TrueNAS vs Synology vs QNAP
Choosing the right NAS for your home or business. We compare the three leading platforms to help you decide.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | TrueNAS | Synology | QNAP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Software (DIY) | Pre-built hardware | Pre-built hardware |
| Cost | Free software | $300-$2,000+ | $300-$2,500+ |
| Filesystem | ZFS | BTRFS/EXT4 | ZFS/EXT4 |
| Max Drives | Unlimited | 2-24 bays | 2-24 bays |
| Apps | Docker/Plugins | Package Center | QTS App Center |
| Best For | Power users, data protection | Ease of use | Features, multimedia |
TrueNAS
Best for: Data protection, power users, businessesTrueNAS is a free, open-source NAS operating system based on FreeBSD (Core) or Linux (Scale). It's designed for maximum data integrity and flexibility.
✓ Pros
- • Free and open source
- • ZFS filesystem - best data protection
- • No vendor lock-in
- • Run on any hardware
- • Unlimited scalability
- • Excellent for backups
- • No subscription fees
✗ Cons
- • Steeper learning curve
- • No official support (community only)
- • Need to source/build hardware
- • App ecosystem smaller
- • Requires technical knowledge
- • No turnkey solution
Best choice if: You value data integrity above all else, are comfortable with DIY, and want maximum flexibility without ongoing costs.
Synology
Best for: Home users, small business, ease of useSynology makes polished, user-friendly NAS appliances with excellent software (DSM). They're the Apple of NAS - everything just works.
✓ Pros
- • Easiest to set up and use
- • Excellent software (DSM)
- • Great mobile apps
- • Wide app ecosystem
- • Reliable hardware
- • Good support and community
- • Regular updates
✗ Cons
- • More expensive for specs
- • Vendor lock-in
- • BTRFS not as robust as ZFS
- • Limited hardware upgrades
- • Some features need subscription
- • Underpowered for some models
Best choice if: You want something that works out of the box with minimal fuss, and don't mind paying a premium for polish.
QNAP
Best for: Power users, multimedia, featuresQNAP offers feature-packed NAS appliances with powerful hardware options. They typically give you more bang for your buck than Synology.
✓ Pros
- • More powerful hardware for price
- • HDMI output (direct TV connection)
- • Excellent multimedia features
- • More hardware options
- • Some models support ZFS
- • More ports (USB, network)
- • Virtualization support
✗ Cons
- • Interface can be overwhelming
- • More complex than Synology
- • Security concerns in past
- • Software feels less polished
- • More bloatware
- • Vendor lock-in
Best choice if: You want the most features and horsepower for your dollar, and don't mind a steeper learning curve.
ZFS vs BTRFS: Does It Matter?
ZFS (TrueNAS)
- ✓Best data protection: Detects and repairs silent corruption
- ✓Snapshots: Instant, space-efficient backups
- ✓Proven: Used by enterprises worldwide
- ✓Memory safe: Can't lose data due to crashes
BTRFS (Synology)
- ✓Flexible: Easier to expand arrays
- ✓Good enough: Fine for most home users
- ⚠Less mature: Rare but serious bugs reported
- ⚠RAID 5/6 issues: Known problems with parity
Our take: For irreplaceable data (family photos, business documents), ZFS is worth it. For media storage where you can re-download, BTRFS is fine. TrueNAS with ZFS gives you enterprise-grade protection at home.
Cost Comparison: 4-Bay NAS
Excluding drives - just the NAS hardware/software
Mini-ITX build with 4 drive bays
4-bay, Intel CPU, 2GB RAM
4-bay, AMD CPU, 4GB RAM
4-bay, Intel CPU, 4GB RAM, HDMI
Pre-built TrueNAS appliance
Note: DIY TrueNAS is cheapest but requires technical knowledge. Synology and QNAP are plug-and-play. Factor in your time and comfort level.
Our Recommendations
For Home Users
Synology DS423+ or QNAP TS-464
Easy setup, great apps, reliable. Perfect for media storage, backups, and light home use.
For Tech Enthusiasts
DIY TrueNAS or TrueNAS Mini
Maximum flexibility, ZFS protection, no vendor lock-in. Best for learning and customization.
For Businesses
TrueNAS Scale or Synology DS923+
Data integrity is critical. TrueNAS for maximum protection, Synology for ease of management.
Need Help Setting Up Your NAS?
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