Find Yours
The Scoreboard
Does this improve your life? Considers, health, habits, and environmental impact.
Benefits
Trade-Offs
Keeps photos and files under your control, reducing exposure and surveillance anxiety.
Dual 1GbE ports cap single-client transfer speeds, slowing large backups and restores.
Automates versioned backups and snapshots, lowering data-loss stress and recovery effort.
No expansion unit or roomy upgrade path can prompt earlier replacement, increasing e-waste.
DSM's broad apps simplify photo, backup, and server tasks, easing daily cognitive overhead.
Runs 24/7 for availability; continuous electricity consumption adds carbon and resource impact.
Small, quiet enclosure reduces household noise and distraction during work or sleep.
Lacks 2.5GbE and M.2 slots common in newer NAS, reducing performance and flexibility.
Integrated Intel GPU enables 4K playback and hardware transcoding, reducing buffering and frustration.
Benefits
Keeps photos and files under your control, reducing exposure and surveillance anxiety.
Automates versioned backups and snapshots, lowering data-loss stress and recovery effort.
DSM's broad apps simplify photo, backup, and server tasks, easing daily cognitive overhead.
Small, quiet enclosure reduces household noise and distraction during work or sleep.
Integrated Intel GPU enables 4K playback and hardware transcoding, reducing buffering and frustration.
Trade-Offs
Dual 1GbE ports cap single-client transfer speeds, slowing large backups and restores.
No expansion unit or roomy upgrade path can prompt earlier replacement, increasing e-waste.
Runs 24/7 for availability; continuous electricity consumption adds carbon and resource impact.
Lacks 2.5GbE and M.2 slots common in newer NAS, reducing performance and flexibility.
Alternatives
Join the Circle
Where real meets deal
Know what's worth buying-and when.
Tips, special offers, and rewards for buying and sharing.
Publications
8 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Ethan Beeler from StorageReview highlights the Synology DS224+ as a well-balanced, compact NAS solution that significantly improves on its predecessor, the DS223j, particularly in raw performance thanks to upgraded hardware like the Intel Celeron 4-core CPU and expanded memory. While not a powerhouse, the DS224+ offers excellent value for small businesses and home users needing secure, efficient data storage for photos, files, and surveillance footage. Beeler emphasizes the device’s user-friendly design, hot-swappable drive bays, and robust software ecosystem via Synology’s DiskStation Manager, making it accessible even to NAS novices. The review provides detailed benchmark comparisons, showing the DS224+ outperforms the DS223j in most scenarios, especially in iSCSI read speeds and sequential transfers. The modest price increase over the DS223j is framed as justified by the performance gains. Overall, the DS224+ is praised as a versatile, reliable NAS that balances affordability, ease of use, and enhanced capabilities without overpromising power.
John R. Delaney from PCMag highlights the Synology DiskStation DS224+ as an exceptionally fast and user-friendly two-bay NAS tailored for small office environments. Praising its blazing file transfer speeds—113MBps read and write, the fastest recorded in their tests—he emphasizes its ease of installation and the robust Synology DiskStation Manager OS, which offers a rich ecosystem of over 100 apps for diverse uses like media serving and backup. While the DS224+ impresses with performance and a sleek design, Delaney notes its lack of multi-gigabit LAN ports and inability to expand storage via expansion units, which may limit future scalability. He contrasts it with the more affordable Asustor Drivestor 2 AS1102T, which offers multi-gig LAN and expansion but at slower speeds. Overall, the review conveys a very positive yet measured enthusiasm, positioning the DS224+ as a top-tier choice for speed and software versatility, albeit with some trade-offs in networking and expandability.
Ethan Beeler from StorageReview highlights the Synology DS224+ as a well-balanced, compact NAS solution that significantly improves on its predecessor, the DS223j, particularly in raw performance thanks to upgraded hardware like the Intel Celeron 4-core CPU and expanded memory. While not a powerhouse, the DS224+ offers excellent value for small businesses and home users needing secure, efficient data storage for photos, files, and surveillance footage. Beeler emphasizes the device’s user-friendly design, hot-swappable drive bays, and robust software ecosystem via Synology’s DiskStation Manager, making it accessible even to NAS novices. The review provides detailed benchmark comparisons, showing the DS224+ outperforms the DS223j in most scenarios, especially in iSCSI read speeds and sequential transfers. The modest price increase over the DS223j is framed as justified by the performance gains. Overall, the DS224+ is praised as a versatile, reliable NAS that balances affordability, ease of use, and enhanced capabilities without overpromising power.
