UGREEN vs Synology NAS Comparison
Hardware value with flexibility, or comprehensive software platform?
A practical comparison for small and medium businesses evaluating network storage solutions. Compare hardware specs, software features, pricing, and real-world performance for backup, media streaming, and surveillance applications.
Executive Summary
The NAS market in 2026 presents a clear choice between two different philosophies: UGREEN's hardware-first approach with competitive specifications and pricing, versus Synology's software-mature platform with two decades of refinement.
For businesses evaluating network storage, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize modern hardware with configuration flexibility, or a comprehensive software ecosystem with minimal setup requirements.
Choose UGREEN NASync If...
Choose Synology If...
Bottom Line: At comparable price points ($300-600 for 2-4 bay models), UGREEN delivers stronger hardware specifications while Synology provides more comprehensive software. Neither is universally better—the right choice depends on your specific use case and technical capabilities.
Understanding Both Platforms
UGREEN NASync Series
UGREEN entered the NAS market in 2024, leveraging manufacturing expertise to offer competitive hardware at accessible prices. The NASync lineup spans from budget ARM-based units to Intel-powered performance models.
Product Line Structure:
- DH series: ARM-based Rockchip processors for basic file storage and media streaming
- DXP series: Intel processors with hardware transcoding and expandable configurations
UGREEN Model Lineup (January 2026 Pricing)
| Model | Bays | Processor | RAM | Network | Max Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DH2300 | 2 | Rockchip 8-core | 4GB | 1GbE | 60TB | $209.99 |
| DXP2800 | 2+2 M.2 | Intel N100 | 8GB DDR5 | 2.5GbE | 76TB | $349.99 |
| DH4300 Plus | 4 | Rockchip 8-core | 8GB | 2.5GbE | 120TB | $429.99 |
| DXP4800 Plus | 4+2 M.2 | Intel Pentium Gold 8505 | 8GB DDR5 | 2.5GbE | 136TB | $594.99 |
| DXP6800 Pro | 6+2 M.2 | Intel Core i5 (10-core) | 8GB DDR5 | Dual 10GbE | 196TB | $959.99 |
View All UGREEN NASync Models →
Synology DiskStation Series
Synology offers a turnkey appliance experience with DiskStation Manager (DSM), a comprehensive operating system with native applications for backup, collaboration, surveillance, and media management that simply work out of the box. The platform trades hardware value for software maturity and ease of use.
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. You can now use cheaper Seagate IronWolf or WD Red drives in the DS925+ without warning lights. This negates UGREEN's previous "freedom of choice" advantage on storage. Models including DS725+, DS925+, DS1525+, and DS1825+ now support third-party drives for storage pool creation. M.2 drives still require HCL compliance.
Synology Model Lineup (January 2026 Pricing)
| Model | Bays | Processor | RAM | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS224+ | 2 | Intel Celeron J4125 | 2GB DDR4 | 2x 1GbE | $299 |
| DS725+ | 2+2 M.2 | AMD Ryzen | 4GB DDR4 | 2.5GbE + 1GbE | $520 |
| DS425+ | 4 | AMD Ryzen R1600 | 4GB DDR4 | 2x 2.5GbE | $549 |
| DS923+ | 4 | AMD Ryzen R1600 | 4GB DDR4 | 2x 1GbE | $549 |
| DS925+ | 4+2 M.2 | AMD Ryzen V1500B | 4GB DDR4 | 2x 2.5GbE | $619 |
| DS1825+ | 8+2 M.2 | AMD Ryzen | 8GB DDR4 | 2x 2.5GbE | $1,150 |
View on Amazon → | Read our detailed Synology NAS Business Review →
Hardware Specifications
Processing Power Comparison
The 2025 Synology refresh changed the game. With the DS725+ and DS925+ now sporting AMD Ryzen processors, 2.5GbE networking, and M.2 NVMe slots, Synology closed much of the hardware gap. However, one critical difference remains: hardware transcoding.
