Short Answer: A standard UniFi NVR (UNVR) supports up to 50 cameras, while the UniFi NVR Pro (UNVR Pro) handles up to 128 cameras. Actual capacity depends on storage configuration, camera resolution, recording settings (continuous vs. motion-triggered), and network bandwidth. For optimal performance, use HDDs rated for surveillance and adjust bitrate settings.
How Does Storage Configuration Impact Camera Limits?
Using four 16 TB HDDs in RAID 10 (32 TB usable) allows ~30 days of 4K footage for 50 cameras. For longer retention, use higher-capacity drives or enable motion-only recording. The UNVR Pro’s dual SSDs improve metadata handling, reducing latency in large deployments.
Storage configuration plays a critical role in balancing camera quantity and video retention periods. For example, using RAID 5 instead of RAID 10 increases usable storage by 25% but reduces write speeds. Surveillance-grade drives like WD Purple Pro offer optimized performance for 24/7 workloads, with error recovery controls to prevent data corruption. Users should also consider bitrate adjustments: lowering a 4K camera from 20 fps to 15 fps reduces storage consumption by 25% while maintaining acceptable image quality. For deployments requiring 90+ days of retention, combining 18 TB drives with motion-triggered recording can support 30–40 cameras without sacrificing historical data access.
| Drive Configuration | Usable Storage | 4K Camera Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 4x 8TB (RAID 10) | 16 TB | 25 cameras |
| 4x 16TB (RAID 5) | 48 TB | 75 cameras |
| 8x 16TB (RAID 6) | 96 TB | 128 cameras |
How Does UniFi NVR Compare to Other NVRs in Camera Support?
Compared to competitors:
- Synology Surveillance Station: Supports 100+ cameras but requires expensive licenses.
- Hikvision DS-9664NI-I8: Handles 128 cameras but lacks UniFi’s seamless Protect software integration.
- Blue Iris: Software-based, scalable but demands high-end PCs.
UniFi NVR distinguishes itself through tight integration with Ubiquiti’s ecosystem, allowing centralized management of cameras, switches, and access points. While Synology offers greater flexibility with third-party cameras, its licensing model adds $50–$100 per camera for advanced features. Hikvision’s hardware-centric approach provides robust ONVIF compatibility but requires manual configuration for motion zones and alerts. Blue Iris remains popular for DIY setups but lacks enterprise-grade redundancy features like dual power supplies or hot-swappable drives. For hybrid environments, UniFi’s UNVR Pro supports ONVIF cameras alongside native G4 models, though at reduced analytics capabilities compared to Ubiquiti-branded devices.
“While UniFi NVRs are cost-effective, enterprises should validate camera counts through load testing. We’ve seen 4K cameras at 30 fps consume 40% more resources than Ubiquiti’s estimates. Always allocate 20% extra storage for firmware updates and analytics.” — Security Infrastructure Consultant, NexGen Surveillance Solutions.
FAQ
- Can I mix 4K and 1080p cameras on one NVR?
- Yes, but calculate total storage needs using UniFi Protect’s Capacity Calculator.
- Does adding cameras beyond 50 slow the NVR?
- Beyond 50, the UNVR may experience delayed timeline scrubbing. Use the UNVR Pro for larger setups.
- Are there software limits on camera counts?
- Ubiquiti’s UniFi Protect software caps the UNVR at 50 and UNVR Pro at 128. Third-party firmware can bypass limits but isn’t recommended.