Best UniFi Protect Cameras 2026: Complete G6 Lineup Buying Guide

Ubiquiti's G6 generation represents the most significant camera upgrade in the UniFi Protect ecosystem to date. Every model shares the same Multi-TOPS AI engine for Enhanced AI detections — person, vehicle, animal, and package recognition — making even the entry-level G6 Instant capable of intelligent alerting that previously required premium hardware.

After years of deploying UniFi Protect cameras across South Florida businesses — and hands-on testing with the G6 generation since launch — we have a clear picture of which cameras earn their price tag and which situations demand the Pro upgrade. This guide covers all 10 cameras in the current G6 lineup, with verified February 2026 pricing direct from the UniFi Store.

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The Complete G6 Lineup at a Glance

Before diving into individual cameras, here's every G6 model ranked by price with our recommendation for each:

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How We Tested

Our camera evaluations draw from real-world deployments across South Florida businesses, not lab conditions. We assess each camera across five key areas:

• Image quality — daytime clarity, low-light performance, and IR night vision at rated distances
• AI detection accuracy — person, vehicle, animal, and package detection reliability with Enhanced AI and the Multi-TOPS engine
• Build quality — housing durability, IP66/IK ratings under actual Florida weather conditions (humidity, rain, direct sun)
• Installation experience — mounting complexity, cable management, and adoption into UniFi Protect
• Value proposition — whether the camera's capabilities justify its price point relative to cheaper alternatives

We verified every price in this guide against the UniFi Store in February 2026.

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G6 Instant ($179) — The WiFi Entry Point

The G6 Instant is the only wireless camera in the G6 lineup, making it the go-to choice when running Ethernet is impractical or cost-prohibitive. At $179, it packs the same 1/1.8" 8MP sensor and Multi-TOPS AI engine found in the wired G6 models — a notable upgrade from the older G4 Instant.

Key Specs

• Resolution: 4K (8MP) with 1/1.8" CMOS sensor
• Connection: WiFi (with UniFi Auto-Link setup)
• Night Vision: 6m IR range
• Protection: IPX5 weather-resistant + IK04 impact
• Audio: Two-way audio
• Power: USB-C (adapter included) or PoE via optional adapter

Best For

Retrofit installations, rental properties, home offices, covered patios, and any location where pulling Ethernet cable is not feasible. The IPX5 rating means the G6 Instant handles rain and general outdoor exposure — though its 6m IR range and WiFi dependency make it best suited for short-range positions near your router or an access point.

Real-World Performance

WiFi cameras always involve a trade-off: convenience versus reliability. The G6 Instant handles this better than most — WiFi Auto-Link makes setup genuinely simple, and the 4K footage quality matches its wired siblings in good conditions. However, in environments with WiFi congestion or thick walls, expect occasional frame drops that PoE cameras simply do not experience.

For a deeper look at when WiFi makes sense versus PoE, see our full G6 Instant review with WiFi vs PoE analysis.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Same 4K sensor and AI engine as wired G6 models
• Plug-and-play WiFi setup — no Ethernet or PoE switch needed
• Two-way audio for communication
• Most affordable G6 camera

Cons:

• 6m IR range limits effective night vision distance
• WiFi dependency introduces potential reliability issues in congested environments
• No PoE passthrough (requires USB-C power or optional PoE adapter at $49)
• IPX5 rated (rain-safe), but not IP66 — avoid high-pressure water jets or sustained harsh exposure

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G6 Bullet ($199) & G6 Pro Bullet ($479) — The Outdoor Workhorses

The Bullet form factor is the most popular choice in UniFi Protect deployments, and for good reason. The standard G6 Bullet delivers strong value at $199, while the G6 Pro Bullet at $479 steps up with a larger sensor and optical zoom for situations where detail is critical.

G6 Bullet ($199)

The G6 Bullet is the camera we recommend most frequently for business installations. Its combination of 4K resolution, 30m IR night vision, IP66 weatherproofing, and Enhanced AI detections covers the vast majority of surveillance needs at a price point that allows multi-camera deployments without budget strain.

