Looking Beyond the Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS Enclosure? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How Each Alternative Compares

UGREEN 8-Bay Core i5 Dual 10GbE NAS

The UGREEN 8-Bay Core i5 Dual 10GbE NAS offers a different approach to performance. It uses a Core i5 processor, which provides strong local processing power for teams managing large files. This model includes dual 10GbE ports as standard, ensuring fast network speeds without needing extra upgrade cards. You get a desktop unit in grey, sized specifically for the DXP8800 Plus chassis. It fits studios that prioritize speed and local control over brand ecosystem familiarity. If you want immediate high-speed networking and robust CPU power out of the box, this is a practical choice.

UGREEN DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay Desktop NAS

The UGREEN DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay Desktop NAS delivers strong processing power and high-speed networking for users managing large media files. It is designed as a desktop unit, making it suitable for environments where space is available. This model focuses on high-speed media storage and editing capabilities. It offers similar bay counts to the Synology but targets users who need efficient local processing for media workflows. The black finish matches standard studio equipment aesthetics. If you prioritize high-speed networking and strong processing for media editing over enterprise-grade clustering features, this alternative provides a focused solution for your production needs.

QNAP 8-Bay AMD Ryzen Quad-Core NAS

The QNAP 8-Bay AMD Ryzen Quad-Core NAS prioritizes CPU performance and RAM upgrades. It features a Ryzen V1500B processor, offering strong processing power for video production tasks. This unit suits users who value expandable memory and raw compute strength over high-speed built-in networking options. It is a diskless enclosure in black, designed for flexibility. If you need to scale your RAM and CPU resources for intensive video rendering or virtualization, this model provides the hardware foundation for those demands. It is less ideal if you require immediate 25GbE connectivity without additional hardware investments.

Thdeukoty Ultra 9 8-Bay NAS

The Thdeukoty Ultra 9 8-Bay NAS offers raw hardware power for video production teams. It features an Ultra 9 processor and 10GbE networking as standard, providing fast local processing and high-speed data transfers. This silver desktop unit includes M.2 NVMe support for additional speed. It suits editors who prioritize local AI processing and networking speed over established software ecosystems. The compact size fits well in modern workspaces. If you need strong CPU performance and fast networking without relying on a specific brand's software suite, this alternative delivers the necessary hardware specifications for demanding video editing workflows.

QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS

The QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS is designed for video editors needing dedicated GPU power. It includes 4GB of RAM and a quad-core processor. This model supports PCIe expansion, allowing you to add dedicated GPUs for 4K transcoding tasks. It comes with 1GbE networking as standard, which is slower than the Synology's optional 25GbE. The black enclosure weighs 12.3 pounds. It is less suitable for those needing higher base RAM or faster built-in ports. If you require specialized hardware acceleration for transcoding and can upgrade network speeds via PCIe, this unit offers a targeted solution for your specific editing requirements.

Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS

The Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS offers robust networking and storage capacity. It features 8GB of RAM and a quad-core processor, providing ample resources for video teams. The dual 10GbE ports ensure high-speed connectivity for large file transfers. This black unit includes M.2 NVMe support and is designed for users prioritizing speed and space. It fits environments where compactness is not the primary concern. If you need high-speed 10GbE connectivity and substantial RAM for managing large video files, this alternative provides a reliable hardware foundation for your production workflow without requiring additional network upgrades.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS Enclosure

Best for: enterprise video production teams

Drive Bays

8-Bay

Included Storage

Diskless

Dimensions

9.57 × 13.5 × 6.54 inches

Weight

13.2 pounds

View on Amazon: Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS Enclosure Affiliate link

The Synology DS1825+ is an 8-bay NAS designed for enterprise video production. It supports 50+ concurrent users editing 4K or 8K projects with speeds up to 2,239 MB/s. You can scale storage from 160TB to 360TB using expansion units. The unit includes 25GbE networking options and high-availability clustering for data protection. It measures 13.5 x 6.54 x 9.57 inches and weighs 13.2 pounds.

