The Synology DS925+ versus QNAP TS-464 – Buy NEW or Buy QNAP?

Every so often in the NAS market, a new model arrives that challenges not just its predecessors but also its closest competitors. With the 2025 release of the Synology DS925+, buyers now face an interesting dilemma: go with Synology’s latest compact powerhouse, or choose QNAP’s TS-464—a device that has already proven itself since its release in 2022/2023 and offers a wide array of features at a competitive price. The DS925+ brings notable upgrades to CPU architecture, system memory scalability, and integration within Synology’s tightly controlled ecosystem. Meanwhile, the TS-464 has spent years benefiting from firmware maturity, PCIe expandability, and a more open hardware approach that appeals to power users and tinkerers alike. But which device is ultimately the better buy in 2025? Should you embrace Synology’s ecosystem with its newer, high-performance release, or does QNAP’s more versatile and budget-friendly offering still hold strong in the face of newer competition? Let’s dive into the details to help you decide which NAS deserves your next investment.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Hardware Specifications

When placing the 2025 Synology DS925+ alongside the 2022/2023 QNAP TS-464, one might expect the newer model to clearly dominate in every area. But hardware comparisons in the NAS market are rarely so simple. While both units are aimed at tech-savvy home users and small businesses looking for reliable, always-on storage solutions, their approaches to hardware—and the user needs they prioritize—are noticeably different. The DS925+ emphasizes streamlined performance, reduced noise, and integration within Synology’s tightly managed ecosystem. The QNAP TS-464, meanwhile, leans into raw hardware flexibility, DIY expandability, and a more open feature set for power users. Below is a detailed hardware breakdown of both NAS devices, showing where each shines and where compromises were made.

The DS925+ delivers a refined hardware experience out of the box, with its newer AMD Embedded Ryzen V1500B 4 Core/ 8 thread processor, dual 2.5GbE ports for faster LAN connectivity, and modern I/O including USB-C. It features two M.2 NVMe slots (for cache only, unless you use the Synology SNV3400 drives from Synology), dual memory slots supporting up to 32GB of ECC DDR4 RAM, and a compact metal chassis designed for quiet, efficient operation. It also runs cooler and quieter than many of its rivals, making it an ideal fit for environments where noise levels matter—such as living rooms, home studios, or small offices. This makes the DS925+ a “plug-and-play” NAS with premium internal components and minimal need for user intervention.

By contrast, the QNAP TS-464 takes a more modular, expandable approach. Powered by the Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 CPU (a quad-core processor with integrated graphics, but only 4 threads), it offers HDMI 2.0 output, two M.2 PCIe Gen3 x1 slots (which can be used for either caching or storage pools), and a PCIe Gen3 x2 slot for optional 10GbE or more M.2s, USB expansion, or even GPU cards. QNAP also includes dual 2.5GbE ports, putting it on par with the DS925+ in terms of network speed, but it edges ahead in overall hardware adaptability. Want multimedia output via HDMI? QNAP has it. Want to add NVMe storage pools or real-time transcoding? QNAP supports that too. That said, the TS-464 is based on a slightly older CPU architecture, lacks ECC memory support, and typically generates more fan noise under load. Additionally, its OS and ecosystem are broader in scope but often require more manual setup. Ultimately, the DS925+ is purpose-built for those who prioritize a quiet, polished, and simplified experience with modern performance. The TS-464, on the other hand, remains an excellent choice for users who prefer control, multimedia support, and greater hardware flexibility. Choosing between them largely depends on whether you value Synology’s stability and turnkey design, or QNAP’s freedom and potential.

AMD V1500B vs Intel N5105 – CPU Specifications (Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464)

In any NAS system, the processor plays a pivotal role in determining the scope of functionality—whether it’s managing multiple concurrent users, running virtual machines, powering AI-driven applications, or simply handling encrypted transfers and background tasks efficiently. The Synology DS925+ and the QNAP TS-464 take noticeably different approaches in this regard. The DS925+ features the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B, a server-grade SoC designed for sustained multi-threaded workloads. The TS-464, on the other hand, runs on the Intel Celeron N5105, a more consumer-oriented chip that prioritizes integrated multimedia support and power efficiency. While both CPUs are quad-core, their architecture, instruction set, and target use cases diverge sharply—affecting not only raw processing, but also the capabilities unlocked within DSM and QTS/QuTS, respectively.

In terms of raw specs, the V1500B offers 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 2.2GHz and support for ECC memory—a key advantage for mission-critical environments. This CPU is built for multitasking and thrives in scenarios involving virtual machines, container services, and intensive file indexing or backup operations. As a result, the DS925+ supports up to 8 concurrent virtual machines, 8 virtual DSM instances, and higher thresholds for connected users across Synology apps. It is better suited to offices or power users who rely on services like Synology Office, Drive, or Surveillance Station running in tandem. The system handles up to 150 Synology Chat users, 80 Office users, and 80 Drive users, offering excellent multitasking performance with low overhead.

