Unmatched stability and simplicity, but less powerful hardware.
Superior raw performance and expandability, but complex OS.
Good hardware and new OS, but software reliability needs confirmation.
👍 What we like
- ✓Intel Quick Sync hardware transcoding possible on Intel models (QNAP TS-464, UGREEN DXP4800), not on the DS923+ (AMD Ryzen).
- ✓Docker and virtual machine support (Virtual Machine Manager on Synology, Virtualization Station on QNAP) for homelab projects.
- ✓RAID 5/6 architecture for data security and fault tolerance.
👎 What to watch
- ✕Synology: High price for moderate hardware specs.
- ✕QNAP: QTS interface feels dated and has a steeper learning curve.
- ✕UGREEN: App ecosystem and updates are still under development.
🏆 Our picks
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UGREEN NASync DXP4800
Amazon · price and availability on the listing
See all our recommended gear in the shop.
📑 Contents ▾
Choosing a 4-bay NAS in 2026 is not just about storage capacity; it is a complex trade-off between software simplicity, raw processing power, and extension flexibility. For serious use cases involving virtualization, 4K streaming, and critical backups, entry-level models are no longer sufficient. You need an architecture capable of handling I/O loads without becoming a bottleneck. This guide analyzes three major players currently dominating the segment: the Synology DS423+, the QNAP TS-464, and the challenger UGREEN DXP4800. The goal is to determine which one integrates best into your homelab ecosystem, whether you are a Home Assistant user seeking a robust backend or a virtualization enthusiast running Proxmox.
Why this choice matters
Investing in a 4-bay NAS is based on precise technical criteria that directly impact the hardware’s longevity and utility. First, the CPU is the heart of the system. Unlike 2-bay units, 4-bay models often need to manage software RAID (ZFS or SHR) and virtualization services simultaneously. A CPU with good IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) and a sufficient number of cores is crucial to prevent system saturation during media indexing or snapshot creation.
Second, RAM management is a major friction point. While consumer NAS units often limit RAM to 4 GB soldered to the board, serious use in virtualization or with TrueNAS Scale requires at least 8 to 16 GB, ideally expandable. ECC (Error Correcting Code) RAM compatibility is a luxury reserved for some high-end models, but expandability via SO-DIMM DDR4/DDR5 slots has become an expected standard for “Pro” models.
Third, hardware acceleration for video transcoding (Intel QuickSync) remains indispensable for Plex or Jellyfin servers. Without it, a modern CPU must run at 100% to transcode a 4K HDR video, preventing any other tasks from running. Finally, 2.5GbE network connectivity is now the minimum standard to take advantage of SATA III and NVMe speeds, avoiding bottlenecks during large file transfers or VM backups.
Buying criteria
When selecting a NAS, prioritize the software ecosystem. Synology offers DSM, known for its stability and ease of use, while QNAP provides QTS, which is more technical but extremely feature-rich. UGREEN, with its new Linux Debian-based interface, attempts to bridge both worlds. You should also check bay compatibility: some units require specific caddies or precise mounting screws. The presence of M.2 ports for NVMe cache or direct storage can significantly accelerate Docker application and database performance. Finally, the ability to install a third-party OS like TrueNAS Core or Proxmox VE via workarounds (if you are comfortable with debugging) can be a decisive argument for open-source purists.
Recommended products overview
Synology DS423+
The Synology DS423+ embodies the “install and forget” philosophy. According to its spec sheet, it uses an Intel Celeron J4125 (4 cores): a modest processor next to its competitors, but DSM (DiskStation Manager) optimization partly makes up for this lack of raw power. Its sheet mentions built-in M.2 NVMe slots for cache or an SSD pool. Its 2 GB of DDR4 RAM can be expanded to 6 GB: a weakness for heavy virtualization, but enough for Docker and basic services. Since the processor is an Intel chip, Plex or Jellyfin Quick Sync acceleration is an option (check their documentation). Networking is limited to two 1GbE ports. Its SHR file system is flexible, allowing you to mix drives of different sizes. It is the choice for stability and simplicity, ideal for those who want to focus on their data rather than server maintenance. The DS923+ from the product card is Synology’s other 4-bay “Plus” model: AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores / 4 threads), 4 GB of DDR4 ECC expandable to 32 GB, 2 M.2 NVMe slots, 2 1GbE ports and a slot for the E10G22-T1-Mini 10GbE module, according to its sheet. Being an AMD chip, it has no Intel Quick Sync.
