Are Chinese DIY NAS Devices Worth Your Time, Money, and Data?

Over the last 2 years, I have discussed at length multiple different Chinese-built NAS solutions in one form or another. From DIY NAS motherboards from brands like Topton and CWWK to pre-built solutions arriving both with and without NAS software from brands like Ugreen, Terramaster, Aoostar, and more. Thanks to the miniaturisation and power efficiency improvements in a multitude of different kinds of PC hardware, a lot of brands originally developing mini PCs, tablets, and laptops have started including developments towards NAS systems in their portfolios. Some brands, like Ugreen and Terramaster, have gone into this with significantly more energy than others, including and further developing their very own NAS software that is included with the hardware. But regardless of whether you are looking at a Chinese DIY NAS that does or does not include its software, it still raises the question of whether these solutions are worth your time and money. Are they as reliable as some of the long-established players providing solutions from Taiwan or the US? Can you trust it with your data? Let’s discuss.

Chinese NAS Brands That I Recommend

These are the brands I would personally recommend if you are considering a China-based NAS brand. These are 6 brands that I have used many of their products (NAS and others) that I have found the best experiences with, as well as, on balance,e the best online support and communication. No brand is perfect, and look hard enough and you will find good and bad on any brand, really, but these are six examples of brands that stand out from the others.

Buy Here on Amazon – Visit Their Own Store	Buy Here on Amazon – Visit Their AliExpress Store
Buy Here on Amazon – Visit Their AliExpress Store	Buy Here on Amazon – Visit Their AliExpress Store
Buy Here on Amazon – Visit Their AliExpress Store	Buy Here on Amazon

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The TL;DR – Are Chinese DIY NAS Devices Worth It?

• Chinese NAS popularity is rising due to affordability, broader hardware variety, and greater accessibility in Asia.

• Brands like Ugreen and Terramaster have built their own NAS software, adding credibility to their name in the eyes of consumers and long-term support potential that a lot of other options seem to tangebly lack.

• Mini PC brands (e.g., Minisforum, GMKTec) are repurposing their platforms into NAS devices, leveraging existing consumer trust.

• Many Chinese NAS systems are hardware-only, allowing users to install platforms like TrueNAS or UnRAID.

• DIY-friendly: Chinese NAS devices often support third-party OS installs without voiding warranty—unlike many Western brands.

• Hardware value: You can expect up to 25–30% lower prices compared to similar US/Taiwan/Japan-made systems.

• Tech culture: China has a more tech-literate consumer market, visible in high street and airport advertising.

• Security concerns exist, largely due to past incidents of spyware or malware embedded in hardware from some Chinese vendors.

• Using trusted open-source OS platforms can reduce risks—but can’t fully eliminate them if vulnerabilities are in firmware/hardware.

• Not all Chinese brands are equal—research brand background, online presence, and operational transparency.

• Some no-name brands just rebrand OEM hardware (e.g., from CWWK), but offer poor support and minimal warranty backing.

Support issues include:

• No regional presence

• Language/cultural barriers

• Long RMA turnaround

• Tax/import delays for returns

Brands with better reputations for support include: CWWK, Jonsbo, and Terramaster.
Be wary of AliExpress-only brands with no official website or global support—these often lack accountability.

Ultimately: Yes, you can buy a NAS from China—just stick to reputable brands, do your research, and stay security-conscious.

$169 n150 4x M.2 NVMe SSD NAS – The GMKTek G9

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Why Have Chinese NAS Systems Rapidly Grown in Popularity?

The easy answer to this would be to say that they tend to be a lot cheaper than NAS products that are built in the US, Europe, or surrounding Eastern countries like Taiwan or Japan. Indeed, that is true, and you tend to find that NAS systems made in China are typically offered at great value price points and hardware value compared to anywhere else in the world. However, the popularity of Chinese NAS systems is actually a little bit more nuanced and about a lot more than simply money.

The UGREEN DXP NASync Series Now Globally Available

For a start, some of the brands that are currently moving into providing their own network-attached storage solutions are brands that already had a well-established presence in homes and offices around the globe for other peripherals. A great example of this would be Ugreen. Ugreen has provided accessories for PCs, power adaptors, and portable docking stations for quite a few years and is probably one of the most recognisable names for this kind of technology from China around the world.

The Aoostar WTR N305 4 Bay NAS Drive

Therefore, in early 2024, when the brand announced it was entering the world of NAS in the Western world, the brand already had a fairly solid and well-documented audience in place. That is likely why the brand, although still pretty good value, is actually slightly more expensive than the majority of other Chinese NAS brands.

The Terramaster F6-424 Max NAS – 2x 10GbE, 2x Gen 4×4 M.2 NVMe & Intel i5 CPU

Alternatively, you have brands like Terramaster, who have been in the network-attached storage industry for over half as long as the likes of QNAP and Synology, and during that time have built up a fairly solid audience base long before the arguably heavy influx of smaller, lesser-known brands entering the world of NAS from China.

The Terramaster F6-424 Max NAS – 2x 10GbE, 2x Gen 4×4 M.2 NVMe & Intel i5 CPU

Chiefly purchased for its hardware until now, Terramaster is a brand that has a fairly comprehensive and well-detailed software platform in TOS. Of course, both of these brands provide much better value for money than alternatives in the market from other countries, but in a lot of cases, people are purchasing these solutions for more than just the bottom-line price.

The Lincplus Lincstation N1 & N2 4x M.2 and 10GbE NAS

Alternatively, there is the now heavily saturated market of mini PC vendors who have modified a lot of their existing production and systems to now leverage towards storage. In many cases, some of these brands—such as Minisforum and GMKTec—already have a healthy relationship with consumers thanks to their mini PCs, and that brand awareness has clearly transferred over to NAS products.

The Minisforum N5 Pro NAS – AMD i9 HX370 / ECC Memory / 10+5GbE / 5 SATA and 3 M.2 NVMe

The other thing that makes these Chinese NAS products very appealing to new and even old NAS buyers is that a lot of them arrive without software included. This allows users to get just the hardware at a lower price and then go ahead and install software such as TrueNAS or UnRAID, because they want to take advantage of those more flexible (if slightly more intimidating) platforms. The majority of NAS products that arrive from other countries tend to arrive with their own NAS software included and, more often than not, do not allow the warranty to continue being supported if you install a third-party operating system. Whereas practically all NAS products that are developed in China tend to allow you to use third-party operating systems—even when they include their own OS (again, see Terramaster and Ugreen).

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What Are the Benefits of Chinese NAS Systems?

Ultimately—and it’s kind of a shame that this is the headline here—but it is, of course, that NAS systems from China will generally give you much better hardware at a lower price tag. That isn’t to say that these systems are always going to be universally the lowest price, but it is simply that the average price tag of the system configuration and hardware, compared across multiple regions, will generally always end in the product being cheaper when it is manufactured in China.

UGREEN DXP8800 PLUS NAS – 10GbEx2, Intel i5 CPU, Gen 4×4 NVMe

More often than not, whether you’re looking at a fairly modest entry-level Intel Celeron / Intel Alder Lake / Intel Twin Lake-based NAS system or scaling it up all the way towards Intel Core and AMD Ryzen systems, you will tend to find that NAS solutions built in China are as much as 25 to 30% lower in price than those made in the rest of the world.

