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Uniview and Ubiquiti are two of the most recognized security camera brands in the US. Both of these brands have an impressive catalog of cameras and other video surveillance devices such as video recorders, network switches, security software, and more.

In this comparison, we will talk about how these two brands came to be, along with comparing some of their well-known security camera devices.

Uniview vs Ubiquiti Overview

Uniview (also referred to as UNV) was founded in 2005. It was a Chinese-based company that originated in the Hangzhou province of China, thanks to the investments of Huawei, 3Com, and an American investment firm called Bain Capital. Currently, it is operating independently and has become an internationally recognized brand, competing with the likes of Dahua and Hikvision.

Uniview is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with an extensive inventory of security camera devices ranging from general-purpose PoE bullet-type cameras to specialized fisheye lens cameras, recorders, and even complete security system packages. On top of manufacturing their own, they also offer their services to other rebranders.

Uniview has a mix of NDAA compliant and non-compliant devices.

Ubiquity is a US-based company that was founded in 2003. They began manufacturing and selling network devices such as routers, servers, etc. After several years they decided to expand into video surveillance products as a means of expanding their UniFi ecosystem.

They offer a wide range of video surveillance devices ranging from conventional PoE cameras to high-end PTZ cameras. Also, since they are a US-based company, their devices are fully NDAA compliant.

Year Founded
2005
2003
Customer Focus
Business Leaning
Business Leaning
Aggregate App Reviews
3.4/5
4.5/5
Cloud Platform Name
-
None
Note: PoE & Coax cameras typically require a connected NVR, DVR or surveillance software package (like Blue Iris) to gain access to desktop, mobile or browser apps along with availing of Intelligent Video Surveillance (IVS) Features. The specs below are based on integration with the manufacturers recommended NVR / DVR.

Budget PoE Camera Head to Head

Key Differences

For our first comparison, we have the Uniview 5MP bullet-type camera versus Ubiquiti’s G3 Flex turret-style camera.

In terms of image quality and higher image resolution, the Uniview 5MP camera takes the cake. Its 5MP camera can record footage at 2880x1620 resolution and has 120dB True WDR integrated into its camera system.

Meanwhile, the Ubiquity G3 Flex can only record at 1080p resolution using a 2MP camera. For post-processing, it has an HDR sensor, which is not as efficient or responsive as True WDR.

Apart from that, the Uniview camera has full-color night vision (using lowlight sensors), MicroSD support, and waterproof IP67 housing. The Ubiquity camera has an inferior IPX4 rating with an NVR-only interface and basic infrared night vision.

Case Type(s)
Bullet
Turret
Price
Power Options
PoEDC Power
PoE
Resolution
5MP: 2880x1620
2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
Infrared
Storage Options
microSDNVRNAS
NVR
Interoperability
ONVIFRTSP
-
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
25fps
WDR
True WDR
Unsure
IP Rating
IP67
IPX4
Apps
AndroidiOS
AndroidiOS

Key Features in Common

Despite this glaring difference between these two budget PoE options, both cameras utilize a 1/2.7" image sensor with a fixed-focus lens.

They also have decent infrared night vision and built-in microphones for recording audio (that can be disabled via the software if necessary).

All things considered, the Uniview bullet-type camera might seem like the superior option, and for most applications, it is more versatile and reliable than the Ubiquiti G3 Flex.

However, the Ubiquiti camera is more compact and easy to install, thanks to its various mounting options. Also, it is the only viable option when adding cameras to an already existing UniFi ecosystem.

Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Data Transmission
PoE
PoE
Integrated Microphone
Yes
Yes
Two Way Audio
No
No
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
No
Image Sensor Size
1/2.7"
1/2.7"
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Spotlight
No
No
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No
Cloud Subscription
None
None

Mid-Range PoE Camera Head to Head

Key Differences

This comparison is among the mid-range PoE devices. For this, we have Uniview’s 4K turret-style security camera versus Ubiquiti’s G4 dome-style camera.

Even in this head-to-head, we can see that the Uniview counterpart has better cameras and post-processing features as the 4K turret security camera records at 3840x2160. (i.e., at 4K resolution.) On top of that, it has 120dB True WDR.

The Ubiquity camera records at 4MP (2688x1512) resolution, which is sort of a 2K-ish resolution. There is no mention of advanced post-processing features, so it’s safe to assume that this device does not come with 120dB True WDR.

However, the Ubiquity camera has human and vehicle detection features along with an IPX4 splash-resistant rating and IK08 impact rating. Meanwhile, the Uniview camera has a waterproof IP67 rating without any impact resistance rating.

Case Type(s)
Turret
Dome
Price
Power Options
PoEDC Power
PoE
Integrated Microphone
No
Yes
Two Way Audio
No
Yes
Resolution
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
4MP: 2688x1512
Storage Options
NVRFTP
NVR
Interoperability
ONVIFRTSP
-
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
24fps
WDR
True WDR
Unsure
Smart Motion Detection Features
-
Person DetectionVehicle Detection
IP Rating
IP67
IPX4
Apps
AndroidiOS
AndroidiOS

Key Features in Common

These security cameras can be installed both indoors and outdoors. (As long as the connections are not exposed to the elements.) They are both IP-based devices and strictly rely on PoE for power and data transmission.

