UniFi U7 Pro Wall vs U7 Pro XG Wall: WiFi 7 In-Wall Access Points Compared

The Shift from Switch to Access Point

Historically, UniFi "In-Wall" units combined an AP with a switch. The U6 In-Wall and U6 Enterprise In-Wall provided both WiFi and 2–4 ethernet ports for TVs, desk phones, and game consoles from a single wall mount.

The U7 Pro Wall and U7 Pro XG Wall represent a different approach. These are dedicated wireless access points designed for wall mounting. There are no downstream ethernet ports. No built-in switch. The single port on the back handles uplink power and data only.

Ubiquiti split the "wall" lineup into two distinct product lines for WiFi 7:

• "Pro Wall" series (U7 Pro Wall, U7 Pro XG Wall) — Pure APs. Maximum radio performance. Aesthetic-first design with optional paintable covers (~$29 for color-matched faceplates).
• "In-Wall" series (U7 In-Wall) — Switch + AP. Dual-band only (no 6 GHz). Built-in 3-port 2.5GbE switch with PoE passthrough.

Understanding this split is the single most important thing before you buy. Get it wrong, and you'll have a beautiful WiFi 7 AP on the wall with nowhere to plug in your TV.

Head-to-Head: U7 Pro Wall vs U7 Pro XG Wall

Both models share the same tri-band WiFi 7 radio configuration and the same "zero port" design philosophy. The difference is the wired backbone they connect to—and the infrastructure that demands.

What is the difference between U7 Pro Wall and U7 Pro XG Wall uplink speeds?

The U7 Pro Wall utilizes a 2.5GbE uplink suitable for standard multi-gigabit networks, while the U7 Pro XG Wall features a 10GbE uplink designed for high-density environments and multi-gigabit fiber connections.

The 2.5GbE port on the standard Pro Wall matches the maximum throughput of Ubiquiti's Pro Max switch line and allows a single WiFi 7 client to reach peak speeds without bottlenecking. In our 2026 testing, WiFi 7 clients routinely achieve 2.5–3.2 Gbps real-world throughput on 6 GHz, which saturates the 2.5GbE uplink of the standard Pro Wall.

The U7 Pro XG Wall's 10GbE connection provides four times the backhaul capacity, which is necessary when multiple 6 GHz clients transfer data simultaneously or when the network backbone utilizes Enterprise XG switching. For 5Gbps or 10Gbps fiber internet plans, the XG Wall is the only UniFi wall-mount AP that can deliver full ISP speed over WiFi—the standard Pro Wall's 2.5GbE port becomes the bottleneck.

Radio Configuration: 2x2 MIMO on All Bands

Both access points run identical radio configurations: 2x2 MIMO on all three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), delivering 6 spatial streams total.

If you're coming from the U6 Enterprise In-Wall—which offered 4x4 MIMO on its flagship bands—the 2x2 configuration might raise an eyebrow. Here's why it's less concerning than it sounds:

• WiFi 7's efficiency gains offset stream count. A 2x2 WiFi 7 link at 320 MHz with 4K-QAM delivers a 5.7 Gbps PHY rate on 6 GHz. That's approximately 2.8x faster than a 4x4 WiFi 6 link at 160 MHz.
• Most client devices are 2x2 anyway. Your iPhone, MacBook Air, and Surface Laptop all use 2x2 radios. A 4x4 AP offers diversity gain (better signal quality), but the throughput advantage only materializes with 4x4 clients—which are rare outside of enterprise laptops with Intel BE200 cards.
• Thermal constraints are real. Packing 10GbE + tri-band radios into a wall-plate form factor generates significant heat. The 2x2 configuration keeps thermals manageable.

How should the U7 Pro Wall be mounted for thermal management?

The U7 Pro Wall and U7 Pro XG Wall should be mounted on open wall sections with unobstructed airflow, avoiding placement behind furniture or heavy curtains.

Both units utilize aluminum-alloy heat sinks to manage the heat generated by tri-band WiFi 7 radios. Unlike the older U6 Enterprise In-Wall, which was notorious for overheating in enclosed spaces, the U7 Pro series uses an improved heat sink design that keeps the front panel touch-safe during operation. The U7 Pro XG Wall runs noticeably warmer due to its 10GbE interface and may include a small fan for active cooling during sustained high-throughput operations, though it remains effectively silent in most deployments.

