The Synology DS225+ is the right choice for most Australian households. The QNAP TS-264 is the right choice for power users who need x86 Docker, hardware Plex transcoding, or dual 2.5GbE networking. The price gap is real. The TS-264 sits above the DS225+ at every retailer. And it only makes sense if you’ll actually use what the extra money buys. If you’re unsure which side of that line you fall on, this comparison will tell you.
For a broader overview of this topic, see our complete QNAP ecosystem guide.
Specifications Side by Side
Synology DS225+ vs QNAP TS-264. Full Specs (AU)
Synology DS225+
|
QNAP TS-264-8G
|
|
|---|---|---|
| None | $585-$599 (Mwave / Scorptec) | $819-$917 (PLE / Mwave) |
| None | Arm Cortex-A55 (4-core, 2.0GHz) | Intel Celeron N5095 (4-core, 2.0-2.9GHz) |
| None | ARM (armv8) | x86-64 |
| None | 2GB DDR4 (upgradeable to 6GB) | 8GB DDR4 (upgradeable to 16GB) |
| None | 2x SATA (hot-swap) | 2x SATA (hot-swap) |
| None | None | 2x M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 3 |
| None | 1x 2.5GbE | 2x 2.5GbE (link aggregation) |
| None | 2x USB 3.2 | 3x USB 3.2 + 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| None | None | None |
| None | DSM 7.x | QTS 5.x |
| None | Direct play / software only | Hardware (Intel Quick Sync) |
| None | Limited (ARM images only) | Full x86 Docker |
| None | ~10W | ~18W |
| None | 2 years (Dicker Data) | 2 years (Dicker Data) |
The Core Difference: ARM vs x86
The single most important difference between these two NAS units is processor architecture. The DS225+ uses an ARM Cortex-A55. Capable, efficient, and well-suited to file sharing, photo management, and cloud sync, but limited for heavy compute workloads. The TS-264 uses an Intel Celeron N5095. A full x86 processor with hardware video decoding and broader software compatibility.
In practice, ARM vs x86 affects three things in the 2-bay NAS category:
- Docker: The DS225+ can run Docker via Synology’s Container Manager, but only ARM-architecture images. Many popular Docker Hub images are x86-only or have ARM variants that lag behind in updates. The TS-264 runs any x86 image without restrictions. If you’re running Home Assistant, Nextcloud, Portainer, or anything with a mainstream Docker Hub image, the TS-264 is significantly more flexible.
- Plex transcoding: The DS225+ can direct-play media files to clients that support the codec natively, but has no hardware transcoding engine. Software transcoding at 1080p is slow and often impractical. The TS-264’s Intel Quick Sync handles H.264 and HEVC hardware transcoding with Plex Pass, making it a genuine Plex server for households with mixed clients.
- Virtual machines: The DS225+ has no VM capability. The TS-264 can run Virtualisation Station for lightweight VMs, though 2-bay RAM limits (16GB max) keep this to modest workloads.
Where the DS225+ Wins
The DS225+ wins on three fronts: price, software ecosystem, and efficiency.
Price. At $585-$599 versus $819-$917, the DS225+ is meaningfully cheaper. For a 2-bay NAS that will primarily handle file sharing, Time Machine backups, and photo management, paying the TS-264 premium is difficult to justify.
DSM ecosystem. Synology’s DSM is the most polished NAS operating system available. Synology Photos, Synology Drive, Hyper Backup, and Active Backup for Business are all first-party apps that are deeply integrated and consistently updated. For a household running Time Machine, syncing files across Mac and iPhone, and wanting Synology Photos as a private Google Photos, the DS225+ with DSM is the better experience end-to-end. QTS is more configurable but less cohesive in its first-party app suite.
Power efficiency. The DS225+ draws approximately 10W operating versus the TS-264’s 18W. Running 24/7, that’s roughly $28-$32 per year saved in Australian electricity costs at $0.32/kWh. Not transformative, but worth noting for a device that runs continuously. See our NAS power consumption Australia guide for detailed calculations.
Where the TS-264 Wins
Dual 2.5GbE. Two 2.5GbE ports give the TS-264 network flexibility the DS225+ cannot match. You can use both ports as a link-aggregated team (effectively 5Gbps to a 2.5GbE switch), or dedicate one port to your network and the other as a direct connection to a workstation. For video editors or anyone doing large sequential transfers, dual 2.5GbE removes the single-link bottleneck without buying a 4-bay unit.
M.2 NVMe cache. The DS225+ has no M.2 slots whatsoever. The TS-264’s two M.2 PCIe Gen 3 slots accept NVMe SSDs for SSD cache, accelerating random read/write performance on frequently accessed files. For a NAS serving as a working file server (not just backup storage), this makes a noticeable difference in responsiveness. See our SSD cache guide for when caching helps and when it doesn’t.
