UniFi Protect Outdoor Cameras: G4, G5 or G6?
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Ubiquiti is best known for its UniFi networking gear, and its UniFi Protect cameras extend that system to security video. Unlike cloud cameras that send footage to a subscription service, UniFi Protect cameras are designed to record to your own UniFi recorder or console on your home network, which you manage in the UniFi Protect app. Most connect with a single Ethernet cable using PoE, short for Power over Ethernet, which means the same cable carries both data and electricity, so you do not need a power outlet at the camera location.
The models are named by generation: G4 is the older generation, G5 is the middle, and G6 is the newest in this guide. In one sentence, the six cameras differ by generation, by shape (bullet, turret or dome) and by resolution, from the 4MP G4 Bullet up to 4K models with AI features like face and license plate recognition in the G6 line.
Ubiquiti UniFi Outdoor Cameras Compared
| Camera | Shape | Resolution | Night vision | Weather rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ubiquiti UniFi G5 Ultra Network Camera | Turret (listed as dome) | 2K HD in description, 3840 x 2160 in features | 30 m | Listed as weatherproof |
| Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G5-Bullet Camera | Bullet | 2K HD, 5MP sensor | Up to 10 m | IPX4 |
| Ubiquiti UniFi UVC-G5-Pro 8 Megapixel Indoor | Bullet | 4K, 8MP, 3x optical zoom | Up to 82.02 ft | IP67 |
| Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G6 Bullet 4K | Bullet | 4K, 8MP | Up to 30 m (98 ft) | IP66, IK04 |
| Ubiquiti UniFi G6 Dome 4K PoE | Dome | 4K, 8MP | Up to 30 m (98 ft) | IP66, IK10 |
| Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G4-Bullet 4 MP | Bullet | 4MP at 24 FPS | Infrared, range not listed | IPX4 |
A few terms explained: a bullet camera is a tube shape that points clearly in one direction, a dome sits under a rounded cover that hides where it is looking, and a turret is a ball-shaped camera in a cup, easy to aim. IP ratings such as IP66 or IP67 describe dust and water protection; higher second digits mean more water protection. IK ratings describe impact resistance, with IK10 being very tough.
Ubiquiti UniFi G5 Ultra Network Camera for Compact Coverage
Ubiquiti Networks
Ubiquiti UniFi G5 Ultra Network Camera
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ubiquiti UniFi G5 Ultra Network Camera
Best for: Compact turret coverage near entrances
Pros
- 4° wide angle
- 30 m night vision
- AI detection and microphone
Cons
- Resolution stated two ways
- Listing mixes turret and dome
The Ubiquiti UniFi G5 Ultra Network Camera is a small G5-generation camera. The description identifies it as the G5 Turret Ultra Black Edition (UVC-G5-TURRET-ULTRA) with a 102.4° wide-angle view, 30 meters of night vision, AI detection, a microphone and a PoE connector, and calls it weather resistant.
The listing is not consistent on resolution. The description says 2K HD, while the feature bullets list 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is 4K. The form factor is also listed as a dome, while the description calls it a turret. The bullets add a dual-core Arm Cortex-A7 processor, motion detection, audio recording and LAN connectivity, and say it can be used outside and inside.
It suits first-time builders who want a compact, wide-view camera for a front door or side gate. If you need clear, confirmed 4K or recognition features, the G6 Bullet and G6 Dome are better documented.
Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G5-Bullet Camera for Porches and Carports
Best for: Adding a basic camera to existing setup
Pros
- 4MP at 24 FPS
- Built-in microphone
- PoE powered
Cons
- Oldest generation here
- Water resistance listed inconsistently
Ubiquiti Networks
Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G6 Bullet 4K Camera – Black (UVC-G6-Bullet-B)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G6 Bullet 4K
Best for: Face and license plate recognition
Pros
- 4K at 30 FPS
- Face and plate recognition
- 30 m IR night vision
- Wall, ceiling, pole mounts included
Cons
- IK04, low impact resistance
Best for: Covering a porch or carport
Pros
- 5MP sensor, 2K at 30 FPS
- Three-axis adjustment
- IR night vision to 10 m
Cons
- IPX4 only
- Listing says Wi-Fi and PoE
The Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G5-Bullet Camera (UVC-G5-Bullet) records 2K HD video at 30 frames per second from a 5MP sensor, with an 84.4° viewing angle. It has an IPX4-rated weatherproof enclosure, three-axis adjustment for aiming, improved low-light performance and IR night vision up to 10 meters.
Some listing fields conflict. The brand field says M Morpha, which is likely the seller rather than the maker. The specs mark it as indoor and list Wi-Fi connectivity, but the description calls it an indoor/outdoor PoE camera, which matches how UniFi Protect bullets are normally powered. IPX4 means protection from splashing water, which is fine under an overhang but less than the IP66 or IP67 ratings of other models here.
It suits covered outdoor spots such as a porch or carport. For fully exposed walls, the G5 Pro or G6 Bullet offer stronger weather ratings.
Ubiquiti UniFi UVC-G5-Pro 8 Megapixel Indoor/Outdoor for Zoom
Ubiquiti Networks
Ubiquiti UniFi UVC-G5-Pro 8 Megapixel Indoor/Outdoor 4K Network Camera – Color – Bullet
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Ubiquiti UniFi UVC-G5-Pro 8 Megapixel Indoor
Best for: Zooming in on driveways and gates
Pros
- 4K, 8MP sensor
- 3x optical zoom
- IP67 rating
- Night vision to about 82 ft
Cons
- Listed color is inconsistent
The Ubiquiti UniFi UVC-G5-Pro 8 Megapixel Indoor/Outdoor camera is the only model here with optical zoom. It records 4K (3840 x 2160) from an 8MP sensor and has a 3x optical zoom lens with a 4.1 to 12.3 mm focal length and an f/1.53 maximum aperture, meaning a wide opening that lets in more light.