Pros

• Supports 50+ concurrent users for 4K/8K editing
• Speeds up to 2,239 MB/s for large files
• Scalable storage up to 360TB with expansion units
• Flexible 10GbE or 25GbE network upgrade options

Cons

• Diskless chassis requires separate hard drive purchase
• Heavy 13.2-pound build requires sturdy mounting
• No mention of included warranty beyond standard 3-year term

Good fit if

• You need high-speed editing for 4K or 8K video
• You require scalable storage up to 360TB
• You want enterprise-grade data protection features

Skip if

• You need a pre-loaded storage solution
• You have limited space for a 13.5-inch wide unit
• You do not require multi-user editing capabilities

Verdict: Synology DS1825+ 8-Bay NAS is ideal for production teams needing fast, scalable storage. It fits environments requiring high concurrency and large file transfers.

2 Also great

UGREEN 8-Bay Core i5 Dual 10GbE NAS

Best for: Teams needing fast local storage

Drive Bays

8-Bay

Network Connectivity

2x 10GbE

Processor

Intel i5 1235u

RAM Capacity

8GB DDR5

M.2 NVMe Slots

2 slots

Included Storage

Diskless

View on Amazon: UGREEN 8-Bay Core i5 Dual 10GbE NAS Affiliate link

The UGREEN NAS DXP8800 Plus is an 8-bay NAS featuring a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and dual 10GbE ports. It includes two M.2 NVMe slots and supports up to 272TB of storage. The system offers RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. It suits businesses and studios needing high throughput and local data security via a unified app.

Pros

• 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
• Dual 10GbE network ports
• Two M.2 NVMe slots
• RAID 0/1/5/6/10 support

Cons

• No included storage drives
• Wired Ethernet only
• No Wi-Fi connectivity

Good fit if

• You need high network throughput
• You require RAID 6 protection
• You want a unified management app

Skip if

• You need built-in wireless networking
• You want pre-installed drives
• You prefer Synology DSM

Verdict: UGREEN NAS DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay delivers strong processing power and fast networking for teams managing large files. It fits studios that prioritize speed and local control over brand ecosystem familiarity.

3 Also great

UGREEN DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay Desktop NAS

Best for: High-speed media storage and editing

Network Connectivity

Dual 10GbE

Processor

Intel Core i5 12th Gen

Included Storage

Diskless

Form Factor

Desktop

Number of Bays

8-Bay

View on Amazon: UGREEN DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay Desktop NAS Affiliate link

The UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus is an 8-bay desktop NAS featuring a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. It includes two 10GbE ports for aggregated 20G bandwidth and supports up to 272TB of storage across eight SATA and two M.2 NVMe bays. The unified app simplifies access to files and photos. It suits users needing high throughput and substantial capacity for large media libraries.

Pros

• Dual 10GbE ports with 20G aggregated bandwidth
• 12th Gen 10-core Intel Core i5 processor
• Supports up to 272TB total storage capacity
• Unified app for Storage Manager and Files

Cons

• No mention of built-in UPS support
• No mention of HDMI or display output
• Limited to 8G RAM in comparable models

Good fit if

• You need fast 10GbE network transfer speeds
• You require high CPU power for transcoding
• You want a unified app interface

Skip if

• You need more than eight drive bays
• You require 25GbE or higher network ports
• You prefer a rack-mountable form factor

Verdict: UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay Desktop NAS delivers strong processing power and high-speed networking for users managing large media files.

4 Also great

QNAP 8-Bay AMD Ryzen Quad-Core NAS

Best for: Users needing expandable RAM and strong CPU power

Drive Bays

8 Bay

Network Connectivity

2 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet

Processor

AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B

RAM Capacity

8GB DDR4

View on Amazon: QNAP 8-Bay AMD Ryzen Quad-Core NAS Affiliate link

This QNAP 8-bay NAS uses an AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B quad-core processor running at 2.2 GHz. It comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which you can expand up to 64GB. The unit includes two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports and multiple USB 3.2 connections. It is designed for users who need reliable local storage with solid processing power for video production tasks.

Pros

• AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B quad-core processor
• 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports for faster networking
• Expandable RAM up to 64GB
• Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports

Cons

• Only 8GB base RAM compared to 16GB in some rivals
• No mention of Thunderbolt or 10GbE connectivity
• Standard 2.5GbE limits peak transfer speeds

Good fit if

• You need expandable RAM for heavy workloads
• You prefer AMD Ryzen processing power
• You want multiple USB ports for peripherals

Skip if

• You require 10GbE network speeds
• You need Thunderbolt connectivity
• You want more than 64GB of RAM

Verdict: QNAP 8-Bay NAS Ryzen V1500B offers strong processing power and expandable memory for video production. It suits users who prioritize CPU performance and RAM upgrades over high-speed networking.

