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
Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology NAS Solutions	Check B&H for the Synology NAS Solutions	Check Amazon in Your Region for the Terramaster NAS Solutions	Check B&H for the Terramaster NAS Solutions

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J’sais pas vous, mais moi ici, j’ai plein de vieux smartphones toujours en état de marche qui dorment dans les tiroirs. Des OnePlus, des Xiaomi, des Samsung… Des monstres avec 8 cœurs, 6 Go de RAM et 128 Go de stockage qui battent à plate couture mon Raspberry Pi, mais qui pourrissent lentement à cause d’un Android devenu obsolète. Parfois je les donne, parfois je bidouille un peu dessus mais concrètement, je n’en fais pas grand-chose.

Microsoft vient de déployer une mise à jour importante de son application Photos à destination des utilisateurs de Windows 11 et Windows 10. Pour rappel, l’application Microsoft Photos est la visionneuse d’images intégrée à Windows. Elle permet de visionner, d’organiser et d’éditer des images ainsi que des vidéos avec des fonctionnalités avancées telles que la … Lire la suite

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TerraMaster F6-424 Max NAS Review – LET’S GET SERIOUS?

Update – The Terramaster F6-424 Max NAS is NOW Available HERE on Amazon for $999

As TerraMaster continues to push the boundaries of affordable yet high-performance NAS devices, the F6-424 Max stands out as a flagship model designed to cater to the needs of power users, small businesses, and home lab enthusiasts. Released in September 2024 at a price point of $999.99, the F6-424 Max builds upon TerraMaster’s reputation for offering hardware that rivals premium competitors like Synology and QNAP but at a more accessible price. At the heart of this NAS is an Intel Core i5-1235U, a 10-core, 12-thread CPU that promises to handle everything from virtualization to media transcoding with ease. Coupled with dual M.2 NVMe slots, two 10GbE network ports, and support for up to 64GB of DDR5 memory, the F6-424 Max is aimed at users who require not just storage but also serious compute power.

Before diving into the detailed review of the F6-424 Max, it’s essential to understand how this model compares to its siblings, the smaller capacity F6-424, F4-424 and the F4-424 Pro. Each of these NAS units targets different segments of the market, from home users and enthusiasts to businesses requiring more power. Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between the F6-424, F6-424 Pro, and F6-424 Max.

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TerraMaster F6-424 Max NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The TerraMaster F6-424 Max is a robust 6-bay NAS system that offers a powerful mix of features and flexibility for a wide range of tasks. Powered by the Intel i5-1235U CPU with 10 cores and 12 threads, the F6-424 Max excels at resource-intensive applications such as Plex media streaming, 4K hardware transcoding, and virtual machine hosting. Its dual M.2 NVMe slots running at PCIe Gen 4 speeds significantly improve storage performance, especially when used for caching, while the two 10GbE ports offer high-speed networking environments, allowing for 20Gbps throughput via link aggregation.

In terms of software, TOS 6 brings notable improvements, although it still lags behind the more polished ecosystems of Synology DSM and QNAP QTS. That said, TerraMaster’s continuous software evolution with each new version of TOS ensures that users have access to more robust tools and security features. For its price point of $999, the F6-424 Max is a compelling option for those seeking high-performance NAS solutions with scalability in mind. While the Pro model offers competitive performance, the Max takes it a step further with advanced networking, making it ideal for environments where speed is a priority.

Where to Buy? Terramaster F6-424 Max ($899 Amazon) – HERETerramaster F6-424 Max ($799 Aliexpress) – HERE

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TerraMaster F6-424 Max NAS Review – Hardware TL;DR

The F6-424 Max is equipped with some of the most powerful hardware seen in a domestic 6-bay NAS from TerraMaster. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key hardware components:

Component	Specification
Processor	Intel i5-1235U (10 cores, 12 threads, 1.3GHz base, 4.4GHz boost)
Memory	8GB DDR5 (expandable up to 64GB)
Drive Bays	6x 3.5”/2.5” SATA (hot-swappable, up to 144TB total)
M.2 NVMe Slots	2x PCIe Gen 4 x4 (for caching or additional storage)
Networking	2x 10GbE RJ45 (supports link aggregation)
USB Ports	2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
HDMI	1x HDMI 2.0 (4K at 60Hz)
Cooling	1x 120mm fan (smart cooling system with multiple speeds)
Power Consumption	35W (idle), 70W (under full load)
Chassis Dimensions	222 x 179 x 154 mm
Weight	3.6 kg

The Intel i5-1235U is the real powerhouse of the F6-424 Max, combining two performance cores with eight efficiency cores for excellent multi-threaded performance. Whether you’re running virtual machines, AI workloads, or 4K Plex streams, this processor handles it all with ease. The 8GB of DDR5 memory is a solid starting point, but the system can support up to 64GB for users with more demanding needs.

