Dream Machine vs. Dream Machine SE : A detailed comparison

If you’re in the market for a new UniFi router, you’ve probably come across the UniFi Dream Machine (UDM) and the Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE). Both are solid choices, but which one should you pick?

Let's Dive In!

What are we dealing with?
Performance and power
Ports and connectivity:
Features and software: what can they do?
Design and build: what’s on the outside?
Price and value: what’s the damage?
Use cases: which one is right for you?
Final thoughts

What are we dealing with?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's clear up what these devices are. The UniFi Dream Machine and the Dream Machine SE are all-in-one network solutions by Ubiquiti.

They combine a router, switch, security gateway, and access point, all in one sleek package. They’re designed to simplify networking for homes and small businesses without compromising on features or performance.

But while they might seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences. Let’s break them down.

Performance and power

Processor and RAM:

Both devices are equipped with powerful hardware.
The UDM and UDM-SE feature a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor and 4GB of RAM.
This means they’re both capable of handling demanding tasks, from running multiple VLANs to supporting a large number of connected devices.

Throughput:

Here’s where things start to differ slightly.
The UDM can handle up to 3.5 Gbps of aggregate throughput, while the UDM-SE can push it slightly further, with a maximum throughput of 3.6 Gbps.
While this difference might not seem massive, it’s worth noting if you’re planning to push your network to its limits.

Storage:

Storage is another area where the UDM-SE pulls ahead. The UDM comes with 16GB of onboard storage, which is fine for most users.
However, the UDM-SE takes it up a notch with a 128GB SSD.
This extra storage is particularly useful if you’re running UniFi Protect for video surveillance or if you need to store logs and backups directly on the device.

Ports and connectivity:

Ethernet Ports:

The UDM has a pretty standard setup, with one WAN port and four LAN ports.
This is enough for most home setups or small offices.
The UDM-SE, however, is designed for those who need a bit more flexibility. It comes with one WAN port, eight LAN ports, and a dedicated PoE port.
That’s a total of 10 Ethernet ports, which is a game-changer if you have a lot of wired devices.

Power over Ethernet (PoE):

The UDM-SE’s PoE port is a nice touch, allowing you to power devices like IP cameras or another access point directly from the router.
This can simplify your setup by reducing the need for extra power adapters.

SFP+ Port:

Both devices feature an SFP+ port for fiber connections, but the UDM-SE’s port is 10Gbps capable, while the UDM sticks with 1Gbps.
If you’re planning to use fiber, especially in a business environment, this could be a deciding factor.

Features and software: what can they do?

UniFi OS:

Both devices run UniFi OS, giving you access to all the same powerful software features, like network monitoring, DPI, and advanced security settings.
However, the UDM-SE has the advantage of running UniFi Protect out of the box, thanks to its larger storage capacity.
This makes it a better choice if you’re looking to integrate video surveillance into your network.

Controller:

The UniFi Controller is embedded in both devices, making it easy to manage your network from anywhere.
Both devices also support UniFi Network, Protect, Access, and Talk, but the UDM-SE’s extra storage and PoE capabilities give it a slight edge in handling more complex setups, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.

VPN and Security:

Both devices offer strong security features, including a built-in firewall, deep packet inspection (DPI), and VPN support.
The UDM-SE, however, has more advanced threat management features, which could be crucial for businesses that require high-level security.

Design and build: what’s on the outside?

Aesthetics:

Let’s be honest, both devices look pretty cool. The UDM has a sleek, cylindrical design that can easily fit into a modern home or office environment without being an eyesore.
The UDM-SE, on the other hand, is more functional in appearance. It’s a bit bulkier and designed to fit into a server rack, which might not be as aesthetically pleasing in a home environment but is ideal for business use.

Cooling:

Both devices are fan-cooled, but the UDM-SE’s design is optimized for rack-mount setups, making it more suitable for environments where cooling and airflow are more tightly controlled.
If you’re running a server room, this might be a key consideration.

Price and value: what’s the damage?

Price Tag:

The UDM is generally more affordable, which makes sense given its more basic feature set.
If you’re setting up a home network or a small office with standard needs, the UDM is likely all you’ll need, and it’s a great value.
The UDM-SE, on the other hand, is more expensive. But with that higher price comes a host of additional features – more ports, PoE, better storage, and advanced security options.
For small businesses or more demanding users, the extra investment might be well worth it.

Use cases: which one is right for you?

Home Users:

If you’re a home user, the UDM is probably the better option. It’s more than powerful enough to handle streaming, gaming, and general internet usage for a typical household.
Plus, its sleek design means it won’t look out of place in your living room.

Small Businesses:

For small businesses, especially those with multiple devices and more complex network needs, the UDM-SE is the better choice.
The extra ports, PoE, and enhanced security features make it a more versatile and future-proof option.

Tech Enthusiasts:

If you’re a tech enthusiast who loves tinkering with your network and pushing it to its limits, the UDM-SE is the device for you.
Its advanced features give you more room to experiment and expand.

Budget-Conscious Users:

If you’re on a budget but still want a reliable, all-in-one network solution, stick with the UDM.
It offers great performance and most of the features you’ll need, without the extra cost.

Final thoughts

So, which one should you go for? It really depends on your specific needs. The UniFi Dream Machine is a fantastic all-rounder, perfect for home use or small offices with standard requirements. But if you need more power, more ports, or advanced features like PoE and better storage, the Dream Machine SE is the way to go.

Remember, investing in the right device now can save you headaches down the road. Whether you choose the UDM or the UDM-SE, both will give you a reliable, powerful network setup that’s easy to manage and built to last.

At UniHosted, we host UniFi Controller in the cloud, making it easier for you to manage your UniFi devices, whether you’re using a UDM, UDM-SE, or any other UniFi product.If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.