Are you comparing NAS solutions to organize and share your files?
The Synology DiskStation DS223j is a popular choice for home and small office users that promises easy setup, reliable performance, and a wide range of features.
Want to see if you can deliver or if the promises are all hype?
In this White Box Storage review, we’ll dig deep into the DS223j’s performance, features, and benefits to see what set it apart from the rest.
We’ll examine its strengths and weaknesses to see if it’s the best NAS solution for you.
Meet the Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j
Having a safe and reliable way to store your data is super important. Whether it’s precious family photos, important work documents, or your favorite music collection, you need a storage solution that’s easy to use, affordable, and keeps your data safe.
That’s where the Synology DiskStation DS223j comes in. This network-attached storage (NAS) device is designed to be a simple and powerful way to manage your data, all within your own home or office.
Unpacking the DS223j Specs
Let’s take a look at what makes the Synology DS223j tick:
- Two drive bays: This means you can install two hard drives, giving you lots of storage space.
- Private cloud storage: You can access your files from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Easy file sharing and syncing: Share files with family, friends, or colleagues easily and keep everyone on the same page.
- Data protection: Back up your important files to various locations, ensuring you never lose precious data.
- Energy efficient: The DS223j is designed to be easy on your electricity bill, consuming around 17.3W during access and 5.0W during HDD hibernation.
- Quiet operation: You won’t even notice it’s running, with noise levels of 18.2 dB(A) during typical operation.
- Two-year warranty: Peace of mind knowing you’re covered.
- ARM-based Quad-core CPU: The DS223j is powered by an ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core processor, which offers good performance for home and small office needs, with a clock speed of 1.7GHz.
- 1GB DDR4 RAM: This memory helps ensure smooth operation, even with multiple users accessing the NAS simultaneously.
- Gigabit Ethernet Port: Provides a reliable connection to your network with 1Gbps data transfer speeds.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 2 (supports both HDDs and SSDs) |
| Processor | ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 1.7GHz |
| RAM | 1GB DDR4 (non-expandable) |
| Energy Consumption | 17.3W (access), 5.0W (HDD hibernation) |
| Noise Level | 18.2 dB(A) |
| Ethernet Port | 1x Gigabit Ethernet (1Gbps) |
| Price | $189.99 (diskless)* |
| Warranty | 2 years |
*Prices may change without notice. Please see the updated price where you purchase this device.
What Sets the DiskStation Apart?
The DS223j might seem like just another NAS device, but it has some key features that make it stand out:
User-Friendly Interface
Even if you’re new to NAS devices, the DS223j is easy to set up and use, thanks to its user-friendly interface called Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM). It’s like having a mini-computer dedicated to managing your files, all controlled through a simple web browser. DSM provides a range of apps and tools to make managing your NAS a breeze, from multimedia tools to productivity apps, including Synology Drive, File Station, and Moments for managing photos.
Comprehensive Data Protection
With the DS223j, you have several options for backing up your data. You can back up to an external hard drive, another Synology NAS, or even to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. This flexibility ensures your data is always safe, no matter what happens. Synology’s Hyper Backup software allows you to create multi-version backups, providing additional data security in case of accidental deletion or file corruption. You can also use Snapshot Replication to create point-in-time copies of files for added protection.
Media Streaming Capabilities
The DS223j can also act as a media server, allowing you to stream your movies, music, and photos to your smart TV, smartphone, or tablet. You can even use it with popular media streaming apps like Plex, VLC, and Synology’s own Video Station. This makes it easy to create a home entertainment hub that can be accessed from anywhere in your house, with support for DLNA to easily connect to compatible devices.
Price Options and Value
The Synology DS223j is priced competitively, especially considering the features it offers. You can find it on Amazon for $189.99. Remember, this price doesn’t include hard drives, which you’ll need to purchase separately. Considering the features such as remote access, data redundancy, multimedia capabilities, and cross-platform compatibility, the DS223j offers excellent value for both beginners and experienced users looking for a budget-friendly NAS.
Hard Drive Considerations
When choosing hard drives for your DS223j, it’s best to select drives that are specifically designed for NAS use. These drives are built for 24/7 operation and can handle the demands of a NAS environment better than standard desktop hard drives. Some recommended models include Western Digital Red, Seagate IronWolf, and Synology’s own HAT5300 drives, which are rigorously tested for compatibility and reliability. You can also consider using IronWolf Health Management for Seagate drives, which helps monitor drive health and prevent failures.
