If your CCTV provider is truthful and not trying to rip you off they will tell you to install Ubiquiti UniFi Protect in every possible instance.
Why? Because legacy systems like Hikvision, Dahua, Axis, Hanwha Vision, Samsung, Avigilon, Bosch, Uniview, Lorex, Swann 🤮, Ring and Reolink are all using technology and software that is now defunct. They have all failed to incorporate true AI into their products (they may call it AI but its not), most still charge monthly fees for cloud access, many require open firewall ports for unlimited viewing, have terrible password solutions, difficult to manage, awful software/apps, difficult to find footage, difficult to install and update, jam packed with massive security vulnerabilities and many are known to send information back to China. Ubiquiti UniFi may not have been the ‘go to’ product in 2024 but in 2026 there is literally no reason to install it and no reason not to upgrade a legacy system when you see what it can do for minimal expense.
Installers like to make fat profits off the legacy equipment as they can get them at low cost from China but Ubiquiti UniFi is only available at the same price for installers and the end user – no extra hidden profits and the cameras are extremely good value for money.
IT Pro Expert has not been paid to promote UniFi, nor any affiliation with Ubiquiti sales – We are simply giving laying out the facts.
Recorders start at £200+ and Cameras £100+ with installation time being half of legacy systems you will save in the long run. Maintenance is practically zero compared with legacy solutions.
You can even slowly migrate a legacy system to UniFi as it allows for many old cameras to still work if the recorder is updated to UniFi Protect.
It doesn’t matter if you need 1 doorbell or 1 garden camera, security for your small business, an entire university campus or a multi-country corporate camera solution, the UniFi Protect system has products covering all these options. https://uk.store.ui.com/uk/en/category/all-cameras-nvrs
UniFi is really an “all in one” system – Network, Wi-Fi, Router, CCTV, Alarm System, Smart Sensors, Doorbell, Access Controls, RFID, Displays, Data Storage, LTE/5G Connectivity and all with easy intuitive secure interfaces anyone can use – All License Free!
One of the best features is the alarm system that can be triggered by AI detection types, faces, sounds, cars, incidents or sensors – it is incredible.
View some more features here: https://ui.com/uk/en/physical-security
Incorporate physical security, door locks, UniFi doorbells with video/audio/AI, night time auto AI incident finding, motion sensors, temperature, sirens, floodlights, smart home integrations, RF ID entry and just about anything you can imagine.
Welcome to a world of true AI image recognition (find people by name/face, cars by type or plate, animals, objects and voice/sounds), rapidly search footage using keywords not hours of scrolling, see clearly day and night, one amazing phone app with very fast viewing anywhere, your data is yours not on some mystery cloud server, no license fees, use any network cabling, use any switch and all for less than many other systems.
One last red flag, if any installer says you should use a WiFi cameras – they are not professionals. Wireless cameras are defeated with $5 devices from a distance, have drop outs just when you need them, batteries eventually die and overall not a reliable solution. Hard wired true CAT5e/6 network cabled PoE cameras are the only solution you should allow. If anyone even remotely suggests co-axial cabling or anything else.. run.
Always opt to have all cameras record 24/7 not on motion detect. Almost all investigations into major incidents are compromised due to failed motion detection.
Stop Using Legacy CCTV Solutions
Legacy surveillance is really broken. You’re either locked into endless monthly fees, battling outdated technology, or exposing your network to glaring security risks which are now so significant all systems should be taken offline.
UniFi Protect is the modern, professional solution that puts you in complete control safely with no catches.
The UniFi Promise: No Subscriptions. No Cloud Fees. Ever. All with 100% Privacy.
🚫 The “Legacy Trap” & The Cloud Con
For too long, your choice for security has been a bad one.
- The “Legacy” NVR: These are the clunky, complicated boxes from 10 years ago. They require complex “port forwarding” that punches holes in your network’s security, making them a prime target for attackers.
- The “Cloud” Cam: These look simple, but they’re a trap. You pay endless monthly fees just to access your own footage. Worse, your private video feeds are sent to a third-party server, creating a massive privacy risk.
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice security, privacy, or your budget.
✨ The UniFi Difference: Professional, Private & Powerful
UniFi Protect is a complete, end-to-end security platform. It combines professional-grade hardware with intuitive, powerful software, all managed from a single, beautiful interface.
💰 1. Zero Monthly Fees. Zero Licensing Costs.
This is the most important difference. When you buy UniFi Protect hardware, you own it.
- NO cloud subscription fees.
- NO per-camera licensing fees.
- NO hidden fees for “advanced” AI features.
- NO fees for secure remote access.
Your total cost of ownership is dramatically lower. The savings from just one year of not paying cloud fees often pays for the hardware itself.
🔒 2. Your Data Stays Yours. True Privacy.
With UniFi Protect, all your footage is stored locally on your own private Network Video Recorder (NVR).
- You control your data 100%.
- NO third-party can access, sell, or monetize your footage.
- NO risk of a massive cloud data breach exposing your private life.
- It even works if your internet goes down. Your cameras will continue to record 24/7.
🧠 3. AI Detections That Actually Work
Stop getting 50 alerts because a bug flew by or a shadow moved. Legacy “motion detection” is obsolete. UniFi cameras have powerful AI processors built-in for smart, accurate detections.
- 👤 Person Detection: Know when a person is on your property. Face recognition. Alerts on ‘Persons of Interest’.
- 🚗 Vehicle Detection: Track cars, not just background motion.
- 🆔 License Plate Recognition: Automatically identify and log license plates (with G6 or AI cameras).
- 🔊 Sound Detections: Get alerts for breaking glass, smoke alarms, or a baby crying. (many more)
You get meaningful alerts, not constant noise with true AI abilities. Search with KEYWORDS for ANYTHING!
📲 4. One App to Rule Them All
Forget clunky, plugin-based web interfaces from 2005. The UniFi Protect app (available on web, iOS, and Android) is fast, modern, and gives you 100% control.
- Lightning-fast streaming with super low latency.
- Scrub through hours of footage in seconds.
- Manage all your cameras, settings, and users from one place.
- Secure remote access is built-in. No complex port forwarding. No open holes in your firewall.
📊 UniFi Protect vs. The Competition: At a Glance
| Feature | 🛡️ UniFi Protect | 📼 “Legacy” Brands | ☁️ “Cloud” Cams |
| Subscription Fees | None. Ever. | Often (Licenses) | Always Required |
| Data Storage | Local (You Own It) | Local (You Own It) | Forced Cloud (They Own It) |
| Data Privacy | ✅ 100% Private | ⚠️ At risk (Open Ports) | ❌ Poor (3rd Party) |
| Remote Access | Secure & Automatic | Insecure & Complex | Secure, but dependent |
| AI Detections | Built-in (Free) | Basic, or needs paid NVR | Requires Paid Plan |
| Works Offline? | ✅ Yes. Full functionality. | ✅ Yes | ❌ No. Becomes a brick. |
| User Interface | ✨ Modern & Fast | antiquated & Slow | Simple, but limited |
Do you need help with your CCTV solution ?
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