Beelink ME Pro NAS Review

The Beelink ME Pro is a 2-bay NAS-style mini PC that aims to deliver a full home or small office storage setup in a much smaller chassis than most traditional 2-bay systems. It is sold in 2 main versions, based on the Intel N95 or Intel N150, and both ship with pre-attached LPDDR5 memory and a bundled NVMe SSD as the system drive. Storage expansion is a mix of 2 SATA bays for 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives, plus 3 internal M.2 NVMe slots (1 running at PCIe 3.0 x2 and 2 running at PCIe 3.0 x1), and networking includes 5GbE plus 2.5GbE alongside WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4. This review is based on several weeks of use and a set of structured tests covering temperatures over extended uptime, noise in idle and active states, power draw across different drive and workload combinations, and storage and network performance over both HDD and NVMe, with additional notes on the system’s internal layout and the practical limitations that come from its compact design.

Beelink ME Pro NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The Beelink ME Pro is a very compact 2-bay NAS-style mini PC that combines 2 SATA bays with 3 M.2 NVMe slots and multi-gig connectivity, aiming to deliver a small footprint system without dropping features that are often reserved for larger enclosures. It is sold in N95 and N150 versions, both with pre-attached LPDDR5 memory (12GB or 16GB) and a bundled system SSD, and its internal layout uses 1 PCIe 3.0 x2 NVMe slot plus 2 PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, with 5GbE plus 2.5GbE Ethernet, WiFi 6, USB-C 10Gbps (with video output), HDMI 4K60, and a barrel-powered 120W PSU. In testing over extended uptime, external chassis temperatures stayed broadly in the mid-30C range with the rear around 38C, HDDs sat around 34C to 36C with modest 4TB drives installed, and NVMe temperatures rose sharply if the base thermal panel was removed, indicating the thermal pads and chassis contact are part of the cooling design and leaving no practical clearance for NVMe heatsinks. Noise in the tested setup remained in the mid-30 dBA range both at idle and under mixed access, power draw ranged from around 15W to 16W with no drives installed, 18W to 19W with only NVMe, about 22W to 23W with HDDs and NVMe idle, and peaked around 41W to 42W under a combined heavy workload. Performance was consistent with the hardware layout: HDD RAID1 throughput landed around 250MB/s to 267MB/s and will not saturate 5GbE, while NVMe could saturate the 5GbE link and internal testing showed about 1.5GB/s to 1.6GB/s reads and 1.1GB/s to 1.2GB/s writes on the PCIe 3.0 x2 slot, with the PCIe 3.0 x1 slots closer to roughly 830MB/s reads and 640MB/s to 670MB/s writes; media server use handled 4 simultaneous high bitrate 4K playback streams with CPU usage in the teens using Jellyfin. The main drawbacks are tied to the compact design choices: the RAM is not upgradeable, the chassis and storage fitting are very tight during installation, fan control outside BIOS was not straightforward in early testing, the NVMe slots are mixed speed by design, and the CPU options are closely spaced, meaning the upgrade decision is often about the bundled memory and SSD tier as much as the processor. Official messaging also says hot swapping is not supported, yet it worked during testing in a RAID1 scenario, suggesting a support-position limitation rather than a strict hardware block.

DESIGN - 9/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 8/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.2

PROS

Very compact footprint for a 2-bay NAS class system (166 x 121 x 112mm, metal chassis)
2x SATA bays (2.5-inch or 3.5-inch) plus 3x M.2 NVMe slots in the same enclosure
Multi-gig wired networking: 5GbE + 2.5GbE, plus WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4
Strong idle efficiency in testing with drives installed and idle (about 22W to 23W)
Noise stayed in the mid-30 dBA range in the tested HDD and NVMe configuration
NVMe performance is sufficient to saturate the 5GbE link, with the PCIe 3.0 x2 slot clearly faster than the x1 slots
Chassis thermal design appears effective under typical always-on use, with external temps broadly in the mid-30C range
Practical service access features: magnetic rear cover, base access for M.2, stored tool in the base, reset and CLR CMOS available

CONS

RAM is fixed (no SO-DIMM), so memory cannot be upgraded after purchase
Very tight internal tolerances make drive and bracket insertion less forgiving during installation and changes
Mixed NVMe slot speeds (1x PCIe 3.0 x2 and 2x PCIe 3.0 x1) and no 10GbE option

Beelink ME Pro NAS Review – Design & Storage

The ME Pro is built around an all-metal unibody chassis that prioritizes footprint over easy internal spacing. In physical terms it sits noticeably smaller than many mainstream 2-bay enclosures, and in my comparisons it looked roughly 20% to 25% smaller next to typical 2-bay units from brands like Synology and TerraMaster. The front panel styling leans into a speaker-like look, and it has been compared to a Marshall speaker design, which is likely intentional given the mesh and badge layout. Functionally, that front area is not a speaker, and the design choice is mostly about appearance and airflow rather than adding any front-facing audio hardware.

From a storage perspective, the ME Pro is a hybrid layout rather than a traditional “2-bay only” NAS. It supports 2 SATA bays for 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives, and Beelink positions it as supporting up to 30TB per SATA bay, giving a stated 60TB HDD ceiling. Alongside that, it has 3 internal M.2 NVMe slots with a stated 4TB per slot limit, which Beelink frames as up to 12TB of SSD capacity. Taken together, that is the basis for the commonly quoted 72TB maximum figure, although most buyers will treat that as an upper boundary rather than a typical real-world configuration due to drive cost and heat considerations.

The SATA bays are accessed from the rear by removing a magnetic cooling mesh cover, then sliding out the drive bracket assembly. The trays are screw-mounted rather than tool-less, and the manual specifies different screw types depending on whether you are installing 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives. In practice, it is possible to physically place a drive in a tray without fully fastening it, but the design clearly expects proper screw mounting for stability and vibration control. The device also includes silicone plugs intended to reduce vibration and protect the drives, and the overall bay system is designed to sit very flush once reassembled.

One unusual design detail is that each HDD tray includes a thermal pad intended to draw heat away from the drive’s underside. That is not common on many 2-bay systems, and it suggests Beelink is trying to compensate for the compact enclosure by using direct contact points for heat transfer. The tradeoff is that this design pushes the product toward precision fitting, and it aligns with the wider theme of the ME Pro being tightly engineered rather than roomy.

If you typically choose NAS hardware where drive swaps are quick and frequent, this approach will feel more like a compact appliance that expects occasional changes, not a platform designed around constant drive rotation.

The compact chassis also affects how storage installation feels in the hands. Because clearances are tight, inserting the drive bracket and getting everything seated can feel less smooth than on larger 2-bay boxes, even though it looks clean once it is in place. This tightness is likely part of how Beelink is managing airflow paths and vibration control in such a small enclosure, but it still means you have less margin for error during installation. Overall, the storage design is best described as space-efficient and deliberate, but it asks for patience during assembly and it rewards users who install drives once and leave the configuration largely unchanged.

Beelink ME Pro NAS Review – Internal Hardware

The ME Pro is sold in 2 CPU variants, based on Intel’s N95 or N150, both 4-core and 4-thread chips with integrated graphics. In practical NAS terms, these CPUs sit in the low power mini PC category rather than the heavier desktop class, so the platform is designed around efficiency and compact integration rather than raw compute headroom. In your testing and general use, that design target showed up as stable day-to-day responsiveness for typical NAS tasks, plus enough iGPU capability for common media server workloads when paired with the right software stack.

Memory is integrated rather than socketed. The configurations pair the N95 with 12GB LPDDR5 4800MHz and the N150 with 16GB LPDDR5 4800MHz, and there is no user-accessible SO-DIMM slot to expand it later. In the context of a small NAS, this matters less for basic file serving and backups, but it becomes more relevant if the device is expected to run multiple containers, heavier indexing, or virtual machines. Because the memory is fixed at purchase, the CPU choice is also effectively tied to your long-term memory ceiling.

Internally, the platform is constrained by limited PCIe resources, which affects how the storage and networking are wired. In the review you noted the CPU platform has 9 lanes available, and the device uses a split approach across its internal components rather than giving every subsystem the same bandwidth. The NVMe area reflects this most clearly, with 1 slot operating at PCIe 3.0 x2 while the other slots operate at PCIe 3.0 x1, which makes slot choice part of performance planning for any workload that leans heavily on NVMe. This lane budgeting also helps explain why the system lands at 5GbE plus 2.5GbE rather than a single 10GbE port, since 10GbE would typically add pressure to an already tight allocation.

Controller choices are mixed rather than uniform, and you called that out as unusual. The 5GbE port uses a Realtek RTL8126 controller and the 2.5GbE port uses an Intel i226-V controller, which is not a common pairing in the same chassis. On the storage side, the SATA side is handled by an ASMedia ASM2116 controller, and in your notes you referenced it operating on a PCIe 3.0 x1 link, which is still sufficient for 2 SATA bays in most real-world use. These choices are relevant for OS compatibility and driver maturity, particularly if the unit is being used with NAS focused platforms rather than the included Windows 11 installation.

Cooling is one of the main internal design decisions that enables the smaller enclosure. Instead of a traditional rear fan placed at the drive backplane, the system uses a CPU fan working with a vapor chamber arrangement, and airflow is routed so that it also passes over other internal heat sources rather than treating the CPU as a separate cooling zone. In your thermal testing, you observed that the front panel area ran warmer than the rest of the chassis due to the WiFi hardware placement, and you also saw a noticeable rise in NVMe temperatures when the base thermal panel was removed, which supports the idea that the chassis panels and pads are intended to be part of the heat management system. Power is delivered via a barrel connector using a 120W external PSU, which provides headroom for spin-up and load, but it also means this is not a USB-C powered design.

Beelink ME Pro NAS Review – Ports and Connections

Up front, the ME Pro keeps things simple: a power button and a single front-mounted USB port for quick access. This suits the NAS-first intent, where most interaction is remote, but it also sets expectations for local use. If you plan to attach multiple peripherals directly to the unit, you are quickly pushed toward using a hub or relying on network-based management rather than treating it like a conventional mini PC with generous front I/O.

Most connectivity is placed at the rear and along the base section of the chassis, which also helps keep cables routed in one direction when the unit is placed on a desk or shelf. Wired networking is split across 2 Ethernet ports, a 5GbE port and a 2.5GbE port, and the unit also includes WiFi 6 plus Bluetooth 5.4. That mix allows both a standard single-cable setup and more flexible layouts such as separating traffic across the 2 wired links, or keeping WiFi available for temporary placement, troubleshooting, or scenarios where pulling Ethernet is not straightforward.

For general external connectivity, the ME Pro includes a USB-C port rated at 10Gbps for data and it supports video output, but it is not used for power input. Power is delivered through a barrel connector and the unit ships with a 120W external PSU, which provides comfortable headroom and removes any questions around USB-C PD negotiation. Alongside USB-C, it includes 1 USB 3.2 port rated at 10Gbps and 2 USB 2.0 ports at 480Mbps, which covers basic keyboard, mouse, UPS signalling, or low bandwidth accessories, but it is still a small selection compared with many mini PCs.

