Synology DiskStation DS925+ vs. DiskStation DS923+: Is it even an improve?

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 building means it’s sturdy. I have not had any points with the DS923+ by any means even with prolonged use, and the DS925+ ought to be the identical. The ability button is situated on the correct, 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 would not require any instruments. If you’ll want to slot in a 2.5-inch SSD as an alternative, you will have to mount it to the drive bay.

Switching to the again, you get a USB port as customary, 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 great 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 an alternative.

Whereas it is nice to see multi-Gigabit connectivity obtainable by default, the DS925+ would not have a method to change to 10GbE networking — in contrast to the DS923+. You possibly can simply add a 10GbE card to the DS923+ because of the connector on the rear, and it provides the NAS larger 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 stated, 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 somewhat extra headroom. The remainder of the {hardware} is similar, with each NAS techniques coming with 4GB RAM pre-installed.

The primary purpose 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 cellular purchasers. It is easy to add photographs and knowledge out of your telephones mechanically to both NAS, and also you get highly effective utilities that present an area different to cloud-based options.

The largest situation with the DiskStation DS925+ is the limitation round laborious drive use. Whereas you should utilize any Seagate IronWolf, WD Crimson, or another laborious drive within the DiskStation DS923+, that is not potential with the DS925+; Synology is now imposing the usage of its personal drives, and except you achieve this, you will not even be capable to set up the DSM software program and boot into the NAS.

This arbitrary restriction has large ramifications, as Synology’s drives are inclined to price greater than their equal Seagate and Western Digital rivals. The model says it’s doing this to make sure larger reliability, nevertheless it hasn’t printed any significant knowledge round how its drives last more than different NAS HDDs.

Each servers do a great job as a Plex NAS; there aren’t any points with playback, and distant streaming is straightforward to arrange and use. That stated, the AMD-based {hardware} would not include transcoding, so that you miss out on this characteristic. That is true with each the DS925+ and DS923+, so when you use Plex Cross and wish transcoding,

Synology DiskStation DS925+ vs. DiskStation DS923+: Make the correct selection

It simply would not make a lot sense to purchase the DiskStation DS925+. Whereas it has higher {hardware} and multi-Gigabit connectivity out of the field, the laborious drive restrictions curb its usability to a noticeable extent. Do not get me fallacious; the DS925+ remains to be an amazing NAS, and when you do not care concerning the laborious drive limitations, you must think about getting it.

However with the DiskStation DS923+ nonetheless obtainable, the older NAS is a more sensible choice in 2025. Whereas the Gigabit Ethernet ports are displaying their age, you’ll be able to add a 10GbE networking card by shelling out a further $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 would 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.