Synology DS224+ 2 Bay NAS Desktop: Efficient Storage Solution

The Synology DS224+ is exactly what I needed for reliable, centralized storage at home. Setup was super easy with the DSM interface—intuitive, polished, and packed with features. I use it for backing up devices, storing media, and running Plex, and it handles everything smoothly. The dual drive bays are perfect for RAID 1, giving me peace of mind with data redundancy. It's quiet, compact, and energy-efficient—ideal for running 24/7 without drawing attention or racking up the power bill. For anyone looking to start with NAS or upgrade from an older model, the DS224+ is a fantastic choice. Great performance, excellent software, and dependable Synology quality. Highly recommended!

The Synology DS224+ is an outstanding NAS! Setup was quick and easy, and DSM software is incredibly intuitive. Performance is fast, with great file transfer speeds and smooth remote access. Perfect for backups, media streaming, and personal cloud storage. Expandable RAM is a plus. Reliable, quiet, and efficient—this NAS is a must-have for home or small office use!

A great device overall, looks good and easy to set up. Initially I used Ironwolf Pro disks in the device and the noise was horrific, so I quickly replaced with WD Red and the device runs pretty silent. Backup of my selected drives has been generally efficient, however a number of files couldn't be copied across due to the file name length and it wasn't particularly easy to see (from the reports) which needed to be shortened as the pages ran to many. If you have short filenames, and not many sub-folders, you'll probably be fine. Remote access to files from an iphone works well and overall it was a huge step up from the WD Cloud which I had used (mostly unsatisfactorily) prior.

This is my 4th nas and first Synology and is by far the easiest to set up with very intuitive software, which for someone like me who only wants secure storage for photographs and family history documents. Also the Plex media server is a doddle to set up compared with “ugreen”. The build quality is great and feels built to last. Yes it is not high end in the spec department but it gets the job done simply and effectively

Usage and Initial Impressions: After two months of using the Synology DS224+, I can confidently say this NAS has exceeded my expectations in almost every aspect. Serving as the central storage hub for my household and family, the DS224+ replaced several outdated servers, effortlessly taking over their roles while adding new functionalities. The primary uses for this NAS include storing media collections (movies, TV shows, and music), backing up photos from our phones, and managing documents through Synology Office. It has significantly reduced our dependence on cloud services like Google Drive and phone manufacturers' cloud storage, providing a secure and private alternative. Upon unboxing, the NAS impressed with its minimal yet functional packaging. The device itself feels solid, well-built, and surprisingly intuitive. Concerns about cooling and vibrations were quickly dispelled as the NAS ran smoothly without any issues in these areas. Setup and Installation: Setting up the DS224+ was mostly straightforward, with one minor hiccup related to a RAM upgrade. I initially tried installing a 16GB RAM module (despite Synology's official limit being 4GB extra), which caused the NAS not to boot. After removing the module, the setup process proceeded without issue, and I later reinstalled the RAM successfully, bringing the total to 18GB. DSM (DiskStation Manager) 7.2.1-69057 Update 5 was installed without a hitch, and the documentation provided by Synology, along with online resources, made navigating the settings and customization options manageable. Performance: The performance of the DS224+ has been outstanding. Even with multiple users connected from various locations across the UK, the NAS handles tasks with ease. CPU usage remains low, even under load, and file transfer speeds are excellent, averaging around 80-100MBps over a single LAN port. The collaborative features, such as document editing and calendar syncing, work in real-time with minimal latency, providing a seamless experience. Features: The DS224+ is packed with features, many of which are customisable to suit individual needs. From Docker support to third-party app installations, the NAS offers flexibility and power. However, I would caution against installing every available package, as some third-party apps in the official package centre are outdated and may have security vulnerabilities. Despite this, the overall functionality and expandability through Docker and other means are impressive. User Interface and Software: The user interface is a hybrid of a desktop and mobile environment, providing a unique but familiar experience. While Synology excels in offering a range of features and customisation options, there are a few shortcomings. For example, the lack of a consistent dark mode across applications and the continued use of American English in the UI despite selecting British English are minor annoyances. Additionally, the outdated third-party apps in the package manager pose a security risk, which Synology should address. Storage Capacity and Expandability: With two 12TB hard drives (Sold Separately) configured in SHR-1, the DS224+ provides ample storage with fault tolerance, ensuring data safety. While the two bays are sufficient for my needs, others may find the capacity limiting. Synology's storage calculator is a helpful tool for planning your configuration, and I recommend using drives of the same size for optimal results. A word of caution however: Do not buy hard drives from Synology. They're overpriced. Noise and Cooling: The NAS offers customisable fan speed settings, allowing you to prioritise cooling or noise levels. Even at maximum speed, the fan noise is minimal and not disruptive. During a recent heatwave, the balanced setting maintained optimal temperatures without issue. Value for Money: Initially, I was hesitant about the price, given my previous experience with a subpar NAS. However, the DS224+ has proven to be worth every penny, and more! Its performance, reliability, and extensive features make it one of the best purchases I've made in recent years. Issues: While the DS224+ excels in many areas, it does have some software-related drawbacks. The outdated third-party apps in the official package manager and the inconsistent dark mode implementation are areas that could use improvement. Additionally, Synology's claim that the maximum RAM capacity is 4GB is misleading (but in a good way, I guess), as I successfully installed 16GB. Potential buyers should research compatible RAM options before upgrading and always check Amazon reviews if getting it from Amazon; look for mentions of "Synology" and "Synology NAS". Final Thoughts: Despite its minor shortcomings, the Synology DS224+ is a powerful and versatile NAS that delivers exceptional performance and value. It’s ideal for those looking to centralise their storage, reduce dependency on cloud services, and ensure data security. I highly recommend it, giving it a solid 5/5.