For local display and basic audio, there is 1 HDMI output rated up to 4K 60Hz and a 3.5mm audio jack. The manual also calls out a reset hole and a CLR CMOS function, which is useful context for users who intend to experiment with different operating systems, boot media, or BIOS settings, since recovery options are clearly exposed rather than being hidden inside the chassis. Overall, the port selection feels intentionally weighted toward networking and core connectivity, with enough display and USB support for setup and troubleshooting, but not a layout aimed at heavy local peripheral use.

Beelink ME Pro NAS Review – Noise, Heat, Power and Speed Tests

Testing was done over several weeks of general use and targeted measurements, with a focus on temperatures, noise, power draw, and storage and network throughput. The typical configuration used for the core measurements included 2 SATA HDDs and 3 installed NVMe drives, with the system left running for extended periods and accessed regularly throughout the day. In addition to network file transfers, I also checked internal storage performance directly over SSH to separate storage limits from network limits.

On thermals, external chassis temperatures after a 24-hour period of operation with regular hourly access sat around 34C to 35C across most sides. The base area was a little warmer at roughly 34C to 38C, and the rear section around the motherboard and vapor chamber area was around 38C. The installed HDDs sat around 34C to 36C in that same period, using 4TB IronWolf drives, so not high power enterprise class media. The front panel area peaked higher than the rest of the enclosure, which aligned with the internal placement of the WiFi hardware near the front of the chassis.

The NVMe area showed the clearest example of how much the chassis panels and pads matter. With the base thermal panel in place, the panel itself sat around 36C over the same extended uptime. When that panel was removed, temperatures on the NVMe drives rose noticeably, with the PCIe 3.0 x2 slot drive reaching around 45C to 46C and the PCIe 3.0 x1 slot drives sitting around 38C to 41C. The difference suggested that the base panel and thermal pad contact are doing meaningful work as part of the heat path, and it also reinforces that there is no practical clearance for NVMe heatsinks in this chassis.

Noise levels were measured in a modest drive configuration, and they stayed in the mid-30 dBA range in the test environment. With the HDDs idle and the system otherwise sitting in standby, noise came in around 36 dBA to 37 dBA. With both HDDs being accessed simultaneously and NVMe activity occurring, it sat around 35 dBA to 38 dBA. The system uses a compact fan approach tied to the CPU cooling path, and one limitation I ran into is that I did not find a straightforward way to control the fan outside the BIOS during early testing, including attempts via SSH, which reduces fine tuning options for users who want tighter acoustics control.

Power consumption was tested in several stages to isolate the impact of installed storage. With no HDDs or NVMe installed and the system powered on, it drew around 15W to 16W. With 3 NVMe installed and no HDDs, it rose to around 18W to 19W. With 2 HDDs and 3 NVMe installed but all media idle, it sat around 22W to 23W.

Under a heavy combined workload with HDD and NVMe activity plus the CPU at full utilization, power draw reached around 41W to 42W, which reflects a worst case state rather than typical idle or light service operation.

For throughput, 2 HDDs in a RAID1 style setup were able to deliver around 250 MB/s to 267 MB/s, which is consistent with what you would expect from 2-bay HDD performance and means the HDD side will not saturate a 5GbE link.

NVMe storage over the 5GbE connection was able to reach full saturation of the network link in testing, so the network became the limiting factor rather than the SSD. Internal NVMe testing over SSH showed the expected split between slots, with the PCIe 3.0 x2 slot delivering roughly 1.5 GB/s to 1.6 GB/s reads and 1.1 GB/s to 1.2 GB/s writes, while the PCIe 3.0 x1 slots delivered around 830 MB/s to 835 MB/s reads and roughly 640 MB/s to 670 MB/s writes with more variability.

On media server use, 4 simultaneous high bitrate 4K playback streams ran with CPU usage in the teens, using Jellyfin. One extra operational note from testing is that while official messaging indicates hot swapping is not supported, I was able to remove and replace a drive in a RAID1 environment without powering down and continue the rebuild process, which suggests the limitation may be a support stance rather than an absolute hardware block.

Beelink ME Pro NAS Review – Conclusion & Verdict

The ME Pro’s main practical strengths are the space-efficient chassis, the combination of 2 SATA bays with 3 internal NVMe slots, and a connectivity set that includes 5GbE plus 2.5GbE and WiFi 6. In measured testing it delivered controlled external temperatures under typical always-on use, mid-30 dBA noise levels in the tested configuration, and power draw that stayed in the low-20W range at idle with drives installed, rising into the low-40W range under a full combined workload. Storage performance matched the internal design limits: HDD throughput was solid but not enough to saturate 5GbE, while NVMe performance split clearly between the PCIe 3.0 x2 slot and the PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, with the faster NVMe slot capable of saturating the 5GbE link in network transfers.

The main limitations are tied to the same compact, integrated approach that makes it unusual. Memory is fixed at purchase with no SO-DIMM upgrade path, NVMe cooling relies on chassis contact and leaves no clearance for heatsinks, and the lane allocation results in mixed NVMe slot speeds rather than uniform bandwidth across all 3 slots. The launch CPU options also remain close enough that the decision is often as much about bundled memory and SSD tier as it is about a clear performance tier shift. For buyers who want a small, always-on NAS with mixed SATA and NVMe storage, multi-gig networking, and reasonable thermals, noise, and power characteristics, the ME Pro aligns with that goal, but it is less suitable for users who expect frequent hardware changes, want expandability in RAM, or prefer a more conventional 10GbE-first network design.

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The Beelink ME Pro NAS – Should You Buy

After the surprising hit that was the Beelink ME Mini NAS in 2025, a lot of users were looking forward to seeing what the brand would do next in the NAS space. In January 2026, the brand responded with the launch of the Beelink ME Pro: an Intel N95/N150 powered system with DDR5 memory, 5GbE plus 2.5GbE connectivity, 2 SATA HDD bays, 3 M.2 NVMe bays, and one of the smallest physical footprints in this device class that I have seen. I have a full detailed review in progress on the ME Pro, but even after several days of use, several pros and cons have already emerged that may influence whether this is the right purchase for a homelab. While the review comes together, this article will outline the good, the bad, and the weird aspects of the Beelink ME Pro NAS.

Bonus Point: Really Nice Logistics Design

This is a minor point, but it is worth noting how the ME Pro arrives. The chassis box is unusually small for a 2-bay NAS, and at first glance it can look like the packaging contains little more than the unit itself. In practice, the accessory items are stored inside the drive bracket area in small internal boxes, which helps avoid loose parts moving around in transit and reduces wasted packaging volume.

The device also arrives with the M.2 thermal pads already positioned in place, so the initial storage installation process is more direct. It is not a major buying factor, but it is a practical packaging decision that avoids the excessive empty space and material waste that is common in this product category.

Reasons you Should Buy the Beelink ME Pro NAS

The ME Pro is positioned as a compact, high-connectivity 2-bay NAS that also provides NVMe expansion and local display capability, with hardware aimed at users who want more than basic file serving in a small footprint. It combines dual-port networking, integrated wireless connectivity, and multiple internal storage options in a chassis designed for straightforward access and cleaning, while also introducing a motherboard drawer concept that Beelink claims will support future platform upgrades. If those priorities match your setup goals, the ME Pro has several practical advantages that can justify its price and design choices.

#1 Man alive – this 2 Bay NAS is TINY!

The ME Pro’s most immediate differentiator is its physical footprint. The chassis measures 166 x 121 x 112mm and uses an all metal unibody design, which is notably smaller than most 2-bay NAS boxes that also include NVMe storage and dual network ports. In person it reads closer to a compact mini PC enclosure than a traditional NAS, and that difference matters if you are placing it on a crowded desk, a media shelf, or anywhere you are trying to keep cabling and hardware out of the way.

That compactness is not just cosmetic, it directly shapes how the hardware is arranged and how it feels to work with. Storage bays, the NVMe area, networking, and the cooling hardware are densely packed, so clearances are tight and the device is designed around precision fit rather than roomy access. The upside is that it is easy to place in small spaces without needing the usual NAS sized footprint. The tradeoff is that installations and maintenance are likely to feel more constrained than they would on a larger, more conventional 2-bay enclosure.

#2 Arrives with 5GbE and WiFi6, when everyone else is still on 2.5GbE

On networking, the ME Pro ships with 2 wired Ethernet ports and integrated wireless. The wired setup is a 5GbE Realtek RTL8126 port alongside a 2.5GbE Intel i226-V port, and the unit also includes WiFi 6 plus Bluetooth 5.4. For a compact 2-bay NAS, that is a broader mix of connectivity than the many systems that still top out at dual 2.5GbE, and it gives you more options for how the device fits into an existing home or small office network.

In practical terms, this provides flexibility rather than guaranteeing a specific performance outcome. A 5GbE port can be useful for faster transfers if you already have compatible switching or direct attach options, while the 2.5GbE port can serve as a secondary link for a different subnet, failover, or a separate device path depending on the OS and network configuration you choose. WiFi 6 is not a replacement for wired networking in a NAS role, but it can be relevant for temporary placement, initial setup, or use cases where running a cable is not straightforward, and the manual indicates the antenna is integrated into the front panel design rather than using an external antenna.

#3 Maintenance and Internal Access is a work of art!

The ME Pro is built around user access rather than treating the internals as a sealed appliance. The manual’s process is simple: remove the magnetic cooling mesh cover, unscrew and pull out the hard drive bracket, and use the bottom access panel to reach the M.2 slots. A screwdriver is stored in the base under a silicone pad, so the tool required for basic access is physically included with the device. The ports and recovery related features also acknowledge user servicing, with items like a reset hole and a CLR CMOS function shown in the manual.

In day to day handling, the layout is designed to slide out and reassemble in a specific order, and it generally supports the idea of quick cleaning and drive installation without full disassembly. At the same time, access relies on small screws and tight tolerances, so it is not a tool-less experience. In your first impressions, the mechanism for sliding the internal assembly out felt solid and precisely aligned, but you also noted that the included tool is very small and can be fiddly to use. The result is a design that prioritizes compact service access, but still expects careful handling during installation and maintenance.

#4 Great Base Memory Quantity at a time when RAM costs are BONKERS

From the start, the ME Pro is configured with either 12GB LPDDR5 4800MHz on the N95 models or 16GB LPDDR5 4800MHz on the N150 models, rather than shipping with a minimal memory pool that immediately pushes users toward an upgrade. In practical NAS use, that baseline capacity is relevant because it can influence how comfortably the system handles common add-ons such as containers, light virtualization, background indexing, and multiple concurrent services, depending on the operating system and workload. It also reduces the likelihood that memory becomes the first immediate bottleneck for typical home and small office setups.

The tradeoff is that this approach is linked to the way the memory is implemented. In your inspection of the unit, you noted there is no SO-DIMM slot and the RAM appears soldered to the board, which means users are effectively choosing their memory tier at purchase rather than treating it as a later upgrade (more on that in a bit). This makes the initial configuration choice more important, especially for buyers who already know they will run heavier applications or multiple VMs over time.