Who Is the Synology DiskStation DS223j For?
The DS223j is a great option for a wide range of users:
- Home users: If you’re looking for a central location to store and share your family photos, videos, and documents, the DS223j is a perfect choice.
- Small office/home office users: The DS223j can help you streamline your workflow by providing a shared storage location for your business files. The file versioning feature is especially helpful for small teams needing to manage changes to important documents, and shared folders make collaboration easy.
- Media enthusiasts: Stream your favorite movies and music to your devices with ease. The support for DLNA makes connecting and streaming to smart TVs and other media devices effortless.
DiskStation DS223j Customer Feedback
Before making any purchase, it’s always a good idea to hear what other users have to say. Customer reviews for the DS223j on Amazon are generally positive, highlighting several key aspects:
Ease of Setup
Many users praise the DS223j for its straightforward setup process. Even those new to NAS devices find the process intuitive and easy to follow. QuickConnect is often highlighted as a standout feature, allowing users to set up remote access without configuring complex network settings.
Smooth Functionality
Customers are happy with the overall functionality of the DS223j, mentioning that it “works flawlessly” and “serves its purpose” well. Features like file sharing, remote access, and automatic backups are often praised. Users also appreciate DSM’s intuitive design, which enables smooth day-to-day use.
Value for Money
The DS223j is considered a great value for its price, offering a robust set of features at an affordable price point. Users appreciate the DSM software ecosystem, which adds significant value compared to some competing brands that may have more limited software offerings. The inclusion of Hyper Backup, Snapshot Replication, and File Station are frequently praised as valuable tools for data management.
However, some customers express mixed opinions regarding the speed and software documentation. While the 1GB DDR4 RAM is sufficient for basic tasks, power users might find the device slower when handling multiple large files or using more intensive applications.
Summary of Pros and Cons
To make your decision easier, let’s summarize the key pros and cons:
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use: The user-friendly interface makes the DS223j accessible to all.
- Comprehensive data protection: Multiple backup options ensure your data is always safe, including Hyper Backup and Snapshot Replication.
- Media streaming capabilities: Enjoy your favorite movies and music on various devices.
- Competitive price: Great value for the features offered.
- Energy efficient and quiet operation: Saves you money and keeps your environment peaceful.
- Wide app support: Access a variety of apps via DSM, including Synology Drive, Audio Station, and Moments for managing photos.
- Remote access with QuickConnect: Allows easy access to your files from anywhere.
Cons:
- Speed: Some users find the DS223j a bit slow, especially for large file transfers or intensive tasks.
- Software documentation: While some find the documentation helpful, others say it could be improved.
- Limited RAM: The 1GB DDR4 RAM is non-upgradable, which may limit performance for more advanced use cases.
- No hardware transcoding: Unlike higher-end models, the DS223j does not support hardware transcoding for smoother media streaming.
Comparing Synology NAS Solutions on Amazon
Explore Synology’s NAS lineup to see if they have an option that fits your needs.
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- Check the product specification page for the...
- Secure private cloud - Enjoy 100% data ownership...
- Easy sharing and syncing - Safely access and share...
- Comprehensive data protection - Back up your media...
- 2-year warranty
- Check Synology knowledge center or YouTube channel...
- Centralized Data Storage - Consolidate your data...
- Easy Sharing & Syncing - Share files and media in...
- Simple Data Protection - Back up your media...
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- 2-year warranty
Exploring Alternatives
While the DS223j is a great option, it’s always wise to consider alternatives:
- Synology DS723+: A Synology DS723+ is a more powerful option with faster performance, expandable RAM, and more features, but at a higher price point. It also supports NVMe SSD caching for enhanced performance.
- Synology DS223: The Synology DS223 is a similar NAS to the DS223j but with a different processor. It is slightly more powerful and suitable for users needing more processing power.
- QNAP TS-233-US: The QNAP TS-233-US is an affordable, 2-bay NAS that offers secure data storage, media streaming, and snapshot protection, making it perfect for home users needing reliable backup and multimedia capabilities.
- Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL: TheAsustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL is another NAS option with a focus on media streaming. It’s a good alternative if you prioritize media playback performance, offering 4K transcoding capabilities for better media streaming.
- BUFFALO LinkStation 220: The BUFFALO LinkStation 220 is a budget-friendly NAS option with a simple setup process. However, it may have limitations in performance and features compared to the DS223j, particularly in terms of software capabilities.
Support and Packaging
Synology offers a two-year warranty on the DS223j, giving you peace of mind. They also have a comprehensive knowledge center and YouTube channel with helpful tutorials and guides. The DS223j is shipped in its original packaging, which is designed to protect the device during shipping. You can opt for Amazon packaging if you prefer.
Synology’s customer support is also known for its 24/7 availability and responsiveness, with multiple channels such as online chat, email, and phone support, ensuring users can get help whenever they need it.
Making the Right Decision
Choosing the right NAS device depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and reliable NAS for home use or a small office, the Synology DS223j is a great option. Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive data protection features, and media streaming capabilities make it a versatile solution for managing your digital life.
However, if you are a power user or need a device for a small business that requires frequent data access or heavier workloads, consider upgrading to a model with more RAM and processing power, such as the DS723+.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your DS223j:
- Use RAID for data protection: RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, can help protect your data in case one of your hard drives fails. The DS223j supports RAID 1, which mirrors your data across both drives.
- Take advantage of Synology’s apps: Synology offers a wide range of apps that can enhance the functionality of your DS223j. From photo management and video streaming to cloud backup and file syncing, there’s an app for almost everything.
- Keep your DSM software updated: Synology regularly releases updates for its DSM software, which include new features, bug fixes, and security improvements. It’s important to keep your software up to date to ensure the best performance and security.
- Leverage QuickConnect for remote access: Use QuickConnect to set up easy remote access to your NAS without complicated network settings. This allows you to access your files from anywhere using your mobile device or computer.
- Utilize Snapshot Replication: If you’re concerned about accidental file deletions or ransomware, enable Snapshot Replication for point-in-time copies of your files that can be restored easily.
- Optimize Power Settings: Adjust power settings for hard drive hibernation and system sleep to reduce energy consumption when the NAS is idle.
Wrap Up
The Synology DS223j is a powerful and user-friendly NAS solution that is perfect for home users and small businesses. While it may have some limitations in speed, its strengths lie in its intuitive interface, comprehensive data protection features, media streaming capabilities, and competitive pricing. Its ease of use and the extensive app support provided by DSM make it a versatile and valuable addition to any home or small office.
FAQ
Does the DS223j come with hard drives?
No, the DS223j is a diskless NAS, meaning you’ll need to purchase hard drives separately.
Can I access my files on the DS223j from anywhere?
Yes, you can access your files from anywhere with an internet connection using Synology’s QuickConnect service or by setting up port forwarding on your router.
Is the DS223j difficult to set up?
No, the setup process is very straightforward, even for those who are new to NAS devices. Synology provides a helpful step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.
What types of files can I store on the DS223j?
You can store any type of file on the DS223j, including photos, videos, music, documents, and backups.
Can I use the DS223j to back up my computer?
Yes, the DS223j can be used to back up your computer using various methods, including Synology’s own backup software or third-party backup solutions.
Can I use the DS223j as a media server?
Yes, the DS223j can act as a media server, allowing you to stream your media files to your smart TV, smartphone, or tablet.
How much storage space do I need?
The amount of storage space you need depends on your individual needs. The DS223j can accommodate two hard drives, allowing you to install up to 36TB of storage (using two 18TB drives).
What happens if one of my hard drives fails?
If you have RAID 1 configured, your data will be protected, and you can simply replace the failed drive with a new one. Without RAID, you may lose data stored on the failed drive.
Where can I get help with the DS223j?
Synology offers various support options, including a comprehensive knowledge center, YouTube channel, and online forums. You can also contact their customer support team for assistance.
Can I expand the RAM of the DS223j?
No, the DS223j comes with 1GB DDR4 RAM that is not expandable. If you need more RAM, consider a higher-end model like the DS723+.
Does the DS223j support SSD caching?
No, the DS223j does not support SSD caching. If you require this feature for improved performance, consider models like the DS723+ that have SSD caching capabilities.