Key Specs:

• Resolution: 4K (8MP) with 1/1.8" CMOS sensor
• Connection: PoE (802.3af)
• Night Vision: 30m IR range
• Protection: IP66 weather + IK04 impact
• AI: Enhanced AI with Multi-TOPS engine

Best For: General outdoor surveillance, parking lots, building perimeters, loading docks — any standard security application where you need reliable 4K coverage.

G6 Pro Bullet ($479)

The Pro Bullet justifies its 2.4x price premium with three key upgrades: a larger 1/1.2" CMOS sensor for noticeably better low-light performance, 2.36x optical zoom for identifying faces and license plates at distance, and 40m IR range that extends night vision coverage by 33%.

Key Specs:

• Resolution: 4K with larger 1/1.2" CMOS sensor
• Connection: PoE+ (802.3at)
• Night Vision: 40m IR range
• Protection: IP66 weather + IK04 impact
• AI: Enhanced AI with Multi-TOPS engine
• Zoom: 2.36x optical zoom

Best For: Entry points where facial identification matters, license plate capture zones, long corridors, and any location where you need to zoom in on details during incident review.

Standard vs. Pro — When to Upgrade

The critical question is whether the Pro Bullet's advantages justify spending $280 more per camera. In a 16-camera deployment, choosing all Pro Bullets instead of standard Bullets adds $4,480 to the project cost.

Our recommendation: deploy the G6 Bullet as the default and reserve the Pro Bullet for 2-4 strategic positions — main entrances, cash registers, and parking lot choke points. For the full cost-saving deployment strategy, see our detailed G6 Bullet vs Pro Bullet comparison.

G6 Pro Bullet vs. AI Pro — The $500 Decision

At this price tier, the G6 Pro Bullet ($479) competes directly with Ubiquiti's AI Pro ($499). They solve overlapping problems — high-detail identification at critical positions — but with different hardware trade-offs:

Choose the G6 Pro Bullet when night vision range and low-light clarity are the priority — its larger 1/1.2" sensor pulls in significantly more light, and the 40m IR range outpaces the AI Pro's 25m. This makes it the better all-around camera for parking lots, loading docks, and perimeters where distance matters more than zoom.

Choose the AI Pro when license plate recognition at distance is the primary mission. Its 3x optical zoom and LPR-optimized AI processing give it an edge for traffic lanes, gate entries, and street-facing positions where reading plates reliably is the non-negotiable requirement.

For most mixed deployments, we recommend the G6 Pro Bullet as the default premium camera and reserving the AI Pro for dedicated LPR positions.

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G6 Turret ($199) & G6 Pro Turret ($479) — Discreet Tamper-Resistant Design

The Turret form factor sits between the Bullet and Dome in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Its compact, tamper-resistant housing with 3-axis manual adjustment makes it ideal for ceiling-mounted installations where a dome shape is preferred but IK10 vandal-proofing is not required.

G6 Turret ($199)

The G6 Turret shares the exact same sensor, AI capabilities, and IR range as the G6 Bullet — the difference is purely form factor. At the same $199 price point, the choice between Bullet and Turret comes down to mounting preference: wall-mount (Bullet) versus ceiling-mount (Turret).

Key Specs:

• Resolution: 4K (8MP) with 1/1.8" CMOS sensor
• Connection: PoE (802.3af)
• Night Vision: 30m IR range
• Protection: IP66 weather + IK04 impact
• Mounting: 3-axis manual adjustment

Best For: Ceiling-mounted installations in offices, corridors, and covered outdoor areas. The lower profile compared to a bullet camera makes it less visually intrusive in client-facing spaces.

G6 Pro Turret ($479)

The Pro Turret mirrors the Pro Bullet's upgrades — larger 1/1.2" sensor, 2.36x optical zoom, and 40m IR — in the turret form factor. This is the right choice when you need pro-grade image quality in a ceiling-mounted, tamper-resistant housing.

Key Specs:

• Resolution: 4K with larger 1/1.2" CMOS sensor
• Connection: PoE+ (802.3at)
• Night Vision: 40m IR range
• Protection: IP66 weather + IK04 impact
• Zoom: 2.36x optical zoom

Best For: Professional office environments, retail ceilings, and hotel lobbies where both image quality and aesthetics matter.

