UniFi Hosting: What are your options?

The UniFi Controller is the central nervous system for managing and configuring UniFi devices. However, there are multiple ways to host your controller. There are a few options to pick from. In this article, we've outlined multiple options with both pros and cons. Hopefully this helps you in making a well-informed decision.

Let’s dive in!

Option	Best For	Cost	Setup Effort	Maintenance	Remote Access	Reliability	Scalability
Cloud Key	Home/single site	$$ (one-time)	🟠 Medium	🔴 High	🔴 Limited	🟠 Medium	🔴 Poor
Raspberry Pi	Tinkerers/home lab	$	🔴 High	🔴 High	🟠 Possible	🟠 Medium	🔴 Poor
AWS/DO VPS	Tech-savvy SMBs	$$	🔴 High	🔴 High	✅ Full	🟠 Medium	✅ Good
UniHosted	MSPs, multi-site	$ (starts free)	✅ None	✅ None	✅ Full	✅ High	✅ Excellent

Table of Contents

• Cloud Key Gen2 Plus
• Self Hosting
• Cloud hosting
• Managed cloud hosting
• Final Thoughts

Cloud Key Gen2 Plus

This seems to be an ideal solution for small businesses and home users. The Cloud Key Gen2 Plus offers a user-friendly solution (if it works). The problem with these devices is that the quality is not there yet.

In addition, it's a physical product with a local setup. If anything breaks, you need to be on-site to restore it. This is not ideal for IT service providers managing multiple clients and locations.

I would only advocate for using a cloud key if you are a home user looking for something convenient. Here is a more detailed comparison if you want to learn more.

❌ When to Avoid

• You manage more than one client
• You need remote troubleshooting
• You want automated backups or updates

Self Hosting

For those with technical knowledge and available resources, local hosting of the UniFi Controller on a computer on your workspace or server stack becomes a viable option.

While this method requires understanding patching and updating, it gives you greater control and is free. The downside is that it's tedious to install it, and you are responsible for updates, maintenance, and backups.

Issues such as unresolved security issues or long overdue firmware updates might creep in. Also, you'll be on the hook for everything else. This might a be a viable solution if you are technically schooled, although for MSPs I would not advice going the self-hosted route. You need to keep your client networks secure and up to date at all times.

❌ When to avoid

• You are managing multiple client networks
• You need remote troubleshooting
• You want automated backups and version updates

Cloud hosting

Hosting the UniFi Controller on cloud-based platforms like AWS, Azure, or DigitalOcean brings with it the advantages of flexibility and scalability. However, it also transfers the responsibility of server maintenance and security to the user.

As this system is directly connected to the internet, regular updates are necessary to maintain both the UniFi Controller and operating system. This option suits those proficient in server management and can commit time to regular updates.

The downside here is twofold: It's more expensive than self-hosting and you still need to dedicate time for updates, backups and maintenance.

❌ When to Avoid

• You manage more than one client
• You need a scalable solution that grows with you
• You want automated backups or updates

Managed cloud hosting

There are managed cloud hosting solutions for users that prefer a hands-off approach to UniFi Controller hosting. UniHosted is a UniFi cloud controller solution that lets you control your UniFi networks instantly. You can deploy a new controller in seconds, and UniHosted takes care of updates, maintenance, and running the server securely.

UniHosted removes the complexities of backend management and updates. If you are an MSP looking for scalability while maintaining reliability, this might be interesting.

Final Thoughts

The optimal hosting solution for your UniFi Controller heavily depends on your situation. If you are looking for a hands-off approach with scalability included, you might want to check out a managed solution like UniHosted.

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