QNAP vs Synology: Which NAS to Buy
Quick Verdict
Synology wins for most self-hosters. DSM is the most polished NAS operating system on the market, Container Manager makes Docker dead simple, and Synology units get software updates for roughly 10 years. QNAP offers better hardware specs per dollar and more expansion options, making it the pick for power users who prioritize raw capability over software polish.
Overview
QNAP and Synology are the two dominant consumer NAS brands. Both sell pre-built NAS units running proprietary Linux-based operating systems (QTS and DSM respectively) with Docker container support, app ecosystems, and RAID storage management.
Synology focuses on software polish and reliability. DSM is widely regarded as the best NAS OS available. The hardware is adequate but rarely class-leading for the price.
QNAP focuses on hardware value and expandability. QTS is functional but rougher around the edges. You get more CPU power, RAM, and expansion slots per dollar than Synology.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | QNAP | Synology |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | QTS 5.x | DSM 7.2+ |
| OS polish/UX | Functional, cluttered | Industry-leading |
| Docker support | Container Station (Docker + LXD + Kata) | Container Manager (Docker only) |
| Docker Compose GUI | Yes | Yes (DSM 7.2+) |
| Volume mounting | Bidirectional | Host-to-container only |
| Security model | Privileged containers only | 41 Linux capabilities (granular) |
| App ecosystem | Moderate | Largest NAS app library |
| NVMe usage | Cache only (most models) | Cache or storage volumes |
| PCIe expansion | Most 4+ bay models | Limited to 10GbE add-in |
| RAM expandability | Up to 64GB (TS-673A) | Up to 32GB (DS923+) |
| Software support lifespan | Variable | ~10 years |
| Surveillance station | Included (limited licenses) | Included (2 camera licenses) |
| Mobile apps | Qfile, Qmanager, etc. | DS File, DS Video, etc. |
Popular Models Compared
Entry-Level (2-Bay)
| Spec | QNAP TS-233 | Synology DS223 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 2.0 GHz | ARM RTD1619B |
| RAM | 2GB (not expandable) | 2GB (not expandable) |
| Network | 1GbE | 1GbE |
| Price | ~$150-180 | ~$200-250 |
Both are limited to basic file serving. Neither handles Docker workloads well due to ARM CPUs and minimal RAM. Skip these for self-hosting.
Mid-Range (4-Bay)
| Spec | QNAP TS-464 | Synology DS923+ |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Celeron N5095 (4C/4T, 2.9 GHz) | AMD Ryzen R1600 (2C/4T, 3.1 GHz) |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB max | 4GB / 32GB max |
| Network | 2x 2.5GbE | 1GbE (10GbE upgrade slot) |
| M.2 slots | 2x NVMe (cache only) | 2x NVMe (cache or storage) |
| PCIe | 1x PCIe Gen3 | 1x PCIe Gen3 (10GbE) |
| Price | ~$549 | ~$599 |
The TS-464 ships with more RAM and faster built-in networking. The DS923+ has better max RAM expansion and can use NVMe as actual storage volumes instead of just cache.
High-End (6-Bay)
| Spec | QNAP TS-673A | Synology DS1522+ |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen V1500B (4C/8T, 2.2 GHz) | AMD Ryzen R1600 (2C/4T, 3.1 GHz) |
| RAM | 8GB / 64GB max | 8GB / 32GB max |
| Bays | 6 | 5 (expandable to 15) |
| Network | 2x 2.5GbE | 1GbE (10GbE upgrade) |
| Price | ~$750-850 | ~$700 |
QNAP wins on raw specs here with double the cores and double the max RAM. Synology wins on expandability with DX517 expansion units.
Docker and Container Support
This is the critical comparison for self-hosters.
QNAP Container Station supports Docker, LXD, and Kata containers. You get more runtime options and bidirectional volume mounting. The trade-off: containers run in privileged mode only, which is less secure.
Synology Container Manager supports Docker only but does it exceptionally well. The DSM 7.2+ GUI for Docker Compose is intuitive, and containers can be locked down with granular Linux capabilities instead of full privileged access.
For running Immich, Nextcloud, Jellyfin, Pi-hole, Vaultwarden, and similar self-hosted apps, both platforms work. Synology’s approach is simpler and more secure for typical workloads. QNAP’s approach is more flexible if you need LXD or advanced mount configurations.
