Synology DS223j vs UGREEN NASync DH2300

Synology DS223j is the better overall choice in this comparison. It wins on price, processor-level hardware encryption, Wake-on-LAN support, and a broader software stack that includes Plex Media Server and Surveillance Station with 12 camera channels. UGREEN NASync DH2300 only pulls ahead on memory capacity.

Memory. Synology DS223j ships with 1 GB of soldered DDR4, the ceiling for the life of the unit, while UGREEN NASync DH2300 ships with 4 GB of LPDDR4X, four times as much. Both are still two-bay, Gigabit-only machines built around ARM processors rather than home servers.

Only the Synology DS223j runs Docker, through Container Manager, which Synology lists for it on version 24.0.2-1606, though its 1 GB of memory limits how many containers it holds. The UGREEN NASync DH2300 lists no Docker support, and neither model runs virtual machines. Anyone who needs to self-host many containers should look at an x86-64 NAS instead.

UGREEN NASync DH2300, since it includes a 4K 60Hz HDMI output and a USB-C port that Synology DS223j does not have. Its 6 TOPS NPU also handles on-device photo and face recognition, which pairs well with a media-focused setup.

Anyone who wants a proven DSM file server for backups, photos and documents at the lower price, and who values Surveillance Station, Plex Media Server, a VPN server and Wake-on-LAN over extra memory.

Buyers who want more memory headroom for smoother background tasks, an NPU-driven local photo library instead of a cloud subscription, or an HDMI and USB-C connection for direct use with a TV.