# TerraMaster vs Synology NAS in 2026

TerraMaster F4-424 Pro versus Synology DS925+: compute, fixed 32GB memory versus ECC, Plex, networking, TOS versus DSM, backup, and ownership.

- URL: https://homelabpicks.com/nas/terramaster-vs-synology/
- Published: 2026-03-15
- Updated: 2026-09-30
- Evidence: research-backed

> HomeLabPicks earns a commission on qualifying purchases made through https://homelabpicks.com/go/ links. Prices change; check the retailer before buying. Disclosure: https://homelabpicks.com/disclosure/

## Verdict

**[Synology DS925+](https://homelabpicks.com/go/synology-ds925)**: Choose Synology for DSM, ECC memory, backup tooling, and simpler administration. Choose TerraMaster for far stronger local compute, 32GB installed memory, and Intel graphics for Plex.

## Products

### Our Pick: [Synology DS925+](https://homelabpicks.com/go/synology-ds925)

The software-first choice. DSM, Active Backup, permissions, alerts, and recovery workflows are the reason to pay for Synology.

- CPU: AMD Ryzen V1500B, 4C/8T, 2.2 GHz
- Memory: 4GB ECC, expandable to 32GB
- Network: 2x 2.5GbE (no PCIe slot)
- Storage: 4 SATA bays plus 2 M.2 slots

Pros:
- Mature DSM administration and package ecosystem
- ECC memory with room to grow to 32GB
- Strong backup and replication tooling

Cons:
- No PCIe or 10GbE upgrade path
- No integrated GPU for Plex hardware transcoding
- Modest compute compared with the TerraMaster

### Compute Pick: [TerraMaster F4-424 Pro](https://homelabpicks.com/go/terramaster-f4-424-pro)

The hardware-first choice. Its 8-core CPU and 32GB of installed memory create far more room for containers and applications, and its Intel graphics give Plex a hardware path.

- CPU: Intel Core i3-N305, 8 cores, up to 3.8 GHz
- Memory: 32GB DDR5 non-ECC installed (also the maximum)
- Network: 2x 2.5GbE (no PCIe slot)
- Storage: 4 SATA bays plus 2 M.2 slots (PCIe 3.0 x1)

Pros:
- Much stronger CPU
- 32GB installed, no upgrade needed
- Intel UHD Graphics and HDMI 2.0b output

Cons:
- TOS is less mature than DSM
- No ECC memory, and 32GB is already the ceiling
- Support and recovery ecosystem is smaller

## Comparison

| Product | CPU | Memory | Networking | NVMe | Intel graphics for Plex | PCIe expansion | Best fit |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Synology DS925+](https://homelabpicks.com/go/synology-ds925) (winner) | AMD Ryzen V1500B, 4C/8T | 4GB ECC, up to 32GB | 2x 2.5GbE | 2x M.2 | No | No | Managed storage and backup |
| [TerraMaster F4-424 Pro](https://homelabpicks.com/go/terramaster-f4-424-pro) | Intel Core i3-N305, 8 cores | 32GB DDR5 installed (also the maximum) | 2x 2.5GbE | 2x M.2 | Yes | No | Docker and heavier applications |

TerraMaster and Synology sell different value propositions. TerraMaster puts more compute and memory into the enclosure. Synology puts more of the product's value into the operating system, backup tools, support lifecycle, and recovery experience.

The current four-bay comparison is the [TerraMaster F4-424 Pro](https://homelabpicks.com/go/terramaster-f4-424-pro) versus the [Synology DS925+](https://homelabpicks.com/go/synology-ds925). Synology lists the DS923+ as discontinued, so the DS925+ is the Synology model to compare.

## Quick verdict

Buy the DS925+ when the NAS mainly handles important storage, backups, family accounts, permissions, alerts, and low-maintenance operation. Buy the F4-424 Pro when Docker, local applications, Plex transcoding, or CPU-heavy services are central and you are comfortable managing a younger software platform.

## Compute

The TerraMaster's 8-core Intel Core i3-N305, rated up to 3.8 GHz, gives it a large compute advantage. It has more room for containers, databases, indexing, and application workloads than the DS925+'s four-core, eight-thread AMD Ryzen V1500B at 2.2 GHz.

**Winner: TerraMaster.**

## Memory: installed capacity versus ECC and headroom

The two take opposite approaches. TerraMaster ships the F4-424 Pro with 32GB of non-ECC DDR5, and TerraMaster lists 32GB as the maximum, so you get all the memory on day one but no upgrade path later.

