UniFi Dream Machine Pro

Quick verdict

The UDM-Pro is the heart of a UniFi network and, for Home Assistant, the controller that the local UniFi Network integration connects to. That makes it superb for local presence detection - every client device shows up as a tracker - while keeping data on your LAN. In Home Assistant this surfaces through the local UniFi Network integration as a monitored network device plus client device_tracker entities for presence detection. It is not monitoring-only either: the integration also exposes switches for WLANs, port forwarding, traffic rules, zone-based firewall policies and PoE ports, so Home Assistant can act on the network rather than just watch it.

Standout: Runs the UniFi Network controller itself, so it is the hub Home Assistant's local UniFi integration talks to for whole-home presence detection.

Notes last checked Jul 21, 2026.

Compatibility snapshot

Why it stands out

• All-in-one UniFi OS console: router, 8-port gigabit switch, 10G SFP+ WAN/LAN, and a 3.5in bay for UniFi Protect recording
• Acts as the UniFi Network controller, so Home Assistant's UniFi Network integration talks to it directly over the LAN (local push over a websocket, not polling)
• Excellent presence detection: every Wi-Fi/wired client becomes a device_tracker for arrival/departure automations

Reasons to hesitate

• Home Assistant needs a dedicated local-only UniFi OS account; Ubiquiti SSO cloud logins are not supported by the integration
• 1U rackmount form factor and fan noise; really wants a rack or shelf
• No native Apple/Google/Alexa story - this is networking gear, not a smart-home device

Best for

• Households that want a single UniFi console driving local device tracking in Home Assistant
• People already invested in UniFi switches and access points

Avoid if

• You only need a simple router and have no interest in UniFi's ecosystem
• You will not run the UniFi controller on your own LAN - the Home Assistant integration talks to a local controller, not Ubiquiti cloud

Privacy and local-control notes

The UniFi Network integration talks to your local UniFi OS controller over the LAN using a local-only account (Ubiquiti SSO cloud login is not supported). Device and client data, including presence detection, stays on your network.

Home Assistant support: supported · integration path: UniFi Network (local push over websocket from the UniFi OS controller; local user required).

Buying reality check

Price notes: Premium UniFi OS console (model UDM-Pro). Sold via the UniFi store; no recurring fees for Network. UniFi Protect needs your own HDD.

Compare side by side: see networking comparisons →

How to secure IoT devices on your network

Put IoT devices on their own VLAN, change defaults, monitor traffic, and find a rogue smart device on your network with your router, nmap, and Home Assistant.

Best hidden cameras detector app and network scan

Find hidden cameras with network scanning, physical sweeps, and Home Assistant device-presence monitoring on your local network.

Networking and presence detection in Home Assistant

How router and Wi-Fi based presence detection works in Home Assistant, the device_tracker options that actually hold up, and how to combine network presence.