If you’re searching for the perfect NAS server, you’ve likely stumbled upon two intriguing choices. On one hand, there’s the new UniFi UNAS Pro from Ubiquity. On the other, the well-established Synology devices known for their user-friendly DSM. Picking between them can be intimidating, especially if you want reliable data backup, robust file sharing, and easy snapshot management.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through both products to help you figure out which solution is right for you. We’ll compare hardware capabilities, software features, price, and more. By the end, you’ll know what each NAS server excels at—and which one you should pick for your home or business needs.
UniFi UNAS Pro vs Synology at a Glance
UniFi’s new entrant is called the UNAS Pro. It’s a small rackmount or desktop-mount solution with seven hot-swappable bays and 10GbE support right out of the box. It has an ARM-based processor, 8GB of RAM, and a user-friendly interface integrated into the UniFi ecosystem. Ubiquity priced it at around $499, which many people find extremely compelling for an enterprise storage device with these capabilities.
Synology, by contrast, has a wide range of NAS solutions, from two-bay home devices to powerful rackmount servers. Its systems are known for the DiskStation Manager (DSM) software—an intuitive, feature-rich environment.
The cost of a Synology setup can vary widely. But in general, you’ll spend more to get a comparable hardware build if you need multiple drive bays and 10GbE out of the box.
Similarities in Purpose
Both the UNAS Pro and Synology devices address the same core need: storing data reliably in a central location. Whether you’re a creative pro with large media files or a home enthusiast wanting a personal cloud, these solutions let you share and back up data across networks. Both come as “turnkey” systems, meaning all the essential software is included in the hardware package.
You can set up secure RAID protection in either brand. You’ll also get easy ways to manage users and drive encryption. Snapshots help mitigate accidental file deletions or ransomware threats. In other words, both NAS servers are excellent for data backup and business continuity.
Key Differences
The most obvious difference is experience. UniFi is brand-new to this market, while Synology has been around for well over two decades. Synology’s DSM is recognized globally for offering advanced apps, virtualization, and container support (on certain models). Meanwhile, the UNAS Pro keeps things straightforward with simpler options for sharing files, snapshots, and basic backups.
Another differentiator is price and hardware selection. Synology offers everything from arm-based to x86 processors. You can get an 8-bay or 12-bay model, often paying for the CPU overhead if you need virtualization.
UniFi, though, launched just one model with an ARM processor that’s limited to containerization in future software updates (none exist yet). For many users, that’s enough, but you’ll want to check your specific needs.
Hardware Comparison: Drive Bays, CPU, and Connectivity
Hardware is the heart of any Network Attached Storage. Let’s see where each brand stands. Both solutions aim to keep your data safe, but they do so differently.
UniFi UNAS Pro: A Lean Powerhouse
The UNAS Pro uses a quad-core ARM CPU. UniFi calls it an A57-based processor clocked at around 1.4 GHz. You get 8GB of memory, non-upgradable. Unlike some solutions that focus on raw CPU muscle, the UNAS Pro tries to remain power-efficient. It’s marketed as a near-silent device suitable for a small business office, server closet, or even a quiet home environment.
You’ll find seven front-loading SATA bays. There’s no built-in NVMe caching, so you rely entirely on the spinning disks or SSDs you install. It also has an SFP+ port for 10GbE support and a 1GbE RJ45 port, giving you flexible connectivity. That’s a big selling point: out of the box, you have 10GbE to handle high-throughput tasks like video editing from the server.
Although it shares a chassis design with one of Ubiquity’s existing devices, the UNVR Pro (a dedicated surveillance system), the UNAS Pro sets itself apart with storage software. However, some users wish it also ran UniFi Protect for a single combined NAS + surveillance solution, but that’s not on the roadmap at the moment.
Synology: Broad Range and Upgradable
Synology offers nearly everything. You can grab a 2-bay DS223 for personal backups or a 12-bay system that costs thousands of dollars. Many mid-range devices, like the DS923+ or the DS1823+, feature an AMD or Intel CPU with up to 8 or 16 GB RAM.
