6 Best Alternatives to the Synology 4-Bay Dual 2.5GbE NAS (2026)
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You might be looking for synology 4 bay dual 2 5gbe NAS alternatives because the Synology DS925+ has specific limitations. It offers dual 2.5GbE ports and supports up to 565 MB/s sequential write speeds. The unit is diskless and weighs 4.98 pounds. These specs suit users who want network redundancy and Synology software. However, you may need more storage capacity or a different form factor. Some buyers prefer pre-installed drives or hardware RAID solutions. Others might require Thunderbolt connectivity for video workflows. This list covers 6 options that share the 4-bay configuration. We selected these products because their core specifications overlap with the original. You will find rackmount units, direct-attached storage, and expansion enclosures. Each option addresses a different need while maintaining the four-drive layout. The data shows distinct differences in size, weight, and interface types. You can choose based on whether you prioritize network integration or portable high-speed transfers.
Our top pick: Synology 4-Bay Dual 2.5GbE NAS.
How alternatives compare to Synology
Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit
The Synology RX418 is a rackmount expansion unit rather than a standalone NAS. It adds four drive bays to your existing Synology system but does not include network ports or processing power. You get seamless integration with Synology’s ecosystem, but you must buy drives separately. This unit is ideal for users who need more storage in tight spaces without managing a second network server. It lacks the dual 2.5GbE connectivity of the DS925+, so it relies on your primary NAS for network access. Choose this if you already own a Synology NAS and need to expand capacity without adding a new network device.
G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle
The G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle uses Thunderbolt 3 instead of Ethernet. It is a hardware RAID enclosure designed for video professionals who need to transport large datasets. The unit weighs 16 pounds, making it much heavier than the lightweight DS925+. It offers 32TB of pre-configured storage, whereas the Synology is diskless. You gain high-speed direct connectivity for editing but lose network sharing capabilities. This device suits users who move between studio and location. It does not support virtualization or surveillance. Pick this if you prioritize transportable, high-capacity storage over a network-attached server for team access.
QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Enclosure
The QNAP TR-004 is a Direct Attached Storage device connected via USB-C. It provides hardware RAID for simple backup storage rather than a full network server. This unit is diskless, similar to the DS925+, but lacks network ports. You get a practical expansion tool for offloading data without managing complex network settings. It weighs 4.08 pounds, which is lighter than the Synology. This option suits users who need reliable storage for backups rather than a shared network drive. It does not offer dual 2.5GbE ports or Synology’s software ecosystem. Choose this if you want simple, direct-attached storage for a single computer or QNAP system.
QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage
This QNAP TR-004 model comes with 12TB of pre-installed storage, unlike the diskless DS925+. It is a Direct Attached Storage device using USB-C connectivity. You get a ready-to-use expansion tool for QNAP users who need to offload data or backup their main NAS. It lacks network ports, so it does not provide independent network access. The unit is designed for simple capacity expansion rather than standalone network operations. It suits users who want to avoid managing complex network settings for additional storage. Pick this if you already use QNAP products and need a quick, pre-configured storage boost without setting up a new server.
G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3
The G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle is a high-capacity portable drive using Thunderbolt 3. It offers 56TB of storage in a single unit, far exceeding the diskless DS925+. This device is built for single-user 8K video editing workflows. It lacks network ports, so it does not support sharing files across a network. The unit is designed for fast direct connectivity rather than server-based access. You gain massive capacity and portability but lose the ability to host a NAS. Choose this if you are a video editor who needs to move large datasets between locations. It is not suitable for users who require a shared network storage solution.
QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS
The QNAP TR-004U is a rackmount expansion unit for QNAP NAS systems. It adds four drive bays in a rack format, unlike the desktop DS925+. This unit is designed for users who already own a QNAP NAS and need to add storage in a rack. It prioritizes physical security and hardware RAID settings over standalone operation. It lacks independent network ports, so it relies on your main QNAP server for access. You get specialized expansion for rack environments rather than a general-purpose NAS. Pick this if you need to expand QNAP storage in a data center or rack. It is not suitable for users seeking a standalone network server.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Synology 4-Bay Dual 2.5GbE NAS
Best for: users needing dual 2.5GbE redundancy
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 8.78 × 7.83 × 6.54 inches
- Weight
- 4.98 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 4-Bay Dual 2.5GbE NAS Affiliate link
The Synology DS925+ is a diskless 4-bay NAS featuring dual 2.5GbE ports for fast network transfers. It delivers up to 565 MB/s sequential read and 522 MB/s write speeds. You get built-in file, photo, and surveillance management tools. The unit measures 166 x 199 x 223 mm and weighs 4.98 pounds. It includes a 3-year limited hardware warranty.
