Latest news with #Synology
Geeky Gadgets
3 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Synology DS925+ Review : Pros, Cons and Performance is it Worth the Price?
Is the Synology DS925 Plus the ultimate NAS for professionals, or does it fall short of expectations? With its AMD Ryzen processor, dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, and Synology's renowned DiskStation Manager (DSM) software, this device promises to deliver top-tier performance for demanding workloads. Yet, its reliance on proprietary drives and the absence of 10Gb Ethernet raise some tough questions about its value. Whether you're a business owner seeking a robust data management solution or a tech enthusiast weighing your options, the DS925+ sparks a debate that's hard to ignore: is it worth the investment? In this insight from SpaceRex, learn about the new Synology DS925+ to uncover its strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases. From the seamless integration of DSM software to the controversial drive lock-in, this review doesn't shy away from the details that matter most. Whether you're curious about its performance in virtualization or wondering if it's the right fit for your media streaming needs, this exploration will help you decide if the DS925 Plus aligns with your priorities. Sometimes, the best tech isn't about what it can do—it's about whether it's the right tool for you. Synology DS925+ Overview Key Hardware Features and Upgrades The DS925 Plus introduces several notable upgrades over its predecessor, the DS923 Plus, solidifying its position in the competitive NAS market. At its core is the AMD Ryzen V1500B, a quad-core processor designed to deliver consistent performance for tasks such as file sharing, application hosting, and virtualization. This processor is paired with 4GB of DDR4 ECC RAM, which can be expanded to 8GB, making sure both speed and data integrity—critical for multitasking and professional workloads. Network connectivity has been improved with dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, offering faster speeds compared to traditional gigabit connections. However, the absence of a 10Gb Ethernet upgrade option may limit its appeal for users with high-bandwidth requirements. Additionally, the device features a USB-C expansion port, but its compatibility is restricted to Synology DX525 units, reducing its versatility for other USB-C peripherals. Performance Strengths and Hardware Limitations The DS925 Plus excels in delivering reliable performance for core NAS functions, including file sharing, data backups, and application hosting. Its capabilities are further enhanced by Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) software, which provides an intuitive and seamless user experience. DSM's interface and tools are designed to maximize productivity and simplify data management. Despite these strengths, the device has some limitations. The network speed is capped at 2.5Gb, which may not meet the needs of users requiring faster data transfer rates, such as 10Gb Ethernet. Additionally, the DS925 Plus lacks Intel Quick Sync technology, meaning it does not support hardware transcoding for media applications like Plex. This could be a significant drawback for home users who prioritize streaming high-resolution video content. AMD Ryzen-Powered Synology DS925+ : Full Review and Analysis Watch this video on YouTube. Learn more about the Synology NAS range of storage solutions with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Drive Compatibility: A Double-Edged Sword One of the most debated aspects of the DS925 Plus is its requirement for Synology-branded drives. These drives are optimized for the device, making sure full compatibility with DSM features and delivering reliable performance. However, this approach limits user flexibility and creates a dependency on a single supplier. The cost of Synology-branded drives, particularly those larger than 16TB, is significantly higher compared to alternatives from other manufacturers. This drive lock-in can pose challenges, especially in RAID configurations. In the event of a drive failure, sourcing a replacement Synology-branded drive may lead to downtime and increased costs. For businesses that rely on uninterrupted access to critical data, this could be a significant concern. DSM Software: A Comprehensive Ecosystem The DiskStation Manager (DSM) software is one of the standout features of the DS925 Plus, offering a wide range of tools to enhance productivity and streamline data management. Key applications include: Active Backup for Business: A centralized solution for backing up data across multiple devices, making sure data security and recovery options. A centralized solution for backing up data across multiple devices, making sure data security and recovery options. Synology Drive: A file-sharing platform that rivals popular cloud services like Google Drive, providing seamless access to files across devices. A file-sharing platform that rivals popular cloud services like Google Drive, providing seamless access to files across devices. Synology Photos: An intuitive tool for organizing, managing, and sharing photos, making it ideal for both personal and professional use. These features make the DS925 Plus particularly appealing for businesses seeking an integrated and efficient ecosystem. However, for