In the world of Network Attached Storage (NAS), Synology has long been a trusted name, and the Synology DS220+ is one of their most popular models. Launched as a compact yet powerful 2-bay NAS, the DS220+ has become a favorite among home users and small businesses alike. But what makes it so special, and is it the right choice for you in 2024 and beyond?
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the Synology DS220+ to explore its features, performance, and real-world applications. Whether you’re looking to back up your family photos, stream media, or set up a small business server, this review will help you decide if the DS220+ is the perfect fit for your needs.
What is the Synology DS220+?
The Synology DS220+ is a 2-bay NAS designed for home users and small businesses. It’s part of Synology’s “Plus” series, which is known for its balance of performance, affordability, and ease of use. Despite its compact size, the DS220+ packs a punch with its powerful hardware and versatile software.
Key specs of the DS220+ include:
- Processor: Intel Celeron J4025 dual-core 2.0 GHz (burst up to 2.9 GHz)
- RAM: 2 GB DDR4 (expandable to 6 GB)
- Drive Bays: 2
- Max Storage Capacity: 36 TB (with 18 TB drives)
- Ports: 2 x Gigabit LAN, 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x eSATA
What sets Synology apart is its DiskStation Manager (DSM), an intuitive operating system that makes managing your NAS a breeze. With DSM, you can do everything from backing up your data to streaming media and even hosting a website. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for your data.
Why the DS220+ Stands Out
The DS220+ has earned its reputation as one of the best 2-bay NAS devices on the market. Here’s why:
- Powerful Performance: The Intel Celeron processor and expandable RAM make the DS220+ capable of handling demanding tasks like 4K video transcoding, virtualization, and running multiple applications simultaneously.
- User-Friendly DSM: Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) is one of the most intuitive and feature-rich NAS operating systems available. It’s easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
- Compact and Quiet: The DS220+ is small enough to fit on a desk or shelf, and its quiet operation makes it ideal for home offices or living rooms.
- Versatile Applications: From file storage and backups to media streaming and surveillance, the DS220+ can do it all. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for your data.
Real-World Uses for the DS220+
The DS220+ is incredibly versatile, making it a great choice for a wide range of users. Here are some real-world applications:
Home Users:
Store and stream your movie and music library. Back up family photos and videos to ensure they’re never lost. Set up a personal cloud to access your files from anywhere.
Small Businesses:
Centralize file storage and collaboration for your team. Back up critical business data to prevent costly losses. Use it as a reliable server for hosting websites or applications.
Media Enthusiasts:
Stream 4K videos to your TV, phone, or laptop. Use it as a Plex server to organize and stream your media collection.
Remote Workers:
Set up a secure VPN to access your work files from home or on the go.
Limitations of the DS220+
While the DS220+ is a fantastic NAS, it’s not without its limitations. Here’s what you need to consider:
2-Bay Design: The DS220+ only has two drive bays, which limits its storage capacity compared to larger models. However, it’s perfect for users who don’t need massive amounts of storage.
No 10GbE Support: The DS220+ only supports Gigabit Ethernet, which can be a bottleneck if you’re working with large files or multiple users.
Limited RAM: While the RAM is expandable, the base model only comes with 2 GB. For resource-intensive tasks, you’ll want to upgrade to 6 GB.
Who is the DS220+ For?
The DS220+ is ideal for:
Home Users: Looking for a reliable NAS for backups, media streaming, or personal cloud storage.
Small Businesses: Needing a cost-effective solution for file storage, backups, or collaboration.
Media Enthusiasts: Wanting to stream 4K videos or organize a large media library.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: Seeking a high-quality NAS without breaking the bank.
Alternatives to Consider
If the DS220+ doesn’t quite meet your needs, here are some alternatives to consider:
Synology DS720+: A more powerful 2-bay NAS with an additional NVMe cache slot for improved performance.
Synology DS420+: A 4-bay NAS with similar performance to the DS220+ but with more storage capacity.
QNAP TS-253D: A 2-bay NAS with HDMI output and support for 4K video transcoding.
Thinking Beyond the DS220+?
The Synology DS220+ is a fantastic NAS solution for home users and small businesses, but what if your needs grow beyond its capabilities? Whether you’re managing larger datasets, running resource-intensive applications, or simply looking for a more scalable solution, there’s a world of possibilities beyond standalone devices.
At vBoxx, we specialize in enterprise-grade storage solutions that combine the power of Synology with the flexibility of scalable infrastructure. Imagine having the same intuitive Synology experience you love—but with the ability to expand storage, enhance performance, and integrate seamlessly into your workflow.
If you’re curious about how to future-proof your storage or want to explore options that grow with your business, we’re here to help. Discover how our solutions can take your storage to the next level—without the upfront investment in hardware.
Learn more about our Synology-based solutions or reach out to our team for a no-obligation consultation. Let’s build a storage solution that works as hard as you do.
