UGREEN DXP4800 PRO Review – Step Up, or Side Step?

The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Pro is a 4 bay desktop NAS that builds on the existing DXP4800 Plus rather than replacing it outright. From a hardware and design perspective, the system remains very familiar, but it introduces a newer Intel Core i3 1315U processor and increases the maximum supported memory to 96GB. Networking remains unchanged, with both 10GbE and 2.5GbE available, and the unit continues to support dual NVMe SSDs for caching or dedicated storage pools. These updates position the DXP4800 Pro as a slightly more capable option for users who want additional CPU headroom without moving into a larger and more expensive multi bay platform.

Category	Specification
Model	UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Pro
Drive Bays	4 x SATA (2.5 inch and 3.5 inch)
CPU	Intel Core i3 1315U
Memory	8GB DDR5 5600MHz, expandable to 96GB
ODECC	Supported
M.2 Slots	2 x M.2 NVMe
System Drive	128GB SSD (flash memory system disk)
RAID	JBOD, Basic, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10
Max Storage	136TB (4 x 30TB plus 2 x 8TB)
LAN	1 x 2.5GbE, 1 x 10GbE
USB Front	1 x USB C 10Gbps, 1 x USB A 10Gbps
USB Rear	1 x USB A 5Gbps, 2 x USB A 480Mbps
SD Card	SD 3.0
HDMI	4K (60Hz mentioned in product overview)
OS	UGOS Pro
Dimensions	10.1 inch x 7.0 inch x 7.0 inch
Power	42.36W drive access, 18.12W drive hibernation
Warranty	2 years
Price	$699.99 (diskless, listed sale price)

At launch, the DXP4800 Pro is listed as a diskless system at $699.99 and is aimed at home power users, creators and small offices looking for a turnkey NAS that can handle container workloads, virtual machines and media workloads more comfortably than entry level models. While the hardware changes are relatively contained, they directly affect performance scaling and long term flexibility. This makes the DXP4800 Pro less of a generational leap and more of a mid cycle refinement, intended for buyers who want modest improvements in processing capability and memory capacity while keeping the same overall form factor and feature set.

UGREEN DXP4800 PRO Review – Quick Conclusion

The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Pro is a 4 bay NAS that focuses on incremental improvement rather than major change, pairing an Intel Core i3 1315U with up to 96GB of DDR5 memory, dual NVMe slots and 10GbE plus 2.5GbE networking in the same compact metal chassis as the DXP4800 Plus. It delivers solid real world performance for file transfers, SSD caching, media workloads and container use, with good NVMe throughput and reliable 10GbE performance, but power consumption is noticeably higher than lower power NAS alternatives and internal SSD to SSD transfers do not always reach their theoretical limits. Build quality and storage flexibility are strong, noise levels are generally reasonable but rise under heavy load, and thermals remain under control despite limited underside clearance. UGOS Pro offers a broad feature set with Docker, virtualization, snapshots and AI assisted photo tools, though its security scanning remains focused on malware rather than wider system hardening and application availability is still maturing. Overall, the DXP4800 Pro is a capable and well balanced mid tier NAS best suited to users who want extra CPU headroom and long term flexibility, but it does not represent a compelling upgrade for existing DXP4800 Plus owners and its value depends largely on how much the added performance will actually be used.

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UGREEN DXP4800 PRO Review – Design & Storage

The DXP4800 Pro continues to use the same compact metal chassis as the DXP4800 Plus, with no structural redesign to the enclosure itself. The overall dimensions and layout remain unchanged, which makes it easy to place alongside other desktop NAS systems in this class. While the external appearance is largely identical, the surface finish feels slightly different to the touch compared with the earlier model. This change does not affect durability or rigidity, but it does subtly distinguish the Pro from the Plus when handled directly. The metal construction also plays a functional role by assisting with passive heat dissipation across the enclosure.

On the front of the unit, four SATA drive bays are arranged vertically and support both 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives. The trays are tool free and lockable, with keys included, which provides a basic level of physical drive security.

Each bay connects to a shared backplane that feeds into an ASMedia 1164 SATA controller running over a PCIe Gen3 x2 link. This controller configuration is typical for a 4 bay NAS and provides adequate bandwidth for RAID 5 and RAID 6 arrays without becoming an immediate bottleneck under normal workloads.

Additional storage options are located on the underside of the chassis. Removing a small access panel reveals two M.2 NVMe slots along with two DDR5 SODIMM memory slots. This placement keeps the top and sides of the enclosure clean but requires the system to be powered down and removed from its location for upgrades. The two user accessible NVMe slots operate at PCIe Gen4 x4 speeds and can be used for SSD caching or for creating dedicated SSD storage pools, depending on workload requirements.

Thermal handling for the NVMe drives is addressed through the use of thick thermal pads that make direct contact with the metal base panel. Once installed, the base of the chassis effectively acts as a large passive heat spreader. Clearance between the bottom of the NAS and the desk surface is limited, which restricts airflow underneath the unit. However, during typical usage this design appears sufficient to keep NVMe temperatures within reasonable operating ranges, particularly when combined with the system’s active rear fan.

From a storage flexibility standpoint, the DXP4800 Pro offers a conventional but well rounded setup. Users can combine large capacity SATA drives with high speed NVMe SSDs, configure multiple RAID types, or separate workloads across different storage pools. While there is no support for external expansion units or PCIe add in cards, the internal layout covers the needs of most home and small office users looking for a balance between capacity, performance and simplicity.

UGREEN DXP4800 PRO Review – Internal Hardware

At the core of the DXP4800 Pro is the Intel Core i3 1315U, a 13th generation processor that replaces the Pentium Gold used in the DXP4800 Plus. This CPU brings a higher core and thread count, along with slightly higher boost frequencies and improved integrated graphics capability. In practical terms, this provides more headroom for parallel workloads such as Docker containers, background indexing tasks and light virtual machine use. While it is still a mobile class processor, it represents a measurable step up in sustained performance compared with the previous model.

The system ships with 8GB of DDR5 memory running at 5600MHz and supports expansion up to 96GB across two SODIMM slots. This increased memory ceiling is one of the more meaningful hardware changes, particularly for users running multiple services simultaneously or experimenting with virtualization. ODECC support is listed, although this remains dependent on compatible memory modules. Accessing the memory slots requires removing the base panel, which is straightforward but not tool free.

Internally, the DXP4800 Pro also includes a dedicated 128GB SSD used as the system drive for UGOS Pro. This drive operates independently of the two user accessible NVMe slots and ensures the operating system does not consume space from the main storage pools. The presence of a separate system disk also allows users to repurpose the NAS with alternative operating systems if desired, without interfering with the primary storage configuration or voiding the hardware warranty.

UGREEN DXP4800 PRO Review – Ports and Connections

The DXP4800 Pro offers the same port layout as the DXP4800 Plus, with no changes to the overall external connectivity. On the networking side, it includes both a 2.5GbE port and a 10GbE port on the rear of the unit. This dual network setup allows the system to integrate easily into standard home or office networks while also supporting higher bandwidth workflows where compatible switches and clients are available. Link aggregation is not required to access higher speeds, as the 10GbE port operates independently.

USB connectivity is split between the front and rear panels. On the front, there is one USB C and one USB A port, both operating at up to 10Gbps. These are suited for fast external storage, temporary backups or quick data transfers without needing to access the rear of the system. The rear panel includes one USB A port running at 5Gbps, along with two USB 2.0 ports intended for lower bandwidth peripherals such as UPS connections or input devices.

Additional I O options include an SD 3.0 card reader on the front panel and an HDMI output on the rear. The SD slot is primarily aimed at photographers and videographers who regularly offload media directly to the NAS, while the HDMI port supports local display output at up to 4K resolution. Together, these ports allow the DXP4800 Pro to function not only as a network storage device but also as a basic local media or management system when connected directly to a display.

UGREEN DXP4800 PRO Review – Noise, Heat, Power and Performance Tests

In network file transfers using four SATA hard drives configured in RAID 5, the DXP4800 Pro delivers performance in line with expectations for a 4 bay NAS equipped with 10GbE. Sequential read speeds during testing typically fell in the 450 to 500MB/s range, while write speeds were closer to 300 to 350MB/s. These figures reflect the limits of mechanical drives rather than any immediate system bottleneck, and represent a noticeable uplift compared with single drive performance when accessed over a high speed network connection.

NVMe performance is stronger, particularly when the two user accessible M.2 slots are configured as an SSD storage pool. Synthetic benchmarks conducted within the system reported read speeds in the 5.5 to 6GB/s range, while real world transfers over a 10GbE connection sustained approximately 660 to 680MB/s when copying large media files.

These results are consistent with the constraints of the network interface and show that the NVMe subsystem is not the limiting factor during external transfers.

1GB x 100 – SSH Read/Write Test over SSH – SSD Bay #1 (Gen 3×4 Slot)

1GB x 100 – SSH Read/Write Test over SSH – SSD Bay #2 (Gen 4×4 Slot)

Internal SSD testing via SSH revealed some variation depending on which drives were involved. The system SSD, operating over PCIe Gen3 x4, delivered around 3.1GB/s read and 2.4GB/s write in repeated tests.

Transfers between the two PCIe Gen4 NVMe drives reached higher raw throughput in isolation, but inter SSD transfers were lower than expected (AROUND 1-2 to 1.5Gb/s, suggesting that some operations may still route through system level processes rather than achieving full peer to peer speeds.

Power consumption is higher than that of entry level NAS models using low power CPUs. With four hard drives installed and both network ports connected, idle power draw measured around 28W. Under moderate load with active disks and light CPU usage, consumption increased to approximately 58 to 59W. At sustained full load, including CPU intensive tasks, active hard drives, NVMe access and network activity, power draw peaked in the low to mid 80W range. Noise levels remained modest at idle, but increased noticeably under heavy drive or cooling loads, particularly when the fan profile was set to prioritize cooling over acoustics.

During extended testing, the DXP4800 Pro maintained generally stable operating temperatures across the chassis and internal components, even under mixed workloads. After a 24 hour period with intermittent access and background activity, external surface temperatures measured in the mid to high 30°C range across most of the enclosure, with the front drive area and drive bays reaching the low 40°C range. The rear fan area and network ports remained cooler, typically in the high 30°C range. Particular attention was paid to the underside of the chassis, where the NVMe SSDs are thermally coupled to the metal base panel using thick thermal pads. Despite the relatively low clearance between the NAS and the desk surface, temperatures at the base remained around 34 to 35°C, indicating that heat dissipation through the chassis was effective. Overall, thermal behavior was well controlled for a compact metal 4 bay NAS, with no signs of excessive heat buildup during sustained operation.

Multimedia testing with Jellyfin showed that the DXP4800 Pro handles both playback and transcoding tasks efficiently for a system in this class. When playing high bitrate 4K HEVC content with hardware transcoding enabled, GPU utilization remained low, typically in the mid single digit percentage range, indicating effective use of Intel Quick Sync. Scaling up to 8K content, hardware transcoding continued to perform reliably, with GPU usage generally staying below the low teens and CPU utilization remaining modest.

Native playback of multiple 8K files without transcoding placed limited strain on the system, while simultaneous transcoding of several 8K streams pushed CPU usage higher but still within manageable limits. Overall, Jellyfin performance on the DXP4800 Pro demonstrates that the upgraded CPU and integrated graphics provide sufficient headroom for demanding media workloads, particularly when hardware acceleration is used, without causing system instability or excessive resource contention.

UGREEN DXP4800 PRO Review – Software and Services

The DXP4800 Pro runs UGREEN’s UGOS Pro operating system, which is accessed through a web browser, desktop client or mobile app. Initial setup is straightforward, with the desktop and mobile applications able to automatically detect the NAS on the local network. Most day to day management tasks are handled through a centralized web interface that groups storage, users, services and security settings in a way that is generally easy to navigate, even when multiple features are enabled at the same time.

User and security management are handled through the control panel, where password policies, account permissions and two factor authentication can be configured. The system supports individual users and groups, allowing access rights to be defined at both the folder and application level.

Basic security tools such as IP blocking rules and login attempt limits are included, although the built in security scanning focuses primarily on malware detection rather than broader configuration audits, such as identifying weak passwords or exposed services.

Storage and backup functionality is spread across several integrated tools. Users can create and manage RAID arrays, SSD caches or NVMe storage pools directly from the storage manager. Both EXT4 and BTRFS are supported, with BTRFS enabling snapshot based protection and file versioning. Backup options include local backups, synchronization between folders, backups to other NAS systems and support for iSCSI targets, which may be of interest to users running virtual machines or editing workloads from external systems.

Application support covers a range of common NAS use cases, including Docker containers, a built in virtual machine manager and a growing selection of multimedia tools. Photo management includes AI assisted features such as face recognition, object detection and duplicate filtering, all of which can be enabled or restricted on a per folder basis.

Video playback can be handled through the built in media tools or via third party applications such as Jellyfin, which supports hardware accelerated transcoding. While the platform continues to evolve, the software experience on the DXP4800 Pro is largely defined by the same strengths and limitations seen across the wider UGREEN NAS lineup.

UGREEN DXP4800 PRO vs DXP4800 PLUS – What Is The Difference?

The primary difference between the DXP4800 Pro and the DXP4800 Plus is the processor. The Plus model uses the Intel Pentium Gold 8505, a 12th generation x86 CPU with 5 cores and 6 threads that operates at a variable clock speed and delivers moderate performance for general NAS tasks. The Pro upgrades this to the Intel Core i3 1315U, a 13th generation processor with 6 cores and 8 threads that generally offers higher base and boost clock speeds. In addition to more cores and threads, the i3 benefits from a broader instruction set and enhanced power management, allowing it to sustain higher performance under load without excessive thermal or power draw penalties.

While both CPUs are built on Intel’s “Intel 7” process and share similar TDP behaviour, the Core i3 has a higher turbo frequency ceiling and stronger integrated graphics. This translates to improved performance in parallel workloads, multimedia tasks and certain GPU assisted processes. The integrated graphics in the i3 are also more capable than those in the Pentium Gold, which can assist in hardware accelerated transcoding and UI responsiveness, though neither CPU is designed for heavy graphical workloads. In practical use, the i3’s combination of higher clocks, additional threads and more robust graphics support results in more headroom for Docker, indexing, virtual machines or sustained multi service usage than the Pentium Gold.

Memory is the second meaningful distinction between the two systems. Both ship with 8GB of DDR5 RAM, support ODECC and use a dual SODIMM layout, but the maximum supported capacity differs. The DXP4800 Plus supports up to 64GB, while the DXP4800 Pro increases this limit to 96GB, allowing more room for virtual machines, larger container stacks or memory intensive applications over time. Outside of CPU and memory, the two models are effectively identical. They share the same chassis, 4 bay SATA layout, dual M.2 NVMe slots, dedicated 128GB system SSD, identical RAID options, dual Ethernet ports (10GbE plus 2.5GbE), front and rear USB connectivity, SD 3.0 card reader and an HDMI output. Power consumption figures and physical dimensions are also the same on paper. As a result, the Pro model is best viewed as a performance focused refinement rather than a broader feature upgrade, with its value tied almost entirely to the stronger CPU performance and higher memory ceiling rather than any changes to storage, networking or overall platform design.

UGREEN DXP4800 PRO Review – Verdict & Conclusions

The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Pro positions itself as a careful update to the existing DXP4800 Plus rather than a clear generational replacement. The transition to the Intel Core i3 1315U brings tangible improvements in CPU capability, particularly for users running multiple background services, Docker containers or occasional virtual machines. The higher memory ceiling also improves long term flexibility, especially for workloads that scale gradually over time. At the same time, the unchanged chassis, storage layout and connectivity mean that day to day usage will feel very familiar to anyone who has used earlier DXP models. From a broader perspective, the DXP4800 Pro sits in a narrow space within UGREEN’s lineup.

It offers more processing headroom than the Plus model, but it does not fundamentally change what the platform can do. Network performance, storage expandability and external I O remain the same, and the gains are most noticeable under heavier or more sustained workloads rather than light file serving. This makes the system better suited to users who already know they will push the CPU or memory harder, rather than those simply looking for basic network storage. For new buyers, the DXP4800 Pro can be a sensible choice if the price difference over the DXP4800 Plus is reasonable and the additional CPU capacity is likely to be used. For existing Plus owners, the case for upgrading is limited unless current workloads are already CPU constrained. Overall, the DXP4800 Pro is a competent and well executed 4 bay NAS that emphasizes incremental improvement over innovation. Its appeal lies in refinement and stability rather than standout features, and its value ultimately depends on whether those refinements align with the intended use case.

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PROs of the UGREEN DXP4800 PRO NAS

PROs of the UGREEN DXP4800 PRO NAS

Intel Core i3 1315U provides noticeably more CPU headroom than the DXP4800 Plus, particularly for multitasking, containers and light virtualization Supports up to 96GB of DDR5 memory, offering strong long term flexibility for advanced workloads Dual network ports with both 10GbE and 2.5GbE included, enabling high speed transfers without link aggregation Dual M.2 NVMe slots support SSD caching or dedicated SSD storage pools alongside SATA drives Dedicated 128GB system SSD keeps the operating system separate from main storage volumes. Plus, usable with TrueNAS, UnRAID, OMV etc Solid metal chassis with good overall build quality and effective passive heat dissipation Good real world performance over 10GbE for both SATA RAID arrays and NVMe storage UGOS Pro includes Docker, virtualization, snapshots and AI assisted photo management without subscription fees

Higher power consumption than low power NAS systems, particularly under sustained CPU and disk load Hardware changes are incremental, making it a limited upgrade for existing DXP4800 Plus owners – and the DXP6800 is only a smaller spend away! Security scanning tools focus mainly on malware and lack deeper configuration or exposure analysis

 

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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.

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

– Article invité, rédigé par Vincent Lautier, contient des liens affiliés Amazon –

En mai dernier, je vous parlais de mon coup de cœur pour le Revodok Max 213, un dock très complet , Thunderbolt 4, qui faisait déjà des miracles sur mon bureau. Sauf que voilà, les mois ont passé, et je suis un geek bien trop relou pour accepter de continuer à utiliser un ancien modèle, alors qu'il a été mis à jour ! Entre une promotion indécente sur Amazon et mon envie de préparer le terrain pour mon future MacBook Pro, j'ai fini par sauter le pas pour le UGREEN Revodok Max 2131, la déclinaison Thunderbolt 5 , et je suis bien content.

Soyons honnêtes deux minutes : mon MacBook Air M4 actuel ne gère "que" le Thunderbolt 4. En branchant cette nouvelle version, je ne gagne clairement pas de vitesse de transfert immédiate par rapport à mon ancien modèle. C’est même techniquement surdimensionné pour mon usage actuel, mais l'investissement est en fait stratégique. Je prévois de passer au prochain MacBook Pro M5 dès sa sortie, et avec ce dock, je suis certain que mon setup sera prêt le jour J pour exploiter la pleine puissance du TB5. Et puis surtout, à 315 euros au lieu de 450 euros, je n'avais pas trop à hésiter.

Alors sur le papier vous le savez, l'intérêt du Thunderbolt 5 c'est surtout sa bande passante délirante. On passe de 40 Gbps à 80 Gbps bidirectionnels, et même jusqu'à 120 Gbps via le mode "Bandwidth Boost" pour l'affichage. Pour ceux qui travaillent avec des écrans haute résolution, c'est quand même sympathique. Ce modèle permet de gérer un double affichage 8K à 60 Hz sur les puces Pro et Max, ou de saturer des SSD externes ultra-rapides sans ressentir le moindre ralentissement sur le reste des ports. Zéro compromis donc.

C'est aussi un monstre de charge.

On passe de 90W sur l'ancien modèle à 140W de Power Delivery sur celui-ci. Pour mon MacBook Air, c'est toujours inutile, mais pour les utilisateurs de PC portables gaming ou de MacBook Pro gourmands en ressources, vous pouvez mettre le chargeur d'origine de votre ordi à la poubelle. La station gère intelligemment la distribution d'énergie, envoyant même du jus supplémentaire sur les ports de façade pour charger un smartphone ou une tablette en charge rapide simultanément.

Il a plutôt une bonne tête en plus, avec un châssis en aluminium pour bien dissiper la chaleur. La connectique est complète avec 13 ports, dont du RJ45 en 2,5 GbE pour les amateurs de réseaux rapides et des lecteurs de cartes microSD et SD 4.0 pour les photographes comme moi. Point important quand même, il faut obligatoirement être sous macOS 15 Sequoia ou Windows 11 pour en profiter pleinement, mais bon, si vous lorgnez sur ce genre de produit, c'est que vous êtes à jour.

Bon, vous l'avez compris, si vous aimez avoir du bon matériel sur votre bureau, ça se considère clairement, surtout avec la promo actuelle sur Amazon. Et oui, même si votre ordinateur du moment est limité au Thunderbolt 4, vous gagnez quand même en puissance de charge, et vous êtes déjà prêts pour votre prochaine évolution matérielle. Dispo ici sur Amazon !

Article invité publié par Vincent Lautier . Vous pouvez aussi faire un saut sur mon blog , ma page de recommandations Amazon , ou lire tous les tests que je publie dans la catégorie "Gadgets Tech" , comme cette liseuse Android de dingue ou ces AirTags pour Android !

100 Reasons Turnkey (Synology/QNAP/etc) are BETTER than DIY NAS (TrueNAS, UnRAID, Proxmox)

I think most users who use out-the-box NAS solutions (also known commonly as ‘turnkey‘) will admit that, although they hear alot of good things about TrueNAS and UnRAID (as well as Proxmox, OMV and ZimaOS) – there are plenty of reasons why they have not jumped ship from their Synology or QNAP yet. No one can argue that the low resource and flexibility of UnRAID, or the power and scalability of TrueNAS is not absolutely incredible – but all to often people can forget the convenience and ease of turnkey solutions – and why in 2025 that can be as appealing to us as it was back in the early 2000s, when solutions like these first appeared at retail! So, below are 100 reasons why users choose to pick and/or stay in the safe (if more expensive!) world of turnkey NAS! Some reasons are more business-focused, some more about ease of use, and others are actually more NAS brand specific (eg QNAP Qtier, Synology Active Backup, Terramaster TRAID, etc)

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Different tools suit different tasks! I use both DIY and Turnkey Solutions in my own personal/work data storage environments (as well as a little bit of DAS and even some off site cloud!),. This article is not designed to ‘attack’ or ‘slag off’ one side of the home server market over another! It is to help understand why users might choose one over the other. Not disimilar in some ways to how some people prefer PC gaming vs Console gaming (or even exclusively mobile, though even struggle to wrap my head around that one!).

1. Simplified setup and onboarding

Vendor NAS software is typically ready out of the box with first run wizards, auto detection of drives, RAID suggestions and basic services pre enabled. Many users can reach a working file server or backup target in minutes without learning storage concepts in depth.

2. Unified interface across features

DSM, QTS, ADM, TOS, UGOS and UniFi Drive present storage, users, apps, snapshots, virtualisation and monitoring through one consistent GUI. In DIY platforms you often jump between different web apps, plugins or containers that each have their own interface and logic.

3. Opinionated defaults that reduce mistakes

Turnkey systems are designed around the most common small business and home use cases. They pre select file systems, background scrubs, SMART checks, scheduled snapshots and appropriate permissions. This reduces the risk of badly configured ZFS or array settings that can happen in DIY setups.

4. Integrated backup and sync ecosystem

Vendor NAS platforms usually bundle full backup suites for PCs, Macs, mobile devices, cloud sync and cross NAS replication, all controlled from one place. With DIY stacks you often assemble this from several separate tools such as Rsync, Restic, Duplicati, Hyper Backup style containers or custom scripts.

5. Official mobile and desktop apps

Synology, QNAP, Asustor, TerraMaster, UGREEN and UniFi all ship their own photo, video, music, file sync and admin apps for iOS, Android and desktop. Non technical users often rely on these instead of SMB, NFS or web portals. DIY platforms usually depend more on generic clients or community apps.

6. Vendor support and warranty alignment

When hardware and software come from the same company there is a single point of contact for troubleshooting, RMA and firmware issues. With DIY builds the user is responsible for diagnosing whether a problem is with the OS, the controller, the drives or their chosen container stack.

7. App stores and curated packages

Turnkey NAS operating systems provide an integrated app center with prebuilt and tested packages for Plex, Docker, databases, surveillance, office suites and more. Users avoid manual container creation or plugin hunting, and updates are delivered through the same update mechanism as the core OS.