5

Thdeukoty Ultra 9 8-Bay NAS

Best for: Video editors needing local AI and 10GbE speed

Drive Bays

8-Bay

Network Connectivity

2 x 10GbE

Processor

Ultra 9 285H

RAM Capacity

32GB LPDDR5X

M.2 NVMe Slots

2 x M.2 NVMe Slots

Included Storage

Diskless

View on Amazon: Thdeukoty Ultra 9 8-Bay NAS Affiliate link

The Thdeukoty 8-bay desktop NAS pairs an Ultra 9 285H CPU with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM. It includes dual 10GbE ports for high-speed data transfer and two M.2 NVMe slots for caching or independent storage. This setup supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. It targets creative teams needing fast access to large video files and documents.

Pros

• Ultra 9 285H 16-core CPU with 32GB LPDDR5X RAM
• Dual 10GbE Ethernet ports with LACP support
• Two M.2 NVMe slots for caching or storage
• PCIe 4.0 x8 slot for discrete graphics or network cards

Cons

• No mention of official enterprise-grade warranty or support
• Proprietary brand with limited third-party software ecosystem
• Larger desktop footprint than rack-mount alternatives

Good fit if

• You need dual 10GbE ports for fast video editing
• You want high CPU power for local AI tasks
• You require flexible M.2 caching options

Skip if

• You rely on Synology DSM for seamless integration
• You need a standard enterprise warranty
• You prefer a compact rack-mount form factor

Verdict: Thdeukoty 8-Bay NAS Ultra 9 offers raw hardware power for video production teams who prioritize local processing and high-speed networking over established software ecosystems.

6 Best premium

QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS

Best for: 4K video transcoding and PCIe expansion

Drive Bays

6 Bay

Network Connectivity

4x GbE LAN

RAM Capacity

4GB DDR4

M.2 NVMe Slots

2 slots

Number of Bays

8-Bay

Processor Cores

Quad-Core

View on Amazon: QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS Affiliate link

The QNAP TS-673-4G is an 8-bay NAS designed for enterprise video production workflows. It features an AMD R-Series quad-core processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. The unit includes four 1GbE LAN ports and two PCIe slots for expansion. You can add an NVIDIA GT1030 graphics card for 4K video transcoding. Dual M.2 slots allow for SSD caching or storage pools to improve file access efficiency.

Pros

• 4GB DDR4 RAM for multitasking
• Supports NVIDIA GT1030 for 4K transcoding
• Two PCIe slots for 10GbE expansion
• Dual M.2 slots for SSD caching

Cons

• Base RAM is only 4GB
• Network ports limited to 1GbE
• Heavier build at 12.3 pounds

Good fit if

• You need hardware-accelerated 4K video transcoding
• You want to expand network speeds with PCIe cards
• You require SSD caching for faster file access

Skip if

• You require built-in 10GbE networking
• You need more than 4GB of RAM
• You want a lighter desktop unit

Verdict: QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS suits video editors who need dedicated GPU power for 4K transcoding and can upgrade network speeds via PCIe. It is less suitable for those needing higher base RAM or faster built-in ports.

7 Best budget

Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS

Best for: Video teams needing high-speed 10GbE connectivity

Drive Bays

8-Bay

Network Connectivity

2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE

Processor

Intel Atom C3538

RAM Capacity

8GB DDR4

Hardware Interface

M.2 NVMe

Processor Cores

Quad-Core

View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS Affiliate link

The Asustor 8-Bay NAS uses an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It features two 10GbE and two 2.5GbE ports for high-speed data transfer. This enclosure supports eight 3.5-inch SATA drives. It suits studios needing fast network connectivity and ample storage space for video production workflows.

Pros

• Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor
• 8GB DDR4 RAM for improved performance
• Two 10GbE network interfaces
• Two 2.5GbE network interfaces
• Supports eight 3.5-inch SATA drives

Cons

• Heavier build at 13.7 pounds
• Larger footprint than 4-bay alternatives
• Lower clock speed than competing models

Good fit if

• You need dual 10GbE ports for high throughput
• You require eight drive bays for large libraries
• You want DDR4 RAM for faster operations

Skip if

• You prefer a lighter, more compact unit
• You need more than eight drive slots
• You require higher clock speed processors

Verdict: Asustor 8-Bay NAS with 10GbE offers robust networking and storage capacity for teams managing large video files. It fits users prioritizing speed and space over compactness.

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