The QNAP TS-464’s Intel N5105 is a 10nm Jasper Lake processor, also quad-core but without hyper-threading and with a slightly lower base clock (2.0GHz). However, it includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics, giving it one key advantage the DS925+ lacks: hardware-accelerated video transcoding via QNAP’s own QuMagie, Video Station, and especially Plex Media Server with support for on-the-fly 1080p and 4K decoding when paired with proper client-side licensing. This makes the TS-464 ideal for multimedia-heavy environments. Beyond media, the N5105 powers QTS and QuTS hero with access to QNAP’s broader and often more modular ecosystem. This includes Hybrid Backup Sync (HBS 3) for unified backup and disaster recovery, QuDedup for deduplicated snapshot replication, QVR Elite and QVR Pro for professional-grade surveillance (supporting multiple IP camera licenses natively), and AI Core features like face recognition and event detection when paired with the QuMagie or QVR Human apps. The TS-464 also supports Virtualization Station, enabling users to run lightweight Linux or Windows VMs with direct passthrough access to USB or PCIe devices, and Container Station, which offers both Docker and LXC container compatibility with GPU passthrough for NPU-based AI inference workloads. Thanks to the included PCIe Gen 3 x2 slot, the system supports optional upgrades like 10GbE NICs, QM2 expansion cards (for M.2 SSD or additional 2.5GbE/10GbE ports), or even Wi-Fi 6 cards, something entirely absent in the DS925+. Additionally, QNAP allows direct output to an external display via HDMI 2.0, enabling standalone use of HD Station apps like Chrome, LibreOffice, Kodi, and even Linux desktop environments — a feature highly prized in HTPC and security NVR deployments. Users can leverage Linux Station to run full Ubuntu VMs locally, or install Ubuntu Core through the App Center for custom development or edge AI inference scenarios.

Taken together, the TS-464 may not support the same high virtual machine/user count as the DS925+, but it compensates with a broader set of integrated appliances catering to power users, home labs, edge AI, and media-heavy deployments. It’s a more “tinker-friendly” platform, favoring flexibility and breadth over centralized system control and vertical integration. If you need an appliance that works across entertainment, security, and hybrid cloud workflows, with room for add-on functionality via hardware or apps, the TS-464 is hard to beat for the price. That said, the Synology DS925+ ultimately offers greater headroom for enterprise workflows, heavier VM usage, and large-scale hybrid deployments. It sacrifices media transcoding and graphical acceleration, but gains a server-class CPU that ensures consistent performance under heavier load conditions. Meanwhile, the TS-464 excels in edge-case versatility, offering more multimedia flexibility and richer expansion potential via PCIe. If your priorities lie in business-class performance, ECC memory support, and robust multi-user capacity, the DS925+ is the clear winner. But for media streaming, home lab tinkering, and a wider hardware feature set, the TS-464 remains a very compelling alternative.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Software Specifications

When it comes to NAS platforms, hardware is only half the story—what truly determines a system’s long-term value is the strength, maturity, and flexibility of its software. Synology’s DSM (DiskStation Manager) and QNAP’s QTS/QuTS Hero are two of the most advanced NAS operating systems available today, offering extensive suites of services for backup, virtualization, hybrid cloud, media streaming, and AI-assisted surveillance. But while both OS platforms cover similar ground, their design philosophies, application depth, and supported workloads differ substantially. The Synology DS925+ and QNAP TS-464, though comparable in price and both aimed at prosumers and SMBs, unlock very different software experiences depending on the deployment goals—be it centralized IT infrastructure, media-rich home labs, or container-based edge computing.

With the DS925+, Synology leans into its strength in unified management and vertical integration. DSM 7.2 is optimized for reliability, simplicity, and scalability within Synology’s ecosystem. The DS925+ supports up to 8 virtual machines and 8 Virtual DSM instances through Virtual Machine Manager, offers extensive group and user quotas, and enables full integration with Synology’s cloud services (such as Synology C2 Backup, C2 Identity, and Hybrid Share). Its higher hardware ceiling allows for more active users: 150 on Synology Chat, 80 on Synology Drive and Office, and up to 8 simultaneous VPN connections. Backup capabilities are similarly robust, with a higher threshold of shared folder sync tasks and superior support for incremental snapshot replication. Surveillance Station on the DS925+ supports up to 40 IP cameras and benefits from reduced CPU overhead during continuous recording, even while handling concurrent backup or media indexing operations. DSM’s elegant UI, consistent updates, and tightly integrated packages make it ideal for organizations that value centralized IT administration and long-term platform stability.

On the other hand, the QNAP TS-464 running QTS 5 or QuTS Hero offers a more open and modular software ecosystem. While the Intel N5105 CPU imposes lower multitasking ceilings than the V1500B, QNAP compensates with a broader set of feature-specific applications and customization paths. The TS-464 supports virtualization through Virtualization Station (for VMs) and Container Station (for Docker + LXC), and unlike the DS925+, can output video directly via HDMI 2.0—allowing the NAS to act as a standalone Linux desktop, NVR, or HTPC via HybridDesk Station. QNAP also differentiates itself with Hybrid Backup Sync (HBS3), which enables multi-destination sync, deduplicated backup via QuDedup, and real-time disaster recovery tools not found in DSM. QVR Pro and QVR Elite offer an expansive surveillance suite with optional AI-powered analytics (e.g., face recognition, people counting) when paired with compatible QNAP AI apps. The inclusion of ZFS with QuTS Hero (an optional OS for the TS-464) enables inline compression, self-healing file systems, and block-level snapshots, which can be critical for data integrity in business scenarios.

