UniFi MASSIVELY Scale up their NAS Portfolio with the UNAS Pro 8, UNAS Pro 4, UNAS 4 and UNAS 2

Note, the UNAS Pro 2 is NOW LIVE on the UniFi Store . The UNAS 4, UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 are now in the site, but are not available till October.

Ubiquiti is preparing to significantly broaden its NAS product line in late 2025 with the introduction of four new systems under the UNAS branding. The new lineup follows the launch of the original UNAS Pro in 2024, which gained attention as a low-cost, seven-bay rackmount appliance that introduced UniFi into the NAS sector. With the release of the UNAS 2, UNAS 4, UNAS Pro 4, and UNAS Pro 8, the company is moving into what it describes as its “phase two” of NAS development, aiming to cover both desktop and rackmount form factors while integrating closely with the wider UniFi ecosystem. This expansion arrives at a time when established NAS vendors are tightening drive compatibility and raising prices, leaving a gap for alternatives that emphasise affordability, simplified deployment, and ecosystem consistency.

The UNAS Pro 8 NAS

4-Core ARM, 16GB RAM, 3x 10GbE, 8x SATA Bays, 2x M.2 Bays (trays required), Redundant PSU (2nd Sold Seperately) $799 – HERE

The UNAS Pro 8 will serve as the top-end model of the range, positioned in a 2U rackmount chassis and built to deliver higher capacity and redundancy. It features eight front-facing 2.5″/3.5″ SATA bays alongside two rear-mounted M.2 NVMe slots, accessible through modular trays.

The Pro 8 is powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor running at 1.7 GHz and paired with 16 GB of LPDDR4 memory. Unlike many entry-level ARM systems, the Pro 8 includes three 10-gigabit network interfaces: two SFP+ and one RJ45 supporting multi-gig speeds down to 100 MbE. Redundant hot-swappable 550W PSUs are supported, though only one is included by default, with seamless failover tested successfully under load.

The system uses SGCC steel for the enclosure, weighs 11.5 kg, and includes rack rails in the box, a detail rarely seen in turnkey solutions. Performance tests have demonstrated sequential reads close to 850 MB/s on HDDs in RAID 5, with expectations of saturating a 10GbE link when using SSDs or RAID 0.

The UNAS 2 NAS

4-Core ARM, 4GB RAM, 1X 2.5GbE PoE+++, 2x SATA Bays, Power Over Ethernet delivery (PoE+++ Adapter Included) $199 – HERE

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the UNAS 2, UniFi’s smallest NAS to date. This desktop unit measures just 13.5 x 12.9 x 22.37 cm and weighs 1.3 kg, with a polycarbonate chassis designed to keep cost and weight down.

The device supports two 3.5″ SATA drives housed in a shared tray, a design that requires both drives to be removed together and does not permit hot-swapping. This approach raises concerns about handling healthy drives during replacement but reduces the mechanical complexity of the system.

The UNAS 2 runs on a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 at 1.7 GHz with 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory. Networking is provided by a single 2.5 GbE RJ45 port, which also delivers PoE++ power, with a maximum system budget of 60W (52W for drives). A 60W PoE++ injector is included for users without a suitable switch. A 1.47-inch colour LCM display on the front provides status updates, though it is non-interactive. A USB-C port rated at 5 Gbps adds external storage capability, addressing an omission noted in the original UNAS Pro, but it does not support UPS integration or networking adapters.

The UNAS Pro 4 NAS

4-Core ARM, 16GB RAM, 10GbE, 4x SATA Bays, 2x M.2 Bays (trays required), Redundant PSU (2nd Sold Seperately) $499 – HERE

Between these two extremes sits the UNAS Pro 4, a 1U rackmount unit designed for users who want the resilience of redundant PSUs and NVMe support without committing to an eight-bay chassis.

It includes four SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots, sharing the same ARM Cortex-A57 CPU and 16 GB of memory as the Pro 8. Like its larger counterpart, it is built for rack environments where redundancy and compact form factor are key priorities.

While exact dimensions and weight have not yet been confirmed (with the UNAS 2 and UNAS Pro 8 being the main focus of this new launch), the design is expected to follow Ubiquiti’s established rackmount conventions. Its specification profile makes it an option for smaller businesses or branch offices that need rack integration but do not require the capacity of an eight-bay system.

The UNAS 4 NAS

4-Core ARM, 4GB RAM, 1X 2.5GbE PoE+++ (TBC), 4x SATA Bays, 2x M.2 Bays (trays required), Power Over Ethernet delivery (PoE+++ Adapter Included) $379 – HERE

The UNAS 4, meanwhile, extends the desktop line and mirrors the design philosophy of the UNAS 2 but doubles the bay count.

It provides four 3.5″ SATA bays along with two M.2 slots, making it the only desktop model in the range to support NVMe caching or tiered storage.

It retains the same ARM Cortex-A55 CPU and 4 GB of fixed memory as the UNAS 2, positioning it as a modest but slightly more versatile desktop option.

Like the smaller model, it uses PoE+++ for power delivery and 2.5 GbE for connectivity, though it remains unconfirmed whether it will also include a secondary network interface for failover or link aggregation. As with other desktop models, the chassis is constructed from polycarbonate, with compact dimensions intended for office or home use rather than data centre deployment.

UniFi Drive 3.3 Update?

Alongside the hardware announcements, UniFi will also release UniFi Drive 3.3, a major update to its NAS management software.

This version introduces expanded RAID configuration options, broader support for third-party cloud platforms, enhanced fan control, and improved analytical tools for monitoring system health and performance.

Snapshots and backups remain central features, with cloud and LAN targets supported, while the update also improves scheduling flexibility and introduces additional reporting features.

Although iSCSI remains absent, UniFi Drive continues to mature from the limited platform released with the first UNAS Pro, and the 3.3 update is expected to improve usability across the entire new range.

The introduction of these four models demonstrates Ubiquiti’s intent to build a full family of NAS solutions rather than rely on a single experimental release. By offering both rackmount and desktop systems at varying capacities, the company is positioning itself to compete more directly with established NAS vendors, albeit with a more streamlined and ecosystem-focused approach. The UNAS 2 and UNAS 4 are targeted primarily at existing UniFi users seeking simple storage that integrates seamlessly with PoE switches, while the Pro 4 and Pro 8 are built to appeal to businesses looking for redundancy, higher bay counts, and greater throughput. The use of ARM processors across the line reflects UniFi’s efficiency-first design, even though it places limits on heavy workloads such as virtualisation or multimedia transcoding.

Detailed performance reviews and comparisons of the new models are expected in the weeks ahead, assessing how each device performs within its target segment. Particular attention will focus on how the Pro units handle sustained 10GbE workloads with HDD and SSD configurations, how the PoE-driven desktop models cope with thermal and power constraints, and how UniFi Drive 3.3 stacks up against more mature operating systems. With Ubiquiti steadily fleshing out its NAS portfolio one year on from the first UNAS Pro, the company’s ability to deliver consistent updates and address early hardware and software limitations will determine whether it can establish a lasting position in the NAS market.

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The UniFi UNAS Pro 8 NAS Review – The Difficult 2nd Album…

Note, the UNAS Pro 2 is NOW LIVE on the UniFi Store . The UNAS 4, UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 are now in the site, but are not available till October.

The UniFi UNAS Pro 8 is the latest rackmount NAS in Ubiquiti’s gradually expanding storage lineup and serves as a direct successor to the UNAS Pro released in late 2024. That earlier seven-bay system introduced UniFi’s first attempt at a prosumer-class NAS with 10GbE connectivity and integration into the UniFi ecosystem, but it was limited in scope by its unusual drive count, absence of fan control, and lack of redundant power options. The Pro 8 addresses many of those concerns by standardising the layout to a full eight 3.5-inch bays, adding dedicated M.2 NVMe slots, and adopting a 2U rackmount form factor with hot-swappable dual power supplies. It also includes a set of rails in the box, something not always seen in turnkey solutions of this scale.

From a technical perspective, the UNAS Pro 8 remains anchored to an ARM-based architecture, employing a quad-core Cortex-A57 processor at 1.7 GHz paired with 16 GB of non-upgradeable memory. This positions it differently from x86 alternatives from Synology or QNAP, limiting its scope for high-end virtualisation or transcoding tasks but keeping overall efficiency high. Network expansion is one of its more striking features, with three 10GbE connections — two SFP+ and one copper port — included by default, offering redundancy and multi-channel potential well beyond the capacity of eight SATA drives. Taken together with the dedicated M.2 NVMe caching support and optional redundant PSUs, the Pro 8 represents an incremental but deliberate step forward in UniFi’s second phase of NAS development.

UniFi UNAS Pro 8 Review – Quick Conclusion

The UniFi UNAS Pro 8 is a clear refinement over the first-generation UNAS Pro, standardising the design to eight bays, introducing hot-swappable dual PSU support, and improving cooling and fan control, while also including rack rails for easier deployment. It delivers solid storage functionality with RAID up to level 6, clustered pools, snapshots, encryption, and read/write caching via NVMe modules, though the caching remains limited to automated policies and the required trays are sold separately. Networking is unusually strong for an eight-bay ARM system, with three 10GbE interfaces providing flexibility for aggregation or failover, even if the storage media is unlikely to saturate that bandwidth. Performance testing showed read speeds close to 850 MB/s in RAID 5 with HDDs, with lower write speeds reflecting the ARM Cortex-A57 processor’s constraints, and SSD arrays would likely achieve closer to 10GbE saturation. The operating system has matured but remains more streamlined than established platforms, with no iSCSI, limited protocol support, and basic backup tools, making it more suitable for straightforward file storage than advanced workloads. Ultimately, the Pro 8 fits best for users already invested in UniFi infrastructure or those seeking a rackmount NAS with strong connectivity and efficiency, but it is not yet a direct alternative to feature-rich solutions from long-standing NAS vendors. That said, if you want an incredible value and solid ‘storage-focused’ rackmount NAS solution – this might well be one of the best examples in 2025!

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 10/10

8.6

PROS

Multiple RAID Configurations supported, but also clustered RAID\'s and support of M.2 NVMes for Caching
M.2 Injection is unique, well thought out and easy to utilise for caching
THREE 10Gb/s PORTS (technically)! Kind of insane actually, for a 8x SATA drive machine
Dual PSU and Failover hugely welcome, after it\'s omission on the UNAS Pro 2024
16GB RAM out the box is a significant upgrade over the UNAS Pro from 2024
Benefits from almost a year of development of the UNAS Pro by UniFi, resulting in a much more complete solution in both hardware and software
Rackmount rails are included in the UNAS Pro 8 retail box, and are of a high quality
Exceptionally appealing price point
Supports complete network/local access if preferred, as well as full remote connectivity with the UI.com account and site manager services
Wide Hard Drives and SATA SSD Support (UniFi branded drives and those from 3rd parties such as Seagate Ironwolf, WD Red and Toshiba N300)
Ditto for the m.2 NVMe support, though you will need to m.2 adapter trays
Comprehensive network storage software in UniFi NAS OS and Drive.
Latest OS updates have included fan control, flexible RAID configurations, encrypted drive creation, customizable snapshots, more backup client choices/targets
\'Single Pane of Glass\' management and monitoring screen is very well presented!
One of the fastest to deploy turnkey NAS solutions I have ever personally used!

CONS

Lack of USB connectivity for convenient plug and share storage drives, network upgrades, 3rd party UPS support and more
Very modest base hardware, but understandable relative to the price
HDD injection is very unique, but prevents hot swapping
Still a lack of client applications native to the NAS services for Windows, Mac, Andoid and Linux
Shame about the LCD/LCM control panel being absent
M.2 NVMes are not usable for storage pools, just read/write caching - which is a shame, given the large network connectivity available here

You can buy the UniFi UNAS Pro 8 NAS via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

UniFi UNAS Pro 8 Review – Design & Storage

The UNAS Pro 8 adopts a 2U rackmount form factor, measuring 442.4 x 480 x 87.4 mm and weighing 11.5 kg. The enclosure is constructed from SGCC steel, giving it a sturdy industrial build aimed at rack deployments rather than desktop placement. The system ships with rack rails included, which is uncommon among turnkey NAS appliances in this class, reducing the need for additional accessories when integrating it into an existing rack setup. The front panel presents a uniform layout of eight drive bays, standardising the design over the previous model’s unconventional seven-bay configuration and providing a more predictable arrangement for enterprise or prosumer storage planning.

Each of the eight bays supports both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch HDDs or SSDs, with tool-less trays supplied for ease of installation. Drives slot in securely with a lockable motion, though there is no key-based locking mechanism on the trays themselves, limiting physical access protection. Installation is simple, with trays accommodating both large-capacity HDDs and smaller SSDs through included screws for 2.5-inch drives. While the bays can be partially populated for smaller-scale deployments, the absence of an expansion chassis option means users must fully plan around the eight-bay limit from the outset.

Cooling has been reworked compared with the earlier UNAS Pro. The system now features multiple fans with improved airflow across the drive bays and system board, supplemented by passive ventilation at the front and central areas of the chassis. Fan control has been integrated into the management software, allowing administrators to adjust fan speeds dynamically, a feature missing from the 2024 model. This provides more direct management of system acoustics and thermal balance, which is important given that high-density SATA arrays can run warm under sustained load.

In addition to the primary SATA storage, the rear of the chassis houses two M.2 NVMe slots. These are integrated into removable tray modules with thermal pads and heatsinks designed to dissipate heat from 2280 or 22110 length SSDs. However, the trays are not included by default, requiring a separate purchase if users wish to install their own NVMe drives.

The implementation is mechanically well thought out, but functionally limited: the NVMe drives can currently only be used for read and write caching.

They cannot be assigned to storage pools or volumes, restricting their utility for users seeking to leverage them as a high-speed tier alongside the eight SATA bays.

From a capacity perspective, the eight 3.5-inch bays allow the use of large modern drives, with confirmed compatibility during testing with 30 TB Seagate IronWolf units as well as UniFi-branded re-labelled Western Digital drives. The total maximum capacity therefore depends on the drives chosen, but the system power budget allocates up to 175W for drives, sufficient to support a full complement of high-capacity HDDs.

In practice, UniFi recommends their own labelled drives but does not enforce vendor lock-in, leaving flexibility for users to select from available NAS-grade HDDs and SSDs on the market. This more open stance is in contrast to the drive validation policies adopted by some established NAS vendors, and it provides an important degree of freedom in deployment.

UniFi UNAS Pro 8 Review – Internal Hardware

At the core of the UNAS Pro 8 is an ARM-based processor, specifically a quad-core Cortex-A57 running at 1.7 GHz. This architecture is consistent with UniFi’s approach in the earlier UNAS Pro, prioritising efficiency and lower power draw over raw computational performance. The choice of an ARM SoC means the device is well-suited for file storage, backups, and network-attached services, but it does not provide the same level of support for virtualisation, multimedia transcoding, or container workloads that x86-based systems can deliver. For users considering this system, the hardware direction underlines its positioning as a straightforward storage platform rather than an all-purpose server.

Memory is supplied in the form of 16 GB of LPDDR4, which is soldered to the board and cannot be upgraded. This is a relatively high baseline for an ARM-powered NAS, offering enough headroom for multi-user file access, caching operations, and handling larger RAID arrays without memory saturation. The allocation proved sufficient during array synchronisation tests, though high memory utilisation was observed when building an eight-drive RAID. This suggests the hardware has been provisioned carefully to meet expected workloads, albeit without scope for user expansion if requirements increase later.

The operating system is stored internally on dedicated flash storage, reported within the software as 25.2 GB, likely provisioned as a 32 GB module with some over-provisioning. This design ensures that installed drives remain fully dedicated to storage and that the system can boot independently of the data array. Storage management supports multiple RAID levels up to RAID 6, as well as clustered RAID groupings, providing some flexibility for mixed drive sizes. Combined with hot-swap support and optional failover protection through dual PSUs, the hardware configuration strikes a balance between basic efficiency and the inclusion of some enterprise features.

UniFi UNAS Pro 8 Review – Connectivity & Throughput

The UNAS Pro 8 is equipped with three 10-gigabit network interfaces, consisting of two SFP+ 10G ports and one RJ45 10GbE port with multi-gigabit fallback to 5G, 2.5G, 1G, and 100 MbE. This level of connectivity is notable for a system limited to eight SATA bays, as even high-performance HDDs or SSDs in aggregate are unlikely to saturate more than a single 10GbE link under typical workloads.

While the inclusion of three ports may appear excessive, the arrangement allows for link aggregation, redundancy, and separation of traffic across multiple networks. In practice, this provides administrators flexibility in how the NAS integrates with existing switching hardware, though the real-world performance ceiling remains constrained by the storage media.

Power connectivity is handled through two hot-swappable AC/DC 550W power modules, though only one is included in the base configuration. Installing a second unit enables redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted operation in the event of PSU failure. Testing confirmed seamless failover when one module was removed during sustained read/write operations, with no observable disruption in data availability. However, the absence of USB or UPS integration ports limits external redundancy options, leaving users reliant solely on the dual-PSU configuration for power protection.

In terms of general I/O, the device is closed in design, with no USB ports, HDMI output, or PCIe expansion available. This reflects UniFi’s approach of positioning the system as a dedicated, self-contained appliance managed exclusively via network interfaces and the UniFi OS console. While this reduces versatility for use cases such as direct-attached backups or third-party hardware upgrades, it aligns with the brand’s ecosystem-driven philosophy.

Performance testing with eight 8TB drives in a RAID 5 configuration produced throughput in the region of 800–850 MB/s during sequential read operations. Write speeds were lower, reflecting both the RAID type and the limitations of the ARM Cortex-A57 processor, but still sufficient for multi-user file access and standard NAS workloads. Tests with larger 30TB Seagate IronWolf drives confirmed compatibility, though extended stress testing was not undertaken. With SATA SSDs or a RAID 0 array, the system would likely be capable of saturating a single 10GbE connection, though fully exploiting the three available ports remains unrealistic under the current hardware constraints.

The inclusion of two M.2 NVMe slots, limited to use as read/write cache, provides some performance enhancement. Caching can accelerate frequently accessed data reads or speed up ingest of new data before it is written to the HDD array. However, the caching mechanism is automated, with no user control over cache policies, and the NVMe drives cannot currently be used for storage pools. During operation, thermal imaging recorded SSD module temperatures in excess of 50°C, indicating adequate but stressed cooling under load. This reinforces the importance of active fan management, now included in UniFi’s updated software.

• Networking: 2 x 10G SFP+, 1 x 10GbE RJ45 (5G/2.5G/1G/100M supported)

• Power Supply: 2 x 550W hot-swappable AC/DC modules (1 included)

• Management: Ethernet and Bluetooth 4.1 setup/admin

• Other I/O: None (no USB, HDMI, or PCIe expansion)

• Drive Support: 8 x 2.5″/3.5″ SATA HDD/SSD, 2 x M.2 NVMe (cache only)

• Tested Performance: ~800–850 MB/s sequential reads (RAID 5, HDDs)

• Write Performance: Lower than reads, limited by ARM CPU overhead

• Cache Functionality: NVMe SSDs limited to automated read/write caching

UniFi UNAS Pro 8 Review – Software and Services

The UNAS Pro 8 runs on UniFi’s NAS management platform, designed to integrate with the broader UniFi ecosystem while remaining usable as a standalone system. Administration can be carried out through the UniFi OS console in a web browser or via the ui.com cloud portal, with optional remote access that can be enabled or disabled depending on security requirements.

The platform aims to provide a single interface for storage management, user access, and system monitoring. It is less feature-rich than mature alternatives such as Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, but it retains a streamlined design that prioritises ease of setup and centralised administration.

Storage management supports common RAID levels up to RAID 6, with the additional ability to cluster groups of drives into combined pools. Snapshots are available at the folder level, allowing users to roll back to earlier revisions of files. Encryption is supported, requiring a password to mount encrypted volumes after reboot, which ensures data protection in the event of device theft or unauthorised access.

NVMe SSDs can be assigned to caching, though as noted earlier, they cannot be added to storage pools. File access is available through SMB and NFS, but the range of supported protocols is narrower than on established NAS operating systems.

Backup functionality is split into two categories: system configuration backups and file-level backups. System configuration backups can be stored locally or uploaded to a ui.com account, allowing settings and structures to be restored to the same or another UniFi NAS device.

File-level backups extend to cloud services and other NAS units, with support for scheduled routines and basic rules such as overwrite or versioned backups. Cloud integration is functional but limited compared to established platforms, and external synchronisation features such as continuous sync or third-party plug-ins are not yet available.

User management is relatively straightforward, with the option to bind accounts to the wider UniFi ecosystem or create standalone local users. Access can be restricted to LAN-only connections, while two-factor authentication is available through UniFi’s identity and verification tools. At present, some advanced functions common to other platforms, such as iSCSI target creation or scheduled power management, remain absent.

The software continues to evolve, with updates adding features incrementally, but its current focus is on providing reliable core storage, backup, and access management rather than competing directly with the broad feature sets of long-established NAS vendors.

