Synology DS1825+ vs UGREEN DXP8800 PLUS NAS – Which Should You Buy?

In 2025, the market for high-capacity 8-bay NAS systems has become more competitive than ever, with traditional leaders like Synology now facing serious contenders from newer brands such as UGREEN. The Synology DS1825+ represents the company’s latest flagship in the Plus series, incorporating a more restrictive hardware ecosystem and a focus on long-term software support, surveillance integration, and backup solutions. In contrast, the UGREEN DXP8800 Plus leans heavily into raw hardware capability and customization, offering an unlocked platform for power users and DIY enthusiasts.

This head-to-head comparison explores both systems in terms of design, internal specifications, external connectivity, operating systems, and service ecosystems. Beyond surface specs, we’ll also assess real-world usability, third-party compatibility, and the broader implications of each system’s approach to expansion and user control. Whether you’re choosing a NAS for Plex, virtual machines, business continuity, or scalable 10GbE storage, this article aims to clarify which of these two NAS units better fits different user scenarios in 2025 and beyond.

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Quick Summary of the Synology DS1825+ NAS

Synology DS1825+ NAS Review HERE

The Synology DS1825+ is an 8-bay desktop NAS that marks a significant shift in the company’s approach to hardware and compatibility. Equipped with the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B processor—a 4-core, 8-thread chip running at 2.2GHz —this system balances power efficiency with performance across general file operations, virtualization, and media hosting. It includes support for up to 32GB of ECC DDR5 memory (2x SODIMM, arriving with 8GB by default), two M.2 NVMe slots for Synology-only SSD caching, and an onboard 10GbE port alongside three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. However, Synology’s controversial locked ecosystem continues here, restricting users to only Synology-branded drives for full support and access to storage pools, along with limited use of the NVMe bays strictly for cache, not storage.

While its internal hardware is more capable than previous Plus series models, the DS1825+ removes several features seen in past units. By default, it arrives with 2x 2.5GbE network ports, with the option to scale upto 10GbE with the use of a 1st party upgrade PCIe card, but at this pricepoint many users wuld expect 10GbE as standard. The shift to DSM 7.2 brings a refined software experience, including native Active Backup for Business, Hyper Backup, Surveillance Station, and full Docker support. However, DSM’s increasing reliance on Synology’s own hardware and subscription services, such as C2 Surveillance Proxy and Synology Drive Server, makes it harder for users to customize or expand without sticking to Synology’s ecosystem. Overall, the DS1825+ is best suited for users who want an integrated, secure, and reliable NAS experience with minimal manual setup, provided they are comfortable with the tighter hardware constraints.

Quick Summary of the UGREEN DXP8800 PLUS NAS

UGREEN DXP8800 PLUS NAS Review HERE

The UGREEN DXP8800 Plus is an 8-bay NAS solution that positions itself as a powerful, open-platform alternative for users seeking greater control over hardware and software customization. At the heart of the system is the 8-core, 16-thread Intel Core i5-1235U processor, paired with 8GB of DDR5 memory (expandable up to 64GB), but lacks support for ECC memory. Unlike its Synology counterpart, the DXP8800 Plus supports a much wider range of third-party hard drives and SSDs, and offers 2x Gen 4×4 M.2 NVMe slots that can be used not only for cache but also for primary or tiered storage, depending on the user’s operating system. This flexibility is backed by a user-serviceable layout and BIOS access, which allows full compatibility with alternative NAS OS options such as TrueNAS SCALE, UnRAID, or OpenMediaVault.

Connectivity is another area where the DXP8800 Plus stands out. It features two native 10GbE (RJ45) ports, two 2.5GbE ports, and dual USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports, dramatically expanding external storage, docking, and display capabilities. This, combined with onboard HDMI output and front-accessible USB 3.2 ports, makes it far more versatile for media creation, backup workflows, and even lightweight workstation use. However, the DXP8800 Plus does not come with a polished first-party NAS operating system—UGREEN’s UGOS Pro remains in early stages, and lacks many of the mature backup, surveillance, and cloud services found in DSM. As such, the DXP8800 Plus is ideal for tech-savvy users who value open architecture, higher hardware flexibility, and self-managed software ecosystems over out-of-the-box turnkey simplicity.

Synology DS1825+ vs UGREEN DXP8800 PLUS NAS – Design and Storage

The Synology DS1825+ maintains the familiar chassis style used in the Plus series, combining functionality with conservative aesthetics. It features a full-sized 8-bay front panel with lockable trays, designed for tool-less insertion of 3.5” SATA drives and optional 2.5” adapters. The main body is a mix of steel and plastic, with a focus on rigidity and reduced vibration. The system lacks any onboard display or LCD, offering only basic LED indicators for system status, drive activity, and alerts, which may frustrate users seeking at-a-glance diagnostics. Access to internal components like the DDR5 ECC RAM and dual M.2 NVMe slots requires removing the top cover and internal caddy brackets, which isn’t as straightforward as it could be—especially given that the NVMe slots are only usable for cache and require Synology-branded drives. Thermal management relies on dual 120mm rear-mounted fans, which operate quietly but are non-replaceable without voiding warranty due to the proprietary fan harness. Physically, the NAS is slightly larger than competing 8-bay units and lacks rubberized feet or vibration isolation, which may be relevant for users placing it on shared work surfaces or desks.

