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.

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 Serving as the central storage hub for my household and family, the DS224+ replaced several outdated servers, effortlessly taking over their roles while adding new functionalities.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

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

Also als Leihe kann die Einrichtung schon einwenig nerven. Gerade die erreichbarkeit aus dem Netz. Aber wenn es läuft, dann läuft es. Die 224+ ersetzt eine DS214, welche 8 Jahre auch problemlos lief und es vermutlich auch noch würde. Aus Geschwindigkeitsgründen habe ich mir dieses Produkt ausgesucht und es mit RAM erweitert. Übertragung und Kopieren läuft extrem Schnell. Auch wenn es nur als Externe Festplatte genutzt wird und die anderen Funktionen zum Teil nicht bekannt sind oder schlicht nicht benötigt werden für Privat. Es ist zwar nicht günstig aber mit jedem Gerät alle Daten erreichbar.

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!!

Il DS224+ è uno dei migliori NAS a due bay nella sua fascia di prezzo. Synology conferma la sua reputazione offrendo un dispositivo potente, silenzioso e facilissimo da configurare anche per chi è alle prime armi. PREGI: Hardware performante: processore Intel Celeron a 2 core con 2 GB di RAM DDR4 (espandibile), ideale per multitasking, streaming e backup. Sistema operativo DSM: l'interfaccia di gestione Synology è intuitiva, stabile e ricca di funzionalità (cloud privato, backup, server multimediale, gestione utenti, ecc.). Supporto Docker e Virtual Machine Manager: perfetto per utenti più avanzati che vogliono sperimentare o virtualizzare servizi. Accesso remoto semplice e sicuro: QuickConnect e l’app mobile Synology rendono l’accesso ai file da remoto estremamente comodo. Silenzioso e a basso consumo: ideale per ambienti domestici o uffici piccoli, può lavorare 24/7 senza farsi notare. Ampia compatibilità dischi: supporta dischi fino a 20 TB per bay e offre funzioni RAID 0/1 e Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR). DIFETTI (contenuti): Porta LAN singola da 1 Gbps: nessun supporto per Link Aggregation o 2.5/10 Gbps, un limite per reti più veloci. Conclusione: Il Synology DS224+ è la scelta ideale per chi vuole un NAS solido, versatile e pronto all’uso, sia per backup che per lo streaming multimediale e il cloud personale. Ottimo per utenti domestici esigenti e piccoli uffici. Un investimento sicuro nel tempo.

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.

Es un Nas potente con mucho potencial. Las aplicaciones sinology en general son buenas e históricamente no han dado disgustos como otras marcas de NAS. Lo tengo con 18 GB de Ram porque tenía un coste similar ampliar 4 gb de ram o ampliarle con una memoria compatible de 16gb de ram. Podéis buscar en internet una marca y modelo que sean compatibles. El Nas por ahora va todo muy bien. Silencioso, poco consumo y rápido. Un buen Nas para empezar en este mundillo y tener los datos más a salvo. Sobre todo los recuerdos y accesibles. Mucha variedad de aplicaciones gratuitas synology en la tienda.