#5 Genuinely unique modularisation and upgradability in a pre-built solution, which I have ever seen

The ME Pro’s most unusual design claim is the swappable modular motherboard. Beelink markets the system as supporting interchangeable boards across Intel, AMD, and ARM options, using a drawer style layout intended to let the main compute board slide out rather than being permanently fixed inside the chassis. The product page frames this as a way to avoid replacing the entire enclosure when you want a different CPU platform, and instead treat the chassis, drive housing, and general structure as the long-term part of the purchase.

In practical terms, this concept will only matter if Beelink actually sells the alternative boards at sensible pricing and maintains availability over time, but the physical architecture appears to be built around the idea. Your first look showed a clear internal separation between the board assembly and the rest of the enclosure, and you also observed hints of planned scale-up hardware, such as layout markings that suggest different future storage or platform variants. For buyers who like the idea of extending a system’s usable life without a full rebuild, the ME Pro is one of the few pre-built NAS style devices currently trying to formalize that upgrade path rather than leaving it to a full case swap.

Reasons You Might Want to Skip the Beelink ME Pro NAS

The ME Pro’s compact design and connectivity focused feature set come with tradeoffs that will matter to some buyers more than others. Several of the core choices are linked together, meaning you get the small chassis, the storage density, and the modular drawer approach, but you also accept limits around upgrades, physical handling, and how the platform is configured from the factory. This is not a device where every part is meant to be user replaceable or easily swapped in the way a DIY small form factor build would be.

It is also worth treating the launch configuration and roadmap as part of the buying decision. The product is being introduced with very similar Intel CPU options and fixed memory tiers, while the company is already pointing toward future AMD and ARM variants and possible expanded layouts. For some buyers, that is a reason to wait until the wider range exists and the upgrade parts are actually available. For others, the current design constraints are enough to prefer a more conventional 2-bay NAS that is larger, simpler to work on, and has clearer long-term upgrade paths.

The RAM is FIXED (i.e cannot be upgraded or changed)!!!

The ME Pro uses LPDDR5 memory (12GB on the N95 models, 16GB on the N150 models), and based on the internal layout you inspected, there is no SO-DIMM slot for user upgrades. In other words, the memory appears to be soldered to the motherboard rather than installed as a replaceable module. That makes the initial purchase configuration more important than on many small NAS builds where memory can be upgraded later as needs change.

The practical impact shows up when your usage grows beyond basic file storage. If you plan to run multiple containers, heavier indexing tasks, or virtual machines, memory headroom can become a limiting factor long before CPU or network does, depending on the OS and services you deploy. With this platform, there is no simple path to increase RAM after purchase, so anyone unsure about future requirements may prefer a system with upgradeable memory, or may want to treat the 16GB model as the safer long-term option by default.

The design is so, so very tight!

The ME Pro’s small enclosure is achieved through very tight internal tolerances. That is visible in how the drive bracket, motherboard drawer area, and storage zones are packed together, and it influences the overall experience during installation and servicing. The system relies on screw mounting for drives rather than a click-in tray approach, and while the manual provides clear steps, the process assumes careful alignment rather than quick, tool-less handling. This level of precision fit is likely part of how Beelink is trying to control airflow and improve thermal transfer in a compact space, and it also aligns with their noise and vibration messaging around tightened mounting and silicone dampening.

In the first impressions, that tightness showed up most clearly when inserting and removing components. Slotting the hard drive bracket and drives could feel rough at times, with very little clearance to work with, and the internal assembly can require a firmer push to seat correctly. Even if the compact fit is helping with heat dissipation and vibration control, it remains a very tight build, and it is less forgiving if you are frequently swapping drives, testing different storage combinations, or repeatedly opening the chassis. The end result is a device that looks clean and flush when assembled, but can feel constrained during hands-on work compared with a larger enclosure with more physical margin.

Launching the N95 version and N150 version was an odd choice (i.e very similar processors)

At launch, the ME Pro is offered in N95 and N150 variants, and on paper these CPUs sit very close to each other. Both are 4-core, 4-thread Intel N-series parts with 6MB cache, and the headline frequency difference is modest: up to 3.4GHz on the N95 and up to 3.6GHz on the N150. For many NAS workloads that are constrained by storage or network throughput rather than CPU, this kind of gap may not translate into a clearly different experience, especially once real world thermal and power limits are applied.

This tight spacing makes the product stack less clear than it could be, because the pricing difference between the entry and higher tier configurations is not simply paying for a meaningfully different platform. In practice, buyers are also paying for the memory and SSD tier attached to each CPU option, and in your case the non-upgradeable memory makes that choice more permanent. If the goal is to segment the lineup, the N95 and N150 pairing may feel like a small step that leaves some users waiting for a more distinct higher performance option rather than choosing between two closely related CPUs. Given the noise that Beelink has made about this expanding range, that only further encourages some users who think these CPUs a little timid, to remain on the fence a bit longer….

There are other CPU/Architecture versions coming

As mentioned, Beelink is already signalling that the ME Pro chassis is intended to outlive the initial Intel configurations. The official product messaging highlights a swappable modular motherboard concept and explicitly references future boards beyond the current Intel N-series options, including AMD and ARM. In your first look, you also noted visible hints inside the unit that suggest the internal layout has been planned with other variants in mind, rather than being a one-off design limited to the launch hardware.

For buyers, this creates a timing question. If those alternative boards and models arrive soon, they may offer clearer performance separation, different feature priorities, or a better match for specific workloads. At the same time, the current purchase decision depends on what is available today, not what is promised, and the value of the modular approach only becomes real once the upgrade boards can actually be bought at reasonable pricing. Until the roadmap becomes a shipping product line, some users may prefer to wait, while others will simply evaluate the current N95 and N150 models on their own merits.

Mixed M.2 Speeds at PCIe 3.0 x2 and PCIe 3.0 x1? Was 10GbE and uniform lanes discussed instead?

The ME Pro’s 3 M.2 NVMe slots are not equal. Slot 1 is PCIe 3.0 x2, while slots 2 and 3 are PCIe 3.0 x1, and the manual specifically recommends using slot 1 for the system drive because it is the fastest slot. In practical terms, this creates a tiered NVMe layout where one drive has higher potential bandwidth than the other 2, which can influence how you plan cache, containers, VM storage, or scratch workloads. It also means peak NVMe performance depends heavily on which slot you choose, not just the SSD you buy.

That design choice raises an obvious tradeoff question: whether the platform would have been better served by a different allocation, such as keeping all 3 M.2 slots at PCIe 3.0 x1 in exchange for other connectivity, or prioritizing a different network tier such as 10GbE (though arguably, it might well have to sit at 3×1 and potentially be bottlenecked to 800-900MB/s, unless that lowered the m.2 to x2 bays). The ME Pro already includes 5GbE plus 2.5GbE, so the networking is not low end, but the mixed NVMe lane widths still make the storage side feel uneven by design. For a NAS focused build, the practical impact will depend on real testing: whether the internal topology causes contention under mixed loads, and whether the faster slot meaningfully benefits common tasks once network and SATA throughput are considered.

Conclusion & Verdict – Should You Buy the Beelink ME Pro NAS?

The Beelink ME Pro is a compact 2-bay NAS platform that combines SATA storage with 3 M.2 NVMe slots, dual wired networking, and integrated wireless in an enclosure that prioritizes density and internal access. It also introduces a modular motherboard drawer concept that, if supported with real upgrade boards over time, could change how long the chassis remains useful compared with typical pre-built NAS systems. As a hardware package, it is aimed at users who want high connectivity and mixed storage options without moving to a larger box.

At the same time, several of its main limitations are set at purchase and cannot be easily changed later. The memory appears fixed, the internal fit is very tight during drive and bracket handling, and the launch CPU options are closely spaced rather than clearly separated performance tiers. The NVMe layout is also mixed speed by design, which affects how you should plan drive placement and workloads. Whether these tradeoffs are acceptable depends largely on how much you value the enclosure size, the network ports, and the promised modular roadmap versus the more conventional upgrade flexibility of larger or more established NAS designs.

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UniFi UNAS – 1 Year Later. Should You Buy Now?

It has now been one full year since Ubiquiti made its formal debut in the NAS market with the launch of the UniFi UNAS Pro, a 7-bay rackmount storage system designed to integrate seamlessly within the existing UniFi ecosystem. At launch, the device was seen as a bold but limited step into a space traditionally dominated by established brands such as Synology and QNAP, focusing more on straightforward network storage than application-heavy server functions. Over the following twelve months, the company has steadily expanded the UNAS lineup and rolled out numerous firmware and software updates, refining its NAS operating system, UniFi Drive, and addressing user feedback gathered through real-world testing. From introducing multiple new RAID configurations, encryption, fan control, and USB backup capabilities, to expanding cloud backup support and improving system responsiveness, UniFi has demonstrated a consistent approach to building out the platform incrementally rather than replacing hardware prematurely. Today, the UNAS family includes five systems spanning both desktop and rackmount designs, with capacity options ranging from 2-bay PoE-powered units to 8-bay multi-10GbE solutions. Taken together, these changes illustrate a deliberate evolution of UniFi’s NAS portfolio from a proof of concept into a structured, multi-tier ecosystem with increasing competitiveness in the storage market.

Unifi UNAS, 1 Year Later – THE TL;DR:

In a rush and just want the cold facts? Here’s a clear TL;DR breakdown of all major UniFi UNAS product and software changes over the past 12 months, based entirely on your three video transcripts (3 months, 6 months, 1 year). It captures both software and hardware evolution, along with remaining limitations and future signals.

Initial Launch (UNAS Pro, Oct 2024)

• First UniFi NAS, priced at $499, 7-bay rackmount, ARM CPU, 10GbE networking.

• Marketed as “pure storage” for UniFi ecosystem integration, not an app-rich NAS.

• Praised for value, build quality, and easy setup.

• Criticized for missing features: iSCSI, RAID 6, multiple pools, containerization, USB ports, UniFi Protect integration, and limited cloud backup (Google Drive only).

• Early software lacked advanced admin control, backup management, and multi-user oversight.

• SMB performance and file integrity inconsistencies appeared during large data transfers.

• Frequent backend updates released in first quarter, addressing GUI layout, alignment, and minor stability fixes.

3-Month Mark (Jan 2025)

• Rapid patching cycle began: RAID 6 added, marking UniFi’s first major new feature.

• Ongoing bugs fixed in the Drive OS interface and file manager.

• Still missing key functionality like iSCSI and multiple pools.

• Admin-level restrictions persisted; super admins could not manage user backups.

• File browser inconsistencies fixed only partially (e.g., trash handling, SMB sync).

• Backups limited to other UNAS or Google Drive, no AWS or S3 options yet.

• Users frustrated by Safari bug (incomplete file downloads on iPhone, later acknowledged by UniFi).

• Performance still below expectations on large SMB transfers; memory leaks and “skipped file” issues noted.

• Despite flaws, praised for value and ongoing support rather than abandonment.

6-Month Mark (Apr 2025)

• Software maturity improving, most updates focused on stability rather than new features.

