Side by side

QNAP TS-464-8G-US vs Synology DS425+ Compared: With four drives, QNAP still leaves a PCIe upgrade route open

Quick verdict

The TS-464 brings HDMI, hardware transcoding and PCIe expansion. The DS425+ is the better match if you want the Synology DSM workflow.

Before you buy

Why, and what it costs you

The catch

QNAP TS-464-8G-US

Setup takes care given the interface's many controls.

The catch

Synology DiskStation DS425+

Many apps will find the 2GB base memory modest.

QNAP TS-464-8G-US

QNAP TS-464-8G-US

Why pick it
  • Handle 4K transcoding
  • Plug it into a TV
The catch
Setup takes care given the interface's many controls.
See price & reviews on Amazon
Synology DiskStation DS425+

Synology DiskStation DS425+

Why pick it
  • Keep family photos safe
  • Make setup easy
The catch
Many apps will find the 2GB base memory modest.
See price & reviews on Amazon

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Comparison updated , Product data updated , Amazon.com / United States

What this page compares

How QNAP TS-464-8G-US and Synology DS425+ differ in drive layout, network, processor and best use.

This one comes down to best use first, then to the limits of your own setup.

Day to day

How each one fits your routine

The same QNAP slot may be wanted by two future upgrades

When the plan covers a network upgrade as well as another PCIe accessory, TS-464’s single expansion slot makes the exact card choice matter, since two separate cards cannot sit in it together. Before buying, look into a supported combination card or decide which job comes first. QNAP is the one for a verified expansion plan. DS425+ is the better fit if its built-in connections are enough and extra hardware would sit unused.

Where this comes from

The one PCIe Gen3 x2 slot on TS-464 can serve different expansion roles in QNAP's lineup, but you must check compatibility, card size and shared bandwidth for the model you pick. DS425+ lists no comparable general expansion slot.

Buying Synology for a photo library may call for a RAM upgrade right away

The DS425+ comes with 2GB of memory. When the family archive relies on object recognition in Synology Photos, add a compatible upgrade that gets past the documented 4GB minimum. The selected 8GB QNAP configuration sidesteps that low starting memory, though its photo software is different. Decide on the photo workflow first and budget for its exact requirements. Do not treat RAM as a stand-in for recognition quality.

Where this comes from

The object-recognition minimum is published outright by Synology, and the selected TS-464-8G has 8GB. Neither fact shows how the two compare on recognition accuracy or indexing time, or whether they support identical albums and search features.

Which one fits

Pick the situations that sound like you

  • Host Plex at home

    Both models list “2.5 Gbps network. Plex use supported” for network and processor. Both models show the same result for “Network and processor”, so this row won't decide between them.

    QNAP TS-464-8G-US
    Better fit
    Synology DiskStation DS425+
    Good
  • Handle 4K transcoding

    Converting compatible 4K files for remote viewers is where a hardware video engine matters on a NAS.

    QNAP TS-464-8G-US
    Better fit
    Synology DiskStation DS425+
    Depends
  • Keep family photos safe

    The library stays protected and still usable when storage is redundant and photos can be reached remotely.

    QNAP TS-464-8G-US
    Depends
    Synology DiskStation DS425+
    Better fit
  • Plug it into a TV

    Plugging straight into a TV only works if the NAS has a display output of its own.

    QNAP TS-464-8G-US
    Better fit
    Synology DiskStation DS425+
    Depends
  • Host home apps and containers

    A compatible processor and enough usable memory are what containers and home apps depend on.

    QNAP TS-464-8G-US
    Better fit
    Synology DiskStation DS425+
    Depends
  • Make setup easy

    On a first NAS, guided setup and clear software count for more than deep controls.

    QNAP TS-464-8G-US
    Depends
    Synology DiskStation DS425+
    Better fit
Option A
QNAP TS-464-8G-US

QNAP, TS-464-8G-US

QNAP TS-464-8G-US

A 4-bay chassis whose fastest documented network path is 2.5 Gbps.

Best for
Handle 4K transcoding

Facts we checked

  • Drive layout: 4 storage bays
  • Network and processor: 2.5 Gbps network. Plex use supported
  • Best use: run Plex at home and transcode 4K video
  • It has one PCIe Gen3 x2 slot for expansion.
Option B
Synology DiskStation DS425+

Synology, DS425+

Synology DiskStation DS425+

A 4-bay chassis whose fastest documented network path is 2.5 Gbps.

Best for
Keep family photos safe

Facts we checked

  • Drive layout: 4 storage bays
  • Network and processor: 2.5 Gbps network. Plex use supported
  • Best use: protect family photos and start with four drives
  • The DS425+ has built-in 2.5GbE and gigabit links, and no general PCIe expansion slot is listed.

Spec by spec

Where they really differ

Where QNAP TS-464-8G-US and Synology DiskStation DS425+ differ
SpecQNAP TS-464-8G-USSynology DiskStation DS425+In practice
Drive layout4 storage bays4 storage baysBoth models show the same result for “Drive layout”, so this row won't decide between them.
Network and processor2.5 Gbps network. Plex use supported2.5 Gbps network. Plex use supportedBoth models show the same result for “Network and processor”, so this row won't decide between them.

Trade-offs

What each pick costs you

With QNAP TS-464-8G-US

  • A separate PCIe adapter is required for 10GbE.

With Synology DiskStation DS425+

  • 10GbE is not available as an upgrade.

Decision guide

How to decide

01

Where they really differ

Intel Celeron J4125 or N5095 class processors, four SATA bays and two M.2 slots are shared by both.

02

How the numbers shift things

The TS-464 adds HDMI and PCIe expansion.

03

The compromise

This TS-464 variation comes with 8GB, against a 2GB start on the DS425+.

Check these before you buy

  • Drive bays needed once protection is counted
  • The largest drive size supported
  • Network port and its upgrade options
  • Software support for Plex or cameras
  • Memory and expansion ceilings

What this page can’t tell you

  • Compatible drives change over time.
  • Actual transfer speed hinges on the entire network and the drive array.
  • How Plex performs hinges on the exact media format and client.

By the numbers

What the data shows

What we found across the NAS devices we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.

Show the facts and the math
Models in the comparison
2 models
Sources
6 covering these models
Product data updated
The facts and sources behind each product in this recommendation
ProductNeeds it meetsFacts we checkedSources
QNAP TS-464-8G-US
  • Handle 4K transcoding
  • Plug it into a TV
  • Host home apps and containers
  • Drive layout: 4 storage bays
  • Network and processor: 2.5 Gbps network. Plex use supported
  • Best use: run Plex at home and transcode 4K video
  • It has one PCIe Gen3 x2 slot for expansion.
  • The selected TS-464-8G comes with 8GB of memory.
Synology DiskStation DS425+
  • Keep family photos safe
  • Make setup easy
  • Record camera footage
  • Drive layout: 4 storage bays
  • Network and processor: 2.5 Gbps network. Plex use supported
  • Best use: protect family photos and start with four drives
  • The DS425+ has built-in 2.5GbE and gigabit links, and no general PCIe expansion slot is listed.
  • For Synology Photos object recognition the DS425+ needs at least 4GB, and it includes 2GB.

Ready to buy

See today’s price and what owners say

Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.

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