Neither UGREEN nor Synology is automatically the better home-server choice. Match the models to the work you need them to do, then compare bay count, hardware, networking, software support, drive compatibility and the full cost of enclosure plus drives. UGREEN’s DXP4800 Plus is a useful four-bay example, but its comparison with Synology’s DS923+ is a manufacturer’s claim—not an independent performance test.
Start with the job, not the brand
A NAS used mainly for shared files and computer backups has different needs from one expected to run media services, photo apps, containers or virtual machines. Make a shortlist around your actual workload and compare models with the same number of drive bays. UGREEN’s NASync series comparison covers products across multiple bay counts; a two-bay unit is not a like-for-like alternative to a four-bay server.
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- File storage and backups: Check the backup software and sharing features you intend to use, plus the storage capacity you need.
- Media and direct display: Check the model’s media capabilities and connections. UGREEN’s DXP4800 Plus page lists 4K HDMI as a feature of that specific model.
- Containers or virtual machines: Confirm support for the exact NAS model and required apps. Support is not uniform across UGREEN’s range.
What the DXP4800 Plus versus DS923+ comparison tells you
UGREEN compares its four-bay DXP4800 Plus with Synology’s DS923+ on its DXP4800 Plus product page. The following are UGREEN’s product descriptions and comparative claims; they are not independent measurements.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems| Comparison point | UGREEN DXP4800 Plus, as described by UGREEN | Synology DS923+, as described by UGREEN |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Five-core Intel Pentium Gold 8505 | Dual-core AMD Ryzen R1600 |
| Networking | Built-in 10GbE plus 2.5GbE | UGREEN says 10GbE requires an add-in card |
| Video output | 4K HDMI | UGREEN says it lacks 4K HDMI |
| Software and ecosystem | UGREEN characterizes UGOS Pro as less mature | UGREEN characterizes DSM as more mature and Synology’s first-party app ecosystem as larger |
| Backup software track record | UGREEN says Synology has a longer track record with Active Backup for Business | UGREEN’s comparative statement; current product availability and suitability should be checked with Synology |
These specifications can help identify questions to investigate, but they do not establish which NAS is faster in a particular home setup. Check the current specifications and feature matrices for the exact models you are considering, especially if a particular port, application or workload is decisive.
#1 Best Overall
- Entry-level NAS Personal Storage：UGREEN NAS DH2300 is your first and best NAS made easy. It is designed for beginners who want a simple, private way to store videos, photos and personal files, which is intuitive for users moving from cloud storage or external drives and move away from scattered date across devices. This entry-level NAS 2-bay perfect for personal entertainment, photo storage, and easy data backup (doesn't support Docker or virtual machines).
- Set Your Devices Free, Expand Your Digital World: This unified storage hub supports massive capacity up to 64TB.*Storage drives not included. Stop Deleting, Start Storing. You can store 22 million 3MB images, or 2 million 30MB songs, or 43K 1.5GB movies or 67 million 1MB documents! UGREEN NAS is a better way to free up storage across all your devices such as phones, computers, tablets and also does automatic backups across devices regardless of the operating system—Window, iOS, Android or macOS.
- The Smarter Long-term Way to Store: Unlike cloud storage with recurring monthly fees, a UGREEN NAS enclosure requires only a one-time purchase for long-term use. For example, you only need to pay $459.98 for a NAS, while for cloud storage, you need to pay $719.88 per year, $2,159.64 for 3 years, $3,599.40 for 5 years. You will save $6,738.82 over 10 years with UGREEN NAS! *NAS cost based on DH2300 + 12TB HDD; cloud cost based on 12TB plan (e.g. $59.99/month).
- Blazing Speed, Minimal Power: Equipped with a high-performance processor, 1GbE port, and 4GB RAM on Board, this NAS handles multiple tasks with ease. File transfers reach up to 125MB/s—a 1GB file takes only 8 seconds. Don't let slow clouds hold you back; they often need over 100 seconds for the same task. The difference is clear.
- Let AI Better Organize Your Memories: UGREEN NAS uses AI to tag faces, locations, texts, and objects—so you can effortlessly find any photo by searching for who or what's in it in seconds. It also automatically finds and deletes similar or duplicate photo, backs up live photos and allows you to share them with your friends or family with just one tap. Everything stays effortlessly organized, powered by intelligent tagging and recognition.
UGOS Pro and DSM: compare the software you will actually use
UGOS Pro is UGREEN’s operating system for its NAS devices. UGREEN’s UGOS Pro system guide describes storage and RAID management, App Center, remote access, image classification, Docker applications and virtual machines. The guide applies to DH, DX, DXP and iDX series devices running firmware 1.18.0.0076 or later, and it notes feature differences by model.
UGREEN’s software FAQ says current DXP models support Docker, the DH2300 does not, and only DXP models support Virtual Machine Manager. The system guide adds that DH-series devices do not support virtual machines, the DH2300 4GB version does not support Docker, and some named AI app features are unavailable on DXP, DX and DH series. Treat these as model- and firmware-sensitive details; verify the current feature matrix before buying.