• RAID 6 officially released across all devices, with migration tools from RAID 5 + hot spare.

• New cloud backup options: Dropbox and OneDrive added.

• Admin control improved: super admins could now manage user backups and shared drives.

• File sharing responsiveness and accuracy improved significantly in the GUI.

• New file activity monitor added, showing per-folder change history.

• Apple Time Machine backups now officially supported.

• Fixed .exe execution issue when accessed via SMB.

• Ongoing quality-of-life improvements: faster interface, better consistency, fewer sync issues.

• Remaining issues:

  • Still no iSCSI, no fan control, no scheduled power management, and occasional temperature irregularities.

  • GUI bug showed 20,000 days uptime (fixed later).

• System temperatures remained high (~68–72°C CPU under light load), highlighting poor thermal automation.

• No new NAS hardware yet announced at this point.

1-Year Mark (Oct 2025)

• Major expansion: full UNAS lineup introduced.

  • UNAS 2: 2-bay PoE++ desktop ($199).

  • UNAS 4: 4-bay desktop with M.2 slots.

  • UNAS Pro 4: 1U rackmount, 4-bay, dual PSU support.

  • UNAS Pro 8: 8-bay, 3x10GbE ports, 2x M.2 slots ($799).

• Core software improvements across all models:

  • Multiple RAID levels and hot-spare support expanded.

  • Multiple pools and clustered RAID pools introduced (first time UniFi allowed split or mixed pools).

  • M.2 NVMe caching added on larger models (read/write caching only).

  • Encrypted volumes now supported and integrated into backup routines.

  • Fan control added, both manual and automatic.

  • USB-C mounting and backup support for desktop models (UNAS 2, UNAS 4).

  • Expanded cloud backup integration (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).

  • Snapshot performance improved, faster rollback and lower latency.

  • SMB and NFS protocols optimized for better throughput and reduced latency.

  • Improved admin tools for shared drives and user management.

Software Features Added/Improved in UniFi UNAS in 12 Months

In the twelve months since the release of the original UNAS Pro, UniFi Drive OS has developed from a relatively simple file server interface into a more complete NAS management platform. Early releases of the Drive software offered only basic storage creation and sharing options, limited to single-pool RAID 5 or mirror configurations with few administrative tools. Over time, multiple key features have been introduced, including support for RAID 6, multiple storage pools, clustered RAID pools, and hot spare functionality, each of which was implemented through system firmware updates and confirmed through beta and public release candidates. The platform now supports encrypted volumes, user-defined snapshots, and restoration features, offering greater resilience and improved recovery options after system events or accidental deletions. These updates collectively mark a notable improvement in fault tolerance and customization, allowing the UNAS range to better serve both small business and advanced home deployments that require multiple storage tiers or redundancy strategies.

Beyond storage structure, UniFi Drive has also introduced new tools for day-to-day administration and external connectivity. Cloud backup support has expanded to include Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive, replacing the early limitation to only local or UNAS-to-UNAS replication. Shared drive management now includes central administrative oversight, allowing super admins to configure and monitor user-level backup routines across all profiles. The graphical interface itself has become more responsive, adding a file activity monitor that provides timeline-based access logs for folders and files. Support for Apple Time Machine has been added, as well as improved handling of executable files via SMB, and overall network protocol efficiency has increased through back-end adjustments to Samba and NFS. With these refinements, UniFi Drive OS now feels less like an experimental branch and more like a unified part of the broader UniFi management ecosystem, with greater parity across its networking, surveillance, and storage products.

Hardware Products Added/Improved in UniFi UNAS in 12 Months

Since the launch of the original UniFi UNAS Pro in late 2024, Ubiquiti has expanded the UNAS product line into a full hardware family, each model tailored for different deployment scales and power requirements. The first expansion arrived with the compact UNAS 2, a two-bay desktop NAS powered by PoE++, marking the brand’s first use of Power-over-Ethernet as a primary power source for network storage. This device, built around a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 CPU and 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory, aimed to serve as a lightweight edge storage unit for small offices or UniFi network environments that rely on central power distribution. Its 2.5GbE connection and USB-C port (5 Gbps) provided moderate performance for local transfers and basic backup operations, while its non-hot-swappable dual-drive cage emphasized affordability over convenience. This smaller system demonstrated UniFi’s intent to create entry-level options that could still operate within their ecosystem while maintaining core integration with UniFi Drive OS and cloud management via ui.com.

The next step up in the product family is the UNAS 4, a four-bay desktop NAS that builds directly on the UNAS 2’s design but adds more flexibility. It retains the same ARM Cortex-A55 processor and 4 GB RAM, but introduces dual M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching or storage expansion and four 3.5-inch SATA bays for larger arrays. It still uses 2.5GbE with PoE+++ as its main power and data input, though at the time of writing, UniFi has not confirmed if the final retail version will include a secondary Ethernet port for redundancy or faster link aggregation. This model brings the UniFi storage ecosystem closer to small business-level performance, allowing for RAID 6 redundancy and improved cooling through a refined chassis design. While compact, the inclusion of NVMe caching and full integration into UniFi Drive 3.3 makes it a practical choice for users who want local storage with minimal cabling and higher data throughput.

At the higher end, the UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 extend the lineup into the rackmount segment, reinforcing UniFi’s move toward professional and enterprise environments. The UNAS Pro 4 adopts a 1U form factor, supporting four 3.5-inch SATA drives and two M.2 NVMe slots, while maintaining the same ARM Cortex-A57 CPU and 16 GB LPDDR4 memory as its larger sibling. It also supports dual hot-swappable PSUs for redundancy and arrives with improved thermal airflow optimized for data center racks. The flagship UNAS Pro 8 offers eight 3.5-inch bays, two rear M.2 NVMe bays, and three 10GbE ports (one RJ45 and two SFP+), making it the highest-performing UniFi NAS to date. The system consumes up to 200W under load, uses Btrfs as the primary file system, and integrates the most comprehensive cooling and failover options in the UniFi NAS lineup. Together, these models illustrate UniFi’s full-tier hardware strategy: from PoE-powered desktop storage to rackmount systems supporting multi-gigabit networking and dual redundant power.

Fixes, Changes and Improvements in UniFi UNAS in 12 Months

Over the past year, UniFi has steadily refined the UNAS operating environment, addressing a number of software and usability issues identified by early adopters of the original UNAS Pro. Many of these improvements were released through incremental firmware updates across both the Drive OS and UniFi Controller platforms. Among the most significant early fixes was the resolution of file handling inconsistencies between the built-in web file manager and SMB-based network access, which previously caused discrepancies when deleting or restoring data.

This issue, which affected synchronization between the NAS GUI and mapped network shares, has now been corrected. Similarly, early memory leak and permission errors during large-scale SMB transfers have been resolved through back-end optimization, reducing skipped files and improving overall data reliability. Updates to the system logs and storage integrity checks also brought clearer reporting of failed transfers and RAID rebuild activity, ensuring that users now receive consistent system notifications and warnings.

Another key focus for UniFi’s development team over the last twelve months has been user management, network integration, and environmental control. Earlier versions of Drive OS restricted backup operations to individual users, preventing the super admin from managing backups or schedules across the system. This has since been rectified, allowing full central backup management, while user permission hierarchies have been expanded to distinguish between local-only accounts, remote accounts, and enterprise identity-linked users.

Environmental improvements include the long-requested fan control interface, which gives users the option to manually adjust fan speeds or keep automatic control active depending on temperature thresholds. The addition of real-time thermal monitoring, more accurate CPU and drive temperature reporting, and improved resource graphs now make it easier to track system health. The Drive 3.3 release also introduced a refined GUI with more responsive dashboard elements, consistent data updates in the system console, and a correction to the long-standing uptime reporting bug that falsely displayed “20,000 days active.”

Missing Features and Planned Features in UniFi UNAS in the Next 12 Months

Despite significant progress since the launch of the original UNAS Pro, several key features are still missing from the UniFi Drive OS ecosystem. The most frequently requested addition from users continues to be iSCSI target and initiator support, a capability that would allow direct block-level storage mapping for virtual machines and professional applications. Its absence limits the UNAS series to traditional network file protocols such as SMB and NFS, which are less efficient for tasks requiring raw storage access or integration with virtualization platforms. Equally, the continued lack of RAID 0 support restricts high-performance users who are willing to trade redundancy for speed. While RAID 6 and clustered pools have been introduced, there is still no configuration option that prioritizes sequential throughput over redundancy. Another omission is a native UniFi Drive client tool for Windows, macOS, or Linux that would allow direct desktop synchronization, local file pinning, and on-demand streaming similar to Synology Drive or Dropbox. At present, users must rely on the web interface or manually mapped drives, which limits productivity and offline access.

Looking forward, UniFi has hinted through developer notes and recent firmware structure that the ENAS (Enterprise NAS) line will introduce ZFS file system support, marking a major shift toward high-end storage with data integrity and snapshot efficiency beyond Btrfs. This aligns with the observed trend of UniFi testing ZFS integration within their enterprise roadmap, possibly extending limited functionality to future revisions of the Pro 4 and Pro 8. The upcoming UniFi Drive 3.3 and 3.4 updates are also expected to expand fan and power scheduling, allowing users to define specific system on/off cycles and control Ethernet port activation schedules, effectively creating customizable air-gap routines. Additionally, UniFi’s roadmap includes exploring expansion connectivity, potentially leveraging unused 10GbE interfaces for network-based expansion enclosures or storage clustering between UNAS units. This would mirror the high-availability (HA) or expansion behavior of established NAS brands, though implemented entirely over the UniFi network layer.

UniFi is also expected to refine NVMe handling, particularly the ability to use installed M.2 drives as standalone storage pools rather than just as cache devices. The introduction of pool-level tiering and dynamic storage balancing could allow users to automatically assign workloads between SSD and HDD pools, improving I/O efficiency without manual adjustment. Beyond hardware-level improvements, there is ongoing demand for the integration of UniFi Protect within the NAS family, allowing video surveillance to run on the same physical storage units rather than on separate NVRs. Although UniFi has historically separated its Protect and Drive ecosystems, internal hardware similarities between the UNAS Pro and UNVR Pro systems suggest eventual compatibility is possible. Finally, more advanced backup filters, bandwidth scheduling, and automated snapshot policies are likely to appear in the next major OS iteration as part of UniFi’s effort to close the gap with traditional NAS brands while maintaining its minimalist network-first design approach.

Conclusion and Verdict – Is the UniFi UNAS Good Now?

One year after the launch of the original UniFi UNAS Pro, the UniFi NAS platform has evolved from a single experimental product into a diversified ecosystem that spans both desktop and rackmount storage. The introduction of the UNAS 2, UNAS 4, UNAS Pro 4, and UNAS Pro 8 demonstrates that Ubiquiti is committed to building a scalable product range capable of serving both home users and small business environments. On the software side, the development of UniFi Drive OS has been steady and deliberate, with a focus on improving reliability, expanding RAID options, and tightening cloud and local backup integration. These changes, combined with improved temperature management, admin-level control, and performance tuning for SMB and NFS, have resulted in a more mature and dependable NAS experience than the early versions from 2024. However, the range remains deliberately streamlined, prioritizing simplicity and ecosystem integration over third-party app support or virtualization features.