The UGREEN DXP8800 Plus delivers a contrasting design focused on space efficiency, cooling, and user-accessibility. The NAS is housed in a durable metal shell with perforated side panels and a high-density internal structure. Despite its smaller footprint, it manages to accommodate eight SATA bays, two 4X4 M.2 NVMe slots, two SODIMM slots, and active cooling—all while remaining user-serviceable with just a standard screwdriver. The hot-swap trays are spring-loaded and support tool-less 3.5” drives or 2.5” drives via included screws. Access to RAM and SSD slots is streamlined through a simple internal partition design that doesn’t require full disassembly, making upgrades significantly faster than on the DS1825+. The rear exhaust fan is larger than expected for a device this compact, and although thermals are generally within acceptable limits, our testing showed that M.2 SSDs running at PCIe Gen 3 speeds did reach over 65°C during sustained I/O, especially when mounted without aftermarket heatsinks. Unlike Synology, UGREEN includes front-mounted USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (Type-A and Type-C), ideal for creators and users who frequently move large projects or footage onto the system using direct-attached storage.

When it comes to storage flexibility, the differences are stark. Synology’s DS1825+ enforces a strict hardware compatibility policy, where only Synology-certified HDDs (such as the HAT5300) and SSDs (SAT5200 or SNV3410/3510) are officially supported. Drives outside this list may trigger warnings, be ineligible for pools, or lose access to SMART health readings. NVMe drives cannot be used for storage volumes at all and are locked to caching roles only. These restrictions are enforced by DSM 7.2+ and persist even with the system fully updated.

By contrast, the UGREEN DXP8800 Plus places no such limits. Any SATA or NVMe drive can be used, and users can create pools across mixed-capacity and mixed-brand disks, including enterprise-grade drives. Storage volumes can be configured freely in supported OS environments, and the two M.2 slots can act as primary storage, tiered ZFS vdevs, or cache depending on the OS—TrueNAS SCALE, for instance, recognized all M.2 drives and allowed custom pool creation without issue. This makes UGREEN’s system more attractive to users with existing drives or specific ZFS/Btrfs layouts in mind.

Synology DS1825+ vs UGREEN DXP8800 PLUS NAS – Internal Hardware

he Synology DS1825+ is built around the AMD Ryzen V1500B processor, a 4-core, 8-thread embedded SoC designed specifically for NAS and server workloads. With a fixed base clock of 2.2GHz and no boost functionality, this Zen-based CPU focuses on stability, multi-threaded efficiency, and low power consumption, making it well-suited for consistent background operations like file serving, multi-client backups, and large-scale storage array management. The chip includes AES-NI support for hardware encryption acceleration and offers full compatibility with DSM’s virtualization stack, including Docker and Synology’s Virtual Machine Manager. However, the V1500B lacks an integrated GPU, and the DS1825+ does not support hardware transcoding, making it unsuitable for Plex or media applications that rely on real-time video encoding unless offloaded to cloud services like Synology C2. It’s a reliable and mature processor choice, albeit one that prioritizes stability over flexibility or raw speed.

The DS1825+ ships with 8GB of ECC DDR4 memory (1x SODIMM) installed, with support for up to 32GB across two slots, and ECC is supported on both official and some compatible third-party modules. The internal layout, however, is relatively restrictive. The memory and M.2 slots require tray removal and partial disassembly to access. Synology includes two M.2 NVMe slots that operate at PCIe Gen 3×4, but DSM only allows them to be used for read/write caching and only with Synology SNV3410 or SNV3510 SSDs. These slots are not available for storage pool creation or system boot, regardless of the SSD used. There is no PCIe slot or BIOS access, making this a closed system that enforces Synology’s validation model tightly. While this approach ensures stability, it limits performance tuning and locks users into higher-priced branded components.

The UGREEN DXP8800 Plus uses an Intel Core i5-1235U, a hybrid 10-core (2 performance, 8 efficiency), 12-thread mobile CPU built on the Alder Lake-U architecture. With a boost clock up to 4.4GHz and integrated Intel Xe graphics, it offers both multi-threaded efficiency and hardware video transcoding support via Quick Sync. This is ideal for users running Plex, Jellyfin, or AI-based video analysis locally. The system ships with 8GB of non-ECC DDR4 memory, expandable to 64GB, using standard SODIMM slots. UGREEN’s internal board features 2x M.2 NVMe slots operating at PCIe Gen 4×4 speeds, offering significantly more bandwidth than Synology’s Gen 3 slots. These SSDs can be used for boot, storage pools, or cache, and the system supports a wide range of third-party drives without warnings or restrictions. BIOS access is fully available, allowing installation of operating systems like TrueNAS, UnRAID, or Proxmox. UGREEN’s internal hardware favors openness and customizability, providing users with direct control over performance, expansion, and component choice—at the cost of requiring more technical expertise.

Synology DS1825+ vs UGREEN DXP8800 PLUS NAS – Ports and Connections

The Synology DS1825+ delivers a modest and business-focused range of connectivity options, designed primarily for reliability and integration within an IT-managed environment. It includes 2x 2.5GbE RJ-45 LAN ports, offering basic link aggregation or dual-network failover functionality. While this offers faster-than-Gigabit throughput, the lack of 10GbE out of the box may be limiting for users working with large media files or virtualization workloads, particularly in comparison to other 2025 systems.