Bought this to upgrade an old 212 unit I'd had for about 10 years. This model will let you use 3rd party hard drives. Upgrade was easy, just moved the two drives over, found the unit using the desktop app and started the migration process. Total of around 30 minutes. Transfer speeds aren't much different as the ethernet is the bottleneck, but working with it is a breath of fresh air! I also installed an 8Gb ram upgrade (it says max 6Gb but the unit does show 10Gb of ram in the system information) Ram: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B082ZBSBPL

Great NAS for backup purposes and the software works pretty well. It's not cheap but you're paying for quality and convenience. Also this unit does not have the restrictive HD policy of newer units which only work with Synology drives so I bought a couple of Ironwolf Pros for my unit and also upgraded the RAM with a 8GB stick despite the tech specs stating it only supports an additional 4GB. All in all, a good experience so far and hopefully so for many years to come.

Hij staat nu naast de DS213, die doet nu de backups van deze nieuwe DS224+. Voor een knappe prijs kunnen kopen! Hij staat nu 120€ duurder!!

Le Synology DS224+ est un NAS (Network Attached Storage) 2 baies de la marque Synology. Il est équipé d'un processeur quad-core Intel Celeron N5105, de 4 Go de mémoire vive et de deux baies pour disques durs SATA. Points forts: Performances: Le DS224+ offre des performances solides, avec une vitesse de lecture de 258 Mo/s et une vitesse d'écriture de 236 Mo/s. Fonctionnalités: Le DS224+ offre une large gamme de fonctionnalités, notamment : Sauvegarde de données Partage de fichiers Serveur multimédia Protection contre les ransomwares Interface utilisateur: L'interface utilisateur de Synology est intuitive et facile à utiliser. Construction de qualité: Le DS224+ est fabriqué à partir de matériaux de qualité et est bien construit. Points faibles: Prix: Le DS224+ est un peu cher, mais il est de bonne qualité et offre de nombreuses fonctionnalités. Pas de support pour les disques durs NVMe: Le DS224+ ne prend pas en charge les disques durs NVMe, ce qui peut être un inconvénient pour certains utilisateurs. Conclusion: Dans l'ensemble, le Synology DS224+ est un excellent choix pour ceux qui recherchent un NAS 2 baies avec de bonnes performances, une large gamme de fonctionnalités et une interface utilisateur intuitive. Recommandation: Je recommande le DS224+ à tous ceux qui recherchent un NAS 2 baies pour un usage domestique ou professionnel. Il est idéal pour la sauvegarde de données, le partage de fichiers et le streaming de contenu multimédia. Quelques détails supplémentaires: Le DS224+ est compatible avec les disques durs SATA de 1 To à 18 To. Il prend en charge les volumes RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 et 10. Il dispose également d'un port USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, de deux ports USB 3.2 Gen 1 et d'un port Gigabit Ethernet.

Muy funcional. Se le puede sacar mucho partido. Tener en cuenta que si se le ponen discos mecanicos, se escucharán, los ventiladores en el modo más silencioso se escuchan poco. Se le puede configurar para acceder desde fuera de la red de casa. Tiene aplicaciones para el movil para hacerte tu propia nube tipo Google Fotos, compartir archivos Si quieres algo más puedes montarte un servidor web, con aplicaciones... Potencia suficiente pero es recomendable aumentarle la RAM.

Geweldige software. Maar de ouderwetse processor, 1 Gb RJ45 en (officeel) maximaal 6GB RAM zijn niet meer van deze tijd. Nu Terramaster net met nieuwe hardware is uitgekomen, denkt NASCompares (zie Youtube) dat de concurrentie dit voorjaar ook met een hardware update gaat komen. Reden voor mij om de DS224+ te annuleren en QNAP/Synology etc. goed in de gaten te houden. Een nieuwe NAS zal voor mij ook minimaal 4 bays hebben. De voordelen daarvan wegen ruimschoots op tegen het (relatief kleine) prijsnadeel.

NAS affidabile e di buona qualità. Ottima l'interfaccia grafica. Per alcune impostazioni se non si ha dumeatichezza Con i NAS la Synology ha diversi tutorial su YT ma ce ne sono anche di altri creator.