UniFi Protect G6 Camera Lineup – What’s New in Bullet, Turret & Instant

Meet the Ubiquiti G6 Camera Series

Ubiquiti’s latest release, the UniFi G6 Protect cameras, marks a meaningful evolution in the company’s surveillance lineup. Designed to meet the needs of modern users—from home security enthusiasts to IT admins managing multi-site infrastructures—this new generation prioritizes image quality, intelligent features, and simplicity.

At the heart of every G6 camera lies a best-in-class 1/1.8″ 8-megapixel sensor, offering stunning 4K resolution and superb low-light performance. These enhancements aren’t just about looking good on paper—they directly impact facial recognition, vehicle tracking, and license plate clarity. Whether you’re securing a driveway, storefront, or an industrial yard, the G6 optics make every frame count.

But it’s not just about the sensor. All three models—G6 Bullet, G6 Turret, and G6 Instant—run on a multi-TOPs AI engine. This onboard computing power enables real-time smart detection without relying on a cloud or server. When combined with UniFi Protect, Ubiquiti’s off-cloud, low-latency management platform, users get privacy, performance, and flexibility—all without subscription fees.

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First Look & What to Expect: G6 vs G5 and Other Brands

The new G6 lineup doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it sharpens it. Compared to the previous G5 models, the G6 series improves across several core areas:

• Sensor Upgrade: All G6 units now share the 1/1.8” 8MP sensor. This is the same sensor found in the high-end G5 Pro, now democratized across the series.
• Improved Processing: AI detection is now more accurate, thanks to the multi-TOPs engine, capable of identifying people, vehicles, and license plates faster and more reliably.
• Infrared Performance: G6 Bullet and Turret models feature glare-free IR that reaches up to 30 meters (98 ft), eliminating overexposed zones and maintaining object clarity even at a distance.
• Design Evolution: Both the Bullet and Turret are now slightly larger than their G5 counterparts, with refined materials and a more rugged feel—each housed in an IP66-rated aluminum enclosure.

What’s especially impressive is that the G6 Instant, a wireless model, shares the same sensor and AI processing power as the wired ones. This closes a long-standing quality gap in the wireless surveillance space. For users who want a clean, cable-free setup without sacrificing resolution or detection power, the Instant is a big win.

Future comparisons will certainly place these cameras against other leading brands in the AI camera space, but Ubiquiti’s unique blend of off-cloud architecture, Edge AI capabilities, and subscription-free model sets the G6 series apart as a compelling solution for 2025 and beyond.

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8MP Sensor & 4K Video: Better Detail for Analytics

One of the standout features of the G6 camera series is the unified use of a 1/1.8” 8MP image sensor across all models. This sensor size, typically reserved for flagship models like the G5 Pro, now comes standard in the G6 Bullet, G6 Turret, and even the compact G6 Instant.

This upgrade translates into consistently sharper footage at 4K resolution (3840×2160) and better performance in difficult lighting conditions. Whether you’re capturing people moving through a dim hallway or vehicles under a bright sun, the dynamic range and clarity are noticeably improved.

For viewers relying on advanced analytics—like face recognition or license plate capture—this improvement is more than aesthetic. Better sensor quality directly correlates with detection accuracy. In security terms, that can mean the difference between catching a license plate or missing it entirely.

Additionally, the G6 cameras allow users to downscale resolution to 2K or HD. This flexibility is ideal for users with limited storage capacity, yet it still leverages the superior image processing from the larger sensor.

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G6 Bullet: Metal Body, IP66, Upgraded IR (25–30m Range)

The G6 Bullet (UVC-G6-Bullet) is a robust, professional-grade camera built for both indoor and outdoor surveillance. Housed in an IP66-rated metal enclosure, it’s designed to withstand rain, dust, and temperature extremes — making it a reliable choice for everything from parking lots and construction sites to office entrances and industrial perimeters.

At the heart of the G6 Bullet is a 1/1.8” 8MP sensor, capable of delivering sharp 4K video at 3840 × 2160 resolution and 30 FPS. This sensor size offers improved low-light performance compared to previous generations, capturing more detail in challenging conditions such as dusk, dawn, or shaded areas.

The upgraded infrared night vision system on the G6 Bullet extends visibility up to 30 meters (98 feet), a significant leap from the G5’s 9-meter range. What’s more, the new glare-free IR LEDs ensure that distant objects remain clear without halos or washed-out zones — a common issue in conventional IR setups. Whether you’re monitoring a long driveway or warehouse loading bay, this improved IR ensures critical footage remains usable.

AI-powered smart detections are built into the camera itself, eliminating the need for cloud processing or external servers. Features include:

• Face recognition
• License plate recognition (LPR)
• Object classification (people, vehicles, animals)
• Tamper detection

This is all processed on a quad-core Cortex-A53 chip with a multi-TOPs AI engine, offering real-time analysis with minimal latency.