8. Lower ongoing maintenance burden

Automatic OS updates, package updates, smart notifications and storage health checks are designed for people who do not want to maintain a homelab. DIY deployments like TrueNAS and UnRAID can be very stable but usually expect the admin to read changelogs, test new releases and manage hardware firmware themselves.

9. Polished UX for non technical family or staff

Many people want something they can hand to family members or colleagues without explaining datasets, pools or parity models. Vendor systems focus on friendly media apps, easy sharing links, simple user management and straightforward access control, which is less intimidating than more technical dashboards.

10. Purpose built hardware integration

Turnkey NAS software is tuned for the vendor chassis, CPU choices, fan curves, drive bays, expansion units and sometimes their own drives or NICs. This allows better power management, quieter cooling profiles and predictable performance under typical loads, whereas DIY setups sometimes require manual tweaking or custom scripts to reach the same level of integration.

11. Built in remote access services

Synology QuickConnect, QNAP myQNAPcloud, UGREEN remote access and UniFi cloud portals give relatively easy ways to reach the NAS from outside the home, with wizards for SSL certificates and relay or reverse proxy configuration. DIY solutions usually need separate VPN, reverse proxy or dynamic DNS setup, which can be a hurdle for less technical users.

12. Integrated surveillance and NVR features

Most turnkey NAS platforms bundle full camera management suites with motion detection, licensing, event timelines and mobile notification support. With DIY systems this often means combining separate containers or services and manually wiring storage, permissions and recording schedules together.

13. Smooth firmware and OS integration

Drive sleep, fan curves, thermal limits, UPS signals, LCD panels and front panel buttons are all tuned and tested by the vendor. This reduces strange edge cases such as fans stuck at full speed or drives not sleeping, which are more common when an OS is deployed on random DIY hardware.

14. Better experience for small offices and non technical teams

Turnkey NAS software is designed so that a small office without an IT department can manage users, quotas, shared folders, cloud sync and snapshots through a predictable interface. DIY stacks often assume there is a homelab style admin who is comfortable with shell access and manual recovery steps.

15. Pre integrated ecosystem services

Vendors often provide their own office suite, chat server, calendar, mail, photo and video applications that are aware of each other permissions and storage locations. Doing the same on a DIY system usually involves picking and integrating separate open source projects, each with its own user database and update cycle.

16. Clearer disaster recovery workflows

Many turnkey systems have guided workflows for replacing failed disks, expanding RAID, restoring from snapshots and recovering from another NAS or a cloud backup. DIY platforms are powerful here but often present more technical terminology and expect the admin to understand pool state, resilvering and dataset recovery in more detail.

17. Certification and ecosystem support

Synology, QNAP, Asustor and others often have official compatibility lists, certifications with backup vendors, hypervisors and camera brands, plus documentation that assumes their OS. This helps businesses that need a supported environment, rather than a custom stack that vendors may refuse to certify.

18. Predictable update cadence

Appliance style NAS software usually follows a documented release track, with security updates and feature releases pushed through a single updater. DIY NAS users often juggle OS upgrades, plugin or container updates and sometimes driver or kernel updates, which increases the risk of something breaking.

19. Lower learning curve for occasional admins

Some people only touch their NAS settings a few times per year. Turnkey software favours obvious icons, wizards and consistent terminology that are easier to come back to after a long gap. DIY environments frequently reward continuous familiarity and can feel opaque if you only log in when something has gone wrong.

20. Perceived professionalism and vendor reputation

For small businesses or freelance professionals, buying a branded NAS with an integrated OS feels closer to buying a finished appliance such as a router or firewall. This can inspire more confidence than a home built box with a community OS, even if the DIY system is technically superior, which influences purchasing decisions in many cases.

21. Built in cloud service integration

Turnkey NAS systems tend to ship with first party or curated apps for major cloud platforms such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox and S3 compatible services. The wizards handle credentials, scheduling and throttling, so users do not need to wire up separate containers or command line tools for each provider.

22. Clear licensing and feature tiers

Commercial NAS platforms usually define which features are free, which require extra licenses such as camera channels or mail server and which are part of business tiers. DIY solutions often involve a mix of open source projects with different licenses plus optional paid plugins, which can be harder for a small business to audit.

23. Centralised security controls

Security options such as two factor authentication, account lockout rules, firewall profiles, certificate management and brute force protection are normally surfaced in one place in turnkey NAS software. On DIY stacks these controls may live separately in the operating system, reverse proxy, containers and hypervisor.

24. Extensive official documentation and training material

Vendors publish step by step guides, video tutorials and certification style training that assume their software stack. This makes it easier for junior staff or generalists to learn the system compared with assembling knowledge from multiple communities and wikis for a custom DIY setup.

25. Easier compliance reporting

For organisations that need to satisfy basic compliance such as audit trails, retention rules or off site backups, vendor NAS platforms often include reporting tools, logs and checklists that map to common requirements. With DIY environments the admin usually has to prove and document these controls manually.

26. More predictable multi site deployments

If several offices all use the same NAS brand, the admin can reuse the same playbook for remote management, replication, user templates and monitoring. DIY deployments may vary more in hardware and configuration between locations, which complicates support.

27. Lower barrier for third party support

External IT providers and managed service companies are more likely to have experience with popular turnkey NAS brands and their operating systems. That makes it easier to hand off support or get short term help, compared with a custom server running a niche or heavily customised DIY stack.

28. Consistent user experience during upgrades

When upgrading from an older appliance to a newer one from the same vendor, the interface, migration tools and storage layout are usually similar. This reduces retraining and migration complexity, while a move between different DIY platforms or versions can feel more like a full redesign.

29. Smaller risk of silent misconfiguration

Turnkey NAS software often validates settings and warns if you choose insecure or unsupported combinations, for example exposing services directly without encryption or mixing unusual RAID and cache arrangements. DIY tools frequently assume the admin knows the implications and allow more dangerous combinations without warning.

30. Better fit for plug and forget scenarios

Many users and small businesses want a storage appliance that they configure once, then largely ignore apart from occasional updates. Vendor NAS systems are aimed at this type of usage pattern, with notifications only when something important changes, whereas DIY environments typically reward regular attention and active administration.

31. Better out of the box media experience

Turnkey platforms usually have polished photo, video and music apps, automatic indexing and pleasant web players for family or staff. DIY systems can match this with containers such as Jellyfin, Photoprism and Immich, but the user has to assemble and maintain all of it.

32. Built in wizards for directory services

Joining Microsoft 365, Azure AD, local Active Directory or LDAP is usually handled with simple wizards and documented steps. On DIY platforms it often means more manual configuration and troubleshooting of Samba, Kerberos and certificates.

33. Language, localisation and accessibility

Commercial NAS software is usually translated into many languages and tested for right to left scripts, date formats and accessibility features such as high contrast and screen reader support. DIY tools may only be fully usable in English and have less focus on accessibility.

34. Simpler notifications and alerting

Turnkey systems offer point and click setup for email alerts, mobile push messages and sometimes vendor cloud notifications. They choose sensible defaults for what counts as an important alert. DIY environments often need separate configuration for mail relays, monitoring containers and alert policies.

35. Integration with vendor hardware ecosystem

Vendors such as Synology, QNAP and UniFi design switches, routers, cameras and sometimes drives to work together. Using their NAS software often unlocks extra features or easier management when everything is from the same ecosystem, which is harder to replicate with a mixed DIY stack.

36. Cleaner upgrade path for non technical owners

If the original tech person leaves, a small office can more easily hand a vendor NAS to a new admin or outside consultant. A heavily customised TrueNAS or Unraid box may be much harder for someone new to understand, especially if it has many manual tweaks.

37. Better power management and noise tuning

Because the operating system is written for known hardware, the vendor usually has sensible defaults for drive spindown, CPU power states and fan speed curves. DIY builds sometimes run noisier or less efficiently until the owner spends time tuning them.

38. Easier resale and re deployment

A branded appliance that can be factory reset and resold is often more attractive on the second hand market, and the buyer knows they will get a familiar interface. A DIY server with a complex configuration is harder to pass on or repurpose.

39. Simple route to official feature requests

Turnkey NAS vendors maintain public roadmaps, ticket systems and sometimes beta programs where users can request features and see progress. DIY stacks rely more on open source project maintainers and community volunteers, which can be less predictable from a non technical user point of view.

40. Clear boundary between appliance and experiments

With a vendor box, many users treat the NAS as a stable appliance and do their experimental homelab work on other hardware. With DIY NAS platforms it can be tempting to mix storage, containers, VMs and random experiments on the same system, which increases the chance of self inflicted problems.

41. Integrated health check tools

Many turnkey NAS platforms include scheduled health scans, built in diagnostics and simple one click reports that summarise disk health, file system status and security posture. This gives casual admins a clear picture of whether things are normal without reading system logs.

42. Safer default network exposure

Vendor systems usually ship with conservative defaults for open ports, remote access and admin interfaces. They often require explicit confirmation before exposing services to the internet, which lowers the chance that a newcomer accidentally leaves something critical wide open.

43. Easier mixed environment support

Turnkey NAS software is designed from the start to serve Windows, macOS and Linux clients, as well as mobile devices, with presets for each. The same applies to printer shares, Time Machine and simple guest access, so a mixed household or office can work with fewer manual tweaks.

44. Family friendly features

Photo sharing, simple link based file sharing, parental controls and easy user creation make appliance NAS platforms attractive in homes where not everyone is technically minded. It is simpler to give each family member a home folder and app than to explain datasets and user groups in a more technical system.

45. Built in small business templates

Many vendor platforms include wizards labelled for small business tasks, for example file server for a workgroup, simple off site backup or camera recording for a shop. This template approach is less intimidating than building every share, permission and schedule from scratch.

46. Integrated antivirus and security scanners

Turnkey NAS operating systems usually include built in antivirus, basic malware detection and sometimes ransomware behaviour alerts that tie directly into shares and user accounts. With DIY stacks you often need to choose and connect your own security tools, then maintain them separately.

47. Built in help and guided troubleshooting

DSM, QTS, ADM and similar platforms tend to include integrated help panels, inline tooltips and simple diagnostic wizards that walk you through common problems such as slow access or failed backups. DIY platforms rely more on forum posts and community guides, which is slower for less experienced admins.

48. Tested support for vendor expansion hardware

Vendor NAS software is checked against their own expansion cards, external drive shelves, Wi Fi or cellular dongles and specific UPS models. This removes guesswork around drivers and compatibility that is more common when you deploy a general purpose OS on random hardware.

49. Clean virtual machine and container integration

On many turnkey NAS systems the built in virtualisation and container managers are linked directly into storage, networking and permissions with a unified permission model. DIY users often combine a separate hypervisor with storage and multiple container engines, which is more flexible but also more complex.

50. Easier link aggregation and networking features

Interface bonding, vlan tagging and basic quality of service are usually exposed through simple screens that understand the appliance hardware. On DIY setups these features can require manual configuration of network stacks or external switches with less guidance.

51. Integrated energy saving and scheduling

Turnkey NAS platforms frequently offer scheduled power on and power off, automatic hibernation and coordinated UPS shutdown in one place. DIY systems can do the same, but usually through a mixture of firmware settings, operating system tools and UPS software that are not collected into a single panel.

52. Simple handling of mixed storage tiers

Many vendor operating systems make it straightforward to mix solid state cache, solid state volumes and hard drive volumes with clear labels and usage suggestions. Users who just want a fast area and a bulk area can configure this quickly, without learning detailed tiering concepts.

53. Vendor tuned media indexing and AI features

Newer turnkey NAS software often includes ready configured services for face recognition, object tagging and quick search across photos and documents. Achieving the same on DIY systems typically means deploying several separate projects and ensuring they all stay updated and indexed correctly.

54. Friendly drive swap and expansion workflows

Guided workflows for swapping drives, upgrading disk size or adding new volumes reduce anxiety for people who only perform these tasks occasionally. DIY stacks present these operations at a lower level and expect the admin to understand more storage theory before they proceed.

55. Clearer codec and patent licensing story

For video playback and some network protocols the vendor usually takes care of licensing and legal obligations in the firmware and media apps. DIY stacks often leave it to the user to add codec packs, accept legal risk or live with reduced playback support.

56. Built in tools for privacy and data requests

Some turnkey NAS platforms provide simple tools for finding and exporting user data, wiping specific accounts and managing retention rules in ways that map to common privacy regulations. With DIY systems you usually have to design and script these workflows yourself.

57. Strong vendor partner and reseller ecosystem

Many service providers build standard offerings around Synology, QNAP or other vendor platforms, including fixed price backup, monitoring and remote management bundles. A customer can buy into that ecosystem more easily than asking a provider to support a one off DIY stack.

58. Remote diagnostic bundles for support

Vendor NAS software often includes support bundles that capture logs, system state and configuration in one archive that can be sent securely to support. On a DIY NAS, collecting everything a third party needs for diagnosis often involves more manual work and explanation.

59. Formal training and certification paths

Larger NAS vendors run structured training courses and certification exams focused on their platforms. Organisations can build a team of admins with recognised skills instead of relying only on informal community learning.

60. One click configuration backup and restore

Turnkey NAS systems usually have simple configuration backup features that capture users, shares, permissions and services in a single file that can be restored to identical or successor hardware. DIY platforms often have more moving parts, so configuration is spread across several tools and locations.

61. Better integration with office printers and scanners

Appliance NAS platforms commonly provide straightforward file shares and mail relay options with clear documentation for popular multifunction printers and scanners. In many cases, scan to folder and scan to mail work with only minor setup, which is harder on some DIY stacks.

62. Hardware backed security features surfaced clearly

Where the appliance includes secure boot, dedicated security modules or signed firmware, the NAS operating system usually exposes these with clear status indicators. DIY builds can also use such features, but enabling and monitoring them often involves lower level tools and more specialist knowledge.

63. Cloud based fleet management for many devices

Several vendors now offer cloud consoles that let you see, update and sometimes configure multiple NAS units from one place. This is useful for managed service providers and larger organisations and is not commonly available for DIY installations.

64. Reduced risk of software dependency conflicts

Vendor NAS software controls the package set tightly and exposes apps through a curated store. This lowers the chance that installing one package will silently break another through shared libraries or operating system updates. DIY systems give more freedom at the cost of more potential conflicts.

65. Integrated download and ingestion tools

Turnkey NAS platforms often include a full featured download client for web, ftp, torrent and nzb sources, tied directly into shares and quota rules. Non technical users can automate downloads and have them land in the right places without learning separate tools.

66. Native calendar and contact sync services

Many appliance systems expose built in calendar and contact sync using industry standard protocols, with setup wizards for common phones and desktop mail clients. Small teams get a simple private address book and calendar without having to assemble separate groupware software.

67. Turnkey VPN server with guided client setup

Synology, QNAP and others commonly include their own VPN server packages with wizards and downloadable client profiles, so remote users can get secure access without the admin needing to deploy a separate dedicated VPN appliance.

68. Integrated reverse proxy and virtual host manager

Turnkey NAS software often lets you publish several internal apps behind a single public address using a graphical reverse proxy manager, with automatic certificate handling. On DIY systems this usually means manual web server configuration and ongoing maintenance.

69. Front panel copy and import workflows

Many branded NAS units wire the front usb port and copy button directly into the operating system, so pressing it can trigger predefined jobs such as importing photos or backing up a specific share. Replicating this behaviour on a DIY server normally needs custom scripting.

70. Effortless discovery by televisions and consoles

Vendor NAS operating systems usually ship with media servers that smart televisions and game consoles can see immediately, with almost no setup. For many households this simple living room playback is more important than advanced tuning.

71. Simple resource controls for apps and containers

Appliance platforms often expose per application limits for cpu, memory and sometimes network through sliders or basic fields in the app center. This reduces the chance that one heavy service will starve others without the admin needing to understand deeper container controls.

72. Structured beta and preview channels

Several commercial NAS ecosystems provide clearly labelled preview tracks for new features with documented rollback paths and support boundaries. Curious users can try new capabilities while still having a straightforward route back to a stable release.

73. Hardware aware media transcoding controls

Turnkey NAS software usually knows exactly which media acceleration features are present and exposes them through simple settings. Users can enable or disable hardware transcode and change quality limits without hand tuning media server parameters.

74. Native smart home and voice assistant integration

Many vendor platforms provide official skills or actions for major voice assistants and sometimes hooks for smart home platforms. This allows simple voice commands or automation rules for tasks such as checking storage status or pausing heavy jobs.

75. Unified performance monitoring and graphs

Turnkey NAS systems usually include dashboards that graph cpu, memory, network and disk activity over time. Admins get an at a glance view of behaviour without deploying a separate monitoring stack or learning specialised graphing tools.

76. Integrated snapshot browsing for end users

On many turnkey NAS platforms, users can see and restore earlier versions of files directly from the web file portal or desktop client, without needing admin access to the snapshot tools. DIY systems often expose snapshots mainly at the storage layer, which makes end user self service recovery more complicated to set up.

77. Pre defined permission and role templates

Vendor NAS software usually ships with ready made roles such as administrator, power user, standard user and guest that map to sensible permission sets. This reduces the chance of over privileged accounts and saves admins from building every permission scheme by hand, which is more common with DIY platforms.

78. Unified logging and audit views

Turnkey NAS systems tend to centralise system logs, access logs and app logs in one interface with filters and export options. Admins can quickly see who did what and when, instead of piecing together multiple log locations and formats as is typical on general purpose DIY servers.

79. Guided guest and project share creation

Appliance NAS platforms often include wizards specifically for temporary project folders or guest access, with options for automatic expiry and simple sharing links. DIY systems can do the same but usually require manual user creation, ACL tweaks and later cleanup that is easier to forget.

80. Consistent behaviour across the product range

Once someone has learned one model from a vendor, most of their knowledge applies across the whole family, even when hardware capabilities differ. Features behave in a consistent way, whereas DIY deployments can vary widely depending on how each server was built and configured.

81. Workload tuned defaults out of the box

Many vendor platforms come with presets for common workloads such as general file server, surveillance recording or virtualisation, each with tuned cache, connection and background task settings. DIY stacks often leave all the tuning to the admin and assume they understand how to optimise for each workload.

82. Multi administrator delegation with scoped access

Turnkey NAS software frequently supports multiple administrator level accounts with different scopes, for example a main system admin and a helpdesk admin who can reset passwords but not change storage. Implementing that kind of scoped admin access on a DIY stack usually demands deeper knowledge of underlying permission models.

83. Guided certificate and HTTPS management

Many appliance NAS platforms provide wizards that request, install and renew certificates from public authorities and apply them across web admin, file portals and apps. On DIY systems, certificate handling often requires manual web server configuration, file placement and periodic renewal scripts.

84. Vendor push notification channels

In addition to email alerts, turnkey NAS platforms often use vendor operated push services tied to their mobile apps and cloud accounts. This means important alerts such as disk failures or overheating can reach admins even when mail relays are misconfigured, something that is less common in DIY environments.

85. Clear support lifecycle and end of service timelines

Commercial NAS vendors publish how long each model and OS train will receive security and feature updates. That clarity makes it easier to plan hardware refreshes and budgets, whereas with DIY combinations of OS and plugins it can be harder to know which components will still be maintained in several years.

86. Offline update bundles for secure or air gapped sites

Turnkey NAS operating systems usually provide complete update files that can be downloaded once, checked and then applied to machines without direct internet access. Assembling equivalent offline update workflows for DIY stacks involves collecting OS updates, plugin updates and container images individually.

87. Dedicated tools to migrate from older or rival devices

Many vendor platforms include built in migration tools that pull data, permissions and sometimes application settings from older appliances or even competing NAS brands over the network. In DIY setups, migration is more often built around manual rsync, snapshots and recreation of users and shares.

88. Native S3 compatible object storage services

Some turnkey NAS systems include official S3 compatible endpoints that are tightly integrated with the built in user and permission model. This lets organisations expose object storage to applications without standing up and maintaining a separate object storage project on top of a DIY server.

89. Simple controls for scrubbing and integrity repair

Appliance NAS platforms typically expose data scrubbing and repair functions as a schedule choice rather than a low level command. Admins can enable regular scrubs to catch bit rot and silent corruption without needing to learn or script the underlying integrity tools.

90. Guided secure erase and decommission procedures

Many vendor NAS operating systems offer secure wipe options for entire volumes or selected shares, often including crypto erase where keys are destroyed. This makes it easier to safely dispose of or resell hardware, while DIY admins must design and verify their own data destruction workflows.

91. Predictable behaviour under partial hardware failures

Turnkey stacks are tested against common faults such as a dead fan, a missing expansion tray or a single failing drive, with clear warning messages in the GUI. DIY combinations of OS and hardware can behave less predictably when something fails, which increases pressure on the admin during incidents.

92. Wizards for expansion units and bay mapping

Where vendors sell expansion shelves, their NAS software usually provides screens that show which bay belongs to which chassis and guide the user through adding or replacing shelves. With DIY servers and generic JBODs, tracking physical bay mapping is often left to labelling and manual documentation.

93. Clean separation of admin and user facing portals

Appliance NAS platforms normally offer a clear split between the administrative interface and user portals for files, photos, mail or collaboration tools. End users rarely need to see the admin side, which reduces the risk of accidental changes compared with some DIY environments where everything is accessed in the same way.

94. Sector specific documentation and examples

Larger NAS vendors often produce guidance tailored to common sectors such as creative studios, surveillance deployments, education or small offices, including reference topologies and settings. DIY platforms rely more on generic documentation, leaving admins to translate that into sector specific designs themselves.

95. Reduced risk of command line mistakes

Because turnkey NAS systems guide most changes through the web interface and hide many low level options, there is less chance that an admin will break the system with a single incorrect shell command. DIY stacks encourage deeper shell access, which is powerful but also easier to misuse.

96. Factory reset and recovery options designed for non experts

Many vendor NAS devices include simple factory reset procedures and guided recovery wizards that bring the system back to a known state without needing installation media. On DIY servers, reinstalling or repairing the OS often involves bootable images, manual partitioning and reimporting storage.

97. Easier integration into vendor router and Wi Fi ecosystems

When a NAS, router and access points all come from the same brand, the software often includes shortcuts for service discovery, internal DNS and basic quality of service for media traffic. Recreating that level of smooth integration with a DIY NAS in a mixed vendor network typically takes more tuning.

98. Safer experimentation through vendor sandboxes or trial modes

Some turnkey NAS platforms offer limited scope trial zones or beta features that are clearly flagged and easy to disable, reducing the risk that experiments will affect core data. DIY environments can provide similar separation, but usually only if the admin designs careful virtualisation or lab setups.

99. Simple inclusion in vendor managed backup services

Vendors increasingly offer their own cloud backup platforms that recognise their NAS appliances automatically and apply sensible defaults for encryption, retention and throttling. DIY NAS users can pick any cloud they like, but must design the backup strategy, encryption and job tuning themselves.

100. Stronger non technical stakeholder confidence in the solution

Managers, clients or family members often feel more comfortable when critical data lives on a named appliance with an official operating system, public documentation and a support contract. That confidence in a recognisable product can be important even when a well built DIY alternative is technically very capable.

 

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UGREEN AI NAS Review – Is the iDX6011 Pro NAS a Kind of Greatness or Gimmick?

UGREEN has moved from being a peripheral brand in storage accessories to a recognisable name in turnkey NAS hardware in a relatively short time, helped in part by the NASync range that arrived via crowdfunding in 2024 and then transitioned into regular retail availability. The NASync iDX6011 series is the company’s next step, and it is a bigger swing than the earlier systems because it is trying to appeal to 2 different audiences at once. On one side, it is a high spec 6 bay NAS with features typically aimed at heavier workloads, including dual 10GbE, dual Thunderbolt 4, PCIe Gen4 expansion, and NVMe slots for caching or SSD volumes. On the other side, it is being marketed as a “local AI NAS” built around an on device assistant and offline processing, intended for people who like the idea of using natural language to search, summarise, and organise large private libraries without sending data to a public cloud. The practical question is whether buyers actually need an AI layer on a NAS, since many users simply want reliable storage, backups, and fast access, and will judge it on fundamentals like performance, noise, power, and software stability first. Based on hands on testing of the iDX6011 Pro hardware and the early UGOS Pro plus AI implementation, the platform looks close to finished on the hardware side, while the AI layer feels more like a developing feature set that is not yet consistently polished, which raises the possibility that UGREEN is attempting to deliver a full “appliance plus assistant” experience before every part of that assistant workflow is fully mature.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER! This is KICKSTARTER…

This product is being sold through a crowdfunding campaign rather than as a conventional retail NAS, and that changes the risk profile regardless of brand size or prior success. Pricing is tied to a refundable reservation deposit system and early bird tiers, and delivery timing is based on stated production and dispatch windows rather than the predictable stock availability that comes with established retail channels. Even though UGREEN has previously completed a large NAS crowdfunding campaign and later moved those products into normal retail, that track record does not remove the usual Kickstarter variables, such as software features changing between prototype and shipping units, performance tuning continuing during the campaign window, and schedules shifting due to manufacturing or regional fulfilment constraints. In this case, the hardware shown appears close to final, but the software, particularly the AI layer, is explicitly described as still in active optimisation, so any evaluation should treat feature completeness as provisional until the campaign is live, the final software build is confirmed, and post launch updates show what is actually delivered at scale.

