Ubiquiti isn't for everyone, but for digital tinkerers who want to get as much out of their router as possible, the company has a number of tools that aren't usually available on consumer devices. The Dream Router, which offers a security gateway, WiFi 6 access point and PoE ports, is one of those devices. It's not cheap, but if you're looking for the best home network hardware, it might be worth the money.
The Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine is a complete networking solution for your home. It offers a security gateway, cloud key, WiFi 6 access point and a switch in one device, and it's supported by the full UniFi Application Suite. Its UniFi controller software also makes it easy to monitor and manage all of the devices on your network.
Setup is a breeze. The Dream Machine works as a bridge to your existing ISP-provided router, so you just plug the WAN port into the ethernet cable that came with it and start using the app to control it.
It's also possible to use the Dream Machine as a standalone router, but you wouldn't be able to take advantage of all the features it has to offer. It's one of the most feature-rich routers you can buy, and that's mostly due to the fact that it's an enterprise-grade product. The only other comparable option is the AmpliFi HD, which is a great choice for most home users. It just doesn't have the same level of customization and extensibility that you'll find with a UniFi router.
