Synology continues dominating the small business NAS market with mature software and reliable hardware, but 2025 significantly changes purchasing decisions.
Your business data is growing faster than ever, cloud storage costs are spiraling out of control, and you're tired of depending on services you can't control. Enter Synology NAS systems—the Swiss Army knife of business storage that promises to solve these headaches. But 2025 brings a controversial twist that's dividing the tech community and could dramatically impact your buying decision.
After testing the latest DS925+ and spending weeks analyzing Synology's dramatic policy shifts, we're cutting through the marketing noise to answer the critical question: Is Synology still the smart choice for small business storage, or have recent changes pushed it into overpriced territory?
Whether you're a five-person startup drowning in spreadsheets or a 50-employee company planning your next IT upgrade, this comprehensive review will help you avoid costly mistakes and make the right storage investment for your business.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Models | DS925+ ($620-630) for small business, DS1825+ (~$1,100-1,200) for larger teams |
| Major Change | 2025 models require Synology-approved drives only (40% cost increase) |
| Key Upgrade | Dual 2.5GbE networking replaces legacy 1GbE connections |
| Limitation | DS925+ lacks 10GbE upgrade option (unlike previous DS923+) |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 – Excellent for feature-rich business storage, limited for budget-focused deployments |
At a Glance
Our Verdict: Synology NAS systems deliver comprehensive business storage solutions with mature software and extensive features, making them ideal for growing companies that need more than basic file storage. However, recent drive compatibility restrictions increase costs and limit flexibility for budget-conscious businesses.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Mature, feature-rich DiskStation Manager (DSM) software
- Comprehensive business applications suite
- Strong security features and compliance tools
- Excellent integration ecosystem
- Reliable performance and long-term support
- 2.5GbE networking in the latest models
Cons
- Higher total cost due to proprietary drive requirements
- An aging processor architecture in some models
- Steep learning curve for basic storage needs
- Premium pricing compared to alternatives
- Drive flexibility restrictions starting in 2025
Quick Specifications
| Model | Bays | Price | Networking | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS925+ | 4-bay | $620-630 | Dual 2.5GbE | Small-medium business |
| DS1825+ | 8-bay | ~$1,100-1,200 | Dual 2.5GbE | Growing organizations |
| DS1523xs+ | 5-bay | ~$1,800 | 10GbE option | Performance-focused |
What Is Synology NAS?
Synology Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems are centralized storage devices that go far beyond simple file sharing. Built around the company's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, these devices function as complete business platforms offering file storage, backup services, collaboration tools, and even virtualization capabilities.
Unlike basic external drives or simple network storage, Synology NAS devices provide a comprehensive suite of business applications accessible through any web browser. This includes everything from automated backup solutions and file synchronization to video surveillance management and email servers.
The platform simultaneously addresses multiple business needs: centralizing file storage across teams, automating data backup and recovery, enabling secure remote access, and providing collaboration tools that rival cloud-based services. For businesses outgrowing basic storage solutions but not ready for enterprise-level infrastructure, Synology effectively bridges this gap.
For organizations considering their broader business software strategy, NAS systems represent a crucial component in maintaining data sovereignty while reducing cloud dependency.
Understanding DSM: The Heart of Synology
DiskStation Manager 7.2.2, Synology's current operating system (latest update February 2025), transforms basic storage hardware into a sophisticated business platform. The web-based interface provides access to hundreds of applications through the Package Center, allowing businesses to customize their NAS according to specific needs.
Key built-in applications include:
- Active Backup for Business: Comprehensive backup solution for computers, servers, and virtual machines
- Synology Drive: File synchronization and collaboration with real-time editing capabilities
- Surveillance Station: Professional video management with AI-powered analytics
- MailPlus: Self-hosted email server with advanced security features
- Synology Chat: Team communication platform with file sharing integration
Design and Build Quality
Synology's 2025 hardware lineup maintains the company's reputation for solid build quality while introducing modest improvements to address longstanding connectivity limitations.
Hardware Evolution
The DS925+, Synology's latest 4-bay model, features a compact design measuring 8.7 x 7.8 x 9.2 inches and weighing 7.5 pounds without drives. The unit's tool-free drive installation system allows easy maintenance and expansion, while the external power supply design lowers internal temperatures and reduces noise levels.
