About this Video

• Video Title: The Future of Synology NAS (ft. SpaceRex, Wundertech & Blackvoid)
• Channel: NASCompares
• Speakers: NASCompares, Will (SpaceRex), Frank (Wundertech), Luca (Black Void), Robbie
• Duration: 00:40:34

Introduction

This video discusses the Synology 2025 NAS lineup, focusing on hardware and software releases, drive compatibility issues, and comparisons with competitor brands like TerraMaster and UGREEN. The panelists offer their opinions and predictions for the future of Synology and its place in the NAS market.

Key Takeaways

• Synology's 2025 Lineup: The panelists generally agree that the new hardware releases are incremental spec bumps, with the DS925+ acting as a test release for new drive compatibility. The introduction of 2.5GbE is welcomed, while the removal of 10GbE upgrade options in some models is debated.
• Competitor Analysis: Competitors are attempting to mimic Synology's DSM, but they fall short in terms of overall user experience and long-term refinement. The UNAS Pro is cited as a potential exception due to its unique operating system.
• Active Protect vs. Active Backup for Business (ABB): Active Protect is viewed positively as a turnkey backup solution. Concerns exist regarding the future of ABB, with speculation about potential paywalls or feature stagnation in DSM 8.
• DSM 8 Expectations and Concerns: Panelists express desires for features like ZFS integration and improvements to Synology Drive, while voicing concerns about potential forced auto-updates and the creep of subscription services.
• Synology's Market Position: Despite recent setbacks, Synology's long-term refinement and user experience are considered significant advantages, positioning it well in the market, particularly once drive compatibility issues are resolved.

The transcript doesn't definitively declare a single "preferred" NAS for 2025 among the non-25+ models. However, the conversation indicates a preference for the DS1522+ over the DS923+ as a more worthwhile upgrade path, citing the significant increase in storage space (especially in RAID 5 configurations) and the inclusion of 8GB of RAM. The DS1821+ is also mentioned favorably; its performance is deemed sufficient for many users, even with a 2.5GbE card. The ultimate choice depends on individual needs and priorities.