UniFi UNAS Pro 8 Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The UniFi UNAS Pro 8 represents a measured but important step forward compared with the earlier UNAS Pro model released in 2024. By moving to a uniform eight-bay arrangement, it avoids the odd seven-bay design that limited the practicality of the previous system and brings it in line with industry expectations for rackmount storage. The addition of dual hot-swappable power supply modules, though only one is supplied by default, introduces a level of redundancy that was absent in the earlier generation and proved reliable during testing with seamless failover. Improvements to cooling and fan control further distinguish it, with administrators now able to actively manage system noise and temperature rather than relying on fixed presets. UniFi has also bundled rack rails and a robust accessory kit, which simplifies installation and deployment. At the same time, the reliance on an ARM Cortex-A57 processor keeps the platform efficient but restricts its performance ceiling, limiting its suitability for high-throughput tasks such as large-scale virtualisation, multimedia transcoding, or environments where sustained multi-gigabyte per second throughput is essential.

On the software side, UniFi’s NAS operating system has matured since the first-generation release but still prioritises simplicity over feature breadth. The UNAS Pro 8 includes key storage capabilities such as RAID up to level 6, clustered pools, snapshots, encryption, and read/write caching via the rear-mounted NVMe modules. However, those same M.2 slots remain limited to caching only, and the trays required for installation must be purchased separately, which may be seen as an unnecessary barrier. Network protocol support is limited to common services such as SMB and NFS, with no iSCSI implementation, reducing its appeal for professional editing environments or enterprise applications that depend on block-level storage. Cloud and LAN backups are supported with basic scheduling and rules, but the absence of broader synchronisation features or third-party integration keeps it behind more mature platforms. The Pro 8 therefore delivers dependable core NAS functions but does not yet challenge the established ecosystems of Synology or QNAP. For organisations already invested in UniFi’s infrastructure or those requiring a straightforward rackmount storage system with multiple 10GbE connections, it offers a compelling option, but it remains best suited to use cases focused on file storage and backup rather than advanced workloads.

You can buy the UniFi UNAS Pro 8 NAS via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

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Want to follow specific category? Also Read...UniFi Launch the New UNAS 2, UUniFi UNAS 2 ReviewUniFi Launch the New UNAS 2, UUniFi UNAS Pro 8 ReviewUniFi UNAS 2 ReviewGL.iNet Comet Pro Review - TheGL.iNet Comet Pro ReviewWeek 33 Tech Roundup – TerraGMKTec G9 NAS (New Improved CoSeagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

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If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  

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The UniFi UNAS 2 NAS Review – Value vs Scale

Note, the UNAS Pro 2 is NOW LIVE on the UniFi Store . The UNAS 4, UNAS Pro 4 and UNAS Pro 8 are now in the site, but are not available till October / Q4 2025

The UniFi UNAS 2 is a compact, entry-level two-bay desktop NAS introduced as part of Ubiquiti’s second phase of NAS development, following the debut of the UNAS Pro in 2024. That earlier seven-bay rackmount system was notable for its low $499 price and integrated 10GbE connectivity, but it had an unconventional design, limited fan control, and no support for USB expansion. By contrast, the UNAS 2 shifts away from rackmount hardware and into the desktop market, adopting a much smaller form factor and prioritising simplicity over raw performance. Measuring 13.5 x 12.9 x 22.37 cm and weighing only 1.3 kg, it is one of the smallest systems in the UniFi NAS range and is constructed from polycarbonate rather than steel, reinforcing its role as an affordable, lightweight device.

The hardware is designed primarily for modest storage requirements, supporting two 3.5-inch hard drives with a maximum combined power budget of 52W and an overall consumption ceiling of 60W. The device operates on a single 2.5 GbE RJ45 interface, which also functions as a PoE++ input, removing the need for a conventional power supply unit but requiring either a compatible PoE++ switch or the included 60W injector. This approach marks a clear departure from the UNAS Pro, which included a standard power connector and optional redundancy through additional PSU modules. In practice, the reliance on a single port for both power and data streamlines installation within UniFi networks, but it also introduces a single point of failure and reduces flexibility compared with larger systems.

UniFi UNAS 2 Review – Quick Conclusion

The UniFi UNAS 2 is a compact, entry-level NAS that prioritises simplicity and integration within the UniFi ecosystem over flexibility or raw performance. Its use of PoE++ for both power and connectivity makes installation straightforward in environments with compatible UniFi switches, but it introduces reliance on a single port and limits deployment outside that infrastructure, even with the included injector in the retail kit. The system supports two 3.5-inch drives in a shared non–hot-swappable tray, with RAID 0, RAID 1, or single-disk setups available, but there is no option for expansion or NVMe caching. Hardware consists of a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor with fixed 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory, which is efficient but imposes clear limits on throughput and application scope. Performance testing produced read speeds up to 260 MB/s and writes in the 160–180 MB/s range, sufficient for the 2.5 GbE interface but reflective of the modest hardware and thermal constraints, with CPU temperatures often approaching 80°C under load. Software provides a clean interface with snapshots, RAID tools, backups to other UniFi NAS or cloud services, and user management tied to UniFi identity, but features such as iSCSI, encryption, and granular backup rules are absent. As a result, the UNAS 2 is best suited as a secondary or edge storage device, particularly for UniFi users seeking easy integration, but it lacks the scalability and depth of established NAS platforms needed for primary or enterprise deployments.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 10/10

VALUE - 9/10

8.4

PROS

Benefits from almost a year of development of the UNAS Pro by UniFi, resulting in a much more complete solution in both hardware and software
Exceptionally appealing price point
Extremely low impact (power use, noise level, physical scale all great)
Introduction of USB C 5Gb/s Connectivity is very welcome
Supports complete network/local access if preferred, as well as full remote connectivity with the UI.com account and site manager services
Wide Hard Drives and SATA SSD Support (UniFi branded drives and those from 3rd parties such as Seagate Ironwolf, WD Red and Toshiba N300)
Comprehensive network storage software in UniFi NAS OS and Drive.
Latest OS updates have included fan control, flexible RAID configurations, encrypted drive creation, customizable snapshots, more backup client choices/targets
\'Single Pane of Glass\' management and monitoring screen is very well presented!
One of the fastest to deploy turnkey NAS solutions I have ever personally used!

CONS

Single network port, though not a dealbreaker (as this is still just 2x SATA throughput), is not great in terms of a network failover or in deployment of SATA SSDs
Choice of PoE deployment unusual and limits some deployments
USB C connectivity does not support network adapters, NAS expansions or 3rd party UPS devices
Very modest base hardware, but understandable relative to the price
HDD injection is very unique, but it prevents hot swapping
Still a lack of client applications native to the NAS services for Windows, Mac, Android and Linux

You can buy the UniFi UNAS 2 NAS via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

UniFi UNAS 2 Review – Design

The UNAS 2 adopts a small desktop form factor, measuring 135 x 129 x 223.7 mm and weighing 1.3 kg. Its enclosure is constructed from polycarbonate, which makes it lighter and less industrial than the steel-based rackmount models in UniFi’s NAS range. The compact build is suited for environments where space is limited, and it operates within an ambient temperature range of -5 to 40°C and a humidity tolerance of 10–90% non-condensing. With only two drive bays, the UNAS 2 positions itself as an edge device for simple storage and backup, rather than a primary data management system.

Drive installation is handled through a single removable cage that holds both 3.5-inch drives. Each drive clips into place using a shared tray design, with both units inserted in opposite orientations to align with the SATA connectors. While this arrangement is functional, it has some limitations.

There is no support for hot swapping, meaning the system must be powered down before drives can be replaced. Additionally, the shared cage design requires both drives to be handled together, which increases the risk of disturbing a healthy drive when removing or replacing a failed one.

Cooling is managed by a small fan located at the rear, supported by passive ventilation channels at the base of the unit. Air is drawn in from underneath and expelled from the top section, ensuring airflow across the drives and the system board. Thermal tests recorded CPU temperatures in the range of 75–80°C during higher utilisation, with the chassis surface reaching around 39–50°C depending on workload.

The fan is adjustable via UniFi’s management interface, offering a choice between balanced operation and higher cooling at the expense of noise.

Noise levels ranged from 31–32 dBA in idle to 35–38 dBA under load, influenced heavily by the vibration of installed drives.

At the front of the unit, UniFi has integrated a 1.47-inch colour LCM display for system information. This provides basic details such as network status, storage health, and system alerts, but it is not touchscreen and cannot be used for configuration.

The lack of interactive control means that most management tasks still need to be handled through the UniFi OS console. LED indicators are also present for system status, and a physical locking mechanism is built into the drive cage, preventing accidental removal.

From a storage perspective, the UNAS 2 supports standard RAID configurations for two drives, namely RAID 0 and RAID 1, in addition to single-disk setups. Given the limitations of two-bay devices, RAID 1 is the most practical option, prioritising data protection over capacity.

The system officially supports large-capacity HDDs, with tests confirming compatibility up to 30 TB drives. However, there is no expansion capability through additional enclosures, and the single USB-C port on the front is limited to attaching external drives for storage or backups. This means users are confined to the internal two-bay maximum, making long-term planning important for deployment.

UniFi UNAS 2 Review – Internal Hardware

The UNAS 2 is built around a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor clocked at 1.7 GHz. This CPU architecture is designed for efficiency rather than high computational output, which makes it suitable for low-power storage operations, but less capable for advanced workloads such as virtualisation, heavy encryption, or on-the-fly media transcoding.

During testing, CPU temperatures generally remained in the 75–80°C range under sustained use, dropping closer to 50–60°C when idle or under light activity. While these figures fall within operating limits, they reflect the modest cooling design of the enclosure and the limited thermal headroom of the ARM-based hardware.

The device includes 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory, which is soldered to the board and cannot be expanded. This fixed allocation is sufficient for handling RAID 1 synchronisation, snapshots, and standard multi-user file operations, but it sets a ceiling on the system’s multitasking capability.

Unlike larger UniFi NAS models that feature 16 GB of memory, the UNAS 2’s hardware is intended only for light to moderate workloads. Memory use during testing reached high utilisation during RAID synchronisation but did not exceed available capacity, suggesting that UniFi has provisioned enough for the intended use case, while keeping the system constrained to its role as an entry-level solution.

The operating system is stored internally and runs independently of the installed drives, leaving both bays available for data. This separation ensures that the system can still boot even if both drives are removed or replaced. Storage management is limited to the basic RAID levels supported by two-bay systems, and no M.2 NVMe slots are included for caching or tiered storage, a feature reserved for larger UniFi NAS models. As such, the internal hardware of the UNAS 2 reflects its role as a secondary or edge device, designed primarily for straightforward storage and backup within a UniFi-managed network.

UniFi UNAS 2 Review – Connectivity & Performance

The UNAS 2 relies on a single 2.5 GbE RJ45 port for both data and power, with PoE++ providing up to 60W of combined budget. This integration reduces cabling and eliminates the need for an external power brick, but it introduces a single point of failure. That said, the UNAS 2 retail kit DOES include a PoE mains adapter, so ultimately the end user does have the option of deploying in a traditional manner (though power and network connectivity are still funnelled into the same connector).

If the cable or port fails, both power and connectivity are lost. A 60W PoE++ injector is included in the package for users without a compatible PoE++ switch, but this approach remains less flexible than traditional dual-port NAS designs. There is no secondary network interface, Wi-Fi connectivity (rare in a system of this scale, but would allow for failover if it was), support of a USB network adapter or option for link aggregation, which makes the system dependent on one connection for all network and power needs.

In addition to the Ethernet port, the front of the device includes a USB-C interface rated at 5 Gbps. This provides the ability to attach external storage devices, enabling data import, backups, or temporary storage expansion. However, the USB port is limited to storage and does not support network adapters, UPS integration, or official expansion enclosures. While the addition of USB-C addresses one omission from the UNAS Pro, its functionality is constrained and focused solely on external drive access.

Network throughput reflects the limitations of a dual-drive ARM-based NAS. In testing with two 8TB HDDs in RAID 1, sequential read speeds reached around 260 MB/s, while write speeds varied between 160–180 MB/s depending on workload. Benchmarks such as AJA and CrystalDiskMark confirmed this pattern, with read performance consistently higher than write due to the processor’s handling of RAID and data caching. These figures make effective use of the 2.5 GbE interface but leave no capacity to challenge higher multi-gigabit standards.

Power consumption aligns with UniFi’s published specifications, averaging 16–17W in idle, 18–20W during light activity, and 23–24W under heavier use. Peak usage during sustained transfers with RAID synchronisation reached approximately 25W, well below the 60W ceiling. Thermal monitoring showed the CPU rising toward 79–80°C under stress, though the chassis fan helped bring temperatures back into the 50–60°C range once load reduced. These results indicate that while the system operates within its defined limits, sustained workloads push the ARM processor and cooling system close to their maximum operating range.

Noise levels were modest, with idle operation producing around 31–32 dBA and workloads raising this to 35–38 dBA. The shared dual-drive cage design contributed to additional vibration, particularly when placed on a hard surface. Rubberised feet help dampen this effect, but vibration noise was noticeably reduced when the device was placed on softer material such as foam. Overall, while the system remains relatively quiet, its acoustic profile is closely tied to the drives selected and the surface it rests on.

• Network Interface: 1 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 (PoE++)

• USB Ports: 1 x USB-C (5 Gbps, storage only)

• PoE Power Budget: 60W (52W available for drives)

• Power Supply: 60W PoE++ injector included

• Max Consumption: 60W (typical 16–25W during use)

• Tested Performance: ~260 MB/s reads, 160–180 MB/s writes (RAID 1, HDDs)

• Noise Levels: 31–32 dBA idle, up to 38 dBA under load

• Temperature Range (Observed): 75–80°C CPU under stress, 50–60°C idle/light use

UniFi UNAS 2 Review – Software and Services

The UNAS 2 runs on UniFi’s NAS management platform, which follows the same single-pane-of-glass interface design seen in the UNAS Pro and UNAS Pro 8. Administration is carried out via a web browser or through a ui.com account, with the option to disable cloud access and operate the system entirely on a local network.

The interface consolidates system status, storage health, user accounts, and backup management into one dashboard. While straightforward to use, it does not provide the same level of customisation or feature depth offered by longer-established NAS operating systems such as Synology DSM or QNAP QTS.

Storage management is limited by the two-bay architecture. Users can create RAID 0 or RAID 1 volumes, or operate drives independently. Drive health monitoring, temperature reporting, and snapshot scheduling are all included, allowing basic resilience and file recovery options.

Snapshots can be created and managed at the folder level, with the ability to lock snapshots to prevent deletion. Encryption, however, does not appear to be available on the UNAS 2, in contrast to larger UniFi NAS models where encrypted volumes are supported.

Backup functionality includes both system configuration and file-level options. Configuration backups can be stored locally or uploaded to a ui.com account, allowing the system to be restored quickly if reset or replaced. File-level backups extend to other UniFi NAS systems and selected cloud services, including Google Drive, with scheduling available for automation.

Local LAN backups to other storage devices via SMB are also supported, though filtering and exclusion rules are limited. The system is therefore capable of basic backup routines but lacks the more granular tools available on competing platforms.

User and access management is integrated into the UniFi ecosystem. Administrators can create local accounts or bind accounts to UniFi’s identity services, with two-factor authentication supported via the UniFi Verify app.

Permissions can be set at the folder level, and users can be restricted to LAN-only access if required. Supported protocols include SMB and NFS, but there is no iSCSI target functionality, limiting its application in virtualisation or editing workflows.

The software also includes fan control and system monitoring tools, but resource reporting is basic, with only CPU and memory utilisation graphs available.

Overall, the software reflects UniFi’s effort to balance simplicity with integration, but it remains less comprehensive than that of established NAS vendors.

UniFi UNAS 2 Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The UniFi UNAS 2 is presented as a compact and affordable two-bay NAS designed for straightforward storage and backup tasks, particularly within environments already using UniFi networking hardware. Its PoE++ design is distinctive, allowing both power and connectivity to be delivered over a single cable, simplifying installation where compatible PoE switches are available. This approach aligns with UniFi’s strategy of reducing external hardware requirements, though it also means that a failed port or damaged cable will disable both power and network access simultaneously. For non-UniFi users, the reliance on PoE++ creates an additional barrier, as adoption requires either compatible infrastructure or the included 60W injector. The shared dual-drive tray, lack of hot-swap support, and absence of expansion options further reinforce the system’s role as a fixed-capacity solution, best suited to smaller or secondary deployments. With a maximum drive budget of 52W and overall consumption limited to 60W, the device is power-efficient, but its architecture prioritises simplicity over flexibility.

On the software side, the UNAS 2 provides a user-friendly interface with access to snapshots, RAID configuration, system backups, and integration into the UniFi identity ecosystem. However, the limited hardware constrains the range of features available, and certain tools seen in UniFi’s larger NAS models are absent, such as encrypted volumes or extended network protocol support. Performance testing showed sequential read speeds up to 260 MB/s and write speeds around 160–180 MB/s, which make full use of the 2.5 GbE interface but leave little headroom for more demanding tasks. Thermals during extended use regularly pushed the CPU into the high 70s Celsius, and although fan management can be adjusted, sustained workloads highlight the limits of the system’s cooling design. The software’s omission of iSCSI and advanced backup filters also narrows its role, making it less competitive against established vendors in professional or virtualisation scenarios.

Ultimately, the UNAS 2 is most appropriately positioned as an edge or secondary NAS, providing basic networked storage for existing UniFi users who value plug-and-play deployment and ecosystem consistency, but it is not equipped to serve as a primary system in larger or more demanding environments (VMs, Containers, etc). A great and unique NAS that will nbe at it’s most appealing if you are already invested in the UniFi ecosystem, or have a NAS already that needs a network backup.

You can buy the UniFi UNAS 2 NAS via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

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Why are NAS Systems not 10GbE as Standard Right Now?

It is 2025, yet the majority of NAS systems on the market continue to ship with 1GbE or, at best, 2.5GbE networking, leaving many users questioning why 10GbE has not become a standard feature. Over the past decade, the cost of 10GbE networking equipment, including switches, NICs, and adapters, has steadily declined, and the technology has long since moved from being an enterprise-only option into mainstream availability. Home labs, creative professionals, and small businesses are increasingly working with 4K and 8K media, large VM environments, and multi-terabyte datasets, all of which can easily saturate a 1GbE or even 2.5GbE connection. Despite this shift, when browsing the portfolios of Synology, QNAP, Asustor, TerraMaster, or even newer DIY-friendly NAS brands, the entry-level and mid-tier systems remain locked at bandwidth speeds that are already dwarfed by modern SSD arrays and multi-bay RAID configurations.

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This gap between user expectations and manufacturer offerings has become more striking as affordable consumer motherboards and even some mini-PCs now integrate 5GbE or 10GbE as standard. By contrast, NAS vendors still tend to position 10GbE as a high-end add-on or restrict it to flagship models, often requiring costly proprietary NIC upgrades. For the average buyer, this creates the perception that NAS devices are lagging behind broader networking trends and are artificially constrained to maintain price tiers. The reality is more complex. The question of why 10GbE has not become universal in NAS hardware cannot be answered solely by pointing to falling market prices of controllers and switches. Instead, the explanation lies in a mix of economics, hardware design limitations, CPU lane allocations, and the fact that networking itself is evolving beyond 10GbE into alternatives like 25GbE and USB4. All of these factors together show why the integration of 10GbE into NAS devices remains more complicated than it may first appear.

Discussing the Issue / Barriers to Manufacturers

One of the most persistent barriers to universal 10GbE adoption in NAS systems is the economic reality of how these devices are positioned. Vendors like Synology, QNAP, and Asustor operate in a layered product ecosystem, where each tier is designed to push customers toward more expensive models. Entry-level devices often compete on affordability rather than raw performance, meaning that features like 10GbE are deliberately held back to differentiate mid-range and enterprise systems. The actual bill of materials (BOM) cost for including 10GbE hardware is lower than it was five years ago, but manufacturers still view it as a premium feature that justifies higher price points. By holding 10GbE in reserve for upper tiers, vendors protect their margins, avoid cannibalising sales of more profitable models, and keep upgrade paths clear for customers as their needs grow. This is not simply technical gatekeeping but a conscious market segmentation strategy.

A second, more technical challenge comes from CPU and chipset design. The processors used in affordable NAS devices are almost always low-power embedded models—Intel Celeron, Atom, or entry-level AMD Ryzen Embedded chips—which provide only a limited number of PCIe lanes. These lanes must be distributed across storage controllers, NVMe slots, expansion slots, and network interfaces. Introducing 10GbE requires not only dedicating at least two, and often four, PCIe lanes, but also ensuring that the CPU can handle the higher throughput without becoming the bottleneck. If a vendor reallocates lanes to add 10GbE, they may have to reduce the number of NVMe slots, cut down on SATA ports, or compromise expansion card bandwidth. For many manufacturers, it is simpler to leave 10GbE out of the base design than to risk producing a system that looks good on paper but struggles to deliver in practice.

Beyond lane allocation, there is also the issue of power, thermals, and board layout. 10GbE controllers typically draw more power and generate more heat than 1GbE or 2.5GbE chips. In compact NAS enclosures designed for low-noise operation, this can force more aggressive cooling solutions or tighter thermal management. For brands already working within strict acoustic and energy efficiency limits, especially in home or small office NAS devices, the integration of 10GbE becomes a balancing act between speed and stability. Higher thermal load can also reduce the overall lifespan of components or require larger enclosures, both of which erode the appeal of entry-level systems where buyers expect compact and efficient designs.