The system provides 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) Type-A ports, all located on the rear, suitable for UPS integration, external storage, or compatible backup devices. In terms of expansion, Synology includes 2x USB Type-C ports, but these are reserved exclusively for connecting official DX525 expansion units. They do not support data transfer, peripherals, or USB-C accessories and serve only as proprietary expansion interfaces. No HDMI, DisplayPort, or audio outputs are included, and there is no SD card reader. This reinforces Synology’s design philosophy: operate headlessly, manage remotely, and keep the system within the bounds of their validated ecosystem.

In contrast, the UGREEN DXP8800 Plus positions itself as a fully-featured, hybrid-use NAS platform with wide-ranging I/O options for prosumers and professionals. It features 2x 10GbE RJ-45 LAN ports—a clear advantage over Synology’s 2.5GbE setup—offering significantly more bandwidth for media editing, VM hosts, or multi-user environments. On the front, UGREEN includes 2x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps) ports, which double as high-speed USB-C for peripherals, external drives, or even eGPU enclosures in supported OS setups. The rear provides 2x USB-A ports at 10Gbps, plus 2x USB 2.0 ports, allowing backward-compatible peripheral support. For display, the system includes 1x HDMI port with 8K output support, connected via Intel’s Xe iGPU, as well as a high-speed SD 4.0 card reader—a particularly valuable addition for content creators offloading camera media directly to the NAS. There is also a PCIe x4 slot for optional hardware expansion. This broad I/O layout enables the DXP8800 Plus to function as a headless NAS, a media server, or even a workstation replacement, depending on the OS you choose to run.

The gap in connectivity between these two NAS systems reflects their broader design philosophies. Synology has deliberately kept the DS1825+ minimal, standardized, and tightly integrated with its ecosystem, which enhances long-term support and serviceability but limits flexibility. UGREEN, on the other hand, offers extensive general-purpose ports that cater to a wider range of workflows—especially for users running Windows, Proxmox, TrueNAS, or virtualized environments. Whether it’s direct media ingestion via SD card, high-speed expansion through Thunderbolt, or dual 10GbE networking, the DXP8800 Plus outpaces the DS1825+ in almost every I/O category. However, this flexibility comes with the expectation that the user is comfortable with open-platform system management and a DIY-style deployment model.

Synology DS1825+ vs UGREEN DXP8800 PLUS NAS – Software and Services

The Synology DS1825+ runs on DSM 7.2, Synology’s mature and widely respected NAS operating system. DSM offers a broad ecosystem of native applications and services, including advanced storage management, multi-tiered backup solutions, virtual machine hosting, and comprehensive multimedia support. Key built-in tools such as Synology Drive, Hyper Backup, Active Backup for Business, Surveillance Station, and Synology Photos provide enterprise-grade data handling in a highly polished interface.

DSM also includes Snapshot Replication with Btrfs, granular folder/file-level restore, and Active Directory integration. Importantly, DSM supports features like Windows ACL permissions, Samba v4, WORM file locking, and two-factor authentication by default, with Synology’s C2 platform offering cloud sync, identity management, and secure backup options. However, DSM has increasingly tied deeper functionality (e.g., certain security tools and snapshots) to Synology-branded storage and expansion hardware, with third-party drive warnings now appearing by default.

UGREEN’s DXP8800 Plus runs UGOS Pro, a Linux-based operating system developed in-house. Now one year into active deployment, UGOS Pro has matured substantially with ongoing updates and wider feature support. The interface is clean and web-accessible, and recent updates have added core NAS functions previously missing. As of the latest firmware, Docker, virtual machine creation, and Jellyfin media server are all natively supported via one-click installs.

Importantly, iSCSI support was also added, addressing a key omission for enterprise or VMware users. 2-factor authentication (2FA) is now present, and security protocols include IP/MAC-level blocking, custom firewall rules, and access control policies. While UGREEN still lacks the depth of anti-ransomware protection found in DSM or QNAP’s QuFirewall, the fundamentals have improved dramatically. Local-only AI services for photo indexing and object recognition have also been refined, with user-selectable models running without internet access.

Where DSM excels in deep integration and business-class reliability, UGOS Pro stands out for its openness and responsiveness to user feedback. Users can enable SSH, customize OS-level settings, and even install TrueNAS, UnRAID, or Proxmox without voiding the warranty, as UGREEN has opted for an open-platform approach.

UGOS also supports Windows file services (SMB), NFS, and web-based file managers, though its permissions system and UI are still somewhat basic compared to DSM. Synology’s first-party software tends to offer higher polish, more documentation, and broader cross-platform support, particularly in cloud-integrated services, whereas UGOS is catching up in functional breadth but remains relatively limited in automation and long-term software ecosystem depth.

Both platforms include mobile apps and browser-based remote access, but Synology’s remote access via QuickConnect is significantly more user-friendly and secure out-of-the-box, while UGREEN’s remote services are best replaced or supplemented by Tailscale, Cloudflare Tunnel, or similar tools. Synology’s Surveillance Station also has years of development behind it with support for hundreds of IP cameras, whereas UGREEN does not yet include native surveillance software in UGOS Pro.

For users seeking a media-focused setup, UGOS offers a good local multimedia experience via Jellyfin, while DSM supports Plex and Video Station (with transcoding limitations depending on CPU). Ultimately, Synology’s DSM remains the more robust, enterprise-ready option, while UGOS Pro presents a highly promising and increasingly competitive open alternative that still favors self-managed users.

