The QNAP TS-264 is the right 2-bay NAS if you need x86 processing power and dual 2.5GbE networking without moving to a 4-bay unit. It runs QTS, supports Docker and Container Station, handles Plex transcoding, and has two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD cache. Features the similarly-priced Synology DS225+ cannot match. The premium over Synology’s 2-bay lineup is real: at $819-$917 AU versus the DS225+’s $585-$599, you’re paying for raw compute and network flexibility. Whether that’s worth it depends on your use case.
In short: Buy the TS-264 if you need Docker, want Plex hardware transcoding, or plan to use both 2.5GbE ports for link aggregation or direct workstation connection. Buy the DS225+ if you want Synology’s polish, simpler DSM, and don’t need x86 grunt or dual 2.5GbE.
Specifications
| CPU | Intel Celeron N5095 (Jasper Lake, 4-core, up to 2.9GHz) |
|---|---|
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 SO-DIMM (1 slot, max 16GB) |
| Drive bays | 2x 3.5"/2.5" SATA (hot-swappable) |
| M.2 slots | 2x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3 x1 (SSD cache) |
| Network | 2x 2.5GbE (supports link aggregation) |
| USB | 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C) |
| PCIe expansion | None (no expansion slot on 2-bay model) |
| Power consumption | ~18W operating, ~9W HDD hibernation |
| AU Price (PLE) | $819 |
| AU Price (Mwave) | $916.95 |
| Warranty | 2 years (AU distributor: Dicker Data) |
| Dimensions | 169 x 102 x 236mm, 1.85kg |
What the Intel Celeron N5095 Means in Practice
QNAP’s choice of the Jasper Lake Celeron N5095 is a meaningful step up from the ARM processors that dominate entry-level NAS units. It’s a 4-core x86 chip running at up to 2.9GHz, and it brings three practical benefits for Australian home and SMB users:
Plex transcoding. The N5095 supports Intel Quick Sync video hardware transcoding via its integrated Intel UHD Graphics. Plex Pass holders can hardware-transcode H.264 and HEVC streams. A Synology DS225+ (ARM-based) can only direct-play. It has no hardware transcoding engine. If you have a mix of clients that need on-the-fly transcoding, the TS-264 handles it where the DS225+ cannot. For a full comparison of NAS options for Plex in Australia, see our dedicated guide.
Docker and virtual machines. Container Station on QTS runs Docker containers without the ARM compatibility limitations you encounter on Synology’s entry-level ARM units. Python apps, Home Assistant, Nextcloud, and most containerised workloads that specify x86 architecture will run without issues. The 8GB RAM base gives reasonable headroom for 3-5 lightweight containers alongside NAS duties. This is the same reason the TS-264 appears on our best NAS for Docker and home automation list.
Dual 2.5GbE. Two 2.5GbE ports let you either link-aggregate to a 2.5GbE switch (5Gbps aggregate throughput) or connect one port to your network switch and run a direct cable to a workstation. Useful for video editors or anyone doing large file transfers. A single-port NAS forces all traffic through one 2.5GbE connection; the TS-264 removes that bottleneck without buying a 4-bay unit.
M.2 Cache Slots
Both M.2 slots accept NVMe SSDs for SSD cache. This is a QNAP feature that Synology reserves for its pricier models. The DS225+ has no M.2 slots at all. Adding two NVMe drives (QNAP certifies various consumer NVMe SSDs for cache use) creates a read-write cache tier that significantly improves random I/O performance for frequently accessed files. For a workstation that regularly opens the same project files, the cache effect is noticeable. For sequential backup workloads, it makes little difference.
One caveat: M.2 cache on QNAP requires QNAP-compatible drives and a Qtier or SSD Cache configuration that takes a few minutes to set up. It’s not automatic. See our SSD cache guide for Australia if you’re evaluating whether caching will help your specific workload.
QTS vs DSM. The Software Reality
QTS is powerful but complex. It has more configuration options than Synology DSM at every level. Which is both its strength and its weakness. If you want to fine-tune network interfaces, set up iSCSI targets, or run multiple virtualised services, QTS exposes controls that DSM hides or omits. If you want things to “just work” with minimal configuration, DSM’s more opinionated approach is easier to live with day-to-day.
For the TS-264’s target buyer. Home lab users, small businesses, and anyone running Docker. QTS is the right fit. For households that mainly want file storage and photo backup, Synology’s DSM ecosystem (Synology Photos, Synology Drive, Hyper Backup) is better integrated and more polished. See our full Synology vs QNAP Australia comparison for a framework to help you decide.
