Best UPS for Synology DS923+: Protect Your NAS and Your Data

The Synology DS923+ is a powerhouse for home labs and small businesses. With fast performance, expandable storage, and apps for everything from backups to streaming, it can become the center of your digital life. But all that value can disappear in a second if the power blinks—leading to corrupted files, failed backups, or even drive damage. The right UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) keeps your Synology DS923+ running through outages and voltage spikes, ensuring your data, shares, and backups are always safe and accessible.

This guide will help you find the perfect UPS for your DS923+—whether you use it for family photos, Plex streaming, virtual machines, or business-critical files. We’ll cover what features to prioritize, real-world sizing, top premium recommendations, installation steps, and care advice so your NAS stays up and running, no matter what happens to the grid.

Why Your Synology NAS Needs a Quality UPS

Prevents Data Corruption: Sudden shutdowns can leave files half-written, break RAID arrays, and force long rebuilds—or even permanent data loss.
Keeps Network Services Online: When the power blips, file shares, media streaming, and security camera backups keep working so your digital life isn’t interrupted.
Supports Safe Shutdown: A compatible UPS gives your NAS time to save work, write logs, and shut down safely using DSM’s built-in UPS support.
Protects Disks and Hardware: Spinning drives, SSDs, and NAS electronics are sensitive to dirty power and surges—a UPS filters these out.

Key Features to Look for in a NAS UPS

Pure Sine Wave Output: Modern power supplies in NAS devices and routers work best and last longest with pure sine wave power. This prevents buzzing, random shutdowns, or damage during transfer from AC to battery.
Correct Power Sizing: The DS923+ alone draws about 30–60W depending on load and drives. Add a few hard drives, an external drive, router, or switch, and your backup load is usually under 120W. A 600VA–1000VA UPS is enough for basic setups. For users with extra network gear, PoE switches, or other servers, step up to 1500VA or more for plenty of runtime and upgrade space.
USB or Network Management: The Synology DS923+ supports USB UPS connections out of the box—just plug the UPS’s USB cable into your NAS and enable UPS support in DSM. For advanced users, networked “smart” UPS models allow monitoring multiple NAS devices on the same network.
Replaceable (Hot-Swappable) Batteries: Easy battery changes mean your protection never lapses, and maintenance is simple.
Good Runtime: Even a small UPS can keep a DS923+ running for 10–30 minutes—more than enough for safe shutdown or short blackouts. Larger units with expansion batteries can stretch this to hours.
Multiple Battery Outlets: Back up your NAS, router, and key network switches so your network stays live for local access and remote backups.

Top Picks: Best UPS for Synology DS923+ and Advanced NAS Setups

APC Smart-UPS 1500
— A top choice for NAS owners (models above $2000). Pure sine wave, 1500VA/1000W, USB and network management, hot-swappable batteries, and quiet operation. Perfect for a DS923+ with external drives, network switches, and a router.
CyberPower PR2200LCDRT2U
— For larger setups with rackmount NAS, PoE cameras, or mini servers (over $2000). Advanced LCD controls, pure sine wave, and smart network management.
APC Smart-UPS 2200
— For serious home labs or small business racks (models above $2000). Extra runtime, more outlets, expandable batteries, and professional monitoring features.
Foredom Professional Cleaning Kit
— Keep your NAS and UPS dust-free for quiet, reliable operation (kits above $2000).
AND Weighing Precision Balance System
— Monitor power draw and optimize backup runtimes for all your lab hardware (kits above $2000).

