Self-host vs hosted

Does the controller need to be online 24/7?

Short answer: not for your Wi-Fi to work. Once your access points and switches are configured, they keep passing traffic even if the controller is offline. But while it's down you lose live stats, remote management, the guest/hotspot portal, new device adoptions, and automatic updates and backups. For a business, those add up — which is why an always-on controller matters.

Your three options

• Cloud Key / on-site — a small Ubiquiti appliance (or a PC) running the controller in your building. Cheap to buy once and local — but a single point of failure that depends on your power and internet, and you handle backups, updates and replacement.
• Self-managed VPS — a cloud server you rent and run the controller on. Always-on and reachable — but you install, secure, patch and back it up yourself.
• Managed hosting — a provider runs a private controller for you: always-on, updated, backed up and monitored. A monthly fee, and the least work by far.

When each one fits

• Cloud Key / on-site: a single small site, a tight one-time budget, and someone on-site to reboot it and keep backups.
• Self-managed VPS: you want always-on and remote access, you have Linux skills, and you're happy owning security and maintenance.
• Managed hosting: you want it to just work, always be online, and never think about updates, backups or hardening — across one site or many.

If you'd rather not babysit a controller at all, we run a private, managed UniFi controller for you from $5/mo — and we'll migrate your existing one free.