Looking ahead, the next phase of the UniFi NAS roadmap appears to focus on deeper enterprise integration and feature parity with long-standing NAS brands. The likely addition of iSCSI, ZFS, and network-based expansion options will determine how far UniFi can move beyond entry and mid-range use cases. The hardware continues to rely on ARM processors rather than x86, which reinforces UniFi’s focus on efficiency and security but limits advanced workloads such as containerization and VM hosting. Even so, the value proposition remains strong, particularly given the aggressive pricing across the entire UNAS range and its seamless compatibility with the existing UniFi infrastructure. Overall, UniFi’s NAS systems are no longer a novelty—they represent a serious and rapidly developing branch of the company’s portfolio that has gained stability, utility, and confidence within just one year.

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UniFi MASSIVELY Scale up their NAS Portfolio with the UNAS Pro 8, UNAS Pro 4, UNAS 4 and UNAS 2

Note, the UNAS Pro 2 is NOW LIVE on the UniFi Store . The UNAS 4, UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 are now in the site, but are not available till October.

Ubiquiti is preparing to significantly broaden its NAS product line in late 2025 with the introduction of four new systems under the UNAS branding. The new lineup follows the launch of the original UNAS Pro in 2024, which gained attention as a low-cost, seven-bay rackmount appliance that introduced UniFi into the NAS sector. With the release of the UNAS 2, UNAS 4, UNAS Pro 4, and UNAS Pro 8, the company is moving into what it describes as its “phase two” of NAS development, aiming to cover both desktop and rackmount form factors while integrating closely with the wider UniFi ecosystem. This expansion arrives at a time when established NAS vendors are tightening drive compatibility and raising prices, leaving a gap for alternatives that emphasise affordability, simplified deployment, and ecosystem consistency.

The UNAS Pro 8 NAS

4-Core ARM, 16GB RAM, 3x 10GbE, 8x SATA Bays, 2x M.2 Bays (trays required), Redundant PSU (2nd Sold Seperately) $799 – HERE

The UNAS Pro 8 will serve as the top-end model of the range, positioned in a 2U rackmount chassis and built to deliver higher capacity and redundancy. It features eight front-facing 2.5″/3.5″ SATA bays alongside two rear-mounted M.2 NVMe slots, accessible through modular trays.

The Pro 8 is powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor running at 1.7 GHz and paired with 16 GB of LPDDR4 memory. Unlike many entry-level ARM systems, the Pro 8 includes three 10-gigabit network interfaces: two SFP+ and one RJ45 supporting multi-gig speeds down to 100 MbE. Redundant hot-swappable 550W PSUs are supported, though only one is included by default, with seamless failover tested successfully under load.

The system uses SGCC steel for the enclosure, weighs 11.5 kg, and includes rack rails in the box, a detail rarely seen in turnkey solutions. Performance tests have demonstrated sequential reads close to 850 MB/s on HDDs in RAID 5, with expectations of saturating a 10GbE link when using SSDs or RAID 0.

The UNAS 2 NAS

4-Core ARM, 4GB RAM, 1X 2.5GbE PoE+++, 2x SATA Bays, Power Over Ethernet delivery (PoE+++ Adapter Included) $199 – HERE

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the UNAS 2, UniFi’s smallest NAS to date. This desktop unit measures just 13.5 x 12.9 x 22.37 cm and weighs 1.3 kg, with a polycarbonate chassis designed to keep cost and weight down.

The device supports two 3.5″ SATA drives housed in a shared tray, a design that requires both drives to be removed together and does not permit hot-swapping. This approach raises concerns about handling healthy drives during replacement but reduces the mechanical complexity of the system.

The UNAS 2 runs on a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 at 1.7 GHz with 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory. Networking is provided by a single 2.5 GbE RJ45 port, which also delivers PoE++ power, with a maximum system budget of 60W (52W for drives). A 60W PoE++ injector is included for users without a suitable switch. A 1.47-inch colour LCM display on the front provides status updates, though it is non-interactive. A USB-C port rated at 5 Gbps adds external storage capability, addressing an omission noted in the original UNAS Pro, but it does not support UPS integration or networking adapters.

The UNAS Pro 4 NAS

4-Core ARM, 16GB RAM, 10GbE, 4x SATA Bays, 2x M.2 Bays (trays required), Redundant PSU (2nd Sold Seperately) $499 – HERE

Between these two extremes sits the UNAS Pro 4, a 1U rackmount unit designed for users who want the resilience of redundant PSUs and NVMe support without committing to an eight-bay chassis.

It includes four SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots, sharing the same ARM Cortex-A57 CPU and 16 GB of memory as the Pro 8. Like its larger counterpart, it is built for rack environments where redundancy and compact form factor are key priorities.

While exact dimensions and weight have not yet been confirmed (with the UNAS 2 and UNAS Pro 8 being the main focus of this new launch), the design is expected to follow Ubiquiti’s established rackmount conventions. Its specification profile makes it an option for smaller businesses or branch offices that need rack integration but do not require the capacity of an eight-bay system.

The UNAS 4 NAS

4-Core ARM, 4GB RAM, 1X 2.5GbE PoE+++ (TBC), 4x SATA Bays, 2x M.2 Bays (trays required), Power Over Ethernet delivery (PoE+++ Adapter Included) $379 – HERE

The UNAS 4, meanwhile, extends the desktop line and mirrors the design philosophy of the UNAS 2 but doubles the bay count.

It provides four 3.5″ SATA bays along with two M.2 slots, making it the only desktop model in the range to support NVMe caching or tiered storage.

It retains the same ARM Cortex-A55 CPU and 4 GB of fixed memory as the UNAS 2, positioning it as a modest but slightly more versatile desktop option.

Like the smaller model, it uses PoE+++ for power delivery and 2.5 GbE for connectivity, though it remains unconfirmed whether it will also include a secondary network interface for failover or link aggregation. As with other desktop models, the chassis is constructed from polycarbonate, with compact dimensions intended for office or home use rather than data centre deployment.

UniFi Drive 3.3 Update?

Alongside the hardware announcements, UniFi will also release UniFi Drive 3.3, a major update to its NAS management software.

This version introduces expanded RAID configuration options, broader support for third-party cloud platforms, enhanced fan control, and improved analytical tools for monitoring system health and performance.

Snapshots and backups remain central features, with cloud and LAN targets supported, while the update also improves scheduling flexibility and introduces additional reporting features.

Although iSCSI remains absent, UniFi Drive continues to mature from the limited platform released with the first UNAS Pro, and the 3.3 update is expected to improve usability across the entire new range.

The introduction of these four models demonstrates Ubiquiti’s intent to build a full family of NAS solutions rather than rely on a single experimental release. By offering both rackmount and desktop systems at varying capacities, the company is positioning itself to compete more directly with established NAS vendors, albeit with a more streamlined and ecosystem-focused approach. The UNAS 2 and UNAS 4 are targeted primarily at existing UniFi users seeking simple storage that integrates seamlessly with PoE switches, while the Pro 4 and Pro 8 are built to appeal to businesses looking for redundancy, higher bay counts, and greater throughput. The use of ARM processors across the line reflects UniFi’s efficiency-first design, even though it places limits on heavy workloads such as virtualisation or multimedia transcoding.

Detailed performance reviews and comparisons of the new models are expected in the weeks ahead, assessing how each device performs within its target segment. Particular attention will focus on how the Pro units handle sustained 10GbE workloads with HDD and SSD configurations, how the PoE-driven desktop models cope with thermal and power constraints, and how UniFi Drive 3.3 stacks up against more mature operating systems. With Ubiquiti steadily fleshing out its NAS portfolio one year on from the first UNAS Pro, the company’s ability to deliver consistent updates and address early hardware and software limitations will determine whether it can establish a lasting position in the NAS market.

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We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you. Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which is used to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H. You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks! To find out more about how to support this advice service check HERE   If you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver   Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  

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The UniFi UNAS Pro 8 NAS Review – The Difficult 2nd Album…

Note, the UNAS Pro 2 is NOW LIVE on the UniFi Store . The UNAS 4, UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 are now in the site, but are not available till October.

The UniFi UNAS Pro 8 is the latest rackmount NAS in Ubiquiti’s gradually expanding storage lineup and serves as a direct successor to the UNAS Pro released in late 2024. That earlier seven-bay system introduced UniFi’s first attempt at a prosumer-class NAS with 10GbE connectivity and integration into the UniFi ecosystem, but it was limited in scope by its unusual drive count, absence of fan control, and lack of redundant power options. The Pro 8 addresses many of those concerns by standardising the layout to a full eight 3.5-inch bays, adding dedicated M.2 NVMe slots, and adopting a 2U rackmount form factor with hot-swappable dual power supplies. It also includes a set of rails in the box, something not always seen in turnkey solutions of this scale.

From a technical perspective, the UNAS Pro 8 remains anchored to an ARM-based architecture, employing a quad-core Cortex-A57 processor at 1.7 GHz paired with 16 GB of non-upgradeable memory. This positions it differently from x86 alternatives from Synology or QNAP, limiting its scope for high-end virtualisation or transcoding tasks but keeping overall efficiency high. Network expansion is one of its more striking features, with three 10GbE connections — two SFP+ and one copper port — included by default, offering redundancy and multi-channel potential well beyond the capacity of eight SATA drives. Taken together with the dedicated M.2 NVMe caching support and optional redundant PSUs, the Pro 8 represents an incremental but deliberate step forward in UniFi’s second phase of NAS development.

UniFi UNAS Pro 8 Review – Quick Conclusion

The UniFi UNAS Pro 8 is a clear refinement over the first-generation UNAS Pro, standardising the design to eight bays, introducing hot-swappable dual PSU support, and improving cooling and fan control, while also including rack rails for easier deployment. It delivers solid storage functionality with RAID up to level 6, clustered pools, snapshots, encryption, and read/write caching via NVMe modules, though the caching remains limited to automated policies and the required trays are sold separately. Networking is unusually strong for an eight-bay ARM system, with three 10GbE interfaces providing flexibility for aggregation or failover, even if the storage media is unlikely to saturate that bandwidth. Performance testing showed read speeds close to 850 MB/s in RAID 5 with HDDs, with lower write speeds reflecting the ARM Cortex-A57 processor’s constraints, and SSD arrays would likely achieve closer to 10GbE saturation. The operating system has matured but remains more streamlined than established platforms, with no iSCSI, limited protocol support, and basic backup tools, making it more suitable for straightforward file storage than advanced workloads. Ultimately, the Pro 8 fits best for users already invested in UniFi infrastructure or those seeking a rackmount NAS with strong connectivity and efficiency, but it is not yet a direct alternative to feature-rich solutions from long-standing NAS vendors. That said, if you want an incredible value and solid ‘storage-focused’ rackmount NAS solution – this might well be one of the best examples in 2025!