Synology DS1825+ vs UGREEN DXP8800 PLUS NAS – Verdict and Conclusion

The Synology DS1825+ remains a compelling choice for users prioritizing reliability, software integration, and long-term support. With the proven DSM 7.2 platform, it offers enterprise-grade tools for file management, backup, virtual machines, and surveillance. Features like Snapshot Replication, C2 cloud integration, and Active Backup for Business provide peace of mind for professionals who want a turnkey experience with minimal maintenance. Although hardware specs such as the Ryzen V1500B CPU and dual 2.5GbE ports might seem modest compared to rivals, they are more than adequate for office environments, multi-user file sharing, and even light virtualization. That said, its increasing reliance on Synology-branded drives and accessories, as well as its lack of GPU support and M.2 NVMe flexibility, could be frustrating for DIY enthusiasts or media-focused users.

By contrast, the UGREEN DXP8800 Plus is a hardware-forward NAS that emphasizes performance, bandwidth, and customization. With a 12-core Intel Core i5-1235U CPU, dual 10GbE, PCIe expandability, and full-speed Gen 4 NVMe slots, it is built for workloads that demand raw power—media servers, high-speed backups, AI indexing, and even containerized apps via Docker. UGOS Pro has matured considerably over the last year, with new features like iSCSI, 2FA, VM hosting, and Jellyfin support making it much more viable than at launch. Still, while UGREEN’s open architecture and wider SSD/drive compatibility are a strength, its software ecosystem isn’t yet as refined or battle-tested as Synology’s DSM, especially for more security-sensitive or compliance-bound environments. Surveillance features and enterprise-level monitoring tools are also still missing or immature in comparison.

In short, the Synology DS1825+ is best suited for SMBs, IT administrators, or content creators who want a dependable, low-maintenance NAS with rich native features and strong vendor support, especially where third-party remote access is limited or not desired. On the other hand, the UGREEN DXP8800 Plus is ideal for prosumers, media professionals, and tech-savvy users who want maximum hardware flexibility, faster internal/external transfer speeds, and the freedom to customize their NAS at the OS level, even if that means dealing with a slightly rougher software experience. If ease of use, documentation, and long-term stability are your priorities, the DS1825+ remains a safe bet. But if you’re looking for value in performance per dollar, more openness, and higher bandwidth potential, the DXP8800 Plus offers a lot for the price.

PROS	CONS	PROS	CONS
DSM 7.2 OS offers mature, stable, and feature-rich ecosystem with professional backup, replication, and VM tools. ECC DDR4 Memory (8GB expandable to 32GB) ensures greater data integrity and system stability. Broad software support including Surveillance Station, Active Backup, C2 Hybrid Cloud, and Hyper Backup. PCIe Gen3 slot allows for 10GbE or 25GbE network expansion or M.2 cache via supported adapters.   Low noise and power efficiency (~23.8 dB, ~60W during access), making it suitable for office environments.	Limited M.2 NVMe support (Gen3x4, only Synology-branded SSDs officially supported). No built-in GPU or transcoding support, limiting suitability for Plex or media conversion workflows.   Locks users into Synology drives/accessories, reducing flexibility and increasing costs over time.	High-performance Intel Core i5-1235U CPU (12-core, 10-thread) enables heavy multitasking, VMs, and AI workloads. Dual 10GbE LAN ports allow for ultra-fast network throughput and multi-client simultaneous access. Two M.2 NVMe Gen4x4 slots support broad range of SSDs for caching or fast storage pools. 64GB DDR5 upgrade support offers excellent memory headroom for Docker, virtualization, and AI indexing.   UGOS Pro now includes Jellyfin, Docker, VMs, iSCSI, and 2FA, closing many early software gaps.	UGOS Pro still lacks polished UI/UX compared to DSM; some features buried or poorly documented. No official Plex support and limited surveillance tools, weakening multimedia and NVR potential.   Brand trust and software maturity still lag behind market leaders like Synology or QNAP.
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The UGREEN DH4300 PLUS NAS Review – Good Value?

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus is a 4-bay NAS solution introduced quietly into the company’s growing lineup of storage devices, appearing online without the usual fanfare. Closely related to the DH4300 Plus in both hardware and feature set, this model forms part of UGREEN’s value-tier NAS systems, designed to provide essential private cloud functionality at a lower cost. Targeted at home users, prosumers, and small offices, the DH4300 Plus offers a mix of modern storage capacity and lightweight computing through its ARM-based architecture. With support for RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, 2.5GbE networking, and up to 120TB of raw storage across four SATA bays, the device aims to provide a reasonably capable platform for tasks like file serving, multimedia streaming, and basic photo management.

However, the DH4300 Plus doesn’t just follow the pattern of other budget NAS solutions. It includes features uncommon at this price point, such as HDMI output and 10Gbps USB connectivity, which extend its use case beyond simple backups into media and even light-duty AI-powered photo organization. Its system-on-chip, the Rockchip RK3588, is more powerful than the processors seen in comparable entry-level NAS systems from other brands like Synology or QNAP. While it lacks the high-end features of premium NAS units—such as multi-port networking or M.2 expansion—it still manages to deliver a compact, energy-efficient package suited to most daily NAS workloads. This review breaks down each component of the DH4300 Plus, from its physical design and internal hardware to its software ecosystem, to help users decide whether this is the right solution for their needs.

