Introduction

In today’s digital age, data storage and management have become essential for individuals and businesses alike. Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices have gained significant popularity due to their ability to provide secure and centralized data storage solutions. Synology, a renowned brand in the NAS market, offers a range of high-quality NAS devices that cater to different needs. In this article, we will explore the best NAS options from Synology in 2022 and discuss their features, performance, and benefits.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is a NAS?
3. Why Choose Synology?
4. Top NAS Models from Synology in 2022
   • DS220+
   • DS920+
   • DS1821+
   • DS1621+
   • DS1621xs+
   • DS1621ac
   • DS420+
   • DS920
   • DS720+
   • DS1520+
   • DS420j
   • DS220j
   • DS120j
   • DS118
   • DS419slim
5. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Synology NAS
   • Storage Capacity
   • Processor and RAM
   • Connectivity Options
   • Data Protection Features
   • Expandability
   • Software Ecosystem
   • Price
6. Conclusion
7. FAQs
   • Q1. What is the difference between a NAS and an external hard drive?
   • Q2. Can I access my NAS remotely?
   • Q3. Is it possible to expand the storage capacity of a Synology NAS?
   • Q4. Does Synology offer data backup solutions?
   • Q5. Can I use a Synology NAS for media streaming?

What is a NAS?

A NAS, or Network-Attached Storage, is a specialized device that allows multiple users to access and share files over a network. It provides a centralized storage solution, eliminating the need for individual external hard drives. NAS devices are equipped with multiple hard drive bays, enabling users to create redundant storage arrays for data protection. These devices offer various features such as remote access, data synchronization, media streaming, and cloud integration, making them versatile storage solutions.

Why Choose Synology?

Synology has established itself as a leader in the NAS market, known for its reliability, performance, and user-friendly interface. Here are some reasons why choosing a Synology NAS is a wise decision:

1. Robust and Intuitive Operating System: Synology NAS devices run on DiskStation Manager (DSM), a powerful operating system that offers a wide range of applications and services to enhance productivity and streamline data management.
2. Data Protection and Backup: Synology NAS provides advanced data protection features, including RAID configurations, snapshot technology, and backup applications. These features ensure data integrity and safeguard against hardware failures or accidental deletions.
3. Extensive App Ecosystem: Synology’s DSM offers a vast selection of applications, both from Synology and third-party developers. Users can expand the functionality of their NAS by installing apps for multimedia, surveillance, cloud services, and more.
4. Reliable Hardware: Synology NAS devices are built with high-quality components, ensuring long-term reliability and optimal performance. They come equipped with powerful processors, ample RAM, and versatile connectivity options.

Top NAS Models from Synology in 2022

Let’s now explore some of the best NAS models from Synology in 2022:

DS220+

The DS220+ is a compact and affordable NAS solution suitable for home users and small businesses. It features a dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM (expandable up to 6GB), and two drive bays that support up to 32TB of storage capacity. The DS220+ offers excellent performance for file sharing, data backup, and media streaming.

DS920+

The DS920+ is a versatile NAS device designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It boasts a quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM (expandable up to 8GB), and four drive bays that support up to 64TB of storage capacity. The DS920+ delivers exceptional performance for virtualization, intensive workloads, and collaboration.

DS1821+

The DS1821+ is a high-performance NAS solution suitable for demanding work environments. It features an AMD Ryzen quad-core processor, 4GB of ECC RAM (expandable up to 32GB), and eight drive bays that support up to 160TB of storage capacity. The DS1821+ excels in tasks such as virtualization, data-intensive applications, and large-scale file sharing.

DS1621+

The DS1621+ is a powerful NAS device equipped with a quad-core AMD Ryzen processor, 4GB of RAM (expandable up to 32GB), and six drive bays that support up to 96TB of storage capacity. It offers fast data transfer speeds, advanced data management features, and excellent scalability.

DS1621xs+

The DS1621xs+ is Synology’s flagship NAS device designed for professionals and businesses with demanding storage needs. It features a powerful Xeon processor, 8GB of ECC RAM (expandable up to 32GB), and six drive bays that support up to 96TB of storage capacity. The DS1621xs+ delivers unparalleled performance, reliability, and data protection.