John R. Delaney from PCMag highlights the Synology DiskStation DS224+ as an exceptionally fast and user-friendly two-bay NAS tailored for small office environments. Praising its blazing file transfer speeds—113MBps read and write, the fastest recorded in their tests—he emphasizes its ease of installation and the robust Synology DiskStation Manager OS, which offers a rich ecosystem of over 100 apps for diverse uses like media serving and backup. While the DS224+ impresses with performance and a sleek design, Delaney notes its lack of multi-gigabit LAN ports and inability to expand storage via expansion units, which may limit future scalability. He contrasts it with the more affordable Asustor Drivestor 2 AS1102T, which offers multi-gig LAN and expansion but at slower speeds. Overall, the review conveys a very positive yet measured enthusiasm, positioning the DS224+ as a top-tier choice for speed and software versatility, albeit with some trade-offs in networking and expandability.
Ethan Beeler from StorageReview highlights the Synology DS224+ as a well-balanced, compact NAS solution that significantly improves on its predecessor, the DS223j, particularly in raw performance thanks to upgraded hardware like the Intel Celeron 4-core CPU and expanded memory. While not a powerhouse, the DS224+ offers excellent value for small businesses and home users needing secure, efficient data storage for photos, files, and surveillance footage. Beeler emphasizes the device’s user-friendly design, hot-swappable drive bays, and robust software ecosystem via Synology’s DiskStation Manager, making it accessible even to NAS novices. The review provides detailed benchmark comparisons, showing the DS224+ outperforms the DS223j in most scenarios, especially in iSCSI read speeds and sequential transfers. The modest price increase over the DS223j is framed as justified by the performance gains. Overall, the DS224+ is praised as a versatile, reliable NAS that balances affordability, ease of use, and enhanced capabilities without overpromising power.
John R. Delaney from PCMag highlights the Synology DiskStation DS224+ as an exceptionally fast and user-friendly two-bay NAS tailored for small office environments. Praising its blazing file transfer speeds—113MBps read and write, the fastest recorded in their tests—he emphasizes its ease of installation and the robust Synology DiskStation Manager OS, which offers a rich ecosystem of over 100 apps for diverse uses like media serving and backup. While the DS224+ impresses with performance and a sleek design, Delaney notes its lack of multi-gigabit LAN ports and inability to expand storage via expansion units, which may limit future scalability. He contrasts it with the more affordable Asustor Drivestor 2 AS1102T, which offers multi-gig LAN and expansion but at slower speeds. Overall, the review conveys a very positive yet measured enthusiasm, positioning the DS224+ as a top-tier choice for speed and software versatility, albeit with some trade-offs in networking and expandability.
Ethan Beeler from StorageReview highlights the Synology DS224+ as a well-balanced, compact NAS solution that significantly improves on its predecessor, the DS223j, particularly in raw performance thanks to upgraded hardware like the Intel Celeron 4-core CPU and expanded memory. While not a powerhouse, the DS224+ offers excellent value for small businesses and home users needing secure, efficient data storage for photos, files, and surveillance footage. Beeler emphasizes the device’s user-friendly design, hot-swappable drive bays, and robust software ecosystem via Synology’s DiskStation Manager, making it accessible even to NAS novices. The review provides detailed benchmark comparisons, showing the DS224+ outperforms the DS223j in most scenarios, especially in iSCSI read speeds and sequential transfers. The modest price increase over the DS223j is framed as justified by the performance gains. Overall, the DS224+ is praised as a versatile, reliable NAS that balances affordability, ease of use, and enhanced capabilities without overpromising power.