The UnifyDrive UP6 6x NM.2 NVMe SSD Portable NAS

I guess you could also add that if you are based in the Eastern part of the world, there are also tremendous benefits to these solutions being so readily available and accessible. Indeed, on a recent trip to Shenzhen, I noticed how there were significantly more DIY NAS solutions available on the high street and in the tech malls than anywhere else in the world. A big part of this is that the general average standard understanding of tech hardware is higher out there than in a lot of Western regions. That isn’t to say that we don’t have a tremendously high volume of users who understand this kind of technology in the US and Europe, but the way it is framed to the consumer is notably different.

So, for example, if you walk around an airport in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan, you will often see advertisements of a pretty technical nature with regard to CPUs and graphics cards on the back of trolleys, billboards, and on the sides of public vehicles. Whereas in America and Europe—although this is still not completely absent—adverts are much more focused on the end product, such as phones, tablets, laptops, and domestic client hardware.

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Why Are People So Concerned About Chinese NAS System Security?

It is a pretty bloody valid concern! In recent years, tensions between large countries with regards to trade have been on the rise—one of the biggest being the US–China trade war, which, although it has ebbed and flowed over the last seven or eight years, is actually something that has existed for a few decades now. It largely boils down to the import and export of this kind of technology. However, the breaking point came when several Chinese products were found to contain spyware and malware that was hard-baked into the hardware and allowed for remote collection of user data. Numerous brands were implicated, and the fact that there is a degree of ambiguity between numerous Chinese brands in the eyes of the world—regarding how many of them cross over at the point of manufacture and how many of them are on the same production line filtering toward various brands—all added up to increased tensions and, eventually, several companies and organisations being barred from sale in the US.

Source – https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366622023/NCSC-issues-warning-over-Chinese-Moonshine-and-BadBazaar-spyware/

How much this has been respected by certain Chinese players in the past—I am not going to blanket-tarnish all Chinese brands with this, as that would be both unfair and hugely incorrect. Nevertheless, a small group of bad apples has certainly soured the mood for many when it comes to purchasing Chinese NAS products in terms of security, especially when it is noted that these systems will be on 24/7, contain all of your data, and, in many cases, are directly or indirectly connected to the internet depending on your own personal setup.

Source: https://www.security.com/threat-intelligence/us-china-espionage/

This is one of the main reasons why a lot of users will purchase a Chinese NAS product specifically if it does not arrive with any kind of included operating system. A lot of users would rather trust established and Western-orientated NAS brands such as TrueNAS and UnRAID, as these have a proven track record of firmware updates and security tools, but also have recognised vulnerability and security disclosure programs that they work with to be held accountable in the event of any security incident being recognised. Nevertheless, on numerous occasions, it has been noted that security vulnerabilities—and the aforementioned spyware, when it has been recognised—have been hard-baked into the hardware components and physical controllers, which means that regardless of the NAS software you use, some of these devices still have the potential to contain security vulnerabilities.

Now, playing devil’s advocate, it could actually be possible for any hardware manufacturer in any country in the world to implement these kinds of security breach methodologies into their hardware. When you really break it down, the architecture of a NAS device—regardless of where it is built in the world—is going to be largely similar to that of a standard PC, and therefore the opportunities for exploitation and manipulation are still going to be on the table. Nevertheless, although it has been recognised that different regions of the world have had their own bad actors who have introduced vulnerable devices into the market unbeknownst to end users, there is still no avoiding that the lion’s share of the manufacturers found culpable for this have been based in China.

However, we also have to be slightly reasonable in that, given the larger share of hardware that is manufactured and distributed from China, then statistically, they are always going to have the larger number of incidents. The propaganda machine of numerous nations will always be at play to present a particular picture of the safety of imported devices, but all that aside, it does still seem that—despite instances of systems with inbuilt vulnerabilities decreasing all the time—they do crop up more frequently in products made in China than anywhere else in the world.

Here – https://www.tomshardware.com/desktops/mini-pcs/mini-pc-maker-ships-systems-with-factory-installed-spyware-acemagic-says-issue-was-contained-to-the-first-shipment/

Should this be a reason to completely disregard purchasing a NAS solution from China? No, I don’t think so. I think it is a good reason to investigate the brand or organisation that you’re choosing to purchase from. I think it is a good reason to investigate how long a company has been in operation and to find out more about their offices and operations before making a purchase. And I do think it is all the more reason why organisations should not automatically assume that any piece of hardware from anywhere in the world is automatically the most secure out of the box, and should be implementing their own firewalls, VPNs, authentication methods, and security protocols regardless.

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Remote Accessing My Chinese NAS – Alternatives to the Host OS

If you’re hesitant to use the default remote access features provided by your Chinese-made NAS due to privacy, transparency, or security concerns, you’re not alone—and thankfully, there are much safer and more trusted options available.

One of the most popular and user-friendly tools in this space is Tailscale, a modern mesh VPN built on WireGuard. Tailscale allows you to securely access your NAS (or any other device on your network) from anywhere in the world—without the need for risky port forwarding, dynamic DNS, or vendor cloud logins. With just a few clicks, you can create a private, end-to-end encrypted network between your NAS, phone, tablet, and computers, all managed via a clean web dashboard. It works across firewalls, NAT, and even CGNAT (carrier-grade NAT), which makes it ideal for less technical users looking for peace of mind when accessing their files remotely.

For those who want more customization or are working in slightly more advanced environments, there are other powerful self-hosted or cloud-assisted VPN solutions worth considering. Tools like ZeroTier allow for flexible, programmable virtual networks with global peer-to-peer routing. Meanwhile, OpenVPN and WireGuard (standalone) offer rock-solid, time-tested security for users comfortable with deploying and managing their own VPN servers. These services can be installed directly on your NAS or hosted on another home server or Raspberry Pi on the same network, offering complete control over who gets access and how. If you’re running TrueNAS, UnRAID, or even Debian/Ubuntu-based DIY NAS software, many of these can be installed natively or through Docker containers. This means you can completely bypass the vendor-supplied cloud services, eliminating a major attack surface while retaining secure access from anywhere.

Here are some of the most reliable and widely recommended remote access alternatives:

• Tailscale – Simple, secure mesh VPN using WireGuard; ideal for non-technical users

• ZeroTier – Virtual network overlay with programmable access control and P2P routing

• WireGuard (standalone) – Lightweight, fast, and secure VPN for advanced users

• OpenVPN – A well-established, highly configurable VPN solution

• Dockerized Access Tools – Solutions like Headscale (Tailscale self-hosted), PiVPN, or Cloudflare Tunnel

• Cloudflare Tunnel (Argo Tunnel) – Secure reverse proxy with public access protection

• FRP (Fast Reverse Proxy) – Lightweight self-hosted tunnel service often used in Chinese networks

• Syncthing – Peer-to-peer file sync tool for remote file access without VPN (for specific folders)

Using any of these tools, you can confidently disable or ignore the default remote access features provided by your NAS vendor and instead implement a hardened, trusted, and fully auditable solution. In doing so, you’re minimizing potential exposure, maintaining privacy, and ensuring that your remote access setup is under your control—not in the hands of a third-party vendor.

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Should Users Be Concerned About Support?

