NAS vs Mini-PC 2026: The Showdown for Your Homelab

In 2026, self-hosting at home continues to appeal to tech enthusiasts and privacy-conscious users alike. For media solutions like Plex or Docker environments, two types of devices dominate the conversation: NAS (Network Attached Storage) and Mini-PC. NAS devices focus on simplicity, reliability, and out-of-the-box software integration, while Mini-PC offers raw power and unmatched flexibility for advanced users. But how do you choose between these two approaches? This guide explores the technical differences, pros and cons of each, focusing on three specific models: the Synology DS923+, the QNAP TS-664, and the UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus. It will help you identify which best fits your project, whether you’re setting up a family homelab, a dedicated Plex server, or a complex Docker environment.

Why this choice matters

For a homelab, the choice between a NAS and a Mini-PC goes beyond a simple performance or price comparison. It directly impacts the daily management of your services, the scalability of your infrastructure, and even the energy efficiency of your setup. A NAS like the Synology DS923+ is ideal for those seeking a reliable, easy-to-administer solution that naturally integrates into a storage ecosystem. Its AMD Ryzen R1600 processor, ECC RAM, and extended warranty make it a robust choice for standard usage.

In contrast, a more performance-oriented NAS like the QNAP TS-664 or UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus delivers superior processing power, often required for real-time video transcoding or virtualization. The TS-664, with its Intel N5095 processor and PCIe slot, allows you to add hardware components (network cards, NVMe adapters) to tailor the machine to specific needs. Network connectivity is a frequently underestimated factor: a Plex or Docker homelab can quickly saturate 1GbE Ethernet ports, especially when handling large file transfers or multiple simultaneous media streams. 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports then become a major asset to avoid bottlenecks.

Finally, HDMI output on certain models (TS-664 and DXP4800 Plus) enables local or graphical use, which can be useful for specific setups like a multimedia server with a visual user interface. These technical elements define the true potential of your homelab, far beyond simple power or throughput figures.

Buying criteria

Here are the essential criteria to consider when choosing between a NAS and a Mini-PC in 2026. Number of SATA bays: more bays allow you to store additional data without relying on external expansions. PCIe slots: a PCIe slot enables adding hardware components like extra network cards or NVMe storage adapters. Network ports: 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports offer higher throughput than 1GbE, which is critical for large file transfers or simultaneous media streams. HDMI output: allows direct connection to a display for local use or specific configurations like a multimedia server with a graphical interface.

To rank the products, we analyzed their specifications based on typical homelab use cases: storage, transcoding, virtualization, and expandability. The QNAP TS-664 stands out with its PCIe slot and 2.5GbE network connectivity, making it a better fit for advanced users. The Synology DS923+ and UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus offer compelling alternatives depending on whether you prioritize simplicity or power, but their lack of a PCIe slot may limit hardware expansion possibilities.

Presentation of the 3 recommended products

1. Synology DS923+

The Synology DS923+ is a 4-bay NAS designed for simple and secure use. Its AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core processor provides sufficient power for standard Plex and Docker homelab setups, with ECC RAM expandable up to 32GB. The lack of a PCIe slot limits hardware expansion options, but its specifications ensure optimal stability for everyday tasks. It’s ideal for users who prioritize reliability and an intuitive user interface.

2. QNAP TS-664

The QNAP TS-664 is a 6-bay NAS with a PCIe Gen3 x2 slot. Its Intel N5095 processor is more powerful than the DS923+‘s, enabling real-time video transcoding and handling multiple simultaneous media streams. It features two 2.5GbE ports, offering superior network connectivity. The PCIe slot allows adding hardware components like additional network cards or NVMe storage adapters. Its HDMI output makes it a versatile device, capable of serving both as a network server and a local multimedia solution.

3. UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus

The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus features an Intel Pentium Gold 8505 5-core processor, delivering more processing power than the DS923+‘s. It lacks a PCIe slot, which limits hardware expansion options. Its HDMI output enables local or graphical use; for demanding transcoding workloads, check the manufacturer’s spec sheet.