John R. Delaney from PCMag highlights the Synology DiskStation DS224+ as an exceptionally fast and user-friendly two-bay NAS tailored for small office environments. Praising its blazing file transfer speeds—113MBps read and write, the fastest recorded in their tests—he emphasizes its ease of installation and the robust Synology DiskStation Manager OS, which offers a rich ecosystem of over 100 apps for diverse uses like media serving and backup. While the DS224+ impresses with performance and a sleek design, Delaney notes its lack of multi-gigabit LAN ports and inability to expand storage via expansion units, which may limit future scalability. He contrasts it with the more affordable Asustor Drivestor 2 AS1102T, which offers multi-gig LAN and expansion but at slower speeds. Overall, the review conveys a very positive yet measured enthusiasm, positioning the DS224+ as a top-tier choice for speed and software versatility, albeit with some trade-offs in networking and expandability.
YouTube
3 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
landpetlandpet praises the Synology DS224+ NAS for its easy unboxing, straightforward installation, and versatile RAID options, highlighting seamless file sharing across Mac and Windows devices. He emphasizes its fast transfer speeds near gigabit limits, robust Synology DiskStation Manager OS, and media server capabilities, while noting the tradeoff between RAID 1 redundancy and storage capacity.
KLGadgetTVKLGadgetTV praises the Synology DS224+ as a powerful, feature-rich mid-range 2-bay NAS ideal for home or small office use. Highlighting its easy, tool-less drive installation, dual LAN ports for failover, and intuitive DSM operating system, the review emphasizes versatile apps like Synology Photos and Download Station. While noting the Intel Celeron J4125 is not the latest CPU, the reviewer values the device’s broad capabilities, including media serving, web development, and secure local storage, positioning it as a strong alternative to costly cloud subscriptions.
landpetlandpet praises the Synology DS224+ NAS for its easy unboxing, straightforward installation, and versatile RAID options, highlighting seamless file sharing across Mac and Windows devices. He emphasizes its fast transfer speeds near gigabit limits, robust Synology DiskStation Manager OS, and media server capabilities, while noting the tradeoff between RAID 1 redundancy and storage capacity.
KLGadgetTVKLGadgetTV praises the Synology DS224+ as a powerful, feature-rich mid-range 2-bay NAS ideal for home or small office use. Highlighting its easy, tool-less drive installation, dual LAN ports for failover, and intuitive DSM operating system, the review emphasizes versatile apps like Synology Photos and Download Station. While noting the Intel Celeron J4125 is not the latest CPU, the reviewer values the device’s broad capabilities, including media serving, web development, and secure local storage, positioning it as a strong alternative to costly cloud subscriptions.
Social
1 INFLUENCER REVIEW
EspertoneEspertone highlights the Synology DiskStation DS224+ as a reliable NAS solution, emphasizing its dual hard drives working in parallel for automatic data redundancy and fast transfer speeds via dual gigabit LAN ports. The reviewer appreciates the device’s robust connectivity and straightforward setup, showcasing practical use with a 2TB Toshiba drive. Overall, Espertone’s sentiment is positive and confident, portraying the DS224+ as a secure and efficient way to safeguard important files. While the review is concise, the clear demonstration of features and real-world application suggests a solid recommendation for users seeking dependable network storage.
Store Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 5 STORES
Amazon reviewers praise the Synology DiskStation DS224+ for its robust performance and versatile features. Users highlight the intuitive Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, which offers a comprehensive suite of tools that eliminate the need for third-party software. Many emphasize the ease of setup and upgradeability, noting that installing additional RAM or M.2 SSDs requires no tools and significantly boosts performance. Reviewers appreciate the NAS’s reliable RAID configurations, especially SHR1, which allows flexible drive upgrades without full array replacement, and BTRFS snapshots that enhance data protection against ransomware. Customers report excellent file transfer speeds and stable operation even under heavy loads, with some successfully streaming 4K video to multiple devices simultaneously. The device’s quiet operation and hot-swappable drive bays also receive positive mentions. Several users share unique workflows, such as integrating the NAS with Dropbox and Lightroom for efficient photo editing and catalog management, demonstrating how the DS224+ can streamline complex professional tasks. While some users wish for faster native Ethernet speeds, the option to add 10GbE expansion cards offers a future-proof solution. A few reviewers note mixed experiences with connectivity stability, but overall, the NAS’s extensive app library and active user community on Amazon provide ample support and customization opportunities. Synology’s focus on data safety, flexible storage expansion, and user-friendly management earns strong recommendations from those seeking a reliable, scalable NAS for both home and small business environments.
