Key Takeaway: The network-attached storage market has been dominated by established players for decades, with Synology leading the pack for home and small business users. However, 2024 brought an unexpected challenger that has generated considerable attention: Ugreen's NASync series.
Known primarily for charging cables, power banks, and computer accessories, Ugreen has successfully entered the NAS market with their NASync series. Originally launched through a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $6,678,664 from 13,285 backers, the NASync lineup is now widely available through major retailers including Amazon, B&H, and Ugreen's direct sales channels. But can a newcomer really compete with Synology's two decades of NAS expertise?
The Hardware Showdown: Where Ugreen Flexes Its Muscles
Ugreen's Impressive Hardware Portfolio
Ugreen has made a strong entry into the NAS market with comprehensive hardware offerings. Their NASync series spans six models, from the entry-level 2-bay DXP2800 to the flagship 8-bay DXP8800 Plus, with a unique all-flash DXP480T Plus model for performance enthusiasts. All models are now available through Amazon, B&H Photo, and other major retailers.
Standout Hardware Features:
- Modern Intel processors: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads in premium models
- DDR5 memory: 4800MHz RAM, expandable up to 64GB on higher-tier models
- Dual 10GbE ports: Available on pro models, with link aggregation for 20Gbps bandwidth
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity: Dual TB4 ports on select models
- Generous M.2 slots: Up to 4 NVMe slots on the DXP480T Plus
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1235U |
| Memory | 8GB DDR5 RAM (expandable to 64GB) |
| Drive Bays | 6 SATA bays + 2 M.2 NVMe slots |
| Networking | Dual 10GbE ports |
| Current Price | $1,019 (discounted from $1,199) |
How Synology Stacks Up
Synology's approach has been more conservative on hardware while focusing on software excellence. Their comparable 6-bay DS1621+ features:
- AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core processor (2.2GHz)
- 4GB DDR4 ECC RAM (expandable to 32GB)
- Four 1GbE ports (10GbE expansion requires additional purchase)
- No Thunderbolt connectivity
- Standard HDMI output
For a detailed analysis of Synology's complete ecosystem, see our comprehensive Synology NAS review and business implementation guide.
Hardware Verdict: Ugreen delivers significantly more raw performance per dollar. The inclusion of dual 10GbE ports, Thunderbolt 4, and DDR5 memory in the base price represents exceptional value compared to Synology's offerings.
Software: The Great Divide
Synology's DSM: The Gold Standard
Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) represents over 20 years of refinement. It's where the company truly shines:
DSM Strengths:
- Comprehensive app ecosystem: Hundreds of first-party and third-party applications
- Enterprise features: Advanced snapshot technology, IP SAN support, comprehensive backup solutions
- Mobile integration: Polished iOS and Android apps for remote access
- Security: Robust user management, two-factor authentication, comprehensive logging
- Documentation: Extensive guides, tutorials, and community support
Ugreen's UGOS Pro: Promising but Developing
Ugreen's operating system shows promise but clearly needs time to mature:
UGOS Pro Current State:
- Clean interface: Modern, intuitive design reminiscent of DSM
- Essential features: File management, media streaming, Docker support
- Limited app selection: Currently, around 16 applications are available
- Missing enterprise features: No snapshot support, limited backup options, no IP SAN
- Active development: Regular OTA updates with new features planned
Upcoming UGOS Features (Roadmap):
- AI model management and LLM-based chatbot
- Enhanced photo organization with AI recognition
- Smart meeting summarization
- Improved monitoring and security tools
Software Verdict: Synology maintains a substantial advantage in software maturity, but Ugreen's development roadmap and modern architecture suggest the gap will narrow over time.
The Value Proposition Battle
Where Ugreen Wins
1. Hardware Price-to-Performance
Ugreen's DXP6800 Pro offers enterprise-grade hardware at prosumer prices. The dual 10GbE ports alone would cost hundreds to add to a Synology system.
2. No Vendor Lock-in
Unlike Synology's recent push toward “validated” drives, Ugreen supports any standard SATA drive or M.2 SSD, giving users complete flexibility in storage choices. This approach aligns with industry standards for storage device compatibility and reduces long-term costs.
3. Future-Proofing
The modern Intel processors, DDR5 memory, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity ensure these systems will remain relevant longer than competing Synology models. Thunderbolt 4's 40Gbps bandwidth provides substantial headroom for future expansion.
4. Third-Party OS Support
Ugreen officially supports installing alternative operating systems like TrueNAS or Unraid while maintaining hardware warranty coverage.
