Ubiquiti is finally making a play for home security outside its own walled garden. The company today launched the UniFi Network Video Recorder Instant (UNVR Instant), a standalone NVR designed to bring its powerful, locally-hosted UniFi Protect surveillance software to just about any home network. Priced at $199 for a base unit and $699 for a starter kit with four cameras, the UNVR Instant lets you build a sophisticated security system without having to first commit to Ubiquiti’s extensive (and often complex) networking ecosystem.
The gateway drug to UniFi Protect
For years, getting into Ubiquiti’s highly-regarded UniFi Protect platform meant buying into its broader UniFi ecosystem, usually starting with one of its Cloud Gateway routers. The UNVR Instant changes that. It’s a compact, consumer-friendly box that plugs into your existing network—whether you’re running a router from Asus, Netgear, or anyone else—and acts solely as a hub for UniFi cameras. This marks a significant shift from Ubiquiti’s previous NVRs, which were typically bulky, rack-mounted devices aimed at corporate installations.
All the ports and power you need (to start)
For its $199 asking price, the UNVR Instant is essentially a specialized mini-computer with a focus on surveillance. It packs six Gigabit PoE ports to directly power and connect up to six UniFi cameras, plus an additional Ethernet port to connect to your main network. Internally, a quad-core processor allows it to manage up to 15 HD, eight 2K, or six 4K cameras. For storage, it features a single 3.5-inch drive bay. While the $699 kit includes a basic 1TB hard drive—a capacity many will quickly outgrow—you can slot in your own standard SATA drive of any capacity. The device even includes an HDMI port for connecting a monitor for a live camera feed, a feature called Viewport.
Local control in a cloud-first world
Many modern home security cameras from brands like Arlo and Ring are excellent, but often lock essential features like smart alerts and video history behind a monthly subscription. Ubiquiti’s UniFi Protect operates on a different model: you buy the hardware, and the software and recordings are yours, stored locally with no recurring fees. The UNVR Instant brings this subscription-free philosophy to the mainstream, directly addressing a key reason people look to upgrade their aging security systems: gaining control over video storage and receiving smart alerts without being tethered to the cloud.
The UNVR Instant is available to buy today from Ubiquiti’s store for $199. The $699 kit option bundles the NVR with a 1TB hard drive and four of the company’s G5 Turret Ultra cameras, offering a complete, out-of-the-box surveillance system for those ready to ditch the monthly fees.