Pros
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports
- Up to 565 MB/s read speed
- 4-bay drive capacity
- Built-in surveillance and virtualization support
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- No 10GbE expansion port included
- No USB Type-C connectivity listed
Good fit if
- You need dual 2.5GbE redundancy
- You prefer Synology software ecosystem
- You want a compact desktop unit
Skip if
- You need pre-installed storage
- You require 10GbE speeds
- You want USB Type-C DAS
Verdict: Synology DS925+ 4-Bay NAS fits users who prioritize the Synology ecosystem and dual 2.5GbE connectivity over pre-installed storage or higher-speed 10GbE ports.
Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit
Best for: expanding Synology NAS storage in tight spaces
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 17 × 11.4 × 1.73 inches
- Weight
- 9.44 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit Affiliate link
The Synology RX418 is a diskless 4-bay expansion unit designed to add storage to existing Synology NAS systems. It features a compact 1.73-inch height and 17-inch length, allowing it to fit in 2-post racks. You can expand your online volume seamlessly. It supports energy-saving deep sleep mode and is managed through Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM).
Pros
- 4-bay capacity for drive expansion
- Plug-and-play design for easy setup
- Compact 1.73-inch height fits tight spaces
- Supports online volume expansion
Cons
- Diskless; requires purchasing drives separately
- No built-in network ports for standalone use
- Limited to expansion with Synology NAS systems
Good fit if
- You need to add storage to a Synology NAS
- You have limited rack space available
- You want to expand existing volumes online
Skip if
- You need a standalone NAS with drives included
- You require network connectivity without a host NAS
- You want to use non-Synology expansion units
Verdict: Synology RX418 4-Bay Expansion Unit is ideal for users expanding Synology NAS storage in tight spaces. It offers seamless integration but requires separate drive purchases.
G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle
Best for: transportable hardware RAID for video workflows
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- 32TB
- RAID Support
- 0, 1, 5, 10
- Hardware Interface
- Thunderbolt
- Dimensions
- 9.75 × 6.85 × 10.5 inches
- Weight
- 16 pounds
View on Amazon: G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle Affiliate link
The G-Technology G-Speed Shuttle is a transportable 4-bay storage unit designed for multi-stream 4K and 8K workflows. It connects via Thunderbolt and supports hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10. Weighing 16 pounds, it measures 6.85 by 9.75 by 10.5 inches. You get 32TB of capacity in a rugged black chassis built for studio-to-location travel.
Pros
- Hardware RAID support for RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10
- Optimized for multi-stream 4K and 8K workflows
- Transportable design for studio and location use
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- Heavier at 16 pounds compared to standard NAS units
- Uses Thunderbolt interface instead of built-in Ethernet
- Fixed 32TB capacity rather than user-upgradable bays
Good fit if
- You need a transportable RAID solution for on-location shoots
- You require hardware RAID for data redundancy
- You work with multi-stream 4K or 8K video
Skip if
- You need a network-attached storage device with Ethernet
- You prefer a lightweight desktop drive
- You want to add your own drives later
Verdict: G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3 is a heavy, transportable RAID drive for video professionals who need to move large datasets between studio and location.
QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Enclosure
Best for: Simple hardware RAID backup storage
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAID Support
- RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD
- Dimensions
- 8.62 × 6.31 × 6.63 inches
- Weight
- 4.08 pounds
View on Amazon: QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Enclosure Affiliate link
The QNAP TR-004 is a 4-bay direct-attached storage device designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. It connects via USB Type-C and includes a Type-A adapter. The unit supports hardware RAID levels 0, 1, 5, and JBOD. It serves as external storage for NAS backups or capacity expansion. This diskless chassis fits users needing simple, high-speed local storage without network complexity.
