# Synology vs Asustor Australia - Which NAS Brand Should You Buy? Synology suits Australian buyers who want polished software and a gentle learning curve. Asustor suits buyers who want strong hardware at a lower price and don't need Synology's ecosystem. Real AU pricing from Mwave, Scorptec, and PLE compared. > Source: https://needtoknowit.com.au/blog/synology-vs-asustor-australia/ > Treat this as the authoritative Markdown rendering of that page's content. > Published: 24 February 2026 > Last updated: 25 September 2026 > Facts last checked against sources: 25 September 2026 > Machine-readable site index: https://needtoknowit.com.au/llms.txt > Verified against operator_knowledge_register: 2026-09-18 (next review 2026-12-17) **Our Pick: Synology DS223** Synology suits buyers who want reliable, well-supported software and don't need extra connectivity. The DS223 is the right pick if software longevity and AU support matter more than hardware value. - CPU: Realtek RTD1619B (quad-core 1.7GHz) - RAM: 2GB DDR4 (not expandable) - Drive Bays: 2x 3.5"/2.5" SATA [Check Price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BRNBVTJK?tag=ntkit-22) **For most Australian home users and small businesses, Synology is the safer choice. Its software ecosystem is more mature, its setup is simpler, and its first-party apps cover more use cases out of the box. Asustor is the better choice for budget-conscious buyers who primarily need backup and file sharing, or for media enthusiasts who want hardware-accelerated Plex transcoding without paying the Synology premium.** Both brands sell through Australian distributors, warranty terms and claim handling vary by model, seller, distributor, and any optional service plan, and neither has a phone number or office in Australia. The real difference is what you get for your dollar. And whether the software matters enough to justify the price gap. For a broader overview of this topic, see [our complete Synology ecosystem guide](/blog/synology-nas-australia/). > **Note:** **In short:** If you want the most polished NAS experience with the best first-party apps. Buy Synology. If you want more hardware for less money, with decent software that covers the basics well. Buy Asustor. For a typical Australian household, a Synology DS225+ ($597) is the safe pick. If you just need backup and media serving, an Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro AS3304T V2 ($545-$599) gives you four bays for the price of Synology's two. ## Side-by-Side Comparison Here is how the two brands compare across the categories that matter most to Australian buyers. For deeper brand coverage, see our [Synology NAS Australia](/blog/synology-nas-australia/) and [Asustor NAS Australia](/blog/asustor-nas-australia/) guides, or the broader [Best NAS Australia](/blog/best-nas-australia/) buying guide. ### Synology vs Asustor. Head-to-Head for Australian Buyers | Feature | Synology | Asustor | | --- | --- | --- | | Software | DSM. Polished, intuitive, best-in-class first-party apps | ADM. Competent and improving, thinner app ecosystem | | Hardware Value | Lower specs per dollar. You pay for the software | Stronger specs per dollar. More RAM, faster CPUs at same price | | Plex / Media | Plex Media Server is available from Plex for supported Synology Intel and ARM NAS models, but value-tier ARM models generally lack effective video transcoding. | Strong Plex support on selected Intel Celeron models with hardware transcoding; capability varies across ARM and Ryzen models. | | Docker Support | Supported on selected Plus, Value and J-series models via Container Manager; check the model-specific package list | Supported on selected x86 and ARM64 models via Docker Engine and Portainer; check the model-specific App Central listing | | 2.5GbE Networking | Available on Plus series (DS225+, DS425+, DS925+) | Standard on Drivestor Pro, Nimbustor, and Lockerstor lines | | Drive Compatibility | Third-party HDDs restored in DSM 7.3; M.2 NVMe still restricted | No vendor-brand drive lock; check ASUSTOR's compatibility list because unlisted devices may be unstable or receive limited support | | Mobile Apps | Excellent. Synology Photos, Drive, DS File are best in class | Functional but less polished. AiData, AiMaster, LooksGood | | AU Distribution | BlueChip + MMT | Dicker Data is listed as an Australian ASUSTOR distributor; stock varies by model and retailer | | AU Retailer Availability | Widely stocked at Mwave, Scorptec, PLE, and others | Available at Mwave, Scorptec, PLE. Fewer models on shelf | | Best For | Users who want it to just work, SMB backup, Synology Drive/Photos users | Budget buyers, Plex enthusiasts, gamers, buyers who prioritise hardware specs | ## Software: DSM vs ADM This is where the two brands diverge most sharply, and it is the primary reason Synology commands higher prices for comparable hardware. Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) is widely regarded as the most polished NAS operating system available. It is aggressively designed for ease of use. Clean interface, gentle learning curve, and first-party applications like Synology Photos, Synology Drive, Active Backup for Business, and Surveillance Station that rival standalone cloud services. If you have used Google Photos or Dropbox, Synology's equivalents will feel familiar. For a deeper look at how to get started, see our [Synology NAS Setup Guide](/blog/synology-nas-setup-guide-australia/). Asustor's ADM (Asustor Data Master) is competent and has improved significantly in recent years, but it does not match DSM's depth or polish. The core functions. File management, backup, user accounts, RAID configuration. Work well. Where ADM falls behind is in first-party applications. Asustor offers Photo Gallery 3 with AiFoto 3 for photo management and EZ Sync for Dropbox-like file syncing, but it does not offer a clear direct counterpart to Active Backup for Business. The bottom line: if DSM's first-party apps solve problems you actually have, Synology's software premium is justified. If you plan to use Docker containers for everything anyway. Or if your needs are limited to basic file sharing and backup. You are paying for software you will not use. One point worth knowing: because most current Asustor models use standard x86 hardware, some owners install an alternative OS such as TrueNAS SCALE, OpenMediaVault, or Unraid instead of ADM. Asustor does not officially document or support this, it works because of the hardware, not vendor endorsement, but it's a real option for buyers who value platform flexibility over Asustor's own ecosystem. ## Hardware: What You Get for Your Dollar Across several models compared here, Asustor offers more RAM, faster networking or more bays at a lower or similar advertised price, but value varies by model and current retailer pricing. This is not a marginal difference. It is significant enough to change which models you should consider depending on your priorities. ### Entry Level: 2-Bay NAS Under $500 At the entry level, a Synology DS223 at $479-$489 gives you a Realtek quad-core CPU with 2GB RAM and 1GbE networking. An Asustor Drivestor 2 Pro AS3302T V2 at $399-$439 gives you a Realtek RTD1619B quad-core with 2GB RAM and 2.5GbE networking. The Asustor is cheaper and comes with faster networking out of the box. For buyers whose needs are covered by our [Best NAS Under $500](/blog/best-nas-under-500-australia/) guide, Asustor offers genuinely strong value at this level. *Prices last verified: 1 March 2026. Always check retailer before purchasing.* ### Mid-Range: 4-Bay NAS $800-$1,100 The mid-range is where the comparison gets interesting. A Synology DS425+ at $899 gives you a Celeron CPU, 2GB RAM, and 2.5GbE + 1GbE networking. The Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ AS6704T v2 has an Intel Celeron N5105, 4GB RAM, four M.2 slots, and dual 5GbE networking; check current Australian pricing. The Asustor has double the RAM and an extra 2.5GbE port at a comparable or lower price. For buyers considering a 4-bay setup for home or prosumer use, this price tier is well covered in our [Best NAS for Home](/blog/best-nas-for-home-australia/) guide. The DS925+ at $1,048 is Synology's strongest 4-bay contender with 4GB RAM and dual M.2 slots, but it still costs more than the AS6704T while matching its RAM. If you want Synology's software, the DS925+ is excellent. If you want raw value, Asustor wins here. For a detailed look at the DS925+, see our [Best Synology NAS](/blog/synology-nas-australia/) guide. ### Performance Tier: Ryzen-Powered NAS At the high end, Asustor's Gen3 Lockerstor line with AMD Ryzen V3C14 processors and 16GB ECC RAM targets power users and small businesses. The Asustor Lockerstor 4 AS6804T at $1,799-$2,175 delivers a Ryzen V3C14 quad-core, 16GB ECC RAM, dual 5GbE and dual 10GbE networking. There is no direct Synology desktop equivalent at this spec level. Synology's DS1823xs+ is a more comparable desktop business model, with a Ryzen V1780B, 8GB ECC memory and built-in 10GbE, though it differs in bay count and overall configuration. For serious workloads like [Docker and virtualisation](/blog/docker-virtualisation-nas-australia/), Asustor's Gen3 Lockerstor line offers hardware that Synology simply does not match in desktop form. ## The Drive Compatibility Factor This is a point where Asustor