UGREEN NAS DH4300 Plus Review: Budget 4-Bay NAS?

Are you tired of paying monthly cloud storage fees? Do you want a personal storage server that holds all your photos, videos, and files in one safe place? The UGREEN NAS DH4300 Plus might be exactly what you need.

This 4-bay desktop NAS brings impressive storage capacity, an easy setup process, and a price tag that undercuts the competition by a wide margin. It runs cool, stays quiet, and works well for both beginners and casual power users. But does it truly deliver on all its promises?

I spent weeks testing this device, and this review covers everything you need to know before buying. Keep reading to find out if this NAS is the right fit for your home or small office.

Key Takeaways

• The UGREEN DH4300 Plus supports up to 128TB of raw storage across its four drive bays. This gives you room to store years of photos, video projects, and important documents without running out of space.
• It costs around $387 to $430 (diskless), which is significantly cheaper than the Synology DS925+ at $700. You get solid performance for almost half the price.
• The 8-core ARM CPU and 8GB LPDDR4X RAM handle everyday storage tasks with ease. File transfers, photo management, and media streaming all run smoothly.
• UGOS Pro is beginner-friendly and includes AI photo organization, remote access, Docker support, and built-in apps for media, backup, and office work.
• The NAS runs quietly and stays cool during operation. Its fan only spins up briefly during boot and remains silent afterward.
• There are some trade-offs to consider. The RAM is not upgradeable, there are no M.2 NVMe slots, and virtual machine support is absent. The app store is still growing and lacks popular apps like Plex Media Server.

UGREEN NAS DH4300 Plus 4-Bay Desktop NASync Overview

Last update on 2026-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The UGREEN NAS DH4300 Plus is a 4-bay network-attached storage device built for home users and small offices. It launched as part of UGREEN’s growing NASync product family. The device sits in the “DH” series, which targets mainstream users who want reliable storage without paying premium prices.

Inside, the DH4300 Plus packs a Rockchip RK3588 ARM 8-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. It comes with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 32GB of eMMC flash storage that hosts the UGOS Pro operating system. The single 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port delivers fast file transfers up to 280MB/s in real-world tests.

The NAS supports SATA drives in both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch formats. You can fill all four bays with up to 32TB drives each. That gives you a maximum raw capacity of 128TB. It supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD, and Basic configurations.

At roughly $387 to $430 diskless, this NAS offers a price-to-performance ratio that few competitors can match. It includes remote access, AI-powered photo management, Docker support, and a 4K HDMI output for direct media playback on your TV.

Design and Build Quality

The DH4300 Plus looks nothing like a traditional NAS. Most NAS devices use front-facing drive bays. This one uses a top-loading design, similar to a toaster. The silver aluminum body measures just 6.1 x 6.1 x 8.5 inches and weighs only 3.97 lbs without drives.

The build feels premium for the price. The aluminum shell gives it a clean, modern look. It blends into a living room or office desk without drawing attention. A removable lid covers the top and provides access to the four drive bays underneath.

However, the lid sits loosely on top. It is not locked or latched to the body. This means you cannot grab the lid to lift the entire unit. Doing so could cause the NAS to fall. This is a small but notable design flaw.

The front panel holds LED indicators for drive and network activity, a power button, and a USB-C port. The sides feature low-profile air vents. The rear houses two USB-A ports, an HDMI output, the Ethernet port, and the power connector.

Drive Installation and Setup Process

Setting up the DH4300 Plus takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You remove the top lid, pull out the plastic drive trays, and mount your drives. The trays accept both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA drives.

One point to note is that the drive trays require screws. You need six screws per 3.5-inch hard drive and four per 2.5-inch drive. The NAS ships with a magnetized screwdriver and two bags of screws. This is not a tool-free process, unlike some competing NAS devices.

The screws are small and easy to lose. UGREEN includes extras, but you should store them carefully. Some reviewers found this part of the setup tedious compared to tool-free trays on Synology or QNAP models.