QNAP also encourages expansion through its App Center, which includes over 150+ native and third-party apps, from Node.js and GitLab to Home Assistant, Ubuntu Station, and even Mattermost for self-hosted chat. While the system supports fewer concurrent users and VMs than the DS925+, its strength lies in feature breadth and system-level flexibility. Add-ons like 10GbE NICs, QM2 SSD accelerators, or Wi-Fi 6 cards via PCIe further extend its versatility, especially for hybrid edge workloads or multi-role deployments that evolve over time. In short, the Synology DS925+ is designed for administrative simplicity and long-term scaling, excelling in consistent performance across multi-user deployments with deep DSM integration. The QNAP TS-464, meanwhile, is a powerful sandbox for customization, offering greater freedom, multimedia functionality, and third-party integration—at the cost of some operational polish and software limits. Choosing between them depends on whether your priorities lie in predictable enterprise-grade execution or a more adaptable, feature-dense platform.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Hard Drive and SSD Compatibility

In 2025, Synology has taken its most aggressive step yet toward locking down hardware compatibility, and nowhere is this more evident than in the DS925+. Following years of gradual restrictions—starting with warnings for unverified drives and progressing to default white-listing only Synology-branded media—the DS925+ now represents a firm line in the sand. At the time of writing, this system will not allow DSM initialization if it detects hard drives or SSDs that are not officially listed on Synology’s compatibility list. This list includes exclusively Synology HAT5300/HAT3310 HDDs and SAT5200 SSDs, with no third-party Seagate, WD, Toshiba, Samsung, or Kingston media currently supported. Regardless of drive quality or performance, unsupported models will be outright blocked during system setup. While Synology claims this guarantees optimal reliability and performance within DSM 7.2, the move drastically reduces flexibility for users and integrators alike.

In stark contrast, the QNAP TS-464 embraces an open compatibility philosophy. It supports virtually all major consumer and enterprise drives—from Seagate IronWolf and Exos, to WD Red, Red Plus, and Ultrastar, as well as Toshiba N300/X300 and Samsung/Kingston SSDs—up to 24TB per drive (or higher as of late 2025). QNAP also maintains a regularly updated compatibility list, but crucially, this list is advisory rather than mandatory. Users can install any 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA HDD/SSD, and as long as it meets the physical and electrical standards, the TS-464 will initialize without issue. This means integrators, home users, or small businesses can reuse existing drives or select from the most cost-effective options in their region—something that’s increasingly difficult to do on newer Synology units. Moreover, QNAP allows mixing and matching of drive brands and capacities within the same storage pool (especially under QuTS hero’s ZFS environment), giving users granular control over redundancy, performance tuning, and cache layering with non-proprietary M.2 NVMe SSDs. This openness also applies to QNAP expansion units, many of which continue to work even with completely mixed-brand storage configurations—something Synology’s newer expansion policies have started to restrict.

For users in regions where Synology-branded media is expensive, hard to find, or simply not justified for non-critical applications, this policy shift on the DS925+ can be a deal-breaker. It positions the system closer to an appliance model, where Synology controls not only the hardware and software, but the storage medium itself. While that vertical integration may improve long-term reliability for some enterprise users, it’s difficult to reconcile with the broader DIY NAS community that values choice and modularity. Ultimately, this creates a philosophical divide: QNAP remains open, modular, and adaptable, trusting users to make informed decisions about their storage media. Synology, in contrast, is consolidating control, with the DS925+ exemplifying a move toward a closed ecosystem—potentially alienating users who previously praised DSM for its balance of simplicity and flexibility. Prospective buyers need to weigh not just performance and features, but how tightly they want to be tied to a single vendor’s hardware roadmap.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 NAS – Which Should You Buy?

The Synology DS925+ is a 2025 refresh designed with clear intent: push performance, tighten control, and streamline the out-of-box experience. In contrast, the QNAP TS-464—released in late 2022—is a Swiss Army knife of NAS flexibility, packed with customization options, open compatibility, and enough horsepower to meet the needs of both power users and small business deployments. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to what kind of NAS experience you’re after: a controlled, polished, and tightly integrated environment, or an open, adaptable, and hardware-friendly platform. On raw performance, the DS925+ has the edge. Its quad-core, 8-thread AMD V1500B CPU delivers higher throughput for multitasking, virtual machines, and heavier concurrent services, and DSM’s user/service thresholds are notably higher as a result. Add in dual 2.5GbE ports by default, and it’s clearly a step ahead of the DS923+ predecessor 1GbE-only base configuration, and you are looking at a healthy upgrade in several ways in this refresh. However, QNAP claws back ground with its PCIe Gen3 x2 slot, allowing 10GbE upgrades, Wi-Fi cards, and even GPU acceleration in select use cases—something Synology removed entirely from the DS925+. In QNAP’s favor is also its support for real-time hardware transcoding, HDMI 2.0 video output, and direct-attached monitor access—making it a better fit for media-centric environments where local playback, Plex, or Kodi usage matters.

