6 Best Alternatives to the Synology 4-Bay Media Backup NAS (2026)
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If you are looking for synology ds425 private cloud media alternatives, you may want to explore other options that fit your specific workflow. The Synology DS425+ serves as a central hub for small teams, offering granular access controls and support for up to thirty IP cameras. Its design prioritizes data protection through RAID redundancy and automated backups. You might choose a different device if you need a different form factor, such as a rackmount unit, or if you prefer a direct-attached storage solution instead of a full network-attached server.
This list includes 6 products selected because their specifications overlap with the original model. We focused on four-bay configurations to maintain similar storage capacity. The options range from Synology expansion units to QNAP hardware RAID enclosures and G-Technology portable drives. Each product offers distinct interfaces like Thunderbolt or USB-C, catering to different connectivity needs. You can compare these devices based on their physical dimensions, weight, and included storage to find the best fit for your environment.
Our top pick: Synology 4-Bay Media and Backup NAS.
How each alternative compares
Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit
The Synology RX418 is a rackmount expansion unit rather than a standalone NAS. It provides four additional drive bays to increase storage capacity for your existing Synology system. This unit is diskless, meaning you must supply your own drives. It connects via SAS or SATA to expand your array. You gain more space without replacing your current media server. However, it lacks its own processing power or independent operating system. It does not offer surveillance features or standalone file sharing. You should choose this if you already own a Synology NAS and need more room for your media library or backup archives.
G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle
The G-Technology G-Speed Shuttle is a portable Thunderbolt 3 drive with 32TB of storage. It is designed for video editors who need high speed and redundancy on location. This unit offers a single, massive pre-configured RAID array. It lacks the four-bay flexibility of the Synology DS425+, as it holds four drives in one chassis. You cannot add individual drives or use it as a network server. It has no surveillance support or user access controls. You should pick this if you edit 4K or 8K video directly from the drive and travel with your projects. It is not suitable for team file sharing or home network storage.
QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Enclosure
The QNAP TR-004 is a direct-attached storage enclosure with a USB-C interface. It provides four drive bays for hardware RAID expansion. This unit is diskless, requiring you to install your own drives. It connects directly to a computer or NAS via USB-C. You get reliable local storage without the complexity of a full network operating system. It lacks network ports, surveillance capabilities, and the Synology DSM software ecosystem. You cannot share files across a network directly. You should choose this if you need a simple, fast backup target for your QNAP NAS or PC. It is best for users who want extra space without managing a full server.
QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage
The QNAP TR-004 with 12TB is a pre-configured direct-attached storage unit. It offers four drive bays with a built-in RAID setup. This unit connects via USB-C to your computer or NAS. It provides immediate storage expansion without needing to install drives yourself. It lacks the network processing power and surveillance features of the Synology DS425+. You cannot use it as a standalone media server for multiple users. It has no support for IP cameras or granular user access controls. You should pick this if you need a quick, reliable backup drive for your existing NAS. It is ideal for users who want pre-built redundancy without the overhead of a full NAS system.
G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3
The G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle is a high-capacity Thunderbolt 3 drive. It holds 56TB in a single, portable chassis with four internal drives. This unit is designed for direct connection to video editing workstations. It offers massive local storage for 4K and 8K projects. It lacks network connectivity, so you cannot share files across a team. It has no surveillance support or user management features. You cannot add individual drives or expand it like a 4-bay NAS. You should choose this if you edit video directly from the drive and need huge capacity. It is not suitable for home network storage or team collaboration.
QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS
The QNAP TR-004U is a rackmount expansion unit for QNAP NAS systems. It provides four drive bays in a 1U rackmount form factor. This unit is diskless, requiring you to supply your own drives. It connects to your existing QNAP NAS to expand storage capacity. It lacks independent processing power or a standalone operating system. You cannot use it as a separate media server or surveillance hub. It does not offer network sharing or user access controls on its own. You should pick this if you already use QNAP equipment and need to expand your storage in a rack. It is best for users who want to grow their existing QNAP array securely.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Synology 4-Bay Media and Backup NAS
Best for: Small teams needing media and surveillance
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 8.78 × 7.83 × 6.54 inches
- Weight
- 4.81 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 4-Bay Media and Backup NAS Affiliate link
The Synology DS425+ is a diskless 4-bay NAS designed for media streaming and file sharing. It supports concurrent access for over 10 users and delivers speeds up to 278 MB/s. The unit measures 166 x 199 x 223 mm and weighs 4.81 pounds. It includes granular access controls, audit logs, and support for up to 30 IP cameras for surveillance. This model requires you to purchase hard drives separately.