UGREEN iDX6011 Pro Review – Quick Conclusion

The UGREEN NASync iDX6011 Pro is a high spec 6 bay NAS that, in hardware terms, behaves more like a compact workstation class storage appliance than a typical consumer NAS, with dual 10GbE, dual Thunderbolt 4, PCIe Gen4 x8 expansion, OCuLink, 8K HDMI, 2 x M.2 NVMe slots, and a dedicated 128GB system SSD, backed by an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H and 64GB fixed LPDDR5X memory. In testing, the fundamentals were generally strong, including RAID 5 throughput around 950 MB/s read and 670 MB/s write with SSD caching, internal NVMe performance around 5.5 to 6.0 GB/s, acceptable sustained thermals for a metal chassis under long access periods, and noise and power figures that tracked with a 6 drive high performance platform rather than a low power home NAS. The main performance concern was that SMB multichannel scaling was uneven, with reads around 2200 to 2300 MB/s but writes closer to 1300 to 1500 MB/s in a dual 10GbE client setup, suggesting software or tuning limits that may or may not improve by launch. UGOS Pro is broadly feature complete for mainstream NAS use, with Docker, VMs, snapshots, iSCSI, and comprehensive backup and sync options, but it still lacks some ecosystem level elements that established competitors deliver, including ZFS and a more comprehensive security posture scanner, and the app catalogue gap around Plex remains notable. The local AI layer, marketed as a key differentiator, is currently the least mature part of the product, with useful building blocks like document summarisation, audio transcription, and photo recognition, but inconsistent workflows that rely on manual uploads rather than directory level crawling, limited smart commands, and permission controls that can be too rigid for practical assistant use, while also not offering generative photo or video creation. Overall, the iDX6011 Pro looks close to finished on hardware and competitive on capability at its early campaign pricing, but the AI experience still feels in development, and the Kickstarter purchase route adds risk for buyers who expect fully polished features on day 1.

UGREEN iDX6011 Pro Review – Design and Storage

The iDX6011 Pro is physically a more industrial looking unit than UGREEN’s earlier NAS designs, with a full metal outer chassis that feels closer to workstation gear than living room appliance styling. It is not a sealed box either, as the side panels are removable and intended to give access to internal expansion areas, though the process uses a hex key rather than a simple tool free latch. That approach is functional and keeps the exterior clean, but it also makes routine access slightly slower if you expect to swap SSDs or a PCIe card regularly. Ventilation is distributed around the sides rather than concentrated in a single grille, and the chassis is raised off the surface to allow airflow beneath, which matters in a system designed to host 6 hard drives plus NVMe storage and a higher performance CPU class than entry NAS models.

Storage capacity is built around 6 front loading SATA bays, with UGREEN quoting 196TB maximum raw capacity for the platform. Drive insertion uses the same general tray approach seen on the company’s recent NAS units, including lockable bay fronts and a plastic click and load mechanism intended to speed up installation without tools. It is a conventional arrangement for a 6 bay desktop NAS, but the metal enclosure can make drive acoustics more noticeable depending on the HDD model and rotational behaviour, which becomes relevant when users populate the unit with larger capacity drives that often have more platters and more audible seek patterns. The front bay layout is straightforward, prioritising density and serviceability, with the expectation that this is a system meant to hold a large primary library rather than act as a small secondary backup target.

Alongside the 6 bays, UGREEN separates the operating system onto a dedicated 128GB internal SSD, which avoids consuming any of the user’s drive pool for the system partition and aligns with how most modern NAS vendors isolate OS storage. In practical terms, that makes initial setup cleaner and reduces the chance that a storage rebuild or volume reconfiguration impacts the boot environment, though it also means the overall platform depends on an internal system SSD that is not part of the RAID group. Two internal M.2 NVMe slots are available for SSD cache or SSD volumes, and in testing they behaved like high performance local storage rather than token add ons, which fits the broader design goal of making this NAS suitable for heavier workflows and not just cold storage. The storage story here is therefore split into 3 layers, hard drive bays for capacity, M.2 for performance acceleration, and a separate system SSD for OS stability.

The Pro model also adds a front mounted 3.71 inch LCD, which provides real time status visibility such as usage and system state at a glance. As implemented in early hardware, it appears more like a monitoring and basic control surface than a full management interface, and it is not treated as a secure console with authentication, so it is best understood as a convenience feature rather than an administrative tool. In a shared environment, that trade off matters because a display that is easy to use is also easy to interact with physically, so the value depends on where the unit is placed and who has access to it. For some users it will be useful simply to confirm system health without opening the web UI, but it does not replace normal management, and it is not aimed at the same kind of on device control that some touchscreen equipped NAS systems attempt.

Maintenance and long term usability are supported by design choices such as accessible cooling and a removable rear panel area, which makes it easier to clean and service the main fans compared with fully enclosed designs. The unit includes an internal power supply, reducing external power brick clutter, and cooling is built around a combination of rear system fans and a dedicated CPU cooling assembly using copper heat piping and a dual fan arrangement. User control in software focuses on the rear fans, while the CPU fan behaviour is not exposed in the same way, which is typical for compact systems where CPU thermals are managed automatically. Overall, the enclosure and storage layout suggest UGREEN is treating this as a high duty appliance expected to run continuously, host large volumes, and remain serviceable, even if some access choices like hex key panels are more conservative than tool free designs.

UGREEN iDX6011 Pro Review – Internal Hardware

At the centre of the iDX6011 lineup is a split CPU strategy, with the Pro model using Intel Core Ultra 7 255H and the non Pro models using Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, both in a 28W class envelope but with different core layouts and advertised AI compute capability. In practical terms, the Pro is the higher headroom option for simultaneous workloads, including heavier multitasking, more concurrent services, and more demanding local indexing or analysis tasks, while the Ultra 5 models are positioned as a lower cost entry that still retains the broader platform features. The Core Ultra family also brings an integrated graphics and NPU component, which matters here because UGREEN’s “local AI” positioning depends more on on device acceleration and sustained compute than on a simple low power NAS CPU. The important point from testing is that the system behaves like a higher performance appliance than the entry level NAS class, with clear implications for throughput, thermals, and power draw once you start adding drive count, caching, and background services.

Memory is LPDDR5X across all configurations, offered at 64GB on the Pro and one of the Ultra 5 models, and 32GB on the lower tier Ultra 5 model. This memory is fixed rather than modular, so there is no user upgrade path later, and buyers need to decide upfront how much headroom they want for containers, virtual machines, caching, and AI services. Fixed memory can bring benefits in bandwidth and power efficiency, but it also removes one of the typical ways NAS owners extend lifespan as demands grow. In the context of UGOS Pro, 32GB is likely to be workable for mainstream file services and lighter container use, but 64GB is the safer fit if the system is intended to run multiple applications at once, keep more services resident, or handle heavier indexing tasks, particularly when the AI layer is enabled and models are loaded into memory during use.

Storage connectivity inside the chassis is arranged so that the M.2 NVMe slots operate as high speed local devices rather than secondary add ons, and the system’s design encourages using them for caching or fast volumes alongside the 6 drive array. Beyond storage, the platform includes a PCIe Gen4 x8 expansion slot, which gives the unit a more flexible upgrade path than many turnkey NAS systems that are limited to fixed networking and fixed I O. The Pro model also includes an OCuLink port, which in practical testing allowed attachment of external PCIe devices such as a GPU dock, and the system recognised the hardware when connected, even though this is not the typical way consumer NAS boxes expand capability. This internal and external PCIe story is one of the defining hardware traits of the Pro model, because it creates options for future add ons that extend beyond storage, even if most buyers will never use it.

From an internal power and cooling perspective, the unit uses an internal PSU and a cooling layout that separates general chassis airflow from CPU cooling, with software fan control focused on the rear fans rather than the CPU fan assembly. That matters because the system’s CPU class, NVMe support, and expansion options can create load scenarios that are closer to small server behaviour than basic home NAS idle patterns, particularly during sustained indexing, RAID rebuilds, or heavy file operations across fast links like 10GbE and Thunderbolt.

The hardware review unit is described as a pre release prototype, and while the physical build appears close to final, some behaviour, especially around performance tuning and software integration, should be treated as subject to change before shipping. The overall internal hardware direction is clear though: this is not designed around the low power NAS CPU segment, and the component choices indicate UGREEN is targeting users who want workstation class connectivity and compute inside a NAS form factorAM, rather than a minimal file server.

UGREEN iDX6011 Pro Review – Ports and Connections

The iDX6011 Pro is configured around higher bandwidth connectivity than most mainstream 6 bay NAS units, and the port layout reflects an intention to sit closer to a workstation or small office backbone rather than being limited to standard home networking. Dual 10GbE is present across all configurations, providing both higher single link throughput and the option for link aggregation or segmented network roles depending on the user’s environment. In practice, dual 10GbE also opens the door to multichannel SMB performance in supported client setups, and the platform is clearly built with large file workflows in mind, where sequential transfer speed and low friction access matter as much as raw storage capacity. Unlike NAS designs that reserve high speed networking for optional add in cards, the iDX6011 platform treats 10GbE as baseline rather than upgrade.

Thunderbolt 4 appears as 2 ports, and in your testing this mattered because it enabled direct high speed attachment use cases and compatibility with external adapters and docks. The most obvious implication is fast ingest and offload for users working from laptops or mobile workstations where Thunderbolt is a primary high speed interface, but it also intersects with the Pro model’s expansion story because external PCIe style docks become viable. The unit also includes USB connectivity split between faster USB 3 class ports and USB 2 ports for lower bandwidth peripherals, plus an SD 4.0 card slot that is front placed for frequent media ingest. That placement is relevant because it avoids reaching behind the unit for daily tasks, which is more aligned with content creation workflows than with the typical NAS assumption of mostly remote file transfer.

Video output is handled through an 8K capable HDMI port, which supports the idea of using the NAS as a directly attached media endpoint as well as a server, though this is a secondary function compared with network access. The presence of HDMI also ties into the software layer you described, where the system can be used for local playback and controlled through the broader UGOS environment, but it is still a NAS first device rather than a dedicated media box. For users who want the NAS to sit near a display and act as a playback source, the port is present, but the value depends heavily on application availability and the user’s preferred media stack.

Expansion is where the Pro model separates itself, because it combines an internal PCIe Gen4 x8 slot with an external OCuLink port, while the non Pro models omit OCuLink. In testing, the OCuLink path successfully recognised an attached GPU dock, which indicates that UGREEN is not treating this as a purely decorative specification, even if most of the AI positioning is currently built around CPU and NPU resources rather than discrete GPU acceleration. The PCIe slot provides additional flexibility for add in networking or other cards within the physical constraints of the chassis, and together these interfaces make the iDX6011 Pro less locked to its factory I O than typical turnkey NAS appliances. That said, the practical value of these ports depends on driver support, how UGOS exposes attached hardware, and whether users plan to run third party operating systems where PCIe device support can be more familiar.

UGREEN iDX6011 Pro Review – Speed, Temp, Noise and Power Tests

In file transfer testing, the iDX6011 Pro showed performance that aligns with its connectivity and internal storage design, but also revealed at least one area where optimisation may still be needed. With 6 HDDs configured in RAID 5 and SSD caching enabled for read and write, throughput reached roughly 950 MB/s read and 670 MB/s write, which is consistent with a well tuned array benefitting from cache acceleration and a fast network path. The larger point is that the platform can make practical use of 10GbE class throughput without feeling artificially capped by an entry level CPU, and the results suggest the system is capable of handling sustained large file movement without immediately falling behind. The caveat is that this was tested on a pre release unit, and the way UGOS configures caching and network services can materially affect the final numbers.

The internal NVMe performance was strong, and importantly it was consistent whether measured through the UGOS interface or via SSH testing. In the built in NVMe benchmark, both drives returned around 6 GB/s reads and writes after repeated testing, and additional 1GB SSH tests also clustered around 5.5 to 6.0 GB/s. Those figures suggest the M.2 implementation is not a token feature and can support either aggressive caching configurations or fast SSD volumes for workloads that benefit from low latency access. This matters in the context of the iDX6011 Pro’s target audience because the NVMe layer is a primary tool for keeping responsiveness high when multiple services are active, when many small files are being indexed, or when a user wants a high performance workspace alongside bulk HDD capacity.

Where results were less ideal was in a dual 10GbE client scenario using SMB multichannel, where reads scaled well but writes did not. Using a USB4 laptop connected through a dual 10GbE to USB4 adapter, 2x 10GbE connections were visible and green-for-go on both ends! So, the system SHOUD saturate more than a single 10GbE link and make real use of multichannel behaviour to use both (with the right  media!) – which is exactly what we saw in sequential Read speed tests. Writes, however, sat around 1300 to 1500 MB/s, often behaving closer to a single 10GbE stream, with occasional dips that suggested the second link was not being fully utilised for upstream traffic in that setup. Jumbo frames were enabled with MTU set to 9000, and alternative approaches were tested, so the remaining explanation could be software overhead, SMB tuning, client limitations, or an area of UGOS optimisation that is not yet final in the pre release software build.

Thermally, the unit behaved within expected bounds for a metal chassis hosting multiple high capacity HDDs and sustained access patterns. After roughly 36 hours of continuous activity, surface readings showed around 35C at the top, roughly 38C around the drive bay area and side ventilation panels, and around 41 to 44C in lower vent channel areas where airflow is concentrated. The rear fan region was around 44 to 45C, the PSU region hovered around 38C, and the LCD area reached around 45C, with most of the base sitting around 35 to 38C. Importantly, internal software did not raise thermal warnings in normal testing, and the only notable heat related stress occurred during repetitive synthetic SSD write loops that are not representative of typical mixed use.

Noise and power draw reflect the fact that this is a higher performance NAS platform with 6 drive density and a stronger CPU class than low power appliances. With fans set to the lowest mode and drives idling after RAID setup and synchronisation, noise landed around 39 to 40 dBA, rising to around 40 to 43 dBA on automatic fan mode. With fans set to maximum, idle noise increased to around 48 dBA, and with active drive access plus high fan mode, measurements were around 50 to 51 dBA using 64TB NAS class HDDs, with the reminder that a metal chassis can transmit drive vibration and seek noise more readily than plastic enclosures. Power draw in a heavily populated configuration with 6 x 64TB drives, 2 x 1TB NVMe, and both 10GbE links active was around 67 to 68W at idle, rising to around 93 to 100W plus under active access, with the expectation that sustained CPU intensive AI tasks and any external GPU usage could push consumption substantially higher than typical home NAS patterns.

Test specification summary

• RAID and cache test: 6 HDDs in RAID 5, SSD read/write cache enabled

• RAID 5 throughput: ~950 MB/s read, ~670 MB/s write

• NVMe internal performance: ~5.5 to 6.0 GB/s read and write (UGOS benchmark and SSH tests)

• Dual 10GbE SMB multichannel via USB4 adapter: ~2200 to 2300 MB/s read, ~1300 to 1500 MB/s write

• Noise: ~39 to 40 dBA (low, idle), ~40 to 43 dBA (auto, idle), ~48 dBA (max, idle), ~50 to 51 dBA (high, active)

• Power: ~67 to 68W (idle with populated drives), ~93 to 100W plus (active access)

• Thermals after ~36 hours sustained access: top ~35C, bays ~38C, vents ~38C, lower channels ~41 to 44C, rear ~44 to 45C, LCD ~45C

UGREEN iDX6011 Pro Review – UGOS Software and Services

UGOS Pro on the iDX6011 Pro presents a broadly familiar turnkey NAS experience, with the same general design language and application structure used across UGREEN’s recent NAS products, and most of the mainstream services expected in a current platform. Initial setup and day to day navigation are oriented around a unified web interface and companion apps, with storage management, user permissions, and application deployment consolidated into a single environment rather than split across multiple tools. In practical use, this matters because the value of a higher end NAS is not just the hardware, but the ability to configure it quickly and maintain it without constant manual intervention, particularly once you start adding multiple shares, remote access rules, and background services that need to run reliably without ongoing tuning.

Core storage features cover the standard RAID modes offered by the platform, along with typical NAS file systems used here, and the ability to configure M.2 SSDs either as cache or as separate storage volumes depending on the desired balance between speed and simplicity. Snapshot support and file versioning are included, which is a baseline requirement for protecting against accidental deletion and some ransomware scenarios, and the system also provides a dedicated encrypted vault style storage area for data that needs an additional password protected layer beyond normal share permissions. For users building a general purpose private cloud, the platform includes the expected file sharing and access tools and supports the usual network protocols, reducing the need for third party add ons for basic file serving and multi device access.

On the services side, UGOS Pro supports Docker and virtual machine deployment, which expands the platform beyond file storage into general application hosting and light server roles. The presence of both container support and VM support is relevant in a system with fixed memory configurations, because it encourages buyers to evaluate the 32GB versus 64GB models based on their intent to run multiple services concurrently. In addition, iSCSI support is integrated and in testing could be set up in a straightforward manner, allowing the NAS to present block storage to client machines for workflows where mapped drives are not ideal. Backup and synchronisation features include multi target options, including NAS to NAS, NAS to cloud, and other scheduled operations with filtering and policy controls, which is the foundation most users will rely on rather than the newer AI layer.

Where UGOS Pro still shows gaps is less about missing basic NAS features and more about the absence of certain mature ecosystem level tools that established competitors provide. There is no ZFS option in the platform’s storage stack, which will matter to users who specifically want ZFS features and workflows, and the application ecosystem still lacks certain expected first party packages, with Plex media server being the most obvious omission in your evaluation despite alternatives like Jellyfin being possible. Security tooling is also mixed, with useful features such as 2FA, firewall controls, and automatic blocking, but without a comprehensive security posture scanner that audits weak passwords, exposed services, open ports, and other common misconfigurations in a way that guides less technical owners. The end result is a software platform that can cover the core NAS job for many users, but may still push power users toward third party operating systems or additional manual administration depending on priorities.

UGREEN iDX6011 Pro Review – What the AI Can and Cannot Do?

The AI layer on the iDX6011 Pro is built around Uliya, which functions as the interface for local model use and a set of assistant driven tools that sit alongside the normal UGOS experience. AI features are disabled by default on first use, and the local models are not pre installed, which means users must actively opt in and download what they want, rather than having the system continuously analyse data out of the box. Once enabled, the AI console exposes model choices and basic operational details such as estimated resource requirements, and it also includes permission style controls that determine which AI services are active, for example speech to text or large language model usage. There is also an option to connect cloud based AI providers via API key, and a separate option to allow online search as a supplement to responses, but the platform’s primary selling point is that most of its AI functions can run locally without transmitting content to a third party service.

What it can do in its current form is focused on analysis, summarisation, and retrieval rather than creation. Uliya supports conversational queries that can operate offline using local resources, with optional online search when enabled, and it can accept uploaded files for analysis, including images that it can describe at a basic content level. Document handling is one of the more practically useful parts, because the system can summarise documents and PDFs and then allow follow up questions based on that output, and this capability is integrated into the file manager via right click actions for supported file types. The voice memo tool extends this into audio, allowing recordings or imported audio files to be transcribed, summarised, and represented as a basic topic map, with export and translation options available using local processing for supported languages. Separately, UGREEN’s existing photo management features include recognition and categorisation that can identify people and other elements in photo libraries, and this part of the platform appears more mature than the newer assistant workflows.

What it cannot do is equally important, because some of the expected behaviours associated with “AI NAS” marketing are either absent or only partially implemented. There is no generative photo or video creation feature set, so the AI functionality is limited to text generation, transcription, and content analysis rather than producing new media. The system also does not currently provide broad pre scraping of user libraries in the way some users might expect, where a chosen directory is crawled in the background so that later conversational queries can pull from an already indexed knowledge store. Instead, several workflows rely on manual file uploads into a knowledge base, and the knowledge base itself feels under explained and inconsistent, sometimes returning incomplete or incorrect results when it cannot find enough relevant material within the data it is allowed to access. There is also limited visibility into how responses are formed, and no clear built in way to observe what portion of an answer is derived from local data versus general model knowledge when online search is disabled.

A recurring limitation in testing was the balance between privacy controls and usefulness. Permission settings exist, but they are comparatively rigid, and there is not yet the level of directory by directory or user by user access scoping that would allow an owner to confidently grant the assistant deeper access to some datasets while keeping other areas restricted. In practice, that can lead to cases where the assistant refuses or fails to answer a question because it lacks access, even when the user would prefer to grant broader permissions for a specific folder or project. Smart commands are present and can trigger a small set of device actions, but the command library is limited, and some attempts showed contextual confusion where a request was handled as a conversational prompt rather than an actionable instruction.

Across these areas, the underlying direction is clear, but the current implementation behaves more like an early stage feature set that needs expansion, better background indexing options, and broader integration across file types such as images, video, and spreadsheets before it matches the implied promise of a fully “assistant ready” NAS.

UGREEN iDX6011 Pro Review – Review and Conclusion

As a hardware platform, the iDX6011 Pro presents a clear step up in UGREEN’s NAS range, with a configuration that prioritises high bandwidth I O, expansion options, and enough CPU class performance to avoid feeling constrained in common multi service scenarios. The combination of 6 bays, NVMe support, dual 10GbE, dual Thunderbolt 4, PCIe expansion, and OCuLink creates a NAS that can serve both as large capacity storage and as a faster workspace tier when configured with caching or SSD volumes, and measured results generally reflect that intent. Thermals and acoustics were within expected limits for a dense metal chassis populated with high capacity drives, and while power draw is higher than low power NAS designs, it tracks with the component class and connectivity. In short, the hardware side looks close to finished and competitive on specification and practical performance, with the main open question being how much final tuning will improve edge cases such as multichannel write behaviour.

The AI services are the less settled part of the product, not because the core idea is unclear, but because the current workflows still require too much manual direction and the assistant is not yet integrated deeply enough across data types and system control. The most useful elements today are transcription, document summarisation, and the existing photo recognition features, while the larger “AI NAS” promise is limited by the absence of directory level pre crawling, a knowledge base that can feel incomplete, smart commands that are not yet extensive, and permission controls that do not provide fine grained scoping. For buyers primarily interested in a high spec NAS at early campaign pricing, and who view AI as optional or developing, the platform may be straightforward to justify if crowdfunding risk is acceptable. For buyers whose purchase decision depends on a polished local assistant experience that is ready to analyse and retrieve information from large libraries with minimal setup, the current AI layer suggests waiting to see how the feature set and optimisation mature by the time the campaign software build is final.

