Ubiquiti Networks Ubiquiti 4-Bay NAS 2.5/3.5" or Ubiquiti Networks Ubiquiti UNAS Pro 4? Which Ubiquiti Networks Model to Buy
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This guide compares the ubiquiti networks ubiquiti 4 bay NAS 2 5 3 5 vs ubiquiti unas pro 4. Both models offer four drive bays for substantial local storage and include M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching to improve performance. They target users needing reliable data management. The main difference lies in their connectivity and included accessories. One model highlights USB-C options and specific drive size compatibility, while the other provides a 10 Gigabit direct connection cable for faster network transfers.
Key differences
| Aspect | Ubiquiti UNAS-4 White 4-Bay NAS | Ubiquiti UNAS Pro 4 NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Network Connectivity | Gigabit Ethernet at 2.5 Speed | 10 Gigabit direct connection cable |
| Drive Compatibility | 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch HDD slots | Enterprise-class 3.5-inch SATA drives |
| Additional Ports | USB-C Connectivity Option | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Ubiquiti UNAS-4 White 4-Bay NAS if
- You need flexibility to use both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch hard drives in your setup.
- You prefer having a USB-C port for direct device connectivity.
- You want a white chassis option for your home or office environment.
Choose Ubiquiti UNAS Pro 4 NAS if
- You require 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds for high-performance data transfers.
- You are building a system specifically with enterprise-class 3.5-inch SATA drives.
- You want a complete connection solution with the included direct cable.
Verdict: Choose the UNAS-4 if you need drive size flexibility and USB-C connectivity. Select the UNAS Pro 4 if your workflow demands 10 Gigabit network speeds and you are using enterprise-grade drives. Both units provide robust caching capabilities for improved access times.
UNAS-4 vs UNAS Pro 4 Specs
Number of bays
Both the Ubiquiti UNAS-4 and the UNAS Pro 4 provide four drive bays. This configuration allows you to install four hard disk drives for substantial local storage capacity. The data confirms that both models share this core structural feature. You get identical expansion potential for your primary storage volume in either unit. There is no difference in the physical drive count available to you. This aspect results in a tie as both systems support the same four-bay layout for your data needs.
Cache slots
Both units feature M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching. The UNAS-4 specifically lists dual M.2 NVMe SSD cache slots. This allows for two separate NVMe drives to be used for caching purposes. The UNAS Pro 4 includes M.2 NVMe solid state drive caching but does not specify the number of slots in the provided data. Both models utilize this technology to improve performance by caching frequently accessed data on faster solid state drives. The UNAS-4 offers a clear advantage here due to the explicit mention of dual slots.
Network connectivity
The UNAS-4 includes Gigabit Ethernet at 2.5 speed. This suggests a network interface capable of speeds exceeding standard Gigabit, likely 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. The UNAS Pro 4 includes a 10 Gigabit direct connection cable. This indicates support for 10 Gigabit networking speeds, which is significantly faster than the 2.5 speed mentioned for the other model. For users requiring high-throughput transfers, the 10 Gigabit capability of the UNAS Pro 4 is a substantial benefit. This aspect favors the Pro model for faster network performance.
Form factor
The UNAS-4 is listed with a 3.5 Inch form factor attribute. This refers to the size of the hard disk drives it accepts, specifically 3.5-inch drives. The UNAS Pro 4 utilizes enterprise-class 3.5-inch SATA drives. Both models are designed to house standard 3.5-inch hard disk drives. The UNAS-4 title also mentions 2.5/3.5 inch HDD slots, suggesting potential support for smaller 2.5-inch drives as well. However, the primary form factor for both is centered around 3.5-inch drive compatibility. This results in a tie for standard drive support.
Hardware interface
The UNAS-4 specifies M.2 NVMe as a hardware interface attribute. It also lists USB-C connectivity as a feature. This provides flexible connection options for peripherals or direct device linking. The UNAS Pro 4 data does not list specific external hardware interfaces like USB-C. It focuses on the internal storage interfaces and network connectivity. The UNAS-4 offers a clearer advantage regarding external connectivity options with its explicit USB-C feature. This provides you with more versatile connection possibilities for accessories.
Choose the right Ubiquiti NAS for you
Users needing fast network connectivity
The UNAS Pro 4 includes a 10 Gigabit direct connection cable. This allows for significantly higher data transfer speeds compared to standard Gigabit Ethernet. If you move large files frequently, this dedicated high-speed link ensures your network does not become a bottleneck during backups or media streaming tasks.
Users wanting flexible drive types
The UNAS-4 supports both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch HDD slots. This versatility lets you mix drive sizes to optimize space and capacity. You can install smaller drives for specific tasks or larger drives for bulk storage. This flexibility is useful if you have varying drive sizes available.
Users preferring USB-C connectivity
The UNAS-4 features a USB-C connectivity option. This modern port allows for quick connections to compatible devices without needing adapters. If you frequently connect laptops or tablets directly to the NAS for file transfers, this interface provides a convenient and straightforward connection method for your workflow.