home users, the advanced capabilities of DSM may be underutilized, especially given the device's higher price point and proprietary drive requirements. Who Should Consider the DS925 Plus? The DS925 Plus is best suited for businesses and professionals who prioritize performance, data integrity, and seamless integration within Synology's ecosystem. Its hardware and software are designed to handle demanding workloads, making it a reliable choice for environments where uptime and efficiency are critical. The device's ability to support virtualization, centralized backups, and secure file sharing makes it an excellent investment for organizations with complex data management needs. For home users, the appeal of the DS925 Plus is less compelling. The higher cost, lack of 10Gb Ethernet, and reliance on Synology-branded drives may outweigh its benefits. Users seeking a NAS device for personal use or media-focused applications might find alternatives with greater flexibility and lower costs more suitable for their needs. Final Thoughts The Synology DS925+ is a powerful NAS device that excels in performance, scalability, and software integration. Its AMD Ryzen processor, dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, and DSM ecosystem make it a strong choice for businesses with demanding workloads. However, its reliance on proprietary drives, lack of 10Gb Ethernet, and absence of hardware transcoding limit its appeal for home users or those with specific requirements. Before making a purchase, it is essential to carefully evaluate your needs and consider the potential risks associated with drive lock-in. While the DS925 Plus offers impressive capabilities, its limitations may make it less suitable for certain users. For those who can use its strengths, it remains a reliable and efficient solution for managing data in professional environments. Media Credit: SpaceRex Filed Under: Hardware, Reviews, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Geeky Gadgets
17-07-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
UGREEN vs Synology : Which NAS System is Right for You?
Imagine investing in a storage solution only to realize it doesn't quite meet your needs—whether it's too rigid for your creative projects or too complex for your small business. Choosing the right Network Attached Storage (NAS) system can feel like navigating a maze of technical jargon and competing priorities. Enter UGREEN and Synology, two distinct players in the NAS market. While Synology is a household name renowned for its reliability and polished ecosystem, UGREEN is an up-and-coming contender offering innovative performance and flexibility. But which one truly aligns with your goals? The answer depends on what you value most: stability or innovation, simplicity or customization. In this comparison, SpaceRex explores the unique strengths and trade-offs of UGREEN and Synology, breaking down their hardware, software ecosystems, and target audiences. Whether you're a tech-savvy home lab enthusiast seeking high-performance hardware or a business owner prioritizing seamless data management, this piece will help you uncover which system fits your needs. Along the way, we'll highlight surprising insights—like how Synology's shift toward proprietary drives could limit future upgrades or why UGREEN's flexibility might come with a steeper learning curve. By the end, you'll have a clearer picture of which NAS solution is not just a tool but a partner in your digital workflow. UGREEN vs Synology Comparison Performance and Hardware: Speed vs. Stability UGREEN focuses on delivering high-performance hardware at competitive prices. Its systems incorporate modern CPUs, DDR5 RAM, and faster networking options, making them ideal for users who demand speed and flexibility. For instance, UGREEN devices equipped with Intel Quick Sync CPUs excel in hardware transcoding, which is particularly beneficial for media streaming and virtualization. Additionally, UGREEN separates its operating system from data drives, enhancing both performance and adaptability. On the other hand, Synology prioritizes reliability and stability over innovative performance. While its systems often feature older CPUs, they are optimized for energy efficiency and seamless operation. Synology's hardware is tightly integrated with its software, making sure a smooth and consistent user experience. However, starting in 2025, Synology's shift toward requiring proprietary drives in newer models may limit hardware flexibility, which could deter users seeking more customization options. Operating Systems and Ecosystems: Flexibility vs. Maturity Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) is a mature and user-friendly operating system renowned for its extensive features and third-party app support. It includes tools like Active Backup for Business, MS365/Google Workspace integration, and robust data protection options such as snapshots and cloud backups. However, Synology's tightly controlled ecosystem, while reliable, restricts customization opportunities for advanced users. UGREEN's Ugo Pro OS, although newer, offers a familiar interface for users transitioning from DSM. While it lacks some of DSM's advanced features and polish, UGREEN compensates with flexibility. Users can install alternative operating systems or use Docker for containerized applications, making it an attractive option for tech-savvy individuals. However, this flexibility often requires a higher level of technical expertise, which may not appeal to general users. UGREEN vs Synology : The Battle for NAS Supremacy Watch this video on YouTube. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on NAS (Network Attached Storage). Media and Backup Capabilities: Simplicity vs. Customization Both UGREEN and Synology support media streaming, but their approaches differ significantly. UGREEN provides a theater application and relies on Docker to configure Plex, offering greater customization at the expense of simplicity. Synology, in contrast, supports Plex natively, making sure a straightforward setup for media enthusiasts. Although Synology has discontinued its Video Station app, its native Plex support ensures a smooth and hassle-free streaming experience. In terms of data protection, Synology stands out with advanced backup solutions, including snapshots, cloud integration, and Active Backup for Business. These features make it a strong choice for businesses and users prioritizing data security. UGREEN, while offering basic backup features, lacks the comprehensive tools found in Synology's ecosystem, making it less suitable for users with complex data protection needs. Target Audiences and Practical Applications UGREEN is tailored for advanced users, home lab enthusiasts, and those seeking high-performance hardware for demanding tasks like virtualization, Docker containers, and media transcoding. Its flexibility and modern design appeal to users who value customization and control over their NAS systems. Synology, on the other hand, is designed for businesses and general users who prioritize reliability, ease of use, and a mature ecosystem. Its tightly integrated hardware and software provide a dependable, long-term solution for managing data and applications without requiring extensive technical expertise. Limitations and Considerations Each system has its drawbacks, which may influence your decision: UGREEN: While powerful, UGREEN lacks some enterprise-grade features, such as advanced email notifications and built-in VPN servers. These omissions may limit its appeal for business environments. Additionally, certain configurations could lead to performance bottlenecks if not optimized properly. While powerful, UGREEN lacks some enterprise-grade features, such as advanced email notifications and built-in VPN servers. These omissions may limit its appeal for business environments. Additionally, certain configurations could lead to performance bottlenecks if not optimized properly. Synology: Synology's reliance on proprietary drives in newer models restricts your ability to customize or upgrade storage. Furthermore, its use of older CPU technology may not meet the needs of users seeking innovative performance for demanding applications. Build Quality and Design: Innovation vs. Functionality Both UGREEN and Synology deliver high-quality build materials and thoughtful designs. UGREEN's tool-less design and modern aesthetics stand out, appealing to users who prioritize innovation and ease of use. Synology's design, while less flashy, emphasizes functionality and durability, aligning with its focus on reliability and long-term performance. Future Outlook: Emerging vs. Established UGREEN is rapidly evolving, with frequent updates and improvements expected as it continues to establish itself in the NAS market. Its focus on high-performance hardware and flexibility positions it as a strong contender for advanced users and tech enthusiasts. Synology, with its proven track record and extensive support network, remains a reliable choice for businesses and general users. Its commitment to ecosystem integration and long-term support ensures continued relevance in the NAS landscape, even as new competitors emerge. Making the Right Choice Your decision between UGREEN and Synology ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities: Choose UGREEN if you value high-performance hardware, flexibility, and customization. It's an excellent option for advanced users and home lab enthusiasts who want control over their NAS setup. if you value high-performance hardware, flexibility, and customization. It's an excellent option for advanced users and home lab enthusiasts who want control over their NAS setup. Choose Synology if you prioritize reliability, ease of use, and a feature-rich ecosystem. It's the better choice for businesses and general users seeking a dependable, long-term solution for data management. By carefully evaluating your requirements and understanding the strengths and limitations of each system, you can select the NAS solution that best aligns with your goals and ensures optimal performance for your specific use case. Media Credit: SpaceRex Filed Under: Hardware Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Android Authority
17-07-2025
- Android Authority
I tried going self-hosted but Google Drive is just too convenient