Pros
- Intel Celeron N5095. True x86 for Docker and hardware Plex transcoding
- Dual 2.5GbE. Link aggregation or dedicated workstation connection
- 2x M.2 NVMe cache slots. Not available on DS225+
- 8GB RAM standard (expandable to 16GB)
- Full QTS with Container Station, Virtualisation Station, and app ecosystem
- USB-C port for direct external drive or peripheral connection
Cons
- Price: $819-$917 AU is a significant premium over the DS225+ ($585-$599)
- No PCIe expansion slot on the 2-bay model. No 10GbE upgrade path
- QTS is more complex than DSM. Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Single RAM slot limits to 16GB maximum
- QNAP’s software ecosystem is less polished than Synology’s first-party apps
AU Pricing and Availability
The QNAP TS-264-8G (8GB RAM model) is available at PLE Computers for $819 and Mwave for $916.95. The price gap between retailers is larger than usual. Check PLE first as it tends to be the better value for QNAP in Australia. QNAP products in Australia are distributed through Dicker Data, with warranty support routed through the AU distributor.
A note on drive costs: add two 4TB Seagate IronWolf drives (~$130 each at Mwave or PLE) to get a drive-ready unit at roughly $1,080-$1,180 total. A meaningful outlay for a 2-bay NAS. If budget is the primary concern, the DS225+ is considerably cheaper to equip. If performance and features are the priority, the TS-264 delivers them at a clear premium. See our guide on where to buy NAS in Australia for a full retailer comparison.
Verdict
The QNAP TS-264 is the best 2-bay NAS in Australia for users who need x86 performance, dual 2.5GbE networking, and NVMe cache capability. Without moving to a 4-bay unit. It earns its premium over the DS225+ for Docker users, Plex transcoding households, and anyone who wants link aggregation or a direct workstation connection from a 2-bay device.
It loses a star for price: at $819-$917, it’s expensive for a 2-bay unit, and QNAP’s software ecosystem doesn’t quite match Synology’s polish for everyday home use. If your use case is primarily file storage, photo backup, and cloud sync, the DS225+ will serve you as well at $230-$330 less. See our head-to-head DS225+ vs TS-264 comparison for a full side-by-side breakdown.
See how the TS-264 compares to every current QNAP model available in Australia, ranked by use case.
Best QNAP NAS AustraliaRelated reading: our NAS buyer's guide.
Use our free NAS Sizing Wizard to get a personalised NAS recommendation.
See also: our complete QNAP ecosystem guide.
Does the QNAP TS-264 support Plex hardware transcoding?
Yes. The Intel Celeron N5095 in the TS-264 includes Intel UHD Graphics, which supports Quick Sync hardware transcoding. With a Plex Pass subscription, the TS-264 can hardware-transcode H.264 and HEVC (H.265) streams simultaneously. This makes it one of the few 2-bay NAS units capable of reliable 4K transcoding in Australia.
Can the QNAP TS-264 run Docker containers?
Yes. QTS includes Container Station, which provides a full Docker environment. The TS-264’s x86 Celeron N5095 processor means x86-architecture Docker images run without compatibility issues. The 8GB RAM base is sufficient for 3-5 lightweight containers. Running Home Assistant, Nextcloud, or Portainer alongside normal NAS duties is well within its capabilities.
How much does the QNAP TS-264 cost in Australia?
The QNAP TS-264-8G (8GB RAM, diskless) is priced at $819 at PLE Computers and $916.95 at Mwave as of the latest pricing data. It is sold diskless. Drives are purchased separately. Two 4TB Seagate IronWolf drives add approximately $260, bringing the fully-equipped cost to around $1,080-$1,180.
What is the difference between the QNAP TS-264 and the Synology DS225+?
The TS-264 uses an Intel x86 processor (N5095), has dual 2.5GbE ports, and includes two M.2 NVMe cache slots. The DS225+ uses an ARM processor, has a single 2.5GbE port, and has no M.2 slots. The TS-264 costs $230-$330 more in Australia. The DS225+ has a more polished software ecosystem (Synology DSM) and is the better choice for straightforward file storage and photo backup. The TS-264 is better for Docker, Plex transcoding, and users who need dual 2.5GbE.
Does the QNAP TS-264 work well on Australian NBN connections?
Yes. The TS-264’s dual 2.5GbE is well-matched to FTTP NBN connections and fast HFC. For remote access, QNAP’s myQNAPcloud relay works on CGNAT connections (common on Aussie Broadband and TPG), though for the best remote performance a Tailscale or VPN setup is recommended. QNAP’s remote access setup is slightly more complex to configure than Synology’s QuickConnect equivalent.