Ubiquiti G5 Pro

Overview

The G5 Pro is a 5MP bullet camera from Ubiquiti's previous generation. It predates the 4K G6 line but remains in active deployment across many UniFi Protect installations and continues to receive firmware support.

5MP at the G5 Pro's lens quality captures usable detail for identification purposes, and the previous-generation hardware often makes it available at lower cost than current G6 equivalents.

Why I Recommend It

In a cost-sensitive deployment where high camera count matters more than maximum per-camera resolution, the G5 Pro lets you add more cameras for the same budget. Three G5 Pros covering an area from different angles often tells a more complete story than two G6 cameras at higher individual resolution.

UniFi Protect manages G5 and G6 cameras in the same interface without distinction from the management perspective. If you already have G5 cameras deployed, adding more G5 Pro units maintains consistency rather than mixing generations.

Performance & Reliability

5MP provides noticeably less detail at distance than 4K G6 cameras. At close range, like a doorway or counter camera, the difference is negligible. Where it shows is trying to read a license plate or identify a face at the far edge of the frame.

G5 hardware has years of proven reliability in real installations. The long deployment history means known failure modes are understood and the firmware is stable.

As a previous-generation device, it will eventually reach end-of-support from Ubiquiti. Planning for eventual G6 migration is sensible for new installs that will be maintained long-term.

Setup & Installation

Same PoE adoption process as G6 cameras. Existing G5 Pro installations can be managed alongside G6 cameras without any special configuration.

Value for the Money

The main value argument is cost. If budget constrains camera count, G5 Pro cameras provide adequate coverage at lower cost per camera than G6. More coverage points often matter more than higher resolution at each point.

For new installations without a cost constraint, starting with G6 hardware makes more sense than buying G5 hardware that's already a generation behind. The G5 Pro's value case is strongest in expansions of existing G5 deployments or tight-budget new installs.