HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22 vs UniFi U7 Pro

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against Wi-Fi access points at a similar price

The UniFi U7 Pro scores 7.3/10 overall, ahead of the HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22 at 5.4/10.

The UniFi U7 Pro leads on wi-Fi standard and bands, uplink and power, management and software and security.

They score the same on value.

The biggest difference is wi-Fi standard and bands, where the UniFi U7 Pro scores 9/10 to the HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22's 6/10.

HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22

5.4/10verdict: good, not the best

The AP22 is for home and small-office users who want a simple Wi-Fi 6 access point they can set up from an app. It suits sites with a PoE switch and a modest number of devices. It is a poor fit for anyone who wants a local controller or fine control over Wi-Fi settings.

Typically about £93.50 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

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UniFi U7 Pro

7.3/10verdict: buy

The UniFi U7 Pro is a ceiling or wall access point for people who want tri-band Wi-Fi 7 and already run, or plan to run, UniFi Network. It suits a home or small-office network that needs 6 GHz and a 2.5GbE uplink. It is less suited to anyone who wants to configure an access point from a simple standalone app.

Typically about £180 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22	UniFi U7 Pro
Wi-Fi standard and bands	25%	6/10	9/10
Uplink and power	20%	6/10	8/10
Management	20%	3/10	5/10
Software and security	20%	5/10	7/10
Value	15%	7/10	7/10
Overall		5.4/10	7.3/10

Specifications

Spec	HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22	UniFi U7 Pro
Wi-Fi standard	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	WiFi 7 (802.11be), with 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6/6E), ac and n listed as supported
Bands and speed class	Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, 2x2 MIMO on each; total 1774 Mb/s (5 GHz 1200 Mb/s, 2.4 GHz 574 Mb/s)	Tri-band: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz, each 2x2 MU-MIMO; max data rates 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 4.3 Gbps (5 GHz), 5.8 Gbps (6 GHz); 6 spatial streams
Uplink port	1 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 (1GbE), with PoE-in	One 1/2.5 GbE RJ45 port (2.5 GbE)
Power (PoE class)	PoE in 802.3af (class 3), max 10.1 W (PoE) or 8.8 W (DC); external 12V adapter option	PoE+ input, 44–57V DC supply range, maximum consumption 21W
Management	Cloud-managed through the Instant On web portal or mobile app; no local controller	Ethernet; requires UniFi Network 8.0.28 or later
Mounting	Wall or ceiling; mount bracket included	Ceiling or wall, with a Pro Mount included

Strengths and weaknesses

HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22

+ Quick app setup with a guided wizard
+ Standard 802.3af PoE power input
+ Two-year warranty with 24/7 phone and chat support
− Cloud-only management, no local or offline controller
− Limited Wi-Fi configuration options
− Basic SKU ships without a power adapter

Skip it if:

Homelabbers who want a local or offline controller
Anyone who wants detailed control over Wi-Fi settings

Read the full HPE Networking Instant On Access Point AP22 review ›

UniFi U7 Pro

+ Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with 6 GHz and 6 spatial streams
+ 2.5GbE uplink and standard PoE+ input
+ Guest isolation, Private PSK and RADIUS over TLS, with no paywalled features
− Standalone app reported too limited for configuration
− Some PoE ports may not supply enough power
− One reviewer says it runs extremely hot

Skip it if:

Buyers who want to configure an access point fully from a simple standalone app
Anyone whose PoE switch can't confirm full PoE+ output on every port
Buyers without any Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 clients who don't need the 6 GHz radio

Read the full UniFi U7 Pro review ›

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