first time NAS

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to backup devices, Time Machine, and backup freelance video work

[ed]

Thanks for your message. The good news is that the QNAP models you are considering will remain supported for many years. QNAP typically supports hardware for six to eight years from launch, and both the TS464 and the TS453E still have long support windows ahead because they remain in current production and appear in QNAP’s twenty twenty five catalog.

If you want the latest four bay options for home users, the current models to look at are the TS464, TS264 and TS664. All three run QNAP’s modern operating system, support two point five gigabit networking, and allow memory upgrades and NVMe caching. The TS464 is the best balance of price and performance. The TS264 is a quieter and more compact option. The TS664 gives you more CPU cores if you want heavier applications.

On the Synology side, all twenty twenty five Plus series models now allow third party hard drives during new installation, including WD Red, Ultrastar and Seagate IronWolf. Synology has already reversed the strict drive lock from previous years and states this will remain the policy going forward on DS series devices.

If you already own WD Red drives, a Synology DS425 Plus or DS925 Plus will accept them without restriction. Pick QNAP if you prefer more hardware features and faster connectivity, and pick Synology if you want the simplest experience with the longest OS support.