Synology vs QNAP: Which NAS Should You Buy?
Synology's software is the most polished in the category and is the reason most people recommend it, but recent models have tightened drive compatibility and offer modest hardware for the price. QNAP gives noticeably more hardware per dollar with software that is capable but rougher. Buy Synology if you want it to just work; buy QNAP if you want the specification and will tolerate the interface.
At a glance
| Synology DiskStation DS224+ | QNAP TS-464 4 Bay NAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Software polish | Excellent | Capable, less refined |
| Hardware per dollar | Modest | Stronger |
| Bays | Two | Four |
| Drive compatibility rules | Increasingly restrictive on newer models | Open |
| App ecosystem | Mature, well integrated | Broad, more variable |
| Best for | Set and forget | Enthusiasts, transcoding |
Choose the Synology DiskStation DS224+ if…
You want a NAS that backs things up and shares files without becoming a hobby. The software is genuinely the best in the category, the mobile apps work, and the update path is dependable.
Check Synology DiskStation DS224+ on Amazon
Choose the QNAP TS-464 4 Bay NAS if…
You want more cores, more bays and more expansion for the money, particularly for media transcoding or virtual machines. Check the drive compatibility position on whichever model you are considering, since that has become a real difference between the two.
Check QNAP TS-464 4 Bay NAS on Amazon
Related
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Deciding on a specific model? We review the UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus review, Synology DS1825+ review and QNAP TS-873A-8G review in full.
Frequently asked questions
Does drive compatibility actually matter?
It has started to. Some newer models restrict full functionality or health reporting to the manufacturer's own branded drives. Check the compatibility list for the exact model before buying, because it can add substantially to the cost of filling the bays.
How many bays do I need?
More than you think, and the answer is usually driven by redundancy rather than capacity. Two bays gives you mirroring; four gives you sensible parity options with room to grow. Our RAID capacity calculator shows what each configuration leaves you.
Is a NAS a backup?
No, and this is the most important thing to understand. RAID protects against a drive failing, not against deletion, ransomware, fire or theft. A NAS needs its own backup, ideally with one copy off site.
How we choose: we compare published manufacturer specifications, drive datasheets, published reliability statistics and verified owner reviews. We do not test hardware in person, and we are not tied to any NAS vendor. Capacity and power figures here are researched guidance, not a warranty. RAID protects against drive failure, not against deletion, ransomware, fire or theft, so keep verified backups regardless of what any calculator tells you.
Working out your own cost per usable terabyte? The Home Server Build Planner is the paid version of these pages: 8 printable worksheets you fill in with your own numbers, plus the full PDF, $29.