10-10-2025, 03:52 PM
Thanks for the message. Based on what you’ve described, both the Synology DS925+ and the QNAP TS-464 will handle your needs very well, but they differ in how “hands-on” you want the setup and daily management to be.
If your priority is simplicity, reliability, and seamless integration with macOS, the Synology DS925+ is the better fit. DSM (Synology’s operating system) is easily the most user-friendly NAS platform available and handles Time Machine backups automatically over WiFi. It also includes Synology Photos for managing GoPro and iPhone libraries, and RAID 5 (or SHR) protects against a single drive failure without much manual setup.
If you prefer a bit more flexibility and want HDMI output and direct media playback, the QNAP TS-464 has the edge. It can run Plex directly through the HDMI port or stream to your Apple TV or Fire TV. It’s slightly more technical to configure but offers faster expansion options, better hardware for Plex (Intel N5095 with Quick Sync), and room for NVMe SSD caching.
For your plan of 4 × 4TB drives, RAID 5 is the right balance between capacity and safety. Use NAS-rated drives such as WD Red Plus or Seagate IronWolf.
In short:
• Go for the Synology DS925+ if you want everything to “just work” for family backups and photo storage.
• Choose the QNAP TS-464 if you want direct HDMI playback, more control, and stronger Plex performance.
If your priority is simplicity, reliability, and seamless integration with macOS, the Synology DS925+ is the better fit. DSM (Synology’s operating system) is easily the most user-friendly NAS platform available and handles Time Machine backups automatically over WiFi. It also includes Synology Photos for managing GoPro and iPhone libraries, and RAID 5 (or SHR) protects against a single drive failure without much manual setup.
If you prefer a bit more flexibility and want HDMI output and direct media playback, the QNAP TS-464 has the edge. It can run Plex directly through the HDMI port or stream to your Apple TV or Fire TV. It’s slightly more technical to configure but offers faster expansion options, better hardware for Plex (Intel N5095 with Quick Sync), and room for NVMe SSD caching.
For your plan of 4 × 4TB drives, RAID 5 is the right balance between capacity and safety. Use NAS-rated drives such as WD Red Plus or Seagate IronWolf.
In short:
• Go for the Synology DS925+ if you want everything to “just work” for family backups and photo storage.
• Choose the QNAP TS-464 if you want direct HDMI playback, more control, and stronger Plex performance.