UGREEN DH4300 NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus stands out as a well-equipped entry-level NAS that offers considerably more than its modest price tag suggests, positioning itself as a serious contender in the growing value NAS market. Powered by the RK3588 ARM processor and backed by 8GB of LPDDR4X memory, it delivers capable performance for a wide range of NAS tasks including file sharing, media streaming, light containerization via Docker, and AI-assisted photo management. Its support for 2.5GbE networking, 10Gbps USB ports, and HDMI 2.1 output adds versatility, enabling faster-than-Gigabit transfer speeds and options for direct media playback or on-site display access. The system’s low power consumption, compact footprint, and quiet operation make it especially well-suited for 24/7 deployment in home or small office environments. AI functionality for face recognition and album generation, powered by the on-chip NPU, further enhances its value for users managing large personal photo or media libraries. However, the device is limited by its lack of PCIe or M.2 expansion, absence of link aggregation or redundant LAN, and the relatively immature UGOS Pro software, which trails behind DSM and QTS in terms of advanced features, third-party app support, and overall refinement. Still, for users seeking a reliable, efficient, and feature-packed NAS at a competitive price, the DH4300 Plus represents a compelling option that punches well above its weight—offering core functionality, multimedia capabilities, and surprising hardware strength without venturing into high-end NAS pricing territory.

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UGREEN DH4300 NAS Review – Design and Storage

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus adopts a minimalist, vertical chassis design that blends functional cooling with a relatively compact footprint. Measuring 155mm x 155mm x 215.7mm, the enclosure is tall and narrow, allowing it to accommodate four internal 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA drives without consuming significant desk space. Instead of traditional hot-swappable trays, UGREEN uses a toolless drive insertion mechanism where each drive slides vertically into the chassis.

This approach reduces complexity and keeps production costs lower but introduces compromises in terms of drive handling and vibration isolation. The top panel is removable and held magnetically, granting access to the internal drive bays and initial setup QR code sticker located inside the lid. Ventilation is handled by side vents, perforations at the top of the cover, and a single downward-facing internal fan near the system board.

Drive installation is simple but not entirely refined. Each of the four bays inside feeds directly into a fixed SATA backplane. Drives are inserted vertically without caddies and seat against rubber bumpers at the rear, which help reduce some of the mechanical vibration but do not provide the same structural integrity or thermal separation found in more traditional hot swap and more easily accessible tray-based designs.

The plastic inner rails feel light and somewhat fragile, especially when compared to metal-based bays found in more premium NAS models. Still, the internal structure was found to be sufficient during testing, even when populating the system with higher-capacity drives. The unit officially supports up to 4 x 30TB drives, allowing a total storage capacity of 120TB in JBOD or RAID configurations, though users will need to supply their own disks as none are included in the package.

Airflow and thermal behavior of the DH4300 Plus are managed via passive intake vents and a single active cooling fan positioned on the base of the chassis. This fan draws air from the top and sides of the NAS, passing it over the CPU and power delivery components before exhausting out the bottom. While this layout is thermally efficient for a low-power device like this, it lacks redundancy and doesn’t allow for custom fan curve profiles within UGOS Pro.

During 24-hour tests with four IronWolf drives installed, drive temperatures remained between 44°C and 45°C, while the system chassis and CPU areas stayed in the range of 38°C to 42°C under typical workloads. Though these temperatures are within operational thresholds, users deploying the NAS in warmer environments or fully populating it with high-RPM drives may need to consider ambient airflow or active external cooling assistance.

The DH4300 Plus is constructed from a mix of metal and plastic materials, with a soft matte finish and minimal front I/O clutter. This helps the device appear more neutral in office or home setups. All primary status LEDs are located subtly on the front edge, along with a power button and high-speed USB-C port. Despite its budget positioning, UGREEN has maintained an external aesthetic that doesn’t look out of place beside other premium tech. However, internal cost-saving decisions are more evident. The lack of a proper drive locking mechanism or hotswap support reinforces that this NAS is not meant for heavy-duty enterprise usage or high-frequency drive replacement tasks. It is more appropriate as a near-permanent local storage solution once disks have been installed and configured.

In terms of storage functionality, the DH4300 Plus supports multiple RAID modes, including Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. This flexibility is notable, as several competing ARM-based NAS units limit RAID options—particularly RAID 6, which requires higher CPU and memory resources to compute parity. While software RAID performance will depend heavily on the chosen configuration and disk types, the Rockchip RK3588 SoC proved capable of maintaining consistent performance in RAID 5 across moderate workloads, including file copying, media playback, and snapshot operations. UGREEN’s system also offers automatic drive recognition and formatting through the UGOS Pro interface, allowing less experienced users to get started quickly, though without the advanced data scrubbing and repair features available on some higher-end NAS platforms.

UGREEN DH4300 NAS Review – Internal Hardware

At the heart of the DH4300 Plus lies the Rockchip RK3588 processor, an 8-core ARM-based SoC featuring a hybrid core architecture. It combines four high-performance Cortex-A76 cores with four efficiency-oriented Cortex-A55 cores, providing a significant performance uplift over most ARM-based NAS processors in the same price bracket. The RK3588 includes a Mali-G610 GPU and an integrated NPU capable of delivering up to 6 TOPS of AI performance. This allows for features like facial recognition, object tagging, and scene categorization within UGOS Pro. Notably, this chip has seen growing popularity in DIY NAS and edge computing applications due to its multimedia capabilities and low power draw. Its inclusion in a turnkey NAS platform at this price point positions the DH4300 Plus as an outlier among typical value-series offerings.

