Transitioning from Synology NAS: My Experience and What I Don’t Miss

Reflecting back a few years, I would have confidently replied that Synology offered the best NAS (Network Attached Storage) options available. Their devices seamlessly integrated into my routine, efficiently storing countless years of data while allowing me to concentrate on my work without the hassle of managing intricate infrastructure. Coupled with their user-friendly yet powerful software, a Synology NAS was a dependable choice. However, significant changes have transpired at Synology since early 2025, leading to various anti-consumer policies that have prompted me to transition to a different NAS brand, a decision I’ve come to appreciate.

Reasons for Moving Away from Synology NAS

Synology’s products are no longer the dependable investment they once were. While the decline occurred gradually rather than overnight, a series of hardware choices have made each new iteration feel less valuable than its predecessor.

A crucial issue lies within their choice of processors. Historically, Synology devices weren’t known for high power, which was acceptable given their pricing. However, in recent years, as prices have soared, the performance of CPUs has remained lackluster. During my search for a new NAS, I discovered that I could secure a significantly stronger competitor for the same cost as a basic Synology model. Current models still come equipped with underwhelming low-power embedded chips that falter when handling tasks beyond basic file serving.

The situation worsened when Synology transitioned from Intel processors, known for their Quick Sync feature, to AMD Ryzen embedded chips in their Plus series. Despite Ryzen sounding like an upgrade, these specific processors lack integrated GPUs, significantly hampering hardware transcoding capabilities on newer systems. For a NAS frequently used as a media server, this regression has become a substantial drawback, as tasks that once relied on the integrated GPU now overburden the CPU, leading to increased load, higher thermal output, and escalating power consumption.

Networking capabilities have experienced a similar stagnation. While competitors introduce faster options like 10GbE, Synology continues to offer systems equipped with only single gigabit Ethernet ports or at best, 2.5GbE. Opting for faster networking often necessitates pricey add-in cards or higher-tier models, quickly elevating costs beyond what many users are willing to pay.

Despite tolerating these concerns, the final straw for my confidence in Synology was their ill-fated attempt to restrict newer systems to Synology-branded hard drives. A NAS fundamentally serves as a storage device, and such limitations on compatible drives transform otherwise capable hardware into an artificially constrained product. Although Synology reversed this decision following significant backlash, it starkly demonstrated that hardware flexibility is no longer a guarantee, making long-term investment increasingly difficult to justify.

Beneath the Surface: Software Concerns

DiskStation Manager (DSM), the software that accompanies Synology’s NAS, was once its standout feature, offering a perfect mix of accessibility and functionality. Regrettably, this balance has begun to deteriorate, with recent updates eliminating features I previously relied upon rather than enhancing the existing framework.

For example, the introduction of Synology Photos replaced the beloved Photo Station and Moments apps, but without many key features and lower metadata management capabilities. Similarly, Video Station has quietly succumbed to the same fate, leaving users to grapple with third-party alternatives.

Moreover, media support seems to be in decline as well. DECV and transcoding issues have made regular playback less reliable. Tasks that once operated seamlessly now necessitate laborious configurations, such as using Docker containers and scouring forums for solutions.

The Transition Was Surprisingly Smooth

In search of a NAS to replace my long-beloved DS420j, I found it challenging to identify a viable Synology option within my $500 budget. Ultimately, I opted for the Ugreen Nasync DH4300 Plus, priced at approximately $364, which offered superior hardware at a more accessible price point compared to any Synology model.

Upon comparing it with Synology’s DS423, DS423+, and DS925+, I discovered that only the DS925+ matched the functionality of the DH4300 Plus—but at nearly double the price. The following table illustrates the contrast:

While the hardware of the DH4300 Plus efficiently addresses many of my concerns regarding Synology products, the accompanying software enhances my overall experience. Ugreen NAS devices are equipped with UGOS, akin to how Synology models operate with DSM, and based on my prior experiences with the DH2300, I can state that DSM has relinquished its crown as the superior system.

For over three months, I’ve utilized the DH4300 Plus continuously without any hiccups. I perform maintenance weekly for updates and Docker restarts and conduct monthly trimming for the HDDs. With two users, several PCs, three Docker containers, and photo and cloud syncing functionality, it also adeptly fulfills my media server requirements, encompassing Plex for movies and Roon for music.

UGOS boasts a comprehensive range of applications comparable to DSM, ideal for those who prefer not to self-host. The media storage app allows for seamless streaming of videos to smart TVs, whether on Google TV or Apple TV. Additionally, the Photos app efficiently organizes images by faces, scenes, and locations, automatically deduplicating files and creating albums. Users can even generate links or QR codes to share with family without requiring any downloads.

The impressive integration of solid hardware and dependable software made my transition to a new NAS brand a breeze, and I have yet to regret moving away from Synology. While their NAS offerings may still serve novice users, other brands such as Ugreen and TerraMaster are proving to be equally user-friendly, making switching to an enhanced device easier than ever.

Moreover, if you’re not interested in the complexities of a NAS, numerous self-hosted applications can deliver similar benefits, even when run from your personal computer.

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