Once the drives are installed, you connect the NAS to your router with the included Ethernet cable. Open a web browser and visit the NAS’s IP address. The UGOS Pro setup wizard guides you through creating an account, building a RAID array, and setting up shared folders. You can also use the UGREEN NAS mobile app or tap the device with an NFC-enabled phone for even faster setup.

Top 3 Alternatives for UGREEN NAS DH4300 Plus

If the DH4300 Plus does not match your specific needs, here are three strong alternatives worth considering.

Last update on 2026-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Synology DS423 (ASIN: B0BY7LGMNP) is a popular 4-bay NAS with Synology’s feature-rich DSM operating system. It offers a larger app ecosystem and Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) for flexible storage expansion. However, it costs significantly more and enforces a drive compatibility list.

The QNAP TS-464-8G (ASIN: B0GN3ZW73Q) packs an Intel Celeron quad-core CPU, 8GB RAM, dual 2.5GbE ports, and two M.2 NVMe slots. It supports virtual machines, Plex Media Server, and PCIe expansion. This is a better pick for power users who need advanced features.

The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro (ASIN: B0CPPD51B9) features an Intel Core i3-N305 8-core CPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 2.5GbE networking. It offers strong hardware at a mid-range price and supports popular third-party apps. It sits between the UGREEN and QNAP in terms of price and capability.

Performance and Speed

The DH4300 Plus delivers solid performance for its price class. During testing, it reached sustained data transfer speeds close to 280MB/s over its 2.5GbE connection. This is near the theoretical maximum for a single 2.5 Gigabit link.

Read and write speeds remained consistent across large file transfers. Copying a 10GB video file or backing up a large photo library happened without slowdowns or interruptions. The NAS performed well with all four bays populated in a RAID 5 configuration.

It is worth noting that RAID build times are long. Building a RAID 5 array from four 4TB drives took approximately 7 hours. This is typical for standard RAID setups, but something to plan for during initial setup.

The 8-core ARM processor handles file serving, media streaming, and Docker containers without issues. However, it is not as powerful as the Intel CPUs found in the QNAP TS-464 or Synology DS925+. Heavy multitasking or running multiple Docker containers at once may slow things down.

Power consumption is 22.89W during drive access and just 7.23W during drive hibernation. This makes the DH4300 Plus one of the most energy-efficient 4-bay NAS devices available.

UGOS Pro Operating System

The DH4300 Plus runs UGOS Pro, UGREEN’s custom Linux-based NAS operating system. The web-based interface looks clean and responds quickly. It supports multiple app windows on screen at the same time, similar to a desktop computer.

UGOS Pro includes several built-in apps for storage management, file sharing, backup, media streaming, and online office tasks. The Storage app handles RAID and volume management. The File Manager lets you browse and share files. The Control Panel covers user accounts, system updates, and network settings.

The Photos app uses AI to recognize faces, sort by scene and location, and remove duplicate images. There is even a dedicated Baby Growth Album feature that auto-curates photos of your child over time. The Theater app handles video playback with automatic metadata matching and subtitle downloading.

For remote access, UGOS Pro offers UGREENlink, which works like Synology’s QuickConnect. You can access your files from any device, anywhere without complex port forwarding. The system also supports Dynamic DNS for advanced users.

The Docker app is available for running third-party containers. This lets you install apps like Jellyfin, Home Assistant, or other popular services. However, virtual machine support is absent on this model.

AI Photo Album and Media Features

One of the standout features of the DH4300 Plus is its AI-powered photo management. The Photos app scans your uploaded images and organizes them automatically by face, scene, and location. You can search for photos using natural language queries like “beach sunset” or “birthday party.”

The AI also detects duplicate photos and helps you clean up your library. This saves storage space and keeps your collection tidy. You can share albums with family members through a QR code or link, making it easy to distribute memories.

The Baby Growth Album is a unique feature. It automatically creates a timeline of your child’s photos, tracking milestones and changes over time. Parents will find this genuinely useful for preserving those early years.