Alongside the ever-present concerns around security, the other big issue that users tend to mention about purchasing Chinese NAS products is to do with support. It’s not unusual for a product or solution that you purchase in the market to not have a local or regional office that you can talk to in the event of hardware faults or software difficulties. Just because a product is manufactured in China doesn’t mean it’s the only one that suffers from the geographical hurdles of purchasing a system built in a completely different country than your own.

For example, there are plenty of American manufacturers that do not have any regional offices in Europe, and most support is provided remotely. In those cases, what puts support for products made in China into a different category for many is:

1. Language and cultural differences in communication between end users and the brand, and

2. The logistical difficulties of replacing a malfunctioning device with a replacement or repair.

Most of us are quite familiar with—and are happy to accept—that issues occur in the day-to-day operations of most large-scale mass manufacturing production lines. Even high production lines with a 0.01% failure rate, once you break into the million units, are still going to result in a handful of users who might receive a unit that is less than fully operational. But alongside the delays of swapping a bad device for a good one, other hurdles such as time zone differences and potential tax issues upon devices travelling internationally need to be considered. Many of these issues are not any one country’s fault and are just part and parcel of global trade that’s ever-present in any technology. However, it is how certain Chinese brands negotiate these many hurdles when selling goods to the US and Europe that very quickly sets apart the good organisations from the bad ones.

In my years reviewing and installing different Chinese NAS solutions, some brands have definitely stood out more than others in terms of their support. For example, in the past 2 years, I have heard significantly more positive warranty/repair threads for CWWK, Jonsbo, and Terramaster than I have for brands like GMKtec, B-Link, or pretty much any brand that only seems to exist on AliExpress and Alibaba but has practically no in-house website or Western presence. That isn’t to say that those first few companies I mentioned have a 100% success rate—definitely not. Some simple Googling will always find you both good and bad instances. However, broadly, I’ve had better feedback from people I have provided support for and from numerous NAS subreddits for those brands than I have for some of the lesser-known and far more isolated organisations.

Another point to highlight is that some of the lesser-known brands are simply reusing existing designs and hardware architecture provided by an original manufacturer and relabelling it as their own. For example, CWWK manufactures a large amount of the hardware solutions you may see in the market, but it just so happens that they are sold to contractors and lesser-known providers who then apply their own manufacturer’s badge.

Where this becomes a problem with support is that if you encounter an issue with your hardware, the relabelled and rebadged name that’s been applied to that CWWK product can only provide limited support and even weaker hardware repair, as they are heavily reliant on the original manufacturer and their own production lines.

In these cases, I once again heavily recommend that if you are going to purchase any Chinese NAS product, that you go to the source. And circling back to the issue of security I mentioned earlier on, you tend to find that when spyware has been found on some hardware systems, it has been due to software that was applied to the hardware after it left the original manufacturer—more often than not, applied within an .exe found autoloading in the included copy of Windows.

So once again, double-check that the brand you’re talking to is the original manufacturer before you purchase a Chinese NAS solution, and double-check that they have some kind of Western presence first. It may seem almost obvious and naïve to say this, but ultimately, a lot of these organisations operate on tremendously thin profit margins. This means that the cost of manpower and hiring sufficiently skilled people to create these Western websites and English-understood points of sale is often left by the wayside by the less scrupulous organisations, as they simply do not have a clear enough print-to-profit or long-term strategy to provide solutions they can trust in order to engage with this.

Should I Buy a NAS from China?

The short answer? Yes, I think you can. You should be as security-aware as (frankly) you should be with any NAS product—as any 24/7 data storage solution is only one vulnerability away from being compromised. But as long as you know the risks and understand that support is not going to be as “next day” as it would be if you purchased a local product, I do genuinely think that you are okay to buy a Chinese NAS solution from the more well-known and reputable brands in the market. If the brand doesn’t have much of an online presence outside of China—even doesn’t really have much of its own website outside of AliExpress, Amazon, or Alibaba—avoid them like the plague! Because those brands that aren’t prepared to make even the token effort to have much of an online presence outside of a retail website have certainly not got the profit margin to provide any kind of meaningful support and are more likely to cut corners. Worse still, it is those organisations that have such slim profit margins that are almost certainly going to be the ones that may be more susceptible to influence in installing exploitative or malware software components on their systems for an additional backhand payment.

Chinese NAS Brands That I Recommend

These are the brands I would personally recommend if you are considering a China-based NAS brand. These are 6 brands that I have used many of their products (NAS and others) that I have found the best experiences with, as well as, on balance,e the best online support and communication. No brand is perfect, and look hard enough and you will find good and bad on any brand, really, but these are six examples of brands that stand out from the others.

Buy Here on Amazon – Visit Their Own Store	Buy Here on Amazon – Visit Their AliExpress Store
Buy Here on Amazon – Visit Their AliExpress Store	Buy Here on Amazon – Visit Their AliExpress Store
Buy Here on Amazon – Visit Their AliExpress Store	Buy Here on Amazon

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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.

 

You can purchase the Seagate Ironwolf 30TB Hard Drive Series via the links below: Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro HDD HERE on Amazon Seagate 30TB EXOS HDD HERE on Amazon Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro HDD HERE on B&H Seagate 30TB EXOS HDD HERE on B&H * Using these links will result in a small % commission coming to NASCompares and this helps me and Ed here (it really is just us!) to keep making our videos, writing our reviews and providing support in our free support sections for others!

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.

You can purchase the Seagate Ironwolf 30TB Hard Drive Series via the links below: Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro HDD HERE on Amazon Seagate 30TB EXOS HDD HERE on Amazon Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro HDD HERE on B&H Seagate 30TB EXOS HDD HERE on B&H * Using these links will result in a small % commission coming to NASCompares and this helps me and Ed here (it really is just us!) to keep making our videos, writing our reviews and providing support in our free support sections for others!

PROs of the Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOs

PROs of the Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOs

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.

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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Prime Day 2025 Deals Megathread – Terramaster NAS

Prime Day 2025 is not just a normal sales thing, it’s when the best deals becomes a quest for many, especially tech enthusiasts and savvy shoppers. This November, as we approach the holiday season, our focus sharpens on a segment that’s increasingly popular in the tech community: Network Attached Storage (NAS) solutions, particularly Terramaster products known for their quality and dependability in data storage. If you’re planning to enhance your home network, set up an efficient media server, or secure your files with reliable backup, Terramaster’s range might have the perfect solution for you. With Amazon Prime Day’s impressive discounts, it could be the ideal time to invest in your tech infrastructure. We’ve sorted the deals by region,.so we’ve got you covered.

US Terramaster Prime Day 2025 Deals

Stay tuned for tables showcasing the hottest deals on Terramaster products for our US-based readers.