Another factor that discourages widespread 10GbE adoption is ecosystem alignment. NAS vendors are keenly aware that a large percentage of their target audience does not yet operate in 10GbE-ready environments. Even though 10GbE switches and NICs are more affordable in 2025, many households and small offices still rely on routers and switches with 1GbE or 2.5GbE uplinks. For these users, the inclusion of 10GbE would have little practical benefit, since the rest of the network infrastructure cannot support it. From the manufacturer’s perspective, bundling 10GbE into a device that will simply be throttled by the customer’s network backbone risks making the feature look pointless, or worse, “non-functional.” As such, 10GbE tends to be reserved for prosumer and enterprise segments, where it is more likely that users already have or are willing to invest in compatible infrastructure.

Finally, there is a subtle but important business factor at play: vendor ecosystems and upsell opportunities. Many NAS brands sell proprietary 10GbE upgrade cards or branded NICs, which can only be used with their systems. By omitting onboard 10GbE but providing expansion slots, vendors create an additional revenue stream while giving customers flexibility to upgrade later. This model also ensures that users who truly require 10GbE end up spending more within the brand’s ecosystem, while casual buyers stick to lower-cost systems that do not overdeliver. In this sense, the absence of 10GbE on affordable NAS units is not only about technical limitations, but also about preserving a staged upgrade model that aligns with each brand’s long-term revenue strategy.

The Solution – How Can 10GbE Be More Accessible?

The landscape for 10GbE networking hardware has improved significantly in the last few years, with controllers becoming cheaper, more efficient, and easier to integrate into consumer systems. Early 10GbE relied heavily on costly Intel or Mellanox chipsets designed primarily for enterprise servers, often priced in the hundreds of dollars per card. Today, vendors such as Realtek, Aquantia (now under Marvell), and Broadcom produce consumer-focused 10GbE controllers that are smaller, run cooler, and consume less power. These newer chipsets are also designed to integrate more smoothly with mainstream CPUs and motherboards, reducing the need for complex PCB layouts. The result has been a marked reduction in the cost of standalone NICs and USB-to-10GbE adapters, which now frequently sell for under $100, making them accessible even for home users experimenting with faster networking.

Even with this progress, manufacturers remain hesitant to make 10GbE a baseline feature across all NAS devices. Part of the reason lies in how modern NAS systems must juggle limited resources. As CPUs have shifted to PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 5, the available bandwidth has increased, but vendors are also using these lanes to expand NVMe storage pools, enable GPU acceleration, or add AI-focused co-processors for surveillance, indexing, or media analysis. In many cases, vendors see greater value in offering more M.2 slots, dual PCIe expansion options, or flexible NIC bays than in permanently dedicating space to 10GbE. This explains why hybrid designs are now common: devices shipping with 2.5GbE or 5GbE onboard, with a dedicated slot for an optional 10GbE card. Such configurations give users a faster-than-gigabit baseline, but also keep upgrade paths open for power users who truly need multi-gigabit networking.

The state of 10GbE is also being influenced by the rapid adoption of adjacent technologies. 2.5GbE has become the de facto standard in new consumer motherboards and mid-tier switches, offering a cheap and widely compatible upgrade path for everyday users who want more than 1GbE without changing their cabling. At the other end of the spectrum, higher-speed networking such as 25GbE or 40GbE is filtering down from data centres to advanced prosumer setups, while direct-connect solutions like Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 offer bandwidth well beyond 10GbE with less CPU overhead and simpler plug-and-play deployment. Software optimisation is also playing a role: modern NAS operating systems increasingly support IP over Thunderbolt or USB4, which provides a parallel path to multi-gigabit performance without the traditional reliance on Ethernet standards. As a result, 10GbE finds itself squeezed in the middle—too expensive to be a no-brainer at the entry level, but increasingly overshadowed by faster alternatives at the top end. It remains a critical sweet spot for small businesses and creative professionals, but its window of dominance is being challenged by the pace of networking innovation.

Verdict and Conclusion – Buy a 10GbE NAS Now or Wait?

The question of why 10GbE has not become a standard feature across NAS devices in 2025 does not have a single answer, but rather a convergence of factors. Manufacturers face technical challenges in CPU lane allocation, thermal management, and system design, while also making deliberate market choices to protect product segmentation and encourage upsell opportunities. At the same time, 10GbE sits in an awkward position within the networking landscape: cheaper and more efficient than ever, yet increasingly bypassed by the widespread adoption of 2.5GbE on the low end and the emergence of 25GbE, Thunderbolt, and USB4 on the high end. For now, this means that 10GbE remains reserved for higher-tier NAS systems where the hardware can genuinely sustain its throughput and where the user base is prepared to invest in compatible infrastructure. While prices will continue to fall and adoption will grow, it is unlikely that every NAS will adopt 10GbE as standard before other technologies begin to replace it as the next performance baseline.

5 affordable Turnkey 10GbE NAS Solutions (Between $499 and $699)

For years, 10GbE networking has been seen as a premium feature reserved for high-end or enterprise-grade NAS devices, often pushing total system costs well beyond the reach of home users and small businesses. However, as controller prices have dropped and demand for faster data transfers has grown, a new wave of affordable NAS solutions has started to appear with built-in 10GbE. These systems no longer require expensive proprietary upgrade cards or third-party NICs, and many sit comfortably below the $699 / £599 price point. They cover a range of use cases, from compact SSD-based NAS devices to rackmount storage appliances and versatile desktop units. Below is a selection of some of the most notable options currently available, each offering a balance of performance, connectivity, and affordability for users who want to move beyond 1GbE or 2.5GbE without breaking the bank.

UniFi UNAS Pro (7-Bay, Rackmount)

I keep coming back to two words for the UniFi UNAS Pro—fundamentals and consistency. UniFi has clearly focused on making this system a strong addition to their ecosystem, prioritizing the essential storage needs of a NAS. They’ve succeeded in this, but comparisons with long-established competitors are inevitable. While solid, reliable, and stable, the UniFi UNAS Pro will take time to be competitive on the software front. If you’re deeply invested in the UniFi ecosystem, you’ll appreciate its ease of use and integration. However, outside of a UniFi network, it may feel feature-light compared to alternatives. The pricing is competitive for a launch product at $499, and while it’s not the best NAS on the market, it’s the most user-friendly and UniFi-ready. It will likely satisfy many users’ needs. I can certainly see this being integrated into existing UniFi networks as a 2nd stage backup alongside their already existing 3rd party NAS solution, with the potential to graduating to their primary storage as Ubiquiti continue to evolve this platform above and beyond the fundamentals their have nailed down in the UNAS Pro system.

• Approx. Price: $499 / £400

• Specs: ARM Cortex-A57 quad-core CPU, 8 GB RAM, seven 2.5″/3.5″ SATA bays, 1×10GbE SFP+ and 1×1GbE.

• Why It Stands Out: Exceptional price-to-performance for pure storage needs. Lacks advanced multimedia or container apps but ideal for high-speed backups in a rackmount setup.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.2

PROS

Nails down the fundamentals of NAS Storage very well
Easy to use GUI and well suited in the UniFi Ecosystem/UX
Complete Offline Use is supported
Use of a UI account is NOT compulsory
Excellently deployed Snapshot Features
10GbE out-the-box
Open HDD Compatibility, but also 1st party options too
Backup and Restoration Options Nailed down perfectly
Very power efficient and CPU/, Memory utilization rarely high
Compact, Quite and well designed chassis
The LCD controls are completely \'different level\' compared to other brands in the market
Promised competitive pricing
FAST deployment (3-5mins tops)
Reactive Storage expandability and easy-to-understand storage failover options
Mobile app deployment is intuitive/fast
Feels stable, secure and reliable at all times
Performance is respectable (considering SATA Bay count and CPU) but also sustained performance is very good
Single screen dashboard is clear and intuitive
Ditto for the native file explorer

CONS

7 Bays is a bit unusual, plus feels like the existing UNVR with different firmware
Additional App installation (eg. \'Protect\') not currently supported. So no container support for 3rd party apps
Network Controls are limited
Works at it\'s best in an existing UniFi managed network, feels a little limited in \'standalone\'
Multiple storage pools not supported (nor is RAID 0)
Lack of Scheduled On/Off
Lack of redundant PSU
Only 1 10Gb port and 1x 1GbE, no USBs for expanded storage or an expansion

Asustor Flashstor 12 Gen 1 (Compact NVMe NAS)

The Asustor Flashstor Gen 2 12-Bay NAS is a robust and versatile solution for users with demanding storage needs. Its combination of high-performance hardware, extensive connectivity options, and compact design makes it a standout choice for content creators, small businesses, and enthusiasts. With dual 10GbE ports, USB 4.0 connectivity, and support for up to 12 M.2 NVMe drives, it offers exceptional speed and scalability. While the device has a few quirks, such as its mixed PCIe slot speeds and lack of M.2 heat sinks, these are manageable with proper planning and aftermarket solutions. The Flashstor Gen 2 excels in raw performance, handling intensive workflows with ease and maintaining low noise levels even under load. Its power efficiency and robust thermal management further enhance its appeal for 24/7 operation. For users prioritizing hardware capabilities and performance, the Flashstor Gen 2 delivers on its promises. While its complexity may deter less experienced users, those with the technical expertise to configure and optimize the system will find it a valuable addition to their workflow.

• Approx. Price: $750 / £600

• Specs: Intel Celeron N5105, 12×M.2 NVMe slots, single 10GbE port, compact form factor.

• Notable Traits: High-density SSD storage in a small desktop chassis. Excellent value for SSD-heavy builds.

SOFTWARE - 6/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 10/10

PRICE - 7/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.0

PROS

Exceptional Performance: Dual 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports and USB 4.0 connectivity deliver fast and reliable data transfer speeds, ideal for 4K editing and collaborative environments.
Extensive Storage Options: Supports up to 12 M.2 NVMe SSDs, allowing for large-scale, high-speed storage arrays.
ECC Memory Support: Includes 16GB of DDR5-4800 ECC memory (expandable to 64GB), ensuring data integrity for critical applications.
Compact Design: Small footprint makes it perfect for workspaces with limited room.
Quiet Operation: Dual-fan system keeps noise levels low, even under heavy loads.
Flexible Connectivity: Features two USB 4.0 Type-C ports and three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports for direct storage access and peripheral integration.
Power Efficiency: Low power consumption (32.2W idle, 56W under load) makes it economical to run, even for 24/7 operation.
Thermal Management Enhancements: Dual fans and copper heat pipes efficiently dissipate heat, ensuring stable performance.
Support for Third-Party Operating Systems: Compatible with platforms like TrueNAS and Unraid for advanced customization.

CONS

Mixed PCIe Slot Speeds: Inconsistent PCIe bandwidth across M.2 slots complicates unified RAID configurations.
Lack of M.2 Heat Sinks: NVMe slots do not include heat sinks, requiring aftermarket cooling solutions for intensive workloads.
No Integrated Graphics: The AMD Ryzen V3C14 processor lacks integrated graphics, limiting hardware transcoding and multimedia capabilities.
Steep Price: The 12-bay model’s cost ($1,300–$1,400) and the six-bay version’s lack of ECC memory make them expensive compared to alternatives.

UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus

BOTTOM LINE – The UGREEN NASYnc DXP4800 Plus does not feel ‘finished’ yet and still needs more time in the over, but UGREEN have been very clear with me that this product is not intended for release and fulfilment till summer 2024 and improvements, optimization and product completion is still in progress. Judging the UGREEN NAS systems, when what we have is a pre-release and pre-crowdfunding sample, was always going to be tough. The DXP4800 PLUS is a very well put-together NAS solution, arriving with a fantastic launching price point (arguably even at its RRP for the hardware on offer). UGREEN has clearly made efforts here to carve out their own style, adding their own aesthetic to the traditional 4-bay server box design that plagues NAS boxes at this scale. Equally, although they are not the first brand to consider Kickstarter/Crowdfunding for launching a new product in the NAS/personal-cloud sector, this is easily one of the most confident entries I have seen yet. The fact that this system arrives on the market primarily as a crowdfunded solution (though almost certainly, if successful, will roll out at traditional retail) is definitely going to give users some pause for thought. Equally, the UGREEN NAS software, still in beta at the time of writing, although very responsive and nailing down the basics, still feels like it needs more work to compete with the bigger boys at Synology and QNAP. Hardware architecture, scalability, and performance are all pretty impressive, though the performance of the Gen 4×4 M.2 NVMe slots didn’t seem to hit the numbers I was expecting. Perhaps a question of PCIe bottlenecking internally, or a need for further tweaking and optimization as the system continues development. Bottom line, with expected software updates to roll out closer to launch and fulfillment, such as an expanded App center and mobile client, the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is definitely a device worth keeping an eye on in the growing Turnkey and semi-DIY NAS market. As an alternative to public cloud services, this is a no-brainer and worth the entry price point. As an alternative to established Turnkey NAS Solutions, we will hold off judgment till it is publicly released.

• Approx. Price: $595 / £475

• Specs: Intel Pentium Gold 8505 (6-thread), 8 GB DDR5, 4×SATA + 2×M.2 slots, 1×10GbE and 1×2.5GbE, plus HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, and SD reader.

• Why It’s Attractive: Well-rounded design with rich connectivity and media support, undercuts most rivals on price and features.

SOFTWARE - 6/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 6/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 8/10

7.6

PROS

Exceptional Hardware for the Price
4 HDDs + 2x Gen 4x4 M.2 in 1 box under $400
Good Balanced CPU choice in the Pentium Gold 8505
10GbE and 2.5GbE as standard
An SD Card Slot (wielrd rare!)
10/10 Build Quality
Great Scalability
Fantastic Mobile Application (even vs Synology and QNAP etc)
Desktop/Browser GUI shows promise
Established Brand entering the NAS Market
Not too noisy (comparatively)
Very Appealing retail package+accessories

CONS

10GbE Performance was underwhelming
Crowdfunding choice is confusing
Software (still in Beta) is still far from ready 22/3/24
non-UGREEN PSU is unexpected

TerraMaster F4-424 Max / F6-424 Max

The TerraMaster F4-424 Max is a robust 4-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 F4-424 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 $899.99, the F4-424 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.

• Approx. Price: $675 / £550 (F4-424 Max, during sale) – $899 / £700 (F6-424 Max, regular)

• Specs: Intel Core i5-1235U (10-core), 8 GB RAM, dual 10GbE ports, dual M.2, with 4 or 6 SATA bays depending on model.

• Why It Helps: The F4-424 Max frequently drops below the $800 mark in promotions, offering unusually strong CPU performance and dual 10GbE at a mid-range price point.

SOFTWARE - 6/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 9/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.2

PROS

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.

CONS

Higher Price Tag: At $899.99, 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.

Summary Table

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QNAP Qu405, Qu605 and Qu805 NAS Coming Soon for Home and SMB Users

QNAP has officially launched the QuX05 series in the Eastern market, introducing three new desktop NAS systems: the Qu405 (4-bay), Qu605 (6-bay), and Qu805 (8-bay). Designed to refresh QNAP’s mid-range portfolio, these models target home users seeking centralised storage, creative professionals handling large-scale multimedia, and small to medium-sized businesses in need of reliable file servers with room to grow. Hardware configurations are offered in two processor options, with the Intel Core 3 N355 eight-core chip running up to 3.9 GHz for higher performance workloads, and the Intel N150 quad-core option at up to 3.6 GHz for cost-conscious deployments. All units adopt DDR5 memory, available in 8 GB or 16 GB SKUs, with support capped at 16 GB via a single slot, which while modest, still provides a step up in bandwidth over DDR4 used in older NAS systems. Storage capacity scales with the number of bays, from four in the Qu405 to eight in the Qu805, and each model also includes two M.2 PCIe Gen3 slots that can be assigned for cache acceleration or used as part of the storage pool. Connectivity has been modernised with dual 2.5GbE ports supporting SMB Multichannel and Port Trunking, USB 3.2 Gen2 across Type-A and Type-C, and a dedicated HDMI output capable of 4K60 playback or VM projection, ensuring these systems can function as both storage appliances and multimedia platforms.

The QuX05 series also benefits from QNAP’s dual operating system approach, allowing users to deploy either the established QTS software environment or the QuTS hero ZFS-based platform for improved data protection, inline deduplication, and snapshot functionality. Integrated AI-powered tools such as QuMagie for photo organisation, Qsirch for semantic search, and Qfiling for automated archiving further extend the usability of the series, making it suitable for both consumer and business applications. The timing of this release is notable, as QNAP’s TS-x64 and TS-x53E systems, including the TS-264, TS-464, and TS-664, are now over three years old, and while still supported, they increasingly feel dated in comparison to more recent offerings. At the same time, competition has intensified with new entrants such as UGREEN, Minisforum and Aoostar, which has gained traction in the NAS sector with aggressive pricing and updated hardware designs, underlining the demand for innovation. Against this backdrop, the Qu405, Qu605, and Qu805 arrive as QNAP’s latest response, bringing updated architecture, refined airflow and thermal design, modernised connectivity, and versatile system features to a market that is both more competitive and more demanding than before.

QNAP Qu405, Qu605 and Qu805 NAS Hardware Specifications

The Qu405, Qu605, and Qu805 are built around the latest Intel processors, with each model available in two distinct variants. The high-performance option uses the Intel Core 3 N355, an eight-core processor with a maximum turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz, paired with Intel UHD Graphics supporting 32 execution units. This CPU is part of Intel’s Twin Lake platform and offers a modest set of PCIe Gen3 lanes, sufficient for supporting dual 2.5GbE controllers, two M.2 NVMe slots, and other onboard I/O. The Lite models, intended for users with lighter requirements or stricter budgets, adopt the Intel N150 quad-core processor running at up to 3.6 GHz, paired with a reduced integrated graphics configuration and fewer available PCIe lanes overall. Both CPU options support AES-NI hardware-accelerated encryption, ensuring data security is handled with minimal performance impact, while the choice between N355 and N150 provides a balance between performance scaling and affordability across the QuX05 range.

Model	Qu405	Qu605	Qu805
Drive Bays	4 × 3.5″ SATA (hot-swappable, also supports 2.5″ SATA SSDs)	6 × 3.5″ SATA (hot-swappable, also supports 2.5″ SATA SSDs)	8 × 3.5″ SATA (hot-swappable, also supports 2.5″ SATA SSDs)
M.2 Slots	2 × M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen3 ×1	2 × M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen3 ×1	2 × M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen3 ×1
CPU Options	Intel® Core 3 N355 (8-core, up to 3.9 GHz) or Intel® N150 (4-core, 3.6 GHz)	Intel® Core 3 N355 (8-core, up to 3.9 GHz) or Intel® N150 (4-core, 3.6 GHz)	Intel® Core 3 N355 (8-core, up to 3.9 GHz) or Intel® N150 (4-core, 3.6 GHz)
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics (32 EU for N355, reduced EU for N150)	Intel UHD Graphics (32 EU for N355, reduced EU for N150)	Intel UHD Graphics (32 EU for N355, reduced EU for N150)
Memory	DDR5 SODIMM: 8 GB or 16 GB (1 slot, max 16 GB)	DDR5 SODIMM: 8 GB or 16 GB (1 slot, max 16 GB)	DDR5 SODIMM: 8 GB or 16 GB (1 slot, max 16 GB)
Flash	8 GB eMMC NAND	8 GB eMMC NAND	8 GB eMMC NAND
Networking	2 × 2.5 GbE RJ45 (supports SMB Multichannel, Link Aggregation)	2 × 2.5 GbE RJ45 (supports SMB Multichannel, Link Aggregation)	2 × 2.5 GbE RJ45 (supports SMB Multichannel, Link Aggregation)
USB Ports	1 × USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (front, one-touch copy) + 2 × USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (rear)	1 × USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (front, one-touch copy) + 2 × USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (rear)	1 × USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (front, one-touch copy) + 2 × USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (rear)
HDMI	1 × HDMI (2.0 or 2.1 depending on SKU, up to 4K 60 Hz)	1 × HDMI (2.0 or 2.1 depending on SKU, up to 4K 60 Hz)	1 × HDMI (2.0 or 2.1 depending on SKU, up to 4K 60 Hz)
Cooling	Redesigned airflow with improved heat dissipation	Redesigned airflow with improved heat dissipation	Redesigned airflow with improved heat dissipation
Power Supply	96 W external adapter, typical ~63 W under load	120 W external adapter, typical ~84 W under load	150 W external adapter, typical ~103 W under load
Dimensions	165 × 217 × 168 mm	165 × 217 × 226 mm	165 × 217 × 285 mm
Weight	Net 2.15 kg / Gross 4.1 kg	Net 2.52 kg / Gross 4.82 kg	Net 3.1 kg / Gross 5.7 kg
Operating System	QTS or QuTS hero (ZFS-based, supports inline deduplication, compression, snapshots)	QTS or QuTS hero (ZFS-based, supports inline deduplication, compression, snapshots)	QTS or QuTS hero (ZFS-based, supports inline deduplication, compression, snapshots)
Other Features	AES-NI encryption, hot-swap support, RAID protection, QuFirewall, 2FA, Malware Remover, Qsirch/Qfiling AI search, QuMagie photo AI, QVR Pro with 8 free camera channels	Same as Qu405	Same as Qu405
Ports Image

Memory is standardised across the series, with all three devices supporting DDR5 SODIMM modules operating at up to 4800 MHz. SKUs are available with either 8 GB or 16 GB preinstalled, and although only a single memory slot is provided, limiting maximum capacity to 16 GB, the use of DDR5 brings notable improvements in throughput and responsiveness compared to the DDR4 used in older generations. The memory arrangement also highlights the target audience of the QuX05 series: home and SMB users who need fast but manageable workloads rather than large-scale enterprise deployments that require extensive memory pools. The systems also include 8 GB of onboard eMMC NAND for essential system functions, ensuring that firmware and OS-level features remain responsive even during heavy storage activity. Unlike some higher-end SMB-focused NAS devices, there is no dedicated PCIe expansion slot for upgrades such as 10GbE, HBAs, or GPU cards. This omission is likely linked to the reduced lane count of the N150 and N355 processors, which restricts available bandwidth for add-in cards. Instead, QNAP has chosen to distribute available lanes across built-in features such as dual 2.5GbE ports and dual NVMe slots, a trade-off that prioritises out-of-the-box functionality over modular expansion.

