The UnifyDrive UT2 is a portable Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device boasting advanced AI features, built-in multi-network capabilities, and an easy user interface. Built to handle an impressive 16TB of data, the UT2 provides an incredibly robust solution for everything from portable media storage to a local and remote access server to a full-on media player. With full access to your content and files anywhere in the world through a secure connection that is easy to set up and manage, there is much to like about the UnifyDrive UT2.
The UT2 provides a surprisingly compact and portable NAS solution. Complete with a silicone case for protection while travelling, the unit measures 173.5 mm*90 mm*28 mm (case included), slightly longer than a standard 2 TB SSD. Weighing only 306g, the UT2 is ideal for both home use and travel, easily fitting in your laptop bag or carry-on.
Examining the UT2 reveals several ports to leverage for the wide range of tasks the NAS supports. On one side is support for external power via USB-C, an RJ-45 port with 2.5GbE data transfer speeds and an HDMI 2.1 for external monitor connection. The other side of the UT2 houses an additional USB-C port (USB3.2 Gen1), a single USB-A (USB3.2 Gen1), ONE UHS-II, SD/TF card slot and a CFexpress Type-B/A slot (though Type A does require an adaptor). When brought together, it allows the UT2 to support an exceptionally wide variety of storage devices.
Setting up the UT2 is an incredibly simple affair as well. The bottom of the unit has a small access hatch that allows for easy installation of up to M.2 drives, though only one is required for a basic setup. Once slotted and the hatch buttoned up, you’re ready to connect the device. Equipped with all the cabling required, simply plug the device into an AC wall plug and connect to your router’s 2.5 Gb port. If this setup isn’t convenient, no need to stress, as the UT2 can also be set up over Wifi, thanks to easy-to-follow instructions provided with the unit.
Once connected, download and install the UnifyDrive app on your phone and follow the prompts. After a quick account creation with UnifyDrive as well as a local administrator account on the device, you’ll have full access to the suite of software and AI-driven tools provided by the UnifyDrive interface. It is the easiest NAS or server I’ve ever set up in my years of home networking and tech support.
Once set up, using the UT2 is just as simple as the setup. The UI is straightforward to understand, with each icon, when selected, presenting a clear description of what it can do. Moving data to and from the NAS is a breeze with support for a variety of direct and remote access options available. In testing, plugging an external drive into the UT2 allowed for easy drag and drop to the drives. The system recognizes SD cards just as easily and even provides a quick backup option when they are slotted. After enabling the PlugBackUp option in the UnifyDrive options, simply double-tap the copy button on the side of the device, and UnifyDrive handles the rest.
Files can also be transferred remotely via the app (available on Android, iOS, PC, Mac, Android TV and Apple TV). Using the same drag-and-drop method, files can be dropped into a personal folder or group share and are automatically sorted based on content. On the note of sorting content, UnifyDrive handles categorizing data like a champ. Photos are automatically sorted, and intelligent photo Albums can be created with ease. Face recognition and even scene aggregation are supported, along with searching but text and photos. It’s a robust feature set that worked incredibly well in testing.
“With full access to your content and files anywhere in the world through a secure connection that is easy to set up and manage, there is much to like about the UnifyDrive UT2.”
Other types of media, such as audio and video, are easily managed by the UnifyDrive software. With a few moments of setup, the system can even pull movie information from TMDB to provide pertinent information on each video file on the UT2. It even goes so far as to separate movies from TV shows, supports resume playback and can stream out to the Unifydrive app on your other devices via the built-in media player.
On that note, thanks to the HDMI port, the UT2 can be connected to a screen and act as a built-in digital media player. Controls are handled by the included media remote. More impressive still is support for simultaneous multi-device playback of media, allowing everyone in your home to enjoy your media library and even media files at the same time.
While I’ve run media servers in my home for the past several years, typically salvaging old PCs and running a media software server solution, the UT2 handles it so much better and easier. There is no need for additional configuration or managing pesky updates, which can break network connections you had previously set up. It simply works and works incredibly fast.
This is thanks to the impressive hardware UnifyDrive has included in the UT2. Sporting a Rockchip RK3588c, an 8-core, 2.4GHz processor, g610 GPU, 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 32GB of eMMC flash Storage, the UT2 runs lightning fast. Navigating the UI, transferring data and accessing the NAS remotely is quick, smooth and uncomplicated. Even for beginners dipping their toes into the world of servers and NAS, the UT2 is an incredibly user-friendly entry point.
“As a bonus, the UT2 can also provide WiFi and WLAN hotspotting for those times when you have the drive with you and want to access it without the hassle of plugging it into a PC or Mac.”
While I have been impressed with every aspect of the UT2, perhaps the most impressive the remote access capabilities outside your local network. As a built-in feature with the UT2, this allows you to access your content from anywhere there is an internet connection. Managed, once again, through the UnifyDrive app, you can easily access your favourite, locally stored content while travelling anywhere. The best part is doesn’t require any additional setup. No port forwarding, no VPN tunnels, simply log into your account and go.
As a bonus, the UT2 can also provide WiFi and WLAN hotspotting for those times when you have the drive with you and want to access it without the hassle of plugging it into a PC or Mac. Simply enable it in the settings and activate it via a small button on the side of the device. Once enabled, the network will become available and can be connected to. All of the settings for the hotspot are managed from within the app and are easy to access and change.
For those who want to share their content with family, the UnifyDrive app allows for multiple account creation, both for local network and remote access. Each account can be limited to the content you want them to access, and like every other aspect of the UT2, it’s easy to set up and use. I’ve not worked with a more user-friendly setup ever.
UnifyDrive and done an incredible job with the UT2. It is by far the easiest NAS I’ve set up and managed, and provides so much more than network attached storage. From setup to UI to ease of use, every aspect of the UT2 is well thought out and implemented. It provides the perfect solution for network storage and is ideal for those dabbling with the concept. If you are looking for a portable NAS solution, the UT2 is worth every penny.