2-Bay Mid-Range: DXP2800 vs DS725+
| Feature | UGREEN DXP2800 | Synology DS725+ |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel N100 (2023) | AMD Ryzen (2025) |
| Hardware Transcoding | Intel Quick Sync (Gen 11) | No iGPU (CPU only) |
| Power Consumption | 6W TDP | ~15W TDP |
| RAM (Standard) | 8GB DDR5 | 4GB DDR4 |
| Networking | 2.5GbE | 2.5GbE + 1GbE |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2 slots included | 2 slots included |
| Price | $349.99 | $520 |
Practical Differences:
- Transcoding is the dealbreaker: Intel N100 has Quick Sync for hardware transcoding; AMD Ryzen has no iGPU, forcing CPU-only transcoding
- Both now include 2.5GbE networking and M.2 NVMe slots (Synology's 2025 refresh closed the hardware gap)
- UGREEN offers 2x the RAM at $170 less
- AMD Ryzen provides more raw CPU power for non-transcoding workloads, but Intel wins for Plex
4-Bay Mid-Range: DXP4800 Plus vs DS925+
| Feature | UGREEN DXP4800 Plus | Synology DS925+ |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Pentium Gold 8505 | AMD Ryzen V1500B (2018) |
| Hardware Transcoding | Intel Quick Sync | No iGPU (CPU only) |
| RAM (Standard) | 8GB DDR5 | 4GB DDR4 |
| RAM Expansion | Up to 64GB | Up to 32GB |
| Networking | 2.5GbE | 2x 2.5GbE |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2 slots included | 2 slots included |
| Price | $594.99 | $619 |
Key Takeaway: Synology's 2025 refresh with the DS925+ closed the hardware gap—it now matches UGREEN on networking (2x 2.5GbE) and M.2 slots. However, the AMD Ryzen V1500B still lacks an iGPU, making UGREEN the clear winner for Plex transcoding.
DS925+ Processor: A Surprising Regression
The DS925+ uses the AMD Ryzen V1500B, the same chip found in the 2018 DS1621+. This is actually a regression in single-core performance compared to the DS923+'s R1600, which had a 3.6GHz Boost clock the V1500B lacks. Combined with no integrated graphics, this makes the DS925+ significantly weaker for transcoding workloads compared to UGREEN's Pentium Gold 8505.
Memory Configuration
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) | 4GB DDR4 (DS725+) |
| 4-bay mid-range | 8GB DDR5 (DXP4800 Plus) | 4GB DDR4 (DS925+) |
| Expandability | 16-64GB depending on model | 6-32GB depending on model |
Storage and Connectivity
UGREEN Hardware Advantages
M.2 NVMe Slots
All DXP models include M.2 slots for SSD caching or dedicated storage pools. Synology only offers this on newer models (DS725+, DS925+, DS1825+).
Modern Networking
2.5GbE or 10GbE connectivity standard across DXP lineup. Synology still ships many Plus series models with 1GbE networking.
Higher Capacity
DXP2800 supports up to 76TB total (HDD bays + M.2 slots) versus DS224+ maximum of 48TB without M.2 expansion.
The Hidden Cost: Power & Noise
Beyond headline specifications, real-world operation involves daily considerations of power consumption and acoustic performance:
Power & Noise Comparison
| Feature | UGREEN DXP Series | Synology DS Plus Series |
|---|---|---|
| Idle Power Draw | 6-15W (Intel efficiency advantage) | 12-20W (AMD Ryzen) |
| Fan Noise | Audible under load, basic fan curves | Quieter operation, refined fan control |
| Annual Power Cost | ~$10-20/year at typical rates | ~$15-30/year at typical rates |
| Office Suitability | Acceptable for closet/rack placement | Desktop placement acceptable |
Practical Assessment
UGREEN's Intel processors (N100, Pentium Gold) typically draw 6-15W at idle compared to AMD Ryzen's 12-20W, translating to $5-10 annual savings. However, Synology's fan curves are more refined, making their units quieter during operation—a meaningful advantage if the NAS sits in an office rather than a server closet.
For home office deployments where the NAS shares workspace, Synology's acoustic tuning provides better user experience. For rack-mounted or closet installations, UGREEN's power efficiency and lower heat output offer practical benefits.
Software & Ecosystem
Operating System Maturity
Software is the key differentiator. Synology's DSM represents 20+ years of continuous development, while UGREEN's UGOS Pro launched in 2024.