Synology is known for x86-based hardware, though they have ARM-based models too. With these devices, you can run Docker, Virtual Machine Manager, or more advanced software solutions in DSM.
That hardware flexibility is a double-edged sword: You can pick exactly the model you need, but the price may increase if you want 10GbE onboard. Many times, you’ll need to buy an expansion card and the cost can push you beyond what you’d pay for the UNAS Pro. Synology’s advantage is depth: you might pick a top-tier CPU that can saturate multiple 10-gig links or run a dozen containers simultaneously.
In summary, the hardware approach is simple for UniFi and broad for Synology. If you want to pick from multiple CPU tiers, you’ll appreciate how Synology’s line is more extensive. If you’re fine with a single solution featuring a quick-to-set-up 10GbE, the UNAS Pro might be perfect.
Software Overview: Interface, Apps, and Ease of Use
For day-to-day usage, the software experience can make or break a NAS server. A robust platform might include 1-click backups, advanced user permissions, automatic snapshot management, and secure remote access. Let’s see how each brand handles these aspects.
UniFi’s “Drive” Experience
The UNAS Pro runs a specialized operating system that’s integrated with UniFi’s overall environment. This interface is often called “UniFi Drive.” Everything is organized into a single interface. The primary offerings center on user accounts, RAID protection, share creation, and snapshot scheduling.
The layout is neat. You see a main dashboard that indicates how much storage is available and whether backups are running. The system displays a timeline of tasks so you won’t miss crucial warnings (like a failing disk). Snapshots are easy to manage. If you want to revert a file or folder to a previous date, you click a slider, restore, and you’re done.
Backups are integrated too. You can schedule incremental or full backups to another UNAS Pro, an SMB share, or even Google Drive. It’s not as broad as some might like—there’s no direct Amazon S3 or other common storage endpoints. But the brand may add more services in the future. As of now, for a single console solution, it’s user-friendly and stable.
On the flip side, certain advanced features are missing. For instance, no Docker or container manager is included. iSCSI is absent too, at least for now. If you rely on iSCSI LUNs for virtualization or other specialized tasks, it’s not available yet.
Some people want advanced RAID options, but the UNAS Pro initially launched with only RAID 5 or RAID 10 for 3+ drives. The brand did add RAID 6 recently, which is great for multi-drive fault tolerance. But there’s still no nested volumes (multiple storage pools) if you want to separate drives. That’s a dealbreaker for some setups.
Synology DSM’s Capabilities
Synology’s DSM is an entire ecosystem. It’s basically a Linux-based operating system with a clean user interface reminiscent of desktop OS. The control panel has icons for everything from networking and advanced RAID management to firewall controls and certificate management. This can be a blessing for those who want total control or a curse for those who prefer minimal steps to get started.
There’s a Package Center with both first-party and third-party apps. You can install Synology Drive, Surveillance Station, Docker, Virtual Machine Manager, Active Backup for Business, or specialized multimedia apps like Video Station. For users who want to combine data backup, business continuity features, and robust containerization, the bigger Synology devices can do all of it.
On the downside, some view the interface as bloated, or they find the hardware underpowered for big tasks. People who expect advanced virtualization might find a particular model’s CPU insufficient and end up paying more for a high-end unit.
Synology also introduced stricter drive compatibility on certain mid-to-high-tier models. If you want guaranteed support, they urge you to buy Synology’s own branded drives. This can be frustrating if you prefer third-party HDDs or SSDs. Meanwhile, Ubiquity is flexible: any supported SATA drive brand should work in the UNAS Pro without warnings or limitations.
Performance Tests and Real-World Feedback
I want to highlight real-world experiences, including some performance tests. Keep in mind that read and write speeds can vary depending on RAID type, whether you’re using spinning disks or SSDs, and your network environment.