Significant improvements include dual 2.5GbE networking ports, replacing the legacy 1GbE connections that limited previous generations. However, the processing power remains modest with AMD's Ryzen V1500B quad-core processor from 2018, raising questions about long-term performance competitiveness.
Important note: Unlike the DS923+, the DS925+ does not support 10GbE expansion cards, limiting maximum network performance to 2.5GbE speeds.
Connectivity and Expansion
Modern connectivity options include:
- Dual 2.5GbE ports with link aggregation support
- Four USB 3.2 ports for external storage expansion
- USB-C port for high-speed external connections
- eSATA port for compatible external drives
- Expansion capability through DX523 units for additional storage
The inclusion of M.2 NVMe slots allows for SSD caching or dedicated high-speed storage pools, significantly improving performance for frequently accessed files.
Features and Performance
Storage Management and RAID Options
Synology's storage management shines through its Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) technology, which automatically optimizes storage efficiency when using drives of different sizes. This feature particularly benefits small businesses that may add storage incrementally over time.
Traditional RAID options (0, 1, 5, 6, 10) remain available for businesses with specific performance or redundancy requirements. The system supports 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA drives, providing flexibility for capacity and performance optimization.
Performance benchmarks for the DS925+:
- Sequential read speeds: Up to 522 MB/s
- Sequential write speeds: Up to 565 MB/s
- 4K random read IOPS: 4,800
- 4K random write IOPS: 4,200
These speeds represent significant improvements over previous generations, though real-world performance depends heavily on network infrastructure and drive selection.
Business Applications Suite
Backup and Data Protection
Active Backup for Business provides comprehensive protection for Windows and Linux systems, VMware environments, and Microsoft 365 data. The agentless backup approach minimizes system impact while offering flexible scheduling and retention policies.
File Sharing and Collaboration
Synology Drive offers real-time collaboration features comparable to Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive, but with complete data control. Teams can edit documents simultaneously, track version history, and sync files across devices while maintaining local data sovereignty.
Security and Access Control
Advanced user management supports Active Directory integration, two-factor authentication, and granular permission systems. The Security Advisor continuously scans for vulnerabilities and provides actionable recommendations for improving system security.
Screenshot
Virtualization Capabilities
Virtual Machine Manager allows businesses to run multiple operating systems on a single NAS unit, effectively consolidating server infrastructure. This capability proves particularly valuable for testing environments, legacy application support, or running specific business applications.
Docker support enables container-based application deployment, expanding the platform's capabilities through thousands of available container applications.
Critical 2025 Changes: Drive Compatibility
What This Means for Businesses
Approved Drive Options:
- Synology HAT3300 series (consumer-grade)
- Synology HAT5300 series (business-grade)
- Synology SAT5221 series (high-performance)
- Select certified third-party drives
Practical Implications:
- Higher initial storage costs due to proprietary drive premiums (approximately 40% more expensive than third-party alternatives)
- Reduced flexibility in emergency drive replacements
- Simplified warranty and support processes
- Potential performance optimizations through hardware-software integration
- Real-world impact: Users report difficulties with popular drives like Seagate IronWolf, which are no longer recognized by the system
Grandfathering Policy:
Existing drives from older Synology systems can be migrated to new units, though functionality may be limited and stability warnings may appear. This provides a transition path for current Synology users while effectively requiring new purchasers to use approved drives.
Performance Benefits and Trade-offs
Synology claims significant performance improvements with approved drives, including 29% faster sequential reads and 27% quicker RAID rebuild times. However, these benefits come at the cost of storage flexibility, which many businesses have traditionally valued.
This change fundamentally alters the value proposition for organizations with substantial existing drive investments or those prioritizing vendor flexibility. Budget-conscious businesses may need to consider whether the improved integration justifies the increased total cost of ownership.
Pricing and Value Analysis
Current Market Positioning
Synology's pricing reflects its premium positioning in the small business NAS market. The DS925+ starts at $620-630 without drives, requiring additional investment in approved storage media.
