Best value NAS
The DiskStation DS220+ is the NAS to buy for most people. It's a great balance between price and performance, rocking an Intel CPU and other high-end features.
For
- DSM 7.0
- Two drive bays
- Better Intel processor
- Excellent Plex support
Against
- More expensive
- No eSATA port
Best budget NAS
If you already own the DS218+, I wouldn't recommend upgrading to the DS220+ unless you have the spare cash available and require a slightly better spec sheet.
For
- DSM 7.0
- Two drive bays
- Good Plex support
- Can be more affordable
- eSATA port
Against
- Weaker processor
The DS220+ is the better NAS as it's the latest model, replacing the older DS218+. It's one of the best Synology NAS available. I would only recommend the DS218+ if you can find a good deal and don't require all the benefits of using the latest NAS from Synology.
DS220+ vs. DS218+: Specs
| Category | DiskStation DS220+ | DiskStation DS218+ |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Celeron J4025 | Intel Celeron J3355 |
| RAM | 2GB DDR4 (max 6GB) | 2GB DDR3L (max 6GB) |
| Drive bays | 2 | 2 |
| Capacity | 24TB | 24TB |
| Expansion support | N/A | N/A |
| Cooling | 1x 92mm fan | 1x 92mm fan |
| Ports | 2x 1Gb LAN 1x rear USB 3.0 1x front USB 3.0 | 1x 1Gb LAN 2x rear USB 3.0 1x front USB 3.0 1x eSATA |
| PCIe | N/A | N/A |
| Power draw | Up to 14.69W | Up to 12.46W |
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 4.25 x 9.13 inches (165mm x 108mm x 232.2mm) | 6.4 x 4.25 x 9.14 inches (165mm x 108mm x 232.2mm) |
| Weight | 2.86 pounds (1.30kg) | 2.86 pounds (1.30kg) |
DS220+ is a more recent and powerful NAS
There are a few notable differences between the older DS218+ and newer DS220+, including design and specs. The front end has been redesigned to look a little sleeker and more premium, though you will notice a lack of eSATA support with the newer enclosure.
Inside the Synology DiskStation DS220+, which is the more powerful unit here, you'll find an Intel Celeron J4025 processor. The Synology DiskStation DS218+ has an older and weaker Intel Celeron J3355. There's also DDR3L RAM inside the DS218+, even though you can install up to 6GB.
The number of available drive bays is the same, so too is the storage capacity and expansion support (lack thereof). The two NAS also come with identical ports, except for the eSATA port on the DS218+. It's easy enough to remove the drive bay trays in both enclosures and they're cooled by the same 92mm fan.
Both have the same excellent OS
While the DS218+ is an older NAS, should you already own one you will be able to upgrade to the latest version of Synology's DSM OS. DSM 7.0 OS is a substantial upgrade for all supported NAS and can give your older Synology NAS a new lease of life. You'll be able to enjoy most of the same features of the more pricey DS220+.
Performance with the DS220+ and DS218+ is excellent until you try to transcode 4K media. This requires considerable computing power and will render your NAS almost unusable for other tasks while this intensive process is underway. So long as you choose the best Synology NAS hard drives, you'll have a great time with either NAS.
DSS220+ is the better NAS overall
We rated the DS220+ well and gave it our best award for its value and performance. It's one of the best NAS for home, as well as for Plex, making it a better choice if you plan on doing more intensive tasks on the home server. It's better than the DS218+ so long as you don't need an eSATA port.
The best affordable NAS for the home
Synology got mostly everything right with the DiskStation DS220+. It has a really good processor, upgraded DDR4 RAM, two drive bays, and dual 1Gb LAN ports, but it's just a shame about the lack of 2.5Gb LAN or M.2 slots.
DS218+ could be a better deal
If you're a little tight on cash and don't mind using an older NAS, the DS218+ could be a worthwhile purchase if you can locate it for a decent price. It's only a little less capable than the DS220+ and can still run Plex without many serious issues. It does have one feature the DS220+ doesn't: an eSATA port.
Can be a better deal
The DS218+ was an excellent NAS for its time, rocking a slightly less capable Intel Celeron processor, DDR3L RAM, but comes with an eSATA port. Ideal if you can find a good deal.