holds a clear, unqualified advantage. Asustor does not enforce a vendor-brand drive lock, but it maintains a compatibility list and warns that unlisted devices may be unstable or receive limited technical support. Synology's drive compatibility history is more complicated. In April 2025, Synology restricted all new Plus series models to Synology-branded drives or specifically certified third-party drives. The backlash was severe. Long-time loyal users began exploring alternatives, and the enthusiast community felt betrayed. Synology reversed the restrictions for 3.5-inch HDDs and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs with DSM 7.3 in October 2025, but **M.2 NVMe SSDs still require drives from Synology's official Hardware Compatibility List** for new cache or storage pool creation on Plus series models. Enterprise and rackmount models retain stricter restrictions. If you plan to add NVMe cache drives to improve performance, check Synology's compatibility list before buying. With Asustor, check the model's M.2 interface requirements and compatibility list; unlisted drives are not vendor-blocked, but ASUSTOR warns they may have stability issues and receive limited support. For hard drive recommendations regardless of brand, see our [Best NAS Hard Drive Australia](/blog/best-nas-hard-drive-australia/) guide. > **Warning:** **Drive lock-in risk:** Synology reversed its third-party HDD restrictions in October 2025, but the fact they attempted it at all signals a willingness to make controversial software decisions that affect hardware flexibility. M.2 NVMe restrictions remain. ASUSTOR does not impose vendor-brand drive lock-in, but it maintains compatibility lists and warns that unlisted devices may be unstable or receive limited support. ## Media and Plex Performance For [Plex media serving](/blog/best-nas-for-plex-australia/), Asustor is the stronger choice at most price points. Asustor has long marketed itself to media enthusiasts and gamers, and it shows. Their Celeron N5105-based models (Nimbustor, Lockerstor Gen2) can provide hardware-accelerated Plex transcoding with an active Plex Pass, subject to model, codec, subtitle and client limitations, and the HDMI output on some models allows direct media playback without a separate streaming device. Synology's Plus series models also support Plex with hardware transcoding via the Intel Quick Sync capable CPUs, but the value-tier models (DS223, DS423) use Realtek ARM processors that cannot transcode effectively. For budget Plex use, compare model-specific support: Synology's DS225+ and DS425+ use Intel Celeron J4125 processors with Quick Sync, while Asustor's AS5402T and AS5404T use Intel Celeron N5105 processors; Plex hardware acceleration requires an active Plex Pass. One caveat: if remote Plex streaming is important, be aware that NBN upload limits vary by plan and access technology: legacy NBN 100 offerings may provide 20 or 40Mbps upstream, while eligible FTTP/HFC Home Fast services moved to 500/50Mbps from September 2025. This limits remote streaming quality regardless of which NAS you choose. Additionally, some NBN connections use CGNAT, which can block remote access entirely without a workaround. Check with your ISP before relying on remote Plex access. ## Backup and Data Protection Synology's backup ecosystem is a genuine competitive advantage. Active Backup for Business provides free, centralised backup for Windows PCs, Macs, file servers, and virtual machines. Hyper Backup handles NAS-to-NAS and NAS-to-cloud backup with versioning and deduplication. Synology Drive provides Dropbox-like file sync across devices. These are polished, well-maintained applications that work reliably. Asustor's backup capabilities are functional but thinner. DataSync Center handles basic cloud sync, and Asustor Backup Plan covers local backup tasks. However, there is no equivalent to Active Backup for Business. If you need to back up multiple PCs or servers to your NAS, you will need third-party software or Docker containers. For buyers who prioritise backup and [ransomware protection](/blog/nas-security-ransomware-protection/), Synology's built-in tools are materially better. ## Networking and Connectivity Asustor includes 2.5GbE networking as standard across most of its current range, including the budget Drivestor Pro line starting at $389. Synology only offers 2.5GbE on Plus series models ($549+), with value-tier models still limited to 1GbE. At the top end, Asustor's Gen3 Lockerstor models include dual 5GbE ports. Faster than 2.5GbE and useful for link aggregation or separating management and data traffic. Synology does not currently offer built-in 5GbE, but