Network-attached storage (NAS) devices have changed how we store and access data. These devices, Created for personal and professional use, enable you to store, organize, and share your data across multiple devices and platforms. Synology, with its versatile and dependable storage solutions, has consistently stood out in the NAS market.
Synology NAS devices come in various sizes and capabilities, catering to various user requirements, from individual consumers to small businesses and large enterprises. They offer seamless data storage and backup solutions, multimedia centers, and private cloud services, making them a worthwhile addition to any home or office setup.
When selecting the best Synology NAS for your needs, it’s crucial to consider factors such as the number of drive bays, storage capacity, processing power, and additional features such as hardware transcoding and expandability. These aspects will play a significant role in determining the overall performance, functionality, and longevity of your Synology NAS.
With so many options available, finding the right Synology NAS can be daunting. In the following guide, we will explore some of the best options tailored to various needs and budgets, focusing on the critical aspects that make a difference in performance and reliability. Let’s dive in and discover the ideal Synology NAS that fits your specific requirements.
The Best Synology NAS Devices
Here is a carefully curated list of the top Synology NAS devices to meet your storage and backup needs, ensuring efficient management and reliable performance for your personal and professional use.
Synology DS923+ 4-Bay 16TB NAS Bundle
The Synology DS923+ is a powerful and compact NAS solution ideal for storing and managing data efficiently.
Pros
- Compact design with room for 10GbE and dual NVMe drives
- Flexibility to store and organize up to 50TB of data
- Hardware and software designed to protect your data
Cons
- Some users report difficulty with streaming on Plex
- It may require additional purchases for installation and assembly
- Could benefit from a USB-C connection for improved performance
The Synology DS923+ NAS offers a small yet powerful package for your storage needs. It allows you to easily consolidate and share up to 50TB of data, giving you flexibility in managing your files. The device also includes features that help keep your data safe, with hardware and software trusted by millions of users.
With an AMD Ryzen™ dual-core processor and support for 10GbE and dual NVMe drives, this NAS provides excellent performance for demanding workloads. To further boost performance, adding faster networking and NVMe drives is an option.
Despite its impressive features, some users have reported difficulty using the device for streaming purposes, particularly with Plex. Additionally, you may need to purchase and install disks separately, which could increase the overall cost of ownership. A USB-C connection could also improve the device’s performance.
In conclusion, the Synology DS923+ 4-Bay 16TB NAS Bundle is a strong choice for those who require a compact and powerful NAS solution. While there are a few drawbacks, its storage capabilities and hardware protection features make it a solid option for managing and safeguarding your data.
Synology DiskStation DS1618+ NAS Server
The Synology DiskStation DS1618+ is a solid choice for various server roles, but be cautious of SSD compatibility issues.
Pros
- Versatile for server roles
- Intel Atom Quad-Core CPU
- High-capacity storage
Cons
- Potential SSD compatibility issues
- Separate installation required
- Only one power supply is included
The Synology DiskStation DS1618+ NAS Server is ideal for multiple server roles, such as backup, file storage, email servers, and domain controllers. Its Intel Atom C3538 Quad-Core 2.1GHz processor and 16GB DDR4 memory provide reliable performance for business purposes.
With 1TB of ultra-fast SSD storage and 8TB of high-capacity storage, you can store a massive amount of data without worrying about running out of space. The NAS features various connectivity options, including 4 RJ-45 1GbE LAN ports with Link Aggregation/Failover support, 3 USB 3.0 ports, and two eSATA ports, allowing seamless integration into your existing setup.
However, be aware that the SSDs included in the package may not be on the manufacturer’s compatibility list, leading to potential warranty issues. The hard drives and memory upgrades are not pre-installed, requiring you to install them yourself. Only a single power supply is included, which may not provide the redundancy needed for some businesses.
In conclusion, the Synology DiskStation DS1618+ NAS Server offers a versatile solution for various server roles, delivering robust performance and ample storage space. Ensure you double-check the compatibility of the provided SSDs, and be prepared for separate installation of hard drives and memory upgrades.
Synology 4-Bay RackStation RS822+ (Diskless)
The Synology RS822+ is a powerful NAS solution ideal for data-intensive businesses.
Pros
- High sequential read/write speeds
- Scalable up to 8 drives
- Multiple network support options
Cons
- Diskless – hard drives need to be purchased separately
- Potential for overwhelming features for beginners
- The price may be steep for casual users
The Synology 4-Bay RackStation RS822+ is a top-of-the-line network-attached storage (NAS) device designed to cater to businesses requiring fast, reliable storage solutions. With over 2,103/1,074 MB/s sequential read/write speeds, this high-performance NAS ensures stable and efficient data transfers.