Storage options are one of the main areas where the QuX05 series differentiates itself by bay count. The Qu405 provides four 3.5-inch SATA bays, the Qu605 six, and the Qu805 eight, with each also capable of accommodating 2.5-inch SATA SSDs for flexible configurations. All bays support hot-swapping, allowing drives to be replaced without shutting down the system. Alongside the main drive bays, every model includes two M.2 2280 NVMe slots running at PCIe Gen3 x1. While not offering the bandwidth of Gen3 x4 or Gen4, these slots are sufficient for cache acceleration or tiered storage, with QNAP’s Qtier software automatically balancing frequently accessed files between SSDs and hard drives. This approach provides both capacity and performance, especially for environments that mix multimedia storage with frequent small file access.

Connectivity is consistent across all three models. Networking is based on dual 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, supporting link aggregation for bandwidth scaling and redundancy as well as SMB Multichannel for improved multi-session performance. Local I/O includes two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports at the rear, a front-facing USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port with one-touch copy, and HDMI output capable of 4K at 60 Hz. Most SKUs list HDMI 2.1, while some Lite versions list HDMI 2.0, so capabilities vary depending on configuration. Power requirements scale with chassis size, from a 96 W adapter for the Qu405, to 120 W for the Qu605, and 150 W for the Qu805, with reported average consumption under full drive load measured at approximately 63 W, 84 W, and 103 W respectively. Additional features include system buzzers for hardware alerts, Kensington lock slots for physical security, and redesigned airflow systems that improve cooling efficiency compared to older QNAP mid-range hardware. Together, these specifications establish the QuX05 series as a modernised platform that balances capacity, performance, and power efficiency across three scalable sizes.

Comparison Between the QuX05 Series and TS-x64 & TS-x53E Series

The arrival of the QuX05 range marks a generational update in QNAP’s mid-tier NAS catalog, directly inviting comparison with the company’s established TS-x64 series (TS-264, TS-464, TS-664) and the TS-x53E line (TS-253E, TS-453E). While the older models remain capable and still receive firmware updates, they are now over three years old and show their age in several areas. The TS-x64 units rely on Intel Celeron N5095/N5105 processors, DDR4 memory, and single 1GbE networking as standard, with expansion slots required for faster networking or NVMe storage. The TS-x53E series, launched in 2022, provided an alternative path with dual 2.5GbE ports and built-in M.2 NVMe slots, though they were capped at DDR4 memory and lacked PCIe upgrade slots, restricting long-term flexibility. In contrast, the QuX05 systems use Intel’s newer N355 and N150 processors, move to DDR5 memory, and integrate features such as dual 2.5GbE, NVMe SSD caching, and HDMI 4K output directly into the base platform, reducing the reliance on add-in cards or optional upgrades.

Another major distinction lies in how QNAP has approached expandability. The TS-x64 devices maintain a traditional PCIe slot for upgrades such as 10GbE networking or storage accelerators, something absent from both the QuX05 and TS-x53E series. In the QuX05 range, the limited PCIe lanes of the chosen Intel processors have been redistributed to provide onboard dual NVMe slots and dual 2.5GbE networking, effectively prioritising out-of-the-box functionality over modular expansion. For many home users and SMBs, this built-in approach is practical, but for environments needing high-speed networking or specialised PCIe hardware, the TS-x64 remains more adaptable. Overall, the QuX05 line represents QNAP’s attempt to modernise its mainstream desktop NAS range by integrating features previously seen only in higher-end or expansion-reliant models, offering a balance of performance, efficiency, and simplified setup against the backdrop of older but more expandable TS systems.

Feature / Model	QuX05 Series (Qu405 / Qu605 / Qu805)	TS-x64 Series (TS-264 / TS-464 / TS-664)	TS-x53E Series (TS-253E / TS-453E)
CPU	Intel Core 3 N355 (8-core, up to 3.9 GHz) or N150 (4-core, up to 3.6 GHz)	Intel Celeron N5095/N5105 (4-core, up to 2.9 GHz)	Intel Celeron J6412 (4-core, up to 2.6 GHz)
Memory	DDR5 SODIMM, 8 GB or 16 GB, single slot (max 16 GB)	DDR4 SODIMM, up to 16 GB (dual-slot)	8 GB DDR4 onboard, not expandable
Network Interfaces	Dual 2.5 GbE built-in with SMB Multichannel and Port Trunking	Single 1 GbE standard, PCIe upgrade needed for 2.5/10 GbE	Dual 2.5 GbE built-in
Drive Bays (SATA 3.5″)	Qu405:4	Qu605:6	Qu805:8, hot-swappable
M.2 NVMe Slots	2 × M.2 PCIe Gen3 x1 slots built-in	Requires optional PCIe card	2 × M.2 PCIe Gen3 x2 built-in
Ports
PCIe Expansion Slot	None (lanes redirected to onboard features)	1 PCIe slot for network/storage cards	None
USB Connectivity	USB 3.2 Gen2: 1 front Type-C (one-touch), 2 rear Type-A	USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, front/rear, no one-touch copy	USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports
HDMI Output	HDMI 2.0/2.1, 4K60 depending on SKU	HDMI 2.0 or none (model dependent)	Dual HDMI 1.4b, 4K30
Cooling / Design	Redesigned airflow and thermal efficiency	Traditional chassis design	Traditional chassis design
Power Consumption (Typical)	Qu405 ~63 W; Qu605 ~84 W; Qu805 ~103 W (fully populated)	TS-464 ~44 W, TS-664 ~70 W (approximate)	TS-453E ~36 W typical

QNAP Qu405, Qu605 and Qu805 NAS

Early reports from Eastern markets suggest that QNAP intends to position the QuX05 series at a highly competitive level, targeting the same price bracket traditionally occupied by mid-range consumer and SMB NAS devices. Instead of focusing on premium pricing, QNAP appears to be bundling enterprise-class features such as DDR5 memory, dual 2.5GbE connectivity, and built-in NVMe caching into systems expected to fall within the reach of prosumers and small studios. This approach contrasts with past strategies where certain features were locked behind higher-end models or optional expansion cards. The Qu405 and Qu605 are anticipated to scale more affordably due to their lower bay counts, while the Qu805 represents the higher-capacity option. All systems ship with QNAP’s standard two-year warranty, with the option to extend coverage to five years, which remains an important consideration for business users seeking predictable long-term support. Early indications also point to launch bundles or promotional packages, including potential accessories or service benefits, underlining QNAP’s intention to add value in a market that has become crowded with alternatives from newer NAS vendors.

In terms of release timing, the Qu405, Qu605, and Qu805 have already been introduced to the Eastern region, with wider international distribution expected before the close of 2025. Based on QNAP’s established release cycle, this typically means North American and European availability will follow within one or two months of the initial rollout. The timing reflects both market demand and competitive pressure, as the TS-x64 and TS-x53E families are now over three years old, and users have been increasingly vocal about the need for refreshed hardware. With rival solutions from UGREEN, Asustor, and other consumer-oriented NAS makers gaining attention, QNAP’s scheduling suggests an urgency to reassert its role in the mainstream NAS segment. The QuX05 series therefore not only modernises QNAP’s desktop lineup but also aims to arrive quickly enough to counter competing releases, ensuring it remains a viable choice for prosumers, creative teams, and small business deployments into 2026 and beyond.

Feature / Model	QuX05 Series (Qu405 / Qu605 / Qu805)	TS-x64 Series (TS-264 / TS-464 / TS-664)	TS-x53E Series (TS-253E / TS-453E)
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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

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If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  

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Récemment, plusieurs alertes de sécurité ont été remontées par les principaux fabricants de NAS. Même si rien n’indique que ces failles aient été exploitées, il est fortement recommandé d’appliquer les mises à jour disponibles pour le système… et les applications ! Mais que faire lors le constructeur ne fait pas d’effort ? Il existe des solutions.

Pourquoi et comment mettre à jour son NAS ?

Vous le savez certainement (mais il est toujours bon de le rappeler), maintenir son NAS à jour est essentiel pour assurer sa sécurité. La sauvegarde régulière des données est primordiale, mais l’installation des mises à jour du système et des applications permet de corriger des failles de sécurité potentielles.

Les fabricants publient régulièrement des mises à jour, parfois pour ajouter de nouvelles fonctionnalités, mais aussi pour combler des vulnérabilités. Pour les applications (natives ou de sources tierces), c’est la même chose…

Note : si vous utilisez Docker, pensez également à mettre à jour vos images et conteneurs

Les risques liés aux failles de sécurité

Ces derniers mois, plusieurs vulnérabilités ont été découvertes et corrigées par les constructeurs. Leur exploitation pourrait avoir des conséquences sérieuses :

• Élévation de privilèges ;
• Exécution de code arbitraire ;
• Vol de données ;
• …

Certaines failles sont classées critiques. Il faut donc mettre à jour votre NAS ! Bonne nouvelle, ces correctifs sont gratuits. Il serait dommage de s’en priver.

Quand installer une mise à jour ?

Toutes les mises à jour ne se valent pas. Voici quelques recommandations :

• Mises à jour critiques : appliquez-les rapidement, idéalement dans les 48 heures. Attendre permet de s’assurer qu’aucun bug majeur n’a été signalé… mais n’attendez jamais plus d’une semaine si votre NAS est accessible depuis Internet.
• Mises à jour mineures (compatibilité avec de nouveaux SSD, améliorations visuelles…) : vous pouvez patienter plusieurs jours avant de les installer.

Note : on n’oublie pas de faire des sauvegardes régulièrement

Que faire si votre NAS n’est plus mis à jour ?

Lorsqu’une faille est détectée, les fabricants publient rapidement un correctif pour la dernière version du système (DSM, QTS, ADM…). Malheureusement pour les anciennes versions, cela peut-être très long… voire ils ne sont jamais mis à jour.

Si votre NAS contient des données sensibles (et c’est presque toujours le cas), voici quelques mesures à adopter si aucune mise à jour de sécurité n’est proposée :

• Ne l’exposez pas directement à Internet : désactivez la possibilité d’accéder au NAS depuis Internet ;
• Restez informé : consultez régulièrement les sites des constructeurs, les portails spécialisés comme Cachem ou Forum des NAS, ainsi que les réseaux sociaux ;
• Contactez le support du fabricant : signalez le problème afin d’encourager une correction.

Note : si vous devez absolument accéder à vos données à distance, mettez en place un serveur VPN (WireGuard, OpenVPN…) sur un périphérique tiers : routeur/box, Raspberry Pi, mini-PC… mais pas sur le NAS.

En synthèse

La mise à jour régulière de votre NAS et de ses applications est une nécessité pour prévenir les risques de sécurité. Cependant, toutes les failles ne sont pas liées à une exposition en ligne. Nous vous recommandons de limiter l’accès direct depuis Internet à votre NAS.

Enfin, une veille active est indispensable pour rester informer des correctifs et des recommandations en matière de sécurité. Un NAS non mis à jour peut devenir une cible facile. Faites les mises à jour régulièrement !

Does this Budget $140 AliExpress 10GbE Switch Deserve Your Data?

The landscape of 10 Gigabit Ethernet networking has seen a significant shift over the past few years, with hardware that was once considered enterprise-only gradually trickling down to the consumer and prosumer market. Affordable multi-gig switches, particularly those with 2.5G or SFP-only configurations, are now commonplace. However, the search becomes much more complicated when you’re looking for a compact, budget-friendly 10GbE switch that combines both RJ45 copper and SFP+ fiber ports — and adds basic managed features to the mix. This is precisely where the Goodtop 6-Port 10GbE Managed Switch positions itself, offering four 10GBase-T ports, two SFP+ ports, and a claimed 120Gbps backplane bandwidth, all for around $140 on AliExpress.

At this price point, it’s important to approach products like this with realistic expectations. The Goodtop switch is not aiming to compete with the likes of Cisco, Aruba, or even MikroTik in terms of long-term support or security posture. Like many white-label or lesser-known brands shipping out of China, concerns around firmware transparency, update frequency, and potential vulnerabilities are valid. This is particularly relevant for users planning to expose management interfaces to external networks or integrate these switches into larger, more sensitive environments. Still, for isolated use in lab setups, home networks, or behind firewall-protected infrastructure, devices like this can offer compelling value — if they deliver on core functionality. This review takes a closer look at the Goodtop switch’s physical design, port configuration, internal hardware, software interface, and performance characteristics. Rather than focusing on theoretical specs alone, this analysis is based on hands-on testing to determine where the unit succeeds, where it cuts corners, and what kind of buyer it’s realistically suited for.

Goodtop Budget 6 Port 10GbE Switch Review – Quick Conclusion

The Goodtop 6-Port 10GbE Managed Switch delivers impressive value by combining four 10GBase-T and two 10G SFP+ ports in a compact, low-cost form factor, making it one of the most affordable mixed-media 10GbE switches on the market. It performs reliably under load, supports a full set of essential Layer 2 features like VLANs, link aggregation, and QoS, and provides a practical way for home lab users or small setups to adopt 10G networking without overspending. However, the switch’s low price is reflected in its build quality, fixed-speed noisy fan, and a barebones, unintuitive web interface that may challenge less experienced users. Security features are minimal, with no HTTPS, 2FA, or multi-user support, making it best suited for isolated, firewall-protected environments rather than critical infrastructure. For technically confident users seeking affordable, high-speed connectivity in a controlled setting, the Goodtop switch is a capable and cost-effective option—as long as its limitations are clearly understood.

Goodtop Budget 6 Port 10GbE Switch Review – Design

The Goodtop 6-Port 10GbE switch adopts a compact footprint and minimalist industrial design that aligns with many of the budget-friendly networking products emerging from OEMs in the Chinese market. Its chassis measures 200mm x 118mm x 44mm and is constructed from a thin, painted sheet metal. At just under 700 grams, the device is easy to handle and unobtrusive on a desk or shelf. It supports both desktop placement and wall mounting, the latter made possible by a pair of hook points integrated into the casing. While the construction is adequate for light to moderate use, it doesn’t offer the heft or rigidity seen in more enterprise-leaning gear.

There are no rubber feet to reduce surface vibration, nor any rack-mounting ears included by default. The paint finish is clean but basic, and minor flexing of the panels is possible under moderate pressure. These design choices reflect an emphasis on affordability rather than robustness, and users intending to deploy this switch in harsher physical environments may want to consider added enclosure or structural reinforcement. Still, for indoor use where vibration and temperature control are consistent, the physical form is entirely serviceable.

Thermal management is handled by a single small-diameter fan mounted laterally inside the chassis, supported by perforated ventilation cutouts on the opposing side. This active cooling setup is necessary given the heat output of the internal 10GbE components, particularly when all ports are under load.

During testing, the fan proved effective in maintaining safe thermal levels across typical workloads, with internal temperature readings ranging between 31°C and 36°C depending on ambient conditions and port usage. However, the fan’s acoustic characteristics are worth noting: it operates at a fixed RPM, regardless of system temperature or network activity.

This results in a constant hum that registers between 38 and 41 dBA — not excessive, but certainly noticeable in quiet environments. There are no accessible fan speed controls in the management interface, and the unit lacks thermal sensors or thresholds that would allow for adaptive fan curves.

For users operating this switch in a studio, home office, or any acoustically sensitive environment, the persistent fan noise could be a drawback. Modifications, such as third-party silent fan replacements, may be feasible but would require disassembly and some DIY effort. Overall, the cooling solution works, but its implementation is clearly a compromise between function and cost.

Goodtop Budget 6 Port 10GbE Switch Review – Hardware & Connections

The Goodtop switch is equipped with a total of six 10-Gigabit-capable ports, split between four RJ45 (10GBase-T) and two SFP+ slots. This particular configuration is uncommon at this price tier, especially among switches that offer web-based management. The inclusion of both copper and fiber interfaces in one device provides flexibility for mixed network environments — ideal for users bridging legacy copper infrastructure with newer fiber deployments or integrating NAS devices and uplinks with varying interface standards. All six ports are located on the front panel, clearly labeled and spaced far enough apart to accommodate bulkier cables and transceivers without interference.

The RJ45 ports support standard multi-gig Ethernet protocols, with backward compatibility for 100Mb, 1G, 2.5G, and 5GBase-T connections, depending on cabling. According to the manufacturer’s specs, Cat6 or better is recommended for full 10GBase-T performance up to 100 meters.

The SFP+ ports accept a wide range of 10G transceivers, including DACs (Direct Attach Copper), SR/LR fiber modules, and media converters, offering strong compatibility with third-party optics and hardware.

Despite its low cost, the switch claims a 120Gbps backplane switching capacity and a non-blocking architecture capable of 89.28 million packets per second. While exact benchmarking under full simultaneous port saturation wasn’t possible due to hardware limitations during testing, four concurrent 10GBase-T connections were tested successfully with sustained bidirectional transfers.

Under load, the unit handled transmission reliably without packet loss or obvious performance degradation. Power consumption scales with usage: idle draw sits at approximately 7.5 watts with no connected clients, while active use with four 10G copper links under sustained read/write activity peaked around 19.8 watts.

These values are in line with expectations for a full-10G switch operating with active cooling, and while not low, they are acceptable for most desktop or lab environments. It’s worth noting that due to heat generation and airflow limitations, users may experience rising internal temperatures if all six ports are driven continuously, especially in poorly ventilated setups. However, the flexibility to use either media type and the stable throughput on tested ports suggest that the internal switching logic and port handling are effectively implemented, given the device’s pricing and market position.

Internally, the Goodtop 6-Port 10GbE switch is built around a Realtek chipset configuration comprising the RTL9303 switch controller and RTL8264B PHYs, a pairing commonly found in recent budget and white-label 10G networking products. These components are designed to deliver basic Layer 2 managed functionality with support for VLAN tagging, link aggregation, and other expected switching features. Two medium-sized aluminum heatsinks cover the main chips, with thermal paste applied to ensure contact and heat dissipation, albeit passively reliant on the unit’s single fan for airflow. There is no internal battery backup, surge suppression beyond nominal protection, or modular power regulation — design choices consistent with its low cost.

The unit includes a modest 12Mbit of packet buffer memory and supports a MAC address table size of up to 16K entries, which should be sufficient for most small-to-medium environments. There are no removable components or visible debugging headers, and the board layout is straightforward with no major thermal bottlenecks observed during operation. Overall, the hardware design is minimal but appropriate for the target use case: non-critical environments requiring inexpensive multi-gig connectivity without expectations of advanced redundancy or hardware resilience. While it doesn’t compete with enterprise-class internals in terms of engineering quality or extensibility, it does reflect a competent implementation of entry-level switching silicon with functional thermal management.

Goodtop Budget 6 Port 10GbE Switch Review – Software

The Goodtop switch ships with a built-in web-based management interface that allows users to configure a range of Layer 2 features typical of entry-level managed switches. The interface is accessible via a browser once an IP address is assigned, and no additional software is required. However, the overall presentation and usability of the software are quite basic. The UI lacks visual polish, contextual help, or guided configuration tools. Navigation is functional but unintuitive, with much of the terminology and layout appearing generic and unbranded — a likely result of the firmware being repurposed from a reference design or OEM platform.

There are no wizards or safety prompts to prevent misconfiguration, which could make the switch challenging for less experienced users to manage safely. Additionally, there is no mobile optimization or official companion app, and the interface does not support HTTPS out of the box. Firmware updates are possible via the web console, though update channels or changelogs are not provided, and documentation is sparse.

Despite its limited interface design, the switch includes a solid range of features that are normally found in more expensive units. These include core Layer 2 controls and essential traffic management capabilities, offering flexibility for VLAN segmentation, link aggregation, and network troubleshooting. While these features are mostly geared toward technical users, they cover a surprisingly broad spectrum of functionality for a switch in this price bracket. However, it’s worth noting that the interface offers no access controls beyond a single user account, no two-factor authentication, and no role-based access — all of which may concern users deploying this switch in sensitive or multi-user environments. Fan speed control, system logs, or SNMP monitoring are also absent, limiting the unit’s viability for more advanced administrative needs. Key supported features include:

• VLAN support (802.1Q, VLAN IDs 1–4094)

• Port-based VLAN assignment

• Link Aggregation (LACP)

• Loop detection

• Jumbo frame support (up to 9K bytes)

• MAC address filtering

• Port mirroring

• Broadcast storm control

• QoS / Port-based priority settings

• Traffic statistics monitoring

• Basic firmware upgrade support

These tools are adequate for static network environments or those with fixed segmentation needs, but administrators seeking dynamic configuration, remote logging, or integration with monitoring platforms will find the software lacking in depth.

