UGREEN vs Synology NAS Comparison
A practical comparison for small and medium businesses
Compare UGREEN NASync and Synology NAS for your business. Honest analysis of hardware, software, backup, Plex streaming, and surveillance capabilities with pricing for SMB use cases.
UGREEN NASync vs Synology: Market Overview
The NAS market in 2025 offers more choices than ever, with UGREEN's NASync series providing a notable alternative to Synology's established DiskStation lineup. Both platforms serve different priorities: UGREEN focuses on competitive hardware specifications at accessible price points, while Synology provides a mature software ecosystem developed over two decades.
For businesses evaluating network storage solutions, the choice often comes down to whether you prioritize hardware value with flexibility for self-configuration, or a comprehensive software platform with minimal setup requirements.
UGREEN NASync
May be a better fit if you...
Want modern hardware specifications without paying a premium
Are comfortable configuring Docker containers for additional functionality
Need 2.5GbE or 10GbE networking for high-throughput workflows
Prioritize hardware transcoding for media server applications
Have technical resources for initial setup and configuration
Synology
May be a better fit if you...
Need comprehensive backup tools that work out of the box
Prefer native applications without Docker configuration
Require Surveillance Station for IP camera management
Value long-term software support and established reliability
Want a polished interface that requires minimal IT expertise
This guide examines both platforms across the use cases that matter most to small and medium businesses: data backup, media streaming, and security surveillance.
Understanding Both Platforms
A detailed look at the current product lineups from both UGREEN and Synology, with specifications and pricing as of November 2025.
Entered NAS market in 2024
UGREEN entered the NAS market in 2024, leveraging its manufacturing expertise to offer competitive hardware at accessible prices. The NASync lineup spans from budget-friendly ARM-based units to Intel-powered performance models.
DH series uses ARM-based Rockchip processors suitable for basic file storage and media streaming. DXP series features Intel processors with hardware transcoding and more expandable configurations.
| Model | Bays | Processor | RAM | Network | Max Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DH2300 Budget Entry | 2 | Rockchip 8-core | 4GB | 1GbE | 60TB | $209.99 |
DXP2800 Popular | 2+2 M.2 | Intel N100 | 8GB DDR5 | 2.5GbE | 76TB | $314.99 |
DH4300 Plus | 4 | Rockchip 8-core | 8GB | 2.5GbE | 120TB | $429.99 |
DXP4800 Plus Best Seller | 4+2 M.2 | Intel Pentium Gold 8505 | 8GB DDR5 | 2.5GbE | 136TB | $549.99 |
DXP6800 Pro Performance | 6+2 M.2 | Intel Core i5 (10-core) | 8GB DDR5 | Dual 10GbE | 196TB | $959.99 |
Manufacturing since 2000 • 13M+ deployed
Synology has manufactured NAS devices since 2000 and currently supports over 13 million deployed systems worldwide. The platform's primary value lies in DiskStation Manager (DSM), a comprehensive operating system with native applications for backup, collaboration, surveillance, and media management.
October 2025 Drive Policy Update
Following community feedback, Synology reversed its certified drive requirement for 2025 Plus, Value, and J-series models with DSM 7.3. Third-party drives are now supported for storage pool creation on models including DS725+, DS925+, DS1525+, and DS1825+. M.2 drives still require HCL compliance.
| Model | Bays | Processor | RAM | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DS224+ Entry | 2 | Intel Celeron J4125 | 2GB DDR4 | 2x 1GbE | $299 |
DS725+ New 2025 | 2+2 M.2 | AMD Ryzen | 4GB DDR4 | 2.5GbE + 1GbE | $520 |
DS423+ | 4 | Intel Celeron J4125 | 2GB DDR4 | 2x 1GbE | $499 |
DS923+ Popular | 4 | AMD Ryzen R1600 | 4GB DDR4 | 2x 1GbE | $549 |
DS925+ New 2025 | 4+2 M.2 | AMD Ryzen | 4GB DDR4 | 2x 2.5GbE | $619 |
DS1825+ Enterprise | 8+2 M.2 | AMD Ryzen | 8GB DDR4 | 2x 2.5GbE | $1,150 |
Hardware Specifications Compared
A detailed comparison of processing power, memory configuration, and connectivity options between UGREEN NASync and Synology DiskStation models.
UGREEN's hardware advantage shows clearly in the specifications. The DXP2800's Intel N100 is a 2023-era processor with four efficiency cores, while Synology's comparable DS224+ uses the older Intel Celeron J4125 from 2019.
Practical Differences:
Intel N100 provides approximately 30% better single-threaded performance
Both support hardware transcoding through Intel Quick Sync
The N100 operates at lower power consumption (6W TDP vs 10W TDP)
Additional processing headroom benefits Docker containers and simultaneous services
At the 4-bay tier, UGREEN's DXP4800 Plus uses an Intel Pentium Gold 8505 with hybrid architecture, while Synology's DS923+ uses an AMD Ryzen R1600 that performs adequately for most NAS tasks but reflects an older generation.