Versatility is one of this RackStation’s strong points. The RS822+ can be scaled to support up to 8 drives using the Synology RX418 Expansion Unit, allowing for increased storage capacity as your needs grow. Furthermore, the NAS has four 1GbE ports providing network failover and load balancing capabilities, with optional 10/25GbE expansions available for users who demand even higher speeds.
One aspect to remember is that the RS822+ comes diskless, meaning that hard drives must be purchased separately. However, this lets you choose the best storage solutions for your requirements and budget. Additionally, the NAS supports an optional SSD cache, which can boost random IOPS performance significantly.
Despite having a wealth of advanced features and customizations, newcomers to the world of NAS might find the RS822+ overwhelming. If you’re a casual user just looking for simple personal storage, this NAS might be overkill due to the focus on enterprise-level functionality. The price point is also worth considering, as it may not be ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
The Synology 4-Bay RackStation RS822+ is a powerful and versatile NAS solution that provides fast and reliable data transfers. While it might not suit everyone, businesses and power users will undoubtedly benefit from its robust performance and scalability.
Synology BeeDrive 1TB
The Synology BeeDrive 1TB is a solid choice for those seeking a user-friendly backup and instant data transfer solution.
Pros
- Plug ‘n’ play automatic computer backup/sync
- Instantly accessible photo and video backups from up to 5 devices
- High transfer speed with USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) interface
Cons
- Limited to 1TB storage capacity
- May have initial setup challenges
- Some features may not work as intended during launch
The Synology BeeDrive 1TB offers a seamless experience by automatically backing up and syncing your computer whenever you connect. This feature saves you both time and effort while ensuring the safety of your valuable data. Furthermore, you can easily back up photos and videos from up to five iOS and Android devices, making it a versatile option for people with multiple gadgets.
In addition to its convenience, the BeeDrive boasts a high transfer speed, thanks to its built-in SSD and USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) interface. This means you’ll be able to transfer files quickly and efficiently, giving you more time to focus on other tasks.
However, the BeeDrive is limited to a 1TB storage capacity, which may need to be increased for those with extensive file libraries. Additionally, some users have reported initial difficulty setting up the device, although this issue should improve with time and software updates. Finally, as a new product, some features may not work as intended during its launch window, so early adopters should proceed cautiously.
In conclusion, the Synology BeeDrive 1TB is a reliable and efficient solution for those needing a backup and instant data transfer device. Its plug ‘n’ play functionality, multi-device compatibility, and fast transfer speeds make it a strong contender in the market. Just be aware of its storage limitations and potential early-stage hiccups.
Synology DiskStation DS1618+ NAS Server
The Synology DiskStation DS1618+ is a versatile NAS server for various needs but requires DIY installation of components.
Pros
- Suitable for diverse server roles
- High-capacity storage options
- Equipped with Intel Atom Quad-Core CPU
Cons
- Some components are not on the manufacturer’s compatibility list
- Installation of drives and memory required
- The bundle may not meet customer expectations
The Synology DiskStation DS1618+ Business NAS Server is designed to fulfill various server roles, such as backup, file storage, email servers, and domain controllers. Powered by an Intel Atom C3538 Quad-Core 2.1GHz 8MB CPU and 16GB DDR4 PC4-19200 2400MHz Memory, this NAS server offers reliable performance for businesses.
One notable advantage is its high-capacity storage options: 1TB SSD for fast storage and 8TB HDD for more extensive storage needs. This NAS server also has multiple connectivity features, including eSATA, USB, and SATA connections, making it versatile for different scenarios.
However, there are a few drawbacks to the Synology DiskStation DS1618+. Some included components, such as SSDs, must be added to the manufacturer’s compatibility list, which might lead to potential warranty issues. The customer must install hard drives and memory upgrades separately, which may not be ideal for everyone. The delivered bundle may not match customer expectations due to incompatible or subpar components.
In conclusion, the Synology DiskStation DS1618+ NAS Server can be an excellent solution for businesses requiring a versatile NAS server with both speed and high storage capacity. However, be prepared to install drives and memory and double-check compatibility before purchasing.
Synology DiskStation DS423+ NAS Server
The Synology DiskStation DS423+ is a high-capacity NAS server perfect for various server roles.