Pros
- 4-bay capacity for RAID redundancy
- Supports 10+ concurrent users
- Up to 278 MB/s transfer speeds
- Supports up to 30 IP cameras
- Granular access controls and audit logs
Cons
- Sold diskless without included storage
- No mention of built-in 10GbE ports
- No mention of dual Ethernet ports
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated media server for small teams
- You want to integrate IP surveillance with file storage
- You already own compatible hard drives
Skip if
- You require pre-installed storage drives
- You need 10GbE networking connectivity
- You want a compact single-bay solution
Verdict: Synology DS425+ 4-Bay NAS is a practical option for users who need to manage media assets and surveillance for a small group. It fits teams that already have drives and want granular access controls.
Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit
Best for: expanding existing Synology NAS storage
- 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 increase storage capacity for existing Synology NAS systems. It features a compact 17-inch depth, allowing it to fit in 2-post racks. The unit supports online volume expansion and is managed through Synology DiskStation Manager. It includes an energy-saving deep sleep mode. This device suits users who need more space without buying a new main server.
Pros
- 4-bay capacity for additional drives
- Compact 17-inch depth fits 2-post racks
- Supports online volume expansion
- Managed via Synology DSM software
Cons
- Sold diskless with no included storage
- Requires an existing Synology NAS to function
- No independent network ports for standalone use
Good fit if
- You own a Synology NAS and need more storage
- You have limited rack space for new equipment
- You want to expand your current volume online
Skip if
- You need a standalone NAS without an existing system
- You want pre-installed drives for immediate use
- You require a device with its own network connectivity
Verdict: Synology 4-Bay Expansion Unit RX418 is a practical add-on for Synology owners who need more drive bays without replacing their current setup. It is best for users expanding existing storage arrays.
G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle
Best for: Portable 4K/8K video editing 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
This is a transportable 4-bay RAID storage solution designed for demanding production workflows. It features a 32TB capacity and supports multi-stream 4K and 8K video. The drive connects via Thunderbolt and includes built-in hardware RAID for data protection. Its rugged design makes it suitable for travel between studio and location. You get a 5-year limited warranty with this drive.
Pros
- 32TB storage capacity for large media files
- Built-in hardware RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10
- Optimized for multi-stream 4K and 8K workflows
- Transportable design for easy travel
Cons
- Smaller 32TB capacity compared to 56TB alternatives
- Uses Thunderbolt interface instead of USB Type-C
- Heavier at 16 pounds than standard desktop NAS units
Good fit if
- You need a portable RAID solution for on-location editing
- You require hardware RAID for data redundancy
- You work with 4K or 8K video streams
Skip if
- You need more than 32TB of storage
- You prefer USB Type-C connectivity over Thunderbolt
- You want a network-attached storage device for home use
Verdict: G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3 is a heavy, portable RAID drive for video professionals who need speed and redundancy on location. It fits editors who travel with large 4K or 8K projects.
QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Enclosure
Best for: Hardware RAID backup expansion for QNAP NAS
- 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 that connects via USB Type-C. It supports hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, and JBOD for flexible data management. This diskless unit expands capacity for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. It serves as external storage for NAS backups or as a standalone pool. You need it if you want hardware-level redundancy without a full NAS server.
Pros
- Supports hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, and JBOD
- Connects via USB Type-C for fast transfers
- Lockable drive bays for physical security
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux
Cons
- Sold diskless with no drives included
- Cannot run NAS applications or install QTS
- Data migration from NAS drives is not supported
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated backup target for your QNAP NAS
- You want hardware RAID without managing a full NAS OS
- You require a simple, lockable storage expansion for multiple OSs
Skip if
- You need to install NAS apps or services on the device
- You want to combine this storage pool with your NAS volume
- You need a pre-configured unit with drives already installed
Verdict: QNAP TR-004 4-Bay USB-C DAS is a simple, hardware-RAID enclosure for users who need reliable external storage expansion. It fits those who want to back up their NAS or add space without running a full server operating system.
QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage
Best for: expanding NAS capacity with pre-configured RAID
- 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
This is a Direct Attached Storage unit, not a network NAS. It connects via USB Type-C to Windows, macOS, or Linux systems. The bundle includes four 4TB Seagate IronWolf drives pre-configured in RAID 5 for 12TB of total space. You can use it as external backup for your NAS or to expand storage capacity. It supports SATA 3Gb/s drives in lockable bays.
Pros
- Includes 12TB of pre-installed Seagate IronWolf storage
- Pre-configured with RAID 5 for data redundancy
- Connects via USB Type-C for broad OS compatibility
- Features lockable drive bays for physical security
Cons
- Uses USB connection instead of network ports like 2.5GbE or 10GbE
- Limited to SATA 3Gb/s drive interface speeds
- No built-in network file sharing capabilities
Good fit if
- You need extra local storage for a QNAP NAS
- You want a ready-to-use backup drive with RAID 5
- You prefer USB Type-C connectivity over network cables
Skip if
- You require a standalone network-attached storage device
- You need high-speed network transfers via 10GbE
- You want to share files directly over your LAN
Verdict: QNAP TR-004 4-Bay DAS with 12TB is a solid expansion tool for existing NAS owners who need reliable local backup storage with pre-built RAID protection.