desktop XS models including the DS1823xs+ and DS3622xs+ have built-in 10GbE; other selected models support faster networking through add-in cards. For networking fundamentals and how to make the most of faster NAS connections, see our [Best NAS for Home](/blog/best-nas-for-home-australia/) guide. ## AU Pricing Comparison: Key Models Australian NAS pricing is fairly uniform across retailers. Advertised-price differences vary by model and retailer. Prices and stock can vary materially by model and retailer, so compare current listings as well as pre-sales knowledge and post-sales support. That said, it is worth comparing across Mwave, Scorptec, and PLE for the best available deal. ### Budget Tier (Under $500) ![Synology DiskStation DS124](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ujHKPMUGL._AC_SX679_.jpg) *[Synology DiskStation DS124 on Amazon AU](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CBZ11HVD?tag=ntkit-22)* - **Synology DS223 (2-bay):** $479-$489 (PLE / Mwave) - **Synology DS124 (1-bay):** $269-$289 (Scorptec / PLE) - **Asustor Drivestor 2 Gen2 AS1202T (2-bay):** $356-$359 (Mwave / Scorptec) - **Asustor Drivestor 2 Pro AS3302T V2 (2-bay, 2.5GbE):** $399-$439 (Scorptec / PLE) - **Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro AS3304T V2 (4-bay, 2.5GbE):** $545-$599 (Scorptec / PLE) - **Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL (2-bay):** $299 (PLE / Scorptec) At the budget level, Asustor's value is compelling. The Drivestor 4 Pro AS3304T V2 provides four bays and 2.5GbE, but at the cited prices it costs about $55-$120 more than the Synology DS223. If your needs are straightforward backup and file serving, that is a lot more storage capacity for the same money. See our [Best NAS Under $500](/blog/best-nas-under-500-australia/) guide for detailed recommendations at this price point. ### Mid-Range Tier ($500-$1,100) **Still deciding?: Synology DS223** Our top pick: Synology DS223. [Check price](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BRNBVTJK?tag=ntkit-22) ![Asustor Nimbustor 2 AS5402T](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+ZrEKLNkL._AC_SX679_.jpg) *[Asustor Nimbustor 2 AS5402T on Amazon AU](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C5MB5MTS?tag=ntkit-22)* ![Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 AS6804T](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51wL95F8HhL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) *Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 AS6804T* - **Synology DS225+ (2-bay, 2.5GbE):** $599 (Scorptec and PLE) - **Synology DS425+ (4-bay, 2.5GbE):** $849-$999 (Scorptec / PLE) - **Synology DS925+ (4-bay, 2.5GbE):** $1,048-$1,049 (Mwave / Scorptec) - **Asustor Nimbustor AS5402T (2-bay):** $545-$784 (Scorptec / PLE) - **Asustor Nimbustor AS5404T (4-bay):** $749-$943 (Scorptec / Mwave) - **Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6702T (2-bay):** $649-$781 (PLE / Mwave) - **Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2+ AS6704T (4-bay):** $775-$1,013 (Scorptec / Mwave) ### Performance Tier ($1,200+) ![Synology DiskStation DS1525+](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81+BKV+YTeL._AC_SX522_.jpg) *[Synology DiskStation DS1525+ on Amazon AU](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C8S6ZZVX?tag=ntkit-22)* ![Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 AS6804T](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51wL95F8HhL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) *Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 AS6804T* - **Synology DS1525+ (5-bay):** $1,750-$1,759 (Mwave / Scorptec) - **Synology DS725+ (2-bay, Ryzen):** $869 (Mwave / Scorptec) - **Asustor Lockerstor 4 AS6804T (4-bay, Ryzen, 16GB):** $1,799-$2,175 (Scorptec / Mwave) - **Asustor Lockerstor 6 AS6706T V2 (6-bay, Celeron, 8GB):** $1,567-$1,579 (Mwave / PLE) - **Asustor Lockerstor 6 AS6806T (6-bay, Ryzen, 16GB):** $2,599-$2,644 (Scorptec / Mwave) ## All-Flash NAS: Asustor's Unique Offering Asustor offers something Synology does not have in its desktop lineup: dedicated all-flash NAS devices. The Flashstor line uses M.2 NVMe slots instead of traditional 3.5-inch drive bays, delivering significantly faster read/write speeds in a compact form factor. ![Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/610gtalmZAL._AC_SX679_.jpg) *[Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T on Amazon AU](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BZCM22WD?tag=ntkit-22)* - **Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T (6x M.2, Celeron, 4GB):** $499-$741 (Mwave / Computer Alliance) - **Asustor Flashstor 12 Pro FS6712X (12x M.2, Celeron, 