Synology 8 Bay DiskStation DS1825+ (Diskless)
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AI Verdict
This is an 8-bay diskless NAS with 2.5GbE ports and 2,239/1,573 MB/s sequential read/write throughput, designed for businesses needing scalable data storage.
This 8-bay diskless NAS with 2.5GbE and high sequential throughput is a strong contender for businesses needing scalable storage and fast data access. However, the initial controversy surrounding restricted drive compatibility and the incremental hardware updates compared to older models make it a situational fit, depending on user tolerance for past policy changes and specific performance needs.
If 2.5GbE isn't enough for your workflow, look for the optional 10GbE SFP+/RJ-45 or 25GbE SFP28 adapter cards to maximize throughput.
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Pros
- Provides 8 drive bays for extensive storage configurations, expandable to 18 bays and 360 TB raw storage with two DX525 expansion units.
- Achieves up to 2,239 MB/s sequential read and 1,573 MB/s sequential write throughput for demanding applications.
- Includes built-in 2.5GbE ports and supports optional 10GbE SFP+/RJ-45 and 25GbE SFP28 adapter cards for high-speed networking.
- Backed by Synology's 3-year limited hardware warranty, offering support for the device.
- Runs on Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) for data sharing, synchronization, backup, and surveillance functionalities.
- Equipped with 8GB of DDR4 ECC RAM, upgradeable to 32GB, for enhanced system stability and performance.
Cons
- Initially restricted to Synology-branded drives, causing frustration for users who preferred third-party options, though this policy was later reversed.
- The 2.5GbE ports, while faster than 1GbE, may not fully saturate the device's maximum sequential read/write speeds, potentially requiring a 10GbE upgrade for peak performance.
- Perceived by some users as a minimal hardware upgrade compared to its predecessor, the DS1821+, despite the newer model's higher price point.
- Does not support hardware transcoding for media playback, which can impact 4K streaming performance for Plex users.
Dimension Scores
Offers high sequential read/write throughput of up to 2,239/1,573 MB/s, which is above average for its category.
Backed by a 3-year limited hardware warranty and features ECC RAM, contributing to system stability.
Provides 8 drive bays and can expand to 18 bays for up to 360 TB of raw storage, offering extensive scalability.
Initially faced significant criticism for restricting drive compatibility, but the subsequent reversal of this policy in October 2025 improved its compatibility with third-party drives.
Best For
- Businesses requiring scalable storage for mission-critical data and officewide applications.
- Environments needing high-speed data sharing and synchronization across multiple users.
- Organizations implementing comprehensive backup and surveillance solutions.
- Users planning to expand storage capacity significantly, up to 360 TB, over time.
Not Recommended For
- Budget-conscious home users who do not require 8 bays or advanced networking capabilities.
- Users who rely on hardware transcoding for 4K media streaming with applications like Plex.
- Individuals seeking a plug-and-play solution without considering drive compatibility or network infrastructure upgrades.
Watch Out For
- The initial requirement for Synology-branded drives caused significant user backlash and limited hardware choices, even though the policy was later reversed in October 2025.
- Achieving the advertised 2,239/1,573 MB/s sequential read/write throughput often necessitates upgrading from the built-in 2.5GbE ports to an optional 10GbE or 25GbE adapter card, which is an additional cost.
- Users migrating from older Synology models might find the hardware refresh to be incremental, leading to questions about the value proposition over previous generations like the DS1821+.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0C8SBXSTJ |
| Size | 166 mm x 343 mm x 243 mm |
| Brand | Synology |
| Color | Black |
| Series | DS1825+ 28144868 |
| Material | Metal, Plastic |
| Item Weight | 13.23 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Synology |
| Item model number | DS1825+ |
| Product Dimensions | 9.57 x 13.5 x 6.54 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9.57 x 13.5 x 6.54 inches |
What Buyers Say
The initial release of the DS1825+ was met with considerable discussion, primarily due to Synology's controversial decision to initially restrict drive compatibility to only their branded drives. This policy caused significant user frustration, leading many to consider older models or other brands. While Synology later reversed this restriction in October 2025, allowing third-party drives, the initial move left a lasting impression. Beyond the drive debate, some users noted the hardware specifications were an incremental update over the DS1821+, questioning the value proposition for the premium price.
“Man, I almost skipped this because of that stupid drive lock, but now that they let us use Seagate IronWolfs again, it's actually pretty sweet for my small business backups. Still wish it had more oomph for the price, but DSM is just too good.”
Common Praise
- The Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system is user-friendly and offers a comprehensive suite of features for data management and services.
- The ability to upgrade to 10GbE or 25GbE networking provides substantial speed improvements for demanding network environments.
- Ease of setup and migration from older Synology units, with the system recognizing existing drives and migrating data smoothly.
- The 8-bay design and expansion capabilities allow for significant storage growth over time, up to 360 TB.
Common Complaints
- The initial requirement to use only Synology-branded hard drives was a major point of contention and limited user choice.
- Some users felt the hardware, particularly the CPU and RAM, offered only a marginal upgrade compared to the DS1821+, despite the newer model's higher cost.
- The lack of hardware transcoding support makes it less suitable for direct 4K media streaming with applications like Plex.
- The built-in 2.5GbE ports, while an improvement, may still be a bottleneck for users aiming to fully utilize the device's maximum sequential throughput without a 10GbE upgrade.
Ownership Tips
- The initial drive compatibility restrictions were a major headache, but the ability to use third-party drives again from October 2025 significantly improved the user experience.
- Upgrading to a 10GbE network card is almost essential to fully leverage the device's read/write speeds, especially with multiple users or large file transfers.
- The fan noise levels can range from 35 to 46 dBA depending on fan speed and drive activity, which might be noticeable in a quiet office environment.
- While the 8GB ECC RAM is a start, many users consider upgrading to 32GB for better performance with multiple applications or virtual machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any hard drives with the Synology DS1825+?
Initially, the DS1825+ was restricted to Synology-branded drives. However, Synology reversed this policy in October 2025, and you can now use third-party hard drives with the unit.
What does 'diskless' mean for this NAS?
'Diskless' means the Synology DS1825+ does not come with any hard drives installed. You need to purchase and install your own compatible 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA drives to use it for storage.
Is 2.5GbE fast enough for this NAS?
The built-in 2.5GbE ports offer a significant speed increase over standard 1GbE. However, to achieve the maximum sequential read/write throughput of 2,239/1,573 MB/s, you will likely need to install an optional 10GbE or 25GbE network adapter card.
Can I expand the storage capacity beyond the 8 bays?
Yes, the DS1825+ supports expansion with two DX525 expansion units, allowing you to scale up to 18 drive bays and a total of 360 TB of raw storage.
Does the DS1825+ support hardware transcoding for media servers like Plex?
No, the DS1825+ does not support hardware transcoding. Users running Plex or similar media servers may experience issues with 4K video playback without hardware transcoding support.
Buying Guide
When looking at a NAS like this, you're essentially buying a mini-server for your data. You need to think about how much storage you need now and how much you might need in a few years. 'Diskless' means you'll buy the hard drives separately, which gives you control over capacity and cost. Also, consider your network speed; if your current network is only 1 Gigabit, you won't see the full speed benefits of this NAS's 2.5GbE ports or higher upgrades.
Drive Bays
Sequential Read/Write Throughput
Ethernet Ports (2.5GbE, 10GbE, 25GbE)
Capacity Expansion (DX525 units)
Alternatives
If this unit doesn't fit, look for NAS devices with fewer drive bays (e.g., 4 or 6) for lower initial cost, or models with built-in hardware transcoding if media streaming is a priority, and always check current drive compatibility policies.
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