Performance
For equivalent CPUs, performance is similar. The differences come down to model selection:
- Intel models (QNAP TS-464, Synology DS224+): Hardware transcoding via QuickSync for Plex/Jellyfin. 4-core CPUs handle 1-2 simultaneous transcodes.
- AMD models (QNAP TS-673A, Synology DS923+): Better multi-threaded performance for Docker workloads. No hardware transcoding (AMD iGPUs lack QuickSync equivalent on these chips).
If Plex/Jellyfin transcoding matters, choose an Intel-based model from either brand.
Pricing and Total Cost of Ownership
Synology units cost slightly more upfront but the gap is smaller than most people think:
| Tier | QNAP | Synology | Delta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry 2-bay | $150-180 | $200-250 | QNAP saves ~$50-70 |
| Mid 4-bay | $549 (TS-464) | $599 (DS923+) | QNAP saves ~$50 |
| High 6-bay | $750-850 (TS-673A) | $700 (DS1522+) | Synology saves ~$50-150 |
Factor in 10 years of software updates from Synology vs QNAP’s shorter support window, and the total cost of ownership favors Synology in most cases.
Both brands use standard 3.5” SATA drives. Use the same drives regardless of brand — we recommend WD Red Plus or Seagate IronWolf.
Community and Ecosystem
Synology dominates the self-hosting community. You’ll find more tutorials, Docker Compose configs tested on DSM, and community support for Synology than QNAP. The r/synology subreddit is more active than r/qnap, and most NAS-focused YouTube channels default to Synology for demonstrations.
QNAP’s community is smaller but growing. QTS documentation has improved significantly with recent versions.
Security
Both brands have had security incidents. QNAP was hit by multiple ransomware campaigns targeting QTS vulnerabilities in 2021-2022 (Qlocker, eCh0raix). Synology has had fewer high-profile incidents but is not immune.
Mitigation for both: Never expose your NAS directly to the internet. Use a VPN (WireGuard, Tailscale) or Cloudflare Tunnel for remote access.
Choose QNAP If
- You need maximum hardware specs per dollar (more RAM, faster NICs, PCIe slots)
- You want LXD or Kata container support alongside Docker
- You need bidirectional volume mounting for complex container setups
- You’re building a large homelab with 6+ drives and want AMD Ryzen performance
- You don’t mind a steeper learning curve for the OS
Choose Synology If
- You want the best NAS software experience available (DSM is unmatched)
- You’re running standard self-hosted apps via Docker and want it to be simple
- You value 10-year software support and regular security patches
- You want NVMe drives as actual storage, not just cache
- You prefer a large community with extensive documentation and tutorials
- You’re recommending a NAS to someone less technical
Final Verdict
For most self-hosters, buy the Synology DS923+. At $599, it’s the best balance of Docker support, software quality, expandability, and community support. The 32GB max RAM handles any reasonable container workload, NVMe storage volumes add flexibility, and DSM makes management painless.
If you need more raw power and don’t mind QTS, the QNAP TS-464 at $549 gives you more built-in features (2.5GbE, more RAM) for slightly less money.
If budget is tight, consider skipping pre-built NAS entirely and building a DIY NAS with a mini PC running TrueNAS or Unraid. You’ll get significantly more compute power per dollar.
FAQ
Can I run Docker on ARM-based QNAP/Synology models?
Technically yes, but many Docker images are built for amd64 only. ARM models (QNAP TS-233, Synology DS223) have limited RAM and CPU power. For Docker-based self-hosting, always buy an Intel or AMD model.
Which is better for Plex transcoding?
Intel-based models from either brand, due to QuickSync hardware transcoding. The Synology DS224+ and QNAP TS-464 both handle 1-2 simultaneous 4K transcodes.
Can I switch from QNAP to Synology (or vice versa)?
Not directly. The RAID formats are incompatible. You’d need to back up all data, set up the new NAS, and restore. This is a one-time migration, not a swap.
How long do QNAP and Synology NAS units last?
The hardware typically lasts 5-10+ years. Synology provides OS updates for roughly 10 years after a model launches. QNAP’s support window is shorter and less predictable.
Should I buy a NAS or build a server?
If you want a plug-and-play appliance with minimal maintenance, buy a NAS. If you want maximum performance and flexibility, build a server. See our mini PC vs NAS comparison for more detail.
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