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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Security and Safety

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

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

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

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

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Conclusion and Verdict

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Hardware Comparison

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

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

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Storage Services and Scalability 

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

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

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

Synology DSM vs QNAP QTS/QuTS  – Software Compared

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

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

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

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Security 

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

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

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

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Price Point and Value 

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

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

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

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Conclusion and Verdict 

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

NAS Solutions	NAS Solutions
+ Better Software (In almost every respect!) + Much Better Global Support Presence + More business desirable + Larger Range of solutions – Compatibility restrictions on HDD and Upgrades More and more – Underwhelming hardware (comparatively)	+ Better Hardware for Price + Wider Variety of Solutions and Hardware Profiles + Supports ZFS and/or EXT4 (with ZFS platform now available on latest Intel Celeron Systems) + Wide accessory range and compatibility – Software can often feel inconsistent – Hit by Security Issues if the past
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Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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UniFi UNAS Pro: 6 Months On — A Measured Look at Ubiquiti’s First NAS

Six months since its public release in October 2024, the UniFi UNAS Pro has matured modestly but meaningfully. Initially positioned as an affordable $499, 7-bay NAS with integrated 10GbE and 1GbE networking, its appeal centered largely around seamless integration into UniFi environments and simple turnkey deployment. The first three months revealed a system that delivered on core promises without overselling itself, providing reliable basic storage with intuitive setup, minimal friction during deployment, and straightforward SMB file sharing. However, its limitations in areas such as feature breadth, expandability, and advanced administrative control left some early adopters questioning whether the device was ready to serve as a primary NAS solution.

UniFi UNAS Pro 6 Months Later – The TL;DR

Ubiquiti’s UniFi UNAS Pro has seen steady but conservative development since its launch in October 2024. At $499, it’s an affordable 7-bay NAS with 10GbE that integrates well within UniFi environments, but it launched with limited features and notable gaps. Over six months, some user-requested improvements have been delivered—such as RAID 6 support, expanded cloud backup options (Dropbox, OneDrive), admin control over user backups, and improved file sharing responsiveness. However, key omissions remain: no iSCSI support, no UniFi Protect integration, no containerization, no fan or power schedule controls, and occasional performance or file handling issues. It’s best suited as a supplementary NAS for existing UniFi networks rather than a full-featured standalone solution. Ubiquiti appears focused on stability and foundational updates, but major feature enhancements or new models have yet to appear. HERE are the most notable changes that have happened in the last 6 Months:

• Added support for RAID 6, hot spare migration, and Time Machine backups via Shared Drives.

• Enabled OneDrive and Dropbox as new cloud backup destinations.

• Introduced File Activity tracking and a Task Center for monitoring ongoing operations.

• Console owners can now manage and back up other users’ drives.

• Added SIEM server integration, SNMP configuration, and support for .exe execution via SMB.

• Users can now toggle Link Sharing and configure release channels per app.

• Support file generation now available for diagnostics.

• Improved setup, storage initialization, drive transfers, and local admin creation flows.

• Enhanced system performance, search speed, and responsiveness across the UI.

• File browsing, sharing, and backup/restore processes made smoother and more reliable.

• Boosted storage mounting and format resiliency, RAID resync handling, and external storage support.

• Improved reporting for storage health, system logs, and overall stability—especially with SSDs and encryption.

• Better SFP speed detection and more stable SMB file operations.

• Resolved issues with folder renaming, failed downloads, backup restore login errors, infinite loading on drive.ui.com, toast notification bugs, and destination switching during backups.

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One of the more frequently cited early limitations was the lack of support for advanced RAID configurations and flexible storage management. At launch, users were restricted to basic options like RAID 1, 5, and a variant of RAID 10, with no ability to create multiple independent storage pools. This particularly limited users who wanted to separate SSDs for high-speed cache or hot data from HDDs used for cold or archival storage.

Three months after launch, UniFi began rolling out RAID 6 support—a heavily requested feature—and its integration was further refined by the six-month mark. Notably, users who had initially set up a RAID 5 with a hot spare could now migrate more smoothly to RAID 6 without complete data loss, provided certain steps were followed. While the system still lacks support for custom pool creation or tiered storage strategies, the RAID 6 addition is a clear example of Ubiquiti incorporating community feedback into its development roadmap.

