u/Kitty_Coding

I currently own a DS920+ and started looking at newer Synology models like the DS925+, DS1525+, DS425+, etc. But the more I compare them, the more I feel like the DS920+ might still be the sweet spot in Synology’s lineup.

Here’s why I think that:

• Intel Celeron J4125 with Quick Sync
• Hardware transcoding support for Plex/Jellyfin
• 4 bays + DX517 expansion support
• 2x NVMe slots
• Low power consumption
• Mature/stable platform
• DSM compatibility is excellent
• Still fast enough for Docker, SMB, backups, Photos, media server, etc.

Meanwhile, newer Synology models seem to:

• move to older AMD Ryzen embedded CPUs (V1500B)
• lose Intel Quick Sync
• remove PCIe expansion
• push proprietary drive compatibility harder
• become more business storage focused rather than home media/server focused

If transcoding is NOT important, then yes, DS925+/DS1525+ look stronger on paper because of:

• ECC RAM
• more RAM capacity
• 2.5GbE
• better multitasking

But overall, I still feel like the DS920+ was the most balanced Synology NAS they ever made.

Do you agree?

If you were buying a Synology NAS today in 2026:

• would you still hunt for a DS920+?
• or would you go with one of the newer Plus models?

Curious what long-time Synology users think.