UniFi UNAS 2 Review

Summary

The UniFi UNAZ 2 is an affordable, entry-level two-bay NAS designed for simple, plug-and-play storage. Priced at $199, it features 2.5GbE networking, optional PoE input, a quad-core ARM CPU, and 4GB of RAM. While performance is modest, it offers quiet operation, compact design, and flexible deployment options. The intuitive UniFi interface allows easy management of shares, users, snapshots, and backups, with support for SMB, Apple Time Machine, and NFS. Though it lacks hot-swapping, advanced monitoring, and encrypted storage on the non-pro model, the UNAZ 2 is ideal for existing UniFi users seeking reliable, turnkey storage solutions without high-end complexity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The UniFi UNAZ 2 is a compact, two-bay desktop NAS designed as an affordable entry-level solution, priced at $199.
• 😀 It supports 2.5 GbE Ethernet with PoE input, providing flexible deployment options within UniFi ecosystems.
• 😀 The device uses a quad-core 64-bit ARM processor with 4 GB fixed DDR4 memory, making it suitable for basic storage tasks but not for heavy containerization or advanced applications.
• 😀 The UNAZ 2 does not support hot-swapping of drives and has no M.2 slots, limiting expandability.
• 😀 Cooling is managed via a top-mounted fan and ventilated base, keeping temperatures generally manageable but reaching up to 80°C under heavy load.
• 😀 Noise levels are low (31–32 dBA idle, 35–38 dBA under load), though vibration can be noticeable due to the integrated drive cage.
• 😀 Performance benchmarks show adequate speeds for a 2-bay NAS: ~196–262 MB/s read and ~163–182 MB/s write, with Windows file transfer of 10 GB taking 4 minutes 37 seconds.
• 😀 The software UI is a single-pane, responsive interface offering storage management, snapshots, user access control, and backup options (local, cloud, and system configuration).
• 😀 Backup options are straightforward but lack advanced filtering; protocols supported include SMB, NFS, and Apple Time Machine, but no iSCSI support is available.
• 😀 Overall, the UNAZ 2 is ideal for plug-and-play storage, archival purposes, or secondary NAS usage, particularly for existing UniFi users, but it is not intended to replace high-performance NAS systems.

Q & A

What makes the UniFi NAS Pro different from other NAS systems on the market?

The UniFi NAS Pro stands out due to its user-friendly, UniFi-style interface that is familiar to users of other UniFi products, like switches and routers. It is designed to be an entry-level device with a straightforward setup process, targeting users looking for easy plug-and-play storage and backup solutions.

What are the two types of backups supported by the UniFi NAS Pro?

The UniFi NAS Pro supports two types of backups: system configuration backup, which saves the system settings for easy restoration, and data backup, which can be done locally to another network storage device or to cloud storage services like Google Drive.

Can you schedule backups on the UniFi NAS Pro?

Yes, the UniFi NAS Pro allows users to schedule backups. You can set up backups to occur at specific times, and the device will automatically back up selected folders to your chosen target (local storage or cloud).

Does the UniFi NAS Pro support advanced file filters during backups?

No, the UniFi NAS Pro does not currently support advanced file filters. For instance, it lacks the ability to exclude certain file types (e.g., large ISO files) from backups, which might be a limitation for some users.

How does the UniFi NAS Pro handle hardware resource management?

The UniFi NAS Pro provides basic monitoring of hardware resources, such as CPU and RAM utilization, but it lacks more advanced resource management features like network port bonding or detailed system resource controls, which may disappoint power users.

What is the backup target flexibility like on the UniFi NAS Pro?

The UniFi NAS Pro offers flexibility in terms of backup targets. You can back up data to another network-attached storage (NAS) device on your local network, cloud services like Google Drive, or even another UniFi NAS Pro device.

Can you enable SSH access on the UniFi NAS Pro?

Yes, you can enable SSH access on the UniFi NAS Pro. However, you will need to create SSH credentials for secure remote access to the device, which is useful for advanced users who need more control over the system.

What are the system configuration and backup features like for users with a UI.com account?

For users with a UI.com account, the UniFi NAS Pro allows easy backup and restoration of system configurations. This feature simplifies setup, as users can restore their previous configurations or download backups during initial setup, providing a reset point for customization.

Does the UniFi NAS Pro support hot-swapping of hard drives?

No, the UniFi NAS Pro does not support hot-swapping of hard drives. With only a single bay for two drives, you cannot replace drives without shutting down the device, which could be seen as a limitation for users who require more flexibility in drive management.

What is the overall market positioning of the UniFi NAS Pro?

The UniFi NAS Pro is positioned as an affordable, entry-level NAS device aimed at users who want simple storage and backup solutions. While it may not compete with higher-end systems like Synology or QNAP, its price point and ease of use make it an appealing choice for existing UniFi customers and those looking for basic NAS functionality.