Early adopters also flagged the limited backup options as a major downside, especially for offsite or cloud-based protection. Initially, users were confined to backups via SMB or to another UNAS unit, with Google Drive being the only available cloud service. This created friction for users looking to consolidate cloud storage or use existing platforms.

By the six-month update, support had been added for Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive, expanding options and bringing the system more in line with mainstream NAS offerings. While other major providers like Amazon S3 or Backblaze B2 remain unsupported, the progress demonstrates ongoing development—even if somewhat slower than expected.

Administrative oversight and user management were similarly underdeveloped at launch. The inability for a super admin to manage, view, or initiate backups on user-specific drives was seen as a major gap in functionality. This was especially problematic in small businesses or households where centralized management is essential. At the six-month mark, UniFi addressed this by enabling admins to directly control user backup routines, offering a more appropriate level of oversight. Though expected in any multi-user NAS environment, this feature only arrived after considerable community pressure, reflecting a reactive—rather than proactive—development pattern.

Performance concerns also became more visible in real-world use. While general file transfers over SMB were stable for most users, large-volume or high-frequency data movements revealed issues. Users reported memory leaks, skipped files, permission errors, and signs of system instability during multi-terabyte migrations. One user described persistent problems during direct NAS-to-NAS SMB transfers, citing missing files and log entries showing out-of-memory warnings. While UniFi has issued multiple patches in response, these issues underline the system’s current limits as a high-performance data mover. Paired with its ARM-based CPU and fixed RAM, the UNAS Pro may not be ideal for workflows involving large file sets or deep nested directories with complex characters.

Quality-of-life improvements have also slowly emerged. File and folder sharing via the GUI is now more responsive, addressing early complaints that changes wouldn’t reflect until refreshing the browser or navigating away. A newly added file activity monitor provides more transparency by displaying changes and access logs on a folder-by-folder basis—a helpful addition for environments that require audit trails. Time Machine support has also been added for macOS users, allowing backups over SMB directly to the device. Additionally, executable files (.exe) now correctly run from network shares, resolving an earlier issue where files appeared to launch but did not actually execute on the system.

Despite hardware parity with UniFi’s UNVR line, the UNAS Pro still does not support UniFi Protect, Ubiquiti’s NVR platform. Although this was never advertised, its omission has disappointed users who hoped to consolidate storage and surveillance into a single device. Likewise, containerization remains absent. Users cannot deploy Docker or LXC-based services directly on the NAS. While the system is positioned more as a basic storage server than a full-featured app platform like Synology or QNAP, even lightweight container support would help bridge the gap in hybrid setups, reducing dependency on external devices for running supplemental services.

Several other features considered standard in competing NAS platforms are still missing. These include iSCSI target support, which allows for block-level storage mapping—a commonly requested enterprise feature that remains unaddressed despite repeated user requests. Scheduled power controls and Ethernet port management are also absent, limiting users’ ability to implement air-gapped operation cycles or optimize network behavior during off-hours.

Additionally, fan control settings are locked, leaving users with no way to adjust thermal behavior. System temperatures frequently hover in the 60–70°C range even during idle states, which some consider concerning. Whether due to poor fan curve logic or unreliable sensor reporting, the lack of manual override remains a drawback.

Another issue affecting a minority of users involves file download errors on mobile devices, particularly iPhones using Safari. Files would only partially download—such as halved images or incomplete audio/video files. The problem was isolated to Safari and resolved by switching to Chrome, but it exposed weaknesses in browser compatibility. Additionally, several systems erroneously report uptime durations exceeding 20,000 days—an obvious bug that, while harmless, illustrates rough edges still present in the software’s reporting logic.

As of April 2025, no additional NAS models have been added to the UniFi lineup. There is still only a single variant of the UNAS Pro, and no indications of rackmount, multi-unit, or lower-tier models have been announced. This suggests Ubiquiti is still treating this device as a pilot platform. The pace of development has been steady, with multiple small improvements and responses to community feedback, but foundational gaps remain. For users who need secure, reliable bulk storage within an existing UniFi network, the UNAS Pro is increasingly serviceable.

However, for broader use cases, it still lacks the depth, flexibility, and robustness of more established NAS vendors. Defintely a device with a long term plan, but it is not in a big hurry to stretch it’s muscles quite yet – but at $499, it has an exceptionally low bar for entry price wise for what you are getting!

 

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Synology vs UGREEN NAS – Which One Deserves Your Money and Your Data?

