UniFi Protect
UniFi Protect: Free camera management for UniFi users who want local recording and remote access. Ranked #3 of 24 in Home Security Camera Apps by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for uniFi users who want local recording and control.
At a glance
- Editor score9.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forUniFi users who want local recording and control
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Cloud recordingYes
- Facts checked5 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Local recording with continuous, detection-only, or disabled modes
- Live viewing and clip export through web and mobile apps
- Archive footage to Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or NAS
Where it doesn't
- Requires a compatible UniFi Console and camera
- Detection features are limited to compatible cameras
- Using the software requires separately purchased hardware
Our verdict on UniFi Protect
UniFi Protect is a camera security application for managing supported cameras through a UniFi Console. It suits residential and commercial users who already have compatible UniFi hardware and want to view cameras remotely, manage recordings, and control access. Web, iOS, and Android apps provide viewing and clip export, while user and administrator permissions help separate camera access by role.
Recordings are stored locally on the UniFi Console by default, with options for continuous, detection-only, or disabled recording. Users can archive footage to Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or a NAS. Compatible cameras can provide motion, person, and vehicle detections. This makes Protect a fit for buyers prioritizing local footage control with optional external archiving; it is less suited to anyone seeking a camera app that works independently of a specific hardware setup.
The software has no recurring or licensing fees, but compatible UniFi hardware, including a console and camera, is required and sold separately. That makes the price of entry depend on whether the necessary equipment is already in place. Choose Protect if local recording, remote viewing, configurable recording, and role-based access match your needs within the UniFi ecosystem. Consider another option if you do not want to buy or maintain compatible UniFi hardware. Docs and email are the stated support channels.
UniFi Protect pricing
UniFi Protect fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Cloud recording | Yes |
| Local recording | Yes |
| Max video resolution | 4k |
| Camera limit | Not verified |
| Mobile platforms | Both |
| Smart display support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, NAS |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | unifi.ui.com |
| Facts checked | 5 Oct 2026 |
UniFi Protect integrations
UniFi Protect lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Google Drive
- OneDrive
- Dropbox
- NAS
Alternatives to UniFi Protect
- Ring appA focused companion for Ring live view, alerts, and subscription-based video history.9.3
- Wyze appA free Wyze camera app with live views, alerts, automations, and optional cloud features.9.2
- DS camA free mobile companion for viewing and managing Synology Surveillance Station cameras.9.0
See all UniFi Protect alternatives →
UniFi Protect vs the competition
- UniFi Protect vs Ring app
- UniFi Protect vs Wyze app
- UniFi Protect vs DS cam
- UniFi Protect vs Arlo Secure
- UniFi Protect vs mydlink
- UniFi Protect vs TP-Link Tapo
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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