Synology DS925+ NAS		QNAP TS-464 NAS
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But perhaps the most significant dividing line is drive compatibility. The DS925+ will only initialize DSM with Synology-validated drives—locking out nearly all third-party HDDs and SSDs unless explicitly approved. This hardline stance means limited flexibility for users wanting to build using existing drives or regional market alternatives. Meanwhile, the TS-464 supports virtually all consumer and enterprise drives, from Seagate to Toshiba to Kingston, giving users total control over their storage budget and deployment roadmap. This open-ecosystem approach extends to M.2 NVMe usage too, where QNAP allows storage pool creation, caching, and tiering with off-the-shelf modules, while Synology restricts pool creation to only their branded NVMes. If you’re an IT administrator, content creator, or SMB looking for a polished, performance-forward NAS and you’re fully on board with Synology’s ecosystem—including its branded drives—then the DS925+ offers a streamlined, high-ceiling experience with excellent multitasking potential and cleaner UI/UX polish under DSM 7.2. But if you’re someone who values flexibility, upgrade paths, media support, or simply wants to control your storage choices without vendor lock-in, the QNAP TS-464 is an incredibly compelling alternative—offering strong performance for its price, an open architecture, and a deeper toolbox under QTS/QuTS Hero.

NAS Solutions	NAS Solutions
+ Better Software (In almost every respect!) + Much Better Global Support Presence + More business desirable + Larger Range of solutions – Compatibility restrictions on HDD and Upgrades More and more – Underwhelming hardware (comparatively)	+ Better Hardware for Price + Wider Variety of Solutions and Hardware Profiles + Supports ZFS and/or EXT4 (with ZFS platform now available on latest Intel Celeron Systems) + Wide accessory range and compatibility – Software can often feel inconsistent – Hit by Security Issues if the past
Check Amazon By Clicking Below:	Check Amazon By Clicking Below:

The Synology DS925+ is the better plug-and-play NAS for prosumers and SMBs who want a high-performance, low-maintenance experience—provided they’re comfortable buying into Synology’s tightly controlled ecosystem of software and storage hardware. On the other hand, the QNAP TS-464 remains the better choice for users who value flexibility, hardware freedom, and scalability—especially if media features, drive compatibility, or future upgrades are part of the plan. Ultimately, the DS925+ is the sharper tool, but the TS-464 is the more versatile one.

 

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Synology VS Terramaster NAS Drives in 2025 – Which One Deserves Your Data?

Synology and TerraMaster are two well-established brands in the network-attached storage (NAS) industry, each targeting a range of users from home enthusiasts to small and medium-sized businesses. Synology, a Taiwanese company with over two decades in the field, is widely recognized for its DSM (DiskStation Manager) software, which emphasizes stability, security, and integration within a tightly controlled ecosystem. TerraMaster, while newer to the market, has steadily gained ground by offering hardware-focused, cost-effective solutions with increasing software support via its TOS (TerraMaster Operating System) platform.

I want to provide a side-by-side comparison between Synology and TerraMaster as they stand in 2025, focusing on the real-world differences in hardware, storage, software, and security. The goal is to outline the practical strengths and weaknesses of each brand without leaning heavily toward subjective preferences or historical bias. This is especially relevant for users reevaluating Synology due to recent policy shifts, or for those considering TerraMaster as a flexible and affordable alternative.

 TerraMaster’s TOS (TerraMaster Operating System), currently in version 5.1 with version 6 available on select systems, has seen rapid growth in capabilities and usability over the last few years. While it doesn’t yet match DSM’s polish, it has made significant strides in offering equivalent functionality. TOS supports Btrfs-based snapshots, Rsync and CloudSync for cloud backup, Docker container deployment, and VirtualBox-based virtualization. While the latter is less tightly integrated than Synology’s VMM, it does allow for third-party VM deployment in a usable way.

TerraMaster has also developed TerraSync, a synchronization tool designed to rival Synology Drive, and supports both media management and AI-enhanced photo sorting with apps like Terra Photos. However, many of TOS’s functions rely more heavily on community-driven or open-source third-party applications, resulting in a slightly less unified experience overall.

In terms of application ecosystems, Synology’s App Center clearly offers the broader and deeper catalog, particularly for business users. First-party applications such as Synology Office, Chat, MailPlus, and Note Station deliver a productivity-focused alternative to cloud services, and their Surveillance Station software stands out as one of the most powerful NVR platforms in the NAS market.