PROs of the UGREEN AI NAS

CONs of the UGREEN AI NAS

High bandwidth connectivity as standard, including 10GbE x2 and Thunderbolt 4 x2 Strong expansion options for a turnkey NAS, with PCIe Gen4 x8 and OCuLink on the Pro model 6 bay capacity design with a quoted 196TB maximum raw storage ceiling Dedicated 128GB system SSD keeps the OS separate from the main storage pool NVMe support via 2 x M.2 Gen4 slots with tested performance around 5.5 to 6.0 GB/s RAID support includes 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 plus JBOD and Basic for flexible storage layouts Tested RAID 5 plus SSD cache throughput was close to the practical limits of 10GbE class networking in many scenarios Cooling design and sustained thermal readings remained within normal bounds during extended access testing UGOS Pro covers mainstream NAS needs, including Docker, VMs, snapshots, iSCSI, and broad backup and sync options

Crowdfunding purchase path adds delivery and feature risk compared with conventional retail availability AI layer feels unfinished, with limited pre crawling, uneven knowledge base behaviour, and incomplete integration across file types Fixed LPDDR5X memory limits future upgrade options, so configuration choice is permanent UGOS ecosystem gaps remain, notably no ZFS support and no native Plex app at the time of testing

 

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5 Mistakes New NAS Buyers ALWAYS MAKE

If you are buying a NAS for the first time, it is very easy to focus on brand names, bay counts and discounts while overlooking practical issues that will shape your experience for the next 5 to 7 years. New buyers often underestimate noise in real rooms, forget to plan for future capacity growth, misjudge the usefulness of SSD cache, ignore long term power consumption, or assume that a couple of very large drives are always the best value. On top of that, many people treat a NAS like a simple external drive rather than a 24/7 network device that will sit near family members or co workers and quietly draw power every day. This article looks at 5 common mistakes that first time NAS owners make and explains how each one happens, what it looks like in normal home or small office use, and the straightforward checks you can perform before you spend any money so you do not end up with a noisy, inefficient or inflexible system.

Mistake #1: Underestimating NAS Noise in REAL-WORLD Use (IGNORE the official Specs Sheets)

A common mistake with a first NAS is to assume it will sound like a quiet router or a small external drive. In practice a NAS contains several moving parts that generate and transmit noise into the room, especially at night or in a small flat. Drive seek clicks, spindle hum, fan airflow and vibration passing into the furniture all add together. If the system ends up in a bedroom, living room or small home office, the constant whirr can lead to complaints from other people in the house and leave the owner wondering whether the device is faulty when it is simply behaving as designed. It is also easy to forget that scheduled tasks such as antivirus scans, backups and indexing will often push the CPU, fans and disks harder than normal file access, so a system that seems acceptable during light daytime use can become noticeably louder when these jobs run.

Noise levels are heavily influenced by physical design choices that new buyers rarely consider. Metal chassis units tend to amplify vibration compared with plastic enclosures, which means every drive click and fan change is more noticeable. Larger capacity HDDs, particularly above 8TB, usually contain more platters and a more active actuator assembly, which produces sharper clicks and a deeper background rumble than smaller disks. Fan design also matters. Rear mounted fans tend to push sound directly into the room, while models with downward facing or internal fans may spread the noise more evenly into the surface under the NAS. Even the desk or cabinet matters, since hard surfaces can resonate and make a quiet system sound louder. Simple changes such as placing the NAS on a foam pad, an anti vibration mat or thick rubber feet will reduce the amount of vibration transferred into the furniture and can make a noticeable difference to perceived noise without changing the hardware.

The practical way to avoid this problem is to plan acoustics at the same time as you choose capacity and CPU. If the NAS must live in an occupied room, it makes sense to look at lower noise HDD lines, to avoid the very largest capacities where possible, and to consider using SATA SSDs for the working volume if budget allows. Checking vendor spec sheets for noise ratings in dB is useful, but you should also think about where the NAS will physically sit and how air can flow around it, since putting a box in a sealed cupboard simply forces the fans to run harder. Most modern NAS systems allow fan speed profiles and drive hibernation, which can reduce noise during idle periods, and many also support power schedules so the unit can power down completely during hours when it is not needed. You can also move heavy jobs such as RAID scrubs, indexing and backup windows into predictable time slots, for example overnight if the NAS is in a separate room, so that short periods of higher noise are less disruptive while the system remains quiet for normal daytime access.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Future Capacity and Expansion (PLAN AHEAD!)

A second common mistake is to buy a NAS that only matches your current data footprint with no realistic allowance for growth. Many first time buyers look at their existing files, see that they use 2TB or 4TB, then choose a 2 bay unit and a pair of modest drives that cover today with a small buffer. Once the NAS is in use, however, new cameras, phones and laptops start backing up to it, family members begin storing photos and videos, and it often becomes the default place for downloads and shared work files. Within a year or 2, the system that once looked spacious can be near its usable limit, especially once you take RAID overhead and snapshots into account.

The physical bay count and the way you populate those bays on day 1 has a direct impact on how easy it will be to grow later. A 2 bay NAS that starts fully populated leaves you with only a couple of options when you run out of room. You either replace both drives with larger ones, which is expensive and involves a full rebuild, or you bolt on an external expansion chassis if the vendor offers one. A 4 bay unit that initially uses only 2 drives gives you a much smoother path. You can add extra disks one at a time, or take advantage of flexible RAID schemes from some brands that allow mixing different drive sizes over time, which is far more forgiving when budgets are tight or upgrade windows are short.

Avoiding this mistake means planning capacity as a multi year decision rather than a single purchase. It is usually better to buy a slightly larger chassis with more bays than you think you need, then start with a sensible number of mid sized drives that offer a good cost per TB. This gives you headroom to add disks later without reorganising everything and lets the array performance improve as you add more spindles. It also leaves space for other changes such as introducing SSD volumes or cache in the future without having to retire the entire unit. In short, it is safer to overspec the enclosure a little and understuff it at the start than to buy the smallest possible model and discover that you have run out of practical expansion options far sooner than expected.

Mistake #3: Assuming SSD Cache and RAM Upgrades are a Magic Performance Fix (SAVE YOUR MONEY!)

New NAS owners often treat SSD cache and RAM upgrades as a universal answer to “my NAS feels slow”, without checking whether the underlying workload or hardware actually benefits. It is common to see a 2 or 4 bay system with a modest CPU and a couple of M.2 slots promoted heavily as “cache ready”, which encourages buyers to add SSDs and memory on day 1. In reality, if the processor is already running close to 100 percent under load, extra RAM will mostly sit idle and cache will only accelerate specific types of access. For simple sequential workloads such as bulk media streaming or large backup jobs, disk performance and network limits usually matter more than having faster cache in front of the array, so the investment does not translate into a noticeable improvement.

SSD cache in particular is often misunderstood. Write cache temporarily lands incoming data on SSDs and then flushes it to HDDs later, which can smooth out bursty writes but does not change the final speed of the array. Read cache keeps copies of frequently accessed “hot” data on SSDs, but in most NAS use this tends to be small random IO, metadata and thumbnails rather than entire large media files. Some platforms allow you to tune cache block size and policy, which can help in database or VM heavy environments, but for simple file sharing the benefit is limited. If a NAS mainly serves big video files to a handful of clients, using SSD cache rarely justifies the cost. In many cases, placing the NAS operating system, app data and indexes on an SSD volume, or using SSDs as a small primary pool for truly performance sensitive shares, delivers more predictable advantages than a generic cache layer.

The same caution applies to memory upgrades. More RAM allows the NAS to keep more filesystem cache and run more services concurrently, but it does not compensate for an underpowered CPU or a saturated network link. A basic check of CPU and memory utilisation under your typical workload is essential before buying additional modules. If CPU usage is consistently low while memory is pegged, extra RAM may help. If the processor is the bottleneck, adding memory or cache will not change the response time of apps and shares. For most first time buyers, it is more sensible to size CPU, network and base storage correctly first, then consider SSD based OS volumes, manual or automated tiering, and targeted RAM upgrades later if monitoring shows clear evidence that these changes will address a real bottleneck rather than an assumed one.

Note – If you are a QNAP NAS owner, you CAN use an alternative to ‘SSD Cache’, but using QTier – this MOVES (not copy) to data from slower HDDs and onto faster SSDs, as data is frequently accessed.

Mistake #4: Treating Power Consumption as an Afterthought (You Have CONTROL)

Many new NAS buyers focus on purchase price and capacity, then only think about power consumption after the first full month of electricity bills. A NAS is designed to be available around the clock, which means that even modest differences in idle draw add up over a year. Larger HDDs with more platters, multiple bays running full time, and older or less efficient CPUs all contribute to a steady baseline load, even when no one is actively using the system. In small flats or home offices this continuous draw can be a surprise, particularly for users coming from purely cloud based workflows where the power cost is hidden in the subscription fee.

Hardware choices have a direct impact on how much power a NAS will use at idle and under load. High capacity HDDs tend to have higher idle consumption because the mechanics must be ready to spin and seek immediately. A system with fewer, larger disks may draw more power at rest than a similar capacity built from several smaller drives, although this is not a strict rule and depends on the specific models. CPU generation and class matter as well. Modern low power x86 chips such as Intel N series parts can idle in the single digit watt range but still turbo high enough for typical home workloads, while older desktop class processors often draw more even when idle. Buyers who only look at drive capacity and bay count without checking HDD datasheets and CPU TDP figures can easily end up with a system that runs hotter and more power hungry than necessary for basic file serving and backups.

Software features and configuration also play a major role, yet many first time owners never touch these options after initial setup. Enabling HDD hibernation for lightly used volumes can drop disk consumption from around 8 to 12 W per drive to well under 1 W when idle, multiplied across several bays. Most NAS platforms support scheduled power on and power off, which allows you to shut the system down completely during hours when it is not needed and wake it automatically for work periods or backup windows. Moving heavy jobs such as backups, RAID scrubs and indexing into specific time slots also helps, since the system can stay in a lower power state for more of the day. Simple measures like these, applied on top of sensible hardware selection, make the difference between a NAS that quietly adds a manageable cost to your electricity bill and one that runs at full power far more often than your usage requires.

Mistake #5: Assuming Fewer Large Drives are Better (Often the REVERSE is Better)

A frequent assumption among new NAS buyers is that the best approach is to purchase the largest individual HDDs they can afford, fit a pair into a small enclosure and rely on that pair for both capacity and protection. On paper this looks simple and neat. Two 30TB drives in a 2 bay unit appear to offer an easy route to 30TB of usable space with RAID protection. However, this approach often produces a poor price per TB compared with building the same or greater capacity from several mid sized disks, and it concentrates a lot of risk and cost into each individual drive. When one of these large disks fails or needs replacing, the financial hit is substantial and rebuilds can be lengthy.

Cost of NAS Hard Drives (Example)
Seagate Ironwolf HDDs (Regular)	WD Red Pro HDDs (Pro Series)
1TB – $35 2TB – $65 4TB – $105 6TB – $158 8TB – $177 10TB – $224 12TB – $258 14TB – $271 16TB – $309 18TB – $389	4TB – $140 6TB – $173 8TB – $215 10TB – $245 12TB – $253 14TB – $270 16TB – $298 18TB – $349 20TB – $419 22TB – $551

In most cases, the price per terabyte on both sides will remain largely consistent at each capacity. HOWEVER, when you start putting these drives into a NAS/DAS enclosure and acting in the RAID configuration, it soon becomes apparent that the ben efits in Drive #s in a RAID 1 vs a RAID 5 immediately show a saving in almost every single capacity the smaller you go! Below are two examples of achieving 12TB in a NAS enclosure using RAID 1 vs using RAID 5 (so, still maintaining 1 disk drive failure protection and having 12TB of storage to use):

12TB Storage in a RAID 1 MIRROR	12TB Storage in a RAID 5

Looking at retail pricing makes the problem clear. Large capacity HDDs carry a significant premium that is not always reflected in proportional capacity gains. At the same time that a 30TB drive might cost 500 to 600 in local currency, 10TB or 12TB drives can often be found for less than 200 each. Four 12TB drives in RAID 5 or similar single disk fault tolerant layouts can deliver 36TB of usable space for less money than a pair of 30TB disks that only provide 30TB usable, while also offering more spindles for better aggregate performance. The trade off is higher drive count, which brings extra power use, more noise and additional points of failure, but in purely cost per TB terms the multi-drive configuration is often more efficient.

The practical lesson is that drive selection for a first NAS should consider more than headline capacity. New buyers should compare price per TB across several HDD sizes, factor in the desired RAID level and protection scheme, and understand how many drives their chassis can support now and in future. In many cases it is more effective to choose a slightly larger enclosure and populate it with several mid sized disks that offer a good value point, rather than filling a small unit with the largest drives available. This gives better flexibility for future expansion, more options if a disk fails, and a storage layout that balances cost, capacity and performance instead of relying entirely on a small number of very large and expensive disks.

Larger NAS/DAS systems are always more expensive, as they need to have more physical space, resource use in production and power/PSU sizes to run the larger enclosure. Add to this, thanks to memory shortages right now, that smaller scale NAS systems are starting to arrive with more memory by default (as 2-4GB is becoming less cost-effective to produce with chip shortages) and often with little/no increase in the base price. For example, below is the TS-264 and TS-464 NAS. Same CPU, design and ports – however the 2-Bay system has 8GB memory by default AND IS STILL $134 cheaper! So, this can often mean that you can save money on smaller quantities of larger capacity HDDs becuase the enclosure they are going in is cheaper over all.

Conclusion – PLAN AHEAD!

New NAS buyers rarely set out to make poor choices. The problems described above usually arise because a NAS is treated like a simple storage box rather than a device that will run all day, sit in shared spaces and gradually absorb more roles over several years. Noise, expansion, SSD cache, power consumption and drive sizing are all easy to overlook when you are comparing spec sheets or promotional bundles, yet each one has a direct and practical impact on how comfortable and economical the system will be to live with. The safest approach is to treat the first NAS purchase as a medium term infrastructure decision rather than a one off gadget. That means thinking realistically about where the box will sit, how many people will rely on it, how much data is likely to arrive over time and how much power draw and running cost is acceptable. A slightly quieter chassis, a few more bays, a balanced drive choice and sensible use of features like hibernation and scheduling will matter more in day to day use than chasing the biggest individual drives or adding SSD cache on day 1. By addressing these 5 areas before you buy, you reduce the risk of needing early upgrades or workarounds and increase the chance that the NAS you choose will remain suitable for several years without constant attention.

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

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

UniFi UNAS Pro (7-Bay, Rackmount)

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

• Approx. Price: $499 / £400

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

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

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Asustor Flashstor 12 Gen 1 (Compact NVMe NAS)

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

• Approx. Price: $750 / £600

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

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

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UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus

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

• Approx. Price: $595 / £475

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

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

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TerraMaster F4-424 Max / F6-424 Max

The TerraMaster F4-424 Max is a robust 4-bay NAS system that offers a powerful mix of features and flexibility for a wide range of tasks. Powered by the Intel i5-1235U CPU with 10 cores and 12 threads, the F4-424 Max excels at resource-intensive applications such as Plex media streaming, 4K hardware transcoding, and virtual machine hosting. Its dual M.2 NVMe slots running at PCIe Gen 4 speeds significantly improve storage performance, especially when used for caching, while the two 10GbE ports offer high-speed networking environments, allowing for 20Gbps throughput via link aggregation.

In terms of software, TOS 6 brings notable improvements, although it still lags behind the more polished ecosystems of Synology DSM and QNAP QTS. That said, TerraMaster’s continuous software evolution with each new version of TOS ensures that users have access to more robust tools and security features. For its price point of $899.99, the F4-424 Max is a compelling option for those seeking high-performance NAS solutions with scalability in mind. While the Pro model offers competitive performance, the Max takes it a step further with advanced networking, making it ideal for environments where speed is a priority.

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

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

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

Where to Buy? Terramaster F4-424 Max ($899 Amazon) – HERETerramaster F4-424 Max ($799 Aliexpress) – HERE

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Best NAS You Can Buy Right Now for Under $499 at the end of 2025

By late 2025, the under 499 dollar NAS segment has become far more crowded, with multiple vendors offering systems that combine capable hardware, established operating systems, and multi bay storage at a relatively accessible price. Home users, prosumers, and small workgroups now have access to devices that can centralise files, manage routine backups, and handle local media streaming at performance levels that were previously limited to higher priced units. The range of available designs has also grown, with everything from compact solid state based units to entry level rackmount models appearing in this category. This guide looks at five (technically 6!) turnkey NAS platforms that can be purchased for 499 dollars or less. Each one focuses on a different balance of features, whether that is throughput, virtualisation, containers, or ease of use, yet all provide a practical path toward reliable self hosted storage without pushing the budget too far.

Important Disclaimer and Notes Before You Buy

Every NAS in this bracket is sold without drives, so users must provide their own storage, whether that is 3.5 inch HDDs, 2.5 inch SSDs, or M.2 NVMe modules for all flash builds. This directly influences total cost, particularly for NVMe based systems. Some models include small flash or eMMC for the operating system, but these are not suitable for general data storage. Buyers should account for drive costs, planned RAID layouts, and any needed accessories such as cables, heatsinks, or extra cooling. Software support also varies, with many devices using vendor platforms like DSM, TOS, or UGOS, while others permit alternatives such as TrueNAS or Unraid without affecting hardware support. Systems with less mature software may require more setup work for Plex, Docker, or SMB services, making these NAS units better suited to users who are comfortable handling basic network configuration or are willing to learn more advanced features 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 two unit rackmount NAS that focuses on high throughput storage rather than general purpose application hosting. It includes seven hot swappable SATA bays for either 2.5 inch or 3.5 inch drives and is built on a quad core ARM Cortex A57 processor at 1.7GHz with 8GB of DDR4 memory. The platform is intended for straightforward file storage and does not provide container services, multimedia features, or virtualisation. Network connectivity consists of one 10GbE SFP plus port and one 1GbE RJ45 port, which makes the system well suited to central backups, shared project storage, and high volume file transfers inside a UniFi managed network.

Management is handled through the Drive application within UniFi OS, with support for RAID zero, one, five, and six. Power redundancy is enabled through an internal 200 watt AC and DC power supply and optional USP RPS failover. A 1.3 inch front panel touchscreen provides system information and basic diagnostics. Although the feature set is narrower than that of a typical multimedia or container focused NAS, the system integrates cleanly with UniFi infrastructure or can operate on its own as a dedicated storage target.

Here are all the current UniFi NAS Solutions & Prices: UniFi UNAS 2 (2 Bay, $199) – HERE UniFi UNAS 4  (4 Bay + 2x M2, $379) – HERE UniFi UNAS Pro 4 (4 Bay + 2x M.2, $499) – HERE UniFi UNAS Pro (7 Bay, $499) – HERE UniFi UNAS Pro 8 (8-Bay + 2x M.2, $799) HERE

Since launching the original UNAS models in 2024, UniFi has expanded the range with new desktop units, including the UNAS two bay at 199 dollars and the UNAS four bay at 349 dollars, along with Pro series models in four bay and eight bay configurations at 499 dollars and 799 dollars. The UNAS Pro sits at the entry point of the Pro line and offers a hardware driven approach suited to users who want reliable multi bay storage with 10GbE connectivity and do not require wider software extensibility.

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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 solid state NAS that offers higher performance than most systems in this price tier. It uses an Intel N100 processor with 16GB of LPDDR5 memory and supports two 2.5 inch SATA SSDs alongside four M.2 2280 NVMe drives. This six bay layout is aimed at users who want higher IOPS, quieter operation, and lower power consumption than a hard drive based configuration. Network connectivity is provided through a single 10GbE RJ45 port, which is uncommon at this price level and useful for workstation links or scenarios involving multiple simultaneous clients.

The unit includes an Unraid Starter license, giving users access to Docker containers, virtual machines, hardware passthrough, and flexible storage management. Unraid requires some familiarity to use effectively, but it offers greater adaptability than fixed vendor operating systems. The N2 also includes HDMI output, USB C, USB 3.2, and several USB 2.0 ports, which allows it to function as a lightweight home server or media oriented workstation in addition to its NAS role. For users who place priority on SSD storage, 10GbE connectivity, and virtualisation features, the LincStation N2 provides a level of capability that is not common in the sub 499 dollar category.

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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 four bay solid state NAS designed for users who want faster access speeds and quieter operation than traditional hard drive systems. It uses an Intel N95 processor from the Alder Lake N family together with 8GB of DDR5 memory in a single SODIMM slot. Storage is provided through four M.2 NVMe positions, with two operating at PCIe 3.0 x2 and two at PCIe 3.0 x1. The system is intended for SSDs only and does not support SATA based drives. Network connectivity is handled through one 5GbE port, which allows higher single link performance than dual 2.5GbE designs and can attach to 10GbE networks at reduced speed.

The device runs the TOS platform, which offers multimedia tools, photo management with local AI tagging, cloud sync, user account controls, and a range of backup options. The system supports Btrfs, TRAID for flexible capacity planning, remote access, and mobile applications for file sync and photo uploads. HDMI output, two USB A ports, one USB C port, and quiet fan operation make the F4 SSD suited to home environments that need a compact all flash NAS with minimal configuration.

Users who want more performance can step up to the F8 SSD Plus for roughly 200 to 250 dollars more. That model offers eight M.2 NVMe slots, an eight core N305 i3 class processor, 16GB of memory, and 10GbE networking. The F4 SSD remains the more cost conscious option, while the F8 SSD Plus targets workloads that need considerably more CPU and network headroom.

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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 Plus is a four bay NAS positioned as an accessible way to enter the DSM ecosystem while still offering capable hardware for home and small office use. It is built on the Intel Celeron J4125, a quad core processor with a 2.0GHz base frequency and up to 2.7GHz under load. The system includes 2GB of DDR4 memory that can be expanded to 6GB and supports both 3.5 inch and 2.5 inch SATA drives. Two M.2 NVMe slots are available for cache use or for creating faster solid state storage volumes. Network connectivity consists of one 2.5GbE port and one 1GbE port, which gives users some flexibility depending on the switches in their setup.

DSM remains one of the more complete NAS operating systems, with integrated tools for file management, media serving, backup and sync, surveillance, and virtualisation. Synology Hybrid RAID is supported for flexible capacity planning, and the use of Btrfs provides access to snapshots and integrity checks. A notable change in late 2025 is Synology’s updated stance on drive compatibility. The Plus series no longer restricts or warns against the use of third party hard drives or SSDs, meaning users can now deploy Seagate, WD, and other manufacturers without any prompts or reduced functionality. This removes a previous concern for buyers who wanted to reuse existing disks or avoid Synology branded media. For users who want long term software support, a stable operating system, and a straightforward four bay design within the 499 dollar range, the DS425 Plus remains a practical option, now with fewer limitations on drive choice.

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UnifyDrive UT2 Mobile NAS Drive

$399 –RK3588 8GB, LPDDR4X 1, 2.5GbE, 6TOPS NPU, 4K HDMI 2.1, WiFi 6 + AP Mode, DAS Mode, 2 Hour Mobile Battery – BUY HERE ( Get a further 5% OFF with this code: NASCOMPARES )

The UnifyDrive UT2 Portable NAS is now a fully released product rather than a crowdfunding prototype, and its design reflects a complete, ready to ship package. The system is compact, roughly the size of a thick smartphone, and weighs around 350g with its protective rubber sleeve. It includes a 32GB eMMC module for the operating system, two M.2 NVMe SSD slots for storage, active cooling, WiFi 6, Bluetooth, a 2.5GbE port, HDMI output, and an internal battery that provides around 30 to 60 minutes of runtime and basic UPS functionality. The retail kit includes multiple USB cables, a power adapter, a remote control for HDMI use, SD and CFe card backup support, and printed quick start materials. Although the fan is audible under load, overall noise levels remain low for a compact ARM based system, and the design allows users to run the NAS handheld, placed on a desk, or carried in a bag without difficulty.

Connectivity is one of the UT2’s strongest aspects. Alongside its dual 5Gb USB ports, users can switch the device between network attached storage mode and direct attached storage mode. The two SD card slots support automated or one touch backups, and the 2.5GbE port gives the unit higher wired throughput than many portable or entry level NAS devices. HDMI output supports up to 4K60 and 8K playback, and media can be controlled either through the mobile application or the included remote. Internally, the UT2 uses a Rockchip RK3588C CPU with ARM Mali G610 graphics and 8GB of LPDDR4X memory. The two NVMe slots appear to operate at PCIe Gen 3 x1 speeds, which is adequate for saturating the wired and wireless interfaces. The memory is soldered and non upgradable, so users who intend to run more demanding workloads will need to account for that limit. Wireless access works through both client mode and the device’s own WiFi access point, enabling file sharing or backup without a pre existing network.

Software management centres on the UnifyDrive mobile application, which has expanded since the product first appeared and now includes RAID pool creation, the selective UDR RAID mode, SMB and FTP services, DLNA media streaming, direct HDMI output control, cloud sync, real time sharing, and device monitoring. Setup can be completed over LAN, WiFi, or Bluetooth, and firmware is updated over the air. The app provides tools for backups, encrypted folders, AI driven photo recognition, scheduled power controls, and general file management. Some advanced features such as additional downloader tools and container support remain under development, but the current software offers more control than most mobile focused NAS interfaces. Remote access is available through an integrated relay service, though support for third party VPN solutions is not yet included. With its combination of portability, NVMe storage, multi mode connectivity, and a growing software stack, the UT2 occupies a niche for users who want a personal cloud device that can be carried between locations while still supporting standard NAS workflows at its 399 to 599 dollar price point.