For video, the Theater app acts as a personal media library. It fetches movie posters, synopses, and subtitles automatically. You can stream content to your TV through the 4K 60Hz HDMI port or via DLNA. The HDMI output supports direct playback without a separate streaming device.

The Music app handles audio files with a clean player interface. Combined with DLNA support, you can stream music to compatible speakers and devices throughout your home.

Data Security and Privacy

UGREEN takes data security seriously on the DH4300 Plus. Your data stays on your own drives. UGREEN cannot access your private data. The device is certified by TÜV SÜD and TRUSTe for privacy compliance.

The NAS supports two-factor authentication (2FA) for account protection. Even if someone gets your password, they still need a one-time passcode to access your account. The system uses TLS/SSL, RSA, and AES encryption protocols for secure data transfers.

The Security Manager app provides real-time virus scanning, file activity monitoring, firewall protection, and DoS defense. An Auto Block feature locks out IP addresses that attempt too many failed logins.

You can set granular permission controls for each user. Family members get their own private folders and shared spaces. This keeps personal files separate while still allowing easy collaboration.

It is important to remember that RAID is not a backup. RAID protects against drive failure, but it cannot save you from accidental deletion, ransomware, or natural disasters. UGREEN recommends following the 3-2-1 backup rule: three copies, two media types, one off-site backup.

Connectivity and Port Selection

The DH4300 Plus offers a focused set of ports. The rear panel includes a single 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) port. This delivers speeds up to 2.5Gbps, which translates to roughly 280MB/s in real-world file transfers.

On the front, there is a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port running at 5Gbps. This is ideal for quickly importing data from external drives, cameras, or USB flash drives. The rear adds two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports for peripherals and additional storage.

The 4K 60Hz HDMI output on the rear connects directly to your TV or monitor. This lets you browse photos and watch videos stored on the NAS without using a separate media player.

One limitation is the single Ethernet port. Competing NAS devices like the Synology DS925+ and QNAP TS-464 offer dual LAN ports for link aggregation or failover. The DH4300 Plus does not support any PCIe expansion cards, so you cannot add a faster network card or NVMe storage later.

The NAS also features NFC on the top panel. You can tap your phone against it to quickly open the setup app, find the device, or log in. This is a genuinely helpful convenience feature that other brands should adopt.

UGREEN DH4300 Plus vs. Synology DS925+

This is the comparison most buyers will consider. The Synology DS925+ costs around $700 diskless. The UGREEN DH4300 Plus comes in at roughly $387 to $430. That is almost half the price.

Both devices offer four SATA drive bays and 2.5GbE networking. Both support RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. Both run custom Linux-based operating systems with web interfaces.

The DS925+ uses an AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core CPU. It has expandable RAM (up to 32GB), two M.2 NVMe slots, and dual 2.5GbE ports. It supports virtual machines, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), and a massive app ecosystem including Plex and Surveillance Station.

The DH4300 Plus uses an ARM-based CPU. Its 8GB RAM is fixed. It has no NVMe slots and a single Ethernet port. It does not support virtual machines. Its app store is smaller.

However, the DH4300 Plus wins on price, power consumption, and drive freedom. UGREEN allows any third-party drive. Synology enforces a Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) that restricts drive choices. For basic file storage, photo backup, and media streaming, the DH4300 Plus provides excellent value.

Who Should Buy the UGREEN DH4300 Plus?

The DH4300 Plus is ideal for first-time NAS users. If you have never owned a NAS before, this device makes the learning curve gentle. The NFC tap-to-configure feature and guided setup wizard get you running quickly.

It works great for families who want a central place to store photos, videos, and documents. Each family member can have private folders and shared spaces. The AI photo album keeps memories organized without manual effort.

Small office teams can benefit from the built-in file sharing, sync and backup tools, and online office suite. Remote access through UGREENlink lets employees access files from anywhere.

Budget-conscious buyers who want 4-bay storage without paying $700+ will appreciate this NAS. It delivers 90% of what most home users need at roughly half the cost of a comparable Synology unit.