Where Synology Maintains Advantages
1. Software Ecosystem Maturity
DSM's comprehensive feature set and extensive app library remain unmatched for users who need turnkey solutions.
2. Enterprise Reliability
Two decades of enterprise deployments have proven Synology's reliability and support infrastructure. NAS systems often serve as the backbone of comprehensive business backup strategies, where reliability is paramount.
3. Global Support Network
Established support channels and worldwide service availability provide peace of mind for business deployments.
4. Long-term Updates
Synology's track record of providing software updates for 6+ years ensures long-term value.
Real-World Performance Insights
Based on early user reviews and testing, the performance story is nuanced:
Network Performance: Ugreen's dual 10GbE implementation delivers exceptional throughput, with users reporting sustained transfers exceeding 1GB/s in RAID configurations. This high-speed connectivity becomes especially valuable when upgrading your office network infrastructure to handle multi-gigabit speeds.
Processing Power: The modern Intel processors handle multiple 4K streams and Docker containers more efficiently than Synology's older AMD chips.
Storage Flexibility: Users appreciate the ability to mix different drive types and brands without compatibility warnings or restrictions.
Setup Experience: Both platforms offer guided setup, but Synology's process is more refined and has better error handling and troubleshooting guidance.
Target Audience Analysis
| Choose Ugreen If You: | Choose Synology If You: |
|---|---|
| Prioritize hardware performance and specifications | Need a mature, feature-complete software platform |
| Want maximum value for money | Require enterprise-grade backup and snapshot features |
| Plan to use third-party operating systems | Want extensive third-party app support |
| Need high-speed connectivity (10GbE, Thunderbolt 4) | Prioritize long-term support and stability |
| Have technical knowledge to work around software limitations | Prefer turnkey solutions over DIY configurations |
The Bigger Picture: Market Dynamics
Ugreen's entry represents more than just another NAS option—it reflects changing market demands. According to PCMag reader satisfaction surveys, Synology scores 9.2 out of 10 in overall satisfaction. Yet, Ugreen's successful transition from Kickstarter to mainstream retail availability demonstrates a significant appetite for alternatives, particularly as established companies implement restrictive hardware policies.
The NASync series is now readily available through Amazon, B&H Photo, Micro Center, and other major retailers, making it a viable mainstream alternative rather than a niche, crowdfunded product. This accessibility has positioned Ugreen as a legitimate competitor in the established NAS market.
Synology's recent moves toward vendor restrictions have prompted some customers to explore alternatives, creating an opportunity that Ugreen has addressed effectively. The newcomer's commitment to open hardware compatibility and competitive pricing targets key concerns with existing solutions.
Looking Forward: The Evolution Timeline
Short-term (6-12 months): Ugreen will focus on software development, adding missing enterprise features, and expanding its app ecosystem. Early adopters will help identify pain points and priority features.
Medium Term (1-2 years): Expect UGOS to reach feature parity with the current DSM in core functionality. Third-party developers will likely begin creating applications for the platform.
Long Term (2+ years): If Ugreen maintains their development pace and hardware innovation, they could become a legitimate alternative for business deployments, not just enthusiast projects.
The Bottom Line
Ugreen's NASync series represents the most credible challenge to Synology's dominance in years. Their hardware-first approach delivers exceptional value, but software maturity remains the key differentiator.
For users who prioritize cutting-edge hardware and don't mind some growing pains, Ugreen offers compelling advantages. However, those who need a fully-featured, enterprise-ready platform today should stick with Synology's proven ecosystem.
The real benefit of this competition is for consumers. Ugreen's market entry encourages innovation across the industry, potentially leading to better products and more competitive pricing from all NAS vendors.
Final Recommendation
Consider Ugreen if you prioritize cutting-edge hardware and have technical expertise in developing software. Choose Synology if you need comprehensive features and an established support infrastructure. Both approaches offer valid benefits depending on your specific requirements.
Where to Buy
Ugreen NASync Series: Available on Amazon's dedicated UGREEN store, B&H Photo, Micro Center, and Ugreen's official website. Current pricing ranges from $296 (DXP2800) to $1,274 (DXP8800 Plus). The mid-range UGREEN DXP4800 offers excellent value for small offices needing reliable 4-bay storage.
Synology DS1621+: Available through Amazon's Synology store, B&H Photo, and authorized Synology resellers. Typically priced around $799-899 for the diskless unit.
Whether you're considering upgrading from an existing Synology system or planning your first NAS purchase, both Ugreen and Synology offer compelling solutions available through major retailers today. The choice between cutting-edge hardware with developing software versus mature, feature-complete solutions represents an interesting decision point in the current storage market.