TerraMaster’s App Center includes essential tools but lacks the same level of first-party development. However, it makes up for this in openness: TerraMaster supports a wide array of third-party and open-source platforms more freely, including Jellyfin and Unraid. Moreover, TerraMaster allows alternative operating systems like TrueNAS to be installed without voiding the warranty, which adds considerable flexibility for tech-savvy users. Overall, Synology delivers a more unified and polished software experience, while TerraMaster emphasizes adaptability, freedom, and cost

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Security and Safety

Synology has long maintained a strong reputation in the NAS sector for prioritizing system security, and this is evident in how thoroughly security is integrated throughout DSM. Synology’s Security Advisor provides active scanning for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and password weaknesses, while its firewall, account protection, and IP auto-blocking features offer practical layers of defense against unauthorized access. Synology also supports comprehensive SSL certificate management via Let’s Encrypt and offers two-factor authentication (2FA) with TOTP and hardware key support. From a business continuity perspective, DSM includes native WORM (Write Once Read Many) capabilities and encrypted shared folders to protect sensitive data from tampering or deletion. Perhaps most critically, Synology operates a dedicated PSIRT (Product Security Incident Response Team), frequently publishes security advisories, and participates in high-profile vulnerability testing events like Pwn2Own—demonstrating a serious commitment to vulnerability discovery and remediation.

TerraMaster’s security offering has become more robust over recent years, particularly with the development of Isolation Mode—a unique feature allowing users to instantly sever all external access and remote services with a single click. This acts as a kill switch in the event of a suspected breach or malware event. TOS also includes a system-level security scanner that checks for basic vulnerabilities and enables 2FA, SSH restrictions, and SSL certificate deployment. While TerraMaster’s platform does not offer as many granular policy tools as DSM, it supports core protocols like OpenVPN and L2TP for secure remote access and regularly issues firmware updates in response to new threats. The company also now provides greater transparency regarding CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), though its advisory frequency and scope remain smaller than Synology’s.

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Despite these advancements, TerraMaster’s security record has faced scrutiny in the past due to incidents like the Deadbolt ransomware attacks. These incidents, which also affected other NAS vendors, prompted significant user backlash and a push for more proactive security updates and faster patching. TerraMaster has since responded by improving software integrity and introducing layered protection features, but the lingering perception remains that Synology maintains a stronger and more proactive security posture overall.

This perception is reinforced by Synology’s investment in ongoing vulnerability research, bug bounty programs, and a broader portfolio of security-focused tools. As it stands in 2025, Synology continues to lead in NAS security maturity, while TerraMaster has made meaningful progress—especially with unique features like Isolation Mode—but still has ground to cover in enterprise-level protections and threat response.

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Conclusion and Verdict

Comparing Synology and TerraMaster in 2025 ultimately highlights a clear philosophical divide between the two NAS brands. Synology continues to build upon a long-standing focus on refined software, tight integration, and enterprise-grade security. Its DSM platform remains one of the most polished and feature-rich operating systems in the NAS space, offering a wide selection of first-party tools for backup, surveillance, virtualization, and secure access. However, this ecosystem is increasingly closed, with stricter hardware compatibility requirements and limited support for third-party drives, SSDs, and expansions. For users who prioritize reliability, ease of use, and support from a mature software ecosystem, Synology remains a compelling—if sometimes restrictive—option.

Synology NAS– 5 Strengths vs TerraMaster in 2025 Superior software polish: DSM offers a more consistent, responsive, and user-friendly interface, ideal for beginners and pros alike. Better security infrastructure: Features like a dedicated PSIRT, frequent vulnerability disclosures, and a bug bounty program give Synology the edge in system safety. Mature first-party apps: Key tools like Active Backup for Business, Surveillance Station, and Synology Drive are more refined and feature-rich than their TOS counterparts. Streamlined management: Built-in tools for snapshots, monitoring, and backup offer a more centralized and automated experience. Longer ecosystem stability: Greater long-term support for software versions and consistent patch cycles provide peace of mind for business use. Cons: Strict hardware compatibility: Recent models (e.g., DS925+) restrict use of non-Synology drives and SSDs, frustrating users seeking flexibility. Less hardware value per dollar: Generally more expensive for equivalent CPU, RAM, and port configurations.

TerraMaster, by contrast, leans into flexibility and hardware value. Its broad portfolio includes NAS units ranging from entry-level to high-performance multi-bay SSD systems, often at lower price points than Synology’s equivalents. TOS 5.1 and the newer TOS 6 have brought meaningful improvements in UI and functionality, while still maintaining a more open approach to compatibility and user customization. Features like native Jellyfin support, VirtualBox VM deployment, and the ability to install TrueNAS or Unraid without voiding warranty make TerraMaster a standout for DIY-leaning users or those with niche requirements. However, its software, while improving, does not yet match the polish or depth of Synology DSM, especially in areas like virtualization, surveillance, and enterprise security.

TerraMaster NAS – 5 Strengths vs Synology in 2025 Better hardware value: Offers more powerful CPUs, RAM, M.2 slots, and 10GbE in the same or lower price bracket. Flexible OS options: Users can install TrueNAS, Unraid, or other OSes without voiding the warranty, offering unmatched flexibility. Open storage support: No restrictions on drive brand or SSD use, supporting Seagate, WD, Toshiba, Samsung, and more. More aggressive expansion options: TOS systems often support more USB and hybrid expansion units across the portfolio. Integrated Jellyfin support: TerraMaster includes native Jellyfin installation without relying on Docker or community packages. Cons: Less mature software ecosystem: TOS apps are less polished and lack some advanced features found in DSM tools. Weaker track record on security: Past vulnerabilities (e.g. Deadbolt) and slower public patching place more responsibility on the user for hardening.

