Ubiquiti

Ubiquiti UDM-SE Dream Machine Special Edition Router

4.8 (183 reviews)

The Ubiquiti UDM-SE combines a high-speed router, 8-port PoE switch, and security gateway into one powerful network appliance.

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Overview

The Ubiquiti Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE) is an all-in-one network appliance that brings enterprise-grade features into a form factor practical for advanced home networks and small-to-medium businesses. It functions simultaneously as a high-performance router with 3.5+ Gbps throughput, an integrated 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with PoE and PoE+ support, and a full UniFi security gateway. The inclusion of a 10G SFP+ port provides a high-speed connection for network-attached storage, additional switches, or compatible access points, while the 2.5 GbE RJ45 WAN port accommodates faster-than-gigabit ISP connections.

Storage is another distinguishing feature of the UDM-SE. A built-in 128 GB SSD handles the UniFi application suite and network configuration, and a dedicated 3.5-inch HDD bay lets users install a hard drive for UniFi Protect surveillance recordings without requiring a separate NVR. The 1.3-inch front-panel touchscreen provides quick access to network status and basic management, and the full UniFi application suite — including Network, Protect, Access, and Talk — runs natively on the device. For anyone already invested in or considering the UniFi ecosystem, the UDM-SE offers a compelling way to reduce hardware sprawl while maintaining granular control over routing, switching, security, and surveillance.

Key Features

UBIQUITI UNIFI DREAM MACHINE SPECIAL EDITION

Specifications

Brand
Ubiquiti
Model
UDM-SE
Routing Capacity
3.5+ Gbps
LAN Ports
8x GbE RJ45 (2 PoE+, 6 PoE)
WAN Port
1x 2.5 GbE RJ45
SFP+ Port
1x 10G SFP+
Built-in Storage
128 GB SSD
HDD Bay
3.5-inch
Display
1.3-inch touchscreen
Wireless Standard
802.11ac

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Consolidates router, security gateway, and 8-port PoE switch into a single appliance, reducing hardware clutter
  • 3.5+ Gbps routing capacity handles demanding multi-device environments
  • 10G SFP+ port provides high-speed uplink capability for future-proofing
  • Built-in 128 GB SSD and 3.5-inch HDD bay support on-device storage for UniFi Protect
  • 1.3-inch touchscreen offers quick network status checks without logging into software

👎 Cons

  • Requires commitment to the UniFi ecosystem for full feature access and management
  • No Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E built in — separate access points are needed for modern wireless coverage
  • Higher price point than standalone routers that lack the integrated switch and security features
  • The 2.5 GbE WAN port may bottleneck connections for users with faster ISP plans
  • Feature set and configuration depth can present a steep learning curve for networking beginners

Frequently Asked Questions

The UDM-SE has eight GbE RJ45 LAN ports — two support PoE+ and six support PoE — plus a 2.5 GbE RJ45 WAN port and one 10G SFP+ port.
Yes, it includes a 128 GB SSD and a 3.5-inch HDD bay so you can add additional storage for UniFi Protect camera recordings or other network data.
The UDM-SE supports routing speeds of 3.5 Gbps or higher, making it suitable for high-bandwidth environments.
The UDM-SE itself is primarily a wired router, switch, and security gateway. It supports 802.11ac wireless, but most deployments pair it with separate UniFi access points for full wireless coverage.
The 1.3-inch touchscreen provides at-a-glance network status information and basic management capabilities directly on the unit without needing to open a browser or app.