Ubiquiti UniFi Access Review and Pricing
Overview
UniFi Access is an access control solution from Ubiquiti aimed at reimagining door access control. Ubiquiti manufactures and sells wireless data communication and wired products for enterprises and homes under multiple brand names.
UniFi Controller and Hardware
The UniFi Access system consists of the following:
- UA Controller: This is the control center hosted on the UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro). The UniFi controller is easily upgradable and offers a host of features that simplify access policymaking as well as personnel, space, and device management.
- UA-Hub: A secure I/O hub that authenticates inputs registered by access readers (UA-Pro & UA-Lite), push buttons, and sensors. The UA Hub can also control door locks, alarms, and motorized door openers.
- UA-Pro and UA-Lite: The Access system's card or motion reading devices that unlock doors with a swipe of an NFC card or NFC-enabled mobile phone.
- UA-Card: A NFC card that is specific to each access system and encrypted with a special algorithm that cannot be replicated, unlike other NFC cards.
Key Features
UniFi Access is a POE-powered door access control system that supports electric bolts and strikes, magnetic locks, motion sensors, push buttons, alarms, and other 12V access accessories. With the Unifi Access controller, you can also conveniently manage users, visitors, schedules, and access policies.
Ubiquiti’s access control solution currently has two different reader options: Lite, which is a slim NFC and Bluetooth reader; and Pro, which is around NFC and Bluetooth reader that also includes a high-definition camera and touchscreen functionality. At the time of this Ubiquiti access control review, the door access app is currently in development, so only NFC cards are supported for entry. In the future, UniFi Access will be able to unlock doors via intercom and mobile app.
Advantages
- UniFi Access is an affordable option for small retail or office deployment. At the time of this access control review, Ubiquiti offers a “starter kit” with a control hub, one of each reader option, and 20 NFC key cards for $499. Things tar
- Ubiquiti runs its access control software via a cloud-based platform. Operating in the cloud gives the benefit of being able to easily make changes and manage the system remotely. By eliminating the need for on-premise servers, cloud-based access control is a space-saving option for many businesses. When new software features and fixes are available, updates are done instantly over the cloud, rather than needing to roll up a truck to perform expensive, time-consuming maintenance.
Disadvantages
- There are reported difficulties with setting up the solution and its management. Also, reviews indicate that the tech support is hard to get hold of and is, at times, unreliable.
- Ubiquiti’s access hub product only supports 12v locking hardware. Many magnetic door locks are 24V, so check your doors and locking mechanisms to make sure UniFi Access Control is compatible with your building’s doors.
- If you have a lot of doors and multiple locations to secure, Ubiquiti isn’t a great option due to the limited hardware selection, which restricts scalability. You’re better off going with a system that has flexible hardware configurations to support larger deployments.
Key Takeaways
Mobile credentials are an increasingly popular access method in workplaces around the world, as using a smartphone to unlock the door is more convenient (and often more secure) than key cards or fobs. Ubiquiti will offer both mobile and NFC key card credentials for their access control system, but at the moment only support NFC cards, which is a limitation.
Ubiquiti UniFi Access Control looks like a good option for small retail or office deployment, but maybe not for a large space at the moment due to limited scalability.