UniFi UNAS Pro Throughput
Those who tried large file transfers often report 650–750MB/s reads if using multiple spinning disks in RAID 10 or RAID 5. That’s around half of the theoretical 10GbE maximum. Still, it’s fast for an ARM-based system using typical HDDs. Typically, random writes are slower, often hovering around 450–500MB/s, because the CPU needs to handle parity calculations for RAID 5 or RAID 6.
Users have noted that the data import or initial RAID building can take many hours if you’re dealing with multiple large drives. But that’s normal for many solutions. Once the array is built, it’s stable.
Some early adopters complained about minor memory leaks or error logs with SMB copying thousands of small files, though these seem to be fixed through software patches. Frequent firmware updates show that Ubiquity invests in this platform, but it’s still early.
Sharing links from the browser interface is extremely smooth. People rave about how simple it is to generate a link with a password or expiry date for large files. One frustration is Safari’s download limit on iPhones if the shared file is extremely large (over 4GB). The browser chokes. That’s more a Safari quirk, but it’s worth noting. A dedicated mobile app might solve that eventually.
Synology Performance Benchmarks
Synology’s performance is well-documented across different models. For instance, the DS1823xs+ or DS923+ in a RAID 5 with spinning disks can saturate around 700–800MB/s sequential reads if you use 10GbE expansions. For random I/O or container workloads, an x86 CPU does better than an A57 ARM CPU. If you want multiple VMs or Docker containers, you’ll see less throughput impact on a robust Synology than on the UNAS Pro.
Still, few home or small office setups realistically push beyond 700MB/s. For normal backups, even 400MB/s can be plenty. If your priority is blazing speed for, say, multi-stream 4K video editing from the same NAS, you might consider a more powerful CPU. On the other hand, if you want to keep power draw and cost down, the UNAS Pro is plenty for single-user or light multi-user environments.
RAID Flexibility and Storage Management
Raid is the bedrock of a good Network Attached Storage. It determines how many drives can fail before data is lost, how fast you can read/write, and how easy it is to expand or migrate. Let’s check how each brand does RAID management.
UNAS Pro’s RAID Approach
Early on, users could select only from “basic protection” (RAID 5) or “high protection” (RAID 10). That’s changed with recent updates, adding RAID 6 for two-drive fault tolerance. Even so, the interface emphasizes simplicity.
There is no obvious option to create multiple storage pools or expand the pool into two distinct volumes. The device lumps everything into one big volume. For individuals who want partitioning or separate RAID sets, this can be limiting.
Drive compatibility is wide open: no forced brand restrictions. If you want a hot spare, you can set it up easily. You can also flip from basic to high protection—though it’s not as flexible as some older vendors in terms of online RAID expansion or migration.
You’ll sometimes need to move data off or reinitialize the array to switch RAID modes, especially if going from RAID 10 to RAID 5 or 6. This is typical for new software, but hopefully we see improvements over time.
Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) and More Options
Synology stands out for an option called Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR). With SHR, you can freely combine different drive sizes, and the system automatically optimizes disk usage to maximize storage. You can even expand volume capacity by adding larger drives in an incremental fashion.
Power users sometimes prefer standard RAID 5, 6, or 10, but many novices love the convenience of SHR. Also, advanced systems support multiple volumes or separate RAID groups, so you might store frequently accessed data on a RAID 1 array of SSDs while archiving on RAID 5 with big HDDs.
In short, if you need flexible RAID expansions or advanced multi-pool setups, Synology is polished. The UNAS Pro, while simpler, lacks some features power users expect. But if you just want to set up a single large storage pool and forget about it, you’ll be happy with the UNAS Pro’s ease of use.
Security and Remote Access
In an era where data privacy matters, it’s important to see what each brand supports in terms of security. Both allow enabling disk encryption, 2-factor authentication, and remote access. Let’s dissect each brand’s approach.
