Synology DS423+ vs QNAP TS 464 NAS - AS FAST AS POSSIBLE!!!!

You can find my review of the QNAP TS-464 NAS in video and written form in the links here:

Video Chapters
00:00 - The Start
00:27 - Price vs Value
01:23 - Storage Capacity & Storage Expandability
06:39 - Ports and Connectivity
10:09 - Synology DSM vs QNAP QTS Software
11:34 - Internal Hardware Comparison

Choosing Between the Synology DS423+ and QNAP TS-464 NAS is more than just about how you are spending your money at checkout! Making a move away from 3rd public cloud storage can be a big, BIG decision for some users. The ‘freemium’ and low cost monthly subscription to the likes of Google Drive and DropBox seems like a drop in the ocean, right up until you realise that over the years you have spent hundreds of pounds and you face the fact that you are going to need to consider moving that data onto something more long term and ‘in house’. For many users, this is their first encounter with two of the bigger brands in the world of NAS, Synology and QNAP and although at a glance they seem to provide the same kind of solution, even a brief second glance reveals that these two brands have very, very different ideas of where you should be spending your money. Synology is the sleek, apple-esc presented solution that promises a smooth and uncomplex experience, with an arguably more rigid and fixed architecture. Whereas QNAP is the more customizable and flexible in its hardware and software, but has a slightly higher learning curve and requires more time to configure perfectly. Both brands provide an excellent range of NAS solutions with each of the solutions in today’s comparison being quite similar in price, but what you are getting for your money, the range of software included, the scope of hardware that is available and how they translate to upgradable and scalability is incredibly different! So, today we are going to compare the Synology DS423+ NAS released in March 2023 (HEAVILY comparable to the 2020 gen DS920+) against the spring 2022 released QNAP TS-464 NAS.

[kardy]

Yeah, the DS423+ really is just a DS920+ without the expansion ability and with 2GB less max RAM. To be honest, I don’t really get why they didn’t just keep the 920+ in the lineup for those that need hardware transcoding.

[we]

New to NSA here. I'll keep it simple...and I think my needs are simple too. I'm a 65 year old guy just getting into having a NAS for two main reasons...1) Use it as a Plex server and 2) use it for file storage, photo archive. I don't download and store shows or movies, and doubt that I will, nor is there any gaming of any kind. I'm not as technnically savvy as many out here, so thats a checkmark in favor of Synology. BUT, I hate the idea of paying MORE for LESS technology and upgrade capability, since this will probably be a "once in a lifetime purchase" (no future NAS's), so thats a checkmark for the QNAP. Given all I've said, what does the group feel might be a better option?

[frozWnX]

I absolutely <3 my 464 that I purchased two months ago (thank you so much Robbie and NAScompares for your videos). Currently am using RAID 1 coupled with Qtier for my 2x 18tb Seagate Ironwolf Pro and 2x M.2 Samsung 2tb 970 EVO drives (the other two bays for this 4 bay are still empty atm). On top of that I got the QM2+ PCIe upgrade with two M.2 slots and the 10GbE port, for which I've already installed those slots with another 2x Samsung 2tb 970 EVO drives (one for JBOD storage and the other for SSD cache—a little icing on the cake for Qtier, I figured why not). Works like a charm; also the Ironwolf Pro 18tb barely ever click unless I'm doing some massive data xfers or scheduling, and even then just had a very low dP. Such a well future proofed and overall stress free chassis for my media, storage and VM needs 🤩

[jcb]

I can only dream of DSM 7 on the TS464, I would buy it tomorrow

[ClintDevlin]

I'm looking to get the Qnpa TS-664 next week. It'll be primarily used as a plex server and for local backups so the Synology software is basically useless to me where as more powerful hardware for transcoding is much more attractive to me,

[OzElectricEcho]

I just took possession of a TS464. My only experience with NAS’ have been Synology. I was very wary of the QNAP software in comparison to Synology, but I must say, it’s not too bad. DSM is definitely better, but I wasn’t disappointed with QTS, it does what I need it to do.

[rerolledDK]

I got the DS423+, and it is perfect for my needs right now. Now I can access my files from anywhere, and Jellyfin with hardware transcoding is fantastic. That having been said, I do feel a pang of regret when I see how much more future proof the TS-464 is. When the time comes that I upgrade to faster network equipment, I'm gonna be stuck with no official upgrade path for the DS423+ . I see a future of trying to pull off unofficial ethernet upgrades through usb or those m.2 slots.

[salvamando]

Woahhhh! Extra caffeine today?! LOL Love the energy and great information as always!

[bickybickford]

Great video I'm looking for a new NAS, but now I'm split 60/40 or 40/60. I guess I'll have to wait some more.

[GajodeAlfama]

Hi, great video, always check for new videos. Loved the content, but you don't need to speed up... Can you do a video like it but with the best 2, 4 and 8 bays between Synology, Qnap, TERRAMASTER e Asustor or other's.
Keep the good work,

Best regards.

[hytecindia]

Hi I appreciate your videos which are very informative I have bought QNAP 464 I am not finding good experience. I never used any NAS system before so I can’t compare.
I would like to have an advice that which brand is best for iCloud back up including best pics backup option from apple devices
Thanks

[akmediaproductions]

Just dreaming for a portable 4 bay universal SSD/nvme NAS !! With thunderbolt or 10gig Ethernet !!

[neilsumner]

Very disappointed with the processor and networking on the Synology. I wanted integrated graphics so 923 not an option. If QNAP supported fluid raid like SHR then I would purchase a QNAP today but the thought of having to throw out all my drives when I fill them up to get more space is just not acceptable.
PS Great video as always but another vote for not trying to make the video a race.

[jGRite]

What is the best way to use 2.5 and 10g with a network expansion without spending thousands of dollars.

[topgazza]

Excellent video. However, ref opening comment Synology have moved away from being relevant for home, particularly media, users. The DS 423+ scrapes in being a DS920+ but otherwise low spec compared to others.

[surfudder]

What I am lately really missing in qnap VS synology discussion is the lack of support for btrfs, and I would be interested in hearing how qnap mitigates the lack of btrfs features (like bitroth prevention) on ext4

[lance]

Which is better for decoding video? (Plex) My ten year old ts453 finally died and was leaning towards the 423+ because of decoding reivews but been happy with QNAP

[bricehawley]

Qnap wins it for me. It's easier to upgade software than hardware. Yes, the software comes in second here, but from the comments it is still quite serviceable.

[steves]

I’m looking to replace a Drobo5n and it seems pretty obvious that qnap have better hardware but synology have better software. I like the idea of synologys support for different hdd sizes, so I have a question. Can the qnap have two pairs of drives, say 2x4TB drives and 2x8TB with each pair in its own Raid1 configuration?

Edit: found answer is yes, but will need to take care if I ever want to go to a single 4x8TB raid later on. And in my case using them as 4x4TB raid 5 should give the same total 12TB storage anyway

[pipkato]

Can anyone say what has happened to the QNAP TS-464T4 Thunderbolt 4 version announced at CES 2022? Is it delayed or abandoned?