Looking for a UniFi Cloud Console alternative

When managing your UniFi network, the UniFi Cloud Console is a popular choice. But let’s face it, it’s not always the best fit for everyone. Whether you’re running a small business, managing multiple networks, or just someone who likes having more control over your setup, you might be on the hunt for an alternative that suits your specific needs better.

Lucky for you, there are plenty of alternatives out there that might just be what you're looking for.

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🚨 Before we dive in, please don't self-host your UniFi Controller if you take care of client networks. Sooner or later this will cause issues! It's fine for home users, but definitely not recommended for IT service businesses and MSPs. If you want secure, reliable and a scalable hosting solution check out UniHosted.

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Table of Contents

• Why might you need a UniFi cloud console alternative?
• 1. HostiFi
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• 2. UniHosted
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• 3. Self-Hosting with VPS
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• 4. Cloud UniFi
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• 5. Hubox
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• 6. Free Alternatives
  • Running a UniFi Controller Locally:
  • Using the UniFi Network App:
• Final Thoughts

Why might you need a UniFi cloud console alternative?

First off, why would you even want to look for a UniFi Cloud Console alternative? After all, it’s pretty solid, right?

Sure, but there are some valid reasons why you might want to explore other options:

1. Cost: The UniFi Cloud Console, while powerful, isn’t the cheapest option. If you’re running a small network or you’re on a tight budget, those monthly fees can add up fast.

2. Customization: Sometimes, you just want more control. The UniFi Cloud Console is great, but it can be somewhat restrictive if you need specific customizations that it doesn’t support.

3. Complexity: Not everyone needs all the bells and whistles. If your setup is fairly simple, the UniFi Cloud Console might feel like overkill. You might prefer something simpler and more straightforward.

4. Vendor lock-in: Some folks prefer not to tie their network management to a single vendor. If that sounds like you, exploring other options might be a good idea.

Now that we’ve covered the why, let’s dive into some of the best alternatives out there.

1. HostiFi

Let’s start with HostiFi, one of the most well-known alternatives to the UniFi Cloud Console.

HostiFi is a managed cloud hosting service specifically designed for UniFi controllers, offering a fully hands-off experience.

If you like the idea of someone else handling the technical side of things—like updates, backups, and monitoring—HostiFi might be right up your alley.

Pros:

• Ease of use: HostiFi takes care of everything for you. It’s a breeze to set up and manage, even if you’re not a tech wizard.

• Support: Got a problem? HostiFi’s customer support is top-notch and ready to help you out.

• Reliability: With automatic updates and regular backups, you can rest easy knowing your network is in good hands.

Cons:

• Cost: At $99 per month, HostiFi isn’t cheap. If you’re running a small network, that price tag might be a bit steep.

• Limited customization: Since it’s a managed service, you won’t have as much control over the finer details compared to a self-hosted solution.

2. UniHosted

Next up is UniHosted, a newer player on the scene that offers a more affordable alternative to HostiFi.

UniHosted provides similar features, like automatic updates, backups, and 24/7 monitoring, but at a fraction of the cost. It’s designed with small businesses and home users in mind, making it a great option if you’re looking to save some cash.

Pros:

• Affordable: With prices starting at just $30 per month, UniHosted is much easier on the wallet.

• Pay-as-you-go: Only pay for the devices you actually use. This makes UniHosted a scalable solution that can grow with your network.

• Free tier: UniHosted offers a free plan for up to 5 devices, which is perfect if you’re just starting out or running a small setup.

Cons:

• Newer service: Being a newer service, UniHosted doesn’t have the long track record of some of the more established options.

• Less advanced features: While it covers the basics well, UniHosted might not have all the advanced features that power users might need.

3. Self-Hosting with VPS

If you’re the type who likes to roll up your sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty, self-hosting your UniFi controller on a VPS (Virtual Private Server) could be the perfect solution. This option gives you complete control over your setup, allowing you to customize everything to your exact needs.

Pros:

• Cost-effective: Depending on your needs, VPS hosting can be significantly cheaper than managed services, especially in the long run.

• Full control: You’re the boss. You decide when and how to update, configure, and manage your UniFi controller.

• Scalability: Need more resources? You can easily scale up your VPS as your network grows.

Cons:

• Technical expertise required: If you’re not comfortable with server management, this option might not be for you.

• Time-consuming: Managing your own server takes time and effort, especially when it comes to troubleshooting.

• No dedicated support: Unlike managed services, you’ll need to rely on your own skills (and maybe some community forums) to solve any issues.

4. Cloud UniFi

Cloud UniFi is another solid option if you’re looking for dedicated hosting for your UniFi controller. With servers located in both the US and Europe, Cloud UniFi provides reliable hosting with all the essential features you need to manage your network.

Pros:

• Geographical flexibility: Choose a server location that’s closest to your network for optimal performance.

• Dedicated hosting: Unlike some shared hosting options, Cloud UniFi gives you dedicated resources for your UniFi controller.

• Basic yet effective: It’s not overloaded with unnecessary features—just what you need to get the job done.

Cons:

• Limited information: There isn’t a ton of detailed info out there about Cloud UniFi, so it can be harder to gauge their reliability.

• No social presence: The lack of reviews and a community presence might make it difficult to verify the service’s reputation.

5. Hubox

Hubox is another option worth considering. They claim to manage over 3,000 clients, which suggests they have plenty of experience in the market. Hubox offers managed UniFi controllers with features similar to other services on this list.

Pros:

• Experienced: With a large client base, Hubox has experience in managing UniFi controllers at scale.

• Affordable: Like UniHosted, Hubox starts at $30 per month, making it a competitively priced option.

Cons:

• Lack of transparency: There’s limited information available about their service quality, making it difficult to assess their reliability.

• No community feedback: Like Cloud UniFi, Hubox doesn’t have a significant social or review presence.

6. Free Alternatives

If you’re on a tight budget or just looking for something free, there are a few options, though they come with certain limitations.

Running a UniFi Controller Locally:

• Cost: Free (except for hardware).

• Flexibility: Full control over your setup.

• Limitations: Requires dedicated hardware and technical know-how.

Using the UniFi Network App:

• Cost: Free.

• Flexibility: Limited but adequate for small setups.

• Limitations: Lacks advanced features and centralized management.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a rundown of some of the best UniFi Cloud Console alternatives.

The right choice for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and how much control you want over your network. If you’re looking for a managed solution with excellent support, HostiFi and UniHosted are both solid picks, with UniHosted being the more budget-friendly of the two. If you’re all about control and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, self-hosting on a VPS might be the way to go.

At the end of the day, the best alternative is the one that ticks all your boxes without over-complicating your setup or draining your budget. If you’re still unsure, start with a free or low-cost option and see how it works out for you. Remember, at UniHosted, we offer a free plan that allows you to test the waters before you dive in. So why not give it a shot? You might just find that it’s the perfect fit for your needs at UniFi Controller!

If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.