UniFi Identity Integration
The UNAS Pro has straightforward security measures. You can choose local sign-ins or unify identity accounts. If you already use Ubiquity routers, switches, or Wi-Fi gear, you’ll enjoy the single-pane-of-glass approach. You can also do two-factor authentication using their app or a third-party token-based system.
Because these devices can be tied into the UniFi Cloud portal, remote management is as simple as logging in from anywhere. If that’s not your preference, you can stay local and never expose the device to the public internet. It’s your call.
Disk encryption is folder-based. You pick certain drives to encrypt at rest. But caution: if you lose the encryption password, your data is gone. Overall, it’s user-friendly. The main shortcoming is that advanced firewall or VLAN separation settings must often be done on the router side.
The UNAS Pro offers fewer direct networking knobs than a robust competitor like Synology or QNAP, where you can define multiple subinterfaces or policies right on the device. Instead, Ubiquity leans on a “trust the rest of your UniFi gear” method.
Synology’s Firewall and QuickConnect
Synology includes a built-in firewall, along with advanced settings to block IP addresses after multiple failed logins, restrict certain subnets, or trust only specific proxies. Remote access can be done via QuickConnect, a proprietary relay service that sets up an encrypted connection to your device.
Alternatively, you can open ports on your router or configure third-party VPN solutions. Because Synology has a dedicated user management system, you can set up fine-grained permissions for each shared folder or application. There’s also an antivirus scanning feature if you install the relevant package. In short, it’s robust, especially if you handle multiple user roles or complex remote access requirements.
Snapshots, Backups, and Disaster Recovery
Everyone likes to think about the best-case scenario—yet backups matter. A day might come when you or your colleague accidentally deletes a critical folder or a drive fails catastrophically. Let’s see how each brand sets you up for data safety.
UniFi’s Built-In Backups
The UNAS Pro includes snapshots for previous file versions. You can schedule them for each shared folder or personal drive, picking how many to retain. The interface is intuitive, letting you “roll back” a file easily. If you want a second line of defense, you can create tasks to back up the entire or partial volume to another location.
That can be a second UNAS, a local SMB server, or Google Drive. There’s no specialized client or special image-based system—it’s simply a file-level backup. You can recover your files by mounting the backup folder if you ever lose the main array.
While convenient, some pros note that there’s no broad support for other cloud storage like Amazon S3 or Backblaze B2. And you can’t do advanced deduplication. But for typical scenarios, it’s adequate. Many appreciate how easy it is to see which data is snapped or backed up in the console. The device also displays a progress bar for each backup job on the main dashboard, so you know if it’s successful or if there’s a network issue.
Synology’s Extensive Backup Suite
Synology stands out with Hyper Backup, Active Backup for Business, and Snapshot Replication. Active Backup for Business can backup endpoints like Windows PCs, servers, VMware or Hyper-V machines, and even entire Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace accounts.
If you’re after robust enterprise storage and business continuity, you’ll find endless possibilities. Hyper Backup supports various cloud targets from local USB drives to Amazon S3 or Azure. Meanwhile, Snapshot Replication automates onsite or offsite backups for quick restoration in a crisis.
All this can be overkill for a simple environment. If you only need a straightforward, single-purpose NAS, the UNAS Pro is less complicated. But if you’re building a redundant multi-office solution or want advanced versioning for entire servers, Synology’s ecosystem is unmatched in its range.
Real User Pros and Cons
Nothing’s perfect. Let’s summarize good and not-so-good points from folks who’ve taken these devices for a spin.
UniFi UNAS Pro: Highlights
Drawbacks
Synology: Highlights
Drawbacks
Who Should Pick UniFi UNAS Pro?
If you value simplicity and want a cost-effective solution that’s easy to integrate with existing UniFi gear, the UNAS Pro is appealing. It also helps if you want minimal frills: no Docker, no surveillance, no high CPU overhead.
You simply need a well-protected, well-priced, 10GbE-enabled server for your daily file sharing or editing. The interface is super clean, and you’ll likely find it user-friendly for a small business or single-proprietor environment.