Rank #2
- 【Advanced Home Data & Media Hub】For advanced home users who need phone backup, file storage, and centralized data management. Centralize family photos, 4K videos, movies, computer backups, and personal files in one place while running multiple apps for home entertainment and everyday data management. Suitable for households with growing digital libraries and multiple NAS use cases.
- 【Built for Creators, Media Servers & Advanced Apps】Powered by the Intel N100 Quad-Core CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 2.5GbE networking, and dual M.2 NVMe slots, DXP2800 handles large files and heavier workloads with ease. Run Docker, virtual machines, and media server applications compatible with Plex—ideal for content creators, tech enthusiasts, and advanced home users managing 4K videos, RAW photos, personal media libraries, and multiple NAS apps.
- 【Up to 80TB for Growing Digital Libraries】 Supports up to 80TB of storage using two HDD bays and two M.2 NVMe SSD slots for family photos, movies, RAW photos, 4K videos, work files, and device backups. AI photo management supports recognition of people, objects, scenes, and locations, album organization, and duplicate photo detection. HDDs and SSDs are not included.
- 【AI-powered Home Surveillance】Turn DXP2800 into a centralized home surveillance hub by connecting compatible network cameras and storing recordings locally on your NAS. AI-powered features include Face Recognition, People Detection, and Pet Detection, helping advanced home users review important events more efficiently while managing home surveillance and personal data in one place.
- 【One data Center Across Your Devices】Keep files from desktops, laptops, phones, tablets, and other devices together instead of scattered across cloud accounts and external drives. Access, back up, organize, and share data across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, web browsers, and compatible smart TVs—ideal for creators and advanced home users working across multiple devices.
For DSM, UGREEN itself says Synology’s software is more mature and its first-party app selection is larger. That is UGREEN’s characterization, not an independent assessment of Synology’s current software. If you rely on a specific first-party application or backup workflow, confirm its current compatibility and requirements directly for the Synology model under consideration rather than deciding from a general ecosystem claim.
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Check sharing and remote access requirements
UGREEN lists SMB, NFS, WebDAV, FTP and SFTP support. Its software FAQ says the relevant services must be enabled and folder permissions granted. Protocol support by itself does not make a NAS accessible from outside the home network; remote access and network configuration are separate considerations.
Rank #3
- 【High-Performance Multitasking for Speed & Endurance】Powered by AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514, 4 cores, 8 threads, and up to 3.70GHz, with 8GB DDR4 RAM expandable to 64GB, DXP4800 GT handles backups, media processing, Docker apps, and multi-user workloads smoothly. Dual 10GbE networking and high-speed SSD expansion deliver fast transfers, stable streaming, rapid backups, and local-like 4K/8K editing directly from the NAS.
- 【UGOS Pro with Expandable Media & App Ecosystem】UGOS Pro makes NAS management simple with guided setup, a clean interface, and helpful on-screen tips. Beyond files, photos, backup, and search, it supports Docker, virtual machines, and SAN Manager, letting users expand into Plex, Emby, Jellyfin, Home Assistant, web hosting, and other self-hosted workflows—all managed through the UGREEN NAS app across phone, tablet, computer, and TV.
- 【Surveillance Center Built-In】Connect compatible IP cameras to DXP4800 GT and turn your NAS into both the storage drive and control center for home or small-business security. UGREEN Surveillance Center only supports ONVIF/RTSP cameras, live multi-view, PTZ control, event detection, recording, and timeline playback from one NAS-based platform. Footage stays stored locally, so you can review, manage, and share access without separate camera apps or cloud subscriptions.
- 【USB & SD Instant Backup】Built-in SD card slot lets creators import photos and videos without an external card reader. Simply insert an SD card into the NAS, open the UGREEN NAS app, and copy or back up files to your selected folder in just a few clicks. Combined with USB-A 10Gbps, USB-C 10Gbps, USB 2.0, and 4K HDMI connectivity, DXP4800 GT helps you quickly transfer camera footage, media assets, or surveillance files—saving time and simplifying your workflow without relying on a computer.
- 【Local Privacy, Pro-Grade Security】Store files locally on DXP4800 GT instead of third-party cloud servers, with local account mode for LAN-only access when needed. TLS/SSL, RSA, AES, and SHA-512 help secure logins and data transfers, while Security Manager, and flexible permissions provide continuous protection. RAID support adds data redundancy to help reduce the risk of data loss and improve file recovery in the event of drive failure.
Budget for drives and compatibility
The DXP4800 Plus is sold diskless, according to UGREEN, so the enclosure price is not the cost of a working storage system. UGREEN directs buyers to its NAS operating-system and support information and the model’s official HDD/SSD compatibility list before selecting drives. Check the list for the exact enclosure and drive pairing, then include drive costs and any networking or power accessories in the total.
