Synology DS925+ VS TerraMaster F4-424: Which One Should You Choose?

[TMsupport6]

In today's era of data explosion, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices have become indispensable data management tools for home users, creative professionals, and small businesses. With numerous brands and models available, choosing the most suitable NAS has become a critical decision every user must face.

In recent years, Synology has shifted its focus from consumer and prosumer NAS devices toward larger business and enterprise solutions. The launch of their new 4-bay NAS, the DS925+, exemplifies this transition. As an upgraded replacement for the DS923+, this device offers improved processing power and network connectivity. On the other hand, TerraMaster's 4-bay NAS, the F4-424, presents a highly competitive solution in the $500 price segment. So which of these two products should you choose?



Hardware Performance Comparison

The CPU is the core component that defines a NAS device’s performance. The Synology DS925+ features an AMD Ryzen V1500B processor - a quad-core, eight-thread CPU with a base clock of 2.2GHz but lacking turbo boost functionality. However, it lacks turbo boost and integrated graphics, which means media transcoding is handled purely by the CPU. This could lead to performance bottlenecks during high-load tasks like 4K media streaming.

In contrast, the TerraMaster F4-424 features a more modern Intel N95 quad-core processor with a turbo boost up to 3.4GHz and integrated Intel UHD Graphics. This setup supports hardware-accelerated transcoding for video formats such as H.265 (HEVC), MPEG-4, MPEG-2, and VC-1, with support for resolutions up to 4K@60fps. Whether you're a home theater enthusiast or a video editor, the F4-424 offers smoother multimedia performance.

Regarding memory configuration, the DS925+ comes with 4GB DDR4 ECC RAM (expandable to 32GB), while the F4-424 boasts 8GB DDR5 RAM (also expandable to 32GB). The DDR5 memory offers superior bandwidth and energy efficiency compared to DDR4, delivering better performance in multitasking and large file transfer scenarios.



Network Connectivity and Transfer Performance

Both devices feature dual 2.5GbE ports with link aggregation support, meeting demands for high-speed transfers and multi-user access. However, the DS925+ eliminates the mini PCIe slot found in its predecessor, preventing future 10GbE upgrades via expansion cards - a significant limitation for professionals handling large-scale data processing.

In terms of interface expansion, the F4-424 holds a clear advantage. Its two USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps) ports outperform the DS925+'s USB 3.1 Gen1 (5Gbps) connections, offering better transfer efficiency for external storage devices - particularly beneficial for users frequently working with external drives.



Storage Expandability

The DS925+ supports expansion up to 9 drive bays (180TB raw capacity) using the DX525 expansion unit, showcasing Synology's scalable architecture.

However, the DS925+ imposes significant storage limitations by only supporting Synology-certified drives. This policy leads to substantially higher storage costs - market research shows Synology's 8TB drives cost about 28% more than equivalent WD Red Plus models, while their 400GB NVMe SSD carries a fivefold price premium over HP's 512GB alternative.

The F4-424 offers more flexible storage options, supporting mainstream HDD/SSD brands and allowing expansion up to 198TB additional capacity via USB 3.2-connected external enclosures like TerraMaster's D9-320. This openness makes it particularly attractive for cost-conscious users.

Software Comparison

Synology’s DSM operating system is well-known for its user-friendly interface and robust ecosystem of built-in applications, including Synology Drive, Active Backup Suite, and Surveillance Station. It is particularly suitable for business users focused on collaboration and data management.

The F4-424 runs TOS 6, built on Linux Kernel 6.1 LTS, offering improved stability and performance. With its modern UI design and user-friendly operation, TerraMaster has consistently enhanced its software, adding critical features like TRAID, Centralized Backup, and Duple Backup.

Price

Synology DS925+ – estimated price: $685.99
TerraMaster F4-424 – Official Price: $499.99



Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re an enterprise user with a generous budget and a need for a mature software ecosystem, and if you're willing to accept the limitations of proprietary drives, the Synology DS925+ remains a reliable choice thanks to its DSM platform.

However, for those seeking superior cost-performance ratio, modern processor architecture, enhanced multimedia capabilities, and open hardware compatibility around the $500 price point, the TerraMaster F4-424 presents a more compelling option. It outperforms the DS925+ in hardware specifications, memory technology, interface speeds, and storage flexibility - making it particularly suitable for performance-driven home users, small studios, and creative professionals.

[GDragon]

For what I need - storage of personal data, computer backups and media files, as well as the odd VM or Docker container, undoubtedly TerraMaster F4-424 Pro is the best choice, compared to other brands,
both in terms of price, form and performance.
Drive trays are toolless and incredibly easy to fit,and the task of adding NVMe drives has been made so much easier than the Synology NAS.
I also have a clunky Synology cases, but not 925+
So in contrast, I think 424 Pro isminimalistic and does what it suppose to do.

[Peterlll06]

I use TerraMaster F4-424 Pro, which has a very good price-performance ratio compared to other brands of NAS.

[OttO1916]

To me, they're all just storage boxes, nothing more. (Virtualization and other fun stuff can be done on other hardware). Looks are not important, it's located way out of view. And how easy it is to replace a drive once a year is also not a reason to pick one.
Importantant are price, performance and stability.
All in all Terramaster is doing "OK". Not "Great", because of the dramatic throughput on SMB.
I have no idea how the value the OS in this equation: the fact that - looking back - I suffered a lot from all the udates to fix the previous ones would lower the score a lot.
I would rather have a stable OS that just works perfectly already the moment I buy the box, without the need to touch it any more.
Example: RIght now I cannot even save the config because that would screw op my machine. Madness..

[King7]

Synology DS925+ is more expensive overall because of the hard drive issue. I might try the TerraMaster F4-424.

[bullitt]

One big thing I look for is easy communication, as in a phone number, something Synology has and answers, it's easy to reach tech to get questions answered etc.. I have yet to find a TerraMaster phone number of any kind, unfortunately this most likely is a deal killer for me and TerraMaster.

[Frostbyte]

As a happy TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus user, I'd strongly recommend the F4-424. The hardware advantage is clear - Intel N95 with DDR5 RAM and 4K transcoding simply outperforms Synology's aging AMD chipset. TerraMaster's open drive policy saved me hundreds versus Synology's locked ecosystem, and TOS 6 has been rock-solid for my workflow. At nearly $200 cheaper with better specs, the F4-424 is the smarter choice for performance-focused users.

[RayKah]

As a home user, the most important function of NAS for me is to store photos and videos, and to watch streaming media smoothly. If both can satisfy me in terms of function and network speed, then I only need to consider the budget to know what to choose. Another very important point is that the technical guidance and after-sales service of NAS are also very important.

[XtinaLover]

CPU:
Synology DS925+: AMD Ryzen R1600 (2C/4T 2.6GHz)
TerraMaster F4-424: Intel N6005 (4C/4T 3.3GHz)

Does Synology actually give a darn about its customers... or are we just paying for fancy paperweights?