# Ugreen DXP2800 vs Synology DS223 and DS225+: 2-Bay NAS Compared

The Ugreen DXP2800 offers Intel N100 compute and NVMe slots that the Synology DS223 and DS225+ do not have. But Synology's software ecosystem is more mature and the DS225+ is the established Plus series benchmark. Here is how to choose between them at AU prices.

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> Published: 10 May 2026
> Last updated: 19 September 2026
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**The 2-bay NAS (network-attached storage) category has three credible options in Australia: the Ugreen (a Chinese electronics brand that entered the NAS market in 2024) DXP2800, the Synology (one of the leading NAS brands) DS223, and the Synology DS225+.** These sit at different price points and represent meaningfully different hardware philosophies. The DXP2800 brings Intel x86 compute, NVMe (a fast solid-state drive format) caching, and 2.5GbE to a 2-bay enclosure at a price above both Synology options. The DS223 and DS225+ trade raw hardware for DSM's (Synology's operating system) mature software ecosystem and Synology's established AU support chain. Choosing between them comes down to whether you need the extra compute, or whether the software gap matters more than the hardware advantage.

> **Note:** **In short:** If you want the most capable 2-bay hardware and plan to run Docker (software that runs applications in isolated containers), use NVMe caching, or need 2.5GbE, the DXP2800 is the stronger machine. If you want a simpler setup with a mature OS and clearer AU warranty path, the DS225+ (check current AU retailer pricing) is the right choice. The DS223 ($428) suits buyers who want basic Synology file storage at the lowest entry point without Plus-tier requirements.

## Side-by-Side Specs

### Ugreen DXP2800 vs Synology DS223 vs Synology DS225+

| Feature | Ugreen DXP2800 | Synology DS223 | Synology DS225+ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bays | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Processor | Intel N100 (x86) | Realtek RTD1619B (ARM) | Intel (Plus series) |
| RAM | 8GB DDR5 | 2GB DDR4 | 2GB DDR4 |
| M.2 NVMe slots | 2 x M.2 | Not included | Not included |
| Main networking | 2.5GbE | 1GbE | 1GbE |
| USB 3.0 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| HDMI out | Yes | No | No |
| Operating system | UGOS Pro | DSM 7.x | DSM 7.x |
| Docker support | Yes | Limited (ARM) | Yes |
| Active Backup | No | No | Yes (Plus) |
| AU price (from) | Check retailers | $469 (market price) | $597 (market price) |
| AU warranty path | Via the seller; purchases from UGREEN AU are handled through UGREEN's warranty process. | Via BlueChip IT | Via BlueChip IT |

## Where the DXP2800 Wins: Hardware

The DXP2800's Intel N100 is a significantly faster processor than the ARM chips in the Synology DS223. The N100 is a modern quad-core x86 chip with Intel Quick Sync hardware encoding. Plex hardware-accelerated transcoding generally requires an active Plex Pass and a compatible configuration that exposes the iGPU to Plex; Quick Sync support at the silicon level does not by itself guarantee a working setup. Running multiple Docker containers simultaneously is practical on the N100 in a way that is marginal on the DS223's ARM hardware.

The two M.2 NVMe slots are a genuine differentiator. Neither Synology 2-bay option includes M.2 slots, which means NVMe caching is unavailable. On the DXP2800, NVMe drives can serve as a cache tier for spinning HDDs, dramatically improving random read performance. NVMe cache can materially improve workloads involving frequently reread, randomly accessed small blocks; sequential or non-repeating workloads may see little benefit.

The 2.5GbE port is the third hardware advantage. The DS223 uses 1GbE, while the DS225+ has one 2.5GbE port and one 1GbE port. The 2.5GbE link has a theoretical line rate of 312.5MB/s; actual file throughput depends on the drives, RAID mode, protocol, client, and network equipment, which is relevant if the NAS feeds a workstation with large file workloads.