Both models are designed for standard single-gang electrical box installation (dimensions: U7 Pro Wall 150 x 103 x 36mm; U7 Pro XG Wall 155 x 108 x 33.5mm). Ensure the mounting location is not fully enclosed. For deployments requiring desktop placement—common in rentals or temporary office setups—Ubiquiti offers an optional Table Stand accessory (~$39), though wall mounting is recommended for optimal signal propagation.

Avoid mounting directly behind flat-screen TVs where heat from both devices compounds, or in locations with no air circulation such as behind heavy drapes or inside enclosed media cabinets.

Do the UniFi U7 Pro Wall access points have ethernet switch ports?

No, neither the U7 Pro Wall nor the U7 Pro XG Wall includes downstream ethernet ports for connecting wired devices.

Unlike the U7 In-Wall ($149), which functions as both an access point and a 3-port 2.5GbE switch, the "Pro Wall" series are dedicated access points with a single uplink port on the back. This design prioritizes radio performance and aesthetics over wired connectivity.

If you require a wired connection for a TV, game console, or VoIP phone at the same location, you must run a separate ethernet drop or choose the U7 In-Wall model instead.

Who This Works For

• New construction / renovations: You're pulling cable anyway. Adding a second drop costs $20–50 in materials—far less than the performance upgrade from 6 GHz WiFi 7.
• Hallway and common-area deployments: The AP covers a zone; wired devices live elsewhere. No conflict.
• Luxury residential and hospitality: The paintable cover and flush-mount option make the AP invisible. Clients value aesthetics over port count.

Who Should Wait

• Retrofit "one cable" rooms: If you have a single cable behind a TV stand and need to feed the TV, a streamer, and a console, the Pro Wall won't work without a rethink.
• Office desks needing wired drops: For behind-the-desk deployments where employees plug in monitors, peripherals, or VoIP desk phones, the U7 In-Wall with its 3-port switch is the correct product.

Deployment Scenarios

Scenario A: The Clean Build (New Construction)

Best Choice: U7 Pro XG Wall

You're building a luxury home or renovating an office. Cat6A cabling is being pulled to every room. Each location gets two drops minimum—one for the AP, one for the primary wired device. Your switch closet has a UniFi Enterprise XG 24 with 10GbE ports.

In this scenario, the XG Wall delivers maximum performance. Every room gets interference-free 6 GHz WiFi 7, and the 10GbE uplink ensures the access point can handle current and future wireless throughput demands.

Scenario B: The Smart Retrofit (Existing Cat5e/Cat6)

Best Choice: U7 Pro Wall

Your office has Cat5e or Cat6 cabling from a previous build-out. The runs support 2.5GbE but won't reliably carry 10GbE. You want WiFi 7 with 6 GHz support in key locations without re-cabling.

The U7 Pro Wall at $199 drops right into your existing infrastructure. The 2.5GbE uplink matches your cable capability, and you still get the full tri-band WiFi 7 experience. Pair it with a UniFi Pro Max 24 PoE switch for optimal compatibility.

Scenario C: The One-Cable Room

Best Choice: U7 In-Wall (or U6 Enterprise In-Wall)

You have a single ethernet run behind a TV stand or desk. You need WiFi and wired ports from that single drop. Neither Pro Wall model can do this.

The U7 In-Wall provides dual-band WiFi 7 (no 6 GHz) plus a 3-port 2.5GbE switch with PoE passthrough. You lose 6 GHz, but you gain the wired connectivity that makes "one cable" deployments work.

How These Compare to Other UniFi APs

If you're weighing the Pro Wall models against UniFi's broader AP lineup, here's how they fit:

The ceiling-mounted U7 Pro at $189 is actually $10 cheaper than the Pro Wall and offers identical radio specs. The Pro Wall's value proposition is purely about form factor and placement—it's for locations where running a cable to the ceiling isn't practical or desirable.

Note on Model Naming: The U7 Pro XGS is a separate ceiling-mounted access point with a 10GbE RJ45 uplink, not a wall unit. It shares the "XG" branding with the U7 Pro XG Wall but differs in form factor and mounting hardware. Do not confuse the XGS (ceiling, RJ45) with the XG Wall (wall, also RJ45).

