Ultra 11 Kit Comparison
Ultra (UniFi Ultra) ****
vs.
Archer NX200 tplink
Comparison
| Feature | Ultra (UniFi Ultra) | TP-Link (Archer NX200) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Main router, LAN gateway | 5G failover & load balancing |
| WAN Connection | Fibre optic/sat (Primary) | 5G SIM + Fibre (Backup) |
| LAN Connection | Direct to 24-port switch | Connects to Ultra via WAN2 |
| DHCP Functionality | Full LAN DHCP (Main) | Limited Scope, Reserved Only |
| Failover Support | Uses TP-Link if Swish fails | Becomes primary if Ultra fails |
| Load Balancing | Can configure failover | Supports 5G + Fibre balancing |
| Remote Access | Via Swish Fibre / Teleport | Via 5G SIM (when active) |
| Firewall Rules | Advanced Ubiquiti firewall | Basic firewall, configurable |
| Management Interface | UniFi Controller | TP-Link Web UI / Tether App |
| DHCP Reservation | Supports full reservations | Restricted to 2 reserved IPs |
| Port Availability | 4 LAN, 1 WAN port | 2 LAN, 1 WAN port |
| Custom Routing | Advanced routing options | Basic, DHCP relay support |
| Firmware Updates | Regular Ubiquiti updates | TP-Link firmware updates |
| Failover Recovery | Auto-switch to TP-Link WAN | Requires manual DHCP expansion |
While not perfect in every detail, the above presents the picture.
Price Difference: UniFi Ultra vs. TP-Link Archer NX200
The significant price difference between the Ubiquiti UniFi Ultra (£119.97) and the TP-Link Archer NX200 (£199.98) can be explained by several key factors.
1️⃣ Different Market Segments & Features
- The UniFi Ultra is primarily a Cloud Gateway (router) designed for UniFi-managed networks, ideal for business and advanced home users.
- The TP-Link Archer NX200 is a 5G router, offering mobile broadband connectivity, which significantly increases cost.
2️⃣ Hardware Capabilities
| Feature | UniFi Ultra (£119.97) | TP-Link NX200 (£199.98) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Ubiquiti-designed SOC | More powerful for handling 5G |
| WiFi Support | ❌ No built-in WiFi | ✅ WiFi 6 (AX1800) included |
| 5G Connectivity | ❌ No 5G support | ✅ 5G Modem for cellular internet |
| Ethernet Ports | More LAN/WAN ports | Fewer LAN/WAN ports |
| VPN Support | ✅ UniFi Teleport VPN | ✅ Standard VPN options |
| Cloud Management | ✅ UniFi Controller | ✅ www & TP-Link Tether App |
- 5G hardware alone adds a premium to the TP-Link router.
- UniFi Ultra is designed for wired setups, where users might already have separate UniFi access points for WiFi.
3️⃣ Target Audience
- UniFi Ultra: Best for users who want a wired-first setup and possibly integrate with other UniFi devices.
- TP-Link NX200: Ideal for homes, small offices, and remote locations that rely on 5G connectivity.
4️⃣ Software & Ecosystem
- Ubiquiti benefits from economies of scale, keeping prices lower due to its enterprise adoption.
- TP-Link’s 5G routers are more niche, leading to higher costs for 5G licensing, chipsets, and firmware development.
Conclusion
✔ If you don’t need 5G, the UniFi Ultra is a great value because it’s optimised for a wired network with a UniFi ecosystem.
✔ If you need 5G as a failover or primary connection, the TP-Link NX200 justifies its higher price owing to its integrated 5G modem & WiFi 6.
Factor in UniFi’s modular approach, the total cost quickly surpasses the TP-Link all-in-one solution as below
Cost Breakdown Comparison
| Component | UniFi Ultra Setup | TP-Link NX200 |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Gateway (Router) | £119.97 (Ultra) | £199.98 (NX200) |
| 5G Backup (UniFi LTE) | £199.99 (U-LTE-Pro) | ✅ Included |
| WiFi 6 Access Point | £129.99 (U6-Lite) | ✅ Included |
| Total Cost | ~£450+ | £199.98 |
Key Takeaways
• UniFi Ultra is cost-effective only for wired setups. Adding WiFi & 5G backup increases costs substantially.
• TP-Link NX200 is an all-in-one package, making it cheaper for small offices & homes needing 5G failover.
• UniFi’s modular system scales better for larger networks, while TP-Link is more of a plug-and-play home solution.💡 If long-term scalability & full UniFi integration are priorities, the Ultra makes sense. Otherwise, TP-Link is the budget-friendly, simpler choice for the extra functionality.
On the other hand, if you prioritise simplicity, built-in WiFi 6, and 5G failover in one device, the TP-Link NX200 is a cost-effective solution that requires no extra purchases - and that latest NX200 chip is a bonus.
Final Summary
| Factor | UniFi Ultra | TP-Link NX200 |
|---|---|---|
| Scalability | ✅ High (Modular) | ❌ Limited (Standalone) |
| Integration | ✅ Full UniFi | ❌ Not part of UniFi |
| WiFi 6 | ❌ Not included | ✅ Built-in |
| 5G Failover | ❌ Requires Add-on | ✅ Built-in |
| Ease of Setup | ❌ Complex (Multiple Devices) | ✅ Simple (All-in-One) |
| Long-Term Cost | ❌ Expensive (Add-ons Needed) | ✅ Much cheaper overall |
| Ideal For | Large Networks, Enterprise, Advanced Users | Small Offices, Homes, Plug-and-Play Users |
💡 When one wants a fully integrated solution with 5G failover, built-in WiFi 6, and minimal setup, the TP-Link NX200 is the better choice for this use case. The UniFi Ultra is a great option for those already invested in the UniFi ecosystem, but adding the necessary UniFi hardware to match the TP-Link’s functionality would make it a more unnecessarily complex and expensive setup.
Overall costs - next doc.