Turret vs. Bullet — Choosing the Right Form Factor

If the camera mounts on a wall or eave, choose the Bullet. If it mounts on a ceiling or soffit, choose the Turret. The internal hardware is identical at each price tier, so this decision is entirely about installation location and visual preference.

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G6 Dome ($279) & G6 Pro Dome ($499) — Vandal-Proof Protection

Dome cameras are the go-to form factor when vandalism or tampering is a concern. The IK10 rating on both models means the housing can withstand a 5-joule impact — equivalent to a 5 kg weight dropped from 40 cm. That is a meaningful upgrade over the IK04 rating on Bullet and Turret models.

G6 Dome ($279)

The G6 Dome uses the same 1/1.8" 8MP sensor and Enhanced AI as the G6 Bullet and Turret, but wraps it in an IK10 vandal-resistant housing. The $80 premium over the Bullet ($279 vs $199) pays for that physical protection and a flush-mount design that blends into ceiling installations.

Key Specs:

• Resolution: 4K (8MP) with 1/1.8" CMOS sensor
• Connection: PoE (802.3af)
• Night Vision: 30m IR range
• Protection: IP66 weather + IK10 vandal-proof
• Mounting: Flush-mount ceiling design

Best For: Public-facing spaces with vandalism risk — retail stores, bars, parking garages, schools, and any location where someone might attempt to damage or reposition the camera.

G6 Pro Dome ($499)

The flagship dome option combines IK10 vandal resistance with the Pro line's enhanced hardware: larger 1/1.2" sensor, 2.36x optical zoom, and 40m IR range. At $499, it is the most expensive fixed-lens camera in the G6 lineup.

Key Specs:

• Resolution: 4K with larger 1/1.2" CMOS sensor
• Connection: PoE+ (802.3at)
• Night Vision: 40m IR range
• Protection: IP66 weather + IK10 vandal-proof
• Zoom: 2.36x optical zoom

Best For: High-security installations in banks, jewelry stores, server rooms, and government buildings where both image quality and physical tamper resistance are non-negotiable.

When the Dome Premium is Worth It

If your cameras are mounted above 3 meters (10 feet) and out of reach, the IK10 rating is rarely needed — save the money and choose a Bullet or Turret instead. But in accessible locations where people can touch or strike the camera, the Dome's vandal-proof housing pays for itself the first time it prevents a $200+ replacement.

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Panoramic & PTZ: G6 180 ($299), G6 PTZ ($399) & G6 Pro 360 ($499)

These three models solve a different problem than fixed-lens cameras: covering large areas with fewer units. Instead of deploying four fixed cameras to cover a warehouse floor, a single PTZ or panoramic camera can monitor the same space.

G6 180 ($299) — Dual-Sensor Panoramic

The G6 180 uses dual sensors to produce a 16MP, 180-degree panoramic view. This eliminates blind spots in wide rooms, corridors, and open floor plans. At $299, it can replace two or three fixed cameras in the right environment.

Key Specs:

• Resolution: 16MP (dual sensor) at 20 FPS
• Connection: PoE+ (802.3at)
• Night Vision: 20m IR range
• Coverage: 180° panoramic field of view
• AI: Enhanced AI with Multi-TOPS engine

Best For: Wide open spaces, retail floor monitoring, corridor coverage, and reception areas where a single panoramic view is more practical than multiple fixed cameras.

Note: The G6 180 is currently sold out on the UniFi Store as of February 2026. Check availability periodically — Ubiquiti restocks regularly.

G6 PTZ ($399) — Active Tracking with 10x Zoom

The G6 PTZ is the only camera in the standard G6 lineup with motorized pan-tilt-zoom capability. Its dual-lens design combines a wide overview lens with a 10x hybrid zoom (4x optical + 2.5x digital), and the Enhanced AI engine enables automatic tracking of people and vehicles.