Use the LINK below + Get a further 5% OFF with this code: NASCOMPARES

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The sub 499 dollar NAS segment in late 2025 offers a wide range of systems aimed at different performance levels and storage priorities. Buyers can choose between high capacity RAID focused platforms, SSD oriented designs, or systems built around established software ecosystems. The UniFi UNAS Pro remains a hardware driven storage appliance with 10GbE connectivity and seven bays, making it suitable for backup or archival workloads that require consistent throughput. The UGREEN DXP4800 and the LincStation N2 provide hybrid and all flash configurations, and both include support for containers, virtualisation, and the option to run alternative operating systems if required. Users who prefer a mature software stack with long term updates may gravitate toward the Synology DS425 Plus, which now supports third party drives without warnings or restrictions following Synology’s policy change in October 2025. The TerraMaster F4 SSD serves those who want a compact solid state platform with 5GbE networking and access to the expanding feature set of TOS, including local AI photo tools and multimedia functions. All of these NAS units require user supplied storage and may involve some degree of configuration depending on the software environment. The most suitable choice depends on whether you prioritise performance, software refinement, expansion options, or direct control over how the system is deployed within this price conscious category.

 

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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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New IP Cameras and AI Surveillance for NAS Coming Soon

UGREEN has outlined a SynCare lineup of IP surveillance devices that focuses on edge processing, on-device multimodal AI detection, and local recording, rather than a cloud-first model with recurring fees. The range, shown publicly around CES 2026, includes indoor cameras, an outdoor camera, and a video doorbell, with a separate Smart Display hub positioned as an optional central screen and Wi-Fi hub. UGREEN’s messaging also points to broader ecosystem ambitions, including compatibility with local storage today and later integration with UGREEN NAS systems in H2 2026 for longer retention, organization, and multi-camera management.

What is the UGREEN SynCare Series

The UGREEN SynCare Series is a planned smart home surveillance lineup built around IP cameras and a video doorbell, introduced as UGREEN’s entry into home security hardware. The set includes 2 indoor camera variants (ID500 Plus and ID500 Pro), an outdoor bullet-PTZ camera (OD600 Pro), and a video doorbell (DB600 Pro). UGREEN has positioned the range for release in H2 2026, with pricing expected to be disclosed later, including around IFA 2026. A defining theme across the range is edge AI, with UGREEN describing on-device multimodal recognition that can classify people, pets, and other events, and then translate those detections into more descriptive alerts. The intent is to reduce reliance on cloud processing and minimize subscription requirements, with an emphasis on local storage and privacy controls. In practical terms, the cameras are presented as doing much of their analysis at the camera level, while still supporting broader system coordination. UGREEN has also described SynCare as an ecosystem rather than isolated devices, including cross-camera awareness and a Smart Display D500 that can act as a central monitoring screen and connectivity hub. The system-level features described include event sharing between devices, multi-zone monitoring outdoors, and “risk-based” escalation behaviors such as warning lights and alarms. While the full surveillance software stack has not been fully detailed yet, UGREEN has repeatedly referenced NASync support and later NAS integration as part of the intended trajectory for the platform.

UGREEN SynCare Indoor 2K Cam ID500 Plus

The SynCare Indoor Cam ID500 Plus is positioned as the lower resolution indoor model in the lineup, pairing a 2K-class image sensor with dual-band Wi-Fi and on-device multimodal AI for identifying common subjects such as people and pets, along with event-based detection. It is described as using local recording rather than mandatory cloud storage, with support for internal SD-based storage and stated compatibility with UGREEN NASync systems for users who want longer-term retention or centralized storage outside the camera itself.

UGREEN SynCare Indoor 4K Cam ID500 Pro

The SynCare Indoor Cam ID500 Pro is the higher tier indoor option and is described with 4K capture plus motorized pan and tilt for coverage beyond a fixed viewpoint. UGREEN also associates this model with an f1.0 aperture and a color-focused low-light mode branded as UltraColor Night Vision, alongside on-device multimodal recognition intended to classify subjects and incidents for more specific notifications. In system descriptions, it is also linked to cross-camera awareness and risk-based alert behavior when used alongside other SynCare devices.

UGREEN SynCare Video Doorbell DB600 Pro.

The SynCare Video Doorbell DB600 Pro is the entry-point camera in the range that is designed specifically for front-door coverage, using a dual-camera setup to capture both a primary view and a lower secondary view for head-to-toe framing. UGREEN positions it for identifying visitors and deliveries, with multimodal AI intended to separate people, pets, and packages into distinct detection types so alerts can be tied to what is actually happening at the doorstep. In the pre-release descriptions, it is presented as a Wi-Fi doorbell solution rather than a PoE device, and availability is expected in H2 2026.

UGREEN SynCare Outdoor PoE Cam OD600 Pro

The SynCare Outdoor Cam OD600 Pro is the exterior-focused model and is described as a triple-lens bullet-PTZ design that combines a fixed wide view with pan-tilt coverage for tracking activity across a larger area. UGREEN has highlighted 18MP imaging, optical zoom, and 24/7 continuous recording, alongside on-device multimodal AI aimed at differentiating people, vehicles, and pets for more targeted alerts. Unlike the indoor models and doorbell, this camera is also presented with Power over Ethernet support in addition to dual-band Wi-Fi, and UGREEN has described multi-zone monitoring behavior that escalates from capture and notification to lights and audible alarms as a subject moves closer.

The SynCare Smart Display D500 is described as a central control screen for the SynCare lineup that can aggregate camera feeds, show events in real time, and act as a connectivity hub within the home. UGREEN’s positioning suggests it can simplify monitoring when multiple cameras are deployed, while still keeping core features available through the mobile app without requiring the display for functionality. In other words, it is presented as an optional hardware dashboard rather than a mandatory controller for the cameras.

Included Surveillance Services

SynCare is presented as more than basic video capture, with UGREEN describing a set of edge AI and ecosystem features intended to reduce irrelevant alerts, improve low-light usability, and coordinate behavior across multiple cameras. The emphasis is on on-device recognition and local storage, with additional automation features that depend on having more than 1 SynCare device in the same setup.

• On-device multimodal AI recognition for people, pets, vehicles, packages, and general events

• Human-language style alerts that describe what was detected rather than only motion notifications

• Behavior analysis concepts, with examples such as identifying an approaching stranger by appearance

• UltraColor Night Vision and low-light color correction for clearer nighttime footage

• Local recording with no mandatory cloud subscription, including SD-based storage support

• Cross-camera awareness, where one device can trigger announcements or actions on another

• Multi-zone outdoor monitoring with escalating responses such as recording triggers, warning lights, phone notifications, and audible alarms

• Smart risk-based alerts that vary response intensity based on proximity or severity

UGREEN NASync Support?

UGREEN has positioned SynCare around local recording and on-device processing, but has also repeatedly tied the cameras to its NAS ecosystem through references to NASync compatibility and later integration. The implication is that SynCare can operate as standalone devices first, then gain more centralized storage and management options when paired with a UGREEN NAS.

What is directly stated so far is limited but consistent: SynCare devices are described as supporting local storage without mandatory cloud fees, and multiple product descriptions refer to supporting or being compatible with UGREEN NASync. In the broader SynCare overview text, UGREEN also links privacy to encrypted local storage via NASync, which frames the NAS as a destination for retained footage rather than a required cloud account.

What remains undefined is the software side of that relationship. In your video, the open question is whether UGREEN’s eventual surveillance platform will be limited to the newer AI-focused NAS models or will also be delivered to the wider NAS lineup, and there are no concrete details yet on what the camera to NAS workflow looks like in practice. Until UGREEN publishes the surveillance application details, the NAS portion should be treated as planned ecosystem support rather than a fully specified NVR feature set.

UGREEN’s newest AI NAS hardware is relevant mainly because it suggests where the company expects heavier workloads to land, including multi-camera retention, indexing, and any future server-side analytics. The iDX6011 and iDX6011 Pro, as described, combine high-end Intel Core Ultra processors, large LPDDR5/x memory configurations, dual 10GbE networking, and up to 196TB raw capacity across 6 SATA bays plus 2 NVMe slots, which is a plausible foundation for sustained recording and longer retention, even if the cameras themselves handle primary detection at the edge.

 

 

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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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The Best PLEX, Emby and/or Jellyfin NAS Devices Released in 2025

Network media servers in 2025 range from tiny single drive boxes to fairly serious multi bay systems that can sit at the center of a home network. This article looks specifically at NAS hardware released in 2025 that can sensibly replace or supplement streaming services by running Plex, Jellyfin or Emby. The focus is on devices that arrive as complete appliances, with both hardware and a NAS style operating system included, so you can put a box on the network, install a media server app and start watching without building a PC or learning a full server stack.

To be included here, a NAS has to have gone on general sale in 2025, ship with its own OS rather than as a bareboard, and be able to run Plex Media Server, with Jellyfin and Emby support noted where it exists. In practical terms, that means hardware that can handle 4K and 1080p playback for multiple users and is realistically capable of at least 2 simultaneous 4K transcodes and 5 simultaneous 1080p transcodes, with a single exception where the overall package still makes sense for more limited workloads. RAID options, expansion, power use and noise are all taken into account, but the main filter is whether the device can function reliably as a modern media server on a typical home or small office network.

#1 Synology BeeStation Plus 8TB – $399 to $419

SPECS: Intel Celeron J4125 quad core 2.0 to 2.7 GHz – 4 GB DDR4 – 1 x 3.5″ 8 TB SATA bay (pre installed) – 1 x 1 GbE RJ45 / 1 x USB A 3.2 Gen 1 / 1 x USB C 3.2 Gen 1 – no M.2 SSD support.

BeeStation Plus is aimed at users who want a simple, appliance like Plex box rather than a configurable NAS. It runs Synology’s cut down BeeStation OS, has Plex Media Server support built in, and is set up entirely through a guided app and browser flow, so there is minimal configuration overhead. The hardware is sufficient for basic 4K and 1080p Plex use for a small number of clients, but the single non replaceable drive bay and lack of expansion, RAID options or M.2 slots mean it is best treated as a starter Plex unit for light libraries rather than a long term, scalable media server, and there is no official Jellyfin or Emby integration at this time.

What we said in our March ’25 Review HERE:

The Synology BeeStation marks a significant shift in Synology’s product line, targeting a new segment of users with its simplified yet functional design. This device stands out as an excellent middle ground between ease of use and a comprehensive private cloud system, providing secure and seamless access to stored data. While it is incredibly user-friendly and easy to set up, the lack of LAN access by default and its single-bay, 4TB-only configuration at launch might limit its appeal to more tech-savvy users or those seeking greater flexibility and expandability. The BeeStation’s unique selling point is its simplicity, making it a compelling choice for those new to NAS systems or for users who prioritize ease of use over extensive customization options. However, its simplicity also means that it lacks the extensive app support found in Synology’s DSM platform, potentially disappointing users accustomed to the richer application ecosystem offered by Synology’s more advanced models.

For users concerned about security, the BeeStation still upholds Synology’s reputation for secure data handling, with encrypted data transmission as a standard feature. However, experienced users who prefer a more hands-on approach to their NAS setup might find the BeeStation’s lack of advanced configuration options and its reliance on internet access for setup somewhat restrictive. In terms of market positioning, the BeeStation fills a gap left by other brands like WD and Seagate in offering ‘Easy NAS’ systems. Its competitive pricing, particularly considering the included 4TB of storage, makes it an attractive option for users seeking a private cloud solution without the recurring costs associated with third-party cloud services. Despite these potential drawbacks, the BeeStation is a solid entry-level NAS solution, especially for those seeking a personal cloud with minimal setup and maintenance. It may not be as feature-rich as Synology’s DSM-based NAS devices, but for its intended audience, the BeeStation provides a well-balanced combination of functionality, ease of use, and affordability. Synology’s move to cater to a broader, less technically inclined audience with the BeeStation demonstrates their understanding of market trends and user needs, offering a solution that balances simplicity with the reliability and quality Synology is known for.

In the end, the Synology BeeStation is an ideal choice for users seeking a straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective personal cloud solution. It represents Synology’s commitment to diversifying their product range, catering to the evolving needs of different user segments. While it may not suit everyone, especially those looking for advanced features and customization, it excels in its role as a user-friendly, secure, and affordable entry-level NAS device.

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#2 Minisforum N5 NAS – $599 to $749

SPECS: AMD Ryzen 7 255 8 core 16 thread up to 4.9 GHz – up to 96 GB DDR5 via 2 SODIMM slots – 5 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays – 1 x 10 GbE RJ45 / 1 x 5 GbE RJ45 / 2 x USB4 – 3 x M.2 2280 NVMe or U.2 SSD slots (PCIe 4.0).

The Minisforum N5 is a compact 5-bay NAS that targets users who want preconfigured hardware with some workstation derived design features. It uses an x86 CPU in the same general class as the Aoostar WTR Max, paired with an internal storage module of 64 GB for the system volume, and is typically sold in the 599 to 699 USD range, with the separate Pro variant occupying a higher bracket. The chassis integrates a removable drive base section for easier maintenance, and the platform includes multi-gig networking up to 10 GbE and 5 GbE, a PCIe expansion slot and USB4 connectivity for additional bandwidth or external devices. Minisforum ships the N5 with its own NAS operating system to provide an immediate out of box experience, but the software is still relatively young and many buyers elect to overwrite the included module with a more established NAS or server OS. Throughout 2025, availability has been intermittent, reflecting a level of demand from home lab users who want higher specification NAS hardware without building entirely from individual components.

What we said in our July ’25 Review HERE:

The Minisforum N5 Pro is an impressive and highly versatile NAS platform that successfully combines the core strengths of a storage appliance with the capabilities of a compact, workstation-class server, making it suitable for demanding and varied use cases. Its defining features include a 12-core Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with 24 threads and onboard AI acceleration up to 50 TOPS, support for up to 96GB of ECC-capable DDR5 memory for data integrity, and a hybrid storage architecture offering up to 144TB total capacity through a mix of five SATA bays and three NVMe/U.2 slots. Additional highlights such as ZFS file system support with snapshots, inline compression, and self-healing, along with high-speed networking via dual 10GbE and 5GbE ports, and expansion through PCIe Gen 4 ×16 and OCuLink interfaces, position it well beyond the capabilities of typical consumer NAS systems. The compact, fully metal chassis is easy to service and efficiently cooled, enabling continuous operation even under sustained virtual machine, AI, or media workloads.

At the same time, the bundled MinisCloud OS, while feature-rich with AI photo indexing, Docker support, and mobile integration, remains a work in progress, lacking some enterprise-grade polish, robust localization, and more advanced tools expected in mature NAS ecosystems. Minor drawbacks such as the external PSU, the thermally challenged pre-installed OS SSD, and the higher cost of the Pro variant relative to the standard N5 are important to weigh, particularly for users who may not fully utilize the Pro’s ECC and AI-specific advantages. For advanced users, homelab builders, and technical teams who require high compute density, flexible storage, and full control over their software stack, the N5 Pro delivers workstation-level performance and configurability in NAS form—offering one of the most forward-thinking and adaptable solutions available today in this segment.

The is now available to buy: Minisforum N5 Pro (Check Amazon) – HERE Minisforum N5 Pro (Check AliExpress) – HERE Shop for NAS Hard Drives on Amazon – HERE Shop for SSDs for your N5 Pro on Amazon – HERE

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#3 TerraMaster F4 SSD NAS – $320 to $399

SPECS: Intel N95 quad core up to 3.4 GHz – 8 GB DDR5 (expandable to 32 GB) – 4 x M.2 2280 NVMe SSD bays – 1 x 5 GbE RJ45 / 2 x USB A 3.2 Gen 2 / 1 x USB C 3.2 Gen 2 / HDMI 2.0b – 4 x M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 slots (2 x2 / 2 x1).

The F4 SSD is an all flash NAS designed for users who want a compact, relatively low power Plex or Jellyfin server without mechanical drives. Its Intel N95 CPU and integrated graphics are sufficient for multiple 1080p and a modest number of 4K transcodes, and the 5 GbE interface allows the box to make use of higher network throughput than 1 GbE units. TerraMaster’s TOS 6 system offers a one click Plex package and container support for Jellyfin and Emby, but the interface and ecosystem are less refined than those from the largest NAS brands, and performance is ultimately limited by the entry level CPU and PCIe layout when many concurrent streams or heavier background tasks are involved.

What we said in our Aug ’25 Review HERE:

The TerraMaster F4 SSD presents itself as a well-considered entry into the compact, all-flash NAS segment, balancing low noise, energy efficiency, and competitive performance at a sub-$400 price point. With its fanless NVMe-based design, Intel N95 quad-core processor, and DDR5 memory, it meets the essential needs of home and small office users looking for a reliable and responsive storage solution. The inclusion of TerraMaster’s increasingly capable TOS 6 operating system, featuring AI-driven photo management, centralized backup, and Docker/VM support, makes it more than just a network storage device—it becomes a lightweight but versatile data center for the home. Its TRAID support allows for mixed SSD deployments with easy expansion, which is particularly attractive to users upgrading gradually or working within budget constraints. The thoughtful internal layout and cooling also ensure performance remains consistent even under sustained load, without sacrificing the near-silent operation.

However, the F4 SSD is not without caveats. The use of a single 5GbE port, without redundancy or aggregation, may deter users requiring network failover or higher throughput for simultaneous operations. Additionally, although the PCIe lane allocation strategy maximizes the N95’s limited bandwidth, the asymmetry between Gen3 x2 and x1 slots could bottleneck RAID performance depending on how volumes are configured. When compared to the larger F8 SSD or DIY options with dual 10GbE or ECC support, the F4 SSD may feel limiting to power users or business environments with stricter reliability requirements. That said, for the vast majority of home users, content creators, and prosumers looking for an all-in-one, high-speed NAS that blends well into living spaces, the F4 SSD delivers a solid and accessible solution. Its price-to-performance ratio, combined with the simplicity of deployment and maturing software ecosystem, makes it a compelling option in the growing market of SSD NAS devices.

Terramaster F4 SSD NAS
Amazon in Your Region for the Terramaster F4 SSD NAS @ $399	B&H for the Terramaster F4 SSD NAS @ $399.99

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#4 ZimaBoard 2 Single Board Server – $239 to $349

SPECS: Intel N150 quad core up to 3.6 GHz – 8 or 16 GB LPDDR5x – 2 x SATA 3.0 6 Gb/s ports for 3.5″/2.5″ drives (external bays or enclosures required) – 2 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 / 2 x USB 3.1 Type A / 1 x Mini DisplayPort 1.4 – M.2 SSD support via PCIe 3.0 x4 add in card only.

ZimaBoard 2 functions as a small, fanless compute module that can be combined with any suitable SATA enclosure or loose drives to create a highly customised Plex or Jellyfin server. It ships with ZimaOS, which exposes a NAS style interface, app catalogue and container options, so the system is usable out of the box without manually installing a general purpose Linux distribution. Dual 2.5 GbE ports and Intel Quick Sync support give it enough capability for several 1080p and selected 4K transcodes, but the absence of internal bays or native M.2 slots means storage design is entirely external, and the device is better suited to users who do not mind assembling their own chassis or reusing existing cases and drive cages.

What we said in our April ’25 Review HERE:

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.

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Zimaboard 2	Check AliExpress for the Zimaboard 2

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#5 UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus – $365 to $390

SPECS: Rockchip RK3588 8 core ARM (4 x Cortex A76 + 4 x Cortex A55) up to around 2.4 GHz – 8 GB DDR5 – 4 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays – 1 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 / HDMI 2.0b / 1 x front USB C 3.2 Gen 1 / 2 x USB A 3.2 Gen 1 – no internal M.2 SSD slots.

The NASync DH4300 Plus is a 4 bay ARM based NAS that targets users who want RAID 5 capable storage for Plex or Jellyfin along with general backup duties at a moderate price. UGREEN’s UGOS Pro operating system includes its own media apps, an app store and containerisation features, and community testing has confirmed that Plex can achieve multiple 1080p and several 4K streams, benefiting from the RK3588’s hardware video engines. There is only a single 2.5 GbE port and no M.2 cache or expansion options, so scaling is limited to the 4 SATA bays and external USB storage, but for users who prioritise RAID 5 resilience, low to mid range transcoding capacity and comparatively low power use, it fits the role of a budget multi user media and file server.

What we said in our August ’25 Review Here:

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

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

mazon in Your Region for $349 the UGREEN DH4300 PLUS

Buy the UGREEN DH4300 on UGREEN.COM STORE

B&H for the UGREEN DH4300 PLUS

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Best Cheap NAS of the Year

Cheap NAS hardware in 2025 sits in an awkward middle ground between full DIY servers and polished, premium turnkey appliances, but it is also where many first time buyers start when they want to get away from cloud storage and subscriptions without spending a large amount of money. This article focuses on systems that have been available for under $249, arrive pre built with CPU and memory, and come either with their own NAS style operating system or with enough onboard storage to install one easily. The aim is to show what you realistically get at this price in terms of bays, network speed, scale and software, and where each device draws the line on features, expansion and flexibility so you can decide whether a low cost 2 bay box, an all M.2 cube or a bare board server is the better fit for your first step into local storage.

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#1 UGREEN NASync DH2300 – $178 to $209

SPECS: Rockchip RK3576 8 core ARM up to 2.2 GHz – 4 GB LPDDR4X – 2 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays (up to 60 TB total) – 1 x 1 GbE RJ45 – no internal M.2 SSD slots, 32 GB eMMC OS storage.

The UGREEN NASync DH2300 is aimed at users who want the cheapest possible entry to a proper NAS without losing basic RAID and a guided setup experience. Two SATA bays and support for up to 60 TB in RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD or Basic give enough room for a modest media library, photo archive and PC backups, while UGOS Pro adds mobile apps, 4K HDMI playback, simple remote access and basic snapshot and multi user features in a consumer friendly interface. Power draw is low, thanks to the 8 core ARM SoC and 1 GbE networking, which also keeps noise and heat down compared with larger multi bay units. The key limitation at this price is that you are locked to 2 drive bays, a single 1 GbE port and no internal SSD caching or containers on this model, so long term scale and heavy app use are constrained. Overall it suits buyers who want a cheap, mostly turnkey alternative to cloud storage and USB drives, rather than a platform for heavier virtualization or high speed workloads.

What we said in our October 2025 Review HERE:

The UGREEN DH2300 represents a carefully positioned step in the company’s ongoing effort to make private storage approachable for non-technical users. Its hardware configuration, led by the Rockchip RK3576 processor and 4GB of fixed memory, provides solid baseline performance for a two-bay ARM-powered NAS at this price point. Although its single 1GbE network port may limit throughput for larger file transfers, the system compensates with a highly efficient power profile, quiet operation, and full support for common RAID configurations. The inclusion of a dedicated 32GB eMMC system drive, HDMI 4K60 output, and an NPU capable of AI-based photo indexing places it above most similarly priced entry-level alternatives from QNAP and Synology. However, certain aspects of UGREEN’s marketing—particularly the way the dual quad-core CPU clusters are presented as a single 8-core design—could be clearer. Likewise, the absence of upgradeable memory or faster networking options limits its long-term scalability for users seeking to expand their NAS environment beyond basic media and backup tasks.

From a broader standpoint, the DH2300’s strongest appeal lies in its simplicity and low operational overhead. UGOS Pro, though still developing in maturity, has evolved into a competent, user-friendly platform offering the key features needed for home data management, multimedia access, and scheduled backups. The OS’s stability, combined with efficient hardware and lightweight design, makes this NAS a practical alternative to annual cloud subscriptions for users who simply want local control over their data. It is not a system aimed at enthusiasts or professionals demanding virtual machines, multi-gig networking, or broad third-party OS support, but rather those seeking a self-contained, reliable, and low-maintenance device. Within that niche, the DH2300 delivers strong value and performs consistently well for the intended demographic—serving as an accessible first step into local storage ownership.

Buy the UGREEN DH300 on Amazon @209	Buy the UGREEN DH2300 on UGREEN.COM	Buy the UGREEN DH2300 on B&H
	STORE

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#2 UniFi UNAS 2 – $199

SPECS: Quad core ARM Cortex A55 1.7 GHz – 4 GB RAM – 2 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays – 1 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 with PoE++ – no internal M.2 SSD slots, 1 x USB C 5 Gb/s expansion.