However, if you need virtual machines, Plex with hardware transcoding, 10GbE networking, or expandable RAM, look elsewhere. The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus or QNAP TS-464 are better options for those advanced use cases.

Pros and Cons of the UGREEN DH4300 Plus

What I liked about the DH4300 Plus starts with its exceptional value. You get a 4-bay NAS with 8GB RAM, 2.5GbE, and a full operating system for under $430. The aluminum build looks and feels premium. The device runs completely silent during normal operation and stays cool to the touch.

UGOS Pro has matured quickly. It now includes Docker support, AI photo management, remote access, and a growing list of apps. The web interface is responsive and easy to use. The NFC setup feature is genuinely innovative for the NAS category.

Power consumption is very low. At just 22.89W during active use and 7.23W in hibernation, your electricity bill barely notices this device. The 2-year warranty from UGREEN adds peace of mind.

What I did not like includes the non-upgradeable RAM. The fixed 8GB might feel limiting if UGREEN adds more demanding features to UGOS Pro in the future. The lack of M.2 NVMe slots means no SSD caching. The loose top lid is a design oversight that could lead to accidents.

The app store remains limited compared to Synology or QNAP. There is no native Plex support, no IP camera surveillance app, and no flexible RAID option like SHR. The drive installation requires screws, making drive swaps more cumbersome than tool-free alternatives.

Should You Buy the UGREEN NAS DH4300 Plus?

The answer depends on your needs and budget. If you want an affordable, quiet, and easy-to-use 4-bay NAS for home storage, the DH4300 Plus is one of the best options available right now. It delivers strong performance for everyday tasks and saves you hundreds compared to Synology.

For basic file storage, photo backup, media streaming, and remote file access, this NAS checks every box. The AI photo features add genuine value. The Docker support opens doors to additional functionality. The low power consumption keeps running costs minimal.

If you need advanced features like virtual machines, hardware transcoding, M.2 caching, or 10GbE networking, this NAS is not the right fit. Consider the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus or QNAP TS-464 instead.

At its current price point, the UGREEN NAS DH4300 Plus earns a strong recommendation for home users and NAS beginners. It proves that you do not need to spend $700 to get a capable, reliable, and feature-rich 4-bay NAS.

Last update on 2026-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the UGREEN DH4300 Plus good for beginners?

Yes. The DH4300 Plus is one of the most beginner-friendly NAS devices on the market. The NFC tap-to-configure feature, guided setup wizard, and intuitive UGOS Pro interface make it simple to get started. You do not need any networking experience to set it up and use it.

What drives work with the UGREEN DH4300 Plus?

The DH4300 Plus supports any 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA drive. UGREEN does not enforce a drive compatibility list like Synology does. Popular options include the WD Red Plus, Seagate IronWolf, and Toshiba N300. Avoid desktop-grade and SMR drives for best results.

Can the UGREEN DH4300 Plus run Plex?

The DH4300 Plus does not have a native Plex app in its app store. However, you can install Plex or Jellyfin through Docker. Keep in mind the ARM processor has limited transcoding ability. Direct play works well, but heavy transcoding may struggle.

Does the DH4300 Plus support Time Machine backup for Mac?

Yes. The DH4300 Plus supports Apple Time Machine backups over the network. It requires some manual configuration through UGOS Pro, but once set up, it works as a wireless backup destination for your Mac.

How much power does the UGREEN DH4300 Plus use?

The DH4300 Plus uses 22.89W during active drive access and only 7.23W during drive hibernation. This makes it one of the most energy-efficient 4-bay NAS devices. It costs very little to run 24/7 compared to larger and more powerful NAS units.

Can I expand the storage later on the DH4300 Plus?

You can start with fewer drives and add more later. The NAS supports migrating from RAID 1 to RAID 5 without data loss. However, you cannot add M.2 NVMe drives, expand RAM, or attach expansion units. The four SATA bays and three USB ports are your only storage options.