Goodtop Budget 6 Port 10GbE Switch Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The Goodtop 6-Port 10GbE Managed Switch offers an appealing combination of features that are rarely found together in a product at this price point. With four 10GBase-T copper ports and two 10G SFP+ fiber slots, it caters to users who need to bridge different media types without investing in multiple specialized devices. The unit delivers consistent throughput, a practical management interface, and baseline Layer 2 capabilities suitable for most small-scale, static deployments. For those building or expanding home labs, adding high-speed links between servers and NAS devices, or testing 10GbE equipment without committing to enterprise-level budgets, this switch is a very practical and accessible option. The price tag — typically hovering between $130 and $140 — is particularly compelling when compared with similar switches from established brands, which often cost two to three times as much while offering fewer ports or omitting management functionality.

However, it’s important to understand what trade-offs make that low cost possible. Physically, the unit is built with budget-grade materials, and although the compact design is functional, the thin metal chassis lacks the rigidity and passive cooling features seen in more expensive models. The inclusion of active cooling is necessary given the switch’s full 10GbE capability, but the fixed-speed fan results in a persistent acoustic presence that may not be acceptable in quiet workspaces. In terms of power usage and thermal output, the switch performs within expectations, though it naturally draws more power than multi-gig or 1G devices — something to consider if operating in environments sensitive to power efficiency or heat buildup.

On the software side, the web-based management interface includes a reasonably full feature set for configuring VLANs, link aggregation, QoS, and port monitoring, but the UI is visually dated, lacking intuitive navigation, helpful prompts, or contextual explanations. For seasoned users comfortable with networking terminology and manual configuration, this isn’t a major obstacle. However, newcomers may find the software overwhelming or difficult to use without external guidance. Security is another area where the switch shows its limitations. The absence of HTTPS access, multi-user management, or basic features like two-factor authentication limits its suitability for exposed or multi-tenant environments. Firmware updates are possible, but no public update path or official support channels are offered, making long-term update viability uncertain.

Ultimately, this is a product built around value — and that value is real, as long as buyers know what they’re getting into. The Goodtop switch does not pretend to be a polished enterprise-grade solution, nor does it offer the ecosystem integration or long-term support found in more expensive alternatives. Instead, it provides raw functionality: six full-speed 10GbE ports, a working management layer, and compatibility with a wide range of copper and optical transceivers. For environments that are self-contained, technically managed, and not security-critical, this device offers performance that aligns well with its low cost. For those willing to make small compromises on build quality and user experience, it’s an excellent option for extending 10G connectivity without overspending.

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Want to follow specific category? Also Read...Why is 10GbE STILL NOT EverywhWhy is 10GbE STILL NOT EverywhN7 AMD 2x 10GbE NAS MotherboarN7 AMD 8845HS 2x 10GbE NAS MotCWWK M8 N150/N355 10Gbe NAS BoCWWK M8 N150/N355 10Gbe NAS BoSynology PS Series Managed 10GSynology Managed 10GbE PoE NetBest QNA-UC10G2T priceGoodtop Budget 6 Port 10GbE Ma Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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L’intelligence artificielle ne se limite plus aux datacenters. Avec ses deux nouveaux modules d’accélération Edge AI (QAI-M100 et QAI-U100), QNAP entend démocratiser l’IA embarquée directement dans ses NAS. Une stratégie qui s’inscrit dans la montée en puissance du traitement local des données, pour répondre à des besoins de réactivité, de confidentialité et de maîtrise des coûts.

QNAP QAI-M100 / QAI-U100

Avec la multiplication des usages liés à la reconnaissance faciale ou à la détection d’objets, y compris dans les petites structures, QNAP propose une solution locale pour traiter ces tâches sans dépendre du cloud. Les nouveaux modules QAI-M100 (format M.2) et QAI-U100 (USB 3.2 Gen 1) intègrent chacun un processeur NPU capable de délivrer 3 TOPS de puissance, suffisants pour améliorer nettement les performances des NAS sur les tâches de traitement d’image.

Les nouveau modules s’installent facilement : ils sont compatibles avec les NAS exécutant QTS 5.2.1 ou QuTS hero h5.2.1 (ou supérieur)… et bien sûr les dernières versions des applications IA de QNAP. D’après les tests réalisés par le fabricant, les performances sur l’application QuMagie sont en hausse : +36 % sur la détection d’objets, +22 % sur la reconnaissance faciale. Côté consommation, les modules restent sobres et silencieux grâce à un refroidissement passif.

Pensé pour les besoins concrets des PME

L’objectif de QNAP est d’améliorer les capacités d’IA sans déployer d’infrastructure lourde. Pour les particuliers et les entreprises qui traitent de l’image (vidéosurveillance, gestion de contenu, tri photo automatique), ces modules permettent d’exécuter localement des tâches jusqu’alors réservées à des serveurs ou à des services cloud.

Le QAI-M100 se connecte via un slot M.2 (ou via une carte d’extension PCIe)… Pour ce qui est du QAI-U100, il fonctionne simplement en USB. Tous deux disposent de 1 Go de mémoire intégrée et peuvent être utilisés ensemble sur un même NAS pour gagner encore en puissance.

Une évolution logique pour QNAP

Avec cette gamme QAI, QNAP continue de faire évoluer ses NAS vers des plateformes polyvalentes, capables non seulement de stocker, mais aussi de traiter intelligemment les données. Pas de révolution, mais une brique technologique cohérente avec les usages actuels.

Ces modules s’adressent aux utilisateurs qui souhaitent garder la main sur leurs données, sans surcoût logiciel ni dépendance à une connexion internet stable. Une solution simple et concrète pour ceux qui veulent faire plus avec leur NAS.

Côté tarif, nous avons sur la boutique officielle :

• QAI-M100 (M.2) à 65,45€
• QAI-U100 (USB) à 77,35€

30TB Seagate Ironwolf Pro and EXOS HDD Review – When is Enough, Enough?

The arrival of 30TB capacity hard drives from Seagate — in the form of the IronWolf Pro ST30000NT011 and the Exos M ST30000NM004K — marks another incremental step in high-capacity storage for NAS and enterprise environments. Both models utilize helium-sealed conventional magnetic recording (CMR) technology and pack ten platters at 3TB each into the familiar 3.5-inch form factor. This represents the highest available capacity in a single drive to date, offering an alternative to more complex arrays of smaller disks while preserving compatibility with standard SATA 6Gb/s interfaces. These drives maintain a 7200 RPM spindle speed, 512MB cache, and sustained transfer rates approaching 275MB/s, making them suitable for environments that demand both scale and consistent throughput. The IronWolf Pro is targeted at commercial NAS and multi-user SMB deployments, where ease of integration, features like IronWolf Health Management (IHM), and bundled data recovery services are priorities. The Exos M, by contrast, is designed for data centers and hyperscale cloud storage, where maximum density, superior energy efficiency per terabyte, and sustainability play a more critical role. This review examines not only how these two 30TB drives are constructed and perform in practice, but also explores their compatibility with existing NAS hardware and server infrastructures, as well as the trade-offs involved when moving to such large single-drive capacities.

Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOS Hard Drive – Quick Conclusion

The Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB and Exos M 30TB represent the cutting edge of mechanical storage, delivering unprecedented density in a standard 3.5-inch, SATA-compatible form factor. Both drives achieve their capacity through a helium-sealed, ten-platter CMR design, offering sustained transfer rates of up to 275 MB/s, 24/7 operability, and an MTBF of 2.5 million hours, making them viable for demanding NAS and enterprise environments. The IronWolf Pro is positioned for SMBs and creative professionals, bundling IronWolf Health Management for drive monitoring and three years of Rescue Data Recovery Services for additional peace of mind, while the Exos M caters to hyperscale and data center deployments by emphasizing power efficiency, sustainability, and seamless integration at scale. These drives are not for casual or budget-conscious users, as their high power consumption, increased heat output, and louder acoustics require properly specified NAS or server hardware to operate reliably. Additionally, their massive single-drive capacity raises practical considerations around redundancy, RAID rebuild times, and backup planning, which can offset some of the benefits of ultra-high density. Nonetheless, for users and organizations that can justify the investment and design their infrastructure to accommodate the specific demands of these drives, both models offer compelling solutions to growing storage needs. The IronWolf Pro excels in environments that value monitoring, support, and ease of deployment, while the Exos M is a better fit where operational efficiency and cost-per-terabyte are paramount, ensuring each serves its intended audience effectively.

BUILD - 9/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 7/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.2

PROS

Unprecedented Capacity — Both drives offer 30TB in a single 3.5-inch drive, reducing the number of disks needed for large arrays and saving space - but doing so in a CMR design (and not SMR) is just incredible
Helium-Sealed Design — Uses a proven 10-platter, helium-filled architecture for improved reliability, reduced turbulence, and better areal density.
Consistent Performance — Sustained transfer rates up to 275 MB/s and predictable latency ensure stable throughput for NAS and enterprise workloads.
Enterprise-Grade Reliability — MTBF of 2.5 million hours, 550 TB/year workload rating, and 24/7 operation make them suited for demanding environments.
Feature Sets Tailored to Audience — IronWolf Pro includes IronWolf Health Management and 3-year Rescue Recovery; Exos M adds power optimization and sustainability focus.
Broad Compatibility — Fully SATA 6Gb/s compliant and functional across major NAS brands, RAID configurations, and operating systems without special drivers.
Secure Data Management — Both support Instant Secure Erase (ISE) with Exos M adding RSA firmware verification for data security compliance.

CONS

Higher Power and Heat — Increased power consumption and thermal output require well-cooled, properly provisioned enclosures and PSUs.
Audible Noise Levels — Louder idle and seek noise, especially when used in multi-drive NAS arrays, can be disruptive in quiet environments.
Expensive Per Unit — High initial cost compared to smaller capacity drives, with diminishing returns in some scenarios if not fully utilized or backed up properly.

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Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOS Hard Drive – Design and Build

So, first up, below is a side-by-side comparison of the key specifications of the Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB and Seagate Exos M 30TB drives. Both drives use CMR recording, a helium-sealed 10-platter design, and are built around similar mechanical and electrical platforms, but each is targeted at different use cases: SMB/creative NAS environments versus hyperscale cloud and enterprise data centers. This table highlights their similarities and subtle differences.

The IronWolf Pro places significant emphasis on durability and reliability within multi-bay NAS systems, making it well-suited to SMB and creative workflows. It achieves a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 2.5 million hours and carries a 5-year limited warranty, consistent with Seagate’s premium NAS offerings. The workload rate limit (WRL) of 550TB per year matches that of previous IronWolf Pro models but at higher capacity, allowing for heavier data activity in RAID configurations without voiding warranty terms.

To mitigate vibration issues common in dense multi-drive arrays, the IronWolf Pro integrates rotational vibration (RV) sensors that detect and compensate for external vibrations, stabilizing head positioning to maintain consistent throughput. Acoustically, the drive has been measured at approximately 28 dBA at idle and 32 dBA under seek activity, levels low enough to remain acceptable in small server rooms or under-desk NAS units, though still noticeable in very quiet environments.

By contrast, the Exos M 30TB, though physically and mechanically similar, is tuned for the needs of enterprise-scale and hyperscale cloud deployments. Its construction prioritizes energy efficiency per terabyte and long-term durability at scale, with features like PowerChoice for adaptive idle modes and PowerBalance for optimized performance-to-watt ratios. These firmware-driven features help reduce total operational costs when thousands of drives are deployed. The Exos M also includes RSA 3072 firmware verification for enhanced data security and is assembled with higher use of recycled materials and renewable energy inputs than earlier generations. These factors align it with the sustainability initiatives many data center operators are now targeting, while maintaining interoperability by preserving the same form factor, interface, and airflow characteristics as previous generations.

Both drives feature hardware-level secure data management, supporting Seagate’s Instant Secure Erase (ISE) to allow administrators to cryptographically erase all user data before redeploying or decommissioning a drive. This functionality is especially relevant for enterprise customers concerned with compliance and data security in multi-tenant environments. For SMB customers, the IronWolf Pro adds another layer of protection with Seagate’s Rescue Data Recovery Services bundled for three years, providing access to Seagate’s in-house data recovery team. This service has an advertised 95% success rate and is included at no additional cost, addressing accidental deletions, corruption, and even some mechanical failures — something that the Exos M does not include by default, as enterprises generally rely on their own backup and recovery procedures.

Finally, it is important to note the environmental operating specifications and resilience engineered into these drives. Both models operate safely in ambient temperatures between 10°C and 60°C and can tolerate non-operating storage temperatures down to –40°C and up to 70°C. They are rated to withstand 30Gs of shock during operation and up to 200Gs when non-operational, which is critical during shipping and installation in dense arrays. Vibration tolerances are also robust, with rotational vibration resistance specified up to 12.5 rad/s² between 10Hz and 1500Hz. Both require both +12V and +5V power rails and draw a typical 6.8–6.9W at idle, which increases during read/write activity as noted in Seagate’s specifications. Taken together, these figures indicate that while the drives are robust enough for demanding environments, users should still ensure their NAS or server chassis provides sufficient cooling, airflow, and power delivery to stay within these tolerances.

Comparing the 30TB IronWolf Pro to the 24TB IronWolf Pro and 4TB IronWolf (Non‑Pro) for Perspective

The 30TB IronWolf Pro represents Seagate’s largest capacity in the NAS‑optimized lineup, continuing the incremental increase in platter count, areal density, and helium‑sealed design. The 4TB non‑Pro IronWolf uses a more modest five‑platter, air‑filled design spinning at 5400 RPM, while the 24TB IronWolf Pro was the previous capacity peak, utilizing nine helium‑sealed platters and a 7200 RPM spindle. Despite sharing the same CMR recording and SATA interface, there is a clear progression in performance, power requirements, noise, and workload tolerances across these models. This comparison highlights how structural changes and internal technologies evolve with capacity—and where trade‑offs emerge at the top end of the spectrum.

Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOS Hard Drive – Performance, Noise and NAS Compatibility (WiP)

Performance testing of the Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB and Exos M 30TB confirms that both drives deliver sustained sequential transfer rates close to their advertised 275 MB/s. In NAS systems tested—including QNAP, Synology, and Asustor platforms—both drives initialized without compatibility errors and achieved typical sequential read speeds of 268–270 MB/s and write speeds of 252–262 MB/s, depending on the platform and RAID configuration. These results align with expectations for a modern 7200 RPM CMR drive with a 512 MB cache and demonstrate that even at 30TB, throughput remains consistent with prior Pro‑series drives. Random IOPS, while limited compared to SSDs, remain within acceptable ranges for NAS workloads, with the Exos M specified at up to 170 IOPS read and 350 IOPS write at 4K QD16. Latency is nominal at approximately 4.16 ms, which is typical for this class of mechanical drive. Importantly, no firmware or block‑size compatibility issues were noted, and both drives default to 512e sector formatting, ensuring out‑of‑the‑box operability with most modern operating systems and file systems.

Acoustic performance, however, is noticeably impacted by the increase in platter count and capacity. During idle, the IronWolf Pro registers approximately 28 dBA in a quiet environment, with seek noise rising to around 32 dBA. These figures are slightly higher than those of the 24TB Pro and significantly more pronounced than the older 4TB IronWolf non‑Pro, which produces closer to 20–24 dBA. Subjectively, this noise was clearly audible in a quiet office when installed in a plastic‑chassis NAS and became more noticeable under heavy write operations. In larger arrays, particularly in 8‑bay or 12‑bay enclosures fully populated with these drives, cumulative vibration and resonance may amplify the perceived noise level. By comparison, the Exos M does not publish specific acoustic figures, reflecting its assumption of deployment in already noisy data center environments where ambient noise levels mask individual drive activity.

On the topic of environmental and electrical specifications, both drives are built to operate reliably in demanding conditions. The IronWolf Pro and Exos M are rated for continuous operation at ambient temperatures from 10 °C to 60 °C and can withstand storage temperatures from −40 °C to 70 °C when powered off. Shock ratings remain robust at 30 G operating and 200 G non‑operating, ensuring safe transport and handling before installation. Rotational vibration tolerance of up to 12.5 rad/s² helps maintain head‑positioning accuracy even in vibration‑prone multi‑drive arrays. Power draw, as specified by Seagate, averages around 6.8–6.9 W when idle and rises to between 8.3–9.5 W during typical operating workloads, depending on the model. Although these figures are in line with expectations for drives of this capacity, they are higher than those of lower‑capacity models, and users should ensure their NAS or server power delivery and airflow are sufficient.

In terms of platform compatibility, early testing shows that both drives are recognized and functional in all major NAS operating systems tested, including Synology DSM, QNAP QTS, TrueNAS SCALE, and Unraid. Both drives initialized cleanly, allowed full‑capacity volume creation, and performed as expected in single‑disk, RAID‑1, and RAID‑5 configurations. Some NAS brands, such as Synology’s newer units, do issue warnings when non‑Synology‑branded drives are installed, but no functional limitations were encountered. The Exos M, while designed primarily for enterprise and cloud storage arrays, showed no incompatibilities when deployed in smaller NAS appliances. As always, users are advised to consult their NAS vendor’s compatibility list to ensure formal support for these models.

Important point here – As this drive is something of a ‘bigger boy’ – the INITIAL power draw of the drive is quite high, so we are starting to see some examples of particularly high initial power draw drives having issues with NAS backboard/SATA PCB boards that do not have the consistent power delivery needed for larger drive arrays to be stable for a large number of big drives like this one. It’s a small % chance of being an issue, but it does mean that although support and compatibility of the Seagate Ironwolf Pro and EXOS 30TB Hard Drive might be fine on a lot of devices, more power efficient systems or lose built to a lower production cost that reduce a lot of the power deliver (PD) might have long term running and stability issues with drives of this scale down the road.

Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOS Hard Drive – Conclusion and Verdict

The Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB and Exos M 30TB drives both exemplify the steady evolution of high‑capacity mechanical storage, bringing unprecedented density to the familiar 3.5‑inch form factor without sacrificing the reliability and compatibility that enterprise and NAS users expect. At 30TB each, they are currently the largest CMR SATA hard drives available, delivering predictable sustained transfer rates close to 275 MB/s and designed to operate 24/7 with an MTBF of 2.5 million hours. Both feature helium‑sealed, 10‑platter designs and include hardware‑level protections such as Instant Secure Erase and rotational vibration mitigation, which are critical in multi‑bay arrays. Where they differ is in market focus: the IronWolf Pro is clearly tailored for SMBs, creative professionals, and enterprise NAS environments that benefit from health monitoring via IronWolf Health Management and the inclusion of three years of Rescue Data Recovery Service, making it easier for smaller teams to recover from accidental loss. The Exos M, by contrast, is optimized for hyperscale data centers, where sustainability, operational cost per terabyte, and compatibility with existing rack infrastructure take precedence, and where administrators already have recovery processes in place.

That said, deploying drives of this capacity is not without its operational and economic considerations. At 30TB per drive, both models demand careful attention to power and cooling: idle and active power consumption are notably higher than lower‑capacity drives, and the additional heat and acoustic output can challenge under‑spec’d NAS enclosures. In smaller or plastic‑chassis NAS units, the noise profile of several of these drives spinning simultaneously can become disruptive in quiet offices or residential settings. Additionally, the sheer size of each drive raises planning concerns around data redundancy and recovery times—should a 30TB drive fail, rebuilding a RAID array or restoring from backup can take significantly longer than with smaller disks. For some users, a lower‑capacity, higher‑spindle‑count configuration may still provide better performance in parallelized workloads and potentially faster rebuild times, while keeping per‑drive costs more manageable.

Ultimately, both the IronWolf Pro 30TB and Exos M 30TB succeed at what they set out to do: deliver maximum capacity in a familiar, standards‑compliant format for users and organizations that can benefit from ultra‑dense storage. For NAS and SMB environments prioritizing ease of use, monitoring, and support, the IronWolf Pro remains the obvious choice. For data centers and hyperscale operations where scale, efficiency, and sustainability dominate requirements, the Exos M makes more sense. Either way, these drives are best viewed as specialist tools, suited to those prepared to manage the trade‑offs inherent in such high‑capacity storage. Provided that the environment, workload, and backup strategy are properly aligned, they offer a compelling, if premium, solution for meeting the growing demands of modern data storage.

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Want to follow specific category? Also Read...Seagate 30TB EXOS Hard Drive RSeagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro HardSeagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and Synology Hard Drives and SSDs Week 18 Tech Roundup – WD & Synology 2025 NAS Hard Drive aSynology 2025 NAS Hard Drive a(UPDATED) FAKE/USED SEAGATE IRWeek 7 Tech Roundup – BackblSeagate EXOS Drives (and possi Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

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If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  

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

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

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Hardware Specifications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Software Specifications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Synology DS925+ NAS		QNAP TS-464 NAS
Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology DS925+ NAS	Check B&H for the Synology DS925+ NAS	Check Amazon in Your Region for the QNAP TS-464 NAS	Check B&H for the QNAP TS-464 NAS

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

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

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

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QNAP annonce la disponibilité de sa solution de haute disponibilité (HA), conçue pour assurer la continuité des services critiques, quel que soit le secteur d’activité. Destinée aussi bien aux PME qu’aux grandes entreprises, cette architecture vise à maintenir l’accès aux données en cas de panne ou d’incident système, tout en réduisant les pertes opérationnelles et en renforçant les plans de reprise d’activité.