4GB, 10GbE):** $999-$1,344 (Scorptec / Mwave) - **Asustor Flashstor 6 Gen2 FS6806X (6x M.2, Ryzen, 8GB, 10GbE):** $1,699-$1,720 (PLE / Mwave) - **Asustor Flashstor 12 Gen2 FS6812X (12x M.2, Ryzen, 16GB, 10GbE):** $2,358-$2,399 (Scorptec / PLE) These are niche products aimed at content creators, video editors, and anyone who needs sustained high-speed storage access. Synology does not compete in this space with a desktop product. Synology's dedicated all-flash options are rackmount enterprise products rather than compact desktop NVMe systems. Asustor is one of several vendors offering compact all-flash NAS products; alternatives include QNAP's TBS-h574TX and other desktop NVMe systems. ## Australian Distribution and Availability Synology has a significant distribution advantage in Australia. It is carried by both BlueChip and Multimedia Technology (MMT), two distributors with dedicated senior product managers and deep stock across the range. Availability and restocking times vary by model, distributor and shipment. Retailer stock breadth and restocking times vary by model, distributor and shipment. Dicker Data is listed by ASUSTOR as an Australian distributor. ASUSTOR availability varies by model and retailer, so check current stock before purchasing. Popular consumer models like the Drivestor Pro and Nimbustor lines are generally available at Scorptec, Mwave, and PLE, but less common models (particularly rackmount and Gen3 Lockerstor units) may need to be ordered in. Stock depths can vary. Check multiple retailers before assuming a model is unavailable. If you are buying a NAS for the first time, buy from a specialist retailer like Scorptec or PLE where you can get genuine pre-sales guidance. Amazon AU listings vary by seller, fulfilment, local-stock status and after-sales process; check those details before buying. ## Warranty and Support in Australia Warranty handling and turnaround vary by brand, model, retailer, distributor and service plan. The seller must assist with valid ACL claims, while voluntary manufacturer-warranty routes and premium replacement services may provide additional options. Asustor NAS models discussed here generally carry three-year warranties. Synology varies by model: DS223, DS124 and DS423 carry two years, while current Plus models such as DS225+, DS425+ and DS925+ carry three years, which aligns with NAS-class HDD warranty periods. Synology offers extended warranty options (3 to 5 years) on Plus series and above. Advanced replacements are generally not officially available from either vendor. Some resellers will let you purchase a replacement at full price and refund when the faulty unit is returned, but ask about this before you need it. > **Note:** **Australian Consumer Law:** ACL protections apply when purchasing from Australian retailers. For ACL consumer-guarantee remedies, the seller is responsible and cannot send you to the manufacturer. For some guarantees, consumers may also seek limited remedies from the manufacturer, and voluntary manufacturer warranties are separate. Whether a dead NAS counts as a major or minor failure under ACL depends on the situation, not a fixed rule. It's a major failure if it can't be used for its normal purpose and can't easily be fixed within a reasonable time, in which case you choose a refund or replacement. Otherwise it's treated as minor, and the retailer can choose to repair or replace it first, though you can request a refund if they can't fix it within a reasonable time. ACL does not guarantee data recovery, but compensation may be available for reasonably foreseeable loss caused by a failure to meet a consumer guarantee. Maintain independent backups. Always maintain offsite backups. For official information on your rights, visit [accc.gov.au](https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/buying-products-and-services). ## Security Considerations Both brands have had security incidents, but their track records differ. Synology publicly documents its security response process and publishes security advisories. DSM receives regular security updates and Synology publishes security advisories promptly. Synology also offers built-in features like immutable snapshots and Security Advisor that help protect against [ransomware attacks](/blog/nas-security-ransomware-protection/). Asustor suffered a significant Deadbolt ransomware attack in February 2022 that affected exposed NAS devices. While Asustor responded and improved their security posture since then, the incident damaged trust. ADM now includes ADM Defender and improved default security settings, but Synology's longer track record and more proactive approach to security