Best NAS for Small Business 2026: Synology, UGREEN & UniFi Compared

The small business NAS market has shifted considerably. UGREEN's aggressive hardware push has exposed the aging internals of Synology's flagship models, while Ubiquiti's UniFi UNAS line has introduced a new option for IT-managed offices.

The Cheat Sheet:

Read on for the detailed analysis.

Synology DS925+: Trusted Software, Dated Hardware

Price: ~$640 | Bays: 4 (expandable to 9) | Networking: Dual 2.5GbE

Synology prioritizes software stability over cutting-edge hardware. DiskStation Manager remains the most polished NAS operating system available, with an extensive app ecosystem and excellent documentation.

The Hardware Reality:

The DS925+ runs on AMD's Ryzen Embedded V1500B—a quad-core processor released in 2018. For straightforward file sharing and backup, it performs adequately. But compared to the Intel chips in UGREEN's lineup, it shows its age:

• No hardware video transcoding (Plex users will hit CPU limits quickly)
• Slower performance for Docker containers and virtual machines
• Less efficient power draw relative to performance

More concerning: Synology removed the PCIe expansion slot from the DS925+. Unlike the older DS923+, you cannot add a 10GbE card later. If you need 10GbE, the dual 2.5GbE ports with link aggregation are your only option—or you need to buy a higher-tier model.

Where Synology Excels:

• DSM software: The backup solutions, photo management, and surveillance apps are best-in-class
• Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR): Unlike standard RAID, SHR lets you mix drive sizes and expand storage without wiping drives—ideal for businesses that add capacity gradually
• QuickConnect + Tailscale: Easy remote access without complex VPN setup
• Long-term support: Software updates for 6+ years; established VAR channels for enterprise support

For a deeper look at Synology's ecosystem, see our comprehensive Synology NAS business guide.

Check Synology DS925+ Price

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UGREEN DXP4800 Plus: The Hardware Leader

Price: ~$560-700 | Bays: 4 | Networking: 1× 10GbE + 1× 2.5GbE

UGREEN's DXP4800 Plus represents the clearest value proposition in the 4-bay NAS category. For roughly the same price as the DS925+, you get significantly more capable hardware—including 10GbE out of the box.

What Sets It Apart:

• Intel Pentium Gold 8505: 5-core hybrid architecture outperforms the Synology's 2018 AMD chip significantly
• Built-in 10GbE: No add-on cards needed; the second 2.5GbE port enables network segmentation
• 8GB DDR5 RAM: Expandable to 64GB for memory-intensive workloads
• Power efficiency: The Intel chip draws less power and generates less heat than the older Ryzen, reducing office cooling costs
• No drive restrictions: Use any compatible SATA or NVMe drive

Why M.2 Slots Matter:

The two NVMe slots enable SSD caching, which dramatically speeds up multi-user access to frequently-used files. If your team runs QuickBooks, databases, or collaborative documents, SSD cache eliminates the lag of spinning drives.

Where UGREEN Falls Short:

UGOS PRO is functional but noticeably less polished than DSM. The app ecosystem is smaller, documentation is thinner, and some enterprise features (like advanced snapshot management) are still in development.

Support & Compliance Considerations:

UGREEN lacks established enterprise support channels—most purchases go through Amazon or Newegg with standard consumer warranty. For businesses with strict compliance requirements (HIPAA, localized data sovereignty), UGREEN's newer entry into the market may require deeper security vetting compared to Synology's proven track record. Using non-listed RAM or drives may also void support.

For a detailed comparison, see our UGREEN vs Synology NAS analysis.

Check UGREEN DXP4800 Plus Price

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UniFi UNAS Pro 8: Exceptional Value, With Caveats

Price: $799 | Bays: 8 | Networking: 2× 10G SFP+ + 10G RJ45

The UNAS Pro 8 offers a remarkable hardware proposition: eight hot-swap bays and triple 10GbE connectivity at a price point typically associated with 4-bay systems. For IT-managed offices already running UniFi infrastructure, it's a compelling option.

The Hardware:

• Eight 3.5" bays plus two internal M.2 NVMe slots
• 16GB RAM
• Three 10GbE ports (two SFP+, one RJ45)
• Redundant 550W hot-swap power supply
• 2U rackmount form factor

The Integration Story:

UniFi OS consolidates storage, network, and camera management into a single interface. If you're already running UniFi switches, access points, and Protect cameras, adding UNAS means one fewer management platform to maintain.

Software Limitations:

UniFi's NAS software is functional but young. It handles the basics—file sharing, user management, backup targets—but lacks the depth of DSM or even UGOS PRO.

For setup guidance, see our complete UniFi NAS business guide.

Check UniFi UNAS Pro 8 Price

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What Actually Matters in 2026

Several developments are worth understanding as you evaluate options:

10GbE Is No Longer Optional for Growing Businesses

WiFi 7 access points, modern workstations, and video workflows easily saturate gigabit connections. UGREEN includes 10GbE in the DXP4800 Plus base price. The DS925+ lacks even an upgrade path—the removed PCIe slot essentially disqualifies it for video editing teams.

Drive Policies Have Normalized

Synology's initial push toward branded-only drives created friction, but DSM 7.3 effectively reversed the policy. All three vendors now support third-party drives without feature limitations.

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Security & Business Continuity

For small businesses, data protection often matters more than raw performance. Here's how the options compare:

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The Full Lineup

Synology DS+ Series

UGREEN NASync Series

UniFi UNAS Series

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Storage Sizing

Use this formula:

Usable Capacity = (Number of Drives - 1) × Drive Size (RAID 5)

Plan for 2× your current data to accommodate growth.

Get iDrive Business Backup

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Making the Decision

Schedule a 10-Minute NAS Sizing Call

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Synology DS925+ worth buying in 2026?

For straightforward file storage and backup, the DS925+ remains a solid choice thanks to Synology's mature software. However, the AMD V1500B processor dates to 2018 and struggles with Plex transcoding, heavy Docker workloads, and virtualization. If those matter to you, the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus offers more capable hardware for similar money.

Can I upgrade the DS925+ to 10GbE later?

No. Synology removed the PCIe expansion slot from the DS925+. Your only option is dual 2.5GbE with link aggregation (theoretical 5Gbps). If 10GbE is on your roadmap, consider the DS1525+ or the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus, which includes 10GbE out of the box.

Is UGREEN's software reliable enough for business use?

UGOS PRO handles the essentials: file sharing, user management, Docker, and media streaming. But it's noticeably less polished than Synology's DSM. Documentation is thinner, the app ecosystem is smaller, and you'll occasionally hit rough edges. If you're comfortable troubleshooting or have IT support, it's fine. For hands-off operation, Synology is still the safer choice.

Is the UniFi UNAS Pro 8 too loud for an office?

Yes, unless you have a dedicated server closet or IT room. The UNAS Pro 8 is a 2U rackmount with enterprise-grade cooling fans. It belongs in a rack, not under a desk. If you want a quiet desktop option in the UniFi ecosystem, wait for the UNAS 4 (expected Q1 2026).

Which NAS offers the best value in 2026?

The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus delivers the most hardware per dollar: Intel Pentium Gold 8505, 8GB DDR5, and built-in 10GbE for around $600. Synology charges a similar price for a 2018 CPU and no 10GbE option.

Should I use a NAS or cloud storage for my business?

Both. A NAS gives you fast local access, one-time cost, and full data privacy. Cloud storage provides offsite redundancy for disaster recovery. The practical approach: use your NAS for active data and script nightly backups to cold cloud storage like iDrive or Backblaze B2.