UniFi UNAS 2 targets users already invested in the UniFi ecosystem who want basic network storage and UniFi Drive integration at a low buy in price. Two SATA bays are enough for a mirrored pair of HDDs or SSDs for small site backups, UniFi Protect recordings or general file storage, and the 2.5 GbE plus PoE++ design keeps cabling simple by combining power and data on a single link to an existing UniFi switch. UniFi OS and UniFi Drive provide a simplified management layer for object storage, simple file shares and cloud synced folders, with a small color LCM display giving at a glance system status without needing to log in. The main limitation at this price is that UniFi’s NAS software is still relatively immature, with no native support for third party media servers or advanced NAS apps and no SSD cache tier, so it is best treated as a small, integrated storage node rather than a full featured general purpose NAS. For users who want a cheap box that drops straight into a UniFi rack and handles basic storage quietly and efficiently, it fits that role.

What we said in our September 2025 Review HERE:

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

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

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

 

Here are all the current UniFi NAS Solutions & Prices: UniFi UNAS 2 (2 Bay, $199) – HERE UniFi UNAS 4  (4 Bay + 2x M2, $379) – HERE UniFi UNAS Pro 4 (4 Bay + 2x M.2, $499) – HERE UniFi UNAS Pro (7 Bay, $499) – HERE UniFi UNAS Pro 8 (8-Bay + 2x M.2, $799) HERE

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#3 Beelink ME Mini – $209 to $279

SPECS: Intel Processor N150 quad core up to 3.6 GHz – 12 GB or 16 GB LPDDR5 – 0 x SATA bays / 6 x M.2 2280 NVMe slots (5 x PCIe 3.0 x1, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x2, up to 24 TB) – 2 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 – 64 GB eMMC plus up to 2 TB NVMe preinstalled.

The Beelink ME Mini trades spinning disks for six M.2 slots in a 99 mm cube, making it one of the most storage dense budget options for users who already have or plan to buy multiple NVMe SSDs. At this price bracket it offers far more raw flash capacity potential than traditional 2 bay HDD NAS units, and the dual 2.5 GbE ports allow the box to push enough throughput for small media servers, backup targets and home lab services once an appropriate OS such as TrueNAS, Proxmox, Linux or a lightweight NAS distribution is installed. The integrated PSU, WiFi 6 and compact chimney style cooling keep the physical footprint small while still supporting continuous operation as a low to moderate power SSD based server. The main limitation is that PCIe lane allocation and the N150 CPU cap per drive performance and the unit can run hot under sustained load, so you do not get high end NVMe speeds from each slot and there is no turnkey NAS OS included. It is therefore best suited to buyers who value maximum flash capacity per dollar in a very small chassis and are comfortable treating it as a DIY NAS platform rather than a plug-and-play appliance.

What we said in our June ’25 Review HERE:

The Beelink ME Mini NAS delivers an uncommon blend of size, functionality, and efficiency in a market segment often dominated by larger, louder, and less integrated alternatives. It is not designed to compete with traditional enterprise-grade NAS devices or modular, scalable solutions for prosumers. Instead, its strengths lie in targeting the needs of home users who want a quiet, energy-efficient storage solution that is easy to deploy, aesthetically unobtrusive, and capable of handling daily tasks such as media streaming, file backup, or soft routing. The inclusion of six M.2 NVMe SSD slots—paired with a Gen 3 x2 system slot—offers a rare level of expansion in such a small enclosure. The integration of an internal PSU, silent fan-assisted cooling, and a surprisingly effective thermal design are thoughtful touches that differentiate it from the majority of DIY NAS mini PCs.

That said, it is not without limitations. The memory is non-upgradable, thermal accumulation at the base suggests room for improvement, and bandwidth ceilings imposed by Gen 3 x1 lanes will constrain users who demand high parallel throughput. Still, for its price point—particularly when pre-order discounts are applied—the ME Mini offers significant value, especially when compared to ARM-based NAS solutions with similar or lower specifications. With bundled Crucial SSD options and support for a wide range of NAS operating systems, it positions itself as a ready-to-go platform for tech-savvy users wanting to avoid the assembly of a fully DIY system. Overall, while not a product for every use case, the Beelink ME Mini succeeds in its aim to be a compact, stylish, and capable home NAS.

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Beelink ME Mini NAS ($329)

Check AliExpress for the Beelink ME Mini NAS ($344 4/6)

Check the Official Beelink Site for the ME Mini NAS ($209 4/6)

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#4 Xyber Hydra N150 – around $208 to $249

SPECS: Intel Processor N150 quad core up to 3.6 GHz – 16 GB LPDDR5 – 0 x SATA bays / 4 x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x2 slots – 2 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 plus WiFi 6 – 64 GB eMMC with Ubuntu preinstalled and 512 GB NVMe SSD included on many models.

The Xyber Hydra N150 aims at budget buyers who want an NVMe based NAS that is closer to ready out of the box, combining 4 PCIe 3.0 x2 M.2 bays with 16 GB of memory, preloaded Ubuntu and often a preinstalled 512 GB NVMe system drive. That combination makes it straightforward to stand up containers, Docker stacks or lightweight NAS services immediately, then expand capacity by populating the remaining M.2 slots with SSDs as budget allows. Dual 2.5 GbE ports with link aggregation give enough network bandwidth to take advantage of parallel NVMe arrays for home lab or small office workloads, and the revised metal baseplate plus dual fan cooling run cooler than earlier G9 derived designs while still keeping power use modest. The main limitation at this price is that RAM is soldered and each M.2 slot is only x2, so neither memory capacity nor per drive bandwidth can be increased later, and some tuning of fan curves is needed to keep thermals in check under heavy use. For users who want an inexpensive, compact NVMe appliance with more polish than bare boards but are comfortable managing their own OS and RAID layout, it offers a pragmatic middle ground.

What we said in our July ’25 Review HERE:

The Xyber Hydra N150 NAS represents a deliberate and measured evolution of the budget-friendly compact NAS formula, clearly designed to resolve key weaknesses of similar products like the GMKTec G9 without altering the fundamental architecture. Its use of a thicker, thermally conductive metal base plate provides demonstrable improvement in heat dissipation compared to the plastic underside of the G9, a difference borne out in extended load testing where temperatures stabilized more quickly and stayed lower when fan profiles were adjusted. The pre-installed 64GB eMMC module running Ubuntu out of the box eliminates the initial configuration barrier often faced by novice users, while still allowing more experienced users to easily replace it with their OS of choice, such as ZimaOS or TrueNAS. The inclusion of a 512GB NVMe SSD in the primary M.2 bay adds immediate storage capacity without requiring an upfront investment in additional drives, an uncommon but practical feature at this price point.

Internally, the decision to provide 16GB of fixed LPDDR5 memory — 4GB more than its nearest comparable competitor — gives the Hydra slightly more headroom for memory-intensive tasks, such as running lightweight container workloads or maintaining a larger metadata cache for media streaming applications. While the memory remains non-upgradable, the choice of capacity is a reasonable compromise given the constraints of the Intel N150 platform and the system’s focus on cost efficiency. The integrated Wi-Fi 6 module, with dual antennas and full UnRAID compatibility, is another meaningful addition, enabling wireless deployments where cabling is impractical and expanding the deployment scenarios for home and small office users. These subtle but important upgrades make the Hydra feel more complete out of the box, catering to a broader range of use cases with fewer compromises.

That said, the Hydra still shares many of the inherent trade-offs of its class. The N150 processor is adequate for modest workloads, but becomes saturated under sustained high parallel usage, especially when all four M.2 slots are simultaneously active and the CPU nears 100% utilization. The PCIe lane limitations of the platform, with each M.2 slot limited to Gen3 x2 speeds, restrict the aggregate performance potential of RAID arrays or concurrent high-bandwidth operations. Similarly, the continued reliance on dual 2.5GbE ports limits maximum external throughput despite the internal SSD bandwidth being capable of more, and although M.2-to-10GbE adapters remain an option, they come at the cost of sacrificing one storage slot. BIOS-level adjustments are also required to extract the best thermal and fan performance under heavy use, something that more advanced users will appreciate but could frustrate beginners.

Overall, at its introductory price of $218.99, the Xyber Hydra N150 achieves a strong balance of value, practicality, and refinement in the entry-level NAS segment. The thoughtful inclusion of extras — the 64GB bootable eMMC, 512GB SSD, improved cooling, and additional memory — make it feel more turnkey than competing models, while still leaving room for advanced customization. It’s a sensible option for users seeking a compact and efficient NAS for personal cloud storage, light virtualization, or as a dedicated media server, provided expectations around CPU and networking throughput are kept realistic. For its target audience, the Hydra is a compelling and notably improved choice that addresses many of the criticisms of earlier designs without abandoning the affordability that defines this class of devices.

Where to Buy? How Much? GMKtec NucBox G9 12+1TB: HERE on Amazon GMKtec G9 12+512GB: HERE on Amazon GMKtec G9 12+2TB Model : HERE on Amazon

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#5 ZimaBoard 2 1664 – $239 to $349

SPECS: Intel Processor N150 quad core up to 3.6 GHz – 16 GB LPDDR5X – 2 x SATA 3.0 ports (via cables to external drives) – 2 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 – 1 x PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, 64 GB eMMC OS storage.

ZimaBoard 2 1664 is a single board x86 server positioned for budget home lab builders who want more flexibility than a fixed enclosure can offer while staying under typical entry level NAS pricing. The board exposes 2 SATA ports with power for attaching HDDs or SSDs in whatever chassis or external mounting the user prefers, alongside dual 2.5 GbE, USB 3, Mini DisplayPort and a full PCIe 3.0 x4 slot that can host extra NICs, HBAs or NVMe adaptors to scale storage and connectivity over time. ZimaOS comes preinstalled and supports alternative systems such as CasaOS, Linux and Windows, so it can act as a low cost base for self hosted services, small virtualisation labs or custom NAS builds using external drive cages or repurposed cases. The main limitation is that there is no built in drive bay system or enclosure, so buyers must factor in the cost and effort of adding their own storage chassis, cabling and cooling if they want something as neat as a traditional NAS. For those willing to do that, it offers one of the most flexible and expandable x86 platforms in the budget bracket, with enough CPU and RAM headroom to grow beyond simple file serving as needs evolve.

What we said in our April ’25 Review HERE:

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.

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Zimaboard 2	Check AliExpress for the Zimaboard 2

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Taken together, the UGREEN DH2300, UniFi UNAS 2, Beelink ME Mini, Xyber Hydra N150 and ZimaBoard 2 show the different ways vendors are trying to hit the sub 250 dollar bracket without stripping out the core value of a NAS. Some focus on simplicity and bundled software with limited scale, others trade turnkey polish for dense NVMe storage or flexible bare board layouts that assume you are willing to do more of the setup yourself. None of these devices removes the usual compromises around bays, performance, noise or software maturity at this price level, but each offers a clear path away from pure cloud dependence and USB drives. The practical decision is less about which is objectively “best” and more about whether you want a small 2 bay appliance, a compact all flash cube or a configurable single board system that can grow with your skills and requirements over time.

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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 for Under $249 at the end of 2025

As personal data storage requirements continue to rise in 2025, many users are moving away from cloud platforms and monthly subscription services in search of something more private and cost effective. A dedicated NAS, or network attached storage system, allows you to back up photo collections, host a home media library, or manage small business files while keeping full control of your data and avoiding ongoing fees. The good news is that the market now includes several capable options priced at or under 249 dollars. Improvements in low power processors, wider use of DDR5 memory, and leaner operating systems have made entry level systems far more powerful than they were even a year ago. They can comfortably handle tasks such as Plex playback, simple virtualization, and lightweight container apps. This article looks at five NAS units currently available within this price bracket, each offering a practical mix of performance, connectivity, and storage flexibility for anyone building a reliable setup on a limited budget.

Important Disclaimer and Notes Before You Buy!

Before looking at specific NAS models, it helps to understand the common limits of systems in this price tier. Most units under 249 dollars arrive without drives, and rely on NVMe or SATA bays that must be filled separately. Some include small onboard storage such as 32GB to 64GB eMMC that only covers the operating system. This means the total cost of a usable setup will usually be higher than the base price. These devices are aimed at home users and personal cloud tasks rather than heavier business workloads. Several models also lack a full NAS operating system and instead use lightweight platforms such as CasaOS or ZimaOS, or provide only a simple interface for local file access and containers. These options are improving, yet they may not offer advanced RAID tools, snapshot automation, or detailed permission control found on systems like Synology DSM or TrueNAS. Overall, these NAS units suit users with some technical confidence or anyone who wants a simple setup with limited depth.

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Beelink ME Mini NAS – 6 Bay SSD NAS

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

The Beelink ME Mini is a compact NAS designed for anyone who wants fast SSD storage in a very small enclosure. It measures 99mm on each side and includes six M.2 2280 NVMe slots that can deliver as much as 24TB when fully populated. The system uses an Intel N150 processor with 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, which provides a solid mix of performance and low power draw. Connectivity includes two 2.5GbE ports, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, giving it flexibility for both wired and wireless use. Cooling is handled passively and the unit contains its own power supply, which keeps noise and cable clutter to a minimum and makes it a good fit for living rooms or compact office spaces.

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Terramaster F2-425 2- Bay Intel Value Turnkey NAS

$249 – Intel N5105 – 4GB – TOS 6 Software – 1x 2.5GbE – 2x SATA – BUY HERE

The Terramaster F2-424 is a two bay NAS that sits near the upper edge of the 249 dollar bracket and focuses on providing a more traditional turnkey experience. It uses an Intel Celeron class x86 quad core processor with 4GB of memory that can be upgraded, which allows it to handle general home NAS tasks and hardware assisted 4K decoding for applications such as Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin.

The system supports two SATA drives for a total capacity of up to 60TB and includes TRAID for flexible expansion and space management. Connectivity is limited to a single 2.5GbE port, which is sufficient for most home use but less flexible than some other systems in this list that offer two LAN ports. The unit runs TOS 6, which provides RAID options, snapshots, cloud sync, and a broad selection of built in apps for backup, media, and light productivity needs.

Setup can be completed through the TNAS Mobile app, which also supports automatic photo and video backups from mobile devices. Local AI driven sorting for photos is included, and cross platform access is available through the TNAS client or standard network mapping. TerraSync enables PC backups with version history, and security features include OTP authentication, firewall controls, DoS protections, snapshots, and HyperLock WORM for ransomware resistance. The chassis is quiet in operation and uses tool free push lock trays that allow quick installation or replacement of drives.

Terramaster also offers the F2-425 Plus at roughly 130 dollars more. That model increases CPU and memory resources and is aimed at users who want stronger performance and scalability. For those who want to remain within the 249 dollar limit, the F2-424 provides a straightforward Intel based platform with a familiar OS, upgradable memory, and native HDD support, as long as the single network port meets the user’s needs.

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

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

The GMKTec G9 provides hardware that closely matches the Beelink ME Mini, since it also uses the Intel N150 processor and 12GB of LPDDR5 memory. It arrives in a more traditional rectangular enclosure and includes four M.2 2280 NVMe slots instead of six. The system contains 64GB of onboard eMMC storage that is mainly used to boot Ubuntu 24.10, and it can dual boot into Windows 11 when an additional SSD is installed. As with the Beelink, there is no SATA support, so all storage relies on NVMe drives up to 4TB each. Cooling is handled by an active fan and the device includes two HDMI outputs, which makes it a stronger option for anyone who wants a small desktop system or direct media output as part of their NAS setup. The manufacturer issued a refresh in summer 2025 that improved the cooling layout with better vent placement and more efficient airflow.

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Synology BeeStation 4TB NAS – ALL IN ONE!

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

The Synology BeeStation 4TB is a single bay NAS designed for users who want a ready to use system with no installation work. It arrives with a pre installed 4TB hard drive and a sealed enclosure, so there is no need to source or fit storage. The system uses a Realtek RTD1619B ARM processor with 1GB of DDR4 memory and connects through a single 1GbE port. It runs BeeStation Manager, which focuses on beginner friendly features such as cloud style file access, simple photo management, and smooth integration with Synology mobile apps. Synology also released the BeeStation Plus model in 2025 with an Intel processor, more memory, and 8TB of storage, but it sits at roughly double the price. If you are willing to spend more, that model gives you greater performance and capacity.

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UGREEN NASync DXP2800 NAS – The New Challenger!

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

The UGREEN DXP2800 sits in the NASync series and targets users who want a mix of expandability and value. It supports both hard drives and SSDs through two 3.5 inch SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots that can be used for caching or fast active data work. The system uses an Intel N100 processor from the twelfth generation energy efficient N series and pairs it with 8GB of DDR5 memory that can be upgraded. A 32GB eMMC module holds the UGOS Pro operating system. Connectivity is built around a single 2.5GbE port with several USB ports on the front and rear including USB C and 10Gbps USB A. UGOS Pro offers a clean web interface with containers, RAID options such as zero, one, and JBOD, simple multimedia features, and remote file access.

UGREEN recently released the DH2300 two bay NAS at a noticeably lower price of roughly 100 to 120 dollars below the DXP2800. That model uses a lower power ARM processor, far less memory, and only one 1GbE port. It is acceptable for very light duties, but most users will benefit from spending a little more on the DXP2800 due to its stronger CPU, memory capacity, and networking.

Although UGOS Pro does not match the ecosystem depth of Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, the DXP2800 remains one of the few turnkey systems in this bracket that supports SSD and HDD storage in a flexible layout without proprietary limits. Users will still need to supply their own drives and configure storage pools, yet the combination of hardware capability and manageable software makes it a strong choice for anyone comfortable handling a modest amount of setup work.

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

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

The ZimaBoard 2 (832) is a compact single board NAS platform built for users who want flexibility and modular control rather than a traditional enclosure based system. It arrives as a bare embedded board with all interfaces exposed, which makes it ideal for custom builds. The system uses the Intel N150 quad core processor with 8GB of LPDDR5x memory and includes 32GB of onboard eMMC storage for ZimaOS. The device ships with a lifetime ZimaOS license, which is notable at this price level. It also stands out by providing two powered SATA 3.0 ports, giving it native support for hard drives without any need for USB to SATA adapters. The product is now sold on Amazon, although the price can move between 249 and 349 dollars depending on current stock and promotions, so it is worth watching for discounts.

Connectivity is strong for a low profile platform. It offers two 2.5GbE ports, USB 3.1, a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and a Mini DisplayPort output that can deliver 4K60 video. The PCIe slot opens the door for add on networking, storage controllers, or accelerators, although most users will start by using the SATA ports for core NAS storage. The large passive heatsink keeps the board silent, although thermal results will depend on the case you choose and the surrounding environment.

This system suits DIY builders who want to create their own NAS, firewall appliance, lightweight media server, or container host. ZimaOS provides a simple web interface and allows the user to switch to CasaOS or other Linux based platforms if preferred. It is aimed at users who want maximum control and are comfortable managing their own setup rather than those seeking a plug and play NAS.

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Each NAS covered in this guide delivers its own mix of hardware capability, expansion potential, and overall usability while staying within the 249 dollar limit. Users who want a fully prepared option with minimal setup will likely prefer the Synology BeeStation, and anyone who wants a small SSD focused system with stronger customisation features may find the Beelink ME Mini or GMKTec G9 more suitable. The UGREEN DXP2800 stands out for its combination of HDD and SSD support and a more developed software platform, while the ZimaBoard 2 is aimed at technical users who want full control over every layer of the build. None of these devices is a perfect all rounder, yet each one provides a practical entry into local storage, self hosted media, and personal backup without exceeding a modest budget

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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

 

Cela fait maintenant plusieurs jours que nous utilisons le nouveau NAS UGREEN DH2300. Avec ses 2 baies, ce modèle vise un public large : utilisateurs souhaitant se passer des abonnements Cloud, centraliser ses fichiers ou monter un petit serveur domestique sans prise de tête. UGREEN mise ici sur la simplicité, mais aussi sur la sécurité, en proposant un NAS facile à installer et à administrer. Et avec un tarif de lancement de 209,99€ (167,99€ actuellement en promotion), difficile de ne pas s’interroger : la promesse est-elle tenue ?

Test UGREEN DH2300

Après une entrée fracassante sur le marché du NAS avec des produits relativement haut de gamme, UGREEN revient depuis quelques mois avec 2 modèles plus accessibles. Mais comme vous allez le voir, ces nouveaux venus sont loin d’être dénués d’intérêt… au contraire !

Contenu de la boîte

À l’ouverture, on trouve :

• Le NAS UGREEN DH2300 ;
• 1 câble réseau RJ45 ;
• Des vis de fixation pour les disques et SSD ;
• Un tournevis ;
• Une alimentation externe ;
• Un guide de démarrage complet ;
• Un livret de garantie.

On est en présence du strict nécessaire pour bien démarrer. Le tournevis est peut-être de trop. Si l’intension du fabricant est noble, il est inutile de le proposer…

Construction du NAS et design

Le DH2300 affiche un design à la fois sobre et original. Entièrement conçu en plastique noir rigide, il se tient fièrement à la verticale et occupe très peu de place sur un bureau. Ses dimensions sont de 151 × 198 × 213,7 mm pour un poids d’environ 950 g. Particularité de ce châssis tout en hauteur : le ventilateur est placé (au-dessous) à la base du boîtier.

À noter que la présence de plusieurs trous et fentes à l’arrière (en haut) et sur les côtés (en bas) facilite la circulation de l’air et le refroidissement du NAS.

Connectique

En façade :

• 1 port USB-C 3.0 (5 Gb/s) ;
• Le bouton d’alimentation ;
• Les LED d’état ;
• Un capteur NFC permettant d’associer rapidement un smartphone.

À l’arrière :

• 2 ports USB-A 3.0 ;
• 1 sortie HDMI compatible 4K/60 Hz ;
• 1 port Ethernet 1 Gb/s.

La sortie HDMI peut être utilisée pour diffuser des vidéos sur un téléviseur (via l’application mobile).

Intérieur du DH2300

Le DH2300 est équipé d’un processeur Octo Core ARM Rockchip RK3576  cadencé à 2,2 GHz, accompagné de 4 Go de RAM DDR4 (non extensibles). Selon PassMark, il obtient un score de 3 871 points, largement suffisant pour les usages auxquels il est destiné.

Installation des disques et SSD

UGREEN propose ici un système vraiment simple. Pour accéder aux 2 chariots, il suffit de retirer la partie supérieure grise (chapeau). L’accès est facile. Par contre, il est nécessaire d’utiliser le tournevis pour installer les disques (vis fournies).

Les chariots sont en plastique rigide, avec des amortisseurs souples pour réduire les vibrations et donc le bruit.

Mise en route avec UGOS Pro

L’installation matérielle est rapide : on insère les disques, on connecte le RJ45, on branche l’alimentation, et c’est parti.

Pour l’installation et les premiers pas, nous vous recommandons de passer par un navigateur Web et d’aller à l’adresse : find.ugnas.com. UGREEN propose des applications mobiles (Android et iOS) et des logiciels (Windows et macOS).

L’installation se déroule en 3 étapes et prend moins de 10 minutes. Cependant, malgré sa volonté de simplifier l’expérience, UGREEN demande encore à l’utilisateur de créer lui-même le volume de stockage (et le pool). L’assistant est clair, mais on aurait apprécié une automatisation complète pour éliminer toute friction.

Rassurez-vous : même sans compétences techniques, la configuration reste très simple.

Mises à jour régulières

UGREEN déploie régulièrement des mises à jour pour corriger des bugs, améliorer les performances et ajouter des fonctionnalités. Un bon point pour la pérennité du produit.

Applications

L’interface UGOS Pro est épurée et fluide. Un Centre d’applications propose les services maison : sauvegarde de photos, streaming multimédia, synchronisation, etc.

L’écosystème logiciel est solide :

• application mobile très complète ;
• logiciel PC/Mac ;
• application Android TV et tvOS.

Le lecteur multimédia Théâtre propose une expérience correcte pour lire des vidéos, mais en retrait face à Plex ou Jellyfin. L’application Photos est prometteuse, mais certaines fonctionnalités avancées manquent encore de stabilité (comme la reconnaissance d’objets). Rien d’insurmontable… UGREEN semble être sur la bonne voie.