Complementing the processor is 8GB of LPDDR4X memory, which is soldered to the board and not user-upgradable. While this limits long-term scalability, 8GB is a generous amount for an ARM-based NAS and sufficient for most general-purpose NAS workloads including file sharing, media serving, AI-assisted photo sorting, and light Docker container deployment. The system also features a 32GB eMMC module, serving as a dedicated system drive for UGOS Pro. This separation of the OS from user storage pools ensures stability during boot and updates while also freeing up the full capacity of installed SATA drives for data. The lack of NVMe or SATA DOM options means the eMMC is fixed, but in practice, it performed reliably during testing without any bottlenecks.

From a thermal and power standpoint, the RK3588 platform proves to be highly efficient. Even under moderate to heavy loads—such as simultaneous file transfers, streaming tasks, and indexing—the SoC maintains stable temperatures in the low 40s Celsius range. Combined with a modest power draw of around 30–35 watts under active use (and ~4.7 watts at idle without drives), the DH4300 Plus is suitable for continuous 24/7 operation in home or office environments. While the lack of ECC memory or redundant power limits its appeal for enterprise deployment, the core hardware is well-balanced for its target audience, especially when considering how much performance and functionality is packed into a device with a sub-$400 price point.

UGREEN DH4300 NAS Review – Ports and Connections

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus offers a streamlined but functionally adequate set of connectivity options for a value-focused NAS. On the front of the device, users will find a USB-C port rated at 5Gbps, accompanied by two additional USB-A ports on the rear capable of 10Gbps transfer speeds. These high-speed USB ports are somewhat unusual on an ARM-based NAS and allow for faster direct-attached storage backups or peripheral integration, including UPS management or external media access. While not hot-swappable in the OS UI, the ports performed reliably in tests when mounting USB SSDs and thumb drives for quick file transfer and offline sync. Their positioning also maintains a tidy cable layout, with most high-traffic connections located on the back panel.

Network connectivity is delivered through a single 2.5GbE RJ45 port, which represents a solid step above the standard 1GbE ports found on most entry-level NAS units. This allows the DH4300 Plus to exceed typical Gigabit transfer speeds, reaching up to ~280MB/s in peak file transfer tests using large sequential data. However, the inclusion of only one LAN port means there’s no support for link aggregation or failover. This limits the device’s flexibility in multi-user environments or scenarios requiring redundancy. Given the hardware capabilities of the RK3588 platform, a second LAN port—or even a fallback 1GbE—would have been ideal. Still, for a single-user or small team deployment, the 2.5GbE connection is more than sufficient for everyday access to large media files, backups, and collaborative workspaces.

One of the most unexpected and welcome features is the presence of an HDMI 2.1 output, capable of 4K at 60Hz. HDMI on value-tier NAS systems is uncommon, and its inclusion here enables media playback, real-time NAS control via a directly connected monitor, and potential kiosk or signage applications. The UGOS Pro operating system includes a built-in theater mode to pair with this feature, although its capabilities are more basic than those found in platforms like QNAP’s HD Station. Nevertheless, for users wanting to leverage the NAS as a lightweight local media center or for on-site admin access without relying solely on browser-based control, the HDMI output adds flexibility. The only caveat is that the device lacks any form of PCIe expansion, so users cannot add additional ports or NVMe caching options later.

UGREEN DH4300 NAS Review – Software and Services

The DH4300 Plus runs UGOS Pro, UGREEN’s proprietary NAS operating system tailored for ARM-based platforms. While it doesn’t match the feature depth of more mature systems like Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, UGOS Pro has seen steady improvements and now covers most of the foundational functions expected from a modern NAS. The UI is browser-accessible and includes modules for storage management, user permissions, cloud sync, backups, and multimedia playback. During testing, the OS handled basic setup, RAID initialization, and file system formatting efficiently. Users can configure shared folders, enable SMB/NFS/AFP protocols, and even set up multi-tiered backup routines to local, USB, or cloud destinations such as Google Drive and Dropbox.

One of the more advanced features is the integrated AI photo engine, which leverages the RK3588’s NPU to organize media libraries using facial recognition, object tagging, and scene classification. This is similar in principle to what Synology Photos or QNAP QuMagie offer, though UGOS Pro lacks the same level of customization or filtering depth. The system can automatically generate albums, identify duplicates, and even create baby-focused timelines.

These features worked reliably on smaller photo sets but began to slow down when indexing larger libraries—likely a result of both memory and algorithmic efficiency. Despite this, the inclusion of AI functionality in a sub-$400 NAS is notable, especially since it runs locally and does not require cloud processing.

Application support is growing within UGOS Pro. Native apps for file access, media playback, surveillance (limited), and mobile sync are included, along with support for Docker containers, allowing users to sideload additional tools not officially available. Notably, BTRFS is supported as a file system option, enabling snapshot functionality and some degree of data integrity checks. However, there are limitations: virtualization is not supported due to the ARM architecture, and there’s currently no iSCSI target support.

Additionally, while the broader UGREEN ecosystem includes a Jellyfin app for other devices, this model did not have native Jellyfin support at launch—requiring users to deploy it manually via Docker. Features like multi-factor authentication, scheduled shutdown/start, and remote access are included, but power users may find the interface lacking compared to more polished systems.

