Synology vs QNAP: NAS Devices Compared by Specs
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This synology vs QNAP network attached storage comparison highlights two very different products. The Synology CLP8 is a software license pack for expanding camera support on existing NAS units. The QNAP TS-673-4G is a physical 8-bay hardware device with its own processor and memory. You are comparing an add-on license against a complete storage server. Both serve surveillance and storage needs, but in distinct ways.
Key differences
| Aspect | Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | License Pack | NAS Hardware |
| Model | CLP8 | TS-673-4G |
| Number of Bays | not listed | 8-Bay |
| RAM Capacity | not listed | 4GB RAM |
| Processor | not listed | AMD R-Series Quad-core 2.1GHz |
| Weight | 0.71 ounces | 12.3 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack if
- You already own a compatible Synology NAS and need to add eight camera licenses.
- You want a lightweight, low-profile license pack that weighs under one ounce.
Choose QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS if
- You need a complete physical server with eight drive bays for storage.
- You require built-in 4GB RAM and a quad-core processor for running apps.
Verdict: The Synology CLP8 is strictly for users who already have the hardware and need to expand camera counts. The QNAP TS-673-4G is for buyers who need the physical server itself. Choose the license pack only if your NAS is already installed and running.
Synology License vs QNAP Hardware
Product type
You are comparing two fundamentally different items. The Synology CLP8 is a software license pack. It adds camera support to existing Synology NAS or NVR units. It does not contain hardware. The QNAP TS-673-4G is a physical network attached storage device. It includes its own processor, memory, and drive bays. You need the QNAP unit to store data. You need the Synology pack to expand camera features on compatible hardware. They serve separate roles in a surveillance or storage setup.
Camera capacity
The Synology CLP8 explicitly supports eight surveillance devices. This pack allows you to activate eight cameras or related devices on your NAS. The QNAP TS-673-4G does not list a specific camera license count in its specifications. It is a general-purpose NAS with eight drive bays. While it supports surveillance features, the exact number of supported cameras depends on the specific model configuration and additional licenses. The Synology product offers a clear, fixed number of camera licenses for immediate deployment.
Storage bays
The QNAP TS-673-4G provides eight drive bays. It supports six 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA drives plus two M.2 NVMe or SATA SSD slots. This gives you significant local storage and caching options. The Synology CLP8 has no drive bays. It is a digital key. It cannot hold any data itself. If you need physical storage for files, the QNAP unit is the only choice here. The Synology product relies entirely on your existing NAS hardware for storage capacity.
Processor power
The QNAP TS-673-4G features an AMD R-Series quad-core processor running at 2.1GHz. It also includes 4GB of DDR4 RAM. This hardware handles file management, virtualization, and video transcoding. The Synology CLP8 has no processor or RAM. It is software only. It relies on the CPU and memory of the NAS unit it is installed on. For heavy tasks like 4K transcoding, the QNAP hardware provides the necessary computing power independently.
Physical size
The Synology CLP8 is very small. It measures 5 inches by 5 inches by 1 inch. It weighs only 0.71 ounces. It is easy to store or install digitally. The QNAP TS-673-4G is much larger. It measures 11 inches by 10.4 inches by 7.41 inches. It weighs 12.3 pounds. It requires a dedicated space on a desk or in a rack. The Synology product is compact by nature, while the QNAP unit is a substantial piece of furniture-grade hardware.
Which NAS License or Hardware Should You Buy
Existing Synology owner adding cameras
If you already own a Synology NAS or NVR, you need this license pack to expand surveillance capacity. The CLP8 provides eight additional licenses for IP cameras and access controllers. It is a software key, not hardware. You can migrate purchased licenses. Check your model specs to ensure it supports the required number of devices before buying.
User needing an 8-bay NAS
This QNAP unit is a physical device with eight drive bays for storage. It features a quad-core AMD processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. You get four Gigabit Ethernet ports and two PCIe slots for expansion. Dual M.2 SSD slots allow for caching or storage pools. It supports virtualization and containerized apps for scalable storage needs.
Someone wanting 4K transcoding
The QNAP TS-673-4G supports NVIDIA GeForce GT1030 graphics cards for video tasks. This hardware enables 4K video transcoding and output. The Synology CLP8 is only a license key and cannot perform any video processing. If you require hardware acceleration for media streaming, this physical NAS unit with its GPU support is the only viable choice in this comparison.
