UGREEN NASync NAS: One Year Later – The Good, The Bad, and What’s Still Missing?

One year ago, UGREEN made waves in the NAS industry by launching its NASync series through a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign, raising $6.6 million from over 13,000 backers. This new line of NAS devices aimed to offer a cost-effective alternative to established brands like Synology and QNAP, promising powerful hardware, a user-friendly experience, and AI-powered features at a more competitive price. Since its general retail release in mid-2024, UGREEN NASync has been available via Amazon, B&H, and UGREEN’s website, gaining a strong following among enthusiasts and small businesses. But after a year of real-world usage, firmware updates, and customer feedback, does the NASync series truly compete with industry leaders? Has UGREEN delivered on its promises, or are there still major issues preventing it from being a go-to NAS solution? This article will explore where UGREEN has excelled, where it still needs improvement, and whether the NASync series is a worthwhile investment in 2025.

Note – UGREEN are running a promotion during World Backup Day that drops the price significantly on several of their NASync devices on their own website and on Amazon. Find out more here or via the banner link below:

The UGREEN NASync NAS Kickstarter – A Recap

Unlike many hardware startups that struggle with fulfilling Kickstarter orders, UGREEN managed to deliver its NASync units on schedule to most backers, a significant achievement for a crowdfunded product. While there were some reports of faulty units, these appeared to be within normal failure rates for electronics and were generally covered by UGREEN’s replacement and support policies. What truly set UGREEN apart, however, was its unorthodox marketing strategy. Instead of focusing on traditional advertising or securing major sponsorship deals, UGREEN distributed thousands of review units to mid-tier and micro-influencers.

This grassroots approach ensured that discussions about the NASync series remained active and widespread across online tech communities. Unlike companies that pay for high-profile reviews on massive platforms like Linus Tech Tips, UGREEN instead prioritized authenticity and volume, creating long-term engagement from reviewers who actually tested the product in-depth. This strategy has proven successful, keeping UGREEN’s NAS devices relevant in online discussions long after their launch, though it has also meant that larger, mainstream tech publications have not widely covered the NASync series. While this marketing approach has helped build a loyal user base, it also raises concerns about how well UGREEN’s products will compete with more established brands in the long run if they do not gain broader mainstream recognition.

The UGREEN NAS Software Development So Far…

When the NASync series launched, its UGOS operating system was one of its most significant unknowns. Unlike Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, which have been refined for years, UGOS was a first-generation NAS OS that lacked many critical features and refinements expected by experienced users.

Over the past year, UGREEN has made steady improvements, rolling out regular firmware updates that have expanded its functionality. One of the most notable additions is the inclusion of Jellyfin as a native app, providing an alternative media server option for users who want to stream videos without needing complex third-party installations.

However, Plex support remains absent, a surprising omission considering Plex is the most widely used NAS-based media server. Another major shortcoming is the lack of iSCSI support, which is essential for business users, virtualization environments, and enterprise-level storage solutions.

While UGREEN has stated that iSCSI support is on their roadmap, it has yet to be implemented, making the NASync series a less viable option for professional users who rely on networked block storage solutions. Despite these improvements, UGOS is still not as polished or feature-rich as competing NAS operating systems, and for users who need advanced storage capabilities, its limitations remain a concern.

UGREEN NAS and Security – After 1 Year

Security was one of the biggest concerns when UGREEN first launched its NASync series, as it initially lacked two-factor authentication (2FA) and had limited built-in protections for remote access. Over the past year, UGREEN has addressed some of these concerns, adding 2FA and expanding firewall settings to include IP blocking, MAC filtering, and customizable access controls.

These updates have significantly improved overall security, but the absence of dedicated anti-ransomware protection remains a critical weakness. Competing NAS brands such as Synology and QNAP have introduced automated ransomware protection tools, snapshot-based rollback systems, and real-time anomaly detection, features that UGOS has yet to incorporate.

The NASync series does provide basic malware and antivirus scanning, but it is still lacking the more advanced automated security solutions that have become standard in the NAS industry. Users who are particularly concerned about security may prefer to disable UGREEN’s remote access services and instead use third-party VPN solutions like Tailscale or even install an alternative NAS operating system such as TrueNAS or UnRAID, both of which UGREEN supports without voiding hardware warranties.