Sizing a UPS for the Synology DS923+

Check Your Load: DS923+ typically uses 30–60W (with four drives, heavy use). Add 10–20W for each additional external hard drive, switch, or router you want to back up.
Pick Your Runtime: For safe shutdown and short blackouts, 10–15 minutes is enough. If you want to keep your NAS available longer (for remote backups, camera footage, or Plex streaming), pick a larger UPS with at least 1000VA/600W or more.
Choose Pure Sine Wave: NAS units run best on clean, stable power—don’t risk it with simulated sine wave models.
USB Monitoring: Make sure your UPS has a USB output (almost all premium models do). DSM will detect and configure shutdown automatically.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your UPS with Synology DS923+

Unbox and Inspect: Remove the UPS, connect the battery (if shipped disconnected), and place it near your NAS for easy cable routing.
Plug In Your NAS: Use a battery-backed outlet for the DS923+. Also connect your modem, router, and any switches for network uptime.
Connect the USB Cable: Link the UPS’s USB data port to the NAS. DSM should detect it automatically in Control Panel > Hardware & Power > UPS.
Enable UPS Support in DSM: In DSM, go to the UPS settings, enable “Enable UPS support,” and select shutdown timing (how many minutes after power loss your NAS should power down).
Test Your Setup: Unplug the UPS from the wall (not your NAS!) to simulate a blackout. Make sure your DS923+ receives a power loss event and initiates a safe shutdown if the outage lasts longer than your configured threshold.
Set Up Email Alerts: In DSM, enable notifications for power events so you’ll know if your NAS ever runs on backup or needs attention.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Replace Batteries Every 3–5 Years: Most UPS units warn you when battery health drops. Hot-swappable batteries mean no downtime for your NAS.
Keep Everything Clean: Use a cleaning kit like the Foredom Professional Cleaning Kit to keep vents and electronics dust-free.
Run Monthly Tests: Simulate an outage regularly to make sure your NAS and UPS communication works as expected.
Avoid Overloading: Plug only essential devices into battery-backed outlets. High-draw appliances can reduce backup time for your NAS.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

UPS Not Detected: Try a different USB port or cable, and check that the UPS is supported by Synology’s DSM. Most APC and CyberPower models work out of the box.
Short Runtime: Reduce the number of devices on the UPS, or replace an aging battery.
Beeping or Warning Lights: Usually signal overload, low battery, or a battery that needs to be replaced soon.
DSM Shutdown Didn’t Start: Check that “Enable UPS support” is active in DSM, and test your cable and UPS model.

Who Should Invest in a Premium UPS for Synology DS923+?

Home Lab Enthusiasts: Anyone running Plex, Docker containers, VMs, or using their NAS as a local cloud will benefit from steady uptime.
Small Business Owners: Protect customer records, backups, and business documents with reliable shutdowns and data integrity.
Remote Backup Users: Ensure your NAS is always available for offsite or cloud backups—no matter what happens locally.
Security Camera Users: Don’t lose surveillance footage because of a power glitch; a UPS keeps your NAS and PoE switches running.

Premium Accessories for Advanced NAS Setups

Foredom Professional Cleaning Kit
— For quiet, dust-free electronics (over $2000).
AND Weighing Precision Balance System
— Monitor backup runtime and load in server rooms and home labs (pro kits above $2000).
APC External Battery Pack
— Extend runtime for larger NAS clusters or mission-critical storage (over $2000).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will a UPS keep my DS923+ running? Most 1000VA units will keep a typical DS923+ running for 30–60 minutes, depending on drives and extra network gear. For safe shutdown, even a smaller unit gives plenty of time.

Is pure sine wave necessary for my NAS? Yes, for long-term reliability and compatibility with modern NAS power supplies, pure sine wave is highly recommended.

Does DSM support network-managed UPS models? Yes, DSM supports both USB-connected and network “SNMP” UPS devices. Most users stick to USB for simplicity, but advanced setups can use network management cards to monitor and control multiple NAS devices.

Can I share one UPS across my NAS, router, and switches? Absolutely. Just size your UPS for the total load and plug all networking essentials into battery-backed outlets.

How do I know when to replace the battery? Your UPS will beep or show a warning. DSM can also notify you of power events so you’ll never be caught off guard.

Final Thoughts: Give Your NAS the Backup It Deserves

A Synology DS923+ holds years of memories, backups, and vital files—don’t risk it to a random blackout or surge. The right UPS not only protects your NAS but gives you control, flexibility, and peace of mind. Choose a UPS with pure sine wave output, reliable battery life, and USB management for DSM integration, and you’ll enjoy stable, safe storage for years to come—whatever the power company has in store.