From a practical standpoint, the G6 Bullet is engineered for flexible installation. It supports wall, ceiling, and pole mounting right out of the box, and optional accessories like angled baseplates and junction boxes provide even more deployment versatility.

Power is delivered via PoE (Power over Ethernet), and the camera supports 10/100 Mbps connections through a standard RJ45 interface. It consumes up to 9.9W under peak operation, making it efficient even in larger multi-camera deployments.

Applications for the G6 Bullet include:

• Perimeter monitoring in harsh weather zones
• Long-range corridor or driveway coverage
• Entryway analytics for office buildings
• High-traffic areas requiring license plate logging
• Retail store fronts and delivery zones

With IK04-rated impact resistance and durable construction, this camera stands up to vandalism risks while maintaining a discreet form factor.

If you’re migrating from older UniFi Protect cameras or exploring advanced detection use cases, the G6 Bullet offers a compelling upgrade path — especially when paired with UniFi Protect’s off-cloud architecture. Combined with EdgeAI capabilities, it’s built not just for today’s security challenges, but tomorrow’s too.

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G6 Design: Larger Build, Rubber Ring, and Visual Upgrades

The G6 series doesn’t just improve performance—it brings a noticeably refreshed design that reflects its next-gen capabilities. Ubiquiti has introduced subtle but effective hardware changes that impact not only aesthetics but also installation practicality and nighttime performance.

First and foremost, the G6 cameras—both Bullet and Turret—are physically larger than their G5 counterparts. This isn’t just for show. The larger build accommodates the advanced 1/1.8” 8MP sensor, expanded IR LED arrays, and more robust internal cooling, which together improve overall imaging quality and long-term reliability. The slightly bulkier profile also enables better mounting versatility, with increased clearance and easier access for field servicing.

A key visual identifier of the G6 models is the distinct black rubber ring surrounding the lens. This isn’t just a branding cue—it plays a functional role by reducing glare around the IR LEDs, especially in low-light or reflective environments. This ring improves image clarity by suppressing unwanted reflections from nearby surfaces like walls or windows—an issue common in tight corridor installations or glossy interiors.

From an installer’s perspective, the new design makes it easy to visually distinguish G6 cameras from previous models at a glance. This is helpful during maintenance or upgrades, particularly on sites with mixed G5 and G6 deployments.

Visually, the G6 models also come in both black and white finishes, allowing seamless integration into different architectural styles. Whether mounted on a modern office ceiling or an exterior building wall, the upgraded look helps unify appearance across professional installations.

And with a choice of included or optional mounting accessories—like pole clamps, angled bases, or pendant arms—installers can tailor each camera to its environment, without compromising aesthetics or performance.

In summary, the G6 design isn’t just about looking new—it’s about thoughtful improvements that directly impact usability, clarity, and long-term performance, whether you’re deploying a single camera or rolling out a full-site upgrade.

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G6 Turret: Wider FOV, Better Dynamic Range, Compact Design

The G6 Turret (model UVC-G6-Turret) takes everything that makes the G6 Bullet a top-tier surveillance solution and delivers it in a more compact, indoor-optimized form factor. Ideal for installations where aesthetics matter—like offices, retail environments, or customer-facing lobbies—this AI camera blends power and discretion without compromise.

Equipped with the same large 1/1.8” 8MP sensor, the G6 Turret produces razor-sharp 4K video (3864 x 2160) at up to 30 FPS. With a wide 109.9° horizontal field of view, 56.7° vertical, and 134.1° diagonal, it covers more ground than its predecessor—minimizing blind spots in large rooms or corridors.

Enhanced HDR (High Dynamic Range) capabilities allow the G6 Turret to balance lighting in challenging environments—like storefronts with glass windows, backlit entrances, or mixed outdoor/indoor spaces. Shadows and highlights are processed intelligently, ensuring that fine details—like facial features or license plates—are preserved even in high-contrast scenes.

The camera is housed in an IP66-rated aluminum alloy and polycarbonate enclosure, giving it robust protection against dust, humidity, and tampering. Although primarily designed for indoor use, its weatherproof build means it can also be used in covered outdoor spaces like vestibules or parking garages.

From a hardware standpoint, it mirrors the G6 Bullet:

• Built-in infrared (IR) LED night vision up to 30 meters
• Fixed focal lens for consistent coverage
• On-device AI powered by a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor
• Smart detections including face recognition, vehicle classification, and loitering alerts
• Audio recording via integrated microphone
• PoE support for simplified wiring and installation

Thanks to the EdgeAI engine, G6 Turret functions as a smart camera, processing data locally with no need for cloud-based analysis. This reduces latency, ensures privacy, and improves performance in networks with limited bandwidth. Combined with UniFi Protect, you gain full remote access and control, without subscription fees or hidden costs.