The DS925+ ships with 4GB of ECC DDR4 and expands to 32GB across two slots. ECC is valuable for a storage appliance that runs for years, but 4GB is modest for a container-heavy build, so budget for a memory upgrade if you plan to run many services.

**Winner: TerraMaster for capacity out of the box; Synology for ECC.**

## Plex and media

The i3-N305 includes Intel UHD Graphics, which Plex can use for hardware transcoding with a Plex Pass, and the F4-424 Pro adds an HDMI 2.0b output. The DS925+'s V1500B has no integrated GPU, so Plex must transcode in software. If every client direct plays, the difference shrinks; if phones, browsers, or remote viewers need transcodes, the TerraMaster is the better media server.

**Winner: TerraMaster.**

## Networking and expansion

Both models have dual 2.5GbE and two M.2 slots. Neither has a PCIe slot, so neither can add 10GbE. The DS925+ in particular cannot take Synology's E10G22-T1-Mini module, which fit the discontinued DS923+. If 10GbE is mandatory, compare a NAS with built-in 10GbE, such as the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus covered in our [UGREEN vs Synology guide](https://homelabpicks.com/nas/ugreen-nas-vs-synology/), or a DIY system.

**Winner: Tie.**

## Software, drives, and recovery

DSM is Synology's strongest advantage. User management, snapshots, notifications, remote administration, Active Backup, Hyper Backup, Synology Drive, and package maintenance form a cohesive system. Since DSM 7.3 (October 2025), Synology's 2025 Plus, Value and J models, such as the DS925+ and DS225+, accept third-party 3.5-inch HDDs and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, but M.2 storage pools and cache still need drives on Synology's compatibility list.

TerraMaster's TOS supports the core NAS and container tasks, but it has a smaller ecosystem and less accumulated operational documentation. That does not make it unusable; it makes the owner more responsible for validating updates, exports, and recovery procedures.

**Winner: Synology.**

## Docker and applications

The F4-424 Pro's CPU and memory make it the stronger application host. The DS925+ can run containers, but its base configuration suits a moderate service set better than a dense home-lab workload.

Keep irreplaceable storage and experimental services conceptually separate even when they share one appliance. Back up container configuration, databases, and secrets independently from the primary storage pool. Our [Docker NAS guide](https://homelabpicks.com/nas/best-nas-for-docker/) covers container-first builds in more depth.

**Winner: TerraMaster.**

## Bottom line

The DS925+ is the better appliance. The F4-424 Pro is the better compact server.

For important household storage with minimal administration, choose Synology. For a builder who wants maximum container, application, and Plex capacity in a four-bay enclosure, choose TerraMaster and invest time in backup and recovery testing.

## FAQ

### Is TerraMaster better hardware than Synology?

At this tier, yes. The F4-424 Pro has a much stronger 8-core CPU, far more installed memory, and Intel graphics. Hardware is only part of a NAS purchase; DSM administration, backup, support, and recovery are Synology's advantage.

### Can either model add 10GbE?

No. Neither the DS925+ nor the F4-424 Pro has a PCIe expansion slot, so both top out at their built-in dual 2.5GbE.

### Which is better for Plex?

The F4-424 Pro. Its Intel UHD Graphics give Plex a hardware transcoding path with a Plex Pass, while the DS925+'s AMD CPU has no integrated GPU. If every client direct plays, either works.

### Which is better for Docker?

The F4-424 Pro has more compute and memory headroom. The DS925+ has the management environment we prefer for ease of administration. Choose based on container load and tolerance for administration.

### Is the DS923+ still the current Synology comparison?

No. Synology lists the DS923+ as discontinued. It remains relevant only for used or clearance buyers who specifically need its 10GbE expansion slot.

## Sources

- [Synology DS925+ product specifications](https://global.download.synology.com/download/Document/Hardware/ProductSpec/DiskStation/25-year/DS925+/enu/Product_Spec_DS925+_enu.pdf) (accessed 2026-09-29)
- [Synology product support status](https://www.synology.com/en-global/products/status?status=all) (accessed 2026-09-30)
- [Synology DSM 7.3 release announcement (drive compatibility)](https://www.synology.com/en-global/company/news/article/dsm73) (accessed 2026-09-29)
- [TerraMaster F4-424 Pro specifications](https://www.terra-master.com/global/products/homesoho-nas/f4-424-pro.html) (accessed 2026-09-29)
- [Plex hardware-accelerated streaming support](https://support.plex.tv/articles/115002178853-using-hardware-accelerated-streaming/) (accessed 2026-09-30)