Operating System Comparison
| Feature | Synology DSM 7.2 | UGREEN UGOS Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Development History | 20+ years | Launched 2024 |
| User Interface | Refined, polished | Functional |
| Native Applications | Comprehensive suite | Basic functionality |
| Docker Support | Available | Full support |
| File System | Btrfs with snapshots | Standard Linux FS |
| Security Updates | Active development | Regular updates |
| Community Resources | Extensive documentation | Growing resources |
Application Ecosystem Comparison
Native Applications by Category
| Feature | Synology | UGREEN |
|---|---|---|
| Backup Tools | Active Backup for Business, Hyper Backup, Cloud Sync | Basic backup, rsync support |
| File Sync & Collaboration | Synology Drive (cloud-style sync) | Cloud sync integration |
| Media Server | Native Plex, Video Station | Plex via Docker |
| Surveillance | Surveillance Station (8,000+ cameras) | Third-party via Docker |
| Virtualization | Virtual Machine Manager | Docker containers only |
| Office Suite | Synology Office | Not available |
| Photo Management | Synology Photos with AI | Third-party via Docker |
AI Capabilities: A Growing Differentiator
With DSM 7.3 (October 2025), Synology introduced AI Console, bringing AI-powered features to the platform:
AI Features Comparison
| Feature | Synology AI Console | UGREEN AI Options |
|---|---|---|
| AI-Powered Threat Detection | Native anomaly detection and security alerts | Not available |
| Photo AI Recognition | Advanced face and object tagging | Basic recognition in UGREEN Photos |
| Network Anomaly Detection | Traffic analysis and alerts | Manual monitoring only |
| Custom AI Models | Limited to native applications | TensorFlow via Docker (DIY) |
AI Reality Check
Synology's AI Console represents a significant software advantage for security-conscious businesses. UGREEN users can deploy AI frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch via Docker, but this requires substantial technical expertise and ongoing maintenance. For most SMBs, Synology's native AI features provide immediate value without additional configuration.
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. For organizations with technical resources, Docker-based solutions can fill most gaps—but this requires time, expertise, and ongoing maintenance.
SMB Use Case Analysis
How each platform performs in the three most common small and medium business use cases: data backup, media streaming, and security surveillance.
Backup Solutions: Synology Leads
Related Resource
For comprehensive backup guidance, see our Small Business Backup Strategy Guide.
Synology's Backup Ecosystem provides a mature platform suitable for business environments:
- Active Backup for Business: Agentless backup for Windows/Linux servers, VMware, Hyper-V, and cloud services including Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
- Hyper Backup: Scheduled backup with versioning to local, remote, or cloud destinations
- Snapshot Replication: Point-in-time recovery using Btrfs file system
- Immutable Backups: Protection against ransomware modification
UGREEN's Backup Capabilities provide functional tools appropriate for simpler requirements:
- Basic file-level backup and synchronization
- Rsync support for flexible backup configurations
- Cloud sync integration with major providers
- Standard RAID configurations for redundancy
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.
Plex Media Server: UGREEN Advantage
For media streaming applications, UGREEN's newer Intel processors offer practical benefits:
UGREEN's Media Streaming Advantages
Efficient Transcoding
Intel N100 and Pentium Gold chips handle 4K HEVC transcoding with 20-30% more headroom than Synology's current processors.
More RAM
Additional RAM supports larger libraries and multiple simultaneous streams without performance degradation.
SSD Caching
M.2 SSD caching accelerates library scanning, thumbnail generation, and metadata loading.
Implementation Differences:
- Synology: Native Plex package installation through DSM Package Center
- UGREEN: Plex deployment via Docker container (requires initial configuration)
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.
Surveillance and Security Cameras: Synology Clear Choice
Surveillance Capabilities
| Feature | Synology Surveillance Station | UGREEN Options |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Compatibility | 8,000+ IP camera models | Depends on third-party software |
| Setup Complexity | Native integration | Docker configuration required |
| AI Analytics | Motion detection, intrusion alerts | Varies by software |
| Mobile Apps | Official iOS/Android apps | Third-party dependent |
| License Model | 2 free, additional sold separately | Varies by software |
| Support & Updates | Vendor-backed | Community-dependent |
UGREEN Surveillance Options:
- Third-party NVR applications via Docker (Frigate, MotionEye, Shinobi)
- Requires manual configuration and integration
- Depends on community support rather than vendor backing
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.
Security & Remote Access
Remote Access: The "Set and Forget" Factor
How you access your NAS remotely matters as much as what it can do. This is where Synology's maturity shows.