For those exploring other advanced AI camera options, including how UniFi stacks up across the market, this in-depth comparison of top AI security cameras offers a helpful reference.

In fast-paced retail environments, the turret’s smart detection can alert staff to unauthorized access in restricted zones or analyze traffic flow across store aisles. In SMB offices, it can automate alerts for after-hours presence or integrate into broader building automation systems.

With optional mounts—including pendant and junction box kits—the G6 Turret offers flexible installation while retaining a sleek appearance. Whether you’re upgrading a legacy system or building new, this model strikes the perfect balance between power, price, and form factor.

Let’s now take a look at the G6 Instant—a wireless version of the same UniFi Protect camera system, built for plug-and-play simplicity without compromising image quality or AI capability.

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G6 Instant: Wireless, 8MP Sensor, UniFi Auto-Link Setup

The G6 Instant (UVC-G6-INS) marks a major leap forward in wireless surveillance technology from Ubiquiti. It combines the same high-performance 1/1.8” 8MP sensor used in the G6 Bullet and Turret with a compact, wireless-ready body that can be deployed in minutes—no Ethernet cables required.

The G6 Instant uses UniFi Auto-Link, a smart wireless pairing protocol that connects the camera seamlessly to your UniFi Protect system straight out of the box. Setup is remarkably simple: plug in the camera using the included USB-C adapter, open the UniFi Protect app, and you’re ready to go. It’s plug-and-play in the truest sense, with no subscriptions or additional licenses required.

Despite its small size (81.7 × 50.1 × 57.2 mm), the G6 Instant still delivers 4K (3840 × 2160) resolution at 30 FPS. This makes it ideal for scenarios like apartment entrances, front porches, or small businesses that demand clarity without complicated wiring.

The camera also includes two-way audio, enabling direct communication with visitors or intruders via the UniFi Protect mobile app. With IPX5 weather resistance and IK04 tamper protection, the G6 Instant is suitable for light outdoor deployments as well.

Other highlights include:

• 6-meter infrared night vision (built-in IR LED + IR cut filter)
• Smart detections: Face recognition, license plate detection, people/vehicle/animal tracking
• 109.9° horizontal field of view — the same as its wired siblings
• Edge recording via MicroSD slot (supports high-endurance cards for 24/7 operation)
• Powered via USB-C (5V, 2A) or via PoE with an optional adapter

For users looking to cut the cord without sacrificing performance, the G6 Instant is a breakthrough. Earlier wireless models, like the G5 Flex, had limited sensors and lacked advanced AI—but not anymore. This camera brings true parity with the wired models while offering installation flexibility unmatched in its class.

Curious how it compares to previous budget-friendly options? We explored this shift from basic to premium wireless surveillance in our recent guide on Ubiquiti AI Port and advanced analytics, where features like Auto-Link and onboard intelligence redefine expectations in home and small business security.

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AI Engine & Analytics: Multi-TOPs Power for Better Detection

At the core of every G6 camera lies a multi-TOPs (Tera Operations Per Second) AI engine, purpose-built to enhance real-time analytics and object detection. This isn’t just marketing hype—it’s a transformative leap in how surveillance data is processed, especially in critical environments where response time and accuracy matter most.

The AI engine runs on a quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 chip and handles advanced recognition tasks such as:

• Real-time face recognition, even in low lighting or partial obstructions
• License Plate Recognition (LPR) with high confidence, supporting use in drive-throughs or parking garages
• Object classification that can differentiate between people, vehicles, and even animals—reducing false alerts dramatically

Because all of this AI processing is done locally, on the camera itself, there’s no need to send video to a central server or cloud for analysis. This dramatically reduces bandwidth usage and eliminates the latency associated with cloud-based systems. It also means that your data stays on-premises, supporting privacy policies and compliance requirements in corporate and regulated environments.

Pair the AI engine with UniFi Protect’s EdgeAI framework, and you unlock new automation workflows. For example:

• Detect a person at a side entrance → automatically tag footage for review
• Spot a car loitering near an exit → trigger a local alert or send a mobile push
• Combine with AI Key to ask your system to “show all people in blue jackets between 12:00 and 14:00”

These aren’t hypothetical use cases—they’re built into the UniFi Protect camera system and can be managed entirely through your UniFi Console or Protect mobile app.

This level of intelligence has tangible use across industries:

• Retail environments benefit from detecting loitering or shoplifting behavior in real-time. AI-triggered alerts can notify staff instantly, improving response and loss prevention.
• Warehouses and industrial sites use object detection to monitor forklifts and restrict unauthorized vehicle or personnel movement. The AI engine ensures alerts are sent only for relevant activity, minimizing false alarms.
• School campuses and multi-site corporate offices rely on facial recognition to manage access points and automate presence detection, all while respecting bandwidth and privacy constraints.
• Parking structures use license plate recognition to match vehicles with access permissions and even log dwell times for billing or security.

