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Uniview and Ubiquiti are two of the most recognized security camera brands in the US. Both brands have an impressive catalog of cameras and other video surveillance devices.

Uniview has become an internationally recognized brand. They currently compete with the likes of Dahua and Hikvision. Ubiquity is not far behind as it’s one of the top players in the US market.

  • Uniview is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). It has an extensive lineup of security cameras and associated devices.
  • Uniview also offers its services to other rebranders.
  • Uniview has a mix of NDAA-compliant and non-compliant devices.
  • Ubiquity also has a wide range of video surveillance devices. These devices range from general-use PoE to highly specialized PTZ cameras.
  • Since Ubiquity is an entirely US-based company, their devices are NDAA compliant.

Uniview vs Ubiquiti Security Cameras (2024) at a Glance

Budget PoE Camera Head to Head

Mid-Range PoE Camera Head to Head

PTZ Head to Head

Fisheye Head to Head

Uniview vs Ubiquiti Security Cameras (2024) 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.

Ubiquity is a US-based company founded in 2003. They began with network devices such as routers and servers. After several years, they expanded into video surveillance.

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
-
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
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
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No

Mid-Range PoE Camera Head to Head

Key Differences

Right off the bat, the Uniview camera is the better option for outdoor installations. This is simply due to the IP67-weathertight enclosure.

The Ubiquity camera is not as outdoor-friendly as it’s only got an IPX4-rated enclosure. However, it does have IK08 vandal resistance, just in case.

Also, the Uniview camera has better night vision performance. It can remain in color until illumination levels dip below 0.003 Lux. This is pretty impressive, especially compared to the Ubiquity camera.

However, the Ubiquity camera can carry out two-way communication. It adds an extra layer of deterrence and accessibility in certain situations.

Case Type(s)
Turret
Dome
Price
Power Options
PoEDC Power
PoE
Resolution
4MP: 2688x1520
4MP: 2688x1512
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
Infrared
Storage Options
microSDNASFTP
NVR
Interoperability
ONVIFRTSP
-
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person Detection
Person DetectionVehicle Detection
IP Rating
IP67
IPX4
Apps
AndroidiOS
AndroidiOS

Key Features in Common

Both cameras are IP-based devices. They strictly rely on PoE for power and data transmission.

The optical specs of both devices are also pretty much the same. They both rely on 4MP cameras recording at a maximum resolution of 2688x1520. However, the maximum frame rates can vary slightly.

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
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
No
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No

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
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
-
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
IP Rating
IP66
IP66
Motorized Pan Feature
Yes
Yes
Motorized Tilt Feature
Yes
Yes
Optical Zoom Feature
Yes
Yes

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
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
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
No
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Night Vision Type
Infrared
Infrared
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No

The Uniview vs Ubiquiti Security Cameras (2024) - 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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