UDM Pro Max or Enterprise Firewall: which UniFi solution fits your business?
Compare UniFi UDM Pro Max and Enterprise Firewall EFG: security throughput, ports, Protect and availability for Swiss businesses.
Both devices can provide the internet gateway for a UniFi network, but they have different priorities. Dream Machine Pro Max combines several UniFi applications in one device. Enterprise Firewall, model EFG, addresses larger networking requirements. Choose according to your connections and protection needs, rather than employee numbers alone.
Key differences
| Feature | Dream Machine Pro Max | Enterprise Firewall EFG |
|---|---|---|
| Applications listed by Ubiquiti | Network, Protect, Access, Talk and Connect | Network |
| Manufacturer IDS/IPS throughput | 5 Gbit/s | 12.5 Gbit/s |
| Fastest available network interfaces | 10G SFP+ | 25G SFP28 |
| Recording in the device | Two 3.5-inch NVR drive bays | Plan a separate Protect solution |
| Power supply | Internal PSU and additional DC backup input | Two hot-swappable PSUs |
Checked on 29 September 2026 against the UDM Pro Max specifications and EFG specifications. Throughput figures are manufacturer specifications, not guarantees for every configuration.
Port speed is not inspection throughput
A network interface may carry more traffic than the device can inspect with every protection feature enabled. IDS/IPS examines traffic for suspicious patterns, so its stated throughput is a separate planning figure.
Start with your internet connection speed and the security functions you actually need. Include VPN usage, other applications and internal traffic paths. A 10 Gbit/s port should not be interpreted as a promise of 10 Gbit/s under every combination of security checks.
Example: an office with networking and cameras
A business wants internet access, WiFi management and a modest Protect installation in one system. UDM Pro Max may be suitable because it supports Protect and includes NVR drive bays. Before choosing it, assess camera numbers, recording quality, retention and simultaneous usage.
This is an illustrative decision scenario, not a completed customer project. A separate recorder may also make sense for a small network when recording needs independent sizing or expansion.
Example: more demanding gateway requirements
Another site needs more capacity for inspected traffic and faster links to its distribution network. Assess EFG against those requirements. Its specification also lists SSL inspection; using that feature calls for deliberate configuration and application compatibility checks, rather than enabling it indiscriminately.
Availability depends on the complete design
A second power supply covers a different failure from a second gateway. Two internet connections do not replace a recovery plan for the devices behind them. Both specifications list Shadow Mode or VRRP gateway failover. Check suitable hardware, software versions, connections and failure testing for your intended design.
Agree what an acceptable interruption means: may internet access drop briefly, which applications must recover after a switchover, and who will test and document the result? Those answers define useful availability requirements.
Before requesting a quotation
- Record your internet connections and expected growth.
- Define segmentation, traffic inspection and VPN requirements.
- List additional UniFi applications, particularly video recording.
- Decide which power, internet and gateway failures need an alternative path.
- Include installation, maintenance and any additional subscriptions.
Irontec can help assess these choices through UniFi firewall and UDM planning. Compare the UDM Pro Max and Enterprise Firewall EFG product pages for further context. Website prices are indicative CHF figures; an exact quotation covers the agreed scope.
Sources and scope
Official specifications are linked above. Planning examples illustrate decisions and do not describe customer references or guaranteed performance.