## Where Synology Wins: Software and Support

DSM's software maturity is a genuine competitive advantage. Synology has over 15 years of NAS-specific software development behind it. Hyper Backup, Active Backup for Business (DS225+ only), Surveillance Station, and Synology Drive are polished first-party applications with extensive user documentation. UGOS Pro covers core NAS tasks but does not yet match DSM's application depth or third-party integration library.

Community support matters for 2-bay NAS buyers more than it does for enthusiast buyers, because 2-bay NAS is often a first purchase. Synology operates an official community forum, but whether a searchable solution exists depends on the specific issue. For UGOS Pro, the community is smaller and the documentation is thinner. If you are comfortable troubleshooting hardware without as much community scaffolding, this is manageable. If you want to set it up and forget it, DSM's ecosystem advantage is real.

Warranty support runs through different channels for each brand. Bluechip Infotech is one of several Australian Synology distributors; the applicable warranty path depends on the seller and distribution channel. For NAS products purchased from UGREEN's official Australian store, UGREEN's AU return and warranty process applies, including the stated 2-year product warranty, 30-day returns and eligibility-based 30-day price-match promise. Purchases through other sellers or import channels follow the applicable seller and channel terms.

## The DS223 vs DS225+: Which Synology 2-Bay?

The DS223 ($428) uses an ARM processor and does not include Plus-tier DSM features. Docker runs on the DS223, but the ARM architecture limits it to ARM-compatible images, and some common Docker containers are not packaged for ARM. For straightforward file sharing and backup on a budget, the DS223 handles the workload. For Docker, the DS225+ is the better choice.

The DS225+ (check current AU retailer pricing) is a 2025 Plus-series 2-bay model with an Intel Celeron J4125 and supports Plus-series packages including Active Backup for Business. At $100 more than the DS223, the DS225+ is the correct long-term investment for anyone who wants to use Docker, Plex, or Synology's enterprise backup tools.

The gap between the DS223 and DXP2800 is larger than the gap between the DS225+ and DXP2800. The DS225+ closes some of the hardware deficit by running on an Intel chip, though the N100 in the DXP2800 is a faster chip than the Celeron-class processor in the DS225+, and The M.2 slots remain exclusive to the DXP2800; 2.5GbE does not, because the DS225+ also includes it.

## Who Should Buy the DXP2800?

The DXP2800 is the right choice for homelab users and enthusiasts who specifically want a 2-bay form factor with x86 compute. If you are building a small NVMe-backed storage pool, want Plex with hardware transcoding in a compact enclosure, or need 2.5GbE and already have a compatible 2.5GbE client and network path, or plan to use a direct NAS-to-client connection, the DXP2800 delivers hardware the Synology 2-bay models do not.

The 2-bay limitation is a real constraint regardless of the model. With two drives in RAID 1 (mirroring), half the raw capacity is consumed by redundancy. There is no room to expand by adding drives, meaning growth requires replacing existing drives with larger ones. For users who might need more capacity within 2-3 years, a 4-bay enclosure can leave room to add drives later if it is not fully populated initially and the chosen RAID configuration supports expansion. The DXP4800 and DS925+ both make stronger long-term storage investments than any 2-bay model at equivalent price points.

**Pros**
- Intel N100 delivers x86 compute and Quick Sync hardware transcoding
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for caching or all-flash storage
- 2.5GbE supports higher local network throughput than the DS223's 1GbE, but the DS225+ also includes 2.5GbE.
- 8GB DDR5 is substantially more RAM than either Synology 2-bay model

**Cons**
- Higher upfront cost than both Synology 2-bay models
- UGOS Pro is less mature than DSM with a smaller community
- Current Australian sales channels vary by model and include both UGREEN's official store and specialist retailers, so warranty escalation depends on the seller.
- 2-bay constraint limits storage growth regardless of hardware quality

## Frequently Asked Questions

Related reading: our [NAS buyer's guide](/blog/best-nas-australia/), our [Synology brand guide](/blog/synology-nas-australia/), and our [Synology vs QNAP comparison](/blog/synology-vs-qnap-australia/).