In the evolving world of network-attached storage (NAS), users in 2025 are faced with a broader range of choices than ever before. Among the most discussed options in both professional and enthusiast communities are Synology and UGREEN. Synology has been a mainstay in the industry for over two decades, known for its reliable software, long-term support, and deeply integrated ecosystem. UGREEN, by contrast, is a relative newcomer to the NAS market in the West, but has quickly established itself as a serious contender by offering competitive hardware and pricing. Originally known for consumer tech peripherals, UGREEN has leveraged its manufacturing experience and market agility to carve out space in an area traditionally dominated by established NAS brands.

This comparison aims to provide a clear, unbiased overview of both brands, structured across several key categories: hardware capabilities, storage flexibility, software ecosystem, security infrastructure, pricing strategy, and overall value proposition. While some buyers may lean toward a brand due to legacy, others are driven by performance-per-dollar, or openness to customization. It’s important to understand that neither brand is objectively “better” in all respects. Instead, each appeals to different user priorities. What follows is a breakdown of how Synology and UGREEN compare across the board, giving potential buyers the tools they need to make a decision that aligns with their use case, technical comfort level, and long-term plans.

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Synology vs UGREEN NAS Hardware Compared 

Synology’s hardware lineup spans everything from small 1-bay entry-level NAS units to rackmount enterprise-class systems with dual controllers. With approximately 15–25 models available at any given time, the variety on offer is extensive. This allows users to choose systems that align closely with their needs—whether that’s for simple backups, media streaming, virtualization, or business-critical data management. However, despite the breadth of its portfolio, Synology’s consumer and SMB offerings are frequently criticized for underpowered processors and limited upgrade paths. Many of their mid-tier models still rely on AMD Embedded or lower-end Intel chips, and memory configurations are often modest compared to similarly priced alternatives. PCIe expansion, 10GbE networking, and true Flash storage support are typically reserved for only the highest-tier devices.

UGREEN, on the other hand, has entered the NAS space with a clear emphasis on hardware strength. Their NASync series—although more limited in model variety—delivers high-performance components out of the box. Even in models priced around $1,100 to $1,200 USD, UGREEN includes features like Intel i5 processors, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, dual 10GbE ports, USB4, SD card slots, and Thunderbolt connectivity. Most of specifications are generally only found in Synology’s XS or SA series, which can cost double or triple the price. In terms of build quality, UGREEN’s enclosures also lean toward a more robust, enterprise-like design with better thermal management and port selection. While they may not yet offer the same portfolio depth or high-end rackmount solutions, the raw hardware value they deliver—especially for power users and media professionals—is difficult to overlook.

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Synology DSM vs UGREEN UGOS NAS Software & Services

Storage features and flexibility represent one of the most contested areas between the two brands. Synology has developed a very feature-rich storage management system over the years, offering support for RAID configurations, Btrfs and EXT4 file systems, fast RAID rebuilds, advanced iSCSI LUN management, and deep integration with backup and synchronization tools.

File Services	SMB/NFS/AFP/WebDAV	Supported	Supported (AFP not confirmed)	Core protocols available
	iSCSI Support	Native iSCSI manager	Not currently supported	Important for VM/block-level storage
RAID & Storage	RAID 0/1/5/6/10, SHR	SHR and traditional RAID	Traditional RAID 0/1/5/6/10	No SHR support in UGREEN
	Snapshots	Btrfs-based with GUI versioning	Btrfs-based snapshots	Comparable snapshot system
	Deduplication	Btrfs-based	Planned, not available yet	UGREEN roadmap feature
	Encryption	Volume/folder/drive-level + WORM	No integrated encryption	Major security difference
	SSD Caching	GUI-managed	CLI-managed only (UI planned)	Limited interface currently

Their platform also supports drive pooling, storage tiering (in some models), and robust snapshot capabilities. Expansion options are a strong point too, with a range of proprietary expansion units that allow users to scale storage well beyond the original NAS chassis. These are bolstered by robust utilities in DSM that help manage redundancy, performance, and data recovery, all while maintaining consistency across the ecosystem.

However, Synology’s 2025 policy shift around hard drive compatibility introduces a significant caveat. Newer devices now strictly require Synology-branded drives for both HDD and SSD roles, including caching and storage pools. This effectively locks users into the Synology ecosystem and limits the ability to use commonly available alternatives from WD, Seagate, Samsung, and others. Availability issues in some regions further complicate this approach.