G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3
Best for: Direct-attached 4K/8K video editing workstations
- 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 storage drive with 56TB of capacity. It uses a Thunderbolt interface and offers sustained transfer rates up to 1000MB/s. The unit is optimized for multi-stream 4K and 8K workflows. You should use this if you need high-speed direct connection for video editing. The included ev Bay Adapter allows for easy drive swaps. It is a solid choice for heavy media production.
Pros
- 56TB storage capacity for large media libraries
- Sustained transfer rates up to 1000MB/s
- Optimized for multi-stream 4K and 8K workflows
- Includes ev Bay Adapter for easy drive access
Cons
- No built-in network connectivity for shared access
- Requires Thunderbolt port on your host device
- Limited to direct-attached storage functionality
Good fit if
- You edit 4K or 8K video files directly from the drive
- You need massive local storage for a single workstation
- You prefer Thunderbolt connectivity for maximum speed
Skip if
- You need a network-attached storage solution for multiple users
- Your computer lacks Thunderbolt ports
- You want a drive with built-in RAID management software
Verdict: G-Technology 56TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3 is a high-capacity direct-attached storage solution for video professionals who need fast transfer rates and massive local space. It fits users who edit directly from the drive and have the necessary Thunderbolt hardware.
QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS
Best for: expanding QNAP NAS storage in rackmount setups
- 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 users needing dedicated storage expansion. It features a USB 3.0 Type-C port for fast data transfer and supports SATA drives for reliable performance. You can configure RAID settings using dip switches or a connected QNAP NAS. Its rackmount form factor makes it suitable for server racks, offering a robust solution for expanding your private cloud media backup infrastructure.
Pros
- USB 3.0 Type-C port for faster data transfer
- Supports up to four SATA drives for reliable read and write performance
- Lockable hard drive trays to prevent accidental drive removal
- Dip switches to change between hardware and software RAID control configurations
Cons
- Diskless unit requires you to purchase drives separately
- Requires a separate QNAP NAS to fully utilize software-based RAID and monitoring features
- Lacks Thunderbolt connectivity found in some competing portable options
Good fit if
- You need to add dedicated storage space to an existing QNAP NAS system
- You require a rackmount form factor for your server setup
- You want hardware-based RAID storage without relying on software control
Skip if
- You need a complete NAS solution with pre-installed drives
- You prefer a desktop form factor over a rackmount unit
- You are looking for a portable drive enclosure with Thunderbolt support
Verdict: The QNAP TR-004U 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion is a practical choice for users expanding a QNAP NAS ecosystem who need a secure, rackmountable storage solution with hardware RAID options.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology 4-Bay Media and Backup 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 | not stated | 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 | 4.81 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 | DS425+ | RX418 | 0G10077 | TR-004-US | TR-004 | 0G10401 | TR-004U |
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use the G-Technology Shuttle for 8K video editing?
Yes, the G-Technology G-Speed Shuttle is designed for 4K and 8K workflows. It features Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for high-speed data transfer. The 32TB and 56TB models provide ample space for large media files. This makes it suitable for video professionals who edit directly from the drive.
Is the QNAP TR-004 a standalone NAS or an expansion unit?
The QNAP TR-004 is a Direct Attached Storage (DAS) device, not a standalone NAS. It uses hardware RAID for simple backup expansion. You connect it to an existing NAS via USB-C. It does not run a full server operating system, making it a simple storage add-on.
Does the Synology RX418 include hard drives?
No, the Synology RX418 is a diskless expansion unit. It provides four additional drive bays for your existing Synology system. You must supply your own hard drives to populate these bays. It is best for users who need more storage without replacing their current NAS setup.
What is the difference between the QNAP TR-004 and TR-004U?
The main difference is the form factor. The TR-004 is a desktop unit, while the TR-004U is a rackmount expansion unit. Both offer four bays and hardware RAID for QNAP NAS expansion. The rackmount version is designed for setups where space and standard rack compatibility are priorities.
Which drive is best for portable media workflows?
The G-Technology G-Speed Shuttle is built for portability. It connects via Thunderbolt 3 and offers RAID redundancy on the go. The 32TB model weighs 16 pounds. It fits editors who travel with large 4K or 8K projects and need reliable, fast external storage.
Can I use the Synology DS425+ for surveillance?
Yes, the Synology DS425+ supports surveillance for small groups. It offers granular access controls for managing media and camera feeds. As a 4-bay NAS, it provides space for video recordings. It is a practical option for users who need to manage both media assets and security footage.
Does the QNAP TR-004-US come with pre-configured RAID?
The QNAP TR-004-US is a diskless enclosure. It does not come with pre-configured RAID or drives. You must install your own drives and configure the RAID settings. It provides hardware RAID capabilities for reliable backup expansion when connected to a QNAP NAS.