USA

WHAT	MIX	DEAL
TerraMaster F8 SSD NAS 8-Bay	NAS	$479.99 (20% off off)
TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS 4-Bay	NAS	$719.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster F2-424 NAS 2-Bay	NAS	303.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster F4-424 Pro NAS 4-Bay	NAS	$559.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster F4-423 NAS 4-Bay	NAS	$344.99 (25% off)
TerraMaster F4-212 NAS 4-Bay	NAS	$224.99 (25% off)
TerraMaster D4-320 USB Enclosure 4-Bay	DAS	$151.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster D8 Hybrid NVMe HDD USB RAID Storage 8-Bay	DAS	$239.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster D5-300 RAID 5 Storage 5-Bay	DAS	194.99 (25% off)
TerraMaster TD2 Thunderbolt 3 RAID Storage 2-Bay	DAS	$207.99 (20% off)

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UK Terramaster Prime Day 2025 Deals

To our dear readers in the United Kingdom, we haven’t forgotten you. Here’s a curated list of the top Terramaster NAS and DAS deals available on your shores this Prime Day 2025.

UK

WHAT	MIX	DEAL
TerraMaster T9-500 Pro NAS 9-Bay	NAS	£1399,99(£100 amount off)
TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS 4-Bay	NAS	£655.99(20% off)
TerraMaster F6-424 Max NAS 6-Bay	NAS	£735.99(20% off)
TerraMaster F6-424 NAS 6-Bay	NAS	£439,99(20% off)
TerraMaster F8-SSD Plus NAS 8-Bay	NAS	£583,99(20% off)
TerraMaster F8-SSD NAS 8-Bay	NAS	£439,99(20% off)
TerraMaster F2-212 NAS 2-Bay	NAS	£126.64 (25% off)
TerraMaster F4-423 NAS 4-Bay	NAS	£319.99 (28% off)
TerraMaster F2-423 NAS 2-Bay	NAS	£229.99 (26% off)
TERRAMASTER F2-424 NAS – 2Bay	NAS	£273.79 (26% off)
TERRAMASTER F4-424 NAS – 4Bay	NAS	£359.99 (25% off)
TERRAMASTER F4-424 Pro NAS – 4Bay	NAS	£472.49(25% off)
TerraMaster D2-320 USB Enclosure 2-Bay	DAS	£95.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster D4-320 USB Enclosure 4-Bay	DAS	£143.99 (20% off)
TERRAMASTER D6-320 USB Enclosure 6 Bay	DAS	£239.99 (20% off)
TERRAMASTER D8 Hybrid HDD NVMe Enclosure	DAS	£239.99 (20% off)
TERRAMASTER D5 Hybrid HDD NVMe Enclosure	DAS	£167.99 (20% off)

 

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Canada Terramaster Prime Day 2025 Deals

For our Canadian friends, we’ve compiled a list of unbeatable offers just for you.

Canada

WHAT	MIX	DEAL
TerraMaster F8 SSD NAS 8-Bay	NAS	663.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS 4-Bay	NAS	1039.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster F4-424 Pro NAS 4-Bay	NAS	$713.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster F2-423 NAS 2-Bay	NAS	$374.99 (25% off)
TerraMaster D4-320 USB Enclosure 4-Bay	DAS	$199.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster D8 Hybrid NVMe HDD USB RAID Storage 8-Bay	DAS	319.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster TD2 Thunderbolt 3 RAID Storage 2-Bay	DAS	$263.99 (20% off)

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Germany Terramaster Prime Day 2025 Deals

Liebe tech enthusiasts, hier sind die besten Angebote für euch!

Germany

WHAT	MIX	DEAL
TerraMaster F2-424 NAS 2-Bay	NAS	€319.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster F4-423 NAS 4-Bay	NAS	€367.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster F4-424 Pro NAS 4-Bay	NAS	€583.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster F4-424 MAX NAS 4-Bay	NAS	€759.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster F8 SSD NAS 8-Bay	NAS	€503.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster T12-500 Pro NAS 12-Bay	NAS	€1,799.99 (100 EURO off)
TerraMaster D5-300C USB RAID Storage 5-Bay	DAS	€183.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster D6-320 USB Enclosure 6-Bay	DAS	€263.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster D4-320 USB Enclosure 4-Bay	DAS	€167.99 (20% off)
TERRAMASTER D8 Hybrid HDD NVMe Enclosure	DAS	€263.99 (20% off)

 

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France Terramaster Prime Day 2025 Deals

Chers amis français, voici les offres à ne pas manquer!

WHAT	MIX	DEAL
TerraMaster F8-SSD Plus NAS 8-Bay	NAS	€671,99(20% off)
TerraMaster F8-SSD NAS 8-Bay	NAS	€503,99(20% off)
TerraMaster F6-424 NAS 6-Bay	NAS	€503,99(20% off)
TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS 4-Bay	NAS	€739,49(15% off)
TerraMaster F4-424 Pro NAS 4-Bay	NAS	583,99€ (20% off)
TERRAMASTER F4-424 NAS – 4Bay	NAS	423,99€ (20% off)
TerraMaster F4-423 NAS 2-Bay	NAS	322,49€ (25% off)
TerraMaster F4-212 NAS 4-Bay	NAS	€187.99 (25% off)
TERRAMASTER F2-424 NAS – 2Bay	NAS	296,99€ (25% off)
TerraMaster D8 Hybrid NVMe HDD USB RAID Storage 8-Bay	DAS	263,99€(20% off)
TerraMaster D5 Hybrid NVMe HDD USB RAID Storage 5-Bay	DAS	191,99€(20% off)
TerraMaster D5-300 USB RAID Storage 5-Bay	DAS	202,49€ (25% off)
TERRAMASTER D4-320 USB Enclosure 4 Bay	DAS	172,49€(25% off)
TERRAMASTER D2-320 USB Enclosure 2 Bay	DAS	111,99€(20% off)
TerraMaster TD2 Thunderbolt 3 RAID Storage 2-Bay	DAS	202,49€(25% off)

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Spain Terramaster Prime Day 2025 Deals

¡Hola a nuestros amigos españoles! Aquí están las ofertas que no te puedes perder.

WHAT	MIX	DEAL
TerraMaster F4-424 Max NAS 4-Bay	NAS	759,99€ (20% off)
TerraMaster F6-424 Max NAS 6-Bay	NAS	839,99€ (20% off)
TerraMaster F8-SSD Plus NAS 8-Bay	NAS	671,99€ (20% off)
TERRAMASTER F4-424 Pro 32GB NAS – 4Bay	NAS	583,99€ (20% off)
TERRAMASTER F4-424 NAS – 4Bay	NAS	412,49€ (25% off)
TerraMaster F6-424 NAS 6-Bay	NAS	503,99€ (20% off)
TerraMaster F8-SSD NAS 8-Bay	NAS	503,99€ (20% off)
TerraMaster F4-423 NAS 4-Bay	NAS	359,99€ (25% off)
TerraMaster D5-300C USB Enclosure 5-Bay	DAS	172,49€(25% off)
TerraMaster D2-320 USB Enclosure 2-Bay	DAS	143,99€ (20% off)
TerraMaster D4-320 USB Enclosure 4-Bay	DAS	167,99€ (20% off)
TERRAMASTER D6-320 USB Enclosure 6 Bay	DAS	263,99€(20% off)
TERRAMASTER D5 Hybrid HDD NVMe Enclosure	DAS	191,99€(20% off)
TERRAMASTER D8 Hybrid HDD NVMe Enclosure	DAS	263,99€(20% off)

 

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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Best NAS You Can Buy Right Now (Mid-2025) for Under $499

As of mid-2025, the sub-$499 NAS market is more competitive than ever, with several brands offering systems that deliver strong hardware, dedicated operating systems, and multiple drive bays within a modest budget. For home users, prosumers, and small teams looking to centralize data, manage backups, or stream media locally, this price bracket now includes options that would have cost significantly more just a few years ago. From rackmount storage appliances to compact flash-based servers, there are now choices to suit a wide variety of workloads and network environments.

