Storage Comparison
Synology vs QNAP NAS
Synology and QNAP are the two leading NAS platforms for small and medium businesses. Both produce reliable hardware with feature-rich operating systems covering file sharing, backup, surveillance and remote access. They differ in operating-system design, app ecosystems, security philosophy and management experience. This guide compares them using the scenarios Express IT Solutions deploys in Goa so you can choose the right platform for your specific requirements.
Serving Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa, Ponda & all of Goa
Hardware and Expansion
- Synology: Clean product line of DiskStation (desktop) and RackStation models. Drive expansion via DX series expansion units on supported models. Consistent hardware quality across the range
- QNAP: Wider hardware range including models with built-in 10GbE, HDMI output, PCIe expansion slots and more NVMe bays. Higher hardware ceiling for specific workloads but a more complex product selection
- For file sharing, backup and Surveillance Station — the three most common business uses in Goa — standard Synology DiskStation models cover requirements without needing high-specification QNAP hardware
Operating System and Administration
- Synology DSM: Clean, well-organised web interface. Consistent navigation between versions. Easier to train a non-technical admin to manage shares and users. Strong app ecosystem centred on clearly supported packages
- QNAP QTS: Feature-rich interface with more settings exposed by default. More powerful for technical users who want granular control. Steeper learning curve for non-technical administrators
- For small business clients who need an IT team or manager to administer the NAS without specialist skills, DSM is generally easier. QNAP suits power users or businesses with a technical in-house IT resource
Backup Capabilities
- Synology Active Backup for Business: Backs up Windows PCs, servers, VMs and Microsoft 365 (email, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams) to the NAS without per-device licence fees — a significant cost advantage for fleets of computers
- QNAP Hybrid Backup Sync: Backs up to cloud, another NAS or external drives. NetBak Replicator for Windows PC backup. Third-party solutions like Veeam and Acronis support QNAP as a target
- For Microsoft 365 backup and agentless PC backup without additional licences, Synology Active Backup for Business is a clear advantage at small business scale
Surveillance Storage
- Synology Surveillance Station: Supports Dahua, TP-Link VIGI, Hikvision, Axis and hundreds of other IP cameras. Free licences for two cameras, additional licences purchasable per camera
- QNAP QVR Pro: Supports a wide range of IP cameras. Free licences for limited channels; additional licences required. More advanced analytics features available on higher-end QNAP hardware
- For most Goa properties using Synology as a combined file server and CCTV recorder for a modest camera count, Surveillance Station's two free licences and affordable additional licences are cost-effective
Security and Update Track Record
- Synology: Strong security update record with DSM updates released promptly. Synology Security Advisories published regularly. QuickConnect and VPN options well-documented for secure remote access
- QNAP: Has experienced several high-profile ransomware campaigns targeting internet-exposed QNAP devices. Security has improved significantly with QTS updates and QNAP's Security Counselor tool, but historical exposure has affected market perception
- For small businesses that need a NAS to be low-maintenance and secure, Synology's track record and simpler remote-access setup reduces risk. With either platform, Express IT Solutions configures secure remote access — not direct port forwarding — and ensures firmware is current before handover
Useful Resources
Not Sure Which NAS Platform to Choose?
Call or WhatsApp us. We will assess your storage, backup and access requirements, recommend the right platform and system, and provide a detailed quote with full setup included.