Comparison table

Criteria	Synology DS923+	QNAP TS-664	UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus
Processor	AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core (4-thread)	Intel N5095	Intel Pentium Gold 8505 5-core
RAM	4GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM (up to 32GB)	see specs	8GB DDR5 (up to 64GB)
SATA bays	4	6	4
Network connectivity	2 x 1GbE (up to 10GbE)	2 x 2.5GbE	1 x 10GbE and 1 x 2.5GbE
HDMI output	No	Yes	Yes

Processor and RAM specifications are performance indicators, but actual efficiency depends on installed applications and software optimization. SATA bays and network ports are key elements for storage and connectivity, but their real-world impact varies based on specific workloads. PCIe slots enable hardware expansion, a major advantage for advanced projects.

Use cases

Which product is right for your profile? For beginners or home users looking to simply host a Plex server and a few Docker containers, the Synology DS923+ is often the best choice. Its ease of use, intuitive interface, and extended warranty make it a reliable and straightforward solution for standard setups. It’s designed to run continuously without requiring advanced technical skills, which is perfect for everyday use.

For a more demanding homelab with multiple Docker services running in parallel or a need for real-time video transcoding, the QNAP TS-664 is the better fit. Its Intel N5095 processor, two 2.5GbE ports, and PCIe Gen3 x2 slot allow handling heavier workloads and adding hardware components to boost performance. It’s ideal for intermediate or advanced users seeking an expandable and powerful solution.

Finally, for users wanting a balance between power and storage expandability, the UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus is a solid compromise. Its 5-core processor and 10GbE + 2.5GbE network ports deliver superior performance, while its 4 SATA bays and 2 M.2 NVMe slots support up to 144TB of storage. However, the absence of a PCIe slot limits hardware upgrades. It suits users with moderate needs but higher performance demands than the DS923+.

Pitfalls to avoid

Several pitfalls are to avoid when purchasing and setting up a NAS or Mini-PC for your homelab. Software limitations: some NAS or Mini-PC models restrict the installation of certain applications or services due to software compatibility issues. Always verify that the software you want to use is compatible with the device’s operating system. For example, the DS923+ runs Synology DSM, which is optimized for Synology’s own applications but may limit third-party software installations.

Thermal management: a homelab can generate significant heat, especially under continuous heavy load. Ensure the device has adequate cooling, such as quiet fans or a well-ventilated case. A NAS like the TS-664 can also heat up during intensive workloads, which may affect stability or lifespan: check its cooling on the manufacturer’s spec sheet.

Network connectivity: Plex or Docker homelabs can quickly saturate 1GbE Ethernet ports. If you plan to handle large file transfers or multiple simultaneous media streams, choose a device with higher network ports (2.5GbE or 10GbE). These ports are a major advantage to prevent bottlenecks.

Expandability: if you anticipate adding more drives or hardware components, check that the device supports the necessary slots and ports. A PCIe slot can be crucial for adding extra network cards or storage adapters. While NAS models like the TS-664 or DXP4800 Plus offer more storage expansion options, Mini-PC may be better suited for advanced hardware upgrades.

Verdict

The choice between a NAS and a Mini-PC for your homelab in 2026 ultimately depends on your specific needs and technical expertise. For standard, simple, and secure use, the Synology DS923+ is the best choice thanks to its reliability, intuitive interface, and extended warranty. It’s perfect for beginners or home users seeking a turnkey solution without worrying about hardware expansions.

If you need more bays, a PCIe slot and hardware transcoding, the QNAP TS-664 is the better fit. Its PCIe slot, 2.5GbE ports, and Intel N5095 processor deliver expandability and power ideal for demanding homelab setups or advanced use cases. Finally, the UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus suits users balancing power and storage expandability. Its 5-core processor and 10GbE + 2.5GbE ports provide strong performance, while its 4 SATA bays and 2 M.2 NVMe slots support up to 144TB of storage. However, the lack of a PCIe slot limits hardware upgrade options. It’s a good middle ground for users wanting more power than the DS923+ but less complexity than the TS-664.

For highly demanding workloads or complex projects, a Mini-PC with a PCIe slot and a more powerful processor may be necessary. In all cases, visit the /materiel-recommande/ page for tailored recommendations.

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