This article examines five out-of-the-box NAS systems that are currently available for $499 or less. While each system takes a slightly different approach—whether prioritizing raw bandwidth, containerization, virtualization support, or software simplicity—they all represent viable solutions for users seeking value without compromising core functionality.

Important Disclaimer and Notes Before You Buy

All of the NAS systems featured in this list are diskless, meaning they do not include storage media by default. Users will need to purchase compatible 3.5″ HDDs, 2.5″ SSDs, or M.2 NVMe drives separately depending on the system’s configuration. This significantly affects the total cost of ownership, particularly for all-flash systems where NVMe drives are required. Some devices also use onboard flash or eMMC storage to house the operating system, but this is not sufficient for general file storage. Buyers should also consider the cost of drives, RAID redundancy planning, and any accessories (e.g., cables or cooling enhancements) when budgeting for deployment.

Another consideration is the variation in NAS operating systems provided. While most models come with a vendor-specific OS—such as Synology DSM, TerraMaster TOS, UGOS, or Unraid—some platforms allow or even encourage the installation of third-party alternatives like TrueNAS or Unraid without voiding hardware warranties. However, in cases where the software stack is less mature or limited in features, users may need to invest more time configuring services such as Plex, Docker, or SMB sharing manually. As such, these systems are best suited to users who are comfortable managing basic network services or are willing to explore more advanced functionality over time.

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UniFi UNAS Pro 7-Bay NAS

$499 – ARM Cortex-A57 – 8GB – 7x 3.5″ SATA – 1x 10GbE SFP+, 1x 1GbE – UniFi OS – BUY HERE

The UniFi UNAS Pro is a 2U rackmount NAS solution designed primarily for high-speed, large-scale data storage. It features seven hot-swappable 2.5″/3.5″ SATA drive bays and is built around a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor running at 1.7GHz, paired with 8GB of onboard DDR4 memory. Unlike general-purpose NAS systems that include container support or multimedia features, this device is focused purely on network file storage. It offers robust network connectivity with both a 10GbE SFP+ port and a 1GbE RJ45 port, making it suitable for use cases where bandwidth is a priority—such as centralized backups, archival storage, or high-volume file transfers within a UniFi-managed network.

The system is managed via UniFi’s Drive app within the UniFi OS ecosystem, and supports standard RAID configurations including RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6. Power redundancy is provided via a dual-input system—an internal 200W AC/DC PSU and support for USP-RPS DC failover. There’s also a 1.3-inch front panel touchscreen for quick diagnostics and system status at the rack. While it lacks container support, virtualization, or media server capabilities, it integrates easily with other UniFi products or can operate as a standalone storage node in a mixed environment. For users who require reliable, scalable storage with 10GbE connectivity but can forego app extensibility, the UNAS Pro represents a straightforward, hardware-driven option in the sub-$500 space.

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LincStation N2 NAS

$399 – Intel N100 – 16GB – 2x 2.5″ SATA + 4x M.2 NVMe – 1x 10GbE – Unraid OS – BUY HERE

The LincStation N2 is a compact, all-SSD NAS that delivers a high-performance spec sheet at a relatively low price. Powered by an Intel N100 processor and equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5 memory, it supports a mix of two 2.5″ SATA SSDs and four M.2 2280 NVMe drives. This six-bay design—entirely SSD-based—is geared toward users who require faster IOPS, quieter operation, and lower power draw than traditional hard drive-based systems. Network connectivity is handled by a single 10GbE RJ45 port, a rare inclusion in this price bracket and especially valuable for direct workstation or multi-client environments.

The device ships with an Unraid Starter license pre-installed, giving users access to advanced features like Docker container support, virtual machines, hardware passthrough, and flexible storage management. While Unraid requires some learning curve for new users, it offers a high degree of customization and adaptability compared with fixed software stacks. The system also includes HDMI output, USB-C, USB 3.2, and multiple USB 2.0 ports, making it suitable for use as a lightweight home server or media workstation. For users prioritizing SSD storage, 10GbE, and virtualization support, the LincStation N2 delivers a capable platform that’s uncommon at this price point.

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TerraMaster F4 SSD NAS

$399 – Intel N95 – 8GB – 4x M.2 NVMe – 1x 5GbE – TOS (TerraMaster OS) – BUY HERE

The TerraMaster F4 SSD is a 4-bay, all-flash NAS designed for high-speed home storage, media streaming, and photo management. It is equipped with an Intel N95 processor, an entry-level quad-core CPU from Intel’s Alder Lake-N family, and 8GB of DDR5 memory via a single SODIMM module. Storage is handled via four M.2 NVMe slots: two operating at PCIe 3.0 x2 speeds and two at PCIe 3.0 x1. These are designed for SSDs only—no support for SATA drives is provided. On the network side, the unit includes a single 5GbE port, offering a higher single-link bandwidth than systems using dual 2.5GbE, and can be directly connected to 10GbE networks at reduced speeds.

The system runs TerraMaster’s TOS operating system, which supports multimedia applications like Plex and Emby, cloud sync, photo AI tagging, user account control, and flexible backup solutions. TOS includes support for Btrfs and TRAID (TerraMaster RAID), along with remote access features and mobile apps for file synchronization and photo uploads. With three high-speed USB ports (2x Type-A and 1x Type-C), HDMI output, and low-noise fan operation (~19 dB), the F4 SSD targets users looking for a quieter, flash-based NAS for home environments. It lacks 2.5″/3.5″ bay support but offers fast SSD performance in a small form factor with minimal configuration requirements.

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Synology DiskStation DS425+ NAS

$499 – Intel Celeron J4125 – 2GB – 4x 3.5″ SATA + 2x M.2 NVMe – 1x 2.5GbE, 1x 1GbE – DSM 7.x – BUY HERE

The Synology DS425+ is a 4-bay NAS designed to serve as an entry point into Synology’s DSM ecosystem, offering a balance between hardware efficiency and access to a mature, enterprise-grade operating system. It runs on the Intel Celeron J4125 processor, a quad-core chip with a base frequency of 2.0GHz and a burst frequency of 2.7GHz. The system ships with 2GB of DDR4 non-ECC memory, expandable up to 6GB, and supports both 3.5″/2.5″ SATA drives and two M.2 NVMe SSDs for caching or storage volumes. For networking, it includes one 2.5GbE port and one standard 1GbE port, giving users some flexibility depending on their switching infrastructure.

DSM (DiskStation Manager) remains one of the most advanced NAS operating systems available, offering built-in apps for file management, media streaming, surveillance, and virtualization. Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) is supported for flexible storage management, along with Btrfs file system benefits such as snapshots and data integrity checks. The DS425+ is part of Synology’s 2025 refresh lineup, which enforces stricter compatibility with Synology-branded drives. Users should confirm drive support in advance, particularly if planning to reuse existing disks. Despite these limitations, for users seeking reliability, security features, and long-term OS support, the DS425+ remains a strong choice at the $499 price point.