Plan capacity and redundancy around the data and recovery needs you have; RAID mode is a storage configuration, not a substitute for a separate backup. UGREEN’s current series page also shows different models, bundles and accessories, but displayed prices can change and vary by market, so compare current local prices for the enclosure and the complete drive set.
Rank #4
- Entry-level NAS Home Storage: The UGREEN NAS DH4300 Plus is an entry-level 4-bay NAS that's ideal for home media and vast private storage you can access from anywhere and also supports Docker but not virtual machines. You can record, store, share happy moment with your families and friends, which is intuitive for users moving from cloud storage, or external drives to create your own private cloud, access files from any device.
- Smart Photo Backup & AI Album: Automatically back up photos and videos from your phone in real time and keep growing family memories organized with AI-powered photo albums. Semantic search, custom learning, and recognition of people, objects, pets, and similar photos help you quickly find the moments you want. Duplicate photo removal also helps keep your library organized—ideal for families and users with large photo collections.
- User-Friendly App & Easy Setup: Connect quickly via NFC, set up simply and share files fast on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, web browsers, and smart TVs. You can access data remotely from any of your mixed devices. What's more, UGREEN NAS enclosure comes with beginner-friendly user manual and video instructions to ensure you can easily take full advantage of its features.
- More Cost-effective Storage Solution: Unlike cloud storage with recurring monthly fees, A UGREEN NAS enclosure requires only a one-time purchase for long-term use. For example, you only need to pay $629.99 for a NAS, while for cloud storage, you need to pay $719.88 per year, $1,439.76 for 2 years, $2,159.64 for 3 years, $7,198.80 for 10 years. You will save $6,568.81 over 10 years with UGREEN NAS! *NAS cost based on DH4300 Plus + 12TB HDD; cloud cost based on 12TB plan (e.g. $59.99/month).
- Your Data, You Control：No third-party clouds, no hidden access, UGREEN NAS provides a more secure and private data storage solution. It stores data locally on your private hard drives and does automatic backups. Thus, you can keep full control over it. The advanced encryption is TRUSTe certified in the United States and is awarded the first (and only) ETSI EN 303 645 certification mark for NAS products by TÜV SÜD Group.
A practical way to choose
- Write down the workload: list file sharing, backup, media, photos, containers or virtual machines you expect to use.
- Set the required capacity and bay count: compare models with similar bay counts and a drive plan that fits your needs.
- Verify must-have software: check current support for the exact apps and model, including model-specific restrictions on Docker and virtual machines.
- Compare hardware details: confirm processor, memory, built-in network ports, expansion options and direct connections on each current product page.
- Check the drive list and total cost: price compatible drives, networking additions and any accessories alongside the diskless or bundled enclosure.
- Choose on the trade-off that matters most: favor the model whose verified features, software and full cost best fit your home-server workload.
Who should lean toward each brand?
Consider UGREEN when
- A specific UGREEN model’s built-in networking or connections suit your setup, and you have verified the details for that model.
- You are comfortable checking UGOS Pro’s model-specific software support against the apps and workloads you need.
- You have accounted for drives separately if considering the diskless DXP4800 Plus.
Consider Synology when
- The software ecosystem and first-party apps are central to your decision, after confirming the exact app and model fit.
- You are comparing equivalent bay counts and have verified current hardware, networking and expansion details for the Synology model.
- The complete system cost and the software workflow make more sense for your needs than the competing UGREEN model.
Verdict
For a home server, choose by workload and model rather than brand reputation or one vendor’s comparison. The DXP4800 Plus and DS923+ offer a concrete four-bay comparison, but UGREEN’s performance and ecosystem descriptions should be treated as vendor claims. The better purchase is the model that supports your required apps, has the ports and capacity you need, and remains the better value after compatible drives are included.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High-Performance NAS with Powerful Procesor: DXP4800 Plus is ideal for small offices, & More. You can enjoy smooth performance and seamless collaboration, while making use of advanced features like Docker and virtual machines. It works semalessly across every device inluding Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android or Google services and so on.
- Better Way to Store Than External Drives: NAS offers centralized storage, automatic backups, remote access, and a wide range of RAID options for easy data recovery even if a drive fails. Massive Storage Capacity: Never worry about storage limits again. With up 144TB capacity, you can store 50 million 1MB photos or 98K 1.5GB movies，5 million 30MB songs! *Hard Drives not included.
- Super-Fast Transfers: Back up 1GB in less than a second using either the 10GbE network port or the 10Gbps USB ports.
- Secure Private Cloud: Retain 100% data ownership with advanced encryption to protect your files. Flexible permission management makes it easy to protect your privacy when collaborating with others.
- AI-Powered Photo Album: Automatically organizes your photos by recognizing faces, scenes, objects, and locations. It can also instantly remove duplicates, freeing up storage space and saving you time.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