Architecture actif/passif simple et robuste

La solution repose sur un cluster à deux nœuds formés de 2 NAS QNAP identiques (avec 8 Go de RAM minimum), l’un actif… et l’autre passif. En cas de défaillance du NAS principal, le système bascule automatiquement vers le NAS secondaire en moins d’une minute (RTO < 60 s), sans nécessiter d’intervention manuelle. Ce mécanisme de basculement s’appuie sur un système de heartbeat, qui surveille en permanence l’état de chaque nœud via des échanges réseau (en UDP).

Gestion simplifiée avec High Availability Manager

La configuration, le suivi et la maintenance du cluster sont centralisés via l’application High Availability Manager, désormais disponible en Bêta (officialisé le 18/07). Cette interface permet de créer ou de modifier un cluster HA, de suivre les performances du réseau, ainsi que les statistiques des 2 NAS (latence, bande passante, état matériel). QNAP intègre également la technologie SnapSync, qui synchronise en temps réel les données entre les deux serveurs, réduisant considérablement le risque de perte de données (RPO proche de zéro).

Solution accessible et économique

Contrairement aux architectures HA traditionnelles, souvent lourdes et coûteuses, QNAP propose une alternative abordable, adaptée aux petites structures sans sacrifier la fiabilité. Cependant, la compatibilité est restreinte à certains modèles de NAS : les séries TVS-hx74, TS-hx88X, TS-hx87XU-RP ou encore le TDS-h2489FU. La version minimale requise du système d’exploitation est QuTS hero h5.3. Nul doute que QNAP va étendre cette liste de compatibilité dans les mois à venir.

Pour quels usages ?

La solution de haute disponibilité (HA) de QNAP est idéale pour tous les environnements où la continuité de service est non négociable. Parmi les cas d’usage les plus courants, on citera :

• Serveur de fichiers collaboratif : Garantit un accès constant aux fichiers partagés pour maintenir la productivité des équipes, même en cas de panne matérielle ;
• Stockage virtualisé (iSCSI/IP-SAN) : Maintient la disponibilité des volumes de stockage, évitant ainsi l’arrêt brutal de machines virtuelles ou la corruption de données ;
• Applications critiques (ERP, CRM, bases de données) : Permet un fonctionnement continu grâce à une latence minimale et une synchronisation constante entre les nœuds ;
• Environnements de calcul intensif et IA : Fournit un accès ininterrompu aux jeux de données volumineux, indispensable aux traitements IA ;
• Secteurs réglementés ou sensibles (santé, finance, industrie) : Réduit les risques liés aux interruptions de service, avec une infrastructure fiable et automatisée ;
• Réseaux d’entreprise résilients : En combinaison avec des switchs redondants QNAP (MC-LAG, voir ci-dessous), cette solution assure une continuité complète, du stockage à la connectivité.

En résumé, la haute disponibilité par QNAP s’adresse à toutes les entreprises qui exigent une tolérance à la panne quasi nulle, sans complexité d’intégration ni budget démesuré. Une réponse pragmatique aux enjeux de résilience numérique actuels.

Pour aller plus loin…

NAS à double contrôleur actif : performance et redondance

QNAP propose également une solution NAS à double contrôleur actif (architecture actif/actif), conçue pour allier performance, haute disponibilité et évolutivité. Intégrés dans un même châssis, deux contrôleurs système indépendants assurent un fonctionnement simultané et une répartition efficace des charges. En cas de défaillance d’un des contrôleurs, le second prend instantanément le relais, assurant un RPO quasi nul. Grâce à une interface SAS double canal, la fiabilité des connexions est renforcée. Compatible avec les protocoles SMB, NFS et iSCSI, ce type de NAS s’intègre facilement dans des environnements IT complexes. Il fonctionne grâce à QES, basé sur ZFS, et intègre des fonctionnalités avancées telles que la réparation automatique et la déduplication en ligne.

Réseau redondant avec MC-LAG

Pour assurer une connectivité réseau permanente, QNAP propose également une solution de redondance basée sur le MC-LAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation). En associant 2 switches QNAP L3 Lite, il est possible de créer une infrastructure résiliente : si l’un des switchs tombe en panne, l’autre prend automatiquement le relais. Ce basculement rapide garantit un accès ininterrompu aux ressources réseau, tout en limitant la latence et les interruptions de service. Résultat : un débit stable, une meilleure tolérance aux pannes et une connectivité fiable, indispensable aux environnements professionnels exigeants.

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QNAP vient d’annoncer la sortie de Qsync 6.0 Bêta. Il s’agit d’une mise à jour majeure de son outil de gestion de fichiers. Déjà connu pour sa capacité à synchroniser les fichiers entre un NAS QNAP et d’autres appareils, Qsync intègre désormais des fonctions complètes de sauvegarde planifiée et de multi-versions. L’objectif est de proposer une solution simple et tout-en-un…

QNAP Qsync 6.0

Contrairement à ce que son nom peut faire penser, Qsync ne fait pas que de la synchronisation… Qsync 6.0 permet désormais la sauvegarde automatique ou planifiée de fichiers et de dossiers depuis des machines sous Windows, avec une compatibilité macOS prévue prochainement. En cas de suppression accidentelle ou de panne, une fonctionnalité de restauration instantanée permet de retrouver les versions précédentes des fichiers. L’utilisateur peut choisir entre des sauvegardes en temps réel, planifiées ou manuelles, selon ses besoins.

Synchronisation multi-appareils toujours présente

Ne vous y trompez pas, la synchronisation reste un pilier central de Qsync. L’application propose des règles de synchronisation unidirectionnelle ou bidirectionnelle entre NAS, ordinateurs et appareils mobiles. Une fonction hors ligne permet de travailler sans connexion, les modifications sont synchronisées dès que l’accès au NAS est rétabli. Le téléchargement à la demande limite la consommation de stockage local en ne téléchargeant que les fichiers ouverts.

Collaboration et partage optimisés

Qsync améliore également la partie collaboration grâce aux dossiers partagés, qui garantissent que tous les membres accèdent aux versions les plus récentes des documents. Le partage sécurisé via des liens personnalisables facilite les échanges avec des partenaires internes ou externes, sans multiplier les copies ou versions.

Prérequis

Qsync 6.0 fonctionne comme un agent au niveau de l’ordinateur et nécessite d’avoir également sur le NAS l’application Qsync Central installée. Cependant, la dernière version (permettant la sauvegarde) est uniquement réservée à QTS. QuTS hero et QuTScloud recevront la mise à jour (permettant la comptabilité) très prochainement.

En synthèse

Cette évolution de Qsync renforce la position de QNAP sur le segment des solutions hybrides de stockage et de collaboration. La synchronisation offre de nombreux atouts, mais elle doit être combinée à de la sauvegarde… QNAP propose ici un véritable couteau suisse avec Qsync 6.0. La nouvelle version apporte une réponse aux enjeux croissants de sécurité, de flexibilité et d’efficacité des environnements professionnels.

Pour en savoir plus sur la sauvegarde et restauration chez QNAP, suivez ce lien…

source

Best NAS You Can Buy Right Now (Mid-2025) for Under $249

As personal data storage needs continue to grow in 2025, more users are seeking cost-effective alternatives to cloud services and monthly subscription platforms. Whether you’re backing up years of photos, hosting your own video library, or managing light business data locally, a dedicated NAS (Network Attached Storage) device offers greater privacy and control without recurring fees. Fortunately, the sub-$249 price point now includes a variety of surprisingly capable systems. Thanks to developments in low-power processors, DDR5 memory adoption, and more efficient operating systems, these devices can now handle everything from Plex streaming to light container workloads with relative ease. In this article, we explore five NAS solutions currently available at or below this price point, offering a balance of performance, connectivity, and storage potential for those looking to build their own storage solution on a modest budget.

Important Disclaimer and Notes Before You Buy!

Before diving into the specific NAS models, it’s important to understand the limitations and shared characteristics of devices in this price range. Most sub-$249 NAS units do not include any hard drives or SSDs, and many rely on M.2 NVMe slots or 2.5″/3.5″ SATA bays that must be populated separately. Some models ship with basic onboard storage (e.g., 32GB–64GB eMMC) sufficient only for the operating system. As such, the actual cost of getting a fully operational NAS with adequate storage for your needs may exceed the base unit price. Buyers should also be aware that these devices are best suited for home users, personal cloud use, and entry-level tasks, rather than intensive business or enterprise workloads. Additionally, several of the devices covered in this list do not come with a full-featured NAS operating system. Instead, they either rely on lightweight Linux-based platforms like CasaOS or ZimaOS, or they provide a basic UI designed for local file access and container management. While these OS options are improving in terms of user-friendliness, they may lack advanced features like comprehensive RAID management, automated snapshots, or multi-user file permission systems found in higher-end platforms like Synology DSM or TrueNAS. These NAS units are most appropriate for users with some technical confidence, or for those looking for a basic plug-and-play setup with limited customization needs.

Beelink ME Mini NAS – 6 Bay SSD NAS

$209 – Intel N150 – 12GB – No SSD (64GB eMMC Only) – 2x 2.5GbE + WiFi 6 – No OS / User Install – BUY HERE

The Beelink ME Mini is a compact NAS device aimed at users who want high-speed, SSD-based storage in a minimal footprint. Measuring just 99mm on each side, it features six M.2 2280 NVMe slots, providing up to 24TB of total capacity when fully populated. Powered by the Intel N150 processor and paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, it offers a decent balance between performance and energy efficiency. Connectivity is handled via dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, making it suitable for both wired and wireless environments. The unit is cooled passively and contains an integrated power supply, reducing cable clutter and making it ideal for placement in home media setups or small offices.

However, the device does not include an operating system, and users will need to install a preferred NAS OS themselves — whether that’s CasaOS, Ubuntu Server, or something container-based. There’s also no bundled storage beyond the 64GB eMMC system partition, so the overall cost will rise depending on your NVMe selections. It lacks support for traditional 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA drives, making this NAS most suitable for users seeking a quiet, SSD-only setup with strong networking performance and flexibility for custom OS installation.

GMKTec G9 NAS – 4 Bay M.2 NAS @ The lowest Price

$185.99 – Intel N150 – 12GB – No SSD (64GB eMMC Only) – 2x 2.5GbE + WiFi 6 – Ubuntu 24.10 (Preloaded, Switchable) – BUY HERE

The GMKTec G9 offers similar internal hardware to the Beelink ME Mini, including the same Intel N150 processor and 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, but with a more rectangular chassis and fewer SSD slots — four instead of six. The system includes 64GB of onboard eMMC storage, primarily used for booting Ubuntu 24.10, with the option to dual-boot into Windows 11 if a suitable SSD is installed. Like the Beelink, it lacks traditional SATA support and focuses on high-speed NVMe storage via M.2 2280 slots, up to 4TB per drive. The unit is cooled actively and includes dual HDMI outputs, making it more appealing for those who may want to use it as a lightweight desktop or media output device in addition to a NAS.

One of the notable differences is its broader OS support and better I/O variety, including three USB 3.2 ports and a DisplayPort-capable USB-C connector. This NAS is best suited to users looking for a more configurable or multi-purpose system with better visual output options. However, as with the Beelink, users must add their own NVMe storage, and setup requires a basic understanding of system boot configuration and OS installation. Note – this one GETS HOT, so get SSD heatsinks and ensure a good active airflow wherever you deploy it!

Synology BeeStation 4TB NAS – ALL IN ONE!

$199 – Realtek RTD1619B – 1GB – 4TB SINGLE BAY – 1x 1GbE – BeeStation Manager (BSM) – BUY HERE

The Synology BeeStation 4TB is a fully integrated, single-bay NAS aimed squarely at users who want a no-setup-required solution. Unlike most NAS devices in this price range, it comes pre-configured with a 4TB internal hard drive and a sealed chassis, meaning users don’t need to source or install any storage themselves. It runs on a Realtek RTD1619B ARM-based processor, includes 1GB of DDR4 memory, and connects over a single 1GbE port. The included BeeStation Manager (BSM) OS is designed specifically for beginners, offering cloud-style file access, photo management, and mobile app integration with minimal technical effort.

This NAS is best suited to individuals or households that want a simple local backup and file-sharing solution that behaves more like a smart external hard drive than a customizable NAS. It supports basic multimedia functions, Synology mobile apps, and remote access features, but does not allow for internal expansion or RAID redundancy. The included USB-A and USB-C ports can be used for manual backups to external drives. However, because it’s a sealed single-drive unit with no RAID options, users should plan to back up to another location—either cloud or USB—to ensure data protection. Despite these limitations, its all-in-one design, 3-year warranty, and simple user experience make it one of the few truly plug-and-play NAS systems under $250.

UGREEN NASync DXP2800 NAS – The New Challenger!

$249 – Intel N100 – 8GB – No Storage (32GB eMMC) – 1x 2.5GbE – UGOS Pro – BUY HERE

The UGREEN DXP2800 is part of the company’s NASync lineup, aimed at users who want a blend of expandability and affordability. It combines the practicality of traditional HDD storage with the performance benefits of SSDs, offering two 3.5″ SATA bays alongside two M.2 NVMe SSD slots for faster caching or active data operations. At the heart of the system is an Intel N100 processor, a 12th-generation quad-core chip from Intel’s energy-efficient N-series lineup, which supports both basic virtualization and multimedia streaming. This is paired with 8GB of DDR5 memory, non-ECC but upgradable, and a 32GB eMMC used solely for the preloaded UGOS Pro operating system. Connectivity is handled through a single 2.5GbE LAN port and a mix of USB ports on both front and rear panels — including USB-C and 10Gbps-capable USB-A. UGOS Pro, while relatively new, features a clean web-based interface with container support, RAID management (0, 1, JBOD), remote file sharing, and basic multimedia services.

While it lacks the ecosystem polish of Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, it is one of the few turnkey options in this price range that supports both SSD and HDD usage in a flexible, non-proprietary layout. However, buyers should still account for the need to install their own drives and configure the storage pools manually. It’s a solid balance of raw hardware potential and modest software capability for users willing to manage their setup beyond the initial boot.

ZimaBoard 2 (832 Version) – DIY Enthusiast’s DREAM!

$199 – Intel N150 – 8GB – No Storage (32GB eMMC) – 2x 2.5GbE – ZimaOS – BUY HERE

The ZimaBoard 2 (832) is a low-profile, single-board NAS platform designed for flexibility and modularity rather than out-of-the-box convenience. Unlike traditional NAS systems with enclosures and tool-less drive bays, this unit is a bare embedded board that offers direct access to interfaces for those who want to build or customize their own setup. It is powered by the same Intel N150 quad-core processor used in other compact NAS systems, paired here with 8GB of LPDDR5x memory and 32GB of onboard eMMC storage for its pre-installed ZimaOS. This board features two powered SATA 3.0 ports, making it one of the few sub-$250 NAS options that supports HDDs natively without requiring USB-to-SATA adapters or expansion modules.

In terms of connectivity, the ZimaBoard 2 includes dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, USB 3.1, a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and a Mini DisplayPort output supporting 4K60 video. While the PCIe slot expands potential use cases (e.g., additional networking, storage, or accelerator cards), most users will opt to use the SATA ports for reliable storage first. The board is passively cooled with a large integrated heatsink and operates silently, but thermal performance may vary based on enclosure design and ambient temperature. It is particularly well-suited to DIY users looking to build a lightweight NAS, firewall, media server, or container host. ZimaOS includes a web-based UI and supports CasaOS and Linux-based OS alternatives, but configuration still requires basic familiarity with system setup and storage configuration. It’s not intended for users looking for plug-and-play simplicity, but rather those who want total control over their NAS hardware and software environment.

Each of the NAS options presented here offers a different balance of hardware, expandability, and ease of use, while remaining under the $249 price threshold. Users who prefer pre-configured simplicity may lean toward the Synology BeeStation, while those seeking customization and SSD-focused performance might opt for the Beelink ME Mini or GMKTec G9. The UGREEN DXP2800 provides hybrid storage flexibility with a more developed software interface, and the ZimaBoard 2 appeals to technically inclined users who want complete control over their system stack. While no single device is perfect, all five represent viable paths toward local data ownership and self-hosted media or backup solutions without breaking the bank.

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45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Case Review

The 45Drives HL8 is an 8-bay desktop NAS chassis developed for users who want professional-grade storage hardware without committing to the rigid ecosystems of traditional NAS vendors. Designed and manufactured in North America, the HL8 is available in several configurations, with this review focusing specifically on the chassis, backplane, and power supply model. This version includes a precision-built steel enclosure, a direct-wired 8-bay SATA backplane, and a 500W 80 Plus Gold-rated Flex ATX power supply. It omits bundled motherboards, CPUs, and pre-installed operating systems, appealing to users who prefer to build or customize their NAS hardware environment while still benefiting from an integrated power and storage foundation. The HL8 aims to bridge the gap between low-cost DIY NAS enclosures, which often suffer from poor thermals and awkward layouts, and locked-down consumer appliances that limit software choices and upgrade potential. With a hinged open-frame design, support for full-height PCIe cards, and internal layout optimized for accessibility and cooling, the HL8 is positioned as a platform for long-term use and adaptability rather than a quick-start solution. While its price point is significantly higher than generic imported chassis, its construction and modular focus suggest it’s intended for serious users seeking more control, not simply more convenience.

Who Are 45Drives?

45Drives is a Canadian storage hardware manufacturer based in Nova Scotia, operating as a division of Protocase, a custom enclosure and prototyping company. The brand has built a reputation among system integrators, IT professionals, and homelab enthusiasts for delivering modular, open-platform storage solutions. Unlike many NAS vendors that focus on vertically integrated ecosystems, 45Drives offers systems built around industry-standard components, designed to be user-serviceable and adaptable. Their catalog includes high-density rackmount systems like the Storinator, hybrid flash-HDD systems such as the Stornado, and more recently, a range of compact desktop NAS chassis under the “HL” or HomeLab label. The HL8, HL4, and HL15 models are part of this effort to scale down enterprise-grade build quality into a form factor more appropriate for deskside or small office deployment.

A core part of 45Drives’ identity is its commitment to open-source principles, not just through hardware compatibility but also in software tooling and education. The company develops and maintains Cockpit-based management modules—such as their ZFS and Samba interfaces—for Linux distributions like Rocky Linux, which they often preinstall with their systems. These modules are freely available on GitHub, and the company encourages users to modify, self-host, or adapt them as needed. In addition to their software work, 45Drives actively engages with the community through regular YouTube content, documentation portals, and technical support that continues even when customers deviate from default hardware or software configurations. This combination of enterprise durability, user empowerment, and open development has earned 45Drives a dedicated following among those who want to retain full control over their infrastructure without sacrificing reliability or support.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

NOISE - 8/10

COOLING - 8/10

PRICE - 6/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.0

PROS

1. Exceptional build quality using 2mm thick powder-coated steel
2. Unique hinged design allows full interior access without disassembly
3. Integrated 12Gb/s SATA/SAS-compatible hot-swap backplane
4. Designed for Mini-ITX motherboards with full PCIe x16 slot suppor0t
5. Tool-less and tray-less drive bays improve maintenance and upgrades
6. Outstanding documentation and support from 45Drives
7. Fully open-source-friendly chassis with non-proprietary layout

CONS

1. Significantly more expensive than typical DIY NAS cases
2. No native 2.5\" SSD bays included (requires 3D-printed or addon tray)
3. Only compatible with Flex ATX PSUs, limiting choice and increasing cost

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – External Design

The HL8’s exterior sets it apart from typical consumer NAS enclosures through its bold and unique industrial construction – practically enterprise grade, at a homelab and desktop level. Built from 16-gauge powder-coated steel, the chassis weighs approximately 22 lbs even before drives are installed, conveying a sense of structural rigidity that clearly aligns more with enterprise hardware than with mass-market desktop cases.

The finish is matte and durable, avoiding cheap plastics or decorative panels. Buyers can choose between metal and acrylic front plates, and several color options are available, offering some degree of personalization—something rarely seen at this tier. Branding is subtle, with the HL8 model designation etched into the top panel and a logo plate on the front face.

Unlike most enclosures that rely on removable panels or sliding trays, the HL8 features a hinged “clam shell” design. The entire upper shell lifts open via captive thumb screws, granting immediate access to internal components without needing to remove the drives or disconnect cabling.

This mechanism provides real-time visibility into the system’s interior during operation, making it easier to perform diagnostics, replace fans, or adjust cabling. It’s particularly helpful for users who regularly service or upgrade their systems, and it avoids many of the frustrations associated with cramped or tool-dependent access panels.

The front of the case houses eight hot-swap 3.5” bays in a vertical arrangement, accessible without tools and pre-wired via the internal backplane. These bays are trayless and rely on drive guides for alignment, secured by the structural frame rather than individual plastic sleds. This design allows for rapid drive installation and removal while minimizing potential points of mechanical failure. The front ventilation is cut directly into the steel fascia, and airflow is directed through the drive bays by internal Noctua fans located behind them. There are no visible indicators or LCD panels on the front panel—minimalism is favored over visual clutter.