Another key hardware feature is the dual 10GbE network ports, which offer more than just fast networking—they enable link aggregation to provide up to 20Gbps of network throughput. This makes the F6-424 Max perfect for video editing teams, large backups, or any environment requiring high-speed network transfers.

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TerraMaster F6-424 Max NAS Review – Chassis Design

The F6-424 Max arrives in a sleek, modern chassis that is not only visually appealing but also highly functional. The design has evolved significantly from TerraMaster’s older NAS models, taking cues from premium brands like Synology and QNAP. The brushed matte black plastic gives it a professional look while the ventilation design has been carefully optimized to improve airflow.

One of the standout features of the chassis is the dual 80mm fans at the rear of the unit. This fan works in tandem with the ventilated side panels, which are adorned with the TerraMaster logo, to ensure that the system remains cool even under heavy loads. The fans operate quietly, thanks to its smart cooling system, which adjusts fan speeds based on the internal temperature of the NAS.

The drive bays are hot-swappable and feature tool-less installation, making it incredibly easy to add or replace drives. The drive trays are constructed from durable plastic, and while they may feel a bit less premium compared to metal trays, they securely hold both 3.5” and 2.5” SATA drives. The trays slide effortlessly into the SATA connectors, and an intuitive push-to-lock mechanism prevents accidental ejection during operation.

On the front of the NAS, the LED indicators for system status, drive health, and network activity are discreet but easy to read. However, one minor complaint is the absence of a front-facing USB port, which could have made external drive backups or peripheral connections more convenient.

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TerraMaster F6-424 Max NAS Review – Ports and Connections

The F6-424 Max comes packed with a variety of ports that make it a versatile system for both high-speed networking and peripheral connections. The most significant feature is the dual 10GbE ports, which allow for link aggregation, effectively doubling your network bandwidth to 20Gbps when connected to a compatible switch. This level of networking is particularly useful for users handling large data transfers, 4K video editing, or multiple virtual machines.

In addition to the 10GbE ports, the NAS includes three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two of which are Type-A and one Type-C. These ports provide data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps, making them perfect for connecting external storage devices or peripherals like printers or USB drives. One of the notable improvements in this model is the inclusion of the USB Type-C port, which adds an extra layer of versatility for modern devices.

The HDMI 2.0 port supports 4K video output at 60Hz, which is ideal for users who wish to use the NAS for multimedia purposes or need a direct console for diagnostics and maintenance. However, it’s important to note that TerraMaster still hasn’t implemented a local GUI platform like QNAP’s HD Station or Asustor Portal, so the HDMI port is mostly useful for users running third-party operating systems like UnRAID or TrueNAS.

Overall, the port layout of the F6-424 Max is well-suited for high-performance environments but lacks some of the extra features—such as PCIe expansion or additional USB ports—that would make it even more versatile for advanced users.

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TerraMaster F6-424 Max NAS Review – Internal Hardware and PCIe Lanes

Opening up the F6-424 Max reveals a well-organized internal layout with some serious hardware under the hood. One of the most impressive aspects of the design is the integration of PCIe Gen 4 lanes, which significantly boosts the performance potential of the system. The Intel i5-1235U processor comes equipped with 20 PCIe lanes, and TerraMaster has used these lanes effectively to ensure that the NAS delivers exceptional I/O performance.

The two M.2 NVMe slots are directly connected via PCIe Gen 4 x4, which means that each slot can support full Gen 4 speeds of up to 8GB/s per drive. This is a massive improvement over the previous Gen 3 models, which were limited to 4GB/s. These NVMe slots can be used for caching, allowing users to speed up read/write operations when using slower mechanical drives in the main six bays, or they can be used as standalone storage pools for data-intensive tasks.