QNAP TS-464
The QNAP TS-464 is a performance-oriented powerhouse. It uses an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor (up to 2.9 GHz), more powerful than the DS423+‘s Celeron J4125. Its spec sheet lists two M.2 2280 PCIe Gen3 x1 slots, a PCIe Gen3 x2 slot (10GbE network card or QM2 M.2 adapter) and DDR4 memory expandable up to 16 GB. This RAM expandability makes it suitable for a few virtual machines under Virtualization Station. The QTS interface is more complex with a steeper learning curve, but it offers granular control over every aspect of the system. On the video side, its sheet lists 4K H.264 hardware decoding and real-time transcoding, plus an HDMI 2.0 output up to 4K 60 Hz. It is the choice for power users who want to maximize hardware performance.
UGREEN NASync DXP4800
UGREEN entered the market with the DXP4800, offering an attractive alternative with an Intel N100 quad-core processor, according to the manufacturer’s page. This CPU is energy-efficient. Its operating system, UGOS Pro (Linux-based), promises greater transparency and good compatibility with native Docker containers. The manufacturer’s page lists 8 GB of DDR5, two M.2 slots and two 2.5GbE ports. Although the brand is newer to the NAS sector, its hardware specs are solid. Integration with Home Assistant and modern virtualization tools is facilitated by the more “open” nature of its OS. It is the choice for those seeking a good price-to-performance ratio with a more technical and modern approach. Its DXP4800 Plus variant moves to an Intel Pentium Gold 8505 (5 cores), 8 GB of DDR5 expandable to 64 GB and a 10GbE port alongside a 2.5GbE port, according to its sheet.
Comparison table
| Criterion | Synology DS423+ | QNAP TS-464 | UGREEN DXP4800 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Celeron J4125 (4 cores) | Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 (4 cores) | Intel N100 (4 cores) |
| RAM | 2 GB DDR4 (expandable to 6 GB) | DDR4, expandable to 16 GB | 8 GB DDR5 (maximum: see spec sheet) |
| NVMe Bays | Built-in M.2 NVMe (Cache/Storage) | 2x M.2 + PCIe slot (QM2 adapter) | 2x M.2 (Cache/Storage) |
| Network | 2x 1GbE | 2x 2.5GbE | 2x 2.5GbE |
| Transcoding | Intel processor (see spec sheet) | 4K H.264 in real time (spec sheet) | Intel processor (see spec sheet) |
| OS | DSM (Proprietary, Stable) | QTS (Complex, Powerful) | UGOS Pro (Linux) |
Note: Prices are indicative and vary by promotions and regions. You can find these models on Amazon, often bundled with hard drives.
Use cases
For pure media libraries, the Synology DS423+ is often the best choice thanks to DSM and Plex, both simple to set up. The simplicity of configuring SMB and NFS shares facilitates access from TVs and Android boxes. If you have a massive 4K collection and little time for maintenance, go with Synology.
For homelab and virtualization, the QNAP TS-464 dominates. The ability to add RAM (up to 16 GB) and to use its two M.2 slots, plus a QM2 adapter in its PCIe slot, for an SSD pool makes it a solid base. You can run Home Assistant OS and a backup server on it as virtual machines. For video, its sheet lists real-time 4K H.264 transcoding, without giving a number of simultaneous streams.
The balanced / tight budget profile leans toward the UGREEN DXP4800. If you are comfortable with Linux and want a powerful machine (N100) at a lower price, it is an excellent option. Its Debian-based OS facilitates the installation of complex Docker services without the restrictions sometimes seen with Synology. It is also a good choice for those who want to experiment with newer technologies without investing in a high-end QNAP solution.
Pitfalls to avoid
A common pitfall is underestimating the amount of RAM needed for virtualization. Buying a NAS with 4 GB of RAM to run multiple VMs is a mistake. Always plan for RAM expansion from the start if you intend to virtualize. Another pitfall is ignoring hard drive compatibility. Some NAS units have Hard Drive Compatibility Lists (HCL) that guarantee better stability, especially in ZFS RAID. Always check compatibility before buying your drives. Finally, do not neglect the 3-2-1 backup rule. A NAS is not a backup. Invest in cloud storage or an external USB drive for your critical data.
Verdict
The final choice depends on your administration philosophy. If you want a tool that just works and you don’t want to spend your time troubleshooting, the Synology DS423+ remains the reference, despite its RAM limitations. For those who want raw power and maximum flexibility, the QNAP TS-464 is unbeatable, offering an excellent price-to-performance ratio for power users. Finally, the UGREEN DXP4800 represents a promising alternative for those seeking a more modern and open experience, with competitive hardware at an attractive price. Whatever your choice, ensure you properly configure your snapshots and external backups to protect your data. For more details on optimal configurations, consult our guides on /comparatifs/ and /materiel-recommande/.