In the end, choosing between Synology and TerraMaster depends heavily on user needs and expectations. Synology suits users who want a highly stable, all-in-one solution with minimal configuration and long-term support. TerraMaster offers greater adaptability and value for power users who are comfortable managing third-party apps and want to stretch their hardware investment further. Neither approach is inherently better—each has its strengths and trade-offs. Buyers seeking a tightly controlled, secure environment may gravitate toward Synology, while those who value hardware scalability, open software choices, and affordability may find more freedom with TerraMaster.

Synology DS925+ NAS		Terramaster F4-424 / Max / Pro
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Synology vs QNAP NAS – Which Should You Buy in 2025?

When choosing a NAS solution in 2025, two brands dominate the conversation: Synology and QNAP. These Taiwan-based companies have evolved their offerings significantly over the years, adapting to changing user needs in backup, multimedia, virtualization, and enterprise storage. Synology, with a strong emphasis on software polish and ecosystem integration, continues to appeal to users who prioritize stability and consistency. QNAP, by contrast, leans into offering higher-spec hardware, customization, and flexibility, targeting tech-savvy users who want granular control over their system. This article explores how the two compare across hardware, storage capabilities, software platforms, security, pricing, and overall value. Both Synology and QNAP share a lot of baseline features: multi-platform support across Windows, Mac, and Linux; mobile apps for Android and iOS; web-based GUIs; encryption; multi-user access; and strong community ecosystems. Yet important distinctions emerge as you look deeper. These differences often boil down to Synology delivering a more consistent, “appliance-like” experience, while QNAP offers broader hardware choices and wider compatibility. Neither brand is universally better, but each fits different user priorities. Let’s break down how Synology and QNAP stack up in detail for 2025.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Hardware Comparison

In terms of hardware variety and specification, QNAP clearly maintains an advantage in 2025. QNAP offers a wider range of NAS models across every price tier, providing more options for users looking for features like 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports, Thunderbolt connectivity, PCIe expandability, and support for AI or GPU cards. Many QNAP systems at even mid-tier levels offer multi-core CPUs, 2.5GbE as a minimum, and M.2 NVMe slots for caching or storage pools. Synology, while offering a hardware range from ARM-based entry units to Xeon-powered enterprise models, typically emphasizes efficiency and stability over raw horsepower, often shipping systems with lower-core-count processors and 1GbE networking by default.

However, Synology’s hardware strategy is tightly coupled to its software-first philosophy. Devices are designed to maximize compatibility, power efficiency, and seamless operation with DSM. Some newer 2025 Synology models do offer improvements — such as M.2 NVMe storage pools and optional 10GbE upgrades — but their pace remains slower compared to QNAP’s frequent hardware refresh cycles. For users whose priority is high performance, customization, or bleeding-edge hardware, QNAP offers far more compelling options. For those seeking low-power, quiet, turnkey systems, Synology still provides highly reliable appliances.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Storage Services and Scalability 

Storage capabilities represent a growing area of divergence. Synology’s storage ecosystem emphasizes stability and data integrity through Btrfs file systems, SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID), fast RAID rebuilds, and snapshot technology. However, Synology has dramatically tightened its drive compatibility rules from 2025 onwards, particularly in the Plus series and higher, limiting users to certified Synology drives for initialization. This hardline approach restricts flexibility, as users cannot freely install third-party HDDs or SSDs. Meanwhile, users still benefit from technologies like SHR, making mixed-drive RAID arrays easier to manage, though concerns remain about SHR’s future viability under Synology’s evolving drive policies.

	SERVICE	SYNOLOGY	QNAP	Notes
File Services	SMB, AFP, NFS			Cross-platform sharing
	WebDAV			Remote access
	FTP/FTPS			Standard protocols
	Rsync/Remote Sync			Sync across systems
RAID & Storage	Basic, JBOD, RAID 0/1/5/6/10			Core RAID support
	SHR (Hybrid RAID)			Synology-exclusive
	Qtier Auto-Tiering			QNAP-exclusive SSD/HDD tiering
	ZFS Support	(DSM 7.2+ select models)	(QuTS hero)	Synology uses Btrfs more widely
	Storage Pools			Pool-based management
	Thin Provisioning			On supported file systems
	Storage Snapshots	(Btrfs-based)	(ZFS/ext4-based)	Both support snapshot schedules
	Inline Deduplication	(Btrfs)	(ZFS)	Both support dedup, method differs
	SSD Cache (Read/Write)			Model-dependent
	Encryption (AES-256)			Volume/folder-level encryption
Backup & Sync	Hyper Backup / HBS3	(Hyper Backup)	(Hybrid Backup Sync 3)	Functionally equivalent
	Active Backup for Business			Enterprise-grade backup (free)
	Snapshot Replication			Data versioning support
	Cloud Sync			Multi-cloud sync integration

QNAP’s storage flexibility is far greater. Users can utilize almost any NAS-rated or server-class drive from vendors like Seagate, Toshiba, and WD, without vendor lock-in. Beyond standard RAID levels, QNAP offers Qtier for intelligent auto-tiering between SSDs and HDDs and supports ZFS through its QuTS hero operating system. ZFS integration introduces enterprise-grade features such as inline deduplication, compression, triple-parity RAID options, and even faster rebuilds. Expansion is another strong suit for QNAP, with broad support for external expansion enclosures over USB and PCIe, while Synology supports far fewer expansion units. In short, QNAP offers a more powerful, flexible storage environment but demands more technical knowledge to manage effectively.