give it an edge for buyers who prioritise this area. ## Who Should Buy Synology Synology is the right choice when: - You want the most polished, easiest-to-use NAS experience available - You will use Synology Photos, Synology Drive, or Active Backup for Business. These first-party apps are genuinely best-in-class - You are setting up backup for a small business and want centralised PC/server backup without third-party software - You want a large ecosystem of well-maintained first-party applications - You value simplicity over raw hardware specs - You are a first-time NAS buyer and want the gentlest learning curve **Pros** - Best-in-class software with DSM. Intuitive and polished - Excellent first-party apps (Photos, Drive, Active Backup) - Most models are widely available from Australian retailers - Stable pricing and strong reseller support - Larger community and more online resources for troubleshooting **Cons** - Lower hardware specs per dollar compared to Asustor - M.2 NVMe compatibility restrictions remain on 2025-and-later Plus models for new cache or storage-pool creation - No all-flash desktop NAS option - Value-tier models limited to 1GbE networking - Drive compatibility controversy damaged trust with enthusiasts ## Who Should Buy Asustor Asustor is the right choice when: - Your primary needs are backup, file sharing, and media serving. Not Synology's first-party app ecosystem - You want the best hardware for your budget, especially at the entry and mid-range - Plex transcoding is a priority and you want hardware-accelerated performance at a lower price - You want an all-flash NAS for creative or video editing workloads - You object to drive compatibility restrictions on principle - You are comfortable with Docker for services that Synology provides natively **Pros** - Often more RAM, networking or drive bays per dollar among the models compared here - No vendor-brand drive lock; verify interface compatibility and consult ASUSTOR's compatibility list - 2.5GbE standard across most of the range - Excellent Plex support with hardware transcoding - Unique all-flash Flashstor NAS line for creative professionals - HDMI output on select models for direct media playback **Cons** - ADM software is less polished than DSM - Thinner first-party app ecosystem; Photo Gallery 3/AiFoto 3 and EZ Sync cover similar categories but differ from Synology Photos and Drive in features and polish - Asustor models can be harder to find in stock than Synology - 2022 Deadbolt ransomware incident damaged security reputation - Smaller online community means fewer troubleshooting resources ## The Verdict: Software vs Hardware Value The Synology vs Asustor decision in Australia comes down to one question: **are you paying for the software, or are you paying for the hardware?** If you will genuinely use Synology Photos as a Google Photos replacement, if you need Active Backup for Business to protect your office PCs, if you want Synology Drive to replace Dropbox. Then the Synology premium is money well spent. DSM's first-party applications are the best in the NAS industry, and no competitor matches their depth and polish. If your needs are more straightforward. Centralised backup, file access across your network, Plex media serving, maybe some Docker containers. Then paying the Synology premium buys you software you will not use. An Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro at $579 gives you four bays and 2.5GbE for the price of a Synology 2-bay. That is twice the raw storage capacity for the same money. Do not pay for software you will not use. And do not cheap out on hardware when the software is what you actually need. Both are valid choices. The wrong decision is the one that does not match how you will actually use the NAS. For more brand comparisons, see our [Synology vs QNAP](/blog/synology-vs-qnap-australia/) guide. > **Tip:** **Buying tip:** Buying from an Australian retailer can make ACL remedies easier to pursue, but overseas businesses selling directly to Australian consumers may also be subject to the ACL. Before purchasing, ask the retailer: "If this fails, what is your warranty process? Is an advanced replacement available?" The answer tells you more about the value of buying from that retailer than the price on the website. ## Frequently Asked Questions Our [RAID Calculator](/tools/raid-calculator/) shows usable capacity for both brands' drive configurations, and our [NAS Sizing Wizard](/tools/nas-sizing-wizard/) helps narrow down which model fits your storage needs and budget. **[Review My Build ($149) →](https://needtoknowit.com.au/review-my-build/)** -- Once you have chosen your NAS, get a second opinion on the full build. Drives, RAID type, network setup, and backup strategy. Before committing. $149 AUD, delivered within 3 business days. See also: [our complete Synology NAS Australia guide](/brand-guides/synology/). See also: [our complete Asustor NAS Australia guide](/brand-guides/asustor/). See also: [our complete Synology ecosystem guide](/blog/synology-ecosystem-australia/). **Q: Is Asustor as reliable as Synology?