Karandeep Singh / Android Authority A network-attached storage (NAS) is supposed to give you an alternative to cloud storage — one that's safer, more private, and free from monthly subscriptions. A lot of home users may still consider those strange black boxes nerd territory, but Synology wanted to make the transition easier for Google Drive users. Its own alternative, deceptively named Synology Drive, is made to offer Google Drive-like storage. While it sounds compelling in theory and is genuinely useful in many cases, Synology's solution didn't feel quite there when I switched over. Google has mastered the art of making things seamless — something I sorely missed on my NAS. Here's how it went for me when I switched to Synology Drive — and why my fondness for Google Drive grew even more. Would you ditch Google Drive for a self-hosted alternative? 0 votes Yes NaN % No NaN % Synology Drive has got it all This wasn't the first time I tried going all-in with Synology Drive. When I first got my NAS a few years ago, I gave it a shot and came out impressed. The interface still looks quite similar to Google Drive — from the side menu and right-click options to the columned layout and shortcuts at the top. It's clearly designed to feel familiar to anyone coming from Google Drive. But Synology didn't stop there — it built its own office suite to complement Drive. You get a Docs alternative, one for Slides, and one for Sheets. Of these, I use the document editor the most because that makes up most of my everyday work. I wrote a few pieces in it, and the experience was alright — it handles basic formatting well and has most of what you'd expect from Google Docs. Synology Office even lets you share access with others — both on your local network and publicly if remote access is enabled using QuickConnect. Your collaborators can leave comments, and everyone can see each other's cursor live. Sounds familiar, right? Synology really did try to mirror Google's suite. It's got AI too — but at what cost We often talk about how good Google and OpenAI's AI tools have gotten. But Synology has also been quietly building its own platform to integrate AI into its mail and office apps. However, if you expected it to be as seamless as Gemini in Google Drive, you'd be mistaken. It inherits the DIY nature of setting up a NAS. Synology doesn't have its own large language model — the foundation of tools like Gemini. Instead, it offers Synology AI Console in beta, where you can set up AI using supported models like Gemini, OpenAI, and others. You have to get an API key (often paid) to set up your own AI server that integrates into Synology Office. I used Gemini since the Gemini 2.0 Flash API doesn't require a paid plan for a limited number of free tokens. The process to set up AI in Synology Office is too involved and technical for most people, especially someone getting their first NAS. I managed to set it up — the AI worked surprisingly well inside the docs app, helping with summaries, grammar, tables, and whatnot. But the process is too involved and technical for most people, especially someone getting their first NAS. And these AI features haven't come to Synology Drive yet. So, you can't ask questions about your files like you can with Gemini in Google Drive. Google Drive is the benchmark for convenience I don't say this lightly — Google Drive is the best cloud storage service for everyday users. It now comes with Gemini, which helps with everything. You can ask it to summarize folders, read your files, convert plain text into tables, find sources — all of it. And the best part? You don't have to lift a finger to enable Gemini in Drive — or any Google app. I can't believe I'd one day call Google force-feeding AI a good thing. At least I don't have to mess with API keys to get basic AI tools. I also don't have to deal with slow upload speeds on my home network or the risks of messing with router port forwarding that could expose my data. My modest home internet with a small router just can't match Google's enterprise-grade servers, making large file transfers painfully slow on the NAS. Synology Drive feels stuck in time, while Google has given Drive a fresh, modern look that feels like a product from 2025. On the other hand, Synology Drive looked like Google Drive when it launched — but it hasn't had a visual update in nearly four years. It feels stuck in time, while Google has given Drive a fresh, modern look that feels like a product from 2025. And I certainly don't want to be stuck in the past. Another drawback with Synology Office is its proprietary file extension. It can open .docx files, but only after converting them, which sometimes messes things up. And this format makes sharing harder, especially when someone needs to download a copy. Also, Google Drive has far, far, far more third-party integrations. For instance, a simple issue I hit was that Grammarly didn't work when editing in Synology Office. Synology Drive has its shining moment Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Like Google Drive (yeah, again), Synology Drive has a desktop client that syncs folders both ways, so changes reflect across devices, or you can back up files to your NAS. It's been fantastic for keeping my stuff backed up, especially my Downloads folder, which is overflowing with random, years-old but important files. My Synology NAS is still the main place where I store everything long-term. It's also where I back up full-quality family photos using Synology Photos. But that's where files go after I'm done using them — for archival or future reference. For everything else, including my active projects, Google Drive is the place. It's my default for everything — no other service comes even remotely close.
