TLDR: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Synology DiskStation if…
- You want a stable, reliable NAS with minimal setup.
- Your business requires high uptime, and easy maintenance to update and upgrade OS.
- You prefer a polished app ecosystem and don’t want to spend time on manual configuration.
- Your business does not have an IT-savvy personnel. Prefer something simple and easy to use.
Choose Nanas StorageCube if…
- You’re an IT-savvy SMB, homelabber, researcher, or prosumer.
- You value higher hardware performance and no vendor lock-in.
- You want to explore Docker containers, virtualisation, Artificial Intelligent (AI) and open-source apps.
- You prefer flexibility and customisation over “set and forget” simplicity.
Synology DiskStation (Runs on DSM):
Polished, User-Friendly, and Reliable
Synology has built its reputation around DSM (DiskStation Manager), a Linux-based operating system designed for simplicity and stability. Its interface feels familiar even to non-technical users, with app-like tools for backup, file sharing, and collaboration.
Strengths of Synology:
- Ease of use – A polished, intuitive web UI suitable for beginners and businesses alike.
- App ecosystem – Synology offers a wide range of first-party apps (Surveillance Station, Drive, Office, etc.) plus smooth integrations with cloud platforms.
- Centralised Login – All the 1st-party Synology apps share the same login accounts.
- Active Backup for Business – there is no other offer in the market that provide such a comprehensive backup solution without additional cost. Backup your servers, workstations, Google Workspace & Microsoft 365 seamlessly.
- High reliability – Designed for businesses that need uptime and consistent performance.
- Support & warranty – Seamless software updates, long-term reliability, and 2 to 3 years warranty.
Considerations with Synology:
- Hardware flexibility – Synology systems are tightly integrated, so upgrades and spare parts usually come directly from Synology rather than standard retail components.
- Advanced customisation – DSM is designed for simplicity, which is a strength, but it leaves less room for deep tinkering compared to open-source platforms.
Nanas StorageCube (Runs on TrueNAS):
Power, Flexibility, and Openness
The Nanas StorageCube runs on TrueNAS, the leading open-source storage operating system trusted worldwide for enterprise and personal use. Nanas NAS devices use standard PC hardware, making them easier to upgrade, repair, and customise.
Strengths of Nanas:
- Higher hardware specification – For the same price range, Nanas often delivers newer CPUs, DDR5 memory, and more bays.
- Standard PC Parts – All parts are standard and can be purchased from retail stores. Uses PCIe lane for expansion.
- Advanced customisation – From ZFS snapshots to Docker containers, from virtualisation to Artificial Intelligent (AI), you’re free to build the system you need.
- Cost-effective – Affordable without sacrificing performance.
- ZFS File System – Next generation file system which has a high storage scalability and performance compare to traditional RAID.
- Loaner NAS – In an event of device malfunctioning during warranty period, a loaner NAS device will be provided while waiting for your NAS to be fixed.
Considerations with Nanas StorageCube:
- Learning curve – TrueNAS is powerful, but it assumes some IT knowledge. Setup and management may be less straightforward for beginners.
- Maintenance & Warranty – Software update may not be straight forward. Due to the flexibility of the software, and the amount of customisation can be done, updating its software will require additional attention from IT personnel and must be performed manually. Nanas StorageCube offers a 1-year warranty only.
- Business criticality – For environments where uptime is absolutely essential, Synology may be the more reliable choice.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Synology DiskStation (DSM) | Nanas StorageCube (TrueNAS) |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly, polished UI | Requires IT knowledge, more complex |
| Hardware | Proprietary, limited upgrades | Standard parts, highly customisable |
| Performance | Optimised for stability | Higher specs, better scalability |
| Ecosystem & Apps | Large first-party app library. Single user login account. | Docker + open-source ecosystem. Multiple user login accounts for different apps. |
| Support & Warranty | 2 to 3 years warranty | 1 year warranty |
| Flexibility | Limited customisation | Full flexibility with ZFS, Docker, Virtual Machines |
| Best For | Enterprises, small offices wanting reliability | Homelabbers, IT-savvy SMBs, prosumers, or Researcher |
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all NAS. Synology DiskStation delivers ease and reliability for those who want things to “just work,” while the Nanas StorageCube gives power users and small businesses the performance, openness, and flexibility of TrueNAS at an affordable price.
At the end of the day, your choice depends on what matters most:
- Stability and ease of use → Synology
- Performance and customisation → Nanas
To help make the comparison easier to understand, you can think of the two ecosystems in a familiar analogy:
- Synology is like Apple: hardware and software are tightly integrated, giving a smooth, consistent experience with minimal maintenance, but with less flexibility in hardware choices.
- Nanas is like a Windows PC: open, customisable, and easy to upgrade using standard components, offering more flexibility and performance potential, but requiring more hands-on management.
And whichever path you choose, we’re here to help you make the most of it. If you're still unsure on which NAS to choose, feel free to reach out to us for a free consultation.