UGREEN, conversely, supports a far more open system—allowing users to populate their NAS devices with nearly any 2.5″, 3.5″, or NVMe drive on the market. With support for drives up to 24TB and Gen 4 NVMe speeds reaching 6,000–7,000 MB/s, UGREEN offers unmatched flexibility in storage media. However, their systems currently lack support for iSCSI and official expansion units, which could be a limitation for more advanced storage scenarios.

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Software Comparison

Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) is widely regarded as one of the most refined and mature NAS operating systems in the market. Backed by over two decades of development, DSM offers a wide range of first-party apps covering backup, multimedia, productivity, collaboration, and virtualization.

Tools like Synology Drive, Active Backup for Business, and Synology Photos provide enterprise-grade capabilities in a consumer-friendly package. The platform also integrates with cloud services like Office 365 and Google Workspace, and includes support for SANs, VMs, containers, and cloud sync. Importantly, most of these apps are license-free, representing significant value over time. The application center in DSM is extensive, and Synology’s desktop and mobile client tools are similarly well-developed.

Category	Feature	Synology	UGREEN NASync (DXP Series)	Notes
Core OS	OS	DSM (DiskStation Manager)	UGOS	Synology has a mature, polished UI
	Mobile Apps	Multiple DS apps across iOS/Android	One core management app + FireTV/Google Home apps	Broader app suite on Synology
Virtualization & Containers	Virtual Machines	Virtual Machine Manager	Dedicated VM app	Both platforms now offer VMs
	Docker Support	GUI + Docker CLI	Portainer + Docker CLI	Equal container support
	GPU Passthrough	Not available	Not supported	Neither platform offers this
AI & Surveillance	AI Services	Facial/people detection on DVA NAS	Advanced AI model recognition (Photo AI)	UGREEN offers more AI model types
	Surveillance Suite	Surveillance Station (native)	No native system (use Frigate, MotionEye via Docker)	Docker-based alternative
Media & Streaming	Plex Media Server	Native app support	Docker-only installation	Equal in function
	Jellyfin	Docker/homebrew only	Native app available	More flexible on UGREEN
	Video App	Video Station is EOL	Native video player app	UGREEN actively supports this
Backup & Sync	Backup Solutions	Hyper Backup, Active Backup Suite	Rsync, SMB, Cloud Backup, USB	GUI edge to Synology
	Cloud Sync	Native Cloud Sync app	Planned, rclone CLI workaround only	Still in development
Remote Access	DDNS + Tunnel	QuickConnect	UGREEN-hosted tunnel system	Functional equivalents
App Ecosystem	App Center	Extensive with many native packages	Real app center, but much smaller	Synology has a broader catalog
	Package Manager	synopkg	APT + Docker

UGREEN’s UGOS, by contrast, is still in its early stages—at least in the Western market—but has made notable progress. Built on a Linux-based open-source foundation, UGOS offers a modern UI and essential features like RAID management, Docker support, virtualization, remote access, and media streaming. The system is responsive and user-friendly, with most core NAS functions well-covered.

UGREEN’s App Center is less populated but growing, and the brand has made particular strides in AI-driven features—particularly in its photo application, which allows customizable object and face recognition with trainable AI modules. While still lacking some advanced enterprise features like Synology’s iSCSI or SAN support, UGOS is impressive for a brand with only a few years of development. Notably, UGREEN also supports the installation of third-party operating systems like TrueNAS or OpenMediaVault, appealing to users who want full control over their NAS.

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Synology vs UGREEN NAS – Security 

When it comes to security, Synology’s long-standing reputation and infrastructure give it a distinct advantage. Over the years, the company has invested heavily in platform hardening, threat detection, and vulnerability response. The built-in Security Advisor not only scans for malware and viruses but also detects weak passwords, outdated software, open ports, and potentially exploitable system configurations. Synology participates in vulnerability disclosure programs, works with penetration testers, and maintains a public-facing security advisory database. They’ve even implemented a bounty system to reward ethical hackers for reporting vulnerabilities. These layers of proactive defense have earned Synology its reputation as one of the most secure NAS platforms in the world.

UGREEN has not experienced any public security incidents as of 2025, but its shorter time in the market means less historical data on its resilience. Their systems now include two-factor authentication and basic malware scanning, but currently lack the more comprehensive vulnerability detection tools that Synology provides. The security advisor in UGOS focuses primarily on active threats like viruses rather than system-level hardening.