Total Cost Examples:
Small Business Setup (4-bay, 32TB usable):
- DS925+ unit: $630
- Four 8TB Synology drives: ~$800
- Total initial investment: ~$1,430
Medium Business Setup (8-bay, 64TB usable):
- DS1825+ unit: ~$1,100-1,200
- Eight 8TB Synology drives: ~$1,600
- Total initial investment: ~$2,700-2,800
Ongoing Costs:
- DSM software: Included with hardware
- Cloud backup storage: Optional, starting at $60/year
- Support plans: Available for enterprise customers
Cost Comparison Analysis
Synology provides significant value for small to medium businesses compared to enterprise solutions. A comparable enterprise storage array with similar capabilities would typically cost 3-5 times more and require specialized IT expertise for management.
However, Synology's premium becomes more apparent against simpler NAS solutions or cloud storage services. Organizations must weigh the comprehensive feature set against potentially higher costs for basic storage needs.
Competition and Alternatives
Direct Competitors
QNAP
QNAP offers similar functionality with more aggressive pricing and broader drive compatibility. However, the QTS operating system is generally considered less polished than DSM, and the company's security track record has faced scrutiny.
UniFi UNAS Pro
Ubiquiti's enterprise networking expertise translates to competent NAS solutions with excellent integration into UniFi ecosystems. Limited software capabilities and newer market presence represent potential concerns for business-critical deployments.
TrueNAS Scale
Based on open-source ZFS technology, TrueNAS provides enterprise-grade features at lower costs. However, the platform requires significant technical expertise and lacks the user-friendly applications that define Synology's appeal.
Cloud Storage Alternatives
Microsoft OneDrive for Business
Offers familiar integration with Microsoft 365 environments at predictable monthly costs. However, businesses lose local data control and face ongoing subscription expenses that may exceed NAS costs over time.
Google Workspace
Provides excellent collaboration tools and unlimited storage options for larger organizations. Similar to Microsoft's offering, the subscription model and cloud dependency may not suit all business requirements.
When to Choose Synology
Synology excels for businesses that:
- Need comprehensive data management beyond basic storage
- Value local data control and reduced cloud dependency
- Require integrated backup, collaboration, and security features
- Have technical staff capable of managing moderately complex systems
- Plan to scale storage requirements over time
Real-World Implementation Scenarios
Small Professional Services Firm (10-25 employees)
Challenge: Replace aging file server while adding modern backup and collaboration capabilities
Solution: DS925+ with automated backup of all workstations, Synology Drive for file sharing, and integrated security monitoring
Results: Eliminated Windows Server licensing costs, reduced backup complexity, and provided secure remote access during the shift to hybrid work arrangements
Growing Manufacturing Company (50+ employees)
Challenge: Centralize file storage across multiple departments while ensuring data protection and compliance
Solution: DS1825+ primary unit with secondary DS925+ for off-site replication, comprehensive backup scheduling, and departmental access controls. Note that the DS1825+ uses the same AMD Ryzen V1500B processor as the DS925+, maintaining consistency across the 2025 lineup.
Results: Consolidated five separate file servers, achieved sub-15-minute recovery objectives, and reduced overall storage costs by 35% while improving data protection
Creative Agency (15 employees)
Challenge: Manage large video files, enable remote collaboration, and protect intellectual property
Solution: DS1523xs+ with 10GbE networking, high-performance SSD caching, and encrypted file sharing for client access
Results: Improved project turnaround times through faster file access, enabled seamless remote collaboration, and enhanced client satisfaction through secure file sharing portals
Setup and Management
Initial Configuration
Synology's setup process ranks among the most straightforward in the business NAS category. The web-based installation wizard guides users through essential configuration steps, including RAID setup, user creation, and network configuration.
Typical setup timeline:
- Hardware assembly and drive installation: 30-60 minutes
- DSM installation and basic configuration: 1-2 hours
- Application installation and user setup: 2-4 hours
- Data migration from existing systems: Variable based on data volume
Ongoing Management
DSM's intuitive interface minimizes daily management requirements once properly configured. Regular tasks include:
- Monitoring storage capacity and performance through built-in dashboards
- Reviewing backup job status and adjusting schedules as needed
- Installing security updates through the automatic update system
- Managing user permissions and access rights as teams evolve
The Security Advisor provides ongoing guidance for maintaining optimal security configurations, while system notifications alert administrators to potential issues before they impact operations.