The products compared
Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack
Best for: expanding Synology NAS surveillance capacity
- Dimensions
- 5 × 5 × 1 inches
- Weight
- 0.71 ounces
View on Amazon: Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack Affiliate link
This is a software license pack for Synology NAS and NVR systems. It allows you to activate eight additional surveillance devices. You need this if your default licenses are insufficient for your camera count. The pack supports IP cameras, I/O modules, and access controllers. It is a digital key for expanding your security setup on compatible Synology hardware.
Pros
- Activates eight surveillance devices at once
- Compatible with IP cameras and access controllers
- Licenses can be migrated between devices
- Available in 1, 4, or 8 device packs
Cons
- Requires compatible Synology NAS or NVR hardware
- Does not include physical camera equipment
- Transaction devices require two licenses each
Good fit if
- You need to add eight cameras to your system
- You already own a Synology NAS with default licenses
- You want to migrate licenses to new hardware
Skip if
- You are looking for physical IP cameras
- You use a QNAP NAS system
- Your system already supports eight cameras by default
Verdict: Synology 8-Camera License Pack is the correct upgrade for users who have outgrown their default NAS surveillance limits and need to add eight specific devices to their existing Synology setup.
QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS
Best for: High-capacity storage with GPU transcoding
- 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 featuring an AMD quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM. It includes four 1GbE ports and dual M.2 slots for SSD caching. You get two PCIe slots for expansion, including optional 10GbE cards. This setup supports virtualization and 4K transcoding with a dedicated GPU. It suits users needing scalable storage and hardware acceleration for media tasks.
Pros
- Eight drive bays for high capacity
- Dual M.2 slots for SSD caching
- Supports NVIDIA GT1030 for 4K transcoding
- Two PCIe slots for hardware expansion
Cons
- Includes only 4GB of base RAM
- Four 1GbE ports lack built-in 10GbE
- Heavier build at 12.3 pounds
Good fit if
- You need extensive local storage capacity
- You plan to add 10GbE via PCIe
- You require hardware video transcoding
Skip if
- You need built-in 10GbE connectivity
- You prefer a compact desktop footprint
- You want more than 4GB of RAM
Verdict: The QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS fits users who need expandable storage and hardware acceleration. It is ideal for those willing to add PCIe cards for faster networking.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | not stated | 6 Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not stated | 4x GbE LAN |
| RAM Capacity | not stated | 4GB DDR4 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | 2 slots |
| Number of Bays | not stated | 8-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not stated | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 5 × 5 × 1 inches | 11 × 10.4 × 7.41 inches |
| Weight | 0.71 ounces | 12.3 pounds |
| Size | CLP8 | 4GB RAM |
| Color | Multicolor | Black |
| Model | CLP8 | TS-673-4G-US |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Synology CLP8 with a QNAP NAS?
No. The Synology CLP8 is designed exclusively for Synology NAS or NVR units. It adds eight camera licenses to existing Synology hardware. It is not compatible with QNAP devices. You must use Synology products for this license pack. The QNAP TS-673-4G is a separate hardware unit.
Does the QNAP TS-673-4G include hard drives?
The data does not state that hard drives are included. It is an 8-bay NAS device. You need to purchase drives separately to fill the bays. It comes with 4GB of RAM and a quad-core processor. You add storage by installing compatible hard drives into the empty bays.
What is the main difference between these two products?
One is software, the other is hardware. The Synology CLP8 is a license pack for camera expansion. It adds no physical components. The QNAP TS-673-4G is a physical 8-bay server. It contains a processor, memory, and network ports. You cannot compare them as direct substitutes.
How many cameras does the Synology license pack support?
It supports eight cameras. The CLP8 provides eight specific licenses for IP cameras. It also supports access controllers. You add these licenses to your existing Synology setup. It does not include the cameras themselves. You must already own a compatible Synology NAS or NVR.
Does the QNAP TS-673-4G have GPU transcoding?
Yes. The product is best for high-capacity storage with GPU transcoding. It includes hardware acceleration for media tasks. This helps with video streaming and conversion. You get an 8-bay unit with 4GB RAM. It also features a quad-core processor for handling these tasks.
Is the QNAP TS-673-4G suitable for beginners?
The data does not specify a difficulty level. It is an 8-bay NAS with 4GB RAM and a quad-core processor. It supports 1GbE network connectivity. You can add PCIe cards for faster networking. It is a physical device requiring drive installation. Consider your technical comfort before purchasing.