Pros
- Hardware RAID support for RAID 0, 1, 5, and JBOD
- USB Type-C connection with included Type-A adapter
- Lockable drive bays for physical security
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- Cannot run NAS applications or install QTS
- Storage volume cannot be combined with connected NAS
Good fit if
- You need a simple backup target for an existing NAS
- You want hardware RAID without network configuration
- You use macOS or Linux systems
Skip if
- You require a standalone network-attached storage server
- You need to install NAS applications on the device
- You want to combine its storage pool with a NAS volume
Verdict: The QNAP TR-004 4-Bay USB-C DAS is a practical external storage solution for users who need hardware RAID and simple connectivity. It suits those expanding capacity for backups rather than seeking a full network server.
QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage
Best for: expanding QNAP NAS storage capacity
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- 12TB
- RAID Support
- RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD
View on Amazon: QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage Affiliate link
The QNAP TR-004 is a 4-bay Direct Attached Storage unit with 12TB of pre-installed capacity. It uses USB Type-C for fast data transfers to Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. The bundle includes four 4TB Seagate IronWolf drives configured in RAID 5. You can use this device as external storage for NAS backups or to expand your existing QNAP NAS capacity. It supports SATA 3Gb/s drives in lockable bays.
Pros
- Pre-configured RAID 5 with 12TB storage
- USB Type-C connectivity for fast transfers
- Includes 3-year Rescue Data Recovery Services
- Lockable drive bays for security
Cons
- No built-in RAID controller or network ports
- Limited to USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds
- Requires separate NAS for full network features
Good fit if
- You need extra storage for a QNAP NAS
- You want pre-configured RAID 5 simplicity
- You use Windows, macOS, or Linux
Skip if
- You need a full network-attached NAS
- You require 10GbE or 2.5GbE ports
- You want standalone file server capabilities
Verdict: The QNAP TR-004 4-Bay DAS with 12TB is a practical expansion tool for QNAP users who need reliable, pre-configured storage. It suits those who want to offload data or backup their main NAS without managing complex network settings.
G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3
Best for: single-user 8K video editing workflows
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- 56TB
- Hardware Interface
- Thunderbolt
- Dimensions
- 9.75 × 6.85 × 10.5 inches
View on Amazon: G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3 Affiliate link
This is a transportable 4-bay direct-attached storage unit designed for high-end video production. It offers 56TB of capacity and uses Thunderbolt for connectivity. You get sustained transfer rates up to 1000MB/s, which supports multi-stream 4K and 8K workflows. The drive includes an ev Bay Adapter. It is built for users who need massive, fast storage in a portable form factor.
Pros
- 56TB storage capacity for large media libraries
- Sustained transfer rates up to 1000MB/s
- Optimized for multi-stream 4K and 8K editing
- Includes ev Bay Adapter for drive replacement
Cons
- Uses Thunderbolt interface instead of Ethernet
- No built-in network connectivity or NAS features
- Larger physical footprint than standard desktop drives
Good fit if
- You edit 4K or 8K video directly from the drive
- You need massive local storage for a single workstation
- You prefer Thunderbolt connectivity over network sharing
Skip if
- You need a network-attached storage solution for multiple users
- Your computer only has USB-A ports
- You want to expand your existing NAS via Ethernet
Verdict: G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3 is a high-capacity portable drive for single-user video editors who need fast Thunderbolt speeds and do not require network sharing capabilities.
QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS
Best for: expanding QNAP NAS storage in a rack
- Drive Bays
- 4 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- USB 3.0 Type-C
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Dimensions
- 21.3 × 16.5 × 7.87 inches
- Weight
- 4.41 pounds
View on Amazon: QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
The QNAP TR-004U is a 4-bay rackmount NAS expansion unit designed for dense storage setups. It features USB 3.0 Type-C connectivity for fast data transfers and supports SATA drives for reliable performance. You can configure it as hardware-based RAID storage or use it to add space to an existing QNAP NAS. The lockable trays and dip switches offer physical security and configuration flexibility for your data.
