QNAP TS-464 vs Synology DS423+ — Complete 4-Bay NAS Comparison (2026)

The QNAP TS-464 and Synology DS423+ represent the pinnacle of 4-bay NAS offerings from the two leading brands. Both feature Intel processors with hardware transcoding, expandable RAM, and M.2 NVMe slots. But beneath similar specifications lie fundamentally different philosophies: QNAP prioritizes hardware value and flexibility, while Synology focuses on software polish and ecosystem refinement. This comprehensive comparison helps you choose the right 4-bay NAS for your needs.

Quick Verdict

Choose the QNAP TS-464 if: You want superior hardware for your money (faster CPU, more RAM, 2.5GbE, HDMI), prioritize Docker and container workloads, need the flexibility to customize and tinker, or want direct HDMI output to your TV.

Choose the Synology DS423+ if: You value polished, intuitive software that just works, want best-in-class mobile apps, prefer a simpler setup and maintenance experience, prioritize Synology’s security track record, or are already invested in the Synology ecosystem.

Specifications Comparison

Hardware summary: The TS-464 costs $50 more but delivers substantially better hardware: faster CPU (newer generation), 4x the default RAM (8GB vs 2GB), higher max RAM (16GB vs 6GB), dual 2.5GbE (vs dual 1GbE), faster USB ports, and HDMI output. The DS423+ offers eSATA expansion and slightly lower power consumption.

Processor Deep Dive: N5105 vs J4125

Both use Intel Celeron processors with Quick Sync, but the TS-464’s N5105 is a full generation newer.

Intel Celeron N5105 (TS-464)

• Architecture: 10nm Jasper Lake (2021)
• Cores/Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads
• Clock Speed: 2.0GHz base, 2.9GHz boost
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics (24 execution units)
• L3 Cache: 4MB
• TDP: 10W

Intel Celeron J4125 (DS423+)

• Architecture: 14nm Gemini Lake Refresh (2019)
• Cores/Threads: 4 cores, 4 threads
• Clock Speed: 2.0GHz base, 2.7GHz boost
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600 (12 execution units)
• L3 Cache: 4MB
• TDP: 10W

CPU Performance Benchmarks

The N5105 delivers approximately 30-35% better performance across most workloads. The doubled execution units in the integrated GPU translate to smoother transcoding under heavy load. Both handle typical NAS tasks well, but the TS-464 has significantly more headroom for demanding multi-tasking scenarios.

Memory: The Significant Gap

RAM differences are substantial and impact real-world capability:

The TS-464 ships with 4x more RAM out of the box and supports 2.6x more maximum RAM. This dramatically affects:

• Docker containers: TS-464 runs 15+ containers comfortably; DS423+ limited to 4-6
• Virtual machines: TS-464 can run meaningful VMs; DS423+ struggles
• File caching: More RAM means better sustained performance
• Simultaneous apps: TS-464 handles more concurrent workloads

If you upgrade the DS423+ to 6GB (+$35), total cost becomes $534 for 6GB vs $549 for 8GB (expandable to 16GB) — the TS-464 is clearly better value.

Network Performance

TS-464: Dual 2.5GbE

Two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports provide significant advantages:

• 2.5x faster per-port: ~280 MB/s vs ~112 MB/s
• Link aggregation: Combine for failover or multi-user bandwidth
• Future-ready: 2.5GbE switches now under $50
• Can saturate RAID 5: HDD arrays can exceed 1Gbps

DS423+: Dual 1GbE

Standard Gigabit Ethernet is adequate but limiting:

• Standard speed: ~112 MB/s maximum per port
• Link aggregation: Limited benefit at Gigabit speeds
• Universal compatibility: Works with any network
• Bottleneck: RAID 5 array can’t reach full potential

Real-World Transfer Speed Comparison

For users who regularly transfer large files, edit video from NAS, or have multiple simultaneous users, the 2.5GbE advantage is substantial. For basic streaming and backup, 1GbE is adequate.