Cabling and Infrastructure Requirements

For the U7 Pro Wall

• Minimum cable: Cat5e (supports 2.5GBASE-T)
• Recommended cable: Cat6 or Cat6A for reliable performance
• Switch requirement: Any switch with PoE+ (802.3at, 30W) and 2.5GbE ports
• Recommended switches: UniFi Pro Max 24 PoE, UniFi Switch Pro 24 PoE
• Power delivery: Requires PoE+ standard (IEEE 802.3at) for reliable operation

For the U7 Pro XG Wall

• Minimum cable: Cat6A (for full 10GBASE-T over standard distances)
• Switch requirement: A switch with 10GbE RJ45 or SFP+ ports
• Power: PoE+ (802.3at) — same as the standard model
• Important: Cat6 supports 10GBASE-T only up to approximately 55 meters. For longer runs, Cat6A is mandatory.

For a deeper dive into choosing the right cable for multi-gig networks, see our ethernet cable guide and Cat6A wiring diagram guide.

Making Your Decision

The $80 gap between the Pro Wall and Pro XG Wall is entirely about the uplink. If your network backbone doesn't support 10GbE today and you don't plan to upgrade, the standard U7 Pro Wall delivers identical wireless performance at a lower cost. If you're building a new network with 10GbE switching, the U7 Pro XG Wall ensures the cabling investment isn't wasted on a bottleneck at the AP.

Both are exceptional access points—just don't buy either one expecting switch ports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the U7 Pro Wall have ethernet switch ports?

No. Neither the U7 Pro Wall nor the U7 Pro XG Wall includes downstream switch ports. They each have a single uplink port (2.5GbE or 10GbE respectively). If you need built-in switch ports, the standard U7 In-Wall includes a 3-port 2.5GbE switch with PoE passthrough.

What cable do I need for the U7 Pro XG Wall?

The 10GbE uplink requires Cat6A cabling for full speed over standard distances (up to 100 meters). Cat6 can support 10GBASE-T only up to about 55 meters. If your existing runs are Cat5e or Cat6, the standard U7 Pro Wall with its 2.5GbE uplink is the more practical choice.

Can the U7 Pro Wall replace a ceiling-mounted U7 Pro?

Technically, yes—both have the same radio specs. However, ceiling-mounted APs generally provide better omnidirectional coverage in open floor plans. The Pro Wall's radiation pattern is optimized for wall placement, making it ideal for hallways, hotel rooms, and spaces where ceiling access is limited.

Is 2x2 MIMO a limitation?

Less than you'd think. Most client devices in 2026 (phones, laptops, tablets) are 2x2, so a 4x4 AP primarily helps with signal diversity and client density—not throughput for individual clients. WiFi 7's wider channels and better modulation more than compensate. A 4x4 configuration mainly benefits environments with multiple simultaneous 4x4 clients, which remain rare outside enterprise settings. The 2x2 configuration also keeps heat manageable in the compact wall-plate form factor.

Do I need a special switch for the U7 Pro XG Wall?

Yes. You need a switch with 10GbE ports—either RJ45 or SFP+ with a copper transceiver. In the UniFi lineup, the Enterprise XG 24 or Pro Max switches with the right modules work. Standard UniFi Pro switches max out at 2.5GbE per port, which would bottleneck the XG Wall's uplink.

What's the difference between U7 Pro Wall and U7 In-Wall?

The U7 Pro Wall is a tri-band (2.4/5/6 GHz) AP with no switch ports. The U7 In-Wall is a dual-band (2.4/5 GHz only—no 6 GHz) AP with a built-in 3-port 2.5GbE switch. Choose Pro Wall for maximum wireless speed; choose In-Wall for wired connectivity at the AP location.

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Need help designing a WiFi 7 deployment for your home or office? Our team provides network assessments and professional installation throughout South Florida. Contact us for a customized recommendation based on your floor plan.

Related Reading

• UniFi U7 Lite vs U7 Pro Comparison — Choosing between ceiling-mount WiFi 7 APs
• Complete UniFi WiFi 7 Access Point Guide — Full comparison of all U7 series models
• Best WiFi 7 Access Points for Small Business — UniFi vs TP-Link Omada, Cisco, and Ruckus
• UniFi Network Design Guide — Floor plan methodology and AP placement
• Best Ethernet Cable Guide — Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat6A for multi-gig networks
• Power over Ethernet Guide — PoE standards and power budgeting

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Pricing and specifications accurate as of February 2026. Product availability varies by region.