Related reading: our [UGREEN brand guide](/blog/ugreen-nas-australia/).

**[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 UGREEN NAS Australia guide](/brand-guides/ugreen/).

See also: [our complete Synology NAS Australia guide](/brand-guides/synology/).

**Looking for UGREEN accessories?** UGREEN also makes chargers, power banks, USB-C docks, wireless chargers, Ethernet adapters and storage accessories. We have sorted the Australian range into the products actually worth considering. [Browse UGREEN accessories](https://needtoknowit.com.au/shop/ugreen/)

**Q: Is the DXP2800 worth it over the DS225+ for Plex?**

Yes, if hardware transcoding is important. The N100 supports Quick Sync, but simultaneous-transcode capacity varies by codec, bitrate, resolution, HDR tone mapping, subtitles, and container configuration; no sourced DXP2800 stream-count guarantee was established. The DS225+'s Intel processor also supports Quick Sync, but the N100 is a more capable chip with more headroom for simultaneous transcodes. The DS225+ uses a J4125 that supports Quick Sync at the silicon level, but current DSM does not enable the required iGPU drivers natively; Plex hardware transcoding requires an unofficial workaround. For multiple simultaneous transcodes or 4K HDR content, actual performance depends on codec, bitrate, resolution, HDR tone mapping, subtitles and container configuration; no specific DXP2800 stream-count guarantee is established here.

**Q: Can the DS223 run Docker?**

Yes, but with limitations. The DS223 runs ARM architecture, which means Docker containers must be built for ARM (arm64). Many popular Docker images are published as multi-architecture images and run fine on ARM. Some niche or less actively maintained images are x86-only and will not run on the DS223. For common containers (Portainer, Vaultwarden, Nextcloud, Pi-hole), ARM support is available. For unusual or enterprise containers, check ARM compatibility before relying on the DS223.

**Q: What drives should I use in a 2-bay NAS?**

NAS-grade drives from Seagate (IronWolf) or Western Digital (WD Red Plus) in the 4TB to 8TB range are appropriate for all three models. Check the exact HDD or SSD model against UGREEN's compatibility list; UGREEN supports many third-party drives but does not state that every NAS-grade drive works without restriction. DSM 7.3 allows listed and non-listed third-party HDDs and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs on the DS225+, but drives on Synology's incompatibility list remain unsupported and Synology recommends validated models. M.2 NVMe drives in the DXP2800 should be from reputable brands (Samsung, WD, Kingston). Check current AU pricing at PLE, Scorptec, and Mwave for the best value per terabyte before buying.

**Q: Should I buy a 2-bay or step up to 4 bays?**

For most buyers, a 4-bay NAS is the better long-term investment. Two bays in RAID 1 lose half the capacity to redundancy and offer no path to adding more drives later without replacing existing ones. A four-bay NAS offers more configuration options, but usable capacity and room for later drive additions depend on the RAID level and how many bays are populated; four-drive RAID 6 uses all four bays and retains 50% of raw capacity. The DXP4800, DS425+, and DS925+ are all credible 4-bay alternatives that give more flexibility than any 2-bay model at a relatively modest price premium.

**Q: Does the DXP2800 have Synology's Active Backup for Business equivalent?**

No. UGOS Pro does not have a direct equivalent to Synology's Active Backup for Business, which backs up Windows endpoints, VMware VMs, and physical servers to the NAS without per-device licensing fees. UGOS Pro covers scheduled backup and current cloud-backup tasks. UGOS Pro exposes rsync as a file-service protocol and its current Sync & Backup application supports backups to rsync-compatible destinations. For users who specifically need Active Backup for Business functionality, the DS225+ running DSM is the correct choice over the DXP2800, regardless of the hardware differences.

**[NAS Sizing Wizard](https://needtoknowit.com.au/tools/nas-sizing-wizard/)** -- Not sure whether to go 2-bay or 4-bay? The NAS sizing wizard gives a recommendation based on your workload and budget.