Key Specs:

• Resolution: 4K (8MP) with dual-lens, 1/1.8" sensor
• Connection: PoE (802.3af)
• Night Vision: 30m IR range
• Zoom: 10x hybrid zoom (4x optical + 2.5x digital)
• Audio: Two-way audio
• AI: Enhanced AI with active tracking

Best For: Parking lots, warehouse floors, loading docks, and any large open area where you need the ability to track moving subjects and zoom in for detail. At $399, it covers more ground than two G6 Bullets at $398 combined — while adding active tracking that fixed cameras cannot provide.

G6 Pro 360 ($499) — Full 360° Panoramic Coverage

The G6 Pro 360 provides true 360-degree coverage from a single ceiling-mounted camera. Its 12MP sensor with digital pan-tilt-zoom lets you review any direction after the fact — eliminating blind spots entirely in a single room.

Key Specs:

• Resolution: 12MP panoramic
• Connection: PoE (802.3af)
• Night Vision: 15m IR range
• Coverage: 360° panoramic with digital PTZ
• Protection: IK10 vandal-proof

Best For: Ceiling-mounted deployment in retail stores, server rooms, and conference rooms where complete 360° coverage from a single point is more practical than multiple fixed cameras.

Choosing Between Panoramic and PTZ

• Need to track moving subjects in real-time? Choose the G6 PTZ — it is the only model with motorized pan/tilt and active tracking.
• Need wall-to-wall coverage of a wide space? The G6 180 covers 180° at 16MP for $100 less than the PTZ.
• Need complete room coverage from a single ceiling mount? The G6 Pro 360 eliminates all blind spots with 360° digital PTZ.

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Head-to-Head Spec Comparison

Standard G6 — Bullet, Turret & Dome

Standard G6 — Specialty Models

Pro G6 — Bullet, Turret & Dome

The G6 Pro 360 ($499) stands apart as a 12MP panoramic model with 360° digital PTZ and IK10 vandal resistance — it does not compare directly to the fixed-lens Pro cameras above.

The key difference between Standard and Pro models: the Pro line uses a larger 1/1.2" sensor (versus 1/1.8") that captures significantly more light in low-light conditions, plus 2.36x optical zoom and 33% more IR range (40m vs 30m). For most installations, the standard G6 sensor delivers strong footage — reserve the Pro upgrade for critical identification points.

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Which Camera for Which Scenario?

Here are five practical deployment packages with real pricing, designed for different security needs:

Home Security on a Budget (~$577)

• 2x G6 Instant ($179 each) — indoor, front door, back door
• 1x G6 Bullet ($199) — outdoor, driveway or yard

WiFi cameras for easy indoor placement, one wired camera for the most critical outdoor position. Pair with a UNVR Instant (from $199) for local recording.

Small Office — Under 5 Cameras (~$876)

• 2x G6 Bullet ($199 each) — exterior entrances
• 1x G6 Turret ($199) — ceiling-mounted in main office area
• 1x G6 Dome ($279) — reception or public-facing area

All PoE-powered for reliability. The Dome covers any area where tampering is a concern.

Retail Store (~$1,355)

• 2x G6 Dome ($279 each) — inside sales floor (vandal-proof)
• 2x G6 Bullet ($199 each) — exterior, entrances and loading area
• 1x G6 PTZ ($399) — parking lot with active tracking

The PTZ covers the parking area more effectively than two fixed cameras, while interior Domes resist customer tampering.

Warehouse / Large Property (~$2,434)

• 4x G6 Bullet ($199 each) — perimeter coverage
• 2x G6 Pro Bullet ($479 each) — main entrance + loading dock
• 1x G6 PTZ ($399) — warehouse floor or yard

The mixed deployment strategy places Pro Bullets at high-priority identification points while standard Bullets handle general coverage. For a deep dive into this approach, see our complete UniFi security system under $2,000 guide.

Multi-Site Business (~$3,000+ per site)

For businesses managing multiple locations, standardize on the G6 Bullet as the default camera with strategic Pro Bullet placements at entry points. Use the G6 PTZ for any large open areas. UniFi Protect's multi-site management through the Site Manager at unifi.ui.com makes centralized monitoring straightforward. See our Bullet vs Pro Bullet deployment strategy for the full multi-site planning framework.