4.7 Stars / Many verified reviews
Walmart reviewers praise the Synology DiskStation DS224+ for its straightforward setup and user-friendly interface, even for those without IT expertise. Many highlight how quickly they get the NAS running and appreciate the tool-free disk installation. Users enjoy fast file transfers and quiet fan operation, noting the effective cooling modes. Several customers rely on this model as a centralized music or media server, with Plex support standing out as a valuable feature that enhances media streaming across devices. Reviewers also emphasize the device’s versatility, mentioning its App Store and container support that enable a variety of server functions beyond simple storage. Some users deploy it for specialized tasks like storing wildlife camera photos, while maintaining critical data backups in the cloud for added security. The Synology Knowledge Center and YouTube tutorials receive frequent mention for providing clear, accessible guidance that helps users maximize the product’s capabilities. Overall, Walmart customers find the DS224+ a powerful, compact NAS solution that balances ease of use with robust performance and flexible application.
4.6 Stars / Some reviews
Amazon reviewers praise the Synology DiskStation DS224+ for its robust performance and versatile features. Users highlight the intuitive Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, which offers a comprehensive suite of tools that eliminate the need for third-party software. Many emphasize the ease of setup and upgradeability, noting that installing additional RAM or M.2 SSDs requires no tools and significantly boosts performance. Reviewers appreciate the NAS’s reliable RAID configurations, especially SHR1, which allows flexible drive upgrades without full array replacement, and BTRFS snapshots that enhance data protection against ransomware. Customers report excellent file transfer speeds and stable operation even under heavy loads, with some successfully streaming 4K video to multiple devices simultaneously. The device’s quiet operation and hot-swappable drive bays also receive positive mentions. Several users share unique workflows, such as integrating the NAS with Dropbox and Lightroom for efficient photo editing and catalog management, demonstrating how the DS224+ can streamline complex professional tasks. While some users wish for faster native Ethernet speeds, the option to add 10GbE expansion cards offers a future-proof solution. A few reviewers note mixed experiences with connectivity stability, but overall, the NAS’s extensive app library and active user community on Amazon provide ample support and customization opportunities. Synology’s focus on data safety, flexible storage expansion, and user-friendly management earns strong recommendations from those seeking a reliable, scalable NAS for both home and small business environments.
4.7 Stars / Many verified reviews
Walmart reviewers praise the Synology DiskStation DS224+ for its straightforward setup and user-friendly interface, even for those without IT expertise. Many highlight how quickly they get the NAS running and appreciate the tool-free disk installation. Users enjoy fast file transfers and quiet fan operation, noting the effective cooling modes. Several customers rely on this model as a centralized music or media server, with Plex support standing out as a valuable feature that enhances media streaming across devices. Reviewers also emphasize the device’s versatility, mentioning its App Store and container support that enable a variety of server functions beyond simple storage. Some users deploy it for specialized tasks like storing wildlife camera photos, while maintaining critical data backups in the cloud for added security. The Synology Knowledge Center and YouTube tutorials receive frequent mention for providing clear, accessible guidance that helps users maximize the product’s capabilities. Overall, Walmart customers find the DS224+ a powerful, compact NAS solution that balances ease of use with robust performance and flexible application.