Performance in Business Environments
Network Infrastructure Considerations
Realizing Synology's full performance potential requires adequate network infrastructure. The inclusion of 2.5GbE networking in 2025 models addresses previous connectivity limitations, but businesses must ensure their switches and cabling support these speeds.
Infrastructure recommendations:
- Managed switches with 2.5GbE or 10GbE uplinks
- Cat6A cabling for optimal performance
- Sufficient internet bandwidth for cloud backup and remote access
- Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for data protection
Organizations planning comprehensive network security implementations should consider NAS integration as part of their broader infrastructure strategy.
Scalability and Growth Planning
Synology systems scale effectively through expansion units and capacity upgrades. The modular approach allows businesses to add storage incrementally without disrupting operations or requiring complete system replacement.
Scaling options:
- Drive capacity upgrades within existing bays
- Expansion units for additional storage bays
- Multiple NAS units for distributed storage or redundancy
- Cloud integration for off-site backup and disaster recovery
Security and Compliance Features
Built-in Security Measures
DSM incorporates comprehensive security features suitable for business environments:
- Advanced encryption support (AES-256, TLS 1.3)
- Two-factor authentication with mobile app support
- Automated security scanning and vulnerability assessment
- Firewall and VPN server capabilities
- Audit logging and access monitoring
Compliance Support
For businesses in regulated industries, Synology provides features supporting various compliance requirements:
- Data retention policies and automated deletion
- Audit trail generation for access and modification tracking
- Encryption at rest and in transit
- Access control documentation and reporting
While not certified for specific compliance standards, the platform provides tools necessary for maintaining regulatory requirements in most business environments.
Who Should Buy Synology NAS
Ideal Candidates
Growing Small Businesses
Companies with 10-100 employees that need comprehensive data management beyond basic file storage will find Synology's feature set well-suited to their evolving requirements.
Technology-Comfortable Organizations
Businesses with internal IT staff or technically inclined team members can fully leverage DSM's extensive capabilities and customize the platform to specific workflows.
Data-Sensitive Industries
Professional services, healthcare, legal, and financial organizations benefit from local data control and comprehensive security features that cloud solutions may not provide.
Existing Synology Users
Organizations with current Synology deployments gain consistency and simplified management by maintaining the same platform across all locations.
Consider Alternatives If
Basic Storage Needs Only
Businesses requiring simple file sharing without advanced features may find better value in simpler solutions or cloud storage services.
Extremely Budget-Conscious
Organizations where initial cost takes priority over features should evaluate alternatives with lower entry prices and broader drive compatibility.
Limited Technical Resources
Companies without technical staff may struggle with the platform's complexity and might benefit from managed cloud solutions or professional installation services.
High-Performance Computing
Businesses with extreme performance requirements may need purpose-built storage solutions rather than general-purpose NAS devices.
Final Verdict
Synology NAS systems represent mature, feature-rich solutions for businesses seeking comprehensive data management platforms. Combining reliable hardware, sophisticated DSM 7.2.2 software, and an extensive application ecosystem creates genuine value for organizations ready to move beyond basic storage solutions.
Bottom Line Recommendation
Choose Synology if your business values comprehensive functionality, local data control, and platform maturity over minimal initial costs. The investment pays dividends through reduced complexity, enhanced capabilities, and long-term reliability.
Consider alternatives if budget constraints are paramount, drive flexibility is essential, or your storage needs are primarily basic file sharing without requirements for advanced features.
For the right organization, Synology delivers exceptional value despite premium pricing. The key lies in understanding whether your business will utilize the platform's comprehensive capabilities or needs basic storage functionality.
Organizations considering broader technology investments should evaluate how NAS systems fit into their overall digital transformation strategy and budget planning.
This review reflects current product offerings and policies as of June 2025. All technical specifications, pricing, and DSM version information have been verified against official sources and recent user experiences. Technology specifications and pricing may change. We may earn affiliate commissions from purchases made through our links, which helps support our independent testing and reviews.
Sources:
– Official Synology DS925+ Product Page
– Gartner Peer Insights: Synology Reviews