What makes all of this possible is the architectural shift from cloud-dependence to on-camera intelligence. This is where the G6 series excels—something we’ve explored in contrast to earlier models in our detailed G5 Bullet review, where such AI capabilities required external processing or were unavailable altogether.

Whether you’re deploying a G6 camera in a warehouse, at a retail storefront, or across a campus with multiple entrances, the multi-TOPs AI engine ensures that each camera isn’t just recording, but actively monitoring and understanding its environment.

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UniFi Protect Integration and Flexible Resolution Options

The G6 camera series doesn’t just stand out because of its hardware—it thrives thanks to deep integration with the UniFi Protect platform. Whether you’re a small business owner setting up a few cameras or an IT administrator managing a complex network, the benefits of this integration are immediate and impactful.

UniFi Protect is designed to be license-free, with no monthly subscription fees. That alone makes it a competitive choice, but the platform goes much further. It provides seamless access to live feeds, cloud-based event review via UniFi Cloud Console, and powerful configuration tools—all wrapped in an intuitive, responsive interface. You control everything from a central dashboard, whether you’re onsite or managing security remotely.

Each G6 camera becomes a smart node in the UniFi Protect system. With built-in EdgeAI, analytics are processed locally—meaning you don’t need cloud compute or extra servers to unlock features like face recognition or license plate detection. For many deployments, this reduces infrastructure costs while improving reliability and privacy.

One of the most practical advantages for integrators and end-users alike is flexible resolution scaling. Although every G6 model supports crisp 4K recording thanks to its 1/1.8” 8MP sensor, not every scenario requires full resolution. If you’re working with limited storage, slower network uplinks, or just need to archive longer timelines, you can scale resolution down to 2K or even HD on a per-camera basis.

This adaptability is especially valuable when deploying across mixed environments—like pairing high-resolution monitoring at building entrances with lower-resolution coverage for parking areas or hallways. It also ensures that you get the best performance out of your UniFi Protect Console. And if your needs grow, UniFi’s ENVR or Vantage Point architecture lets you scale with ease. Not sure which UniFi OS Console is right for your setup? Take a look at our detailed guide on choosing the right UniFi console to make an informed decision based on your system size, budget, and performance needs.

All of this is managed from a single place—no third-party VMS licenses, no hardware lock-ins, no cloud subscription upsells. Just a streamlined, reliable system designed to scale with you.

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Final Thoughts: Price Point and Real-World Use Cases

The UniFi G6 Protect camera lineup offers a well-rounded evolution of Ubiquiti’s surveillance ecosystem. With advanced optics, built-in AI processing, and seamless integration into the UniFi Protect platform, the G6 series brings premium-grade features to both SMBs and home users—without the burden of subscription fees.

At $199 for the G6 Bullet and G6 Turret, and $179 for the G6 Instant, the price remains competitive considering the upgrade in sensor size (1/1.8″ 8MP), 4K clarity, and AI capabilities like face recognition and license plate detection. These are features typically reserved for higher-end surveillance systems but now accessible in a plug-and-play format.

Each model has a clear use case:

• G6 Bullet (UVC-G6-Bullet): Built tough with an IP66-rated metal body and glare-free IR up to 30 meters, it’s perfect for outdoor environments—loading docks, parking lots, or perimeter security.
• G6 Turret (UVC-G6-Turret): More compact, yet just as capable, it’s ideal for indoor spaces like retail floors, hallways, or reception areas where discreet design matters.
• G6 Instant (UVC-G6-INS): A game-changer for fast, cable-free deployments. With WiFi and UniFi Auto-Link, it’s the go-to option for temporary setups, residential use, or retrofitting in buildings where running cable is a challenge.

In real-world applications, the G6 cameras shine in environments that demand both visual fidelity and intelligence—from capturing sharp facial details in customer-facing areas to automating alerts in large warehouses or educational campuses. They’re also easy to deploy across multi-site operations thanks to UniFi Protect’s centralized dashboard and EdgeAI support.

Whether you’re a professional installer designing a full-scale system or a business owner seeking to upgrade your aging CCTV network, the G6 camera lineup delivers smart, scalable, and modern security—ready out of the box, with no strings attached.

And if you’re just starting to explore the UniFi ecosystem, this new lineup is the perfect reason to dive in. For ongoing reviews, head-to-head comparisons, and real-world tests—stay tuned to our updates and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Let us know how you’re planning to deploy your G6 system—or reach out if you’d like help planning your next security project.

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