Pros
- Versatile server roles
- High-capacity storage
- Powerful storage management
Cons
- Installation required
- Single power supply
- Sealed box
The Synology DiskStation DS423+ NAS 16TB Server is a powerhouse for various server roles such as home data backup, file syncing, and sharing. Equipped with a Celeron J4125 4-Core 2.0GHz CPU and 6GB DDR4 memory, it can easily handle rigorous workloads while centralizing multimedia collections.
It features 16TB of high-capacity storage, comprised of four 4TB SATA 3.5″ HDDs and 1TB of M.2 NVMe SSD storage, ideal for lightning-fast file sharing and hosting VM & container storage. The DSM operating system offers powerful storage management, file syncing, surveillance, and backup software, making it a versatile solution for diverse roles.
However, there are a few drawbacks with the Synology DiskStation DS423+. One is that the hard drives and memory upgrades are included separately and require installation. Another downside is its single power supply, which might not suit all users. Lastly, it comes in a sealed box, so handle it carefully during installation.
Nonetheless, the Synology DiskStation DS423+ NAS 16TB Server is suitable for editing high-quality video and as a network video recorder for large surveillance deployments. If you’re searching for a versatile and high-capacity NAS server, the DS423+ is a solid choice.
Synology DiskStation DS118 NAS Server
The Synology DiskStation DS118 NAS Server is a fantastic choice for centralized storage and various server roles.
Pros
- Versatile server capabilities
- High-capacity storage
- 4K multimedia server
Cons
- RAM not upgradeable
- Hard drives not pre-installed
- No SSD support
The Synology DiskStation DS118 NAS Server is designed to cater to a variety of server roles, such as home data backup, file syncing, and sharing. Its high capacity and flexible integration into any environment make it ideal for centralizing all your multimedia collections while handling rigorous workloads.
Featuring an RTD1296 Quad-Core 1.4GHz CPU and 1GB of DDR4 non-ECC RAM, the DiskStation DS118 provides consistent performance for various tasks. With 2TB of SATA 3.5″ HDD storage, you have plenty of room for your files. The device includes one RJ-45 1GbE LAN port, ensuring reliable network connectivity with link aggregation and failover support options.
This NAS server offers several functional features, including file sync across all devices via the Cloud Station Suite, file access and sharing through QuickConnect, and 4K multimedia server capabilities. It also has built-in security tools to protect your data and ensure peace of mind.
However, there are a few drawbacks to the DS118. The RAM is not upgradable, limiting the potential for improving performance in the future. The hard drives and memory upgrades are included separately and not pre-installed, so you must follow the installation process. Lastly, it does not support SSDs, which may be a downside for users seeking faster storage options.
In conclusion, the Synology DiskStation DS118 NAS Server offers powerful performance, high-capacity storage, and versatile server capabilities. Its drawbacks may not be deal-breakers for most users, making it a reliable choice for centralized home storage and server roles.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best Synology NAS for your needs, there are several factors you should consider to find the right fit. In this buying guide, we’ll discuss the key features you should look for and provide tips to help you make an informed decision.
Storage Capacity
First and foremost, consider the storage capacity you require. Think about how much data you plan to store on the NAS now and in the future. It’s always a good idea to opt for a larger capacity than you currently need to account for growth and ensure you won’t run out of space too soon.
Performance
The performance of a NAS device is another important aspect. This includes the processor speed and the amount of RAM. A faster processor and more RAM will allow for better multitasking, faster file transfers, and smooth operation of multiple applications and services.
Number of Bays
Consider the number of bays the NAS has. This refers to the number of hard drives or SSDs that can be installed in the device. A higher number of bays allows for greater storage capacity and more flexibility in configuring your storage. Remember that more bays usually mean a larger physical size, so think about where you’ll place the NAS in your home or office.
Expandability
If your storage needs might increase significantly, look for a NAS offering expandability options. Some models allow you to add more drives or external expansion units to increase the overall storage capacity.
Connectivity Options
Check the connectivity options available on the NAS. Ensure it has the necessary ports for your needs, such as USB, eSATA, or Ethernet. In addition, consider the compatibility with various operating systems and devices you plan to use with the NAS.
Security Features
Evaluate the security features of the NAS to protect your data from unauthorized access. Look for options such as encryption, two-factor authentication, and the ability to create separate user accounts with different permissions.
By considering these crucial factors, you can confidently select a Synology NAS that meets your specific requirements and caters to your storage and performance needs.