Synology DSM vs QNAP QTS/QuTS  – Software Compared

Synology’s DSM (DiskStation Manager) remains the benchmark for NAS operating systems in terms of polish, consistency, and ease of use. Its streamlined UI, consistent app design, and stable system management tools make it highly user-friendly. DSM’s integration with Synology Drive, Hyper Backup, Active Backup for Business, and its Office suite provide turnkey productivity and backup solutions. However, Synology is moving increasingly toward a closed ecosystem, prioritizing first-party apps and services over broader third-party integration. Applications like Surveillance Station remain best-in-class, but recent trends — such as discontinuing Video Station — indicate Synology’s increasing control over its ecosystem.

QNAP’s QTS and QuTS hero systems offer greater flexibility and third-party support at the cost of consistency. Users can deploy a much wider range of apps, including those for AI recognition, media streaming, and backup tasks, often with deeper customization options. QNAP’s app ecosystem embraces both QNAP-native and third-party applications, with tools like HybridMount and Hybrid Backup Sync offering robust cloud and backup integrations.

However, design inconsistencies and a more complex setup process make QNAP platforms better suited to technically proficient users. QNAP systems offer more functionality out of the box but can feel less cohesive than Synology’s more curated environment.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Security 

Synology continues to lead in NAS security in 2025. The company’s multi-layered approach — including an in-house Security Response Team, bug bounty programs, pen-testing partnerships, and rapid patching policies — maintains its reputation as one of the most secure NAS ecosystems. Security Advisor, SSL certificate management, encrypted folders, and proactive system audits are standard across DSM systems. Remote access via QuickConnect is tightly controlled to minimize exposure. This emphasis on hardening and responding quickly to vulnerabilities makes Synology a strong choice for users prioritizing security with minimal manual intervention.

	Service	Synology	QNAP	Notes
Security & Access	2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)			User-level protection
	VPN Server (OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP)			Standard features
	Firewall + IP Blocking			Security policy management
	SSL Certificate Management			Let’s Encrypt, custom certs
	Security Advisor			Built-in vulnerability scanner

QNAP has made substantial strides in recent years to bolster its security posture, responding to earlier criticisms following ransomware incidents. The introduction of its own PSIRT team, participation in Pwn2Own, and improvements to myQNAPcloud services represent real progress. However, QNAP’s security tools, like Security Counselor, often need to be manually installed and configured. While they now offer multi-factor authentication and SSL options, the user experience around setting up and maintaining a secure environment still lags slightly behind Synology. Power users comfortable with managing network-level protections can achieve strong security on QNAP, but casual users may find Synology’s default setup safer out of the box.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Price Point and Value 

QNAP consistently offers better raw hardware value for the price across its product range. A mid-tier QNAP NAS typically features higher-core CPUs, 2.5GbE or 10GbE networking, and expandability features like PCIe slots and multiple M.2 NVMe slots — features that, with Synology, are only available at much higher price points.

Additionally, QNAP’s lack of strict HDD compatibility listing (as currently the case for the Synology 2025 series, at the time of writing) and broader compatibility with storage and memory components can significantly reduce the total cost of ownership for DIY-minded users. Synology’s pricing, while generally higher, reflects its software development investment and the overall polish of its systems.

Buyers are paying for a more turnkey experience, better documentation, and consistent performance across the board. Moreover, Synology’s inclusion of powerful free tools like Active Backup for Business and Synology Drive adds enterprise-grade features without additional licensing costs, which in some cases offsets the hardware premium. Nonetheless, for users whose priority is maximum hardware performance and component freedom, QNAP usually offers a stronger return on investment.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Conclusion and Verdict 

Choosing between Synology and QNAP in 2025 depends largely on user priorities. Synology remains the best choice for users seeking a polished, consistent, stable, and secure NAS experience. Its streamlined DSM platform, reliable first-party apps, and strong support infrastructure make it ideal for small businesses, prosumers, and general users who want a “set it and forget it” solution. However, Synology’s movement toward hardware and software lock-in may be off-putting to users who value flexibility or those unwilling to buy only Synology-branded components. QNAP, by contrast, excels in offering more powerful hardware, greater configuration freedom, and broader third-party app support. Users who want to customize, expand, virtualize, and maximize their system’s capabilities — and who are comfortable managing more complex setups — will find QNAP to be the more empowering platform. While its software consistency and security history lag slightly behind Synology, the gap has narrowed considerably. Ultimately, Synology is the stronger pick for users valuing simplicity and long-term stability, while QNAP offers more opportunities for those willing to trade simplicity for flexibility and raw performance.