Côté sécurité

Le DH2300 prend en charge plusieurs protocoles de chiffrement (TLS/SSL, RSA, AES). L’authentification à 2 facteurs est disponible. Un module Sécurité peut analyser les menaces en temps réel, envoyer des alertes et programmer des scans.

Performances

Dans la première partie de nos tests, nous allons évaluer les performances des transferts à travers un réseau 1 Gb/s (entre le NAS et des ordinateurs). Ensuite, nous regarderons les capacités du processeur, en analysant ses performances dans la virtualisation et le transcodage vidéo.

Vitesses dans les transferts

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

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

À partir de ces tests, nous calculons une moyenne des transferts que nous représentons sous forme de graphiques, exprimée en mégaoctets par seconde. Plus le nombre est élevé, plus le NAS est rapide. Pour notre évaluation du F4-425, nous avons configuré un premier volume avec 2* SSD WD Red SA 500 en RAID 0, puis en RAID 1.

RAID 0

Sans atteindre la limite théorique du Gigabit, les performances sont très bonnes, stables et régulières sur toutes les tailles de fichiers.

RAID 1

Avec la protection RAID 1 activée, le DH2300 conserve d’excellents débits. C’est à la fois surprenant et rassurant. Une belle réussite !

Il n’y a toujours pas la possibilité de chiffrer un dossier. Cependant, il est possible de mettre en place un Coffre-fort à travers un paquet, mais cela restera à travers l’interface Web (inaccessible en SMB).

Performances générales

Ce NAS n’est pas conçu pour la virtualisation ou la conteneurisation, fonctions absentes sur ce modèle… et ce n’est clairement pas sa cible. UGREEN a privilégié la simplicité d’usage, et l’interface reste parfaitement fluide. En transcodage, même en 4K, nous n’avons pas réussi à mettre le processeur en difficulté.

Consommation électrique et nuisance sonore

Le ventilateur placé sous le boîtier est très discret, presque inaudible. Côté consommation, le DH2300 affiche entre 3 et 6 W en utilisation normale (avec les 2 SSD) et jusqu’à 8,5 W lors de tâches intensives. Des valeurs excellentes pour un NAS domestique.

Black Friday 2025 NAS Deals – UGREEN NAS

Black Friday has brought some of the strongest discounts yet on UGREEN NASync systems, making it an ideal time for new users and homelab builders to step into the NAS ecosystem or upgrade to a more powerful and future proof setup. This year’s lineup ranges from compact and affordable 2-bay models for simple backups and family cloud storage to high performance all-flash and 10GbE systems aimed at media creators, home labs, and virtualisation workloads. Whether you need a quiet personal cloud, a fast Plex server, an NVMe-accelerated photo workflow, or a full 8-bay system capable of running containers, VMs, TrueNAS, or UnRAID, UGREEN’s NASync range covers every tier with significant holiday savings. Below is a detailed breakdown of each model on offer, including their best use cases and current Black Friday pricing.

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UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus – $594.99 

The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is a 4 bay NAS running UGOS Pro and built around an Intel Pentium Gold 8505 processor with 5 cores and 6 threads, paired with 8GB DDR5 memory that can be expanded to 64GB. It includes a 128GB system SSD, 4 SATA bays, and 2 M.2 slots, allowing a maximum combined capacity of 136TB for mixed HDD and SSD storage. RAID options include JBOD, Basic, 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, giving users flexible data protection choices. Connectivity is a strong point, with both 2.5GbE and 10GbE network ports, front USB C and USB A ports at 10Gb per second, additional rear USB ports, an SD 3.0 card reader, and 4K HDMI output for direct console access. With a compact footprint of 10.1 inches by 7.0 inches by 7.0 inches and power usage of 42.36W during disk access, the DXP4800 Plus is a high performance prosumer NAS that fits well into creative, home lab, and small business environments.

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UGREEN 120W NAS UPS – 15% OFF, NOW $84.99

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UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus – $364.99 

Regular price$429.99

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus is a simple and affordable 4 bay NAS designed as a reliable backup hub and a private cloud alternative for homes and small offices. It uses an 8 core Rockchip ARM processor with 8GB LPDDR4X memory and a 32GB eMMC system disk, providing enough performance for file sync, photo and video backup, family cloud storage, and basic media streaming through UGOS Pro. The 4 SATA bays support up to 120TB with RAID options including JBOD, Basic, 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, making it easy to choose between capacity and data protection. A single 2.5GbE port offers fast network transfers, while front USB 3.2 ports and 4K HDMI allow quick file import and local access when needed. With compact dimensions of 155 by 155 by 215.7 mm and low power draw of 22.89W during drive access, the DH4300 Plus is a cost effective way to move away from subscription cloud services and take full control of your own backup and storage system.

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UGREEN NASync DXP480T Plus – $849.99 

Regular price$999.99

The UGREEN DXP480T Plus is a high speed 4 slot NVMe NAS built around the Intel Core i5 1235U processor, designed for users who want the performance benefits of full flash storage rather than traditional SATA drives. With 4 M.2 NVMe slots supporting up to 32TB, the system delivers extremely fast read and write speeds that are ideal for photo and video editing, virtual machines, database work, AI workloads, and low latency cloud sync tasks. UGOS Pro supports RAID modes including JBOD, Basic, 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, allowing both performance and data protection on NVMe media. Connectivity is equally strong with a 10GbE port for high bandwidth transfers and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports that operate at 40Gb per second for fast external storage or workstation integration. The system includes 8GB DDR5 memory, expandable to 64GB, along with built in WiFi and 8K HDMI output for direct console use. With compact dimensions of 7.05 by 5.59 by 2.05 inches and efficient power consumption, the DXP480T Plus is a compelling option for anyone who wants the speed and responsiveness of an all flash NAS.

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UGREEN DXP6800 PRO – 20% OFF, Now £799

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UGREEN NASync DXP4800 – $499.99 

Regular price$549.99

The UGREEN DXP4800 is a 4 bay SATA NAS designed for users who want an affordable and straightforward media server for Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby. It runs on an Intel N100 processor with 8GB DDR5 memory and includes 2 M.2 slots for SSD caching, which helps speed up library scanning and artwork retrieval across large media collections. With space for up to 136TB and RAID options covering JBOD, Basic, 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, it offers plenty of room and flexibility for growing libraries of movies, TV shows, and music. Dual 2.5GbE ports provide more than enough throughput for multiple streams on the local network, and the HDMI 4K output allows direct playback or simple setup without a separate computer. Front and rear USB ports make it easy to import media from external drives, while UGOS Pro supports popular self hosted media applications through containers or native apps. Compact dimensions of 10.1 by 7.0 by 7.0 inches and low power use make the DXP4800 a practical, quiet, and efficient platform for home media streaming with Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby.

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UGREEN NASync DH2300 – $188.99 

Regular price$209.99

The UGREEN DH2300 is one of the most affordable and compact NAS options in the lineup, making it an ideal entry point for anyone who wants simple personal backups or a small private cloud without a large upfront cost. It runs on an efficient 8 core Rockchip A72 plus A53 processor with 4GB LPDDR4X memory and includes 2 SATA bays that support up to 60TB with JBOD, Basic, 0, or 1 for easy data protection. Despite its budget friendly price, it offers useful connectivity including 1GbE networking, front USB C and USB A ports for quick file import, and a 4K 60Hz HDMI output for local setup or direct playback. With a very small footprint at 151 by 98 by 213.7 mm and power use of only 13.72W during drive access, the DH2300 fits comfortably on a shelf or desk and provides a quiet, low cost alternative to cloud subscriptions for photos, documents, and home backups.

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UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS – 20% OFF, NOW $559.99

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UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro – $1,019.99 

Regular price$1,199.99

The UGREEN DXP6800 Pro is a powerful 6 bay NAS designed for photographers and media professionals who need fast ingest, responsive editing, and reliable large scale storage. It uses an Intel Core i5 1235U processor with 10 cores and 12 threads and includes 8GB DDR5 memory, expandable to 64GB, giving it enough performance for handling RAW photo workflows, large Lightroom or Capture One catalogs, and multi-stream media projects. With 6 SATA bays and 2 M.2 slots, the system can reach up to 196TB of combined storage, allowing long term archives, active project folders, and SSD cache acceleration for quicker preview loading. Dual 10GbE ports provide the bandwidth needed for teams or for editing directly from the NAS over a fast network, while the dual Thunderbolt 4 ports at 40Gb per second allow very rapid transfers from workstations or external drives. A front SD 4.0 card reader simplifies importing photos and footage, and the 8K HDMI output allows direct console access for quick management. Compact at 11.54 by 10.16 by 7.87 inches, the DXP6800 Pro is a high performance, creator focused storage solution that comfortably supports demanding photo and video workflows.

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UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus + UPS Add On – $639.99 

Regular price$799.99

The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is a powerful and flexible 4-bay NAS built on the Intel Pentium Gold 8505 with 5 cores and 6 threads, paired with 8GB DDR5 memory and support for up to 64GB. It includes a 128GB system SSD, 4 SATA bays, and 2 M.2 SSD slots, giving the system a maximum capacity of 136TB for mixed HDD and NVMe setups. Connectivity is strong with both 2.5GbE and 10GbE ports for high-speed file transfers, media streaming, and multi-user access on UGOS Pro. This Black Friday bundle also includes the UGREEN US3000 UPS, a compact 120W lithium-ion backup module with 0s transfer time, 43.2Wh rated energy, and 12,000mAh capacity. It protects the NAS from sudden power loss, prevents file system corruption, and enables safe shutdown during outages. With front 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A ports, an SD 3.0 card reader, 4K HDMI output, and a compact 10.1 × 7.0 × 7.0 inch chassis, the DXP4800 Plus and included UPS form a reliable, high-performance storage solution for home and professional users.

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UGREEN NASync DXP2800 – $319.99 

Regular price$349.99

The UGREEN DXP2800 is one of the best value NAS options in the lineup, offering full access to all UGOS Pro software features while keeping hardware costs low. It runs on the Intel N100 processor with 4 cores and 4 threads, paired with 8GB DDR5 memory and support for up to 16GB, making it capable of running file sharing, photo backup, cloud sync, container apps, and media servers without difficulty. The system includes 2 SATA bays and 2 M.2 SSD slots, giving a maximum storage capacity of 76TB, which is more than enough for home backups or small office data. A 2.5GbE port provides fast transfers for laptops, desktops, and media players, while the front USB-C and USB-A ports at 10Gbps make external storage import easy. With 4K HDMI output for direct console access and a low power draw of only 16.38W during drive access, the DXP2800 delivers the full UGOS Pro experience, including AI photo sorting, mobile backup, cloud sync, and app store functionality, all within a compact 9.1 × 4.3 × 7.0 inch chassis. It is an affordable and highly capable entry point for anyone wanting full NAS functionality without the premium price.

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UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus – $1,274.99 

Regular price$1,499.99

The UGREEN DXP8800 Plus is the ultimate UGREEN NAS server for users who want maximum power, flexibility, and room to grow. It runs on the Intel Core i5 1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads, paired with 8GB DDR5 memory and support for up to 64GB, making it ideal for large scale virtual machines, Docker workloads, and advanced homelab setups including TrueNAS or UnRAID installations. With 8 SATA bays and 2 M.2 SSD slots, the system supports up to 256TB of total storage, which is enough for professional video archives, multi user environments, and massive Plex libraries. Dual 10GbE ports provide extremely fast network throughput for direct editing from the NAS in applications like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere, while the 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports at 40Gb per second allow rapid offload and workstation integration. A front SD 4.0 reader simplifies media ingest for photographers and editors, and the 8K HDMI output allows direct console access when needed. With a compact 7.05 by 5.59 by 2.05 inch design and strong performance under UGOS Pro, the DXP8800 Plus is the most capable and full featured UGREEN NAS platform for creators, homelab users, virtualisation workloads, Plex servers, and demanding professional storage environments.

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Amazon Deals

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UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Plus 6-Bay NAS –  $899..99

The UGREEN DXP6800 Pro is a high performance 6 bay NAS aimed at creators and production teams who need fast ingest, smooth editing, and dependable storage for large projects. It runs on an Intel Core i5 1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads and includes 8GB DDR5 memory with support for up to 64GB, giving it the power required for RAW photo sets, large catalog libraries, and demanding video work. The 6 SATA bays and 2 M.2 SSD slots allow a total capacity of 196TB, making it suitable for long term archives, active project folders, and fast SSD caching to speed up preview generation and media scrubbing. Dual 10GbE ports enable direct editing over the network, while the 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports operating at 40Gb per second support extremely fast transfers from workstations or external storage. A front SD 4.0 card reader streamlines importing footage from cameras, and the 8K HDMI output provides simple local access for setup and management. With a compact footprint of 11.54 by 10.16 by 7.87 inches, the DXP6800 Pro delivers a powerful and efficient workflow platform for photographers, videographers, and studio environments.

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UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus Value Class NAS – $364.99

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UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS – $319.99

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UGREEN NASync DH2300 2-Bay Tiny Impact NAS – $188..99

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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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UGREEN Reveal Two New 4-Bay NAS – The DXP4800 Pro and DXP4800S

UGREEN DXP4800S NAS Specifications

The DXP4800S is seemingly positioned as an updated variant of the original DXP4800, retaining the same core hardware layout while adopting Intel’s newer N150 processor and faster DDR5 memory. The shift to the N150 provides a modest frequency increase over the N100 but maintains identical core count, thread count and power behaviour. Memory remains user accessible through a single slot, with support for up to 16GB. The rest of the internal structure is unchanged, including four SATA bays, two NVMe slots and the same Gen three by one PCIe wiring. The system is intended as a compact x86 home server with improved AI-assisted photo indexing and modest efficiency gains over the standard model.

Externally, the device keeps the original USB layout, HDMI output and 2.5GbE gigabit LAN. The SD card reader remains SD 3.0 and the flash storage stays at 32GB. The overall focus of this model is small refinements rather than a re-engineered platform. Users familiar with the DXP4800 will find the same physical design and the same expandability, but with slightly higher supported memory frequency and a newer entry class processor that aligns with Intel’s Twin Lake manufacturing cycle.

Component	DXP4800S
Processor	Intel N150, four cores and four threads, up to 3.6Ghz
Architecture	x86, Intel seven process
Memory	8GB DDR5 preinstalled, one slot, up to sixteen gigabytes, up to five thousand six hundred megahertz, ECC capable
SATA Bays	Four, compatible with 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives
SATA Capacity	Up to 30TB per bay
NVMe Slots	Two M key NVMe 2280 slots, up to eight terabytes each
Flash Storage	32GB
Network	2x 2.5GbE
USB	Front one USB three point two Gen two Type A and one USB three point two Gen two Type C. Rear one USB three point two Gen one
USB Two	Two rear ports
SD Reader	SD 3
HDMI	Up to 4K at sixty hertz

UGREEN DXP4800 Pro NAS Specifications

The DXP4800 Pro introduces more substantial hardware changes than the S variant. It replaces the Pentium Gold processor found in the DXP4800 Plus with the Intel Core i3-1315U, which provides additional cores, higher thread count and improved frequency. This positions the Pro as the most capable four bay x86 model in UGREEN’s lineup. The system also upgrades its SD card reader to SD 4.0 and increases maximum supported memory to 96GB through two DDR5 slots. Internal storage layout remains unchanged, with four SATA drive bays and two NVMe slots, both fully accessible without modifying the chassis. Connectivity mirrors the Plus model by retaining 1x 10GbE and 1x 2.5GbE USB connectivity remains a mix of Gen two front ports and a Gen one rear port. HDMI output continues to support 4K at 60Hz. These choices maintain consistency with the previous model and allow the CPU upgrade to be the primary differentiator rather than a broader redesign of the platform.

Component	DXP4800 Pro
Processor	Intel Core i3 1315U, six cores and eight threads, up to 4.5Ghz
Architecture	x86, Intel seven process
Memory	E8GB DDR5 preinstalled, two slots, up to ninety six gigabytes, up to five thousand six hundred megahertz, ECC capable
SATA Bays	Four, compatible with 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives
SATA Capacity	Up to 30tb per bay
NVMe Slots	Two M key NVMe 2280 slots, up to eight terabytes each
Flash Storage	128GB
Network	1x 10GbE + 2.5GbE
USB	Front one USB three point two Gen two Type A and one USB three point two Gen two Type C. Rear one USB three point two Gen one
USB Two	Two rear ports
SD Reader	SD 4
HDMI	Up to 4K at sixty hertz

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UGREEN DXP4800S vs DXP4800 NAS Specifications

The DXP4800S is a small technical update to the original DXP4800. Both systems use the same chassis, the same storage layout and the same port arrangement, including four SATA bays, two NVMe slots, a single 2.5GbE network port and the same USB configuration. The primary distinction is the CPU. The older DXP4800 uses the Intel N100, while the DXP4800S switches to the Intel N150, which increases maximum frequency but retains the same four core and four thread structure. Memory configuration also remains largely the same but the S model supports up to 5600MHz DDR5 rather than 4800MHz. All other hardware behaviour is unchanged. Both systems include 32GB of onboard flash, HDMI with 4K60 output and an SD 3.0 card reader. Drive support continues to allow up to 30TB per SATA bay and up to 8TB per NVMe slot. Because of these similarities, the DXP4800S functions as a direct incremental revision of the DXP4800 rather than a new performance tier, and the difference in everyday workloads will be minimal outside of small frequency gains.

Component	DXP4800	DXP4800S
Processor	Intel N100, 4 cores and 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz	Intel N150, 4 cores and 4 threads, up to 3.6GHz
Architecture	x86, Intel 7	x86, Intel 7
Memory	8GB DDR5, 1 slot, up to 16GB, 4800MHz	8GB DDR5, 1 slot, up to 16GB, 5600MHz
SATA Bays	4, supports 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives	4, supports 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives
NVMe Slots	2 x M.2 NVMe 2280, up to 8TB each	2 x M.2 NVMe 2280, up to 8TB each
Flash Storage	32GB	32GB
Network	1 x 2.5GbE	1 x 2.5GbE
USB	Front USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A and Type C, rear USB 3.2 Gen1	Same ports and speeds
USB2	2 rear ports	2 rear ports
SD Reader	SD 3.0	SD 3.0
HDMI	4K60	4K60

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UGREEN DXP4800 Pro vs DXP4800 Plus NAS Specifications

The DXP4800 Pro introduces a more significant hardware step forward compared with the DXP4800 Plus. The Plus model uses the Intel Pentium Gold 8505, while the Pro replaces it with the Intel Core i3 1315U which increases the number of cores, improves thread count and provides higher boost frequencies. Memory capacity also expands from a maximum of 64GB on the Plus to 96GB on the Pro, and the Pro continues to use DDR5 at 5600MHz as its upper supported speed. Flash storage capacity increases from 128GB on the Plus to the same 128GB on the Pro, and internal drive support remains unchanged with four SATA bays and two NVMe slots. Both units maintain the same network arrangement with one 10GbE port and one 2.5GbE port. USB connectivity also remains the same with front USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A and Type C ports and a rear USB 3.2 Gen1 port supplemented by two USB2 ports. The one external difference is the SD card reader which moves from SD 3.0 on the Plus to SD 4.0 on the Pro. The rest of the platform remains identical which makes the CPU, memory ceiling and SD reader the factors that separate the two models.

Component	DXP4800 Plus	DXP4800 Pro
Processor	Intel Pentium Gold 8505, 5 cores and 6 threads, up to 4.4GHz	Intel Core i3 1315U, 6 cores and 8 threads, up to 4.5GHz
Architecture	x86, Intel 7	x86, Intel 7
Memory	8GB DDR5, 2 slots, up to 64GB, 4800MHz	8GB DDR5, 2 slots, up to 96GB, 5600MHz
SATA Bays	4, supports 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives	4, supports 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives
NVMe Slots	2 x M.2 NVMe 2280, up to 8TB each	2 x M.2 NVMe 2280, up to 8TB each
Flash Storage	128GB	128GB
Network	1 x 10GbE and 1 x 2.5GbE	1 x 10GbE and 1 x 2.5GbE
USB	Front USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A and Type C, rear USB 3.2 Gen1	Same ports and speeds
USB2	2 rear ports	2 rear ports
SD Reader	SD 3.0	SD 4.0
HDMI	4K60	4K60

UGREEN DXP4800 Pro and DXP4800S NAS Release and Price

Both the DXP4800 Pro and DXP4800S are currently listed only in selected Asian regions, with no confirmed schedules for North America, Europe or Australia. Early pricing shows the DXP4800S positioned above the original DXP4800 and the DXP4800 Pro positioned above the DXP4800 Plus, reflecting the newer processors and higher memory ceilings. Regional pricing is based on local currency and tax structures, and the values shown in early listings cannot be treated as indicators of final western pricing. Availability outside these regions is expected to depend on component inventory and on UGREEN’s wider rollout plans, and any potential release is unlikely before early 2026.

Interested in buying a UGREEN NAS, and want to support what me and Ed do at NASCompares easily? Use the links below and we get a small commission (and costs you nothing extra) and helps us  keep doing what we do!

UGREEN DH4300 NAS	UGREEN DH4300 NAS	UGREEN DH4300 NAS

 

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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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Ugreen continue d’étendre sa gamme de NAS avec l’annonce de 2 nouveaux modèles : les Ugreen DXP4800S et DXP4800 Pro. Ces deux NAS à 4 baies viennent compléter une série déjà bien accueillie par les utilisateurs en quête d’un stockage performant, compact et accessible. Pour l’instant réservés au marché chinois, ces modèles pourraient prochainement faire leur apparition en Europe. Faisons le point sur leurs caractéristiques techniques et leurs différences…

Ugreen DXP4800S, une petite évolution

Commençons par l’Ugreen DXP4800S. Ce nouveau NAS conserve la même base matérielle : 4 emplacements pour disques durs 3,5 pouces ou SSD SATA, ainsi que 2 logements M.2 NVMe pour des SSD ultra-rapides. Sous le capot, Ugreen a choisi un processeur quad-core Intel N150 (jusqu’à 3,6 GHz), une évolution face au Intel N100 du DXP4800. Cette mise à jour promet une légère hausse des performances, particulièrement visible sur les tâches multitâches ou les usages multimédias (transcodage, virtualisation légère…). Le boîtier embarque 8 Go de RAM DDR5, extensibles jusqu’à 16 Go.

Connectique

Côté connectique, le DXP4800S ne bouleverse pas la formule, mais reste très complet :

• 2 ports USB 3.2 Gen 2 (dont 1 Type-C)
• 1 port USB 3.0 Type-A
• 1 port USB 2.0 Type-A
• 1 lecteur de carte SD
• 1 sortie HDMI 2.1
• 2 ports Ethernet 2,5 Gb/s

La vraie nouveauté vient du support du Wi-Fi 6 grâce à l’intégration d’une carte AX1800 en option (apparemment celle-ci, mais cela reste à confirmer). Cette compatibilité sans fil ouvre la voie à une utilisation plus flexible, notamment pour les utilisateurs souhaitant exploiter leur NAS sans câblage Ethernet. Si Ugreen confirme cette intégration, il s’agirait d’un atout supplémentaire face aux concurrents, encore peu nombreux à proposer le Wi-Fi sur leurs NAS. Nul doute que les autres modèles Ugreen pourront également en profiter.

En résumé, le DXP4800S se présente comme une évolution douce mais pertinente du DXP4800 : un processeur plus moderne, une compatibilité réseau enrichie et toujours la même conception solide, à la fois silencieuse et efficace.

Ugreen DXP4800 Pro

Le second modèle annoncé, l’Ugreen DXP4800 Pro, vise un tout autre public : les utilisateurs avancés, les petites entreprises ou les créateurs de contenu exigeants. Ce NAS se positionne entre le DXP4800 Plus et le DXP6800 Pro, deux références déjà bien établies dans le catalogue Ugreen.

Le DXP4800 Pro repose sur un processeur hexa-core Intel Core i3-1315U capable de monter jusqu’à 4,5 GHz. Il est épaulé par 8 Go de RAM DDR5 (extensibles jusqu’à 64 Go). Ce NAS rentre dans une autre catégorie. Il est taillé pour des usages intensifs : hébergement de machines virtuelles, serveurs multimédias 4K/8K, environnements de développement…

Comme son petit frère, il dispose de 4 baies SATA et 2 emplacements M.2 NVMe, permettant de combiner grande capacité de stockage et très hautes vitesses de transfert.

