing disk (SSD) writes, but no transcoding as it writes the feed straight off the camera. It is continually doing things like updating the event database, generating thumbnails etc, but yeah it's crazy. It doesn't even do the object detection AFAIK, that's all done on the cameras. It's just a woefully underpowered CPU.

  • +4

    Wild that the lite (router only) version of this costs more!

  • Have a pre order in with Scorptec.. I can collect from them, so with delivery it's about ~20 difference (in favour of PLE), worth cancelling..? I can probably get it a few days sooner by maintaining the Scorptec order. Though was hoping it'd arrive in time for the long weekend… (original 25th due date) Ah well

    • I had a pre-order with Scorptec as well. I spoke to their support this morning to see if they would pricematch PLE retrospectively. They said they don't pricematch. As its free-delivery with PLE (I'm in a Melb suburb) and the price difference was $40 I cancelled my order with Scorptec and have purchased from PLE. It will really depend on the person at the warehouse on how quickly they get it out. For $40 it was a no-brainer for me.

      • Yeah I don't know if the hassle of waiting for the refund, being out of pocket 1-2 weeks while they process it, and then waiting for delivery anyway is worth swapping for me (I'm in Syd, so I'm collecting from their Silverwater store).. Shame they won't price-match at all though.

  • What's the main difference between ASUS AX86U / GT-AX6000 and Ubiquiti UniFi Express UX ?

    • +1

      Ubiquiti aim themselves as more of a product that has features you would find in enterprise grade networking gear. Asus are more aimed at users that just want a "set and forget" solution. Ubiquiti networks are scalable, although this device is aimed at home use instead of commercial due to its limit of 4 devices that can be adopted by the controller. You can add ubiquiti access points to extend the range of your network.

    • Asus would work well from day one, and continue to work fine. Ubiquiti offer far more extension options/devices, tweaking etc, but often for those that don't want to fiddle, end up being worse performance.

  • "Wifi router" hmmm

  • I currently have :
    - ubiquiti edgerouter-x,
    - 3 unifi access points managed by UniFi Network Application running on Raspberry Pi.

    Could the UniFi Express replace my :
    - edgerouter-x
    - and the UniFi Network Application?

    • I'm in the same boat (EdgerouterX + Unifi Controller VM on Proxmox + 2 APs); I believe it can. Just need to get the WAF before I take the plunge

      • I am on same boat (Edge X + Unifi controller on old Windows laptop + 1 AC PRO). I believe it can

    • and one of your APs

    • Yes, Express is a router with wifi 6 AP and controller all in one. You could then manage your router and APs from the same interface.

  • I am in a market for new router. Should I get this or Tp-link DECO XE75(3-PACK) - $503 from TGG commercial?

    • Hmmm. Do you want a set and forget? Get the mesh.

      If you want to tinker a bit more, get into the unifi environment etc, I'd get this + a LR ubiquiti AP. Combined they'll cover a typical house without issues*

      *building materials and number of floors may influence this though

    • +1

      I have a Ubiquiti network in my own home but I always recommend Deco to other people unless they have a specific need for higher end network features. If all you need is a standard home network then Ubiquiti will be more trouble than it's worth.

      • Not sure Ubiquiti is "more trouble than it is worth", but alternatives such as TP-Link Deco, Eero 6, Google Nest, etc., are probably better and simpler options for most home users.

  • -1

    Wow such power, much range, wifi penetrate my brain.

  • Any idea how can IDS and IPS for express?

    UDR is great but I have 1gbps plan now and its limitation. Express is good for me as I do not have Unifi cameras or doorbells but really wanted to have IDS/IPS.

    • +1

      I dont believe IDS and IPS is available in the express. You may want to look at the UniFi Gateway Lite however it does not have AP nor Unify OS built in

      • +1

        This has LESS features than the UDR. If you look at the videos on-line - it's security is one of it's limited features compared to the UDR.

  • It's hard to know with this unit what the WiFi coverage would be like compared to my existing Asus RT-AX56U which has external antennas.
    The Asus covers the inside of my house perfectly, but I have a Reolink WiFi camera outside above the wall that my solar inverter is on, both of those devices are on 2.4Ghz and they occasionally struggle to hold a good signal.

    I'm concerned that if I replace it with the Express which has no external antennas, the signal will be worse.

    I could look at getting a WiFi 6 Lite AP and ceiling mount it, but that'll cost extra money to get it cabled etc. I'm not handy enough in that way to be crawing through ceilings so would need to pay someone.

    • If you are happy with half the speed then you can always mesh the AP with Express.