Plex Media Server Comparison

Both excel as Plex servers thanks to Intel Quick Sync, but with differences under heavy load.

Transcoding Performance

Plex verdict: Both are excellent Plex servers for typical home use (1-2 simultaneous transcodes). The TS-464 has significantly more headroom for heavy Plex users — households with many users, remote streaming to multiple friends/family, or 3+ simultaneous transcodes. The N5105’s additional GPU execution units make the difference under load.

Plex Use Case Recommendations

Software: QTS vs DSM

Software is where these brands diverge most significantly. Each represents a distinct philosophy with real trade-offs.

QNAP QTS 5.x

Philosophy: Maximum features, flexibility, and power-user control.

Strengths:

• More features and customization options
• Superior Container Station for Docker
• HDMI output with HD Station (Kodi, Plex HTPC mode)
• More aggressive feature updates
• QuTS hero option (ZFS-based OS)
• Better virtualization support

Weaknesses:

• Interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming
• Steeper learning curve
• Mobile apps less polished
• Historical security incidents (improved, but reputation persists)

Synology DSM 7.x

Philosophy: Simplicity, polish, and reliability over raw features.

Strengths:

• Beautiful, intuitive interface
• Best-in-class mobile apps
• Excellent documentation and community
• Strong security track record
• Hyper Backup is industry-leading
• Rock-solid stability

Weaknesses:

• Fewer features than QTS
• Less customization possible
• Docker support more basic (Container Manager)
• No HDMI output option
• Conservative feature rollout

App Ecosystem Comparison

Docker and Container Support

For users running containers, this is a critical comparison point.

QNAP Container Station

QNAP’s Docker implementation is more mature and feature-rich:

• Better management UI: More intuitive container creation and management
• More RAM available: 8GB default supports 15+ containers
• LXC support: Run lightweight Linux containers alongside Docker
• Docker Compose: Full support for complex multi-container stacks
• Resource allocation: Fine-grained CPU/memory limits

Synology Container Manager

Synology’s Docker is functional but more constrained:

• Simpler UI: Less overwhelming for beginners
• Limited RAM: 2GB default severely restricts container count
• Docker Compose: Supported but less integrated
• DSM 7 improvements: Better than DSM 6, still behind QNAP

Container Capacity Comparison

For serious Docker use, the TS-464 is the clear choice. The 8GB default RAM and 16GB maximum provide substantially more headroom than the DS423+’s 2-6GB.

HDMI Output

TS-464: Includes HDMI 2.0 supporting 4K at 60Hz. This enables:

• HD Station: Run Kodi, Plex HTPC, YouTube, Chrome directly on TV
• Photo slideshows: Display photos without additional hardware
• Surveillance display: Live camera monitoring on TV
• HTPC replacement: Consolidate NAS and media player

DS423+: No HDMI output. All media must be streamed to separate devices (Apple TV, Shield, Fire Stick, smart TV apps).

If you want direct TV connection without additional hardware, only the TS-464 offers this capability.

Security Considerations

Security warrants honest discussion:

QNAP: Has experienced several high-profile security incidents (Deadbolt ransomware, QSnatch malware) that affected many users. QNAP has responded with improved security features, faster patching, better default settings, and Security Counselor tools. Current QTS versions are significantly more secure, but the reputation damage persists in the community.

Synology: Generally stronger security reputation with fewer major public incidents. DSM’s more conservative, “locked down” approach may contribute to better security outcomes. Synology’s QuickConnect is considered more secure than QNAP’s myQNAPcloud.