Remote Access Comparison
| Feature | Synology QuickConnect | UGREEN UGOS Remote |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Complexity | Automatic configuration | Manual port forwarding or Tailscale |
| Security Model | Relay service with end-to-end encryption | Direct connection or VPN required |
| Mobile App Integration | Native to all Synology apps | Works but less seamless |
| Family/Team Usability | Share link, they connect | Requires technical guidance |
Practical Reality
Synology QuickConnect is genuinely "set and forget"—you enable it once, and it just works. Non-technical users can access files from anywhere without understanding ports, DNS, or VPNs.
UGREEN UGOS Remote is functional but requires more setup. Most technically-savvy users pair it with Tailscale for secure remote access, which works reliably but adds a configuration layer.
Security Updates & Vulnerability Response
Both platforms provide security updates, but Synology's track record is longer and more documented.
- Synology: Active security advisory system with CVE documentation, regular DSM security patches, and a bounty program.
- UGREEN: Regular UGOS Pro updates but limited public security disclosure. Newer platform means less historical data on response times.
Mobile App Experience
The Family Usability Test: Photo Management
If your NAS will replace Google Photos for family sharing, the mobile app experience matters significantly.
Photo Management Apps
| Feature | Synology Photos | UGREEN Photos |
|---|---|---|
| AI Object Recognition | Robust face/object detection | Basic recognition |
| Background Upload Reliability | Consistent, resumable | Works but occasionally stalls |
| Shared Albums | Full collaboration features | Basic sharing |
| Timeline/Memories | Rich presentation features | Functional timeline |
| App Stability | Polished, mature | Improving, occasional bugs |
Mobile File Access
Both platforms offer mobile apps for general file access, but the experience differs:
- Synology Drive Mobile: Seamless with QuickConnect, offline file sync, automatic camera upload, and integration with iOS Files app.
- UGREEN Files Mobile: Functional file browser, supports streaming, but less polished interface and occasional sync issues.
User Experience Summary
If non-technical family members will use the NAS for photo backup, Synology Photos is the safer choice. It genuinely feels like a Google Photos replacement.
If technically comfortable users are the primary audience, UGREEN's apps are functional—they get the job done but expect some rough edges.
Pricing & Value Analysis
Initial Investment Comparison
At comparable hardware tiers, the NAS units themselves are similarly priced. The total cost difference comes from additional considerations beyond the base hardware.
2-Bay Systems: DXP2800 vs DS224+
UGREEN DXP2800
Synology DS224+
2x 8TB NAS Drives
4-Bay Systems: DXP4800 Plus vs DS925+
UGREEN DXP4800 Plus
Synology DS925+
4x 8TB NAS Drives
Total Cost Considerations
Value Factors Beyond Base Price
Synology Drive Policy Update
October 2025 reversal eliminates 15-30% drive cost premium. Third-party drives now supported on 2025+ models with DSM 7.3.
UGREEN Setup Investment
Time for Docker configuration, UGOS Pro learning curve, and troubleshooting without extensive community resources adds hidden cost.
Synology Software Value
Active Backup ($500-2,000 equivalent), Surveillance Station ($1,000+ NVR value), Synology Drive (no 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: Previously added 15-30% to storage costs (now resolved with drive policy change), but includes software worth $1,500-3,000 as standalone products
- UGREEN: Lower hardware entry cost, but requires additional setup time and technical expertise to match Synology's feature set
Organizations should weigh the value of Synology's comprehensive software suite against UGREEN's hardware advantages and flexibility.
Recommendations by Need
Specific product recommendations based on your primary use case and requirements.
Home Labs and Technical Users
Winner: UGREEN DXP2800 — $349.99
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.
Small Business Backup and File Sharing
Winner: Synology DS224+ or DS923+ — $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.
Media Streaming Applications
Winner: UGREEN DXP4800 Plus — $594.99
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.
Surveillance Integration
Winner: Synology DS425+ or DS923+ — $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.
Performance-Focused Deployments
Winner: UGREEN DXP6800 Pro — $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.
Final Verdict
Where UGREEN Provides Value
Key Capabilities
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.
Where Synology Provides Value
Key Capabilities
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.
Our Verdict
Both platforms serve SMB storage needs effectively—the appropriate choice depends on specific requirements, technical resources, and 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, or 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, or long-term platform stability and support are priorities. At comparable price points ($300-600), UGREEN delivers stronger hardware while Synology provides more comprehensive software—neither is universally better.
Review Basis
This comparison reflects publicly available specifications and pricing as of January 2026. 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.
Pricing and specifications change frequently; verify current information before making purchasing decisions.