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NVR and Recording Options

Every UniFi Protect camera requires a UniFi console or NVR for recording. Here are the current options:

Sizing rule of thumb: one 4K camera recording continuously at high quality uses approximately 1-2 TB per month. A 4-camera home setup needs a single 4 TB drive; a 16-camera business should plan for 8-16 TB with RAID protection.

For detailed storage calculations — including how resolution, frame rate, and retention period affect drive requirements — see our UniFi Protect storage planning guide.

If you already have a UniFi Dream Machine Pro, Dream Machine Pro Max, or Cloud Gateway Max with storage, these can run UniFi Protect without a separate NVR. Check our UNVR Instant review for a comparison of dedicated NVRs versus all-in-one gateways.

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What About the Older G5 and G4 Cameras?

With the G6 lineup now fully available, should you upgrade existing G5 or G4 cameras? Here is our practical advice:

G5 cameras (still sold, lower prices): The G5 Turret Ultra at $129 and G5 Bullet from $129 remain solid options for budget expansions where 2K resolution is acceptable. The G5 Pro at $379 still delivers 4K with optical zoom. If your existing G5 cameras work well, there is no urgency to replace them.

G4 cameras (being phased out): Availability is shrinking and the sensor/AI capabilities are noticeably behind the G6 generation. We do not recommend buying new G4 cameras unless you find significant discounts.

Backward compatibility: All G4, G5, and G6 cameras work together in the same UniFi Protect system. You can upgrade incrementally — adding G6 cameras to new positions while keeping existing G5/G4 cameras active.

No G6 Flex exists: If you need a compact camera, the G5 Flex at $129 is still the current option with 2K resolution. There is no G6 replacement for this form factor yet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which UniFi camera is best for home security?

The G6 Instant ($179) is the easiest starting point for most homes — it connects over WiFi, requires no Ethernet, and shares the same 4K sensor and AI engine as the wired G6 models. For outdoor coverage, add a G6 Bullet ($199) on PoE to cover your driveway or front entrance. A two-camera kit (1 Instant + 1 Bullet) covers the essentials for under $400.

Do I need a separate NVR for UniFi cameras?

Yes — every UniFi Protect camera requires a UniFi console or NVR for recording and management. The most affordable option is the UNVR Instant (from $199), which supports up to 6 cameras at 4K. If you already own a UniFi Dream Machine Pro, Dream Machine Pro Max, or Cloud Gateway Max with internal storage, those can run Protect without a separate NVR.

What is the difference between G6 and G6 Pro cameras?

The Pro models use a larger 1/1.2" sensor (versus 1/1.8" on standard G6) for better low-light performance, add 2.36x optical zoom for identifying faces and license plates at distance, and extend IR night vision from 30m to 40m. They also require PoE+ instead of standard PoE. The Pro upgrade is worth it at critical identification points — main entrances, cash registers, and parking lot choke points — but standard G6 cameras are more than sufficient for general coverage.

Can I mix G6 cameras with older G5 or G4 models?

Yes. All UniFi Protect camera generations (G4, G5, G6) work together in the same system. You can upgrade incrementally — adding G6 cameras to new positions while keeping existing G5 or G4 cameras active. There is no need to replace everything at once.

Are UniFi G6 cameras worth it compared to Ring or Arlo?

UniFi Protect has no monthly subscription fees — all AI detections, recording, and remote access are included with the hardware. Ring and Arlo require ongoing subscriptions ($100-200/year per household) for features like person detection and cloud recording. For a home with 4+ cameras kept for 3+ years, UniFi typically costs less overall while offering higher resolution, local storage, and more reliable PoE connectivity. The trade-off is a higher upfront cost and a slightly steeper setup compared to plug-and-play consumer systems.

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Our Final Recommendations

After testing the entire G6 lineup, three cameras stand out for distinct reasons:

For a complete walkthrough of building a full UniFi Protect security system from scratch — including network design, camera placement, and NVR configuration — see our complete UniFi Protect CCTV setup guide. And if you are weighing UniFi Protect against other platforms, our UniFi Protect vs Synology Surveillance Station comparison covers the key trade-offs.

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Prices verified against the UniFi Store in February 2026. Pricing may change — check the links above for current availability. Need help planning a camera deployment for your business? Contact our team for a free consultation.