As our digital lives grow, so does our need for reliable, accessible, and private data storage. I recall the days of juggling external hard drives, relying heavily on expensive cloud subscriptions, and constantly worrying about losing precious memories or important documents. The initial problem I faced was a desperate need for a centralized, secure repository for all my digital content that I could access from anywhere, without the recurring costs and privacy concerns of public cloud services. Without a robust solution, the complications of scattered files, data vulnerability, and escalating subscription fees would have become unsustainable. That’s why a device like the Synology 2 bay NAS DiskStation DS220+ would have been an absolute lifesaver back then, and it continues to be one now.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed by digital clutter or seeking to reclaim control over their data, a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device presents a compelling solution. A NAS solves the fundamental problem of dispersed files, offering a centralized hub for all your data, robust backup capabilities, and the ability to serve as a personal media server. You would seek to buy an item in this category if you have a growing collection of photos, videos, documents, or simply desire a more efficient way to manage your digital life, offering both security and convenience.
The ideal customer for a Synology NAS, particularly a model like the DS220+, is typically a tech-savvy home user, a small business owner, or a multimedia enthusiast. They are individuals who appreciate the value of data redundancy, private cloud functionality, and the versatility of a dedicated server without the complexity of building one from scratch. On the other hand, those who only need minimal storage for a few documents might find a basic external hard drive sufficient. Similarly, hardcore enthusiasts looking for extreme raw compute power, intending to build highly customized, enterprise-grade servers from individual components, might find a commercial NAS slightly restrictive, as they often prefer the granular control and limitless expandability of a DIY setup. Before purchasing, consider factors like the number of drive bays you need (for capacity and RAID options), the processor and RAM for performance, network speed capabilities, the software ecosystem (for apps and ease of use), and noise levels if it will be in a living space.
Unveiling the Synology DS220+
The Synology DS220+ is a compact yet powerful 2-bay network-attached storage solution, meticulously engineered to simplify and enhance your data and multimedia management. Its core promise is to provide seamless data sharing, effortless video streaming, intuitive photo indexing, and comprehensive data protection and recovery options, all within your own private cloud. When you purchase this particular NAS device, it comes with the main unit, an accessory pack, an AC power adapter, an AC power cord, two RJ-45 LAN cables, and a quick installation guide, ensuring you have everything you need to get started (except the hard drives, as it’s diskless).
This specific Synology DiskStation DS220+ is perfectly suited for home users, small offices, and multimedia creators who are looking for a reliable, performant, and user-friendly solution to centralize their data, host a media server, or implement robust backup strategies. It’s an excellent choice for those migrating away from public cloud services due to privacy concerns or escalating costs. Conversely, it might not be the best fit for someone who needs an incredibly high number of drive bays (more than 2 or 7 with expansion) right out of the box, or for those whose primary use case is purely for heavy-duty, multi-user virtualization or extremely demanding Docker workloads beyond typical home or small business use.
Here’s a quick look at its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Excellent Performance: Offers over 225 MB/s sequential read and 192 MB/s sequential write throughput, with a 15% performance boost for photo indexing and database response.
* Robust Data Protection: Supports RAID 1 disk mirroring for protection against drive failure and offers comprehensive backup solutions.
* Versatile Connectivity: Features dual 1GbE LAN ports with Link Aggregation and two USB 3.0 ports.
* Powerful Multimedia Capabilities: Capable of 4K H.265/H.264 video transcoding, making it an ideal personal media server (e.g., for Plex).
* User-Friendly Software: Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system is intuitive and feature-rich, with apps like Synology Photos and Surveillance Station.
* Expandable Memory: Comes with 2GB DDR4 memory, expandable up to 6GB for enhanced multitasking.
* Quiet Operation: Operates at a low noise level of 19.3 dB(A) in quiet mode.
Cons:
* Fan Control: The fan doesn’t completely stop when the unit is cool and not under load, leading to continuous, albeit low, noise.
* Power Cable Length: The included power adapter cable can be a bit short for some setups.
* Initial Learning Curve: While DSM is user-friendly, setting up network configurations or advanced features might require some learning for absolute beginners.
* Gigabit Ethernet Only: Some newer competitors offer 2.5GbE ports, which the DS220+ lacks, limiting peak local network speeds.
* Price Point: For basic storage, some might find the initial investment relatively high compared to simpler external drives.
Deep Dive into Features and Benefits
Having used the Synology DS220+ for an extended period, I can attest to how its design and feature set address the core needs of modern data management. It’s not just a storage box; it’s a complete ecosystem.
Robust Performance and Connectivity
One of the standout features of the Synology DiskStation DS220+ is its networking capability. It comes equipped with dual 1GbE LAN ports. This isn’t just for connecting to two different networks; it offers critical benefits like network failover, ensuring continuous access even if one network cable or port fails. More importantly, it supports Link Aggregation, allowing you to combine the bandwidth of both ports for increased throughput. In practice, this means sequential read speeds exceeding 225 MB/s and sequential write speeds of over 192 MB/s. When I’m transferring large video files or backing up multiple devices simultaneously, the speed boost from Link Aggregation is noticeable, making file operations much quicker and smoother. The integration of an Intel dual-core processor with an AES-NI hardware encryption engine also means that data encryption and decryption happen at a hardware level, ensuring that even encrypted transfers maintain good performance, which is crucial for data security without sacrificing speed. This feature is important because it directly impacts how quickly and reliably you can access and move your data, minimizing bottlenecks and maximizing efficiency, especially in environments with multiple users or demanding applications.