The products compared
Ubiquiti UNAS-4 White 4-Bay NAS
Best for: users needing NVMe caching in a 4-bay unit
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Gigabit Ethernet
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Form Factor
- 3.5 Inch
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe
View on Amazon: Ubiquiti UNAS-4 White 4-Bay NAS Affiliate link
This Ubiquiti 4-bay NAS supports 2.5 and 3.5-inch drives. It includes two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching. The unit features Gigabit Ethernet at 2.5x speed and USB-C connectivity. It is a white, 3.5-inch form factor device. You should use this if you need flexible storage options and fast caching capabilities for your network.
Pros
- Dual M.2 NVMe SSD cache slots
- Gigabit Ethernet at 2.5x speed
- Supports 2.5 and 3.5-inch HDDs
- USB-C connectivity option
Cons
- Only includes 4 drive bays
- Lacks 10GbE or higher networking speed
- No mention of included drives
Good fit if
- You need NVMe SSD caching
- You want flexible drive size options
- You prefer a compact 4-bay design
Skip if
- You require more than 4 bays
- You need 10GbE networking
- You want pre-installed drives
Verdict: Ubiquiti UNAS-4-W 4-Bay NAS is a compact storage solution for users who value NVMe caching and flexible drive compatibility over higher capacity or faster networking.
Ubiquiti UNAS Pro 4 NAS
Best for: Users needing 10G speed and NVMe caching
View on Amazon: Ubiquiti UNAS Pro 4 NAS Affiliate link
The Ubiquiti UNAS Pro 4 is a 4-bay network-attached storage device designed for enterprise-class performance. It utilizes 3.5-inch SATA hard disk drives for high-capacity storage. The unit features M.2 NVMe SSD caching to accelerate data access. It includes a 10 Gigabit direct connection cable for high-speed networking. This setup suits users who need robust, scalable storage with fast cache support.
Pros
- Supports enterprise-class 3.5-inch SATA hard disk drives
- Features M.2 NVMe SSD caching for speed
- Includes 10 Gigabit direct connection cable
Cons
- Limited to 4 drive bays
- No mention of USB ports for local backups
- No mention of built-in Wi-Fi capabilities
Good fit if
- You need high-speed caching for frequent file access
- You require 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
- You prefer enterprise-class 3.5-inch drive support
Skip if
- You need more than 4 drive bays
- You require built-in wireless networking
- You need USB ports for direct peripheral connection
Verdict: The Ubiquiti UNAS Pro 4 fits users who prioritize 10 Gigabit speed and NVMe caching for their 3.5-inch SATA drives. It is a solid choice for small teams needing fast, reliable network storage.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Ubiquiti UNAS-4 White 4-Bay NAS | Ubiquiti UNAS Pro 4 NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4-Bay | not stated |
| Network Connectivity | Gigabit Ethernet | not stated |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2 slots | not stated |
| Form Factor | 3.5 Inch | not stated |
| Hardware Interface | M.2 NVMe | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 4-Bay | not stated |
| Color | White | not stated |
| Model | UNAS-4-W | UNAS Pro 4 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Ubiquiti UNAS-4 support 2.5-inch SSDs?
The product data does not explicitly state whether the UNAS-4 supports 2.5-inch drives. It lists the form factor as 3.5 Inch. You should verify drive compatibility in the official manual before purchasing smaller SSDs for this specific 4-bay unit.
What is the main difference between the UNAS-4 and the UNAS Pro 4?
The primary difference is network speed. The UNAS Pro 4 includes a 10 Gigabit direct connection cable for faster data transfer. The UNAS-4 is described as having flexible drive compatibility but lacks the specified 10G connectivity in the provided data.
Is the UNAS-4 suitable for users needing NVMe caching?
Yes, the UNAS-4 is explicitly recommended for users needing NVMe caching in a 4-bay unit. It includes an M.2 NVMe hardware interface, allowing you to install SSDs to cache data and improve overall system performance for your stored files.
Does the UNAS Pro 4 come with a network cable?
Yes, the UNAS Pro 4 includes a 10 Gigabit direct connection cable. This feature supports significantly higher data transfer speeds compared to standard connections, making it ideal for small teams that need fast and reliable network storage access.
Which model is better for small teams?
The UNAS Pro 4 is a solid choice for small teams. It prioritizes 10 Gigabit speed and NVMe caching for 3.5-inch SATA drives. This combination offers the fast, reliable network storage that team environments typically require for efficient data sharing and access.
Can I use the UNAS-4 for large file transfers?
The UNAS-4 is a compact storage solution focusing on NVMe caching and flexible drive compatibility. However, the data does not specify its network speed. For large file transfers, the UNAS Pro 4 is a better option due to its 10G connectivity.
What color is the Ubiquiti UNAS-4?
The Ubiquiti UNAS-4 is white. Its model number is UNAS-4-W. This compact design is intended for users who value NVMe caching and flexible drive compatibility over higher capacity or faster networking speeds in their home or office setup.