Around the rear, the layout remains conventional but clean. The rear I/O cutout accommodates standard mini-ITX motherboard layouts, and the single expansion slot supports a full-height PCIe card up to 72mm in height. The integrated Flex ATX power supply sits beside the motherboard area with its own exhaust fan, and ample passive ventilation is provided via additional steel cutouts. While visually understated, the HL8’s outer design prioritizes durability, accessibility, and functional airflow—traits that reflect its enterprise lineage more than its homelab label might suggest.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Internal Case Design

Internally, the HL8 case is engineered for both accessibility and structured airflow, with a layout that avoids many of the compromises found in smaller or mass-produced enclosures. The most notable feature is its fully hinged body, which allows the entire top and side panel assembly to lift upward without removing the drives. This open-access approach separates the drive chamber from the motherboard compartment without creating restrictive airflow barriers. It’s a significant advantage for users who need to inspect, troubleshoot, or upgrade internal components, especially when working with larger cooling units or dense cable configurations.

The motherboard area is positioned on the right side of the chassis, aligned horizontally to the drive plane, which prevents any obstruction by drive trays or cabling. This layout supports standard mini-ITX boards and allows full visibility of memory slots, M.2 sockets, and power headers even with drives installed. The motherboard is flanked by routing space that supports organized cabling, including SATA or power leads. This spacing is particularly useful when working with non-modular PSUs or when routing SATA cables from alternative controllers or add-in cards. The case does not limit users to any specific board vendor or layout beyond the mini-ITX size constraint.

Cabling for the backplane is pre-installed in the PSU model, which simplifies setup considerably. The backplane itself is a direct-wired design supporting up to eight SATA drives without requiring SAS expander cards or proprietary interfaces. This approach ensures compatibility with a wide range of consumer and enterprise SATA drives and avoids the long-term risks of vendor-specific drive bay lock-ins. It also makes replacing or troubleshooting individual cables far easier than in systems using multipath or bundled connectors. Power and data connections are cleanly routed through the side of the case, keeping airflow clear and minimizing vibration interference.

The Flex ATX PSU sits at the rear left and is mounted horizontally, drawing air through its own intake and exhausting separately from the main airflow path. This compact configuration leaves the bulk of the case’s lower chamber available for future expansion or airflow tuning. Additional internal fan mounts and brackets are preinstalled, and 45Drives includes all necessary mounting screws and documentation—even down to port-specific manuals for the pre-installed PSU. The internal design of the HL8 shows clear thought toward ease of maintenance and modularity, reflecting an expectation that users will revisit and modify their system over time rather than treat it as a sealed appliance.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Noise and Cooling

The HL8’s cooling design reflects a balance between thermal efficiency and acoustic performance, especially in its PSU-included configuration. By default, this model ships with multiple Noctua fans—specifically, two NF-A12x15 fans for intake and one NF-A4x10 for exhaust—which are widely regarded for their low noise output and long-term reliability.

Combined with the direct airflow path created by the open drive cage layout, the HL8 maintains effective cooling of both hard drives and system components without requiring high-RPM, high-noise fan profiles. Even under load, thermal tests show the drive temperatures hovering around 50°C in a 20°C ambient environment—well within safe operating margins for mechanical disks.

In real-world usage, the system produces around 33–34 dBA at idle and 42 dBA under full fan load during tasks such as ZFS pool creation or sustained disk activity. These levels are consistent with what you would expect from a quiet desktop PC and are significantly lower than typical rackmount systems or budget enclosures using unbranded high-speed fans.

The use of steel panels throughout the chassis also contributes to noise dampening, reducing vibration resonance from spinning drives. Overall, the HL8’s thermal and acoustic profile is well-suited for deployment in office or home environments where audible noise is a concern, without sacrificing long-term cooling performance.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay Case vs the Jonsbo N3 Case

The 45Drives HL8 and the Jonsbo N3 both offer 8-bay NAS enclosures for mini-ITX builds, but they cater to very different tiers of the DIY NAS market. The HL8 is positioned as a premium, enterprise-grade enclosure built entirely from 16-gauge steel and manufactured in Canada. It includes a fully integrated backplane, Noctua fans, and a Flex ATX PSU—features aimed at maximizing serviceability, thermal control, and long-term reliability.

Priced at roughly $880 USD for the chassis, backplane, and PSU combo, it targets users who demand industrial standards in a desktop form factor. The Jonsbo N3, in contrast, is a Chinese-manufactured enclosure constructed from 2.0mm aluminium alloy with 1.0mm steel internals.

It focuses on maximizing functionality in a compact and aesthetically refined format, with average retail pricing ranging between $150–$170 USD, though occasional sales and unpredictable shipping costs on platforms like AliExpress can make pricing volatile.

In terms of hardware layout and user experience, the HL8 emphasizes modularity and ease of access. Its unique “flower-style” hinged chassis allows for complete servicing of drives, motherboard, cabling, and PSU without disassembly. The built-in backplane supports both SATA and SAS, reducing the need for messy cabling or additional HBA cards unless required for scale-out. Meanwhile, the Jonsbo N3 offers a two-chamber design separating drives and the motherboard/PSU area, supporting 8 hot-swap drives via an included SATA-only backplane. However, the power delivery system relies on two Molex and one SATA connector—an odd combination that may require more planning for power distribution. The N3 also employs a PSU passthrough cable from the back to a front-mounted internal SFX PSU, saving space but potentially restricting airflow and complicating installation. Unlike the HL8’s enterprise cable routing, the N3 requires tight cable management due to its smaller internal volume, and is more prone to cable congestion near the motherboard tray.

Where the HL8 wins in build quality and professional usability, the N3 counters with surprising features at its price point. The N3 includes dual rear fans, 8 LED indicators for drive activity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C front I/O, and support for large PCIe GPUs or network cards up to 250mm. However, it uses rubber grommet-mounted drive holders instead of trays—a cost-saving measure that may reduce vibration but introduces concerns about long-term durability and ease of drive removal. It also lacks tool-less panels for the main lid, requiring an Allen key for access, which, while flush and neat, isn’t practical for regular service. By comparison, the HL8 is fully toolless throughout. Ultimately, the HL8 is ideal for users who prioritize low-maintenance reliability and modular enterprise design in a desktop form, while the N3 offers excellent value for cost-conscious DIY builders willing to trade some serviceability and airflow flexibility for size, aesthetics, and affordability.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – The Pre-Built AMD Model

In addition to offering the HL8 as a chassis with backplane and power supply, 45Drives also sells a fully assembled, tested, and burn-in validated configuration for users who prefer a turnkey deployment. The current prebuilt model typically includes a Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX mini-ITX motherboard, paired with either an AMD Ryzen 5 5500GT (6-core, 12-thread) or Ryzen 7 5700G (8-core, 16-thread) processor. These CPUs offer solid single- and multi-threaded performance, integrated graphics for transcoding or light GUI workloads, and efficient power profiles.

The build also comes with up to 64GB of DDR4 UDIMM memory, a 1TB NVMe SSD (typically Gen 4), Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 low-profile CPU cooler, and factory-installed Noctua case fans. All internal wiring is professionally routed, and the system arrives with Rocky Linux and the Houston UI preinstalled for immediate setup.

At the time of writing, the total cost of the prebuilt HL8 with the Ryzen 5700G configuration is $1,538 USD. In contrast, a self-built system using comparable off-the-shelf components can be assembled for approximately $875–$900. A rough cost breakdown would be: Ryzen 7 5700G and B550I motherboard combo ($260), 64GB DDR4 UDIMM ($103), 1TB NVMe SSD ($60), 500W Flex ATX Gold PSU ($90), Noctua CPU and case fans ($75), plus an equivalent MITX 8-bay chassis with SATA backplane ($159–$180). While this approach offers clear cost savings, it comes with multiple delivery sources, fragmented warranties, and no factory testing—factors that may be important to users prioritizing reliability and vendor accountability over price.

The prebuilt model is best suited to users who want predictable performance, reduced setup time, and consolidated post-sale support. It removes the need for component sourcing, physical assembly, and initial troubleshooting. However, it also imposes some limitations, such as the use of a single 2.5GbE network port and lack of configuration flexibility. Users requiring more advanced networking or GPU options will need to expand via the PCIe slot manually. Overall, the prebuilt HL8 fills a niche for those who want an enterprise-adjacent storage server without the learning curve or integration work required by a ground-up build, but it may be over-specified or overpriced for more self-sufficient users.

The 45Drives Houseton UI Software – Any Good?

The Houston UI platform from 45Drives is built on top of the open-source Cockpit Project, designed to offer users a web-based server management interface with a lightweight footprint.

Its browser-based GUI makes it accessible from any device on the network, and it supports multiple Linux distributions, including Rocky Linux, which is often used as the default OS with Houston UI.

One of the primary strengths of Houston UI is its ZFS management interface. Users can easily create, modify, and monitor ZFS storage pools without needing to interact directly with the command line.

The system allows for selection of RAID types (RAIDZ1, Z2, etc.), VDEV expansion, record size configuration, deduplication, encryption, and adjustable compression — all accessible within a guided, GUI-based setup.

System monitoring is a central feature of Houston UI, with a real-time dashboard showing CPU, memory, network throughput, and active services. It includes disk status indicators, smart monitoring tools, and hardware detail pages.

Some of which include visual layouts depending on motherboard detection. While the graphical presentation is basic compared to Synology DSM, it does provide sufficient system insight for regular administration.

Houston UI also includes a modular service control center, where administrators can enable or disable a wide range of server services such as Samba (SMB), NFS, SSH, and rsync.

Each module is toggleable, and users can configure individual services with editable configuration files directly from the browser. This brings flexibility, while still maintaining visual accessibility for basic tasks.

The task scheduler in Houston UI provides an easy way to set up automated jobs — including backups, updates, power cycling, and network interface toggling.

Unlike many systems that hide these functions under multiple wizards, Houston offers a unified “Tasks” area for managing all routine automations, including custom scripts and cron-based tasks.

A standout feature is the cloud synchronization and backup module, which offers connectivity to cloud platforms such as Amazon S3 and Backblaze B2, as well as support for local-to-remote rsync and FTP targets. It allows users to control bandwidth, frequency, and folder mappings from a single-pane interface — something that’s typically fragmented in competing platforms.

For users running virtual machines, Houston UI includes a KVM-based virtualization manager. This allows the creation and monitoring of guest VMs directly through the browser, including storage provisioning, image selection, CPU/memory configuration, and console access. While not as feature-rich as Proxmox, it’s suitable for lightweight VM workloads and container testing.

Finally, Houston supports module extensions, with 45Drives publishing their own file sharing and ZFS modules via GitHub. These can be installed on any compatible Linux system running Cockpit. This open approach allows users to build their own UI extensions or pull from the community, avoiding platform lock-in and enabling customization well beyond the factory defaults.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The 45Drives HL8, when configured as a chassis with backplane and PSU, represents a refined and deliberate approach to small-form NAS deployment. Priced around $880 USD, this configuration sits well above entry-level alternatives, but the investment is clearly reflected in its enterprise-grade construction, serviceable layout, and attention to detail. With a robust 16-gauge steel chassis, direct-wired SATA backplane, and a high-efficiency 500W Flex ATX PSU pre-installed, it offers an ideal base for users who plan to build a serious and scalable NAS solution without locking themselves into restrictive ecosystems.

The hinged body design, tool-free drive access, and Noctua fan integration show a strong understanding of real-world usability, especially for those who perform ongoing maintenance, upgrades, or hardware experimentation. In that sense, it’s less a typical “consumer NAS case” and more a modular platform intended for long-term infrastructure use in homelab and small business environments.

That said, this is not a universal fit for all users. The HL8’s exclusive support for mini-ITX motherboards imposes limitations on connectivity and expansion, especially for those needing multiple PCIe lanes or additional SATA ports without relying on adapters. And while the internal layout is clearly optimized, buyers still need to be comfortable sourcing and configuring their own motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage—something that could be daunting for beginners or those seeking simplicity over flexibility. In markets where similar 8-bay enclosures from lesser-known brands can be found for half the price, the HL8’s value lies more in its physical build quality, localized production, and long-term viability rather than raw cost efficiency. Users comparing it to entry-tier rackmount gear or compact server cases will need to weigh whether the HL8’s refinement and modularity justify the premium.

Ultimately, the HL8 is a product with a clearly defined audience: self-hosters, IT professionals, and technical users who understand the value of vendor-agnostic hardware and want to retain full control over their system’s lifecycle. It offers a rare middle ground between low-cost DIY setups that require piecemeal integration and fully locked turnkey NAS systems from mainstream brands. For those who are willing to invest not only financially but also in the time and knowledge needed to assemble and manage their NAS environment, the HL8 stands out as one of the most thoughtfully engineered and supportable 8-bay NAS chassis currently on the market.

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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

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If Not Synology? Which Other NAS Brand Should You Choose?

It’s an odd question, but with Synology arguably making some rather higher business and enterprise decisions in recent years, there have been increasing queries about who would fill the void if they moved onwards and upwards. As Synology holds such a powerful position in the NAS market, their absence would certainly lead to quite the battle of strength from other players. The obvious answer would be QNAP, a brand that has a similar history to Synology (over two decades in the business, Taiwan-based, in-house OS, numerous 1st-party tools, home and business solutions, etc.), but in 2025, the reality is nowhere near as clear-cut. Younger established brands that have jockeyed for 3rd position, such as Asustor and Terramaster, have been challenged by several startups (ZimaCube and Zimaboard 2, Orico’s Cyberdata Vault, to name just two) entering the fray, as well as established brands like UGREEN, which are expanding their business into the NAS sector. If Synology, for whatever reason, ceased to occupy this important user class of private turnkey server ownership, who would be best placed to occupy it?

How, Where and Why Has Synology Changed?

Synology’s rapid change in business stance to be more enterprise/hyperscale-focused comes at the same time as their frequency of more entry-level, small business, prosumer, and enthusiast solutions has dropped. The regularity of smaller 2-Bay and 4-Bay solutions has noticeably decreased, and the hardware they feature has changed to accommodate more business-type use. This by no means suggests that the brand is making moves to exit these user groups (indeed, support of DSM and the latest revision DSM 7.2.2 extends to all existing users up to many systems released in the late 2010s). However, there has been plenty of user outcry from existing users and potential customers on the architecture of both DSM and the recent releases that exacerbate users to move away from the brand and spend their allocated budgets elsewhere. Synology still comfortably sits ahead of its competitors in terms of software, features, and the UX of their platform, but many changes in policy and support mentioned below have started this trend:

• Changes in 3rd-party HDD compatibility on systems above the 8-Bay scale, prioritizing their own 1st-party labeled HDDs and SSDs, as well as reducing the presentation and compatibility listings on their site significantly.
• Changes in the choice of internal hardware featured in their systems to be more focused on business file processes and less on multimedia use.
• Comparatively smaller increases in base hardware between refreshes of individual series (e.g., J4125 and V1500B CPUs in 2024 launch devices, despite first appearing in 2019/2020).
• Considerable increased focus on software enhancements over hardware (not a bad thing, but an undeniable fact).
• Increased proprietary hardware support over 3rd-party (e.g., Synology-only Memory modules, custom 10GbE adapters like the E10G22-T1, Synology-only M.2 SSDs for Pool Use).
• An increasing number of cloud subscription services getting newer features, while local services remain secure and stable but static.
• New product focus shifting towards newer larger-scale solutions like the evolving GridStation series, Active Protect subscription system, and C2 innovations.
• The predicted elimination of the J entry-level series in favor of the pre-populated and software-streamlined BeeStation.

All of the above are small factors in themselves, but add them all up, and you see small but important stepping stones toward a gear shift in Synology’s target demographic. So, if Synology were to intentionally or inadvertently begin to move outside of these user groups of home, small business, and enthusiast, who stands to fill this space and grow?

QNAP vs Synology?

As mentioned earlier, QNAP stands to be the most likely contender to fill this space. With over 20 years of history, a larger range of hardware solutions than Synology, and software that does pretty much everything Synology’s does, they have been consistent competitors. However, inconsistencies in user experience, conflicting UIs, and a tendency to try to do “too much” have resulted in their losing ground to Synology in terms of software. Add to this the negative brand impact of security incidents in 2020-2022, which tarnished their reputation around security and safety, requiring serious improvement. To the brand’s credit, they have made considerable internal culture changes on this subject, adding bounty programs, tightening system defaults, increasing pen testing, introducing several system security scanning tools, disabling things like SSH and admin super user accounts as standard, and more.

Value Series	Best All Rounder	Prosumer NAS
TS-233 2-Bay NAS	TS-464 4-Bay NAS	TVS-h874 8-Bay NAS
$189 on Amazon (Check Here)	$549 on Amazon (Check Here)	$2499 on Amazon (Check Here)

In terms of hardware, they have mostly stuck to what works, refreshing existing product families at the same rate of 2.5-3 years for desktop small-medium scale, and 3-5 years for larger scale. They have also introduced significantly more recent CPUs from both Intel and AMD, as well as 2.5GbE as standard on their solutions at the same price point as 1GbE. If it weren’t for the damaging brand harm caused by the Deadbolt/QSnatch/Qlocker ransomware attacks, I think Synology would have been significantly challenged by QNAP in the last 2-3 years across all fronts. However, the setback to QNAP’s reputation reduced this growth potential significantly, and in the last two years, we have seen an increasing number of new names pop up in NAS that have also harmed QNAP’s appeal to users in terms of hardware value, the thing they could always be relied upon to beat Synology on. QNAP would still stand to become the ‘top dog’ in the event of a Synology exit (Synexit?) from the low-to-medium tiers of NAS storage, but many new players have entered the field, such as…

UGREEN vs QNAP?

Largely known for their power adapters and PC accessories, a year ago UGREEN had practically no real presence in the world of NAS. They had a smaller scale and more entry-level range of solutions that were limited to the East, but aside from that, they were complete outsiders. Fast forward to now, and following a successful and well-marketed Kickstarter campaign that raised millions of dollars, they are now a provider of genuinely impressive turnkey NAS solutions—the NASync series. The key word there is “turnkey”, as in they are providing both the hardware and the software. They could have just rolled out their hardware and made it OS-free (i.e., “Here’s a ready-built server, now go install UnRAID or TrueNAS”), but instead, they opted to produce and include an impressively responsive NAS OS in UGOS. Genuinely challenging the feature set of the likes of Asustor and Terramaster, as well as the design of Synology and the hardware level of QNAP, UGREEN has made a rapidly growing name for itself in the small-to-medium NAS sector.

Value Series	Best All Rounder	Prosumer NAS
DXP2800 2-Bay NAS	DXP4800 PLUS 4-Bay NAS	DXP8800 PLUS 8-Bay NAS
$399 on Amazon (Check Here)	$699 on Amazon (Check Here)	$1499 on Amazon (Check Here)

They definitely lack the range of solutions that those other brands offer, with only 6 solutions currently available (the DXP2800, DXP4800/PLUS, DXP6680, DXP8800, and DXP480T), and no rackmount solutions yet, but it’s a solid start. Equally, their software, although fluid and responsive in nailing down the NAS fundamentals, lacks many of the more impressive AAA+ solutions that are offered by the bigger brands. Lastly, although they raised a considerable sum during the crowdfunding, they do not have the global support, offices, or availability of their long-running NAS competitors—with solutions only being available in two regions, the US and Germany. All of these factors add up to a brand that is poised to make even bigger splashes in the years to come but is perhaps not quite ready to replace the big dog, Synology, just yet!

ASUSTOR vs Synology?

Always the bridesmaid, but never the bride, Asustor is a brand that has been around in the world of NAS in one shape or form for quite a few years. They are one of the mainstream Taiwanese brands in NAS that has always ‘been there’, but it is only in the last 4-5 years that they have been making sizable moves to take on both Synology and QNAP. One of the main ways in which they pursued this is by developing numerous features in both hardware and software that are available from their competitors individually. So features such as M.2 NVMe-focused storage systems, BTRFS support, WORM locking, 2.5GbE/5GbE support, HDMI output via a dedicated GUI, and more are features available on Synology and QNAP to some extent, but only Asustor rolls them under one brand umbrella. So, how poised are they to fill a void if Synology moved out of this space?

Well, from a hardware standpoint, Asustor is in a very good position. Them being Taiwan-based will certainly soothe concerns that have grown around Chinese companies and data storage solutions. Equally, their hardware has evolved rapidly in their last two generations to feature some genuinely unique solutions that are either specific to the platform or priced at a level that makes them genuinely competitive against DIY and BYO solutions. Systems such as the Flashstor series, Lockerstor series, and even value offerings like the Drivestor are surprisingly well equipped. They are not quite on the same level of hardware as QNAP (who have a significantly more diverse hardware portfolio), but they are fleshing it out very well.

Value Series	Best All Rounder	Prosumer NAS
Nimbustor Gen 2 2-Bay NAS	Flashstor Gen 1 12-Bay NAS	Lockerstor Gen 3 8/10-Bay NAS
$369 on Amazon (Check Here)	$449-749 on Amazon (Check Here)	$1999 on Amazon (Check Here)

However, it is the software of Asustor (ADM) that is unfortunately where the brand is a little more timid. They have a NAS OS, numerous client tools for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android—and they nail down the bulk of the application fundamentals for storage management, multi-site backup handling, multimedia playback, containers, and more. But the platform lacks a few of the more AAA/desirable services, such as AI-powered photo recognition, a 1st-party VM tool, ZFS support, and ultimately is a little more reliant on 3rd-party applications to fill the gaps. They have recently countered this by officially detailing that they support users who buy Asustor hardware to go ahead and install 3rd-party NAS software like TrueNAS or UnRAID without it harming your warranty—so they know they are not leading the pack in terms of their own ADM NAS software but do make noticeable user concessions. With new hardware on the horizon in the Lockerstor Gen3 and Flashstor Gen2 (both of which see a significant bump in hardware profiles), we might see some impressive moves from Asustor in 2025. I just think they still have some ways to go before they can fill any potential void that Synology might leave.