RAM ceiling. The DS225+ maxes out at 6GB RAM (2GB base + one 4GB stick). The TS-264 supports up to 16GB. For a NAS running multiple Docker containers or Plex alongside other services, the TS-264’s headroom is meaningful. The 8GB base alone is more than the DS225+’s maximum.
Australian NBN and CGNAT Considerations
Both units handle remote access similarly for most Australian users. Synology’s QuickConnect relay is arguably the most CGNAT-friendly option in the NAS market. It requires no port forwarding and works across all Australian NBN connection types including CGNAT (common on Aussie Broadband and TPG). QNAP’s myQNAPcloud relay works too, but the setup is slightly more complex and the reliability of the relay service is less consistent.
For users who want to run their own VPN (WireGuard, Tailscale) rather than rely on vendor relay services, the TS-264’s x86 processor handles VPN server duties more efficiently. The DS225+’s ARM CPU manages Tailscale adequately for single-user remote access but can slow under simultaneous connections. See our full NAS remote access and CGNAT guide for a detailed walkthrough of both approaches.
Who Should Buy the DS225+?
- Households wanting file storage, Time Machine, and Synology Photos
- Mac users who value DSM’s ecosystem integration
- Budget-conscious buyers: $220-$330 less than the TS-264
- Users who want a reliable, low-maintenance NAS that “just works”
- Anyone for whom Docker is a nice-to-have but not a core requirement
Who Should Buy the TS-264?
- Home lab users running multiple x86 Docker containers
- Plex households with clients that require transcoding (not just direct play)
- Video editors or content creators who want dual 2.5GbE to a workstation
- Power users who want NVMe cache and 16GB RAM headroom
- Anyone who has read this far and identified at least two of the above as their use case
In short. Decision shortcut: Do you need Docker with x86 images, hardware Plex transcoding, or dual 2.5GbE? If yes to any of these, buy the TS-264. If no to all three, buy the DS225+ and save $220-$330.
Verdict
For most Australian households, the Synology DS225+ is the better 2-bay NAS. DSM’s ecosystem, Synology’s QuickConnect CGNAT handling, and the $220-$330 price saving make it the obvious choice for file sharing, photo management, and household backup workflows.
The QNAP TS-264 justifies its premium for a specific audience: Docker power users, Plex households with transcoding needs, and anyone who will actually use dual 2.5GbE or M.2 cache. If that’s you, the TS-264 is the better investment at this bay count. If you’re moving beyond 2-bay storage, our best 4-bay NAS Australia guide covers the next tier where both brands’ feature sets expand considerably.
See the full Synology vs QNAP ecosystem comparison for Australian buyers, covering all models and price points.
Synology vs QNAP AustraliaRelated reading: our NAS buyer's guide and our Synology brand guide.
Our RAID Calculator shows usable capacity for both models' 2-bay configurations, and our NAS Power Cost Calculator compares annual running cost at your AU state electricity rate.
Use our free NAS Sizing Wizard to get a personalised NAS recommendation.
Is the Synology DS225+ or QNAP TS-264 better for Plex in Australia?
The QNAP TS-264 is better for Plex. Its Intel Celeron N5095 processor supports Intel Quick Sync hardware transcoding (with Plex Pass), allowing it to transcode multiple H.264 and HEVC streams simultaneously. The Synology DS225+ uses an ARM processor with no hardware transcoding engine. It can only direct-play media to compatible clients. If any of your Plex clients require transcoding, the TS-264 is the right choice.
Can the Synology DS225+ run Docker containers?
Yes, but with significant limitations. The DS225+ can run Docker via Synology’s Container Manager, but it uses an ARM processor. Meaning only ARM-compatible Docker images will run. Many popular Docker Hub images are x86-only, and ARM variants are not always up to date. If Docker compatibility is important, the QNAP TS-264’s x86 processor removes these restrictions entirely.
How much does the Synology DS225+ cost in Australia?
The Synology DS225+ is priced at $585 at Mwave and $599 at Scorptec (diskless). It requires separate SATA hard drives. Two 4TB Seagate IronWolf drives add approximately $260, bringing the fully-equipped cost to around $845-$860.
Which is easier to set up. Synology DS225+ or QNAP TS-264?
The Synology DS225+ is easier to set up and manage day-to-day. Synology’s DSM operating system is widely regarded as the most user-friendly NAS OS available, with a clean interface and well-integrated first-party apps. QNAP’s QTS is more feature-rich and configurable but has a steeper learning curve. For first-time NAS buyers, the DS225+ is the less intimidating starting point.
Does the QNAP TS-264 have a significant price advantage over the Synology DS225+?
No. The TS-264 costs more. In Australia, the DS225+ is $585-$599 while the TS-264 is $819-$917, making the TS-264 $220-$330 more expensive. The TS-264’s higher price reflects its Intel x86 processor, dual 2.5GbE ports, and M.2 NVMe cache slots. If you don’t need those features, the DS225+ is the better value.