Optical zoom matters because you can narrow the view to a distant gate or driveway without losing detail, and the description gives a horizontal viewing angle from 35° zoomed in to 109.9° zoomed out. The listing names night vision up to 82.02 feet, an IP67 rating, wired transmission and ceiling, wall or pole mounting. The listing is inconsistent on color, saying black in the specs and white in the description.
It suits long driveways and larger properties where you need to pick out details far away. For a closer area with AI recognition, the G6 Bullet is a better fit.
Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G6 Bullet 4K for Smart Detection
The Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G6 Bullet 4K camera (UVC-G6-Bullet-B, black) is the newest bullet here and the best documented. It has a 1/1.8-inch 8MP sensor recording 4K at 30 FPS, a fixed lens with a 109.9° horizontal view, and IR night vision up to 30 meters (98 feet).
Its Multi-TOPS AI Engine powers face recognition, license plate recognition and people, vehicle and animal detection, so alerts can tell you “car in driveway” rather than just “motion.” Image controls include HDR, noise reduction and privacy masking. It is IP66 rated, which means dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets, and IK04 for light impact resistance. Power comes from PoE at 37 to 57V DC with a maximum of 9.9W, it has a built-in microphone and a quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 processor, and wall, ceiling and pole mounts are included.
It suits homeowners who want smart alerts at a driveway or garage. If the camera will be within reach of passersby, the tougher G6 Dome is the safer choice.
Ubiquiti UniFi G6 Dome 4K PoE for Vandal Resistance
Best for: Vandal-prone or high-traffic spots
Pros
- IK10 vandal resistance
- 4K with AI detections
- IP66 aluminum housing
Cons
- Listing says Italian language
- Pole mount not included
The Ubiquiti UniFi G6 Dome 4K PoE camera (white) shares the G6 Bullet’s core: an 8MP 1/1.8-inch sensor, 4K at 30 FPS, the same 109.9° horizontal field of view, 30 meters of IR night vision, a microphone and the same AI detections for faces, license plates, people, vehicles and animals.
What changes is toughness and mounting. The aluminum housing is IP66 weatherproof and rated IK10 for vandal resistance, much stronger than the bullet’s IK04. Ceiling and wall mounts are included, with gang box and flush mounts available separately, and it runs on 37 to 57V DC PoE. The listing oddly gives the language as Italian and says “unknown batteries required,” details that do not fit a PoE camera and may point to an imported listing, so check the seller.
It suits entrances, shops and busy areas where a camera could be knocked or tampered with. For a pole mount out of the box, the G6 Bullet includes one.
Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G4-Bullet 4 MP for Basic Coverage
The Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G4-Bullet 4 MP camera is the oldest generation in this guide. It records 4MP video at 24 FPS, uses infrared LEDs for day and night viewing, has a built-in microphone and is powered by PoE.
The listing calls the enclosure weatherproof and gives an IPX4 rating, yet another field says “Not Water Resistant,” so rely on the IPX4 figure and mount it where it has some shelter. It uses a ball-joint mount for aiming, and the listing does not specify night vision range or AI features.
It suits existing UniFi users adding a simple camera to a garage or side yard. First-time builders will find more for their money in the G5 or G6 models.
How to Choose the Right Ubiquiti UniFi Outdoor Camera
Plan the whole system. UniFi Protect cameras record to a UniFi console or recorder on your network, and PoE models need a PoE switch or injector. Budget for these if this is your first UniFi camera.
Pick a generation. G6 models add face and license plate recognition with a Multi-TOPS AI engine. G5 models offer 2K to 4K options. The G4 Bullet is basic 4MP.
Match weather and impact ratings to the spot. Exposed walls call for IP66 or IP67 (G6 models, G5 Pro). Reachable spots benefit from the G6 Dome’s IK10.
Consider distance. The G5 Pro’s 3x optical zoom helps with far-away gates; the G6 models cover wide areas with 30 meters of night vision.
If running Ethernet cable is not possible at your home, UniFi may not be the right fit, and a wireless outdoor security camera could be simpler.
For a comparison of other high-resolution options, see our guide to 4K outdoor security cameras.
FAQ
What does PoE mean on a UniFi camera?
Power over Ethernet sends power and data through one network cable, so the camera needs no separate power outlet.
Do UniFi cameras need a subscription?
UniFi Protect cameras are designed to record to your own UniFi hardware and are managed in the UniFi Protect app. The listings do not mention a subscription.
Which UniFi camera recognizes license plates?
The G6 Bullet and G6 Dome both list license plate and face recognition.
Which UniFi outdoor camera is most weatherproof?
The G5 Pro lists IP67, and the G6 Bullet and G6 Dome list IP66. The G5 Bullet and G4 Bullet list IPX4.
What is the difference between the G6 Bullet and G6 Dome?
They share the same sensor, resolution and AI features. The dome is IK10 vandal resistant, while the bullet is IK04 and includes a pole mount.
Is the G4 Bullet still worth buying?
It is a simple 4MP PoE camera, fine for basic coverage in a sheltered spot, but newer G5 and G6 models offer higher resolution and more features.