It’s perfect for anyone comfortable with a “less is more” approach. Some owners mention they replaced older, slower devices with the UNAS Pro. They like that it boots quickly and remains stable. The integrated snapshot restore is excellent for typical tasks like retrieving an old doc version or reversing an accidental folder deletion. If you want strong synergy with the UniFi Dream Machine or Switch line, you’ll love having it all on one dashboard.
Who Should Pick Synology?
Are you a power user, or do you need advanced capabilities for your enterprise? Synology stands out. For instance, if you want to combine a large data backup system, an all-in-one virtualization host, plus a Docker environment, you’ll prefer Synology.
The more robust CPU and deeper software library is key. Larger offices might also appreciate centralized backups for physical or virtual machines. In that scenario, the Synology solutions overshadow the UNAS Pro’s more streamlined offerings.
Synology is also a good fit if you want multiple storage pools or volume expansions without reinitialization. The brand’s ongoing refinement of DSM means regular updates, new features, and wide community support. For many longtime NAS enthusiasts, Synology is the brand they trust for everything from home media servers to small business servers.
The trade-off is price and complexity. You’ll likely shell out more than $499 for a multi-bay model that matches the UNAS Pro’s raw specs plus 10GbE. But you might get more CPU horsepower, expansions, or a track record of two decades in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a single RAID enough for disaster recovery?
No. RAID is never a replacement for true backup. Even with RAID 5 or 6, accidental deletions or cyber incidents can wipe out your data. Snapshots help a bit, but you need external backups, whether it’s to another NAS, a USB drive, or cloud storage. Both UniFi and Synology offer solutions to schedule automatic remote backups.
Can I run Plex Media Server or Docker containers?
Synology has multiple models that support Docker or direct Plex installation. The UNAS Pro currently does not offer containerization or a built-in Plex package. A small percentage of enthusiasts might skip the UNAS Pro if they rely on streaming or container hosting from the same box. You could still run Plex on a separate server and point it to the UNAS Pro for storage, though.
Will the UniFi console handle surveillance cameras too?
Not at the moment. Although the hardware is similar to UniFi’s NVR solutions, the UNAS Pro doesn’t integrate with Protect. You can store camera archives from other NVR solutions if you prefer, but the official UniFi Protect package is absent. Synology does have an optional Surveillance Station app, but you typically need a camera license for each device after a certain limit.
Are there any drive compatibility issues?
Synology restricts some newer high-capacity models to “Synology-approved” drives. On many mid-tier or older units, you can still use any brand. Meanwhile, the UNAS Pro imposes no brand restrictions as of now, though you should confirm in official compatibility lists for maximum reliability.
Conclusion: Which NAS Is Right for You?
After exploring the ins and outs of both, I see how each solution speaks to a different crowd. The UniFi UNAS Pro is a breath of fresh air with its low cost, integrated 10GbE, and no-frills software.
Setup is a breeze, and the simplified approach is excellent for smaller teams. If you want a fuss-free system for RAID protection, file sharing, snapshots, and basic backups, it does a stellar job without forcing you to pay extra for unused features.
Synology, on the other hand, remains the gold standard for many power users and bigger companies. It’s built on decades of iteration, offering advanced tools for virtualization, containers, and enterprise-level backups.
If you want to unify multiple business services—like a surveillance app, huge backups, or multi-volume management—Synology has the upper hand. You’ll pay more for a system with full 10GbE support, though it’s worth it if you want an all-in-one solution or an ecosystem that covers everything from cloud backups to collaboration tools.
My recommendation: If you’re brand new to Network Attached Storage and not doing heavy virtualization, the UNAS Pro’s incredible value is tempting. Its interface is snappy, the snapshot tools are easy, and 10GbE is a big plus.
For advanced environments where you might do streaming, container hosting, or multiple volumes with advanced RAID expansions, Synology is more proven and flexible. I’ve tried both, and each excels in its own unique way. Regardless, you’ll be stepping up your data management game with either choice.