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The NAS market under $499 in mid-2025 presents a broad spectrum of options tailored to different storage priorities and technical requirements. Whether you’re looking for high-capacity traditional RAID storage, SSD-focused performance, or a feature-rich operating system, there are viable choices within this price bracket. The UniFi UNAS Pro stands out as a pure storage appliance with 10GbE connectivity and seven bays, suited for high-throughput archival or backup scenarios. Meanwhile, the UGREEN DXP4800 and LincStation N2 offer hybrid and full-flash storage respectively, with both systems supporting modern features like Docker, virtualization, and optional third-party OS deployment. For those focused on user-friendly software ecosystems and long-term support, Synology’s DS425+ remains a leading contender, albeit with stricter drive compatibility requirements. On the other hand, the TerraMaster F4 SSD delivers compact all-SSD storage with high-speed 5GbE networking and a growing feature set in TOS, including AI photo management and multimedia tools. All five models require user-supplied storage media and, in some cases, benefit from user familiarity with setup or configuration processes. Ultimately, the best choice depends on how much weight you place on performance, expandability, software polish, and overall system control within this tightly priced segment.

 

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

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?

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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…

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Drobo vs Synology?

No…just…no. See Video Below:

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Security and Safety

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

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

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

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

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Conclusion and Verdict

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

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

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

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

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

Synology DS925+ NAS		Terramaster F4-424 / Max / Pro
Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology NAS Solutions	Check B&H for the Synology NAS Solutions	Check Amazon in Your Region for the Terramaster NAS Solutions	Check B&H for the Terramaster NAS Solutions

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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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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
Check Amazon By Clicking Below:	Check Amazon By Clicking Below:

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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TerraMaster continue de faire évoluer sa gamme de NAS avec l’annonce d’un nouveau modèle particulièrement intéressant : le F4 SSD. Derrière ce nom se cache un NAS full flash compact, équipé de 4 emplacements pour SSD NVMe, conçu pour répondre aux besoins en performance et en silence. Regardons de plus près ce nouveau produit…

TerraMaster F4 SSD

TerraMaster continue son chemin dans les NAS et nous annonce aujourd’hui l’arrivée prochaine d’un boitier pour le moins surprenant. Il s’agit d’un NAS  compact (138 x 60 x 140 mm) doté de 4 emplacements pour des SSD NVMe. Il est construit autour d’un processeur Quad Core Intel N95 capable d’atteindre 3,4 GHz et épaulé par 8 Go de RAM DDR5 (extensible jusqu’à 32 Go).

Ce processeur affiche un score PassMark de 5 358 points, ce qui le place au-dessus de nombreux modèles entrée/milieu de gamme. Il intègre également un iGPU utile pour le transcodage vidéo et un bloc d’accélération dédié aux charges de travail IA, notamment dans le traitement audio et vocal.

Positionnement dans la gamme TerraMaster

Le F4 SSD est une déclinaison du F8 SSD. Il séduira les utilisateurs à la recherche d’un NAS silencieux, rapide, et pensé pour un usage orienté SSD NVMe. TerraMaster le positionne bien sûr sur le stockage et la sauvegarde… mais aussi pour ses capacités multimédias.

TerraMaster met  en avant son silence. En marche, ce dernier n’émettrait pas que 19dB… Pour rappel, c’est le bruit du tic-tac d’une montre à 1 mètre. Un argument de poids pour une utilisation en environnement domestique ou dans un bureau silencieux. Pour vous rassurer, sachez que le NAS dispose d’un petit ventilateur au-dessous.

Test du TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus : un NAS full-flash performant

Connectique

Côté connectique, le F4 SSD ne déçoit pas. Il propose :

• 3 ports USB 3.2 Gen 2 à 10 Gb/s (2 x Type-A + 1 x Type-C),

• 1 port HDMI 2.0b pour la sortie vidéo,

• 1 port Ethernet 5 Gb/s.

La présence d’un port réseau 5 Gb/s est à souligner : moins courant que le 2,5 Gb/s ou le 10 Gb/s. Il offre une alternative intéressante pour ceux qui souhaitent un débit supérieur sans passer au très haut de gamme.

Prix et disponibilité

Le TerraMaster F4 SSD est déjà disponible sur le site officiel au tarif de 430 €. Une arrivée prochaine devrait suivre chez les revendeurs habituels.

Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur la page officielle du produit…

The Zimaboard 2 Single Board Server Review – The Best Yet?

In an increasingly saturated market of single-board computers and compact servers, the ZimaBoard 2 arrives with a clear goal: to offer an affordable, x86-powered, DIY-friendly alternative that bridges the gap between embedded systems and full-blown home servers. Developed by IceWhale, a brand that has already seen crowdfunding success with products like the original ZimaBoard, ZimaBlade, and ZimaCube, the ZimaBoard 2 aims to refine the company’s mission of delivering low-power, highly customizable devices for tinkerers, creators, and homelab enthusiasts. At its core, the ZimaBoard 2 is designed for users who want flexibility without complexity—whether that’s spinning up a lightweight virtualization platform, building a smart home hub, deploying a personal cloud, or running a local media server with minimal noise and energy consumption.

Unlike consumer-grade NAS systems or ARM-based boards, ZimaBoard 2 taps into the x86 ecosystem, offering broader OS compatibility and performance benefits while maintaining a compact, passively cooled footprint. This review explores the hardware, thermal and network performance, and software environment of the ZimaBoard 2, evaluating where it fits in the broader landscape of edge computing and personal infrastructure. As with previous IceWhale launches, this unit is being released initially through crowdfunding—a factor that calls for cautious optimism. Still, with a track record of fulfilling past campaigns, IceWhale appears confident in ZimaBoard 2’s readiness. Whether that confidence is justified, and whether the board truly earns its place in a crowded DIY server landscape, is what we’ll determine over the course of this review.

Zimaboard 2 Review – Quick Conclusion

The ZimaBoard 2 is a compact, x86-based single board server that strikes a balance between flexibility, efficiency, and affordability. It offers solid performance for its size, thanks to an Intel N150 processor, dual 2.5GbE ports, and a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot for meaningful expansion, making it suitable for tasks like media serving, light virtualization, and home automation. However, limitations such as non-upgradable 8GB RAM, slow onboard eMMC storage, and reliance on passive cooling require careful consideration for more demanding workloads. ZimaOS provides a user-friendly starting point with Docker support and basic file management, though advanced users may prefer to install alternative operating systems. Overall, the ZimaBoard 2 is a capable and well-engineered device for DIY server enthusiasts who understand its constraints and plan their use case accordingly

NOTE – You can visit the Zimaboard 2 Crowdfunding Page (live from 10:30AM ET 22nd April 2025) by clicking the banner below. The entry price for early backers is $169, but that will revert to $179 (and $239 for a scaled-up storage and memory version). I DO NOT receive any kind of affiliate commission or sponsorship for this review (and this review, like all reviews at NASCompares, was done without the brand in question’s interference or input). You can use the link HERE to see the campaign for yourself and/or click the banner below:

Zimaboard 2 Review – Design and Hardware

The physical build of the ZimaBoard 2 continues IceWhale’s trend of delivering thoughtfully designed hardware. The full aluminum enclosure gives the board a sturdy, premium feel, while also serving as its main cooling surface. Every port is clearly labeled, and the board layout is practical and accessible.