UGREEN provides more RAM at comparable price points, which benefits NAS performance when running multiple services, handling concurrent backup jobs, or managing large Plex libraries with extensive metadata.
| Comparison | UGREEN | Synology |
|---|---|---|
| 2-bay mid-range | 8GB DDR5 (DXP2800) | 2GB DDR4 (DS224+) |
| 4-bay mid-range | 8GB DDR5 (DXP4800 Plus) | 4GB DDR4 (DS923+) |
| Expandability | 16-64GB depending on model | 6-32GB depending on model |
M.2 NVMe Slots
All DXP models include M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching or dedicated storage pools
Available on newer models (DS725+, DS925+, DS1825+) but not on DS224+ or DS423+
Network Speed
2.5GbE or 10GbE connectivity depending on model
Transitioning from 1GbE to 2.5GbE with 2025 models; many Plus series still ship with 1GbE
Storage Capacity
DXP2800 supports up to 76TB (HDD bays + M.2 slots)
DS224+ tops out at approximately 48TB without M.2 slots
Operating Systems & Application Ecosystems
Comparing Synology's mature DiskStation Manager (DSM) with UGREEN's newer UGOS Pro platform, including their respective application ecosystems.
DiskStation Manager 7.2
Refined web interface designed for non-technical users
Comprehensive first-party application ecosystem
Btrfs file system with snapshot and data integrity features
Active security development with documented vulnerability response
Extensive community resources and documentation
Launched 2024
Functional interface with Docker support for extending capabilities
Basic backup functionality covering common use cases
Regular updates adding features over time
Linux-based architecture with standard container compatibility
Growing but still limited community resources
The software difference becomes apparent when comparing available applications. Synology's DSM offers a comprehensive native application suite, while UGREEN relies more heavily on Docker for extended functionality.
| Feature | Synology DSM | UGREEN UGOS Pro | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backup Tools | Active Backup for Business, Hyper Backup, Cloud Sync | Basic backup, rsync support | Synology |
| File Sync | Synology Drive (cloud-style sync) | Cloud sync integration | Synology |
| Media Server | Native Plex, Video Station | Plex via Docker | Similar |
| Surveillance | Surveillance Station | Third-party via Docker | Synology |
| Virtualization | Virtual Machine Manager | Docker containers | Synology |
| Office Suite | Synology Office | Not available | Synology |
Software Summary
DSM's application suite represents decades of refinement, providing native solutions for most business needs. UGOS Pro offers a capable foundation with Docker flexibility, but requires more technical investment to match Synology's native feature set.
Real-World Business Applications
How each platform performs in the three most common SMB use cases: data backup, media streaming, and security surveillance.
Data protection capabilities
Synology's Backup Ecosystem
Synology offers a mature backup platform suitable for business environments:
UGREEN's Backup Capabilities
UGREEN provides functional backup tools appropriate for simpler requirements:
Practical Assessment: Organizations with complex backup requirements—multiple servers, virtual machine infrastructure, or cloud service backup—will find Synology's tools more capable out of the box. UGREEN suits environments with straightforward file backup needs or teams comfortable implementing backup solutions through Docker containers.
Media streaming capabilities
UGREEN's Hardware Advantage
For media streaming applications, UGREEN's newer Intel processors offer practical benefits:
Intel N100 and Pentium Gold chips handle 4K HEVC transcoding efficiently
Additional RAM supports larger libraries and multiple streams
M.2 SSD caching accelerates library scanning and thumbnail generation
Implementation Differences
Native Plex package installation through DSM Package Center
Plex deployment via Docker container
Performance Comparison
The Intel N100 in UGREEN's DXP2800 provides approximately 20-30% more transcoding headroom than the Celeron J4125 in Synology's DS224+. This difference becomes noticeable when streaming to multiple devices simultaneously or transcoding 4K content to lower resolutions for remote viewing.
IP camera management
Synology Surveillance Station
Enterprise-grade video management system:
UGREEN Surveillance Options
UGREEN lacks native surveillance software. Options include:
Practical Assessment: For businesses requiring IP camera surveillance as part of their NAS deployment, Synology provides a substantially more complete solution. UGREEN can support surveillance through Docker-based alternatives, but this approach requires technical expertise and ongoing maintenance.
Investment Comparison
Breaking down the initial investment and total cost considerations for both UGREEN NASync and Synology DiskStation deployments.