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus delivers respectable media performance when running Jellyfin, particularly with 1080p and 4K content. During testing, the system handled native playback of 4K files smoothly and managed light transcoding tasks without excessive CPU strain, thanks to the efficiency of the RK3588’s integrated GPU and NPU. Native playback of 8K media was technically possible, but pushed the CPU usage to 70–75%, and any attempt at transcoding 8K content resulted in the processor maxing out at 100%, making it unsuitable for high-resolution real-time conversion.

While the NAS can serve 8K files over the network for compatible client playback, its ARM-based architecture lacks the raw transcoding power and hardware acceleration frameworks seen in x86-based systems with Intel Quick Sync. For most users, 1080p and 4K Jellyfin playback—both native and lightly transcoded—is handled reliably, but 8K should be considered the upper limit of what the DH4300 can manage, and only under specific playback conditions without conversion.

UGREEN DH4300 NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus carves out a unique niche in the budget NAS landscape by delivering hardware typically reserved for higher-tier systems at a much lower price point. Its RK3588 processor, 8GB of RAM, and support for 2.5GbE networking place it well ahead of most similarly priced competitors in terms of raw specifications. Additionally, features such as HDMI output, 10Gbps USB ports, and local AI-powered photo indexing are rare to find in entry-level NAS systems. Despite its plastic-heavy internal design and lack of expansion options like PCIe or M.2, the device delivers stable performance for file sharing, media access, and low-intensity AI workloads. It is not suited for power users demanding virtual machines or advanced snapshot automation, but within its class, the DH4300 Plus presents an appealing balance between cost and capability.

That said, the software experience is still a work in progress. UGOS Pro covers the essentials and offers a visually accessible UI, but lacks the advanced features and ecosystem integration found in more mature platforms like Synology DSM or QNAP QTS. Docker and snapshot support add welcome flexibility, but the absence of native Jellyfin, iSCSI, and VM functionality limits its use in more complex environments. Still, for home users, media collectors, or small office setups looking for reliable backup, modest AI-enhanced photo sorting, and smooth 4K playback, the DH4300 Plus delivers value well beyond its price tag. While it won’t replace high-end NAS appliances, it serves as a capable, efficient, and quietly innovative option in a saturated entry-level NAS market.

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PROs of the UGREEN DH4300 NAS

CONs of the UGREEN DH4300 NAS

Powerful ARM CPU: Equipped with the RK3588 SoC, offering 8 cores, integrated GPU, and NPU for AI workloads. Generous (but fixed!) Memory: 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, rare in budget NAS systems, supports multitasking and Docker use. 2.5GbE Network Port: Provides faster-than-Gigabit throughput for backups, media streaming, and multi-user access. HDMI 2.1 Output: Rare on ARM powered turnkey NAS, and enables direct media playback or NAS control at up to 4K 60Hz, uncommon in value-tier NAS units. USB 10Gbps Ports: Dual USB-A 10Gbps and one USB-C 5Gbps allow for high-speed backups or external storage expansion. AI Photo Management: Built-in NPU supports facial recognition and scene detection for local, private media organization. Low Power Consumption: Efficient under load (~30W) and idle (~5W without drives), suitable for 24/7 operation.

No PCIe or M.2 Expansion: Lacks future scalability for NVMe caching, 10GbE, or other upgrades. Single LAN Port: Only one 2.5GbE port, with no failover or link aggregation support. Limited Software Ecosystem: UGOS Pro lacks iSCSI, VM support, and native Jellyfin, trailing behind DSM/QTS in maturity.

 

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New Value Series UGREEN DH4300 and DH2300 NAS Drives

UGREEN has unveiled two new value-focused NAS devices, the DH3400 and DH3200, designed to meet the needs of home and small office users who want practical, low-power network storage without unnecessary complexity. The DH3400 is a 4-bay model, while the DH3200 offers a 2-bay configuration, both intended for those looking to implement efficient backups, multimedia streaming, and personal cloud storage at a more affordable price point. First revealed through the 2025 iF Design Awards and then quietly launched with a limited discount during Amazon Prime Day, these models occupy a lower tier in UGREEN’s NAS range, complementing rather than replacing their existing higher-end DXP series.

These two devices clearly target users who prioritize straightforward functionality over high-end processing power or advanced virtualization. Both systems are engineered with energy-efficient components and a compact design that makes them suitable for desktop environments where noise, heat, and power consumption need to be minimized. By offering a clear set of features—including RAID support, snapshot capabilities, and 4K multimedia output—at a modest price, the DH3400 and DH3200 aim to appeal to customers who need reliable, low-maintenance storage hardware that can integrate easily into a home network or small office setup.

UGREEN DH2300 and DH4300 NAS Hardware Specifications

The UGREEN DH3400 and DH3200 are built on a shared hardware platform, with the key difference being drive bay count—four bays on the DH3400 and two on the DH3200. Both systems use the Rockchip RK3588C processor, an 8-core ARM-based SoC running at 2.4 GHz, designed to prioritize energy efficiency and low thermal output rather than raw performance. The RK3588C includes integrated Mali-G610 graphics and an AI engine capable of delivering up to six tera operations per second (TOPS), which enables features like facial recognition and semantic photo search without taxing the CPU as much as it would likewise ARM processors without it.