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 10/10

8.6

PROS

Multiple RAID Configurations supported, but also clustered RAID\'s and support of M.2 NVMes for Caching
M.2 Injection is unique, well thought out and easy to utilise for caching
THREE 10Gb/s PORTS (technically)! Kind of insane actually, for a 8x SATA drive machine
Dual PSU and Failover hugely welcome, after it\'s omission on the UNAS Pro 2024
16GB RAM out the box is a significant upgrade over the UNAS Pro from 2024
Benefits from almost a year of development of the UNAS Pro by UniFi, resulting in a much more complete solution in both hardware and software
Rackmount rails are included in the UNAS Pro 8 retail box, and are of a high quality
Exceptionally appealing price point
Supports complete network/local access if preferred, as well as full remote connectivity with the UI.com account and site manager services
Wide Hard Drives and SATA SSD Support (UniFi branded drives and those from 3rd parties such as Seagate Ironwolf, WD Red and Toshiba N300)
Ditto for the m.2 NVMe support, though you will need to m.2 adapter trays
Comprehensive network storage software in UniFi NAS OS and Drive.
Latest OS updates have included fan control, flexible RAID configurations, encrypted drive creation, customizable snapshots, more backup client choices/targets
\'Single Pane of Glass\' management and monitoring screen is very well presented!
One of the fastest to deploy turnkey NAS solutions I have ever personally used!

CONS

Lack of USB connectivity for convenient plug and share storage drives, network upgrades, 3rd party UPS support and more
Very modest base hardware, but understandable relative to the price
HDD injection is very unique, but prevents hot swapping
Still a lack of client applications native to the NAS services for Windows, Mac, Andoid and Linux
Shame about the LCD/LCM control panel being absent
M.2 NVMes are not usable for storage pools, just read/write caching - which is a shame, given the large network connectivity available here

You can buy the UniFi UNAS Pro 8 NAS via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

UniFi UNAS Pro 8 Review – Design & Storage

The UNAS Pro 8 adopts a 2U rackmount form factor, measuring 442.4 x 480 x 87.4 mm and weighing 11.5 kg. The enclosure is constructed from SGCC steel, giving it a sturdy industrial build aimed at rack deployments rather than desktop placement. The system ships with rack rails included, which is uncommon among turnkey NAS appliances in this class, reducing the need for additional accessories when integrating it into an existing rack setup. The front panel presents a uniform layout of eight drive bays, standardising the design over the previous model’s unconventional seven-bay configuration and providing a more predictable arrangement for enterprise or prosumer storage planning.

Each of the eight bays supports both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs, with tool-less trays supplied for ease of installation. Drives slot in securely with a lockable motion, though there is no key-based locking mechanism on the trays themselves, limiting physical access protection. Installation is simple, with trays accommodating both large-capacity HDDs and smaller SSDs through included screws for 2.5-inch drives. While the bays can be partially populated for smaller-scale deployments, the absence of an expansion chassis option means users must fully plan around the eight-bay limit from the outset.

Cooling has been reworked compared with the earlier UNAS Pro. The system now features multiple fans with improved airflow across the drive bays and system board, supplemented by passive ventilation at the front and central areas of the chassis. Fan control has been integrated into the management software, allowing administrators to adjust fan speeds dynamically, a feature missing from the 2024 model. This provides more direct management of system acoustics and thermal balance, which is important given that high-density SATA arrays can run warm under sustained load.

In addition to the primary SATA storage, the rear of the chassis houses two M.2 NVMe slots. These are integrated into removable tray modules with thermal pads and heatsinks designed to dissipate heat from 2280 or 22110 length SSDs. However, the trays are not included by default, requiring a separate purchase if users wish to install their own NVMe drives.

The implementation is mechanically well thought out, but functionally limited: the NVMe drives can currently only be used for read and write caching.

They cannot be assigned to storage pools or volumes, restricting their utility for users seeking to leverage them as a high-speed tier alongside the eight SATA bays.

From a capacity perspective, the eight 3.5-inch bays allow the use of large modern drives, with confirmed compatibility during testing with 30 TB Seagate IronWolf units as well as UniFi-branded re-labelled Western Digital drives. The total maximum capacity therefore depends on the drives chosen, but the system power budget allocates up to 175W for drives, sufficient to support a full complement of high-capacity HDDs.

In practice, UniFi recommends their own labelled drives but does not enforce vendor lock-in, leaving flexibility for users to select from available NAS-grade HDDs and SSDs on the market. This more open stance is in contrast to the drive validation policies adopted by some established NAS vendors, and it provides an important degree of freedom in deployment.

UniFi UNAS Pro 8 Review – Internal Hardware

At the core of the UNAS Pro 8 is an ARM-based processor, specifically a quad-core Cortex-A57 running at 1.7 GHz. This architecture is consistent with UniFi’s approach in the earlier UNAS Pro, prioritising efficiency and lower power draw over raw computational performance. The choice of an ARM SoC means the device is well-suited for file storage, backups, and network-attached services, but it does not provide the same level of support for virtualisation, multimedia transcoding, or container workloads that x86-based systems can deliver. For users considering this system, the hardware direction underlines its positioning as a straightforward storage platform rather than an all-purpose server.

Memory is supplied in the form of 16 GB of LPDDR4, which is soldered to the board and cannot be upgraded. This is a relatively high baseline for an ARM-powered NAS, offering enough headroom for multi-user file access, caching operations, and handling larger RAID arrays without memory saturation. The allocation proved sufficient during array synchronisation tests, though high memory utilisation was observed when building an eight-drive RAID. This suggests the hardware has been provisioned carefully to meet expected workloads, albeit without scope for user expansion if requirements increase later.

The operating system is stored internally on dedicated flash storage, reported within the software as 25.2 GB, likely provisioned as a 32 GB module with some over-provisioning. This design ensures that installed drives remain fully dedicated to storage and that the system can boot independently of the data array. Storage management supports multiple RAID levels up to RAID 6, as well as clustered RAID groupings, providing some flexibility for mixed drive sizes. Combined with hot-swap support and optional failover protection through dual PSUs, the hardware configuration strikes a balance between basic efficiency and the inclusion of some enterprise features.

UniFi UNAS Pro 8 Review – Connectivity & Throughput

The UNAS Pro 8 is equipped with three 10-gigabit network interfaces, consisting of two SFP+ 10G ports and one RJ45 10GbE port with multi-gigabit fallback to 5G, 2.5G, 1G, and 100 MbE. This level of connectivity is notable for a system limited to eight SATA bays, as even high-performance HDDs or SSDs in aggregate are unlikely to saturate more than a single 10GbE link under typical workloads.

While the inclusion of three ports may appear excessive, the arrangement allows for link aggregation, redundancy, and separation of traffic across multiple networks. In practice, this provides administrators flexibility in how the NAS integrates with existing switching hardware, though the real-world performance ceiling remains constrained by the storage media.

Power connectivity is handled through two hot-swappable AC/DC 550W power modules, though only one is included in the base configuration. Installing a second unit enables redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted operation in the event of PSU failure. Testing confirmed seamless failover when one module was removed during sustained read/write operations, with no observable disruption in data availability. However, the absence of USB or UPS integration ports limits external redundancy options, leaving users reliant solely on the dual-PSU configuration for power protection.

In terms of general I/O, the device is closed in design, with no USB ports, HDMI output, or PCIe expansion available. This reflects UniFi’s approach of positioning the system as a dedicated, self-contained appliance managed exclusively via network interfaces and the UniFi OS console. While this reduces versatility for use cases such as direct-attached backups or third-party hardware upgrades, it aligns with the brand’s ecosystem-driven philosophy.

Performance testing with eight 8TB drives in a RAID 5 configuration produced throughput in the region of 800–850 MB/s during sequential read operations. Write speeds were lower, reflecting both the RAID type and the limitations of the ARM Cortex-A57 processor, but still sufficient for multi-user file access and standard NAS workloads. Tests with larger 30TB Seagate IronWolf drives confirmed compatibility, though extended stress testing was not undertaken. With SATA SSDs or a RAID 0 array, the system would likely be capable of saturating a single 10GbE connection, though fully exploiting the three available ports remains unrealistic under the current hardware constraints.

The inclusion of two M.2 NVMe slots, limited to use as read/write cache, provides some performance enhancement. Caching can accelerate frequently accessed data reads or speed up ingest of new data before it is written to the HDD array. However, the caching mechanism is automated, with no user control over cache policies, and the NVMe drives cannot currently be used for storage pools. During operation, thermal imaging recorded SSD module temperatures in excess of 50°C, indicating adequate but stressed cooling under load. This reinforces the importance of active fan management, now included in UniFi’s updated software.

• Networking: 2 x 10G SFP+, 1 x 10GbE RJ45 (5G/2.5G/1G/100M supported)

• Power Supply: 2 x 550W hot-swappable AC/DC modules (1 included)

• Management: Ethernet and Bluetooth 4.1 setup/admin

• Other I/O: None (no USB, HDMI, or PCIe expansion)

• Drive Support: 8 x 2.5″/3.5″ SATA HDD/SSD, 2 x M.2 NVMe (cache only)

• Tested Performance: ~800–850 MB/s sequential reads (RAID 5, HDDs)

• Write Performance: Lower than reads, limited by ARM CPU overhead

• Cache Functionality: NVMe SSDs limited to automated read/write caching

UniFi UNAS Pro 8 Review – Software and Services

The UNAS Pro 8 runs on UniFi’s NAS management platform, designed to integrate with the broader UniFi ecosystem while remaining usable as a standalone system. Administration can be carried out through the UniFi OS console in a web browser or via the ui.com cloud portal, with optional remote access that can be enabled or disabled depending on security requirements.

The platform aims to provide a single interface for storage management, user access, and system monitoring. It is less feature-rich than mature alternatives such as Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, but it retains a streamlined design that prioritises ease of setup and centralised administration.

Storage management supports common RAID levels up to RAID 6, with the additional ability to cluster groups of drives into combined pools. Snapshots are available at the folder level, allowing users to roll back to earlier revisions of files. Encryption is supported, requiring a password to mount encrypted volumes after reboot, which ensures data protection in the event of device theft or unauthorised access.

NVMe SSDs can be assigned to caching, though as noted earlier, they cannot be added to storage pools. File access is available through SMB and NFS, but the range of supported protocols is narrower than on established NAS operating systems.

Backup functionality is split into two categories: system configuration backups and file-level backups. System configuration backups can be stored locally or uploaded to a ui.com account, allowing settings and structures to be restored to the same or another UniFi NAS device.

File-level backups extend to cloud services and other NAS units, with support for scheduled routines and basic rules such as overwrite or versioned backups. Cloud integration is functional but limited compared to established platforms, and external synchronisation features such as continuous sync or third-party plug-ins are not yet available.

User management is relatively straightforward, with the option to bind accounts to the wider UniFi ecosystem or create standalone local users. Access can be restricted to LAN-only connections, while two-factor authentication is available through UniFi’s identity and verification tools. At present, some advanced functions common to other platforms, such as iSCSI target creation or scheduled power management, remain absent.

