syn vs qnap vs the rest ...

[Enquiries]

Hi there.. I have (like many) been a Syn user for now decades, since DS101j in 2005 to 8+bay DS3018xs in the end and many in between I have bought more ip-cam licenses and totally into Syn but I think I had once a QNAP but quickly went back to Synology.. so I am in need of something very low power very compact no noise solution now for some specific tasks like ip-cam + audio + video files, so I was thinking about a DS620slim with WD RED SA500 2TB or 4TB SSD drives as the first SSD (non-mechanical) solution ever for me... and was happy to see DS625 to arrive soon - BUT then everything fell apart for me seeing the HDD issue, the less DLNA support the stepping away from 3rd part apps blocking things (yes I am using "the rrr" programs from synocommunity and what have we...) .. so my question is what do i do, stick with syn because of my investment in that ecosystem, going for DS620slim throw in some WD SSD SA500's and ignore the rest OR go qnap? or hope DS625 will accept more HDDs anyway?

[ed]

Thanks for reaching out — and great to hear from someone with such a long history in the Synology ecosystem. You’ve really seen their whole evolution over the years, so your frustration with the recent drive policies, 3rd-party app restrictions, and limitations on newer models is completely understandable.

For what you’ve described — low power, compact, silent, for IP cameras + audio/video storage, here’s how I’d approach it:

If you stick with Synology:
• The DS620slim with WD Red SA500 SSDs would absolutely deliver on the noise, power, and size front.
• Even with Synology’s new restrictions, the 620slim still supports 3rd-party drives because it’s an older platform. So you won’t run into the HAT/HAS lock you see on the new Plus/XS series.
• DLNA and Synocommunity apps are still there (though not officially supported, of course), so you can keep running “the rrr” and similar.
• You’d also keep your investment in IP cam licenses, DSM familiarity, and ecosystem intact.

On the other hand — if you’re really unhappy with Synology’s direction and want something more open:
• QNAP’s TBS-464 (or even a TS-464 with SSDs) would give you compact, SSD-friendly, and quiet, but with more open app support and no vendor lock-in on drives.
• You could even look at a Minisforum N5 Pro or similar small form-factor server running TrueNAS Scale or Unraid if you want complete control.
• Just bear in mind: with QNAP or DIY, you’ll have to give up DSM and your Synology camera licenses.

Finally, regarding the DS625slim — based on what we know so far, it’s unlikely Synology will walk back their drive compatibility policies on newer models, and it will probably continue requiring their branded SSDs. If drive freedom is important to you, the 620slim while it’s still available is probably the better bet.

If it were me in your shoes? I’d say if you’re happy with DSM and your camera licenses, grab the DS620slim and WD SA500 SSDs while you can — and accept that this might be your “last” Synology before moving to something else down the road. If you’re already mentally done with the ecosystem, then a QNAP TBS-464 or TS-464 is a solid, open alternative.