Both units come equipped with 8 GB of soldered LPDDR4X memory, which cannot be upgraded. This is a typical limitation of ARM-based NAS systems, where memory is tightly coupled with the SoC for efficiency. The onboard memory is adequate for the included software stack, which supports multi-user environments, Docker containers, and AI-driven media management. For system storage, UGREEN integrates a 32 GB eMMC module to host the UGOS Pro operating system. This keeps the SATA bays fully available for user storage, though it does mean the system disk cannot be swapped or expanded.

The DH3400 supports up to four 3.5” or 2.5” SATA drives, while the DH3200 supports two, and both models can accommodate up to 30 TB per bay, for a maximum of 120 TB on the DH3400 when fully populated. Supported RAID configurations include JBOD, Basic, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, providing a range of data protection and performance options suited to home and SOHO environments.

Networking and external connectivity are kept simple yet functional. Each system includes a single 2.5 GbE Ethernet port, which supports transfer speeds up to roughly 300 MB/s under optimal conditions. Although dual LAN ports for link aggregation or failover would have been welcome at this price point, the single-port setup is likely sufficient for the target audience.

Three USB ports are provided: one USB-C @ 5Gb/s and two USB-A @ 10 Gb/s. These are useful for connecting additional external drives, creating tiered backups, or quickly offloading data from portable devices. The inclusion of a full-size HDMI port capable of 4K/60Hz output is another notable feature, enabling direct connection to a monitor or TV for multimedia playback or system administration from a local display—something not all competing devices offer.

From a physical and design perspective, the DH series is clearly built to fit seamlessly into a home or small office. The DH3400’s chassis measures just 155 × 155 × 215.7 mm, and its vertical, injection-molded plastic design keeps its footprint compact and thermals manageable. Power consumption is modest at a rated 12V/6A, helping keep operational costs low and making the units suitable for 24/7 use.

The overall aesthetic is understated, drawing comparisons to earlier Western Digital consumer NAS devices, with a focus on quiet operation and minimal disruption to the workspace. While there is no support for PCIe expansion or M.2 NVMe storage—features found in higher-end UGREEN DXP models—the streamlined hardware specification aligns with the device’s role as an affordable, efficient, and easy-to-deploy file server for users who don’t require more advanced features.

UGREEN DH2300 and DH4300 NAS Software Specifications

Both the DH3400 and DH3200 ship with UGREEN’s UGOS Pro operating system, a Linux-based NAS software platform designed to be user-friendly while offering a solid range of core functionality. UGOS Pro provides a clean, browser-based interface accessible from Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, web browsers, and even smart TVs, making it easy for users to manage their storage from almost any device. The OS supports secure multi-user access with advanced encryption, a built-in firewall, and two-factor authentication, ensuring that data remains protected from unauthorized access. Local data storage is emphasized over cloud reliance, though cloud backup targets are supported for redundancy.

In terms of features, UGOS Pro includes most of the essential applications expected of a modern NAS. File and folder management is straightforward, with support for SMB/CIFS, NFS, and WebDAV protocols. Users can set up scheduled or on-demand backups, including multi-tiered strategies spanning local drives, external USB storage, and supported cloud services. Snapshot functionality is included to help protect against accidental deletion or data corruption. Multimedia applications are also integrated, with tools for organizing and streaming photos, videos, and music, plus support for the HDMI output for direct 4K media playback on connected displays.

Despite being a value-oriented device, the DH3400 and DH3200 still offer some advanced capabilities thanks to the efficiency of the RK3588C CPU. These include AI-powered features such as photo recognition by faces, scenes, and locations, automatic duplicate removal, and the creation of personalized albums. Semantic search functionality helps users locate files more intuitively, and Docker is supported for lightweight containerized applications. However, resource-intensive functions like virtualization and more complex enterprise-grade apps are not included, in keeping with the intended role of these systems as affordable, entry-level NAS solutions. Plus, no doubt, the ease of integrating this more cost-effective solution with other, more powerful DXP NAS systems using the nativa backup sync application is going to be a breeze on the LAN!

UGREEN DH2300 and DH4300 NAS – Price and Launch Date?

UGREEN’s new DH2300 and DH4300 NAS models have already quietly launched, with availability beginning during Amazon Prime Day 2025 in what can best be described as a stealth release. The DH4300, the 4-bay model, is currently listed at $429.99 diskless, although a temporary promotional discount during Prime Day dropped the price as low as $349.99. At the time of writing, UGREEN has not provided an official end date for the promotional pricing, so buyers should assume the standard price is $429.99 going forward. The DH2300, the 2-bay variant, has not yet been widely listed, and official pricing for that model has yet to be confirmed. Both models are expected to continue rolling out to major online retailers over the coming weeks, with broader global availability likely to follow given UGREEN’s previous product launch patterns. For now, early adopters in supported regions can purchase the DH4300 directly from platforms like Amazon, and keep an eye on listings for the DH2300 to appear soon. Buyers should note that, as with most diskless NAS products, storage drives are sold separately. These models are positioned as affordable, efficient storage solutions in UGREEN’s lineup, complementing rather than replacing their existing DXP series. By offering a lower barrier to entry, UGREEN appears to be catering to users looking for basic yet capable NAS hardware at an accessible price. Those interested in purchasing should monitor retailer listings closely for availability and any further discounts as stock becomes more widely distributed.

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Alternatively, the UGREEN DH4300 has appeared on Amazon on Multiple locations. So you can check the Amazon store in your region by clicking the banner below.

Remember. We get a small commission from any sales that occur from using the links above, and these go directly into allowing us to keep doing what we do.

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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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