The PCIe slot includes a pre-cut section to accommodate longer cards, allowing for flexibility even in this small form factor. IceWhale also includes eco-friendly packaging, a detail that reflects both brand identity and attention to user experience. A cardboard insert allows users to hold the board upright alongside drives, useful for initial setup before a case is selected.

Optional accessories like a SATA adapter board with combined data/power connectors and third-party-compatible drive cages help complete the DIY experience. However, there are some practical limitations to consider: the soldered RAM means users must carefully plan for memory demands, and the internal storage, while functional, will not satisfy users looking for fast OS performance.

At the core of the ZimaBoard 2 is the Intel N150 processor, part of Intel’s Twin Lake architecture, offering four cores with a base clock that boosts up to 3.6GHz. This chip represents a significant step forward compared to the Celeron N3450 used in the original ZimaBoard, delivering better single-thread and multi-thread performance while maintaining a low 6W TDP.

Complementing the CPU is 8GB of LPDDR5x memory clocked at 4800MHz. While the use of fast memory is a welcome improvement, the limitation lies in its soldered nature—users cannot expand beyond this capacity.

This decision may be acceptable for light workloads such as running a Plex server, Docker containers, or Home Assistant, but it could become a bottleneck for users planning to run multiple VMs or resource-heavy services. The N150 CPU does support hardware virtualization and Intel AES-NI, which is essential for tasks like encrypted storage or virtual machine deployment.

In testing scenarios, the CPU delivered solid performance across typical tasks, and managed to keep up during multi-tasked environments with multiple services active. However, users with ambitions for more demanding applications will need to balance those expectations against the non-upgradable memory ceiling.

ZimaBoard 2 comes with 32GB of onboard eMMC storage, a choice that is both practical and limiting. This eMMC module is soldered to the board and is intended to house ZimaOS out of the box, giving users a ready-to-use system upon first boot. While this inclusion lowers the barrier to entry and simplifies setup for beginners, it presents performance limitations and a lack of flexibility. In testing, write speeds hovered around 35MB/s during mixed I/O operations, which is noticeably slow for tasks that involve frequent read/write cycles.

Moreover, should a user opt to install a different OS—such as TrueNAS SCALE, Proxmox, or Unraid—they would either overwrite the bundled ZimaOS or need to boot from an external USB or PCIe-based drive. Since the internal storage is neither M.2 nor socketed, it lacks the speed and modularity enthusiasts often seek in modern setups. As a result, users planning to use ZimaBoard 2 as a primary virtualization or storage server are better off supplementing it with faster storage via USB 3.1, SATA, or the PCIe slot for booting alternative OS environments. This caveat underscores a recurring theme with ZimaBoard 2: it’s well-positioned for entry-level use but requires external upgrades for more ambitious workflows.

One of the ZimaBoard 2’s most compelling features is its inclusion of two SATA 3.0 ports alongside a full PCIe 3.0 x4 slot. This greatly expands the device’s potential beyond typical SBCs, offering users a reliable way to build custom NAS setups, integrate high-speed NVMe storage, or even install networking and accelerator cards. During testing, a Synology combo card featuring two M.2 NVMe slots and a 10GbE Ethernet port was installed in the PCIe slot. The board successfully recognized all interfaces, demonstrating full PCIe compatibility and allowing throughput measurements to confirm the system could push high-bandwidth traffic.

With up to 4GB/s of bandwidth over PCIe, users can install expansion cards for fast storage, additional networking, or even compute offloading—although the small form factor means thermal and power considerations become important quickly. The SATA ports, while standard in speed, proved perfectly functional for connecting 2.5″ SSDs or traditional HDDs. IceWhale’s own accessories, like SATA power adapters and drive cages, help streamline this process, though third-party solutions work just as well.

For users aiming to transform this board into a flexible micro-server, this PCIe slot is a gateway to many possibilities and a key reason ZimaBoard 2 stands out in its category.

In terms of networking, the ZimaBoard 2 comes equipped with two 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, both powered by Intel chipsets—a choice that emphasizes reliability and driver compatibility across various operating systems. These ports are more than just a checkbox feature; they performed reliably under load and achieved full link saturation during file transfer tests and when used in conjunction with PCIe expansion.

In more advanced setups, users can configure bonding or load balancing to maximize throughput or redundancy. Additionally, there are two USB 3.1 ports for attaching external drives, peripherals, or USB-bootable OS images.

The inclusion of a Mini DisplayPort 1.2 allows for 4K video output at 60Hz, which is useful for users who want to use the board as a lightweight desktop or for initial OS installation and diagnostics—though it does require an adapter to convert to standard HDMI. Notably absent is built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which aligns with its target audience of wired-first home labs and embedded installations. Overall, ZimaBoard 2 offers a well-rounded set of connectivity options that exceed expectations for its size, with the dual 2.5GbE ports making it particularly attractive for networking-focused use cases like firewalls, proxies, or containerized gateways.

Thermal management on the ZimaBoard 2 is entirely passive, with the aluminum enclosure doubling as a heatsink to dissipate heat away from the CPU and other key components. This fanless approach results in completely silent operation, which is ideal for home or office environments where noise is a concern.

However, the trade-off is that the board’s temperature will steadily rise over time, especially in enclosed cases or cabinets with poor airflow. During idle operation, with minimal system load and attached drives in standby, temperatures hovered around 50°C after an hour, increasing slightly to 52–54°C over a 24-hour window.

Under heavier usage—including Plex playback, VM activity, active networking, and full PCIe slot utilization—the system remained thermally stable but showed significant heat buildup. Power consumption in these high-usage scenarios peaked at approximately 39–40W, which is quite efficient given the workload.

Still, users planning to run the board continuously under load are strongly encouraged to introduce active airflow or leave the system in a well-ventilated space. The all-metal build is a clever and minimalist solution, but it has practical limitations that users need to plan for—especially if operating in warmer environments or planning to enclose the unit in a tight chassis.

When put through real-world workloads, the ZimaBoard 2 delivered performance that largely aligned with its specs and design goals. File transfers over the onboard 2.5GbE interfaces reached full saturation in controlled conditions, proving the CPU and I/O subsystems are capable of pushing maximum throughput without significant bottlenecks. PCIe expansion further unlocked performance potential—especially with the Synology combo card, where simultaneous NVMe and 10GbE performance were tested. While NVMe read speeds reached up to 1.6GB/s, write speeds hovered around 500–700MB/s depending on traffic from the 10GbE port.

These variances are expected, given shared PCIe lanes and bandwidth contention, but overall results were respectable. Multimedia performance was also acceptable, with Plex running smoothly and able to stream and scrape metadata while supporting light VM usage concurrently.

In these scenarios, RAM utilization climbed past 50% and CPU usage approached 100%, but the board remained operational and responsive. It’s clear that ZimaBoard 2 is well-suited to low-to-moderate workloads, and can punch above its weight with strategic expansion. However, pushing it into more demanding territory—like simultaneous virtualization, AI inferencing, or high-speed file serving across multiple interfaces—will begin to test its limits.