DS1621ac

The DS1621ac is a versatile NAS solution that combines storage and wireless capabilities. It features a quad-core AMD Ryzen processor, 4GB of RAM (expandable up to 32GB), and six drive bays that support up to 96TB of storage capacity. The DS1621ac offers high-speed wireless connectivity and is ideal for environments where wired connections are challenging.

DS420+

The DS420+ is a compact and reliable NAS device suitable for home users and small offices. It features a quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM (expandable up to 6GB), and four drive bays that support up to 64TB of storage capacity. The DS420+ offers excellent performance for file sharing, data backup, and multimedia streaming.

DS920

The DS920 is a cost-effective NAS solution designed for home and personal use. It boasts a quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM (expandable up to 8GB), and four drive bays that support up to 64TB of storage capacity. The DS920 is capable of handling everyday storage needs and multimedia streaming.

DS720+

The DS720+ is a compact and powerful NAS device suitable for home and small office environments. It features a quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM (expandable up to 6GB), and two drive bays that support up to 32TB of storage capacity. The DS720+ offers excellent performance for file sharing, data backup, and media streaming.

DS1520+

The DS1520+ is a versatile NAS solution designed for small businesses and workgroups. It features a quad-core processor, 8GB of RAM (expandable up to 32GB), and five drive bays that support up to 80TB of storage capacity. The DS1520+ offers fast data transfer speeds, scalability, and advanced data protection features.

DS420j

The DS420j is an entry-level NAS device suitable for home users and beginners. It features a quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and four drive bays that support up to 64TB of storage capacity. The DS420j offers an affordable storage solution for file sharing, data backup, and media streaming.

DS220j

The DS220j is an entry-level NAS device designed for home users. It features a dual-core processor, 512MB of RAM, and two drive bays that support up to 32TB of storage capacity. The DS220j provides an economical option for basic file sharing, data backup, and multimedia streaming.

DS120j

The DS120j is a compact and budget-friendly NAS device suitable for personal use. It features a dual-core processor, 512MB of RAM, and one drive bay that supports up to 16TB of storage capacity. The DS120j is ideal for users looking for a simple and affordable storage solution.

DS118

The DS118 is a single-bay NAS device designed for home users and small offices. It features a quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and one drive bay that supports up to 16TB of storage capacity. The DS118 offers a cost-effective solution for basic file sharing, data backup, and multimedia streaming.

DS419slim

The DS419slim is a compact and energy-efficient NAS device suitable for home and small office environments. It features a dual-core processor, 512MB of RAM, and four drive bays that support 2.5-inch SSDs up to 20TB in total capacity. The DS419slim is ideal for users with limited space requirements.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Synology NAS

When selecting a Synology NAS, several factors should be taken into consideration:

Storage Capacity

Evaluate your storage needs and choose a NAS model with sufficient drive bays and capacity to accommodate your data.

Processor and RAM

Consider the processor and RAM specifications to ensure smooth performance and responsiveness, especially if you plan to run resource-intensive applications.

Connectivity Options

Check the available connectivity options, such as Ethernet, USB, and eSATA ports, to ensure compatibility with your existing devices and networking requirements.

Data Protection Features

Look for features like RAID support, snapshot technology, and backup applications to safeguard your data against loss or corruption.

Expandability

Consider the scalability options of the NAS, such as the ability to add additional drive bays or expand RAM capacity, to accommodate future storage needs.

Software Ecosystem

Evaluate the available software applications and ecosystem offered by Synology to determine if they meet your specific requirements, such as media streaming, surveillance, or cloud integration.

Price

Compare the prices of different NAS models and choose the one that offers the best value for your budget and needs.

Conclusion

Synology offers a wide range of NAS devices that cater to various storage needs and usage scenarios. Whether you are a home user, a small business owner, or a professional, Synology has a NAS model to suit your requirements. By considering factors such as storage capacity, processor and RAM specifications, connectivity options, data protection features, expandability, software ecosystem, and price, you can choose the best Synology NAS for your specific needs. Invest in a Synology NAS and enjoy secure, centralized, and efficient data storage and management.