The software continues to evolve, with updates adding features incrementally, but its current focus is on providing reliable core storage, backup, and access management rather than competing directly with the broad feature sets of long-established NAS vendors.

UniFi UNAS Pro 8 Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The UniFi UNAS Pro 8 represents a measured but important step forward compared with the earlier UNAS Pro model released in 2024. By moving to a uniform eight-bay arrangement, it avoids the odd seven-bay design that limited the practicality of the previous system and brings it in line with industry expectations for rackmount storage. The addition of dual hot-swappable power supply modules, though only one is supplied by default, introduces a level of redundancy that was absent in the earlier generation and proved reliable during testing with seamless failover. Improvements to cooling and fan control further distinguish it, with administrators now able to actively manage system noise and temperature rather than relying on fixed presets. UniFi has also bundled rack rails and a robust accessory kit, which simplifies installation and deployment. At the same time, the reliance on an ARM Cortex-A57 processor keeps the platform efficient but restricts its performance ceiling, limiting its suitability for high-throughput tasks such as large-scale virtualisation, multimedia transcoding, or environments where sustained multi-gigabyte per second throughput is essential.

On the software side, UniFi’s NAS operating system has matured since the first-generation release but still prioritises simplicity over feature breadth. The UNAS Pro 8 includes key storage capabilities such as RAID up to level 6, clustered pools, snapshots, encryption, and read/write caching via the rear-mounted NVMe modules. However, those same M.2 slots remain limited to caching only, and the trays required for installation must be purchased separately, which may be seen as an unnecessary barrier. Network protocol support is limited to common services such as SMB and NFS, with no iSCSI implementation, reducing its appeal for professional editing environments or enterprise applications that depend on block-level storage. Cloud and LAN backups are supported with basic scheduling and rules, but the absence of broader synchronisation features or third-party integration keeps it behind more mature platforms. The Pro 8 therefore delivers dependable core NAS functions but does not yet challenge the established ecosystems of Synology or QNAP. For organisations already invested in UniFi’s infrastructure or those requiring a straightforward rackmount storage system with multiple 10GbE connections, it offers a compelling option, but it remains best suited to use cases focused on file storage and backup rather than advanced workloads.

You can buy the UniFi UNAS Pro 8 NAS via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

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The UniFi UNAS 2 NAS Review – Value vs Scale

Note, the UNAS Pro 2 is NOW LIVE on the UniFi Store . The UNAS 4, UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 are now in the site, but are not available till October / Q4 2025

The UniFi UNAS 2 is a compact, entry-level two-bay desktop NAS introduced as part of Ubiquiti’s second phase of NAS development, following the debut of the UNAS Pro in 2024. That earlier seven-bay rackmount system was notable for its low $499 price and integrated 10GbE connectivity, but it had an unconventional design, limited fan control, and no support for USB expansion. By contrast, the UNAS 2 shifts away from rackmount hardware and into the desktop market, adopting a much smaller form factor and prioritising simplicity over raw performance. Measuring 13.5 x 12.9 x 22.37 cm and weighing only 1.3 kg, it is one of the smallest systems in the UniFi NAS range and is constructed from polycarbonate rather than steel, reinforcing its role as an affordable, lightweight device.

The hardware is designed primarily for modest storage requirements, supporting two 3.5-inch hard drives with a maximum combined power budget of 52W and an overall consumption ceiling of 60W. The device operates on a single 2.5 GbE RJ45 interface, which also functions as a PoE++ input, removing the need for a conventional power supply unit but requiring either a compatible PoE++ switch or the included 60W injector. This approach marks a clear departure from the UNAS Pro, which included a standard power connector and optional redundancy through additional PSU modules. In practice, the reliance on a single port for both power and data streamlines installation within UniFi networks, but it also introduces a single point of failure and reduces flexibility compared with larger systems.

UniFi UNAS 2 Review – Quick Conclusion

The UniFi UNAS 2 is a compact, entry-level NAS that prioritises simplicity and integration within the UniFi ecosystem over flexibility or raw performance. Its use of PoE++ for both power and connectivity makes installation straightforward in environments with compatible UniFi switches, but it introduces reliance on a single port and limits deployment outside that infrastructure, even with the included injector in the retail kit. The system supports two 3.5-inch drives in a shared non–hot-swappable tray, with RAID 1, or single-disk setups available, but there is no option for expansion or NVMe caching. Hardware consists of a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor with fixed 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory, which is efficient but imposes clear limits on throughput and application scope. Performance testing produced read speeds up to 260 MB/s and writes in the 160–180 MB/s range, sufficient for the 2.5 GbE interface but reflective of the modest hardware and thermal constraints, with CPU temperatures often approaching 80°C under load. Software provides a clean interface with snapshots, RAID tools, backups to other UniFi NAS or cloud services, and user management tied to UniFi identity, but features such as iSCSI, encryption, and granular backup rules are absent. As a result, the UNAS 2 is best suited as a secondary or edge storage device, particularly for UniFi users seeking easy integration, but it lacks the scalability and depth of established NAS platforms needed for primary or enterprise deployments.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 10/10

VALUE - 9/10

8.4

PROS

Benefits from almost a year of development of the UNAS Pro by UniFi, resulting in a much more complete solution in both hardware and software
Exceptionally appealing price point
Extremely low impact (power use, noise level, physical scale all great)
Introduction of USB C 5Gb/s Connectivity is very welcome
Supports complete network/local access if preferred, as well as full remote connectivity with the UI.com account and site manager services
Wide Hard Drives and SATA SSD Support (UniFi branded drives and those from 3rd parties such as Seagate Ironwolf, WD Red and Toshiba N300)
Comprehensive network storage software in UniFi NAS OS and Drive.
Latest OS updates have included fan control, flexible RAID configurations, encrypted drive creation, customizable snapshots, more backup client choices/targets
\'Single Pane of Glass\' management and monitoring screen is very well presented!
One of the fastest to deploy turnkey NAS solutions I have ever personally used!

CONS

Single network port, though not a dealbreaker (as this is still just 2x SATA throughput), is not great in terms of a network failover or in deployment of SATA SSDs
Choice of PoE deployment unusual and limits some deployments
USB C connectivity does not support network adapters, NAS expansions or 3rd party UPS devices
Very modest base hardware, but understandable relative to the price
HDD injection is very unique, but it prevents hot swapping
Still a lack of client applications native to the NAS services for Windows, Mac, Android and Linux

You can buy the UniFi UNAS 2 NAS via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

UniFi UNAS 2 Review – Design

The UNAS 2 adopts a small desktop form factor, measuring 135 x 129 x 223.7 mm and weighing 1.3 kg. Its enclosure is constructed from polycarbonate, which makes it lighter and less industrial than the steel-based rackmount models in UniFi’s NAS range. The compact build is suited for environments where space is limited, and it operates within an ambient temperature range of -5 to 40°C and a humidity tolerance of 10–90% non-condensing. With only two drive bays, the UNAS 2 positions itself as an edge device for simple storage and backup, rather than a primary data management system.

Drive installation is handled through a single removable cage that holds both 3.5-inch drives. Each drive clips into place using a shared tray design, with both units inserted in opposite orientations to align with the SATA connectors. While this arrangement is functional, it has some limitations.

There is no support for hot swapping, meaning the system must be powered down before drives can be replaced. Additionally, the shared cage design requires both drives to be handled together, which increases the risk of disturbing a healthy drive when removing or replacing a failed one.

Cooling is managed by a small fan located at the rear, supported by passive ventilation channels at the base of the unit. Air is drawn in from underneath and expelled from the top section, ensuring airflow across the drives and the system board. Thermal tests recorded CPU temperatures in the range of 75–80°C during higher utilisation, with the chassis surface reaching around 39–50°C depending on workload.

The fan is adjustable via UniFi’s management interface, offering a choice between balanced operation and higher cooling at the expense of noise.

Noise levels ranged from 31–32 dBA in idle to 35–38 dBA under load, influenced heavily by the vibration of installed drives.

At the front of the unit, UniFi has integrated a 1.47-inch colour LCM display for system information. This provides basic details such as network status, storage health, and system alerts, but it is not touchscreen and cannot be used for configuration.

The lack of interactive control means that most management tasks still need to be handled through the UniFi OS console. LED indicators are also present for system status, and a physical locking mechanism is built into the drive cage, preventing accidental removal.

From a storage perspective, the UNAS 2 supports a simple RAID configuration for two drives, namely RAID 1, in addition to single-disk setup. Given the limitations of two-bay devices, RAID 1 is the most practical option, prioritising data protection over capacity.

The system officially supports large-capacity HDDs, with tests confirming compatibility up to 30 TB drives. However, there is no expansion capability through additional enclosures, and the single USB-C port on the front is limited to attaching external drives for storage or backups. This means users are confined to the internal two-bay maximum, making long-term planning important for deployment.

UniFi UNAS 2 Review – Internal Hardware

The UNAS 2 is built around a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor clocked at 1.7 GHz. This CPU architecture is designed for efficiency rather than high computational output, which makes it suitable for low-power storage operations, but less capable for advanced workloads such as virtualisation, heavy encryption, or on-the-fly media transcoding.

During testing, CPU temperatures generally remained in the 75–80°C range under sustained use, dropping closer to 50–60°C when idle or under light activity. While these figures fall within operating limits, they reflect the modest cooling design of the enclosure and the limited thermal headroom of the ARM-based hardware.

The device includes 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory, which is soldered to the board and cannot be expanded. This fixed allocation is sufficient for handling RAID 1 synchronisation, snapshots, and standard multi-user file operations, but it sets a ceiling on the system’s multitasking capability.

Unlike larger UniFi NAS models that feature 16 GB of memory, the UNAS 2’s hardware is intended only for light to moderate workloads. Memory use during testing reached high utilisation during RAID synchronisation but did not exceed available capacity, suggesting that UniFi has provisioned enough for the intended use case, while keeping the system constrained to its role as an entry-level solution.

The operating system is stored internally and runs independently of the installed drives, leaving both bays available for data. This separation ensures that the system can still boot even if both drives are removed or replaced. Storage management is limited to the basic RAID levels supported by two-bay systems, and no M.2 NVMe slots are included for caching or tiered storage, a feature reserved for larger UniFi NAS models. As such, the internal hardware of the UNAS 2 reflects its role as a secondary or edge device, designed primarily for straightforward storage and backup within a UniFi-managed network.

UniFi UNAS 2 Review – Connectivity & Performance

The UNAS 2 relies on a single 2.5 GbE RJ45 port for both data and power, with PoE++ providing up to 60W of combined budget. This integration reduces cabling and eliminates the need for an external power brick, but it introduces a single point of failure. That said, the UNAS 2 retail kit DOES include a PoE mains adapter, so ultimately the end user does have the option of deploying in a traditional manner (though power and network connectivity are still funnelled into the same connector).

If the cable or port fails, both power and connectivity are lost. A 60W PoE++ injector is included in the package for users without a compatible PoE++ switch, but this approach remains less flexible than traditional dual-port NAS designs. There is no secondary network interface, Wi-Fi connectivity (rare in a system of this scale, but would allow for failover if it was), support of a USB network adapter or option for link aggregation, which makes the system dependent on one connection for all network and power needs.

