Synology DiskStation DS925+
Not the improve you need
The DiskStation DS925+ brings a number of key upgrades, equivalent to twin 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports on the again, and a quad-core Ryzen platform. The result’s that the NAS has a particular edge over the DS923+ should you want a bit of little bit of extra energy, however the features are overshadowed by a controversial HDD coverage. Basically, you possibly can’t use every other model’s HDDs with the DS925+, and that severely restricts your selections. Not having the ability to use common Seagate and WD drives, and having to purchase costlier Synology-branded arduous drives simply does not make sense, and it in the end makes the DS925+ a non-starter.
For
- Twin 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Highly effective {hardware}
- Good as a Plex server
- Class-leading software program
- USB-C extensibility
- Twin M.2 slots can be utilized as storage
In opposition to
- Closely restricted in what HDDs you need to use
- No manner so as to add 10GbE networking down the road
- No {hardware} transcoding in Plex
Synology DiskStation DS923+
Nonetheless an amazing alternative
If you need to select a mannequin from these two, I might recommend going with the DiskStation DS923+. It makes use of a dual-core Ryzen platform, but it surely’s lots quick in every day use, and also you get the very best software program platform round. Though the DS923+ is a number of years previous at this level, the NAS does not have any limitations past the Gigabit Ethernet ports, and should you want multi-Gigabit connectivity, you possibly can improve to a 10GbE card with out a trouble. And contemplating there aren’t any restrictions round HDD use, the DS923+ makes higher sense than the DS925+ — so seize it whereas it is nonetheless obtainable.
For
- Good {hardware}
- No points with Plex
- No restrictions with HDD use
- M.2 slots can be utilized as storage
- Identical software program as DS925+
In opposition to
- Gigabit Ethernet connectivity as commonplace
- No transcoding
Synology DiskStation DS925+ vs. DiskStation DS923+: Design and options
Synology hasn’t modified its design in 10 years, so each the DiskStation DS925+ and the DiskStation DS923+ are virtually similar. They each use the identical black chassis with a vented design on the sides to permit passive cooling, and there are twin 92mm followers on the rear.
The design is unobtrusive, and the aluminum development means it’s sturdy. I have not had any points with the DS923+ in any way even with prolonged use, and the DS925+ needs to be the identical. The ability button is situated on the proper, and also you get standing LED indicators and a USB-A port on the identical facet.
The drive bays are simple to entry, and they are often locked do you have to want to take action. Putting in 3.5-inch HDDs is about as simple because it will get, and it does not require any instruments. If you’ll want to slot in a 2.5-inch SSD as a substitute, you will must mount it to the drive bay.
Switching to the again, you get a USB port as commonplace, and the underside of each NAS servers has two M.2 slots if you wish to add SSDs. The DiskStation DS925+ is notable because it comes with two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, giving it a superb improve over the DS923+, which has Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. The DS925+ additionally makes use of USB-C to broaden drives ought to you’ll want to down the road, with the DS923+ coming with an eSATA port as a substitute.
Whereas it is nice to see multi-Gigabit connectivity obtainable by default, the DS925+ does not have a solution to swap to 10GbE networking — not like the DS923+. You’ll be able to simply add a 10GbE card to the DS923+ because of the connector on the rear, and it provides the NAS better flexibility.
Synology DiskStation DS925+ vs. DiskStation DS923+: Software program and real-world use
Each NAS fashions have the very same software program, so there is not something to distinguish both product on this space. That mentioned, the DiskStation DS925+ comes with a quad-core Ryzen V1500B, and it holds up higher with demanding workloads. That is not to say that the DS923+ is any slouch on this space — it is simply that the DS925+ has a bit of extra headroom. The remainder of the {hardware} is similar, with each NAS programs coming with 4GB RAM pre-installed.
The principle cause to purchase Synology NAS servers is the DiskStation Supervisor (DSM) software program, and the model continues to do an amazing job delivering helpful options and standout cell shoppers. It is easy to add images and knowledge out of your telephones routinely to both NAS, and also you get highly effective utilities that present a neighborhood various to cloud-based options.
The most important difficulty with the DiskStation DS925+ is the limitation round arduous drive use. Whereas you need to use any Seagate IronWolf, WD Purple, or every other arduous drive within the DiskStation DS923+, that is not potential with the DS925+; Synology is now implementing the usage of its personal drives, and until you accomplish that, you will not even have the ability to set up the DSM software program and boot into the NAS.
This arbitrary restriction has large ramifications, as Synology’s drives are likely to price greater than their equal Seagate and Western Digital rivals. The model says it’s doing this to make sure better reliability, but it surely hasn’t revealed any significant knowledge round how its drives last more than different NAS HDDs.
Each servers do a superb job as a Plex NAS; there aren’t any points with playback, and distant streaming is simple to arrange and use. That mentioned, the AMD-based {hardware} does not include transcoding, so that you miss out on this characteristic. That is true with each the DS925+ and DS923+, so should you use Plex Go and wish transcoding,
Synology DiskStation DS925+ vs. DiskStation DS923+: Make the proper alternative
It simply does not make a lot sense to purchase the DiskStation DS925+. Whereas it has higher {hardware} and multi-Gigabit connectivity out of the field, the arduous drive restrictions curb its usability to a noticeable extent. Do not get me incorrect; the DS925+ remains to be an amazing NAS, and should you do not care concerning the arduous drive limitations, you must take into account getting it.
However with the DiskStation DS923+ nonetheless obtainable, the older NAS is a better option in 2025. Whereas the Gigabit Ethernet ports are exhibiting their age, you possibly can add a 10GbE networking card by shelling out an extra $100, and there aren’t any restrictions round HDD use — you should purchase any Seagate, Toshiba, and WD drive you need and slot it into the NAS.
Given the modifications with the DS925+, I might recommend getting the DS923+ whereas it is nonetheless obtainable. It continues to be a dependable 4-bay Plex NAS in 2025, and it is not deliberately hobbled.
Synology DiskStation DS923+
Nonetheless an amazing alternative
Should you want a strong 4-bay NAS to make use of as a Plex server and retailer all of your knowledge, you must simply get the DiskStation DS923+. However with the DS925+ slated to go on sale globally in Could, you will must act quick if you wish to purchase the DS923+.