Connectique

Ugreen soigne également la connectique du DXP4800 Pro, qui se veut plus orientée « pro ». On retrouve :

• 2 ports USB 3.2 Gen 2 (dont 1 Type-C)
• 1 port USB 3.0 Type-A
• 2 ports USB 2.0 Type-A
• 1 lecteur de carte SD
• 1 sortie HDMI 2.1
• 1 port Ethernet 2,5 Gb/s
• 1 port Ethernet 10 Gb/s

La présence d’un port 10 Gb/s reste un atout majeur pour les professionnels et les particuliers exigeants. C’est idéal lorsque l’on doit manipuler de gros volumes de données, notamment en post-production vidéo ou dans les environnements de travail collaboratif. Cela permet d’exploiter pleinement les SSD NVMe et d’obtenir des débits réseau proches de ceux d’un SSD interne, à condition bien sûr d’avoir une infrastructure compatible.

Prix et disponibilité

Avec ces 2 nouveaux modèles, Ugreen confirme son ambition de s’imposer sur le marché du NAS, dominé depuis des années par Synology, QNAP et Asustor. Le constructeur mise sur des configurations récentes, une conception soignée et un bon rapport performances/prix.

Reste à connaître le prix de lancement et la date de disponibilité sur le marché européen. Officiellement, rien n’a fuité… Si Ugreen parvient à maintenir une tarification compétitive, le DXP4800S pourrait séduire les utilisateurs à la recherche d’un premier NAS performant, tandis que le DXP4800 Pro s’adresserait clairement aux utilisateurs professionnels ou aux créateurs de contenu exigeants.

source

UGREEN NASync vs UniFi UNAS – Which Should You Buy?

In the evolving landscape of network-attached storage, the arrival of UGREEN and UniFi (Ubiquiti) marks one of the more interesting shifts in consumer and prosumer data management over the last two years. Both brands, previously recognised for their strength in peripheral hardware and networking respectively, officially entered the NAS sector around late 2023 to early 2024, each taking distinct approaches to design, functionality, and ecosystem integration. UGREEN, following a successful crowdfunding launch in early 2024, built its NASync series around desktop and SSD-based solutions for home, creative, and prosumer users seeking all-in-one local storage, virtualization, and multimedia platforms. Its portfolio now includes systems ranging from the ARM-based DXP2800 to the Intel-powered DXP8800 Plus, offering performance tiers from modest home use to compact workstation-class environments.

Meanwhile, UniFi, a brand with a long history in professional networking and surveillance infrastructure, released its UNAS family within the same timeframe, targeting users already invested in its ecosystem of routers, cameras, and switches. The UNAS lineup now spans from the compact UNAS 2 and UNAS 4 desktop units to the rackmount UNAS Pro 4 and Pro 8 systems, with each designed for straightforward deployment and remote integration within the UniFi Network and Protect platforms. Despite arriving from very different sectors, both companies have effectively lowered the cost of entry to reliable NAS storage while redefining how integrated ecosystems can extend storage functionality. This comparison explores their respective design choices, hardware capabilities, software environments, and operational scope to assess which platform is best suited to different user scenarios in 2025 and 2026.

UniFi vs UGREEN NAS – The TL;DR

In comparing the UniFi and UGREEN NAS platforms, it becomes clear that each brand represents a different vision of what modern network storage should be. UniFi’s UNAS series builds on the company’s heritage in networking and surveillance, delivering a range of efficient, ARM-powered NAS systems that integrate tightly within the UniFi ecosystem. Models such as the UNAS 2, UNAS 4, UNAS Pro 4, and UNAS Pro 8 prioritize reliability, centralized management, and long-term stability rather than raw compute power or expandability. Their hardware is deliberately fixed—non-upgradable memory, ARM Cortex-A55 or A57 CPUs, and limited caching support for NVMe drives—but balanced by advanced network connectivity, including dual 10G SFP+ ports, PoE+++ power options, and redundant power supplies. UniFi’s storage OS focuses on core NAS fundamentals: multiple RAID levels, snapshots, encryption, and secure remote access via the UniFi controller. It is intentionally simple, relying on integration with other UniFi products for extended functionality such as surveillance and automation. In contrast, UGREEN’s NASync line follows an open, performance-driven approach designed for flexibility and standalone capability.

Ranging from the DXP2800 with its 8-core ARM processor to the flagship DXP8800 Plus powered by Intel’s i5-1240P, these systems cover every segment from entry-level home use to prosumer and light enterprise workloads. UGREEN’s hardware offers user-upgradable DDR4/DDR5 memory, PCIe expansion, NVMe storage pooling, and multi-gig connectivity, with higher-end models adding dual 10GbE, Thunderbolt 4, and even GPU compatibility. Its UGOS Pro operating system transforms the NAS into a hybrid server capable of running Docker containers, virtual machines, and AI-based indexing, alongside comprehensive backup and synchronization tools across cloud and local environments. While UniFi emphasizes simplicity, low maintenance, and enterprise-grade network reliability, UGREEN delivers a richer feature set and greater hardware freedom at the expense of long-term enterprise validation. In essence, UniFi NAS suits users already invested in UniFi’s ecosystem who value cohesion, predictable performance, and integrated security, whereas UGREEN NAS appeals to those seeking raw performance, versatility, and independent control without ecosystem constraints.

Why Buy UniFi NAS?	Why Buy UGREEN NAS?
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Ecosystem Integration: Seamlessly integrates with UniFi Network, Protect, and Access systems, allowing unified management through a single controller interface. Centralized Management: Designed for administrators managing multiple UniFi sites or devices, providing consistent firmware, remote access, and monitoring from one dashboard. Reliable, Efficient Design: ARM-based architecture ensures low power draw, cool operation, and stable long-term performance with minimal maintenance. Enterprise-Grade Networking: Equipped with up to dual 10G SFP+ and 10GBase-T ports, plus USP-RPS redundancy for professional deployments. Proven Security Framework: Benefits from Ubiquiti’s mature network security infrastructure, signed firmware updates, and NDAA-compliant hardware.	Superior Hardware Performance: Offers a full range from ARM to Intel Core i5 CPUs, with upgradable RAM, NVMe storage pools, and optional PCIe expansion. Versatile Software (UGOS Pro): Supports Docker, virtual machines, AI photo indexing, and multi-platform backups out of the box. All-in-One Standalone System: Functions independently without relying on an external ecosystem, ideal for users wanting a complete server in one unit. Advanced Connectivity: Includes 2.5 GbE and 10 GbE networking, USB 4/Thunderbolt 4, and support for direct-attached workflows like video editing or large-file transfer. Rapid Development and Updates: Frequent firmware releases continually add new features, broader hardware support, and improved backup and security options.

 

UniFi vs UGREEN NAS – Design, Storage and Range

When comparing UGREEN and UniFi’s NAS portfolios, the first and most visible difference lies in how each brand approaches system design and deployment environment. UGREEN’s NASync series is focused entirely on desktop enclosures, reflecting the brand’s consumer electronics background and intent to cater primarily to home users, prosumers, and creative professionals. Each model, such as the DXP2800, DXP4800 Plus, and DXP8800 Plus, follows a compact, upright chassis layout with attention to quiet cooling and minimal footprint. The aesthetic is consistent across the range—metallic finishes, clear drive bay accessibility, and understated branding—intended to fit easily on a desk or in a studio environment. By contrast, UniFi’s UNAS range adopts both desktop and rackmount designs, depending on model class. The UNAS 2 and UNAS 4 are designed for smaller workspaces and integrate PoE+++ power options to simplify installation, while the UNAS Pro 4 (1U) and UNAS Pro 8 (2U) are full rackmount systems made from SGCC steel, reflecting their professional and data-center-friendly construction standards.

UGREEN’s systems emphasize flexibility and user-level expandability within their desktop footprint. Most models in the NASync line support 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives, dual NVMe SSD slots, and optional PCIe or Thunderbolt expansion, allowing them to function as both storage servers and active editing platforms. The DXP480T Plus, for example, is an all-SSD NAS with four M.2 NVMe bays that appeals to users seeking maximum I/O performance for tasks such as 4K video editing or database caching. The DXP8800 Plus, the flagship, extends this design language with eight SATA bays, dual Gen 4 M.2 SSD slots, dual 10 GbE networking, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, making it one of the most powerful turnkey NAS options in the consumer space. In comparison, UniFi’s UNAS systems prioritize structural consistency and network integration over expandability. Even though all models provide dual or single NVMe slots, these are limited to caching duties. Drive capacity across the lineup scales more linearly, from two to eight 3.5-inch bays, maintaining a clear size-to-performance progression while focusing on rack density and cooling efficiency.

From a usability perspective, UGREEN’s design philosophy focuses on standalone versatility. Each NASync model is built to function independently as a complete storage and application host, with optional integration through standard network protocols. Physical accessibility is a clear design consideration, with quick-release trays, front USB ports, and in some models, SD card readers for direct media offload. The visual and acoustic design is optimized for open environments, with whisper-quiet fan systems and smart temperature management, making them suitable for use beside workstations or in living spaces. UniFi’s design philosophy, however, centers on infrastructure harmony rather than isolation. The rackmount models are designed to slide directly into existing UniFi network installations, using standard 1U or 2U spacing and consistent power integration with UniFi’s USP-RPS redundant supply network. Even the desktop UNAS 4 maintains visual continuity with UniFi routers and switches, using similar matte finishes, front-facing status LEDs, and clean ventilation lines.

In terms of product range, UGREEN currently offers at least seven NASync models, each targeting a specific performance segment. These include the DXP2800 (2-bay ARM), DXP4800 (4-bay N100), DXP4800 Plus (4-bay N305), DXP6800 Pro (6-bay N305), DXP480T Plus (SSD-only, N305), DH4300 Plus (4-bay ARM), and DXP8800 Plus (8-bay i5-1240P). Each generation introduces more advanced CPUs, faster interfaces, and expanded media capabilities. UniFi’s current UNAS range, while smaller, has diversified rapidly since its launch. The confirmed models include the UNAS 2, UNAS 4, UNAS Pro 4, UNAS Pro 8, and the earlier UNAS Pro 7-Bay, all of which use ARM-based processors and fixed memory configurations. A larger ENAS 16-Bay ZFS system is already in development, targeting enterprise and datacenter deployments in 2026. Compared with UGREEN’s more gradual tiered approach, UniFi’s product scaling is defined by form factor and network bandwidth rather than by CPU class or user workload.

Price segmentation further highlights their opposing strategies. UniFi’s UNAS line is priced aggressively to attract users into its broader ecosystem, starting at $199 for the UNAS 2, rising to $799 for the Pro 8, and including mid-tier models like the UNAS 4 ($379) and Pro 4 ($499). The pricing aligns with UniFi’s established model of offering capable hardware at low margins to encourage ecosystem investment across switches, cameras, and controllers. UGREEN, by contrast, positions its NASync devices as feature-rich all-rounders, with prices reflecting performance class: from $279 for the DXP2800 to around $1,299 for the DXP8800 Plus. The difference in pricing structure is significant but reflects how each company defines value—UniFi through integrated ecosystem scaling, and UGREEN through standalone hardware strength and included functionality.

 

UniFi vs UGREEN NAS – Hardware Range

The internal hardware philosophy of UniFi and UGREEN reflects two distinct interpretations of what a modern NAS should prioritize: efficiency and integration versus performance and versatility. UniFi’s UNAS series relies entirely on ARM-based architecture, a deliberate decision aligned with the company’s emphasis on low power consumption, predictable thermal characteristics, and embedded system reliability. Every model in the current UNAS lineup, including the UNAS 2, UNAS 4, UNAS Pro 4, and UNAS Pro 8, is built around a quad-core ARM processor—the A55 at 1.7 GHz for the smaller systems and the A57 at 2.0 GHz for the rackmount models. These CPUs deliver modest compute performance but strong stability and power efficiency, allowing for sustained 24/7 operation without requiring active thermal management beyond standard fan arrays. This design philosophy mirrors UniFi’s broader network device ecosystem, where embedded ARM SoCs dominate routers, gateways, and cameras, ensuring unified firmware management and hardware compatibility across all product categories.

UGREEN’s NASync architecture takes the opposite route, aiming to deliver workstation-grade power in compact form factors. The entry-level DXP2800 features an octa-core ARM CPU, already outpacing UniFi’s top models in raw processing capability, while the remainder of the series transitions to x86 platforms from Intel’s latest low-power and mid-tier lines. The DXP4800 uses Intel’s N100 processor, the DXP4800 Plus and DXP6800 Pro adopt the more capable N305 with improved iGPU performance, and the flagship DXP8800 Plus integrates the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1240P, offering hybrid performance and support for hardware transcoding, virtualization, and PCIe Gen 4 NVMe. This variation in processor choice underlines UGREEN’s strategy of providing scalable compute resources for different workloads, from basic backup operations to multi-user virtualization and AI-assisted indexing. Unlike UniFi, UGREEN’s systems can operate as full Linux servers, running multiple containers or virtual machines without external dependencies.

Memory and expansion options further highlight the divergence in hardware scope. UniFi’s systems employ fixed memory configurations—ranging from 4 GB on the UNAS 2 and 4 to 16 GB on the Pro 8—with no user-accessible upgrade paths. This aligns with their embedded design approach, where firmware optimization and unified memory management are prioritized over modularity. In contrast, UGREEN’s NASync devices all support user-upgradable SO-DIMM DDR4 or DDR5 modules, typically allowing capacities between 8 GB and 64 GB, depending on the model. This flexibility benefits users running memory-intensive services such as Docker containers, Plex transcoding, or AI indexing. Moreover, many of UGREEN’s x86 systems support PCIe expansion cards, offering pathways to add 10 GbE NICs, NVMe storage adapters, or GPU accelerators, while UniFi’s systems are intentionally non-upgradable to maintain uniform hardware control and firmware consistency across the UNAS ecosystem.

Networking and connectivity options serve as another key point of differentiation. UniFi has leaned on its networking pedigree, offering up to three 10 GbE connections (two SFP+ and one RJ45) on the UNAS Pro 8, with lower-tier models still providing 2.5 GbE or Gigabit connectivity. Power integration is also a hallmark of their design. The UNAS 2 and UNAS 4 use PoE+++, allowing single-cable deployment through UniFi switches, while the Pro series employs redundant power via USP-RPS or hot-swappable PSUs, reducing downtime in managed networks. UGREEN, on the other hand, focuses on local performance flexibility, providing multi-interface options like 10 GbE, 2.5 GbE, USB 4, and Thunderbolt 4, depending on model class. This allows their systems to double as direct-attached storage (DAS) for editors or content creators, particularly when used via Thunderbolt, an option not present in any UniFi NAS. Power designs in UGREEN systems are conventional but efficient, ranging from compact external adapters on smaller models to integrated supplies on higher-end devices.

The overall hardware comparison reveals two clear user archetypes. UniFi’s hardware suits IT administrators and network professionals seeking dependable, uniform, low-maintenance appliances that integrate natively with UniFi controllers and services. UGREEN’s NASync hardware, meanwhile, targets prosumers, creative professionals, and small business users requiring computational headroom and direct system control. Where UniFi builds closed but predictable infrastructure devices, UGREEN delivers open and adaptable machines capable of serving as both NAS and lightweight servers. The contrast is not one of quality but of philosophy—UniFi favoring consistency and system management efficiency, UGREEN focusing on flexibility and computational breadth.

UniFi vs UGREEN NAS – Software, Services and Apps

The most significant distinction between UGREEN and UniFi’s NAS platforms lies in their software ecosystems and the broader intent behind their development. UniFi’s UNAS software mirrors the brand’s overarching approach to product design: lightweight, efficient, and designed to integrate seamlessly into the UniFi Network and Protect ecosystems. The UNAS interface focuses almost exclusively on storage management and file security. It provides the fundamental NAS feature set, including multiple RAID configurations, volume encryption, snapshot management, and user-based permission control. Files can be accessed through SMB, NFS, with remote management possible via the UniFi portal or mobile app. However, beyond core storage functionality, UniFi’s NAS software remains deliberately minimal. It lacks support for virtual machines, Docker containers, or app installation frameworks, relying instead on integration with other UniFi devices for broader capabilities such as video surveillance, network management, or cloud relay services.

UGREEN’s UGOS Pro platform adopts a far more expansive, multifunctional design. The software is built on a modern Linux kernel and supports both ARM and x86 architectures, allowing for a full-featured environment with native support for containers, virtual machines, and AI-enhanced media indexing. Out of the box, users can deploy Docker, Portainer, Kubernetes-compatible containers, and KVM-based virtual machines, enabling workloads that go far beyond traditional NAS operations. Backup and synchronization options are also more diverse, with support for rsync, S3, WebDAV, iSCSI, OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and two-way synchronization across multiple NAS units. The interface emphasizes transparency and customization, giving users direct access to system-level configuration that UniFi’s more streamlined interface omits. Features such as storage tiering (using both HDD and NVMe), application sandboxing, and external GPU detection on select models position UGREEN’s UGOS Pro as one of the most open and flexible NAS operating systems currently available outside of enterprise-class environments.

In client and access support, the contrast continues. UniFi’s ecosystem is designed for centralized control and consistent performance across its product range. The UNAS systems can be monitored via the same UniFi Controller interface used for switches, gateways, and access points, creating a single-pane-of-glass environment that appeals to IT administrators managing multiple UniFi sites. Remote access and firmware updates are handled automatically through UniFi Cloud, and security is strengthened by integration with two-factor authentication, device certificates, and network isolation policies inherited from the company’s professional networking hardware. UGREEN, conversely, provides a more conventional NAS interface that supports multiple access clients and cross-platform tools. In addition to browser access and mobile apps for Android and iOS, users can mount shared drives directly within macOS, Windows, and Linux, while also leveraging a dedicated UGREEN Drive application for photo management and AI-based face/object recognition. Where UniFi’s UNAS feels like an extension of a larger network ecosystem, UGREEN’s software operates as a complete standalone server environment.

Security and maintenance are handled very differently between the two brands. UniFi benefits from a mature background in network device hardening, employing signed firmware, rolling updates, and extensive beta testing through its large enterprise user base. Features such as encrypted storage volumes, HTTPS enforcement, and VLAN isolation come preconfigured with minimal user intervention. However, the trade-off for this controlled environment is reduced user autonomy, as firmware customization and software-side experimentation are discouraged. UGREEN, while newer to the enterprise security space, implements encryption standards such as AES-256, offers built-in 2FA, and continues to expand its ransomware prevention and snapshot recovery tools. Updates arrive frequently and often include feature additions alongside security patches, though the brand still lacks a formal bug bounty or transparency reporting system comparable to UniFi’s. Overall, UGREEN’s software offers greater flexibility and control, while UniFi’s remains more mature and hardened within its controlled network framework.

 

UniFi vs UGREEN NAS – Verdict and Conclusion

Both UGREEN and UniFi have entered the NAS sector from distinct starting points and continue to move in different directions, each targeting a particular type of user. UniFi’s UNAS series delivers consistency, predictable performance, and dependable integration with the broader UniFi ecosystem. Its software is stable, lightweight, and well-suited to users who prioritize straightforward storage management, reliable data handling, and unified control across routers, switches, and surveillance systems. While the hardware is limited to fixed ARM configurations and non-expandable memory, it is efficient, quiet, and designed for continuous operation with minimal maintenance. For organizations already invested in UniFi infrastructure, the UNAS systems provide a logical expansion that keeps management centralized and operational risk low. However, their value depends heavily on ecosystem synergy; outside of that environment, the systems remain competent but relatively inflexible standalone NAS options.

UGREEN’s NASync platform, on the other hand, appeals to users seeking broader performance capability and independence. Its x86-based models, upgradable memory, and open software environment allow it to serve as a hybrid between NAS and compact server, capable of running applications, containers, and virtual machines alongside storage tasks. The design language is more suited to individual or small business use than datacenter deployment, but the hardware range—from ARM to Core i5—covers a far wider performance spectrum than UniFi’s. Software maturity continues to evolve quickly, with new features added frequently, and the systems provide extensive compatibility with third-party clients and backup services. The trade-off is that long-term reliability and enterprise-level security validation are still developing.

Ultimately, UniFi NAS suits users who already rely on UniFi’s networking ecosystem and value simplicity, predictability, and centralized management, while UGREEN NAS caters to those prioritizing flexibility, compute power, and open software capability. Both brands have lowered the entry barrier into reliable NAS ownership, but they embody opposing philosophies: UniFi focuses on integration and control, whereas UGREEN emphasizes capability and independence.

Why Buy UniFi NAS?

Why Buy UGREEN NAS?

Ecosystem Integration: Seamlessly integrates with UniFi Network, Protect, and Access systems, allowing unified management through a single controller interface. Centralized Management: Designed for administrators managing multiple UniFi sites or devices, providing consistent firmware, remote access, and monitoring from one dashboard. Reliable, Efficient Design: ARM-based architecture ensures low power draw, cool operation, and stable long-term performance with minimal maintenance. Enterprise-Grade Networking: Equipped with up to dual 10G SFP+ and 10GBase-T ports, plus USP-RPS redundancy for professional deployments. Proven Security Framework: Benefits from Ubiquiti’s mature network security infrastructure, signed firmware updates, and NDAA-compliant hardware.

Superior Hardware Performance: Offers a full range from ARM to Intel Core i5 CPUs, with upgradable RAM, NVMe storage pools, and optional PCIe expansion. Versatile Software (UGOS Pro): Supports Docker, virtual machines, AI photo indexing, and multi-platform backups out of the box. All-in-One Standalone System: Functions independently without relying on an external ecosystem, ideal for users wanting a complete server in one unit. Advanced Connectivity: Includes 2.5 GbE and 10 GbE networking, USB 4/Thunderbolt 4, and support for direct-attached workflows like video editing or large-file transfer. Rapid Development and Updates: Frequent firmware releases continually add new features, broader hardware support, and improved backup and security options.

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UGREEN poursuit sa stratégie de simplification du stockage en réseau avec l’arrivée d’un nouveau NAS : DH2300. Disponible depuis hier, ce nouveau produit est conçu pour rendre la gestion locale des données plus accessibles. Son prix de lancement : 209,99€…

UGREEN DH2300, un NAS pensé pour le grand public

Après un lancement en toute discrétion du DH4300 Plus, UGREEN nous revient avec ce nouveau modèle. Le DH2300 s’adresse aux utilisateurs de disques durs externes ou de services cloud souhaitant reprendre le contrôle de leurs données. Ce modèle à 2 baies supporte jusqu’à 60 To de stockage, permettant d’héberger sans effort des vidéos Ultra HD/4K, photos en haute résolution ou documents professionnels. Il est construit autour d’un processeur huit cœurs ARM Rockchip RK3576 cadencé à 2,2 GHz et épaulé par 4 Go de RAM DDR4 (non extensible).

Connectique

Côté interface de connexion, le DH2300 dispose de :

• 1* port USB 3.0 (Type-C) en façade ;
• 2* port USB 3.0 (Type-A) à l’arrière ;
• 1* sortie HDMI Ultra HD/4K 60Hz ;
• 1 port réseau 1 Gb/s.

Petite déception, nous aurions préféré qu’il embarque directement du 2,5 Gb/s comme le modèle 4 baies. On notera également la présence d’une puce NFC en façade, permettant de simplifier l’accès ou le partage de documents.

Système

Le NAS fonctionne avec UGOS Pro, le système propriétaire de la marque, déjà utilisé sur les autres modèles UGREEN. Ce dernier propose les mêmes applications maison. Le fabricant met en avant une installation guidée en moins de dix minutes et une application mobile tout-en-un (gestion de fichiers, sauvegarde automatique des photos, etc.). Voila qui devrait plaire à ceux qui doute des capacités d’UGREEN.

UGREEN met l’accent sur la sécurité locale : stockage entièrement privé, chiffrement TLS/SSL, RSA et AES, authentification à deux facteurs et certifications TÜV et TRUSTe. Un « Security Manager » serait intégré dont le rôle est d’assurer une surveillance en continu et des analyses programmées contre les menaces.

En synthèse

Avec le NASync DH2300, UGREEN adresse un besoin croissant de disposer d’un espace de stockage personnel, performant et indépendant des grandes plateformes. Avec un tarif de lancement de 209,99€, nul doute que ce produit va trouver son public.