UGREEN NAS and Local AI Use

UGREEN has been heavily investing in AI-driven functionality, integrating photo recognition, AI-assisted indexing, and content categorization into UGOS. Unlike cloud-based AI solutions, these run entirely on the NAS itself, keeping user data private and locally processed. This makes UGREEN one of the few NAS brands to offer AI-powered automation without cloud dependencies, a feature that privacy-conscious users appreciate.

However, with the recent announcement of UGREEN’s new IDX series, which focuses even more on AI-powered storage and advanced computing, there is growing uncertainty about the long-term future of the NASync series. It remains unclear whether UGREEN will continue to develop UGOS at the same pace for NASync devices or shift focus toward its newer, AI-driven IDX models.

While UGREEN insists that the NASync and IDX series will coexist as separate product lines, there is a possibility that software development for NASync may slow down in favor of newer hardware platforms. This uncertainty may deter potential buyers who want long-term software support guarantees.

UGREEN NASync Devices and Mixed Global Availability

Despite the NASync series’ popularity, UGREEN has struggled to expand its global distribution network. While the devices are widely available in the US, Germany, and select European markets, many regions still lack direct purchasing options. The UK recently saw improved availability, but other regions remain underserved, forcing potential buyers to import devices at higher costs.

Given the strong demand and continued interest, it is surprising that UGREEN has not prioritized expanding its retail presence globally. If the company wants to compete seriously with major NAS brands, broader availability through additional international retailers should be a key focus moving forward.

UGREEN NAS 1 Year Later – Verdict

One year in, UGREEN’s NASync series has made a strong impression in the NAS market, proving that it is more than just a one-off experiment. The company has demonstrated consistent software development, ongoing support, and a commitment to hiring industry experts to strengthen its NAS business. However, the NASync series still falls short in key areas, particularly iSCSI support, security automation, and mainstream availability. For enthusiasts and tech-savvy users willing to customize their setup, UGREEN’s NASync devices offer solid hardware at an attractive price. But for those who expect a polished, fully mature NAS experience, Synology and QNAP still lead the market. UGREEN has the potential to become a serious competitor in the NAS space, but its future success depends on how aggressively it continues to develop UGOS, improve security, and expand its global footprint.

20% OFF UGREEN NAS this World Backup Day

UGREEN is currently running a Work Backup Day promotion, offering a 20% discount on NASync devices purchased through their official website and Amazon. This limited-time deal runs from March 25th to March 31st, making it an excellent opportunity for those considering a UGREEN NAS for data protection and backup storage. With the growing importance of secure, local backups, especially for businesses and home users managing large datasets, this promotion provides a cost-effective way to invest in a NAS solution. Whether you’re looking to set up automated backups, secure your media collection, or expand your existing storage infrastructure, the discount makes UGREEN’s already competitive pricing even more attractive. However, with global availability still being somewhat inconsistent, buyers should check regional stock levels and shipping options before purchasing.

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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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UGREEN a profité du CES 2025 pour révéler ses dernières avancées technologiques sous le thème ambitieux : « Activate the Possibility of AI ». L’événement a été l’occasion de présenter des produits phares intégrant des technologies d’intelligence artificielle (IA), parmi lesquels les très attendus NASync iDX6011 et NASync iDX6011 Pro. NASync iDX : l’IA au cœur du stockage réseau Alors que nous attendons toujours l’arrivée des premiers NAS UGREEN (NASync) en France, cela n’empêche pas le fabricant de faire des annonces… Avec sa nouvelle série NAS AI, UGREEN ambitionne de redéfinir les standards du stockage réseau grâce à l’intégration de […]
Lire la suite : UGREEN : l’IA révolutionne le stockage réseau avec ses NAS

New Local AI and LLM Ready UGREEN iDX6011 NAS

The NASync iDX6011 and iDX6011 Pro models represent a new era of network-attached storage, combining cutting-edge hardware with integrated Artificial Intelligence capabilities. Leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs), these devices enable natural language understanding and intelligent dialogue. Users can interact with the system through conversational queries, asking for database insights, summaries of large documents, or even automating repetitive tasks that previously required manual intervention.