The lack of active cooling makes thermal planning essential for any serious workload. But overall, the ZimaBoard 2 feels polished and reliable, with a design philosophy that caters well to its core audience of DIY server builders and edge compute experimenters.

Zimaboard 2 Review – Software

ZimaBoard 2 ships with ZimaOS, a custom-built operating system from IceWhale that is based on CasaOS—a lightweight, open-source platform designed for simplicity and ease of deployment. ZimaOS retains the core principles of CasaOS but adds refinements tailored to the Zima ecosystem, particularly features that emerged during development of the more powerful ZimaCube. The out-of-the-box experience is beginner-friendly, offering an intuitive web dashboard called “LaunchPad,” which centralizes access to installed applications, system controls, and file management.

ZimaOS is pre-installed on the board’s eMMC storage, enabling immediate setup without requiring users to flash a drive or download additional software. Despite the modest resources of the ZimaBoard 2, the OS performs responsively, even with several services running in parallel. The interface is clean, albeit minimalistic, focusing on usability over deep customization.

For users who are new to home servers or Docker deployments, the learning curve is surprisingly gentle. Though it lacks some of the granularity of more established platforms like OpenMediaVault or TrueNAS, it’s clear that IceWhale has designed ZimaOS to get users up and running quickly without sacrificing key functionality.

One of the more distinctive features of ZimaOS is its integrated App Store, which acts as a curated hub for Docker-based applications. Unlike traditional NAS interfaces that require command-line Docker commands or extensive Portainer configuration, ZimaOS simplifies deployment through one-click installation and automated environment setups.

Popular applications like Plex, Jellyfin, Stable Diffusion, and more are available by default, with the option to add third-party sources for broader container variety. Behind the scenes, the system leverages containerization frameworks to handle resource isolation and volume mappings, but much of this complexity is hidden from the end user.

Application setup is further eased by pre-configured defaults such as port assignments, directory structures, and even PUID/PGID settings, reducing friction for non-technical users. For those with more experience, ZimaOS still allows you to tweak or override these settings manually. Notably, ZimaOS also includes a basic virtualization interface that supports downloading and running lightweight VMs using prebuilt images.

While this feature is better suited to the higher-specced ZimaCube due to memory and cooling constraints, its presence on the ZimaBoard 2 is still a nice touch and shows that the OS is aiming to grow into a more comprehensive platform. Overall, the application and container ecosystem here punches above its weight, especially considering the resource constraints of the board itself.

In terms of storage and file sharing, ZimaOS delivers a capable if somewhat minimal feature set that prioritizes simplicity over enterprise-style depth. Users can create RAID groups—a new feature compared to earlier CasaOS iterations—manage individual drives, and set up file-level sharing using standard protocols like SMB.

The file manager, accessible through the main dashboard, allows for browsing, copying, and sharing content in a familiar web-based interface. Integration with IceWhale’s own client tool enables a peer-to-peer feature called “peerdrop,” which links multiple Zima-based systems or client devices (like phones and laptops) for rapid syncing and data exchange.

This is especially useful for users who want an easy method to upload media, backup devices, or move files between multiple systems on a local network. Remote access can be enabled through a simple relay-based mechanism, which generates shareable links for specific files or folders, complete with read/write controls. While more advanced access control, encryption, or user quotas are not present in this build, the essentials for home or small office use are here and function as expected.

Cloud integration is also available, allowing the addition of third-party storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox for backup or syncing purposes. Though ZimaOS doesn’t try to replace full-fledged NAS operating systems in terms of depth, it successfully delivers the features most users will need, and its lightweight design ensures responsiveness even on modest hardware like the ZimaBoard 2.

Zimaboard 2 Review – Conclusion & Verdict

The ZimaBoard 2 is a competent and thoughtfully assembled single-board server that builds meaningfully on IceWhale’s earlier efforts, especially the original ZimaBoard and the ZimaBlade. Its design clearly targets users who want more flexibility and performance than traditional ARM-based boards can offer, but who also value power efficiency, silence, and a small footprint. The use of an Intel N150 CPU, 8GB of LPDDR5x memory, dual 2.5GbE ports, and a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot makes it viable for a variety of home server roles—from basic NAS and smart home coordination to lightweight container hosting and local media streaming. Features like onboard SATA, USB 3.1, and a DisplayPort connection further add to its utility. However, there are hardware limitations that may affect long-term suitability for advanced deployments. The soldered RAM cannot be upgraded, and the internal eMMC storage, while useful for initial setup, is too slow for OS-level responsiveness in more demanding use cases. Passive cooling, while appreciated for silence, also imposes some thermal limitations depending on the deployment environment.

On the software side, ZimaOS offers a decent out-of-the-box experience that caters to users with minimal technical background. It handles core tasks like application deployment, file sharing, and system monitoring without requiring advanced configuration, and its Docker-based App Store simplifies access to popular tools. For more experienced users, the system supports third-party OS installation, which is likely how many will ultimately use the ZimaBoard 2. Still, as a bundled solution, ZimaOS has matured significantly and now presents itself as a lightweight, capable, and non-intrusive platform for those who prefer to get started immediately. In the broader context of DIY server hardware, ZimaBoard 2 occupies a middle ground: more powerful and modular than Raspberry Pi-class systems, yet more constrained than full x86 mini PCs or enthusiast-grade NAS hardware. For those who understand and accept these trade-offs, and are willing to plan around its limitations, the ZimaBoard 2 offers a reliable and flexible foundation for compact, energy-efficient computing at the edge.

PROs of the Zimaboard 2

CONs of the Zimaboard 2

x86 Architecture – Compatible with a wide range of operating systems including ZimaOS, Unraid, TrueNAS SCALE, and Proxmox. Dual 2.5GbE LAN Ports – Offers strong networking capabilities for multi-service workloads and gateway setups. PCIe 3.0 x4 Slot – Enables high-speed expansion for 10GbE NICs, NVMe storage, or combo cards. Fanless, Silent Operation – Completely passively cooled, ideal for home or quiet office environments. Compact and Durable Build – Small footprint with an all-metal chassis that doubles as a heatsink. ZimaOS Included – User-friendly OS with a Docker-based App Store and basic VM tools, ready out of the box. Flexible Storage Options – Dual SATA ports plus USB 3.1 support for connecting SSDs, HDDs, or external drives. Low Power Consumption – Efficient 6W CPU with ~10W idle and ~40W max under heavy load scenarios.

Non-Upgradable RAM – 8GB of soldered LPDDR5x limits long-term scalability for memory-intensive tasks. Slow/Small Default Internal Storage – 32GB eMMC is convenient but underperforms for OS-level responsiveness or high I/O workloads. Thermal Headroom is Limited – Passive cooling alone may not be sufficient in closed environments or under sustained load without added airflow. Not launching on Traditional Retail, but instead on Crowdfunding.

NOTE – You can visit the Zimaboard 2 Crowdfunding Page (live from 10:30AM ET 22nd April 2025) by clicking the banner below. The entry price for early backers is $169, but that will revert to $179 (and $239 for a scaled-up storage and memory version). I DO NOT receive any kind of affiliate commission or sponsorship for this review (and this review, like all reviews at NASCompares, was done without the brand in question’s interference or input). You can use the link HERE to see the campaign for yourself and/or click the banner below:

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