Expandable Memory and Efficient Processing
Under the hood, the DS220+ boasts 2GB of DDR4 memory, which is a decent starting point for most users. What truly sets it apart is the ability to expand this memory up to 6GB. I found this particularly beneficial as my usage grew. Initially, 2GB was fine, but once I started running multiple Docker containers, the Plex media server, and Synology Photos simultaneously, the extra RAM significantly improved responsiveness. The Intel processor also provides an average 15% performance boost to computing-intensive operations like photo indexing and database response times. For someone like me, who has tens of thousands of photos, the speed at which Synology Photos indexes new uploads and processes facial recognition or object detection is remarkably faster than previous generations or less powerful NAS units. This feature is vital because it ensures the NAS can handle a variety of tasks concurrently without slowing down, allowing for a smoother, more responsive user experience as your demands evolve, directly contributing to solving the problem of slow, inefficient data processing.
Comprehensive Data Management and Accessibility
The core function of any NAS is data management, and the Synology NAS excels here. It allows for effortless access, sharing, and syncing of your data across virtually any operating system and device. Whether I’m on my Windows desktop, my MacBook, an Android phone, or an iPad, I can access my files with ease. The support for comprehensive network file sharing protocols like CIFS, AFP, NFS, and FTP ensures compatibility across diverse environments. This means the entire family or small office can centralize files and collaborate on projects without compatibility headaches. Beyond local access, Synology’s QuickConnect service allows secure, remote access to your files and applications without complex port forwarding configurations. This means I can access my photos and documents from anywhere with an internet connection, treating my DS220+ as my personal cloud. This flexibility is incredibly important as it solves the problem of data silos and limited access, ensuring your data is always at your fingertips, regardless of location or device.
Your Personal Multimedia Hub
For media enthusiasts, the DiskStation DS220+ is a game-changer. It transforms into a powerful personal multimedia server, capable of transcoding H.265/H.264 4K videos to 1080p on the fly. This means you can stream high-definition content to various devices – high-definition TVs, digital media players, mobile handsets, and computers – in the required format, without needing to install specific third-party players on each device. I primarily use it with Plex Media Server, and the DS220+ handles multiple simultaneous streams, even remote ones, without a hitch. This capability is crucial because it allows you to consolidate your entire media library onto one device and enjoy it seamlessly across your home network and even when traveling, effectively solving the problem of incompatible media formats and scattered content.
Bulletproof Backup and Security
Data protection is paramount, and the Synology DS220+ provides robust solutions to keep your files safe. With its 2-bay design, I immediately set it up with RAID 1 disk mirroring. This configuration ensures that if one drive fails, all my data is still intact on the other drive, preventing sudden data loss – a feature that offers immense peace of mind. Beyond hardware redundancy, Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) offers a suite of backup applications, from backing up your PC and Mac to the NAS, to backing up the NAS itself to external drives or cloud services. This comprehensive approach means your data is truly bulletproof. Furthermore, the Surveillance Station application turns the DS220+ into a 24/7 smart security solution. I have it integrated with several IP cameras, providing intelligent monitoring and video management tools, live streaming, and recording capabilities. This is important because it not only safeguards your digital assets but also extends its utility to physical security, offering a well-rounded solution to prevent data loss and enhance home safety.
Thoughtful Quality of Life Enhancements
Beyond its core performance and security, the Synology NAS DiskStation DS220+ includes several smaller, yet significant, features that greatly improve the overall user experience. One incredibly practical feature is the ability to connect an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to the rear USB port. This allows the NAS to communicate with the UPS and safely shut down in the event of a power outage, protecting your data and hardware from unexpected shutdowns. This functionality also extends to other connected computers on the network via WinNUT, making it a centralized power management hub. Additionally, the option to schedule automatic power on/off times is fantastic for energy saving and reducing wear and tear, especially for home users who don’t need 24/7 access. You can even adjust the brightness of the front LED indicators from 0 (off) to 3 (max) and set a schedule for their luminosity, a small but appreciated detail for bedroom or living room installations. Finally, despite its power, the DS220+ is remarkably quiet, especially in “quiet mode,” operating at just 19.3 dB(A). These thoughtful enhancements collectively contribute to a more integrated, energy-efficient, and user-friendly experience, solving minor frustrations and adding significant convenience.
Community Feedback: Real User Experiences
After scouring the internet for additional user experiences, it’s clear that the Synology DS220+ consistently garners positive reviews, with many users echoing my own satisfaction. Many highlight its exceptional performance as a personal cloud solution, especially for photo and video storage, praising the Synology Photos app for its automatic uploads and remote accessibility. The device’s speed in file transfers, even over Wi-Fi, often surprises and delights users, with large video files moving in mere seconds. It’s frequently lauded as an ideal solution for a Plex media server, effortlessly handling multiple simultaneous streams, both locally and externally, even with the base 2GB RAM. Users also appreciate the quiet operation, the intuitive DSM user interface, and the seamless integration with home networks and multimedia devices like smart TVs. While some novices mention a slight learning curve compared to simpler cloud drives, the vast amount of online tutorials and the robust functionality make it a worthwhile investment, especially for those looking to reclaim their data from commercial cloud providers.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
In our increasingly digital world, the challenge of securely managing and accessing our ever-growing trove of data remains a significant concern. Without a robust solution, we risk the catastrophic loss of irreplaceable memories, face spiraling subscription costs from public cloud providers, and compromise our personal data privacy. The Synology DiskStation DS220+ stands out as an exceptional fit to solve these problems. Its powerful hardware ensures quick and efficient data handling, its versatile software ecosystem transforms it into a multimedia and backup powerhouse, and its built-in data protection features offer unparalleled peace of mind. It’s a smart investment for anyone serious about owning and safeguarding their digital life. To learn more and take control of your data, click here to check out the Synology DS220+.