NAS Solutions	NAS Solutions
+ Better Software (In almost every respect!) + Much Better Global Support Presence + More business desirable + Larger Range of solutions – Compatibility restrictions on HDD and Upgrades More and more – Underwhelming hardware (comparatively)	+ Better Hardware for Price + Wider Variety of Solutions and Hardware Profiles + Supports ZFS and/or EXT4 (with ZFS platform now available on latest Intel Celeron Systems) + Wide accessory range and compatibility – Software can often feel inconsistent – Hit by Security Issues if the past
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The U.S. Tariffs and Their Looming Impact on NAS and Storage Tech

The United States has recently announced a sweeping set of import tariffs on goods from nearly every major trading partner in the world. This policy shift, driven largely by the country’s growing trade deficits with nations like China, the European Union, Vietnam, and others, imposes additional fees ranging from 15% to 50% on products entering the U.S. The implications go far beyond international politics—they’re about to hit consumers directly, especially in the realm of network-attached storage (NAS), data drives, and related IT infrastructure. For businesses and tech enthusiasts alike, this could drastically reshape buying decisions and the way storage technology is sourced and maintained in the years ahead.

Most NAS brands, regardless of their international reputation or market share, are headquartered—and more importantly, manufactured—outside the United States. While brands like Synology, QNAP, TerraMaster, and Asustor dominate the global NAS market, they are based in Taiwan and China—countries now subject to tariffs as high as 46%. Even U.S.-founded companies aren’t immune; Seagate and Western Digital, for instance, produce the bulk of their drives in Thailand, Malaysia, and other tariff-affected countries. Likewise, 45Drives, a Canadian company with a strong presence in the U.S. market, assembles its products in Nova Scotia. This global web of production means almost no storage brand will emerge from this tariff structure unscathed.

However, it’s not just the tariffs themselves that are concerning—it’s the uncertainty they create in the supply chain. Distributors, wholesalers, and resellers operate on tight margins and forecasting models. With the risk of sudden pricing hikes or shifts in demand, many are likely to reduce inventory levels rather than gamble on unstable costs. If distributors begin ordering fewer units or delaying shipments while waiting for clarity, that can result in long-term effects on availability down the chain. For consumers and IT professionals, this may translate into fewer options, slower shipping times, and inconsistent stock at retailers, especially for higher-end or business-class hardware.

This reduction in stock won’t be immediately obvious but will likely manifest in 3 to 6 months as upstream inventory runs out. Unlike the global chip shortages of previous years—which were driven by raw material scarcity and manufacturing delays—this looming shortage will stem from financial caution and policy volatility. Retailers might maintain listings but hold little-to-no actual stock, while lead times on specialized or enterprise-grade NAS solutions could stretch uncomfortably long. Resellers will be hesitant to overstock and risk capital loss, creating an environment where supply is bottlenecked before it even hits the storefront.

Another critical layer is the manufacturing cost ripple effect. Even products partially or fully assembled in the U.S. will see increased base costs if their components—be it PCBs, chips, enclosures, or storage platters—originate from affected countries. These costs are added long before the end product even appears on a website or in a store. What this means is that even before the tariff surcharge is applied to the final product, the wholesale cost has already been inflated. Once one manufacturer adjusts their pricing to reflect these new realities, competitors are likely to follow. The result will be a new pricing baseline that is unlikely to ever return to previous levels, even if some tariffs are eventually eased.

Some may hold out hope that this will prompt a new era of domestic manufacturing, particularly for brands looking to sidestep tariffs altogether. While this is a possibility, it’s far from an immediate solution. Setting up manufacturing in the U.S. involves immense logistical, financial, and regulatory challenges. Even if companies begin the process today, meaningful change is at least two to three years away. And critically, even if production is moved stateside, prices are unlikely to fall—once the market accepts a higher cost structure, manufacturers rarely roll back pricing, especially if demand remains strong. Historically, many brands have relied on international redistribution centers to navigate or lessen the impact of tax and tariff regimes. Countries like Singapore, Thailand, and the Netherlands have served as strategic re-export hubs, helping companies reduce costs and navigate trade restrictions. These setups have allowed goods to flow more freely into Western markets with minimal added expense. However, the comprehensiveness of the new U.S. tariff list is expected to close many of these loopholes. As more countries are swept into the tariff net, fewer workarounds remain viable, which means both gray market and authorized resellers will struggle to avoid passing costs along to the buyer.

This brings us to the practical question: should consumers and businesses buy their NAS systems now or wait? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, those who anticipate needing storage solutions in the next three to six months may be better off acting sooner. The intersection of declining stock availability, rising manufacturing costs, and pending tariff implementation could create a narrow window where current prices and availability are the best we’ll see for a while. Delaying too long risks not only paying more but facing potential wait times for critical systems. That said, users with stable systems and strong backup routines may prefer to ride out the uncertainty, at least temporarily. Ultimately, the storage industry—like much of the tech sector—is facing a period of turbulence. Boardrooms across the globe are likely holding emergency meetings to re-evaluate supply chains, regional assembly strategies, and consumer pricing models. But without clear long-term policy direction, many companies will be hesitant to make bold changes, opting instead for a wait-and-see approach. For now, the best advice is to monitor inventory levels closely, stay informed about regional pricing trends, and—if you’re in the U.S.—think seriously about whether a short-term investment in your storage infrastructure might save you money and headaches down the line.

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Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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