Synology has a wide collection of network attached storage (NAS) models, just like its competitors. This allows you to choose the right unit for your requirements, but how easy is it to tell the different models apart? There are some differences between the units available so here's all you need to know.
The NAS company uses a suffix system to represent different price points and features:
- se - Budget-friendly option.
- j - Affordable option for home use.
- play - Usually has a more powerful processor for better transcoding.
- + - Sports an Intel processor.
- +II - The same model as the "+" but with a newer processor.
Using the list above, it's easy to see which of the DS218 range you'll be best suited with. (The DS218 is essentially the model year and the number of bays. DS216 would be a two-bay unit from 2016.) A DS218+II would be a DiskStation NAS with a newer generation of Intel processor.
The DS218j, on the other hand, would contain less powerful internals but command a more affordable price. A DS418 would sport four bays, though in this guide we'll be looking at two-bay units only.
Comparing models
Here's a comparison table with a few of the latest models from Synology. While specifications do not differ too much (aside from the upgraded Intel processors), pricing does range between around $170 to $300, depending on what you need.
| Category | DS218+ | DS218play | DS218j | DS218 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Celeron J3355 Dual-core 2.0GHz |
Realtek RTD1296 Quad-core 1.4GHz |
Marvell Armada 385 88F6820 Dual-core 1.3GHz |
Realtek RTD1296 Quad-core 1.4GHz |
| RAM | 2 GB DDR3L (6 GB max) | 1 GB DDR4 | 512 MB DDR3 | 2 GB DDR4 |
| Drive bays | Two | Two | Two | Two |
| Capacity | 24 TB Two x 12 TB |
24 TB Two x 12 TB |
24 TB Two x 12 TB |
24 TB Two x 12 TB |
| Transcoding | H.264 (AVC) H.265 (HEVC) MPEG-2 VC-1 4K 30 FPS |
H.264 (AVC) H.265 (HEVC) MPEG-2 VC-1 4K 60 FPS |
N/A | H.264 (AVC) H.265 (HEVC) MPEG-2 VC-1 4K 60 FPS |
| Ports | One Gb LAN Three USB 3.0 One eSATA |
One Gb LAN Two USB 3.0 |
One Gb LAN Two USB 3.0 |
One Gb LAN Two USB 3.0, One USB 2.0 |
| Warranty | Two years | Two years | Two years | Two years |
| Price | $297.98 | $229.99 | $169.99 | $249.99 |
At this level, the choice available to you is fairly restricted concerning performance and price, but that can be a positive, negating the chance you'll pick a unit that doesn't suit the task at hand. Whether you opt for the DS218+ or DS218play, you're going to be able to transcode media, stream content, and store files.
If you're stumped, we reviewed the DS218+ favorably here at Windows Central and found it to be an excellent NAS.
More Synology resources
- Choosing the best Synology NAS
- How to backup Windows 10 to a NAS
- Most reliable hard drives for your NAS
- Comparing Synology NAS against cloud storage
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
The first two Snapdragon 7c PCs are here, and they start at $299 with LTE
Along with a slew of announcements for the education market this week, Microsoft debuted the first two PCs to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 7c platform. Both are targeted at the education market, and they bring LTE for as little as $299.
Need a laptop with a Thunderbolt 3 port? Every PC here deserves a look.
Looking for a new laptop that has Thunderbolt 3 ports? Well, you're in luck, as we've rounded up what we think are the best Thunderbolt 3 enabled laptops available to buy today.
Windows 10 build 19546 arrives for Fast ring with graphing calculator
Microsoft pushed out another new Windows 10 Preview build for Windows Insiders on the Fast ring today. This build brings the build number up to 19546, and it includes a new graphing mode for the Calculator app.
These external monitors go perfectly with the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is an excellent laptop, but what if you want to project the display onto a larger screen? You'll need an external monitor for that. Here are our favorite options.