Best practices for both:

• Never expose admin ports directly to internet
• Use VPN for remote access when possible
• Enable 2-factor authentication
• Keep firmware updated
• Disable unused services
• Use strong, unique passwords

Mobile App Experience

Synology wins decisively here:

Synology Mobile Apps

• DS file: Beautiful, responsive file manager with offline access
• Synology Photos: Excellent photo backup with AI face recognition
• Synology Drive: Seamless Dropbox-like file sync
• DS cam: Polished surveillance viewing
• DS video: Clean media streaming interface

QNAP Mobile Apps

• Qfile: Functional but less polished file manager
• QuMagie: Photo management works but dated interface
• Qsync: File sync that works, less intuitive
• QVR Pro: Surveillance app is functional but complex

If mobile app experience matters to you, Synology’s polish is a meaningful advantage.

Backup Solutions

Synology Hyper Backup

Widely considered the best NAS backup solution:

• Multi-version backup with deduplication
• Client-side encryption before upload
• Extensive cloud target support (S3, Azure, B2, etc.)
• Automatic integrity verification
• Intuitive setup and monitoring

QNAP HBS 3

Comprehensive but more complex:

• Backup, sync, and replication in one tool
• Similar cloud target support
• QuDedup server-side deduplication
• More options but steeper learning curve

Hyper Backup is easier to set up and generally more reliable. For critical offsite backup, Synology has a slight edge.

Expansion Options

The DS423+ offers eSATA expansion to add more drive bays (DX517), which the TS-464 lacks. However, the TS-464’s superior built-in networking and RAM make expansion less necessary for most users.

Total Cost Analysis

NAS Unit Comparison

Complete Build (32TB Raw, RAID 5)

What the $15-50 Premium Gets You (TS-464)

• 30-35% faster CPU (newer generation)
• 2GB more RAM (8GB vs 6GB upgraded)
• 10GB more max RAM (16GB vs 6GB)
• Dual 2.5GbE vs Dual 1GbE (2.5x faster networking)
• HDMI 2.0 output (4K 60Hz)
• Faster USB ports (10Gbps vs 5Gbps)
• Better Docker/container support

The TS-464 offers substantially better hardware value. The DS423+ is worth considering for its software ecosystem and security reputation.

Use Case Recommendations

Choose QNAP TS-464 For:

• Hardware value seekers: Better specs at similar price
• Docker/container users: More RAM, better Container Station
• Fast file transfers: 2.5GbE is 2.5x faster than 1GbE
• HTPC replacement: HDMI output for direct TV connection
• Heavy Plex users: More transcoding headroom
• Power users/tinkerers: More customization options
• VM users: 16GB max RAM enables meaningful virtualization
• Multi-user households: Better performance under load

Choose Synology DS423+ For:

• Simplicity seekers: DSM is more intuitive and polished
• Mobile-first users: Best-in-class mobile apps
• Photo enthusiasts: Synology Photos is excellent
• Backup-focused: Hyper Backup is industry-leading
• Security conscious: Better security track record
• Non-technical users: Easier setup and maintenance
• Existing Synology users: Ecosystem consistency
• Bay expansion needs: eSATA for DX517

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

QNAP TS-464: The hardware value champion. For just $50 more, you get substantially better specifications: faster CPU, 4x more RAM, 2.5GbE networking, HDMI output, and superior Docker support. Choose this if you prioritize performance, flexibility, and hardware value.

Synology DS423+: The software and experience champion. DSM is more polished, mobile apps are superior, and the ecosystem is refined. Choose this if you value simplicity, want the best mobile experience, or prioritize Synology’s security track record.

Our recommendation: For most users, the QNAP TS-464 offers better value — the hardware advantages are substantial for a minimal price premium. However, if you’re non-technical, prioritize mobile apps, or want the “it just works” experience, the DS423+ is worth considering despite the hardware gap.

Where to Buy

Related Comparisons

• QNAP TS-464 Review — Full review
• QNAP vs Synology — Brand comparison overview
• TS-264 vs DS224+ — 2-bay cross-brand comparison
• TS-464 vs TS-433 — QNAP Intel vs ARM
• Best QNAP NAS 2026
• QNAP Compatible Hard Drives

Last Updated: February 2026