Free tier
Free UniFi controller hosting
Yes. You can get free UniFi controller hosting with UniHosted's Free plan. It includes up to 5 UniFi devices on one site, hosted on a shared UniFi OS Server. No credit card required.
The free tier is for home networks, labs and trying UniHosted with your own equipment. It has no support or backups. Those limits matter when choosing where to run a client network.
What the free tier includes
- Up to 5 UniFi devices on one site.
- A site on a shared UniFi OS Server.
- Hosting without running a server yourself.
- Stable releases, rolled out before paid controllers after internal testing and stability confirmation.
The Free plan has no custom domain, backup import, backups, support or IP access control. When you upgrade to a paid plan, we help you migrate at no extra cost.
The main differences are the shared server, device limit, support, backups and update timing. Core provides a dedicated server with room for more devices and sites.
| Feature | Free plan | Core plan |
|---|---|---|
| UniFi devices | Up to 5 | Up to 125 |
| Hosting | Shared instance | Dedicated server |
| Sites | 1 | Unlimited |
| UniFi releases | Stable, rolled out first | Stable, after monitoring the Free rollout |
| Support | None | Email and chat |
| Custom domain | No | Yes |
| IP access control | No | Yes |
| Backups | No | Daily |
| Backup import | No | Yes |
See the current plans and pricing for billing options. If you're moving an existing network, our migration service is included with every paid plan.
See the current plans and pricing for billing options.
Who the free tier is for
Home users and home labs
A small home network or lab is a useful place to try the service. You can manage a handful of supported devices without maintaining a separate server.
Check our supported and unsupported devices before starting. The device limit alone does not establish whether your hardware is compatible.
MSPs evaluating UniHosted
Use your own equipment to evaluate the service before planning a client migration. For client networks, assess the support, release policy and hosting arrangement you need.
A paid plan provides a dedicated server and support. Core includes unlimited sites, so discuss your preferred client setup with us before deciding how many controllers you need. Our page on structuring client controllers covers the options.
Other ways to host UniFi
Our UniFi cloud controller guide explains how a hosted controller and device adoption work.
Self-hosting on your own hardware
You can use a compatible machine you already own. For a home lab, that can be a reasonable choice. Budget for electricity and time spent on updates, security patches, backups and monitoring.
If that machine goes offline, the hosted controller becomes unavailable until it is restored.
Cloud-provider offers
Before using a cloud provider's free allowance or trial, check the available resources against the software's current requirements. Also check the offer's duration, storage and network charges, and what happens when you exceed the allowance.
You still need to manage the installation, updates and recovery. A free allowance alone does not establish that a particular server can run UniFi OS Server.
Frequently asked questions
What counts toward the five-device limit?
Adopted UniFi network devices count toward the limit. Phones, laptops and other devices connected to your Wi-Fi do not. Check hardware compatibility separately before adopting a device.
Do I need a credit card?
No. You can start with the free tier without a credit card.
What if I need more than five devices?
Choose a paid plan. Core supports up to 125 devices and unlimited sites. We help you migrate to your paid plan at no extra cost. Contact us to plan the move.
Does the free tier use stable releases?
Yes. We test release candidates internally. After stability confirmation, updates reach the Free plan before paid controllers.
Final thoughts
For a home lab or an evaluation with your own equipment, the free tier gives you a place to start. For client networks, review the paid plans for managed UniFi hosting and the support you need. We're happy to help you choose.