TERRAMASTER vs Synology?

Terramaster has been jockeying for the NAS 3rd place spot with Asustor for well over a decade at this point, and much like their opponent, they have been good at integrating individual features from both QNAP and Synology into their own NAS hardware and TOS platform, but to a larger degree than Asustor. For example, their OS provides largely everything that Asustor ADM does (including TrueNAS/UnRAID support without voiding your warranty) but adds to this with an AI photo recognition platform, their own VM tool, and an impressive Isolation Mode that can sever the system at the click of a button from remote access, 3rd-party PHP, and any external requests (necessitating a restart to disable). However, as this brand is a Chinese brand, there will always be question marks raised by users about how this system compares with Taiwanese-based systems. This is a little unfair, given that Terramaster, Asustor, and QNAP were all successfully hit by the same ransomware attack (Deadbolt) a few years back, so there was plenty of ‘vulnerability’ to spread around!

In terms of hardware, Terramaster has been making some impressive and aggressive strides in this area—with the recent launch of their 3-part F4-424 Intel NAS series (Standard, Pro, and MAX), the release of two 8-bay M.2 NVMe 10GbE equipped systems (the F8 PLUS and F8 SSD PLUS), and new desktop and rackmounts hot on their heels. They have also scaled up the design to better improve cooling, efficiency, and just general visual appeal.

Value Series	Best All Rounder	Prosumer NAS
F2-424 2-Bay NAS	F4-424 Max 4-Bay NAS	T9-500 Pro 9-Bay NAS
$369 on Amazon (Check Here)	$819 on Amazon (Check Here)	$1499 on Amazon (Check Here)

However, much like Asustor, their software is just not able to challenge the standard that Synology has set. For buyers looking for smooth and easy utilization like Synology, Terramaster’s TOS has the danger of feeling a little clunky. Their latest release, TOS6, brings new features, software standards, and design to the mix, but it lacks the range of mobile applications, desktop client tools, and consistent UX/presentation that Synology seems to do so well. Terramaster is a fantastic value-for-money choice, and I would argue they have significantly scaled up the level of hardware and software utility they provide year on year. But they still have a way to go before they can hit the same notes as Synology DSM yet.

WD / Netgear vs Synology?

This is a pretty short one! The answer is no! Both WD and Netgear have regularly reduced their hardware ranges and the frequency of software updates these last few years, and although there are a decent range of business file server systems still being released, the general home/enthusiast/prosumer level of hardware is pretty poor and uninteresting compared to everyone else on this list so far. I cannot help but get the feeling that, aside from some basic backup NAS systems that are still listed at the majority of retailers, the bulk of their range has been in circulation for 5-6 years now without any refresh in sight. For basic target file/folder storage, these systems still provide some limited modern NAS utility, but overall, they are a fairly weak alternative to Synology’s offerings in 2025.

A UniFi NAS?

With increased mentions and leaks online towards a potential NAS in the works from UniFi, this could be a very credible alternative to Synology in terms of software UX and presentation. UniFi, and its incredibly user-friendly UX featured on their Switch, Router, NVR, and Dream Machine combination systems, is where UniFi shines. No doubt any UniFi NAS solution would need to similarly blend into their ecosystem to the same degree. That said, if they were to launch a system, all their experience in the fields of network management, router security, and surveillance systems might not necessarily translate into a similar pedigree in network-attached storage. It’s hard to discuss how or if UniFi could fill any market space that a potential Synology absence would create, as they do not have any systems out in the market to make an informed decision. This is for the “To Be Continued…” pile!

Drobo vs Synology?

No…just…no. See Video Below:

IceWhale / ZimaCube

This is a very interesting one. 2023 and 2024 saw several companies arrive in the turnkey NAS space via the crowdfunding route (we already discussed UGREEN as the biggest example), wanting to break into the market. However, IceWhale benefits from having already launched two previous successfully fulfilled campaigns and is just completing their third one with the ZimaCube NAS system. Arriving with the lightweight containerized platform Zima OS (a modified version of their existing Casa OS), this new series is pretty impressive for its scale and price point at launch. Add to that the significantly unique design, impressive use of 10GbE and Thunderbolt over IP, and a 6x HDD / 4x NVMe system in a compact case, and you can see why they have made a fairly significant splash for a brand that is comparatively unheard of compared to Synology, QNAP, etc.

However, as robust as their range of solutions is (ZimaBoard, ZimaBlade, and ZimaCube), the software is still very rudimentary compared to the bulk of other browser GUI and more “operating system”-stylized UX. There are virtually no client applications, except for their own system search and connection client tools. An eventual successor to Synology, if they moved upwards toward bigger and more business-oriented solutions, would need to hit the software functionality and user experience exceedingly early and exceedingly well.

Mini PC Brands – Lincplus, Aoostar, etc.

This is an odd one. There have been a large number of solutions appearing on sites such as AliExpress that arrive as “OS-Free” services, allowing a user to get a pre-built NAS hardware solution (i.e., no need to build one yourself, which takes longer and requires a degree of technical understanding). The end user can then choose to install popular and well-established solutions like TrueNAS, UnRAID, OpenMediaVault, and more.

Value Option	Best All Rounder	SSD Focused NAS
Aoostar WTR Pro 4-Bay NAS	Minsiforum MS-01 3/6-Bay NAS	Lincplus Lincstation N1 6-Bay NAS
$399-799 on Amazon (Check Here)	$399 on Amazon (Check Here)	$399 on Amazon (Check Here)

This serves as an impressively economical solution and has significantly grown in popularity in 2023/2024, but these 3rd-party software platforms lack a lot of the ease of use and quality of life client tools for modern devices that Synology features. Indeed, despite efforts like UnRAID 7 making its day-to-day use much easier, and TrueNAS working with HexOS for a more user-friendly output, these still pale in comparison to DSM and will also require a greater degree of technical user input in the long term to maintain stability, versus Synology’s rather more “it takes care of itself” design.

Synology vs EVERYONE ELSE – Conclusion and Verdict

If Synology were to leave the home/enthusiast/prosumer/small business tier very soon, I do think QNAP would stand to reoccupy this ground. However, give it 2-3 years, and I do think players like Terramaster, Asustor, and yes—even UGREEN—are poised to give QNAP some serious consumer competition. No doubt Synology is still keeping an eye on their competition (big and small) and would not willingly or easily give up this sector without a fight. However, there is no denying that the turnkey NAS industry is no longer the 2-3 horse race it was just five years ago!

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QNAP dispose de l’un des catalogues les plus fournis du marché en matière de solutions de stockage en réseau. Avec plus de 200 références dédiées exclusivement aux NAS, le fabricant taïwanais répond à un large éventail de besoins, des particuliers exigeants aux professionnels. Aujourd’hui, nous testons le QNAP TS-432X, un NAS économique doté de 4 baies et d’un port 10 GbE, conçu selon le fabricant pour accélérer les charges de travail. Découvrons-le en détail…

Test QNAP TS-432X

La série TS-x32x de QNAP est atypique à bien des égards. Comme vous allez pouvoir le constater avec le TS-432X, le fabricant a réussi un tour de force en y mettant un processeur ARM, de la RAM extensible et du Mult-Gig (10 GbE et 2,5). Une configuration rare dans cette gamme de prix.

Contenu de la boîte

À l’ouverture de l’emballage, on retrouve :

• Le TS-432X en lui-même ;
• 1 câble réseau RJ45 Cat.5e ;
• L’alimentation externe et son câble ;
• Des vis pour les SSD ;
• Un guide de démarrage rapide ;
• Un livret sur la garantie/conformité.

QNAP fait un effort louable pour limiter l’usage de plastique dans ses emballages. Une initiative bienvenue, surtout à l’échelle d’un fabricant qui commercialise plusieurs milliers d’unités par an.

Construction du NAS et design

Le design du TS-432X est assez classique, sobre et fonctionnel. Nous sommes ici sur un boîtier compact en plastique noir avec une petite touche de couleur sur le côté. Il affiche sur la balance 1,9 kg à vide et mesure 165 × 170 × 226,5 mm (H x L x P). À l’arrière, on retrouve un large ventilateur de 120 mm, assurant une bonne circulation de l’air dans le boitier.

Installation du NAS

L’installation des disques durs ne nécessite aucun outil, mais le montage des SSD SATA demande un tournevis. QNAP ne fait pas évoluer ce point, mais l’installation reste simple et rapide.

Côté compatibilité, QNAP prend en charge un large éventail de disques HDD et SSD, aussi bien pour les usages grand public que professionnel. Cependant, tous les modèles ne sont pas certifiés compatibles. Par exemple, les WD Blue et les Seagate Barracuda ne figurent pas sur la liste officielle. Ces modèles ne sont pas conçus pour une utilisation continue dans un NAS et les retours utilisateurs sont souvent négatifs.

Notre recommandation : privilégiez les disques conçus pour les NAS (WD Red, Seagate IronWolf, Toshiba N300…), qui offrent des performances et une fiabilité optimales.

Connectique

Le NAS dispose des interfaces de connexion suivantes :

• 2 ports USB 3.0 Type-A (dont 1 à l’avant) ;
• 1 port réseau 10 Gb/s SFP+ ;
• 2 ports réseau 2,5 Gb/s RJ45.

Un emplacement PCIe Gen 3 x4 est également disponible, permettant d’ajouter des SSD M.2, des ports réseau supplémentaires ou encore des interfaces USB.

Intérieur du TS-432X

Le TS-432X embarque un processeur Quad Core AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL524 cadencé à 2,0 GHz. Il est épaulé par 4 Go de RAM DDR4, extensible jusqu’à 16 Go. Il est regrettable de constater qu’en 2025, on retrouve encore des NAS destinés aux professionnels avec seulement 4 Go. Dommage également que la carte mère ne dispose que d’un seul slot mémoire.

QTS 5.2

Le NAS est livré avec QTS 5.2, la dernière version du système QNAP. Une version 6.0 est attendue prochainement, mais elle ne devrait pas arriver en version finale avant la fin de l’année.

L’interface est complète, performante, mais peut paraître moins intuitive que DSM de Synology. En revanche, la richesse fonctionnelle est au rendez-vous, les applications sont nombreuses et le catalogue d’applications MyQNAP propose près de 750 applications supplémentaires.

Performances du TS-432X

Dans la première partie des tests, nous allons évaluer les performances des transferts à travers un réseau 10 Gb/s (entre le NAS et des ordinateurs). Ensuite, nous regarderons les capacités du processeur, en analysant ses performances gloables… même si ce NAS ne devrait pas offrir de grandes surprises.

Vitesses dans les transferts

Depuis plusieurs années, nous avons mis en place un protocole de tests rigoureux fournissant des données fiables et comparables avec les performances des autres NAS. Pour cela, nous utilisons 4 applications de mesure différentes (2 sous macOS et 2 sous Windows) et réalisons en plus des transferts de fichiers de tailles variées dans les deux sens (NAS -> Ordinateur puis Ordinateur -> NAS) :

• Petites tailles : 100 fichiers de 500 Ko à 12 Mo (MP3, photos, documents Office)
• Tailles moyennes : 30 fichiers de 12 à 350 Mo (DivX, images RAW, archives ZIP)
• Fichiers volumineux : 10 fichiers avec une taille comprise entre 4 et 10 Go (MKV, ISO)

À la suite de ces tests, une moyenne des transferts est calculée et nous la représentons sous forme de graphiques exprimée en mégaoctets par seconde (Mo/s). Plus le nombre est élevé, plus le NAS est rapide. Pour notre évaluation du TS-432X, nous avons configuré un premier volume avec 2 SSD SATA en RAID 0, puis en RAID 0 avec le chiffrement des données. Nous continuerons avec 3 SSD SATA en RAID 5. Enfin, nous finirons avec le RAID 0 et 1 câble réseau 10 Gb/s.

RAID 0

En RAID 0, nous profitons pleinement des performances avec 2 SSD combinés. Comme vous pouvez le constater, si les performances sont bonnes en lecture… ce n’est pas la même en écriture. Bien sûr, il s’agit ici d’une moyenne et nous avons pu atteindre 1110 Mo/s en lecture… mais nous n’avons jamais dépassé les 650 Mo/s.

RAID 0 avec chiffrement activé

Avec le chiffrement du volume, nous avons des performances en lecture toujours très honorables. En écriture, les performances chutent sous la barre des 400 Mo/s.

RAID 5

En RAID 5, les performances en lecture restent très bonnes… sensiblement la même chose qu’en RAID 0. En écriture, c’est honorable, mais on ne passe pas les 500 Mo/s.

Performances générales

Le processeur ARM AL524 est suffisamment performant pour un usage intensif en stockage, sauvegarde ou conteneurisation (Docker). En revanche, il ne permet pas le transcodage de vidéo Ultra HD/4K, ni l’exécution de machines virtuelles. Ce n’est tout simplement pas son objectif.

Consommation électrique et nuisance sonore

Le TS-432X dispose d’un seul ventilateur de 120 mm, relativement silencieux. En fonctionnement normal avec 3 SSD, la consommation varie entre 18 et 20 W. En cas de forte charge (transferts chiffrés), elle monte à environ 30 W, ce qui reste très raisonnable.

Lors du Computex 2025 à Taipei, plusieurs annonces importantes ont été faites dans l’univers des NAS avec  Synology, QNAP et ASUSTOR. Ces 3 fabricants taiwanais ont présenté des solutions allant du NAS domestique aux serveurs de stockage pour les entreprises avec des avancées sur les performances et l’intégration de l’intelligence artificielle.

Synology : Stockage NVMe enterprise et la nouvelle Série DS+

PAS7700 : Un PAS décisif vers le stockage Flash Enterprise

Synology passe à la vitesse supérieure avec le lancement de sa gamme Parallel Active Station (PAS), inaugurée par le modèle PAS7700. Ce système 4U en cluster dual-node, entièrement NVMe, marque un tournant dans la stratégie de la marque vers les solutions de stockage hautes performances pour l’entreprise.

Le PAS7700 affiche des performances impressionnantes annoncées : jusqu’à 2 millions d’IOPS en lecture aléatoire 4K et 30 Go/s en lecture séquentielle 64 KB. Chaque nœud embarque 24 emplacements pour les nouveaux SSD U.3 NVMe conçus en interne par Synology, une première pour le constructeur. L’unité peut être étendue via le PAX224, pour atteindre jusqu’à 8 Po de capacité logique, grâce à une technologie de réduction de données intégrée affichant un ratio moyen de 5:1.

Renouvellement de la série DS+ avec du 2,5 GbE

Synology a également dévoilé 6 nouveaux modèles de sa série DSx25+, incluant les DS225+, DS425+, DS725+, DS925+, DS1525+ et DS1825+. La principale nouveauté réside dans l’arrivé du port réseau 2,5 Gb/s sur l’ensemble de la gamme, répondant enfin aux attentes des utilisateurs.

À noter qu’il se murmure que Synology sortirait ses propres switchs (estampillés Synology) d’ici la fin de l’année.

Politique controversée des disques certifiés

Une décision qui fait débat concerne la nouvelle politique de Synology imposant l’utilisation de disques testés et validés par ses soins. Ivan Lebowski, Sales Team Leader France et Afrique de Synology, justifie cette approche : « nous voyons trop d’utilisateurs venir vers nous parce qu’ils rencontrent des problèmes avec des disques pour lesquels nous ne pouvons pas leur apporter de support ».

QNAP : innovation autour de l’IA et du stockage évolutif

QuTS Mega et stockage à l’échelle du PétaOctet

QNAP a impressionné avec QuTS Mega, son système d’exploitation NAS évolutif (scale-out) conçu pour les déploiements haute capacité. Cette architecture permet à plusieurs nœuds NAS de fonctionner dans un environnement clusterisé unique, supportant une mise à l’échelle linéaire de la capacité et des performances.

Le système supporte jusqu’à 96 nœuds avec une capacité totale utilisable pouvant atteindre 45 PétaOctets. QNAP a démontré cette technologie avec un boîtier JBOD de 60 baies compatibles SAS ou SATA, offrant un débit de 12 Gb/s par lien.

Solutions IA et connectivité Thunderbolt 5

On continue avec le TVS-AIh1688ATX. Il s’agit d’un NAS équipé d’un Intel Core Ultra (24 cœurs) accompagné d’unités de traitement neuronal (NPU 13 TOPS). Il est compatible Thunderbolt 5 (en option) destiné aux workflows de travail à destination des créatifs. Ce QNAP dispose de 2 ports USB 4 (par défaut) et 2 ports réseau 10 Gb/s.

QNAP a fait plusieurs démonstrations de la prochaine version de QSirch basée sur l’IA pour retrouver facilement des documents, pouvant également lire le contenu de ces derniers… tout en respectant la confidentialité. En effet, l’IA fonctionne en local et n’a pas besoin d’accès extérieur pour fonctionner.

Nouveaux modèles d’entrée de gamme

Les TS-262A et TS-462A renouvellent l’entrée de gamme avec un processeur Intel N5095 à 2,2 GHz (boost jusqu’à 2,9GHz), avec jusqu’à 16 Go de RAM DDR4 et avec 2 emplacements M.2 NVMe. On notera la présence de 2 ports USB 2.0, 2 ports USB 3.2 Gen 2, ainsi qu’un port 2,5 Gb/s. Ces modèles abandonnent le port HDMI et l’emplacement PCIe présents sur la génération précédente.

ASUSTOR : évolutions mesurées, mais ciblées

Lockerstor Gen2+ : Amélioration de la connectivité

Au Computex 2025, ASUSTOR a dévoilé des mises à jour ciblées de ses NAS, à commencer par le Lockerstor 6 Gen2+ (AS6706T). Ce modèle voit sa connectivité évoluer avec le remplacement des ports 2,5 GbE (rouges) par des ports 5 GbE (bleus), offrant une bande passante doublée tout en restant rétrocompatible avec les réseaux existants.

Solutions rackables professionnelles

Côté entreprises, ASUSTOR renforce sa présence sur le segment professionnel avec les Lockerstor 12R Pro Gen2, déclinés en formats 3U et 4U. Ces NAS rackables embarquent des processeurs AMD Ryzen 7 Pro, 16 Go de mémoire DDR5 ECC et 2 ports réseau 10 Gb/s, visant les infrastructures virtualisées ou les besoins en stockage à haute disponibilité.

En synthèse

Le Computex 2025 confirme la transformation du marché du NAS vers des solutions plus performantes et spécialisées. Synology mise sur le stockage flash enterprise et l’écosystème fermé, QNAP pousse l’innovation vers l’IA et le stockage évolutif, tandis qu’ASUSTOR se concentre sur l’amélioration ciblée de ses produits existants. Ces évolutions répondent aux besoins croissants en performances et en capacité des utilisateurs professionnels, tout en soulevant des questions sur l’ouverture des écosystèmes et la compatibilité des composants tiers.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Which Should You Buy in 2025?

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

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Hardware Comparison

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

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

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Storage Services and Scalability 

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

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

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

Synology DSM vs QNAP QTS/QuTS  – Software Compared

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

Category	Feature	Synology	QNAP	Notes
Core OS	OS	DSM (DiskStation Manager)	QTS / QuTS hero	QuTS hero is ZFS-based
	Web GUI Dashboard			Both have polished interfaces
	Mobile Apps			DS apps (Synology), Qfile/Qmanager (QNAP)
Virtualization & Containers	Docker Support			QNAP supports LXC too
	Virtual Machines	(VMM)	(Virtualization Station)	QNAP offers GPU passthrough
	GPU Passthrough	(limited)		QNAP supports more virtualization use cases
AI / Surveillance	Surveillance Station		(QVR Pro/Elite)	QNAP includes more free camera licenses
	AI Facial Recognition	(DVA series)	(QVR Face Tiger)	Hardware-dependent
	Smart Object Detection			Both support this in premium models
Media Services	Plex Media Server			Supported by both
	DLNA/UPnP Streaming			Basic media server support
	Video Transcoding (HW Acceleration)	(some models)	(broader support)	QNAP supports external GPUs
	Audio Station / Music Station			Web/mobile access to music
Cloud & Remote Access	QuickConnect / myQNAPcloud	(QuickConnect)	(myQNAPcloud)	Brand-specific DDNS/remote access services
	HybridShare / HybridMount	(HybridShare)	(HybridMount)	Mount cloud storage as local; brand equivalent
Productivity & Apps	Synology Office (Docs, Sheets, Slides)			Google Docs-like suite for Synology only
	Notes / Tasks / Calendar			Productivity tools
	Mail Server & Chat			Business collaboration tools
App Ecosystem	App Center			QNAP has a broader variety
	Package Manager CLI	(synopkg)	(qpkg)	Command-line support for installs

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

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

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Security 

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

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

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

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Price Point and Value 

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

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

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

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Conclusion and Verdict 

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

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