Android Authority
16-07-2025
- Android Authority
How I use Synology and Google Photos to build the perfect photo backup system
Andy Walker / Android Authority Google Photos is the go-to photo backup app for quite literally everyone. It's fast, reliable, and everyone has a Gmail account, so it's the most accessible app out there for backing up your family memories. It's got tons of smart features and uses AI like no other photos app, from its almost magical AI editing to something as simple as natural language searches. It just works. However, a lot of things have weakened the case for Google Photos. For instance, I have to deal with media compression to save space — otherwise, I'd be hitting storage caps if I were to upload everything in full quality. Or worse, I'd have to keep upgrading my subscription and pay Google more every few months just to preserve my media in original quality. My current plan wouldn't even last a couple of months, and 2TB isn't worth the fee for me, despite the perks. I'd rather get my own storage for the same price — and I don't mean an external hard drive that awkwardly dangles from my computer. Would you consider moving away from Google Photos? 0 votes Nope, never ditching Google Photos NaN % Maybe, if I find a nice alternative NaN % I already use a hybrid setup like Synology + Google Photos NaN % I invested in a Synology NAS a few years ago. While it has streamlined my digital life but my most prized setup remains Synology Photos. It has changed how my family and I back up our media and turned it into a unique system. I'll tell you how I pieced it together and why it's perhaps the go-to strategy for a lot of home users who own a NAS. For once, I don't mind a clone Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority We all know how good Google Photos is. It's the benchmark in smart media management that all other apps should look up to. Besides its AI perks, it's also the easiest tool to create cross-platform shared albums. I have numerous of them with my family and friends, all of which I treasure. So, it was out of the question that I'd ditch the app entirely, no matter the platform I'm on. I want all the convenience, but I wanted something that didn't cap me in any way. When I first got my trusty Synology DS920+, I played around with a lot of its built-in features. What stood out were Synology Drive and Photos — almost exact replicas of Google's apps, as if Synology was trying to make things familiar for people switching over — if their names weren't already a dead giveaway. Synology Photos has quite a lot of similarities with Google Photos, from the general layout to facial tagging for easy searches. You can create albums, share media with your family, cast them to your TV, add widgets that auto-rotate your photos, and whatnot. And the best part — you're not limited by cloud storage capping. Sky's the limit (or the remaining hard drive space). I'll admit Synology Photos isn't the most intuitive app by far, so it's not something I'd want to use every day. It feels more like a 'tool' you pull out when needed — which is why I needed a middle ground. Why pick one when you can go hybrid? Rita El Khoury / Android Authority I didn't want to give up Google Photos and was tempted by the freedom Synology offered. So, I did what any sane person would do — I included both in my setup. And they now work beautifully together. Google Photos remains my primary app to access media on my phone. It's fast, easy, and always accessible. Most importantly, I'm not missing out on the thousand AI features Google keeps adding. Whenever I need to look up an old photo, I fire up Google Photos like it's muscle memory — even on iPhone. It's my default for quick photo editing and album sharing too. Synology Photos is my bottomless pit where I dump all my high-res photos in bloated formats while all my 4K videos stay crisp. Meanwhile, Synology Photos also gets the same copies of my media — but in full quality. It's my bottomless pit where I dump all my high-res photos in bloated formats while all my 4K videos stay crisp. All our phones and devices back up to the NAS with zero worries about running out of space, poor internet, or compressing files. My NAS is my safe space for all our family media. Things happen to our devices and the cloud all the time. Even if I hit the limit with Google Photos, lose my phone, or accidentally delete something from Google, I know a full-res copy