That said, UGREEN has been responsive to user feedback and appears committed to improving its security infrastructure. For experienced users who follow best practices and secure their networks effectively, this may not be a deal-breaker. However, for enterprise users or those deploying systems in high-risk environments, Synology’s mature security ecosystem provides more peace of mind.

Remote Access	DDNS + Tunnel	QuickConnect	UGREEN-hosted tunnel system	Functional equivalents
Security & Access	Security Advisor	Ransomware, audit, malware, system hardening	Basic malware scanning only	Synology offers deeper protections
	VPN Server	Native UI for OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP	Docker-based VPNs (WireGuard, OpenVPN)	Manual setup on UGREEN
	SSL Certificates	Let’s Encrypt + GUI	Let’s Encrypt via Web UI	Parity here
	2FA Support	App-based 2FA	TOTP/Web 2FA	Both support 2FA login

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Synology vs UGREEN NAS – Pricing and Value 

Pricing is one of the most decisive factors favoring UGREEN in 2025. The brand offers high-performance hardware at price points that undercut Synology by a substantial margin. An 8-bay UGREEN NAS with an Intel i5 CPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, dual 10GbE, and Thunderbolt can be purchased for roughly $1,200-1300 (store depending). A Synology unit with similar specs would require jumping to the DS1823xs+ or even the SA series—devices that retail between $1,800 and $3,000 depending on configuration and region. This gap in price-performance makes UGREEN especially appealing to users who want modern hardware for tasks like 4K video editing, large-scale backups, or AI analytics but can’t justify enterprise-level spending.

Synology’s pricing strategy is rooted more in its software and long-term value. While the upfront cost may be higher, the investment is offset by an integrated ecosystem, professional-grade applications, and superior long-term support. For some buyers, particularly businesses and advanced home users who need software stability and vendor accountability, the price premium is justified. However, for price-sensitive consumers, hobbyists, or those comfortable managing their own systems, UGREEN’s value proposition is hard to beat. It’s also worth noting that UGREEN’s openness to third-party operating systems can further extend the device’s utility without adding cost, whereas Synology systems are heavily locked into their proprietary software environment. Here is a comparison of the Synology DS1823xs+ and the UGREEN DXP8800 PLUS NAS. Around $449 difference, but also the general level of the hardware inside and externally is technically higher on the UGREEN system. That said, the Synology system software does a huge amount with it’s software, keeping things super efficient. So, now let’s discuss storage and the respective software that both of these platforms offer to house and protect your data.

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Synology vs UGREEN NAS – Verdict & Conclusion

Choosing between Synology and UGREEN in 2025 ultimately comes down to what matters most to the user. Synology is the more mature and refined platform, with a rock-solid software ecosystem, strong security credentials, and long-standing industry credibility. It is ideal for users who want a fully integrated solution with minimal tinkering, extensive app support, and professional-grade backup, synchronization, and collaboration tools. However, the brand’s increasing restrictions on drive compatibility, slower hardware updates, and higher prices may discourage users seeking flexibility or better raw performance.

UGREEN, while newer and still building out its software platform, delivers excellent hardware value and impressive flexibility for the price. It supports a wide range of third-party drives, offers strong virtualization and AI capabilities, and even allows OS replacement—making it highly appealing to power users and technologists. While it may not yet match Synology in software maturity or enterprise security, it is evolving rapidly and clearly resonates with a growing segment of the NAS market. For buyers focused on hardware, performance, and freedom of customization, UGREEN may be the better choice today. For those seeking long-term support, stable software, and enterprise-grade functionality, Synology still sets the benchmark across the rest of the NAS industry in terms of providing an all covering solution, though there is no denying that buyers are getting a little more cost aware. Synology clearly has it’s eyes on bigger prizes right now, and perhaps this is a growing gap in the market that UGREEN is eying up – knife and fork in hand!

NAS Solutions	NAS Solutions
+ Better Software (In almost every respect!) + Much Better Global Support Presence + More More business desirable + Larger Range of solutions – Compatibility restrictions on HDD and Upgrades More and more – Underwhelming hardware (comparatively)	+ Better Hardware for Price + Flexibility to Install 3rd Party OS’ + Excellent Mobile Application + Wide accessory compatibility – Software still has beta elements – The company has a much shorter NAS Market Experience
Check Amazon By Clicking Below:	Check Amazon By Clicking Below:

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