NAS - Synology or something else?

[egomeister]

My existing two drive Synology NAS is getting past its best so it's about time I look for a replacement. It's mainly used for backup and remote file access - nothing special.

Is there any other (better?) options out there these days? I don't want a project so I'm not interested in DIY solutions, so something that is comparable usability to my existing setup is preferred.

[Magnum 475]

Try this page:

https://uk.store.ui.com/uk/en/category/network-sto...

Nowhere near as many apps / options as Synology, but robust storage by a good brand. However, when you start buying Unifi kit, you may not stop.

[worsy]

Plus 1 - My Synology must be 12 years old now. Still works ok but updates are now not available.

[alock]

A new Synology would make keeping the old one as a backup very simple.
Can all be done with different brands, but you may find one brand simpler

[Mahalo]

I have run mutiple NAS system for over 10 years with mutiple Synology NAS and multiple QNAP ones.
I also run a lot of Unifi equipment for networking - in fact all my network kit is now Unifi.
If I was buying now I would probably go QNAP again particularly if you want to run Docker apps on the NAS.

[egomeister]

alock said:

A new Synology would make keeping the old one as a backup very simple.
Can all be done with different brands, but you may find one brand simpler

That would have been my initial thought (to relocate it to a family members place as an offsite backup), but since its end of life it doesn't get updates any longer so having it online is probably a bad idea

[egomeister]

Mahalo said:

I have run mutiple NAS system for over 10 years with mutiple Synology NAS and multiple QNAP ones.
I also run a lot of Unifi equipment for networking - in fact all my network kit is now Unifi.
If I was buying now I would probably go QNAP again particularly if you want to run Docker apps on the NAS.

How do you find the ease of use compares between QNAP and Synology? (from an IT numpty perspective)

[Mahalo]

egomeister said:

How do you find the ease of use compares between QNAP and Synology? (from an IT numpty perspective)

Both very similar in terms of ease of use. DSM on Synology is very similar to QTS on Qnap. Both present control screens that use similar terms etc. Qnap is the more feature rich. I should add however that I am not an IT numpty.

[geeks]

Have a look at Unraid if you are technically capable, gives alot more flexibility

[Uncle Meat]

I'm going to add another brand to the mix. I've got a 4 bay Asustor which I've had for years. It's great for my purposes although it's my first (and only) NAS and I bought it because it was relatively cheap! It did get good reviews too.

[worsy]

Magnum 475 said:

Try this page:

https://uk.store.ui.com/uk/en/category/network-sto...

Nowhere near as many apps / options as Synology, but robust storage by a good brand. However, when you start buying Unifi kit, you may not stop.

Bugger.

I have Unifi APs, Switches, Cameras, Gate Hardware(Gate controller and Intercom), running Protect, Access and Network. I have a unifi addiction and will now relapse.

[pteron]

The proper geek answer is TrueNAS - I have 40TB all under zfs.

[mmm-five]

I'd also consider one of the UGREEN NASync DXP options (DXP4800 Pro or DXP6800 Pro for 4 or 6 bay respectively).

https://ai-uk.ugreen.com/products/ugreen-nasync-dx...
https://ai-uk.ugreen.com/products/ugreen-nasync-dx...

[arandomstranger]

pteron said:

The proper geek answer is TrueNAS - I have 40TB all under zfs.

I've switched my primary NAS/Hypervisor/Docker from Synology to TrueNAS and it's great...but it's just not as polished as Synology. The only reason I swapped is that I needed more CPU horsepower, GPU and nVME storage.

[pteron]

arandomstranger said:

pteron said:

The proper geek answer is TrueNAS - I have 40TB all under zfs.

I've switched my primary NAS/Hypervisor/Docker from Synology to TrueNAS and it's great...but it's just not as polished as Synology. The only reason I swapped is that I needed more CPU horsepower, GPU and nVME storage.

I simply don't trust proprietary backup solutions.

Also, you know that synology et al were all built to the minimum viable spec, whilst I picked my hardware for headroom and long term viability.

[arandomstranger]

pteron said:

arandomstranger said:

pteron said:

The proper geek answer is TrueNAS - I have 40TB all under zfs.

I've switched my primary NAS/Hypervisor/Docker from Synology to TrueNAS and it's great...but it's just not as polished as Synology. The only reason I swapped is that I needed more CPU horsepower, GPU and nVME storage.

I simply don't trust proprietary backup solutions.

Also, you know that synology et al were all built to the minimum viable spec, whilst I picked my hardware for headroom and long term viability.

I meant from an OS and usability perspective. As a consumer grade device, I don't think Synology can be beaten. Once you get your head around TrueNAS it is excellent. But I'd only recommend it to a fellow geeks.

[egomeister]

mmm-five said:

I'd also consider one of the UGREEN NASync DXP options (DXP4800 Pro or DXP6800 Pro for 4 or 6 bay respectively).

https://ai-uk.ugreen.com/products/ugreen-nasync-dx...
https://ai-uk.ugreen.com/products/ugreen-nasync-dx...

UGREEN are pretty new to the NAS game aren't they? I'm a bit wary about how long they will support the devices for (particularly as I've not seen great things from Chinese tech like mobiles in this regard). The UGREEN stuff is definitely better value though

I'm actually pleasantly surprised to have got the best part of 10 years from the Synology

[Captain_Morgan]

Synology has been hit with a ransomware attack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFCuqRNYWso

https://www.synology.com/en-global/company/news/ar...


Most other platforms have been hit in there time but something to be aware of.

[butchstewie]

Realistically whatever you choose your biggest risk is if you expose it directly to the internet in any way.

I like Synology. I've not had great experiences with QNAP. If enough other people answer some will say the same some will say the exact opposite

[arandomstranger]

Captain_Morgan said:

Synology has been hit with a ransomware attack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFCuqRNYWso

https://www.synology.com/en-global/company/news/ar...


Most other platforms have been hit in there time but something to be aware of.

If you haven't patched your device for a couple of years...then it's sort of asking for it.