still exists on local storage. They live on a server I control, and won't be subjected to random cloud policy changes I must reluctantly agree to. My only hiccup Rita El Khoury / Android Authority But there is one downside to this otherwise flawless system. Indian summers don't let me run the NAS all day — it'd fry the drives if I did. In the little window that it works every day, there are times when Synology Photos misses backing up some media. And if it goes on for a few days, I end up with a backlog of unsaved photos. It's made worse by the fact that I don't open the Synology Photos app on my phone that often, putting it in deep sleep, I have to wake it from every few days — or weeks — depending on my memory. That's the only hiccup in this otherwise fully automated setup. How the twins play together nicely Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority This setup is the reason I can get by with the basic Google One plan with 100GB shared across my family. Since our photos go up only in storage saver mode, we're all well below that limit. And the full-res versions? They're safe on the NAS. It actually aligns with the expert-recommended strategy of keeping an off-site backup for extra safety. And this dual strategy works really well for anyone tired of ballooning Google One bills, but who can't stop taking a zillion photos and videos on vacations. And honestly, you shouldn't either — capturing memories over everything else, always! This dual strategy actually aligns with the expert-recommended strategy of keeping an off-site backup for extra safety. If you're a first-time NAS user or on a tight budget, any brand would work in case you want something to just set and forget, though Synology Photos remains more intuitive among NAS offerings (not a high bar). Even 8TB is more than enough for regular home use and storing 'unlimited' photos, while Google handles all the smarts in a low-storage version of your library. That double backup is far more trustworthy and gives extra peace of mind. And given how moth-eaten and torn my old, physical photo albums are, I wouldn't take any chances with my memories.
Channel Post MEA
30-06-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
Synology Rolls Out DiskStation DS1525+
Synology has announced the launch of the DiskStation DS1525+, a compact and high-performance storage solution, designed for small and medium businesses, as well as professional users. 'The DS1525+ offers a powerful foundation for data management and collaboration,' said Owen Liao, product manager at Synology. 'With evolving needs for data management, it's designed to deliver business-grade performance, scalability, and reliability.' Superb Performance and Scalability To ensure optimal performance for demanding applications, the DS1525+ is equipped with dual 2.5GbE ports and can be upgraded to 10GbE using the E10G22-T1-Mini module. Two M.2 slots enable the creation of an all-flash cache or storage pool to accelerate high-performance workloads. In performance testing, the DS1525+ achieved SMB sequential throughput of up to 1,181 MB/s read and 1,180 MB/s write using SSDs. The DS1525+ is engineered for scalability, supporting up to two 5-bay DX525 expansion units, allowing for up to 15 drives total. This provides up to 300 TB of raw storage1 capacity, enabling businesses to scale their infrastructure as their data needs grow. To ensure consistent performance and reliability, the DS1525+ is designed to operate with compatible hard drives. It follows a carefully curated drive compatibility framework, backed by over 7,000 hours of rigorous testing. DSM on the DS1525+ requires the use of compatible hard drives2 for installation. Versatile Features for Business Workloads Powered by Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM), the DS1525+ offers a wide range of tools for business data management: Synology Drive transforms the system into a private cloud with cross-platform file access and site-to-site syncing. Active Backup Suite provides centralized backup for Windows, Linux, macOS devices, virtual machines, and cloud services, with flexible off-site options. Surveillance Station enables scalable video management and real-time intelligent analytics to safeguard physical assets. Availability The Synology DS1525+ is available, starting June 25, 2025, through Synology's network of partners and resellers worldwide. For more information, visit the DS1525+ product page.