In addition to the Ethernet port, the front of the device includes a USB-C interface rated at 5 Gbps. This provides the ability to attach external storage devices, enabling data import, backups, or temporary storage expansion. However, the USB port is limited to storage and does not support network adapters, UPS integration, or official expansion enclosures. While the addition of USB-C addresses one omission from the UNAS Pro, its functionality is constrained and focused solely on external drive access.

Network throughput reflects the limitations of a dual-drive ARM-based NAS. In testing with two 8TB HDDs in RAID 1, sequential read speeds reached around 260 MB/s, while write speeds varied between 160–180 MB/s depending on workload. Benchmarks such as AJA and CrystalDiskMark confirmed this pattern, with read performance consistently higher than write due to the processor’s handling of RAID and data caching. These figures make effective use of the 2.5 GbE interface but leave no capacity to challenge higher multi-gigabit standards.

Power consumption aligns with UniFi’s published specifications, averaging 16–17W in idle, 18–20W during light activity, and 23–24W under heavier use. Peak usage during sustained transfers with RAID synchronisation reached approximately 25W, well below the 60W ceiling. Thermal monitoring showed the CPU rising toward 79–80°C under stress, though the chassis fan helped bring temperatures back into the 50–60°C range once load reduced. These results indicate that while the system operates within its defined limits, sustained workloads push the ARM processor and cooling system close to their maximum operating range.

Noise levels were modest, with idle operation producing around 31–32 dBA and workloads raising this to 35–38 dBA. The shared dual-drive cage design contributed to additional vibration, particularly when placed on a hard surface. Rubberised feet help dampen this effect, but vibration noise was noticeably reduced when the device was placed on softer material such as foam. Overall, while the system remains relatively quiet, its acoustic profile is closely tied to the drives selected and the surface it rests on.

• Network Interface: 1 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 (PoE++)

• USB Ports: 1 x USB-C (5 Gbps, storage only)

• PoE Power Budget: 60W (52W available for drives)

• Power Supply: 60W PoE++ injector included

• Max Consumption: 60W (typical 16–25W during use)

• Tested Performance: ~260 MB/s reads, 160–180 MB/s writes (RAID 1, HDDs)

• Noise Levels: 31–32 dBA idle, up to 38 dBA under load

• Temperature Range (Observed): 75–80°C CPU under stress, 50–60°C idle/light use

UniFi UNAS 2 Review – Software and Services

The UNAS 2 runs on UniFi’s NAS management platform, which follows the same single-pane-of-glass interface design seen in the UNAS Pro and UNAS Pro 8. Administration is carried out via a web browser or through a ui.com account, with the option to disable cloud access and operate the system entirely on a local network.

The interface consolidates system status, storage health, user accounts, and backup management into one dashboard. While straightforward to use, it does not provide the same level of customisation or feature depth offered by longer-established NAS operating systems such as Synology DSM or QNAP QTS.

Storage management is limited by the two-bay architecture. Users can create RAID 1 volumes, or operate drives independently. Drive health monitoring, temperature reporting, and snapshot scheduling are all included, allowing basic resilience and file recovery options.

Snapshots can be created and managed at the folder level, with the ability to lock snapshots to prevent deletion. Encryption, however, does not appear to be available on the UNAS 2, in contrast to larger UniFi NAS models where encrypted volumes are supported.

Backup functionality includes both system configuration and file-level options. Configuration backups can be stored locally or uploaded to a ui.com account, allowing the system to be restored quickly if reset or replaced. File-level backups extend to other UniFi NAS systems and selected cloud services, including Google Drive, with scheduling available for automation.

Local LAN backups to other storage devices via SMB are also supported, though filtering and exclusion rules are limited. The system is therefore capable of basic backup routines but lacks the more granular tools available on competing platforms.

User and access management is integrated into the UniFi ecosystem. Administrators can create local accounts or bind accounts to UniFi’s identity services, with two-factor authentication supported via the UniFi Verify app.

Permissions can be set at the folder level, and users can be restricted to LAN-only access if required. Supported protocols include SMB and NFS, but there is no iSCSI target functionality, limiting its application in virtualisation or editing workflows.

The software also includes fan control and system monitoring tools, but resource reporting is basic, with only CPU and memory utilisation graphs available.

Overall, the software reflects UniFi’s effort to balance simplicity with integration, but it remains less comprehensive than that of established NAS vendors.

UniFi UNAS 2 Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The UniFi UNAS 2 is presented as a compact and affordable two-bay NAS designed for straightforward storage and backup tasks, particularly within environments already using UniFi networking hardware. Its PoE++ design is distinctive, allowing both power and connectivity to be delivered over a single cable, simplifying installation where compatible PoE switches are available. This approach aligns with UniFi’s strategy of reducing external hardware requirements, though it also means that a failed port or damaged cable will disable both power and network access simultaneously. For non-UniFi users, the reliance on PoE++ creates an additional barrier, as adoption requires either compatible infrastructure or the included 60W injector. The shared dual-drive tray, lack of hot-swap support, and absence of expansion options further reinforce the system’s role as a fixed-capacity solution, best suited to smaller or secondary deployments. With a maximum drive budget of 52W and overall consumption limited to 60W, the device is power-efficient, but its architecture prioritises simplicity over flexibility.

On the software side, the UNAS 2 provides a user-friendly interface with access to snapshots, RAID configuration, system backups, and integration into the UniFi identity ecosystem. However, the limited hardware constrains the range of features available, and certain tools seen in UniFi’s larger NAS models are absent, such as encrypted volumes or extended network protocol support. Performance testing showed sequential read speeds up to 260 MB/s and write speeds around 160–180 MB/s, which make full use of the 2.5 GbE interface but leave little headroom for more demanding tasks. Thermals during extended use regularly pushed the CPU into the high 70s Celsius, and although fan management can be adjusted, sustained workloads highlight the limits of the system’s cooling design. The software’s omission of iSCSI and advanced backup filters also narrows its role, making it less competitive against established vendors in professional or virtualisation scenarios.

Ultimately, the UNAS 2 is most appropriately positioned as an edge or secondary NAS, providing basic networked storage for existing UniFi users who value plug-and-play deployment and ecosystem consistency, but it is not equipped to serve as a primary system in larger or more demanding environments (VMs, Containers, etc). A great and unique NAS that will nbe at it’s most appealing if you are already invested in the UniFi ecosystem, or have a NAS already that needs a network backup.

You can buy the UniFi UNAS 2 NAS via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

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High CPU usage is a problem all Windows users should try to avoid. It often leads to reduced performance and system crashes. On Windows 11, the Shell Infrastructure Host high CPU usage is quite common.

In fact, for some users, the Shell Infracture Host may use as much as 60 to 90% of CPU power. In this guide, we explore causes and top fixes. Follow along.

What is Windows 11 Shell Infrastructure Host?

Before going into fixes, you should know that Shell Infrastructure Host is not a virus but a useful Windows process. It handles UI elements such as window transparency, the Start Menu layout, and the desktop background slideshow.

This process also controls animations and transitions within the Windows interface. It also integrates with the Shell Experience Host to control search functionalities and context menus.

However, its resource usage may sometimes fluctuate and cause CPU spikes. The solutions below will come in handy.

How to Fix Windows 11 Shell Infrastructure Host High CPU Usage

1. Close Open Windows and Apps

Shell Infrastructure Host is a process that is linked to the rendering of UI features like transparency. If you have so many open windows or applications that require this feature, you should close them to reduce the need for the process.

2. End the sihost.exe Process

An easy way to fix the high CPU usage is by ending the sihost.exe process. However, you should note that this process performs some key functions like:

• Managing your desktop icons and layout.
• Handling the Start Menu and taskbar.
• Rendering certain types of windows and UI elements.
• Handling thumbnail preview generation.
• Displaying desktop notifications.

When you disable it, it affects some of these UI functions. Follow the steps below to end the process.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.

2. Click the Details tab, click sihost.exe, and click the End task option. You may need to pause Task Manager updates to find this process.

3. Restart the Computer

High CPU usage means the computer is running more tasks than it should be. One quick resolution is a reboot. When you restart your computer, all processes are shut down, and all running apps are closed.

On restart, you should prioritize and open only the needed applications. If you still notice Windows 11 Shell Infrastructure Host high CPU usage, you may try other solutions.

4. Change to a Static Desktop Background

The Windows 11 Shell Infrastructure is essential in rendering animated backgrounds. If you are using one, you should expect the process to always draw on CPU resources. You may curb this by switching to a static background. Follow the steps below.

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

2. Click Personalization on the left pane, then click Background on the right.

3. Set Personalize your background to Picture.

5. Run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter

Windows 11 comes with several troubleshooters. The system maintenance troubleshooter will help fix daily maintenance issues. These include minor cases of high CPU usage caused by the Windows 11 Shell Infrastructure Host. You may run this tool with the steps below.

1. Press Windows + R to open the run dialog.

2. Type cmd and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

3. Type the command below and hit Enter to launch the troubleshooter.

msdt.exe -id MaintenanceDiagnostic

4. Click Next and follow the wizard to complete the troubleshooting.

6. Update Windows

An outdated operating system is the cause of many resource management problems you may encounter on your device. When you update your computer, you will get bug fixes that can correct the Windows 11 Shell Infrastructure Host high CPU usage.

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, then click the Windows Update option on the left pane and the Check for Update option on the right.

2. Download any available update and restart the computer.

7. Run the DISM and SFC Scans

On Windows 11, you may run the DISM and SFC scans to fix file corruption within the system and installation. This is a valid fix because when some essential files are corrupted, the system shows irregular behavior, which may manifest as the Windows 11 Shell Infrastructure Host’s high CPU usage.

1. Launch the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.

2. Type cmd and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command prompt.

3. Type the command below and hit Enter to scan for Image errors.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

4. Type the command below and hit Enter to fix all discovered image errors.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

5. Rund the command below to fix corrupted system files on the computer.

sfc /scannow

8. Run a Malware Scan

Running a malware scan will ensure you are not getting high CPU usage due to a program mimicking the Sihost process. It is also another way to ensure viruses that corrupt essential files are eradicated. You may use any reliable antivirus or the built-in Windows Security.

1. Click the Taskbar’s magnifying lens, type security, and select Windows Security.

2. On the left, click Virus & threat protection, then click Scan options on the right.

3. Select Full scan, then click Scan now.

9. Clean Boot the Computer

When you clean boot your computer, you allow it to start with a limited number of services while blocking out third-party applications. This is a good way to isolate triggers of the Windows 11 Shell Infrastructure Host high CPU usage. After clean booting, confirm that the problem is fixed.

Returning to Normal CPU Use

The solutions we have explored will return your computer to normal CPU use. We have written these solutions in order of complexity, so you may walk yourself from top to bottom.

FAQ

The post Windows 11 Shell Infrastructure Host High CPU Usage: FIXED appeared first on Next of Windows.