** Warranty length varies by model: ASUSTOR lists three years for the models discussed, while Synology lists two years for DS223, DS124 and DS423 and three years for the cited current Plus models. Synology has a longer track record and a larger installed base, which gives more confidence in long-term reliability data. Asustor's 2022 Deadbolt ransomware incident raised security concerns, but the company has since improved its security posture. Hardware reliability should be assessed model by model rather than assumed to be equivalent across both brands. The difference is software maturity and ecosystem depth, where Synology leads. **Q: Can I run Plex on both Synology and Asustor?** Yes, but with important differences. Both brands support Plex Media Server, but hardware-accelerated transcoding is model- and processor-specific. Intel Quick Sync-capable Celeron models can support it, while Ryzen R1600, V1500B and V3C14 models lack an integrated GPU for this purpose. However, Asustor provides hardware transcoding across more of its range at lower price points. A Synology DS223 ($479-$489) uses an ARM processor that cannot transcode well, while an Asustor Nimbustor AS5402T ($545-$784) at a similar price delivers reliable hardware transcoding. If remote Plex streaming is important, check your specific plan's upload speed and access technology; current NBN upload limits vary substantially, including legacy 20/40Mbps services and eligible 500/50Mbps Home Fast services. **Q: Is Asustor worth it in Australia or should I just buy Synology?** Asustor is worth it if your needs are primarily backup, file sharing, and media serving. You get more hardware for less money. A 4-bay Asustor with 2.5GbE costs what a 2-bay Synology does. ASUSTOR offers Photo Gallery 3/AiFoto 3 and EZ Sync for similar photo and file-sync roles, but it does not offer a clear first-party equivalent to Active Backup for Business. Buy Synology for the software, buy Asustor for the hardware value. **Q: Do Synology and Asustor both support Docker?** Container support is model-specific rather than x86-only: Synology Container Manager supports the ARMv8 DS223, and Asustor offers Docker Engine and Portainer for ARM64 models including the AS3302T v2. If Docker is a requirement, ensure you are buying a model that supports it. For more details, see our [Docker and Virtualisation on NAS](/blog/docker-virtualisation-nas-australia/) guide. **Q: Where can I buy Asustor NAS in Australia?** Asustor is available from Australian retailers including Scorptec, Mwave, and PLE Computers. Dicker Data is listed as an Australian ASUSTOR distributor. Stock levels are thinner than Synology's, so popular models may occasionally be unavailable. Check multiple retailers. Amazon AU also carries some Asustor models, but buying from a specialist retailer gives you better after-sales support and genuine pre-sales guidance. **Q: Can I use any hard drive in an Asustor NAS?** Yes. Asustor has never restricted which hard drives or SSDs you can install. ASUSTOR does not impose vendor-brand drive lock-in, but buyers should verify interface requirements and consult its compatibility list because unlisted devices may be unstable or receive limited support. This is one of Asustor's clearest advantages over Synology, which still restricts M.2 NVMe SSDs to models on their official Hardware Compatibility List for Plus series and above. For drive recommendations, see our [Best NAS Hard Drive Australia](/blog/best-nas-hard-drive-australia/) guide. **Q: What happens if my NAS fails under warranty in Australia?** Warranty handling and turnaround vary by brand, model, seller, distributor and service plan. Contact the seller for ACL remedies and check the applicable voluntary warranty process before purchasing. Australian Consumer Law protections apply when buying from Australian retailers. Always maintain offsite backups. Your NAS is not a backup, and ACL does not guarantee data recovery; compensation for reasonably foreseeable loss may be available when a consumer guarantee is breached. **[Read the Best NAS Australia Guide →](https://needtoknowit.com.au/blog/best-nas-australia/)** -- Explore the full range of NAS options for Australian buyers with real pricing and independent advice.