Initial Investment Comparison
UGREEN DXP2800 vs Synology DS224+
| Component | UGREEN | Synology |
|---|---|---|
| NAS Unit | $314.99 | $299 |
| 2x 8TB NAS Drives | ~$300 | ~$300 (or Synology drives at premium) |
| Approximate Total | ~$615 | ~$600+ |
UGREEN DXP4800 Plus vs Synology DS923+
| Component | UGREEN | Synology |
|---|---|---|
| NAS Unit | $549.99 | $549 |
| 4x 8TB NAS Drives | ~$600 | ~$600-800 |
| Approximate Total | ~$1,150 | ~$1,150-1,350 |
Total Cost Considerations
As of October 2025, Synology reversed its certified drive requirement for 2025 Plus, Value, and J-series models with DSM 7.3. Third-party drives are now supported, eliminating the previous 15-30% drive cost premium. M.2 drives still require HCL compliance.
While UGREEN hardware pricing is competitive, factor in:
- Time for Docker-based application configuration
- Learning curve for UGOS Pro administration
- Potential troubleshooting without extensive community resources
Synology's included applications represent meaningful value:
- Active Backup for Business
$500-2,000 annually as standalone software
- Surveillance Station
Compares with $1,000+ enterprise NVR solutions
- Synology Drive
Cloud-style file sync without subscription fees
Pricing Summary
At comparable hardware tiers, UGREEN and Synology are priced similarly for the NAS units themselves. The total cost difference comes from Synology's drive certification requirements (adding 15-30% to storage costs) versus UGREEN's need for additional setup time and technical expertise. Organizations should weigh the value of Synology's comprehensive software suite against UGREEN's hardware advantages and lower long-term storage costs.
Recommendations by Use Case
Specific product recommendations based on your primary use case and requirements.
Best option for this scenario
Starting at $314.99
Strong hardware specifications for experimentation
Docker flexibility supports diverse workloads
Suitable for Plex servers, development projects, and personal backup
Appropriate for users who enjoy system configuration and optimization
Best option for this scenario
Starting at $299 - $549
Comprehensive software ecosystem requires minimal IT expertise
Active Backup for Business handles server and cloud service backup
Synology Drive enables team collaboration without additional software
Established platform with long-term support history
Best option for this scenario
Starting at $549.99
Intel Pentium Gold 8505 handles 4K transcoding effectively
4 bays provide capacity for substantial media libraries
2.5GbE supports local network streaming without bottlenecks
Docker-based Plex deployment works reliably once configured
Best option for this scenario
Starting at $499 - $549
Surveillance Station provides enterprise-grade video management
Native camera compatibility eliminates integration complexity
Mobile apps support remote monitoring
Appropriate for businesses combining storage and security functions
Best option for this scenario
Starting at $959.99
12th Gen Intel Core i5 handles demanding workloads
Dual 10GbE ports support high-throughput environments
6 bays plus M.2 slots provide substantial storage capacity
Suitable for video editing workflows or busy Plex servers
Assessing Both Platforms
A balanced view of where each platform excels and guidance for making your decision.
Hardware Specifications
UGREEN delivers more processing power, RAM, and networking capability at comparable or lower prices. For users who evaluate NAS primarily on hardware metrics, the value is clear.
Connectivity
2.5GbE and 10GbE networking is standard across the DXP lineup, while Synology is still transitioning from 1GbE on many models.
Transcoding Performance
For Plex and media server applications, UGREEN's newer Intel processors handle 4K content more efficiently than Synology's current Plus series processors.
Flexibility
Docker support enables extending functionality beyond UGOS Pro's native capabilities, though this requires technical investment.
Software Ecosystem
DSM's application suite represents decades of refinement. Active Backup, Surveillance Station, Synology Drive, and other first-party applications work reliably without additional configuration.
Reliability Record
With 13 million deployed devices and 20+ years of operation, Synology has demonstrated platform longevity that newer competitors cannot yet match.
User Experience
DSM is designed for accessibility. UGOS Pro is functional but requires more technical comfort, particularly when extending functionality through Docker.
Business Capabilities
Snapshots, immutable backups, enterprise cloud integration, and comprehensive surveillance position Synology as a complete business platform rather than primarily a file server.
The decision between UGREEN and Synology reflects different priorities
Choose UGREEN if:
Hardware specifications and value are primary concerns
Your team has technical capacity for Docker-based solutions
Media streaming performance is a key use case
You're comfortable with a developing software platform
Choose Synology if:
Comprehensive software features matter more than hardware specs
Business backup and surveillance are primary applications
Minimal configuration and maintenance overhead is valuable
Long-term platform stability and support are priorities
Bottom Line
Both platforms can serve SMB storage needs effectively. The appropriate choice depends on your specific requirements, technical resources, and how you weigh hardware capability against software maturity.
UGREEN has entered the market with compelling hardware at accessible prices, making it an attractive option for technically capable users. Synology's two decades of software development and 13+ million deployments provide confidence for businesses prioritizing reliability and comprehensive functionality over raw hardware specifications.
Review Basis: This comparison reflects publicly available specifications and pricing as of November 2025. Pricing and specifications change frequently; verify current information before making purchasing decisions.