4.6 Stars / Some reviews
Amazon reviewers praise the Synology DiskStation DS224+ for its robust performance and versatile features. Users highlight the intuitive Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, which offers a comprehensive suite of tools that eliminate the need for third-party software. Many emphasize the ease of setup and upgradeability, noting that installing additional RAM or M.2 SSDs requires no tools and significantly boosts performance. Reviewers appreciate the NAS’s reliable RAID configurations, especially SHR1, which allows flexible drive upgrades without full array replacement, and BTRFS snapshots that enhance data protection against ransomware. Customers report excellent file transfer speeds and stable operation even under heavy loads, with some successfully streaming 4K video to multiple devices simultaneously. The device’s quiet operation and hot-swappable drive bays also receive positive mentions. Several users share unique workflows, such as integrating the NAS with Dropbox and Lightroom for efficient photo editing and catalog management, demonstrating how the DS224+ can streamline complex professional tasks. While some users wish for faster native Ethernet speeds, the option to add 10GbE expansion cards offers a future-proof solution. A few reviewers note mixed experiences with connectivity stability, but overall, the NAS’s extensive app library and active user community on Amazon provide ample support and customization opportunities. Synology’s focus on data safety, flexible storage expansion, and user-friendly management earns strong recommendations from those seeking a reliable, scalable NAS for both home and small business environments.
4.7 Stars / Many verified reviews
Walmart reviewers praise the Synology DiskStation DS224+ for its straightforward setup and user-friendly interface, even for those without IT expertise. Many highlight how quickly they get the NAS running and appreciate the tool-free disk installation. Users enjoy fast file transfers and quiet fan operation, noting the effective cooling modes. Several customers rely on this model as a centralized music or media server, with Plex support standing out as a valuable feature that enhances media streaming across devices. Reviewers also emphasize the device’s versatility, mentioning its App Store and container support that enable a variety of server functions beyond simple storage. Some users deploy it for specialized tasks like storing wildlife camera photos, while maintaining critical data backups in the cloud for added security. The Synology Knowledge Center and YouTube tutorials receive frequent mention for providing clear, accessible guidance that helps users maximize the product’s capabilities. Overall, Walmart customers find the DS224+ a powerful, compact NAS solution that balances ease of use with robust performance and flexible application.
4.6 Stars / Some reviews
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Reddit users generally view the Synology DiskStation DS224+ as a capable entry-level NAS, particularly suitable for home use with photo and file storage needs. Its performance is appreciated for basic tasks and Plex streaming without heavy transcoding demands, though some express concerns about limited RAM expansion and processor capabilities, especially for more intensive media server use. The two-bay design is often seen as restrictive, with many recommending a four-bay model for better flexibility, expansion, and RAID options. New shoppers are advised to consider future needs carefully, while those upgrading frequently regret starting with the DS224+ due to its limitations. Overall, the DS224+ is praised for ease of use and reliability but critiqued for potential scalability constraints.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •DiskStation Manager (DSM) usabilityIntuitive, feature‑rich OS
- •Quiet & energy efficientLow noise and low power
- •Tool‑free drive traysHot‑swappable 3.5" installation
- •Dual Gigabit networking2×1GbE with link aggregation
- •Btrfs snapshots and data toolsAdvanced snapshots and file protection
- •Manufacturer testing claims performance gainsAdvertised faster app/file indexing
Considerations
- •No multi‑Gig EthernetLacks 2.5GbE or faster ports
- •No M.2 NVMe slotsCannot add NVMe cache/storage
- •Memory constraintsShips with 2GB; max 6GB
- •Single‑client network bottleneck1GbE limits single‑stream speed
- •Limited physical expandabilityOnly two drive bays available
- •Initial setup learning curveSoftware configuration can challenge novices
Synology’s DiskStation DS224+ stakes its claim as a compact, mid-range NAS designed for small businesses and savvy home users craving centralized data management. Powered by an Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor with 2GB DDR4 RAM expandable to 6GB, it offers solid multitasking without breaking the bank. Its dual Gigabit Ethernet ports support link aggregation, although network speeds max out at 1GbE—enough for most but not future-proofed for bandwidth-hungry setups. The device shines with tool-free drive trays enabling hot-swappable 3.5-inch drives, making storage upgrades painless and quick. Users appreciate its quiet operation, thanks to a 92mm cooling fan balancing effective thermal management with low noise levels, all housed in a sturdy plastic-and-metal chassis that fits neatly on any desktop. Whether you’re managing media streams or safeguarding backups, these features define how this NAS punches above its weight class—so buckle up as we explore what really makes this model tick under the hood!