However, TerraMaster could have taken the hardware to the next level by offering a PCIe expansion slot. Many competitors in this price range, such as QNAP and Asustor, include a PCIe slot for adding additional network cards, SSDs, or Thunderbolt expansion cards. While the F6-424 Max is already a strong performer, the lack of expansion options could be a limiting factor for users who require more versatility from their NAS.

In terms of power efficiency, the F6-424 Max is highly optimized for its hardware class. Under full load, it draws around 70W, which is impressive considering the performance it delivers. The passive cooling on the Intel i5 CPU, combined with the large rear fan, ensures that the system remains cool without excessive noise or power consumption.

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TerraMaster F6-424 Max NAS Review – TOS Software

Review of the TOS 6 software (in Beta) HERE

With the release of TOS 6, TerraMaster has made great strides in enhancing the functionality and usability of its NAS systems. TOS 6 offers improved snapshot capabilities, better backup management, and enhanced support for cloud synchronization services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Amazon S3. This means users can seamlessly synchronize their local NAS data with cloud storage, providing a layer of protection against data loss.

Another notable feature of TOS 6 is TRAID, TerraMaster’s flexible RAID configuration system, which allows users to combine disks of different sizes while still benefiting from redundancy. This is comparable to Synology’s Hybrid RAID (SHR), making it easier to expand storage in the future without being tied to identical drives. Additionally, TOS 6 supports AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring that sensitive data is protected both in transit and at rest.

However, while TOS 6 has seen significant improvements, it still lacks some of the advanced features found in Synology DSM or QNAP QTS. For example, TerraMaster’s photo management app (Terra Photos) is still in its beta phase and lacks the advanced AI-driven organization features of Synology Moments or QNAP QuMagie. Additionally, while Plex Media Server runs smoothly on the F6-424 Max, TerraMaster’s native multimedia tools are not as polished, making it less appealing for users who rely heavily on NAS-based multimedia management.

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TerraMaster F6-424 Max NAS Review – Conclusion and Verdict

The TerraMaster F6-424 Max is a standout NAS system in TerraMaster’s lineup, offering impressive hardware specifications and solid performance at a price point of $999.99. For users who need high-speed data transfers, intensive compute power, and flexibility in storage configurations, the F6-424 Max is an excellent option. The combination of the Intel i5-1235U CPU, dual 10GbE ports, and PCIe Gen 4 NVMe support ensures that the NAS can handle even the most demanding tasks, whether it’s virtualization, media transcoding, or large-scale backups.

That said, when compared to the F4-424 Max, which is priced at $799.99, the Max model offers significantly more networking power and potential for speed. However, the Pro model still provides fantastic performance for most home and small office users, making it a more budget-friendly alternative for those who don’t require 10GbE or advanced NVMe functionality.

In terms of software, Synology DSM and QNAP QTS are still more evolved, offering richer multimedia experiences and better integration for business applications. However, TOS 6 continues to improve with every iteration, closing the gap between TerraMaster and these larger players. With new features like TRAID, cloud sync, and improved snapshot management, TOS is becoming more user-friendly and robust. For users prioritizing performance, flexibility, and future-proofing, the F6-424 Max is a strong contender and offers excellent value for money. While there are areas where TerraMaster could improve, such as the lack of PCIe expansion and front-facing USB ports, the F6-424 Max delivers on its promise of high performance and scalable storage solutions.

PROS	CONS
Powerful Hardware: Intel i5-1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads for resource-heavy tasks. Dual 10GbE Ports: High-speed networking capabilities with link aggregation for up to 20Gbps, ideal for large file transfers. PCIe Gen 4 NVMe Support: Two M.2 NVMe slots offering exceptional performance for caching or additional high-speed storage. Efficient Cooling: The large 120mm fan ensures quiet and effective cooling, making it suitable for home and office environments. Improved TOS 6 Software: Enhancements in GUI, backup tools, and overall security bring TOS closer to its competitors.	Higher Price Tag: At just under $1K, it’s more expensive than TerraMaster’s other models, which may deter budget-conscious buyers. No PCIe Expansion: Lack of a PCIe slot limits potential for future upgrades, such as adding 10GbE cards or more M.2 drives. Presentation: The software has improved a lot, but still feels inconsistent in places compared with alternatives from brands such as Synology and QNAP.

Click the link below to take you to your local Amazon store and where to buy the terramaster F6-424 Max NAS.

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This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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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