UNVR vs. UNVR-Pro vs. ENVR: Which One is Right for You?

Hey there! I’m Juan David, Flytec’s Tech Support Lead and a UniFi Certified Trainer. If you’re trying to figure out which UniFi Network Video Recorder is best for your security system, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re setting up a small office, a large warehouse, or an enterprise-level surveillance network, choosing the right NVR is key to smooth video storage, security, and management.

Let’s break it down in simple terms and help you make the right choice.

Understanding the Differences

UNVR – The Starter Option for Small to Medium Setups

If you’re running a small business, retail store, or an office with up to 30 cameras, the UNVR is a solid choice. It’s compact (1U rack size), has four hard drive bays, which support RAID5 or RAID10 and can handle up to 60x Full HD, or 30x 2K cameras or 18x 4K cameras.

Additionally, ONVIF support allows integration with third-party cameras, making it a flexible option for users migrating from older surveillance systems. It also includes a 10G SFP+ uplink and a 1GbE port, providing solid network connectivity.

Real-Life Applications

• Retail Stores – Small security teams can monitor cash registers, store aisles, and entry points efficiently without overspending on storage.
• Small Offices – Business owners can keep an eye on their premises with a reliable and cost-effective NVR solution.
• Restaurants – Owners can review footage of key areas like kitchens, dining rooms, and payment counters without overwhelming their network.
• Residential Security – Homeowners looking to secure entry points, driveways, and backyards with a handful of cameras will find the UNVR sufficient.

While it’s a great entry point, keep in mind that storage is limited compared to the Pro and Enterprise versions. It works well if you need a simple, cost-effective NVR with UniFi Protect.

UNVR-Pro – More Storage, More Power, and a Touchscreen

If your setup is growing, then the UNVR-Pro is a great step up. It supports up to 70x Full HD, or 35x 2K cameras, or 24x 4K cameras and comes with seven hard drive bays, that’s nearly double the storage capacity of the standard UNVR.

A big plus? It has a 1.3” touchscreen, which makes managing and monitoring cameras easier. It’s still rack-mountable (2U size) and supports automatic RAID5 or RAID10 for redundancy, so your recordings stay safe even if a drive fails. Like the standard UNVR, it supports ONVIF cameras, allowing users to integrate third-party devices seamlessly.

Real-Life Applications

• Warehouses & Logistics Centers – With multiple entry and exit points, loading docks, and storage areas, the extra storage capacity ensures continuous recording.
• Hotels & Large Offices – Security teams can monitor multiple floors and common areas with high-quality video feeds.
• University Campuses – A step up for schools and colleges looking to secure large buildings, parking lots, and open spaces.
• Healthcare Facilities – Hospitals and clinics require 24/7 monitoring of key areas, and UNVR Pro ensures a secure and scalable solution.

Another reason to choose the UNVR-Pro is its faster response time and improved connectivity. If you’re using a UDM-Pro for video storage and have noticed lag or slow access times, upgrading to a dedicated NVR like the UNVR-Pro reduces CPU load on your network and improves overall system responsiveness.

ENVR – The Beast for Enterprise-Level Surveillance

If you’re running a big security operation with hundreds of cameras, the ENVR is what you need. This 3U rack-mounted powerhouse can handle up to 210 Full HD, or 140x 2K cameras or 70x 4K cameras. With 16 hard drive bays and support for RAID 5, RAID 6 (exclusive to ENVR), and RAID 10, it delivers maximum storage, making it perfect for enterprise campuses, city surveillance, or high-security facilities. Like the other UniFi NVRs, it also supports ONVIF cameras, making it a great option for businesses transitioning from existing surveillance systems. 

On the connectivity side, it has dual 10G SFP+ uplinks and a 10GbE RJ45 port, ensuring your network won’t bottleneck under heavy camera loads. Plus, it comes with hot-swappable redundant power supplies—because in enterprise setups, downtime is not an option.

Real-Life Applications

• City Surveillance & Smart Cities – Municipalities can monitor traffic, public spaces, and critical infrastructure with high-definition footage.
• Airports & Transportation Hubs – Security teams can manage vast networks of cameras covering terminals, runways, and baggage areas.
• Data Centers & Financial Institutions – The best choice for businesses that require maximum uptime, high data retention, and secure footage management.
• Shopping Malls & Stadiums – Large commercial venues require extensive coverage and long-term footage storage to ensure security.

The ENVR is ideal for enterprises needing the highest storage capacity, maximum redundancy.

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you need a reliable, cost-effective NVR for small to medium setups, go with UNVR. It supports RAID 5 and RAID 10 for data protection and can handle up to 60x FHD (or) 30x 2K (or) 18x 4K cameras.
• If you need more storage, better RAID redundancy, and a touchscreen, UNVR-Pro is the smart upgrade. It includes RAID 5 and RAID 10, offers seven hard drive bays, and supports up to 70x FHD (or) 35x 2K (or) 24x 4K cameras.
• If you're managing a large-scale deployment and require maximum storage and high availability, ENVR is the way to go. It provides RAID 6 support (not available on other UniFi NVRs), in addition to RAID 5 and RAID 10, sixteen hard drive bays, and can handle up to 210x FHD (or) 140x 2K (or) 70x 4K cameras.

Key Benefits of Upgrading to a Dedicated NVR

Many users start with a UDM-Pro for UniFi Protect but quickly realize its limitations when managing more than 10-15 cameras due to storage and CPU load. Upgrading to a dedicated NVR like UNVR, UNVR-Pro or ENVR allows:

• Faster video access (especially remotely)
• Reduced CPU load on the main network controller
• More scalable storage options
• Better data redundancy with RAID5, RAID6 (Exclusive to ENVR only) or RAID10 support
• Improved support for high-resolution 4K cameras

Still unsure? Contact Flytec Computers today, and we’ll help you find the perfect NVR to power your UniFi Protect system with confidence!