Also, they both have fixed-focus lenses and rudimentary infrared night vision. Therefore, it’s apparent that neither of them includes full-color night vision either via spotlights or starlight sensors.

Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Data Transmission
PoE
PoE
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
No
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Night Vision Type
Infrared
Infrared
Spotlight
No
No
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No
Cloud Subscription
None
None

PTZ Head to Head

Key Differences

In the third comparison, we have Uniview’s 5MP PTZ camera versus Ubiquiti’s 8MP PTZ camera (The Ubiquity G4).

The image resolution and post-processing specs are something of a mixed bag here, with the Ubiquiti counterpart utilizing an 8MP camera to record crisp 4K footage at 3840x2160 resolution and the Uniview camera using a 5MP sensor to record at 2880x1620. (A 2K-ish maximum resolution).

Nonetheless, the Uniview camera has better post-processing features thanks to 120dB True WDR. The Ubiquiti PTZ camera (despite being a more premium alternative) has only multi-exposure HDR sensors.

The Uniview camera can carry out full-color night vision (using low-light sensors), and it supports MicroSD cards, NAS, and FTP.

In terms of PTZ functions, the Ubiquiti device can carry out 22x optical zooming on top of 345°panning and 110° tilting. (The Uniview camera can only perform 4x optical zoom along with the usual PT)

Price
Power Options
PoEDC Power
PoE
Integrated Microphone
Yes
No
Two Way Audio
Yes
No
Resolution
5MP: 2880x1620
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
Image Sensor Size
1/2.7"
1/1.8"
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
Infrared
Storage Options
microSDNVRNASFTP
NVR
Interoperability
ONVIFRTSP
-
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
24fps
WDR
True WDR
Digital WDR / HDR
Smart Motion Detection Features
Sound Detection
Person DetectionVehicle Detection
Optical Zoom Magnification
4x
22x
Apps
AndroidiOS
AndroidiOS

Key Features in Common

Both PTZ cameras are IP-based devices that use PoE as the only means of power and data transmission. Apart from that, they both utilize a similar type of motorized lens.

Also, both enclosures are rated at IP66; hence, they can be easily set up for most outdoor applications, as long as the cameras do not get fully submerged in water or snow.

Case Type(s)
PTZ
PTZ
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Data Transmission
PoE
PoE
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
No
Lens Type
Motorized
Motorized
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Spotlight
No
No
IP Rating
IP66
IP66
Motorized Pan Feature
Yes
Yes
Motorized Tilt Feature
Yes
Yes
Optical Zoom Feature
Yes
Yes
Cloud Subscription
None
None

Fisheye Head to Head

Key Differences

Our final comparison is between fisheye lens-type security cameras of each brand, namely the Uniview 12MP fisheye lens VS Ubiquiti’s AI 360. (5MP fisheye lens camera.)

Right off the gate, the Uniview fisheye camera seems like the superior option with its 12MP sensor and 4000x3000, IP66 rated enclosure, and MicroSD card integration.

However, this Uniview camera is relatively more expensive than its Ubiquity counterpart. Primarily because it lacks several motion detection features such as heat mapping, people counting, and person and vehicle detection. (Which the Ubiquity camera readily supports as long as you’re setting it up within the UniFi ecosystem.)

Price
Power Options
PoEDC Power
PoE
Resolution
12MP: 4000x3000
5MP: 1920x1920
Storage Options
microSDNVRNASFTP
NVR
Interoperability
ONVIFRTSP
RTSP
Max Supported Frame Rate
25fps
30fps
Smart Motion Detection Features
-
Person DetectionVehicle DetectionPeople CountingHeat Map
IP Rating
IP66
IPX4
Apps
AndroidiOS
AndroidiOS

Key Features in Common

In terms of similarities, there’s not a lot to go around. Both cameras are IP-based devices with PoE functionality. They have fixed-focus lenses and utilize the same digital WDR/HDR post-processing functions.

Apart from that, they support infrared night vision with varying IR distances. (The Uniview camera has a 10m IR distance while the Ubiquity device has a 100m IR range.)

Case Type(s)
Fisheye
Fisheye
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Data Transmission
PoE
PoE
Integrated Microphone
Yes
Yes
Two Way Audio
Yes
Yes
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
No
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Night Vision Type
Infrared
Infrared
Spotlight
No
No
WDR
Digital WDR / HDR
Digital WDR / HDR
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No
Cloud Subscription
None
None

The Uniview vs Ubiquiti Verdict

So that is our comparison between Uniview and Ubiquity security camera brands. Despite having the same first letter, the differences between their security cameras are as clear as night and day.

We’d go with Uniview because of their high-end cameras, third-party support, and relatively affordable price tag. Because of these features, Uniview cameras are the best choice for residential and SMB-sized (small-medium business) customers.

On the other hand, Ubiquiti devices are designed for a completely different customer base. They are better suited for federal organizations and large businesses. (That would employ Ubiquity to develop not only their video surveillance system, but also their wired and wireless network infrastructure as well.)

So, do you agree with our decision? Let us know in the comments.

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