      • Do you mean buy a 2nd Express?

        I'm on gigabit FTTP so I'd prefer to not have to halve my speed. My house isn't big enough to warrant multiple AP's (3x2 unit), it just needs one strong signal that's central enough to everything.

        I could even get a wall plate in my loungeroom near the PC and have some Cat6 run up to near the manhole and then plug an AP in there running via PoE.
        That'd more than cover the whole place and should help to reach the devices outside.

        The problem is that this is OzBargain and I'm stingy and don't want to spend any more than I need to.
        The Asus is sufficient in terms of WiFi coverage, but I'd like to take the leap into the Ubiquiti world however it seems hard to compare what sort of signal I'd get between the Express and the Asus which has the external antennas.

  • -1

    needs to be rounder, c'mon ubuiqiti!

  • +1

    So, this is powered through its USB-C port and the power adapter and cable are included i.e. don't need PoE injector.

    I assume this could replace a wireless Unifi AP (i.e. a U6+ or U6 Lite) in a mesh configuration? Wonder if the coverage would be as good?

    Also, now $269 at Wireless1 but with free delivery and slightly higher cashback with Shopback.
    https://www.wireless1.com.au/ubiquiti-unifi-express-ux-power…

    • Ooooo this changes my mentality.. I was willing to forgo ~20 for a preferred supplier/easier collection, but 40 bucks difference delivered might sway me to cancel and re-order…

      EDIT: Scorptec offered a few bucks off but was still over 30 difference, so went with wireless1 delivered free. Might take longer to arrive but half a tank of petrol of savings is worth it..

  • Only 60+ connected WiFi devices,
    far less than the U6 AP?

    • +1

      And can only adopt 4 other devices, and can only run the network app. It's basically a cut down version of a UDR Pro in a smaller box with less features. But for a small apartment or house could be just what the doctor ordered.

    • +1

      This review appears to be for the UXG-Lite which is a different albeit similar device.

  • Can this route over VPN per domain rules?

    And will it adapt to an existing controller?

    • I can definitely do this on my UDM-SE, so I assume it will be the same on the UniFi Express. I set up a VPN to a specific country in UniFi using NordVPN. I then use rules to only use that VPN when specific devices connect to specific domains.

  • does this perform the same function plus more than this? https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/174591531101

    • +2

      Yes - plus it adds a controller, gateway, ethernet port, and is self powered.

      • Can you explain what you mean by self powered? I did a quick search on this router and that keyword and it didn't return anything.

        • +1

          Unifi AP's can only be powered by PoE which is a separate purchase, not included in the box.

  • US retail price for this Unifi Express UX is US$149 = A$226. Street prices in US are around US$130 = under A$200.

    Europe retail is 119 Euros = A$196 - street price around 110 Euros = A181. Similarly, UK street price around 100 pounds = A193.

    Similar or greater Vat/GST, so why the high markup in Oz?

    • Oz is terrible for Wifi choices, which is probably one of the reasons Ubiquiti is so popular out here despite it being spendy. Last time I went router shopping for the parents I was astounded by how expensive things were, and how poor the selection was. Come to think of it, Oz is just terrible for Internet choices in general, not just wifi routers.

      Unless you're happy to go for end of life used Cisco enterprise APs, I don't think there is much that's capable and cheap. Omada seems to be available locally, not sure what the pricing is like on that stuff here.

    • -1

      Supply
      Demand
      Import/logistics costs
      GST

  • I have a UDM Pro but the WiFi unit plugged into it doesn't reach my office. Would this work to bring WiFi to my office, with the computer plugged into it instead of directly to the UDM Pro? And is its signal strong enough to punch through a wall?

    • I have NO IDEA what you are asking. If your computer is directly plugged into the UDM PRO over wiring in your office then leave it as is. Cat6A wiring is ultimately still faster and more reliable than wireless in any situation if connected to the right equipment.

      Wireless is for phones, tablets, IoT etc. and if there is no other choice. If you have wiring, use it.

      • I need WiFi near my office but only have one port there. I want my computer to retain its wired connection so if I'm going to plug a WiFi enabled unit there I'm going to need a switch or a router with a WiFi point and my computer plugged in, or a WiFi enabled product that also has an ethernet port out. Does this look like what I'm looking for? Because the description of its WiFi power doesn't seem great.

        • +1

          If you already have a UDM Pro then you can either specifically get one of the Unifi AP’s that has two Ethernet ports eg. UAP Pro, or get any 4-Port switch + any AP (both Unifi if you want more control).

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