Dream Machine vs. Cloudkey

When you're diving into the world of UniFi, you’ll quickly run into two popular devices: the UniFi Dream Machine (UDM) and the UniFi Cloud Key. Both are powerhouses in their own right, but they serve different needs.

Whether you're managing a home network or a small business setup, knowing the difference can make or break your network experience.

Let's Dive In!

Table of Contents

• What’s in the box?
• Let’s talk hardware
• Software: controller on-board or in the cloud?
• Ease of use
• Security Features
• Flexibility and Future-proofing
• Price Comparison
• Who should choose the dream machine?
• Who should choose the cloud key?
• Final Thoughts

What’s in the box?

Before getting into the weeds, let’s look at what each device offers right out of the box.

• The UniFi Dream Machine is a sleek, all-in-one device that combines several critical network functions. It’s got a UniFi controller, a security gateway, a managed switch, and a high-performance Wi-Fi access point.

• Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of networking. It’s designed for users who want everything in one neat package without the hassle of piecing together different network components.

• On the other hand, the Cloud Key is more of a management tool. It’s a small device that runs the UniFi Network Controller software, allowing you to manage your UniFi devices.

• It doesn’t provide Wi-Fi or act as a router—its primary role is to centralize network management, making it easier to control multiple UniFi devices from a single point.

Let’s talk hardware

The Dream Machine is beefier in terms of hardware.

• It’s got a built-in quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 16GB flash storage.
• The Wi-Fi on the Dream Machine is powered by a dual-band 4x4 MU-MIMO 802.11ac Wave 2 radio, meaning it can handle plenty of devices without breaking a sweat.
• This is perfect for small businesses or tech enthusiasts who want a reliable and robust setup.

The Cloud Key, especially the newer Gen2 and Gen2 Plus models, isn’t a slouch either.

• It comes with an octa-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and has a built-in battery for safe shutdown in case of power failure.
• The Gen2 Plus even has a 1TB hard drive for storing video footage if you’re running UniFi Protect.
• But remember, the Cloud Key doesn’t have Wi-Fi capabilities or a built-in router, so you’ll need other UniFi devices for your network needs.

Software: controller on-board or in the cloud?

One of the main differences between the Dream Machine and the Cloud Key is where the controller software lives.

With the Dream Machine, the controller is built right into the device.

• You can manage your network directly from the Dream Machine, which simplifies things if you don’t want to deal with additional hardware.
• It’s a seamless experience—plug it in, set it up, and you’re good to go.
• You won’t need to worry about hosting the UniFi Controller software on a separate device or in the cloud.

The Cloud Key, however, is essentially a dedicated UniFi controller that you can access from anywhere.

• It’s a great choice if you have multiple UniFi devices spread across different locations.
• You can host the controller locally on the Cloud Key, giving you a central point to manage everything.
• Plus, if you go for the Gen2 Plus, you also get UniFi Protect, which lets you manage your cameras and video storage.

Ease of use

When it comes to ease of use, the Dream Machine wins hands down for most people.

• It’s designed to be a simple, all-in-one solution for your network.
• The setup process is straightforward, and since everything is built into one device, there’s less to manage.
• This makes it an ideal choice for home users or small businesses that don’t need a super complex setup.

The Cloud Key, while not overly complicated, does require a bit more technical know-how.

• Since it’s just the controller, you’ll need to integrate it with other UniFi devices to get your network up and running.
• For those who are comfortable with networking, this isn’t a big deal.
• But if you’re looking for simplicity, the Dream Machine is the way to go.

Security Features

Both devices come with robust security features, but they approach it differently.

The Dream Machine includes a built-in security gateway that offers deep packet inspection, threat management, and firewall settings right out of the box.

• This makes it a solid choice for users who want a high level of security without having to configure separate devices.

The Cloud Key, on the other hand, doesn’t include a security gateway.

• You’ll need to pair it with a UniFi Security Gateway (USG) or a UniFi Dream Machine Pro if you want advanced security features.
• This setup is more modular, allowing you to customize your network security according to your needs. But it also means more devices and potentially more complexity.

Flexibility and Future-proofing

The Dream Machine is great for those who want an all-in-one solution with minimal fuss. It’s a solid device that can handle a home or small business network with ease.

• However, if you’re looking for something that can grow with you and offer more flexibility, the Cloud Key is the better option.
• It’s built to manage larger, more complex networks and can integrate with a wide range of UniFi devices.

Price Comparison

Price is always a factor. The Dream Machine is generally more expensive upfront, but it offers a lot of bang for your buck since it combines multiple devices into one.

• If you’re setting up a new network from scratch, the Dream Machine might actually save you money in the long run because you won’t need to buy a separate security gateway, switch, or access point.

The Cloud Key is cheaper, but remember, it’s just the controller.

• You’ll need to budget for additional devices like a security gateway, switches, and access points.
• However, this modular approach allows you to spread out your expenses over time and upgrade components as needed.

Who should choose the dream machine?

The Dream Machine is perfect for users who want simplicity and power in one package. If you’re setting up a home network or a small business that doesn’t need to scale up rapidly, the Dream Machine gives you everything you need. It’s also ideal if you prefer a plug-and-play solution without the hassle of managing multiple devices.

Who should choose the cloud key?

The Cloud Key is for those who need flexibility and scalability. If you’re managing multiple sites, have a larger network, or plan on expanding your network over time, the Cloud Key is the better choice. It’s also a great option if you want to integrate UniFi Protect for video surveillance or need a more customizable setup.

Final Thoughts

In the end, choosing between the Dream Machine and the Cloud Key comes down to your specific needs. If you want an all-in-one device that’s easy to set up and manage, go for the Dream Machine. But if you’re looking for something that can grow with your network and offers more flexibility, the Cloud Key is the way to go.

Both devices are excellent in their own right, and either one will serve you well depending on your situation. Just make sure to consider your current needs and future plans before making a decision.

And remember, at UniHosted, we’re here to help you with any questions you might have as you build and manage your UniFi network. Whether you choose the Dream Machine or the Cloud Key, we’ve got the expertise at UniFi Controller to help you get the most out of your setup. Feel free to reach out to us anytime!