Pros
- Rackmount form factor saves desktop space
- USB 3.0 Type-C port for fast transfers
- Lockable hard drive trays for security
- Dip switches for RAID configuration modes
Cons
- Limited to USB connection for direct attach use
- Requires a QNAP NAS for full software management
- No built-in display for local monitoring
Good fit if
- You need to expand storage for a QNAP NAS
- You have a server rack and need 4 bays
- You want hardware RAID control via dip switches
Skip if
- You require Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for Mac users
- You need a standalone NAS without a host system
- You prefer a desktop form factor for easy access
Verdict: The QNAP TR-004U 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion is a specialized tool for users who already own a QNAP NAS and need to add 4 bays in a rack. It fits users who prioritize physical security and hardware RAID settings over standalone operation.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology 4-Bay Dual 2.5GbE NAS | Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit | G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle | QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Enclosure | QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage | G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3 | QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4 Bay |
| Network Connectivity | Dual 2.5GbE | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | USB 3.0 Type-C |
| Included Storage | Diskless | Diskless | 32TB | Diskless | 12TB | 56TB | not stated |
| RAID Support | not stated | not stated | 0, 1, 5, 10 | RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD | RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD | not stated | not stated |
| Form Factor | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Rackmount |
| Hardware Interface | not stated | not stated | Thunderbolt | not stated | not stated | Thunderbolt | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay |
| Dimensions | 8.78 × 7.83 × 6.54 inches | 17 × 11.4 × 1.73 inches | 9.75 × 6.85 × 10.5 inches | 8.62 × 6.31 × 6.63 inches | not stated | 9.75 × 6.85 × 10.5 inches | 21.3 × 16.5 × 7.87 inches |
| Weight | 4.98 pounds | 9.44 pounds | 16 pounds | 4.08 pounds | not stated | not stated | 4.41 pounds |
| Size | 166 mm x 199 mm x 223 mm | 44 mm x 480 mm x 325 mm | 32TB | 4 Bay | 4 Bay | 56TB | 4 Bay |
| Color | Black | black | Black | Diskless | Black | not stated | Black |
| Model | DS925+ | RX418 | 0G10077 | TR-004-US | TR-004 | 0G10401 | TR-004U |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a QNAP 4-bay enclosure as a standalone NAS?
No. The QNAP TR-004 and TR-004U are Direct Attached Storage (DAS) units. They connect via USB-C or USB 3.2 to a computer or existing NAS. They do not have built-in network ports or operating systems for independent network sharing. You must use them as expansion tools for backups or additional local storage rather than as independent servers.
Do G-Technology Shuttle drives support network file sharing?
No. The G-Technology G-Speed Shuttle models use Thunderbolt 3 interfaces. They connect directly to a single computer. They are designed for high-speed local transfers for video editing workflows. They do not include Ethernet ports or NAS operating systems to share files across a network to multiple users simultaneously.
Which option is best for expanding an existing Synology NAS?
The Synology RX418 is the correct choice. It is a 4-bay rackmount expansion unit designed specifically for Synology systems. It offers seamless integration with your existing NAS to add storage capacity. It requires separate drive purchases and connects to your main Synology unit to expand available space without needing complex network configuration.
Is the QNAP TR-004U suitable for a desktop environment?
No. The QNAP TR-004U is a rackmount expansion unit. Its dimensions are 16.5 inches wide and 7.87 inches high. It is designed to fit into server racks for physical security and organization. It is not designed for standard desktop use. It serves as a specialized tool to add four bays to a QNAP NAS in a rack setup.
Can I use hardware RAID on the G-Technology Shuttle drives?
Yes. The G-Technology G-Speed Shuttle models feature hardware RAID capabilities. This allows you to configure drive redundancy or performance levels directly on the device. It is ideal for video professionals who need to move large datasets between studio and location. The RAID settings are managed via the hardware interface rather than software.
Does the QNAP TR-004 come with pre-installed drives?
It depends on the specific model. The standard QNAP TR-004-US is diskless, meaning you must purchase drives separately. However, the QNAP TR-004 with 12TB comes with pre-installed storage. Both are practical expansion tools for users who want to offload data or backup their main NAS without managing complex network settings or buying drives individually.
Are these alternatives compatible with the Synology DS925+?
Only the Synology RX418 is fully compatible. It is designed for seamless integration with Synology NAS systems. The QNAP and G-Technology devices are standalone DAS or Thunderbolt drives. They connect to computers or other NAS units via USB or Thunderbolt. They do not integrate directly into the Synology ecosystem for automatic expansion or management.