This capability not only simplifies complex workflows but also enhances productivity by allowing users to focus on higher-value activities. By bridging the gap between advanced AI tools and everyday accessibility, the iDX6011 series positions itself as an essential tool for professionals and casual users alike, making data interaction more intuitive than ever.

At the heart of the NASync iDX6011 series lies the powerful Intel® Core Ultra 5 Processor, a 14-core, 18-thread chip engineered for exceptional performance. Capable of reaching a turbo frequency of 4.50 GHz, this processor handles AI workloads, multitasking, and media processing with ease.

Whether users are running resource-intensive applications, managing complex datasets, or transcoding high-definition media files, the NASync devices deliver unparalleled efficiency and responsiveness.

The hardware’s computational strength ensures that the AI features operate seamlessly, offering users a reliable and smooth experience regardless of the intensity of their demands. For enterprises and creative professionals requiring consistent performance under heavy workloads, the iDX6011 series provides a solution that combines raw processing power with smart functionality.

Storage capacity and speed are critical in any NAS solution, and the iDX6011 series excels in both areas. With a total storage capacity of up to 160TB, enabled by six SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots, these devices are ideal for users managing large datasets, extensive media libraries, or complex project files. The integration of dual 10GbE network ports further enhances the system’s performance by offering high-speed data transfer capabilities with a theoretical maximum speed of 2500MB/s. The dual ports also provide redundancy, ensuring that data access and transfers remain uninterrupted even in the event of a connection failure. Whether for personal use, business operations, or creative projects, the NASync series offers the storage flexibility and speed necessary to meet diverse and demanding requirements.

Beyond performance and storage, UGREEN has prioritized security and usability in the iDX6011 series. The UGOS Pro operating system delivers a user-friendly interface, simplifying setup and daily operations across a range of devices, from smartphones to computers and even TVs. The system supports seamless cross-platform functionality, making it easy for users to access their data wherever they are. Certified by TÜV SÜD, the iDX6011 series also employs advanced encryption protocols and RAID configurations, ensuring robust data security and integrity.

The NASync iDX6011 Pro sets itself apart with the integration of Oculink technology, a high-speed point-to-point interface that revolutionizes external connectivity and data transfer efficiency. Oculink provides a direct connection between the NAS and external storage devices, enabling significantly reduced latency and consistent, high-speed performance. With a potential external bandwidth capacity of up to 64 Gbps, this interface ensures rapid data transfer, making it an ideal solution for scenarios where speed and reliability are critical, such as high-resolution video editing, real-time AI training, and managing large datasets.

Beyond its raw performance capabilities, the Oculink interface enhances the scalability and versatility of the Pro model. By allowing seamless connection to a variety of compatible accessories, such as external SSDs, high-capacity RAID enclosures, and specialized hardware accelerators, users can expand their system’s functionality with minimal configuration. This capability makes the NASync iDX6011 Pro a forward-thinking investment, adaptable to evolving data storage and processing needs. Whether used for professional creative workflows or enterprise-level data management, Oculink ensures the Pro model remains a cutting-edge solution that grows with the demands of its users. However it is still TBC  to what extent the Pro model will support oculink connected appliances (eg eGPU, ePCIe, external storage etc).

Additionally, AI-powered features like image recognition and smart search enhance media organization by identifying and categorizing image content, enabling users to locate specific files effortlessly. By combining advanced AI tools with intuitive design and strong security measures, UGREEN has created a solution that caters to both the technical and practical needs of its users.

UGREEN’s NASync iDX6011 and iDX6011 Pro will be the centerpiece of its showcase at CES 2025, demonstrating their capabilities to a wide audience of technology enthusiasts, industry professionals, and potential users. Attendees are invited to experience the devices firsthand at UGREEN’s booth (#30525, LVCC, South Hall), where live demonstrations will highlight the systems’ powerful AI features, high-speed performance, and user-friendly design. UGREEN’s presence at CES underscores its commitment to innovation and its vision of integrating AI with everyday technology solutions. For more details, visit the UGREEN booth or explore their offerings online at UGREEN’s official website.

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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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