Drive Accessibility
Unlocking the treasure chest of storage is a breeze with tool-free 3.5-inch trays and simple slide-in installation for hard drives, making upgrades and replacements quick without fuss. While 2.5-inch drives require screws, this mix keeps flexibility high. Reviewers applaud how easily you can swap disks on-the-fly thanks to hot-swappable drive bays, enhancing uptime during maintenance. This design strikes a perfect balance between convenience and robustness, ensuring that even newcomers feel confident tinkering under the hood — an often overlooked but critical feature for daily usability.
Thermal and Noise Management
Keeping cool under pressure is no sweat for this NAS thanks to its rear-mounted 92mm cooling fan coupled with intelligent speed controls offering Quiet/Cool/Full modes that adapt based on workload demands. Users consistently highlight the unit's remarkably quiet operation rated around 22 dB(A)—quiet enough to blend into shared living spaces unnoticed yet effective at preventing overheating during extended use sessions or intensive file operations.
Build & Chassis Design
Sporting a smart combo of plastic front panels plus sturdy aluminum chassis elements, this model balances durability with lightweight portability perfectly suited for desktop placement in tight offices or homes alike. The matte black finish resists fingerprints better than glossy predecessors while providing discreet aesthetics compatible across setups from professional workspaces to casual dens—all wrapped up in dimensions that fit comfortably without hogging space or attention.
Sequential Read/Write Performance
With its Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor paired with efficient disk handling, the NAS delivers sequential read/write speeds peaking near 210 MB/s combined throughput using RAID configurations—a commendable feat given hardware limitations. Lab benchmarks show consistent results hitting above 110 MB/s sustained transfers via SMB protocols while maintaining low latency on typical workloads like media streaming or backups. This level of performance aligns well with mid-range expectations and confirms its suitability as both a personal media server and reliable backup device in compact environments.
Network Throughput (1GbE Limits)
The DS224+ sticks with dual 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports, supporting link aggregation but capping single-client speeds at around 113MB/s in real-world tests—solid yet modest by today’s standards. Experts note this limits raw transfer rates despite stellar internal performance, making it less ideal for bandwidth-hungry workflows or multi-user heavy lifting over wired connections. However, users appreciate stable throughput within these constraints; it’s a classic case where network bottlenecks overshadow CPU power—an important caveat when considering future-proofing your home or small office setup.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of network storage, this NAS earns its stripes with effortless drive accessibility via tool-free trays that invite swift swaps and upgrades. While the dual 1GbE ports cap raw speed, their support for link aggregation keeps multi-user traffic flowing smoothly—though single-stream transfers hit a familiar ceiling. Its sequential read/write performance stands solid within these bounds, complemented by a 92mm cooling fan delivering quiet thermal management, which users frequently praise. The chassis blends plastic and metal to balance durability with lightweight design, offering a neat footprint on any desk. Though starting at just 2GB RAM, it offers modest yet valuable expandability to 6GB—enough for most everyday workloads but not heavy virtualization. This blend of strengths and limits shapes an ideal candidate for those seeking reliable media streaming or backup without bleeding-edge networking needs—a compact workhorse that knows its place in today’s crowded NAS arena while quietly excelling where it counts.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Sequential Read/Write Throughput
4/5
IOPS Random Access
4/5
Concurrent User Performance
4/5
Cache and Memory Capacity
3/5
Drive Redundancy & Fault Tolerance
4/5
Reliability/Uptime
4/5
Thermal Management
4/5
Value
Price-to-Performance
4/5
Total Cost of Ownership
4/5
Warranty & Support
4/5
Design
Form Factor
4/5
Noise Level
4/5
Physical Build Quality
4/5
Drive Accessibility
5/5
Health
Materials Toxicity
TBD
Electromagnetic Emissions
TBD
Safety
Data Encryption
4/5
Access Controls & Authentication
4/5
Power Failure Protection
3/5
Regulatory Compliance
TBD
Sustainability
Energy Efficiency
4/5
Recyclability
TBD
Replaceable Components
4/5
Experience Style
User Interface Intuitiveness
5/5
Setup Simplicity
5/5
Feature Richness
5/5
Remote Access Mobile Apps
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
20 Questions
