Synology DS220j review: Compact, affordable, and perfect for NAS beginners

Synology DS220j Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Cardinal

Choosing network-attached storage (NAS) depends on what you plan on doing with it. There are plenty of models available from various vendors, though Synology remains as one of the more than popular options, primarily down to value and the excellent DSM Bone.

The DS220j is an upgrade that replaces the existing DS218j, released in 2022. This latest model comes equipped with new internals and a slightly refreshed design. It's ideal if you're merely starting out in the wonderful world of NAS.

While the DS220j is already one of the more affordable NMAS enclosures from Synology, that doesn't mean it won't be priced lower than its launch list. If you can locate the NAS for less than $170 during a promotion like Blackness Fri, you should admittedly consider buying one for your home. When discounted, this is the all-time first NAS purchase.

Beginner NAS

Synology DS220j

Bottom line: Looking to buy your offset NAS for the home? DS220j is an splendid place to kickoff.

Pros

Can run Plex
Pocket-sized and compact
Gigabit LAN
Great for beginners
Splendid software

What you'll love virtually the Synology DS220j

Synology DS220j Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

The DS220j is the aforementioned matter we've come to look from Synology with its more affordable, meaty NAS servers. It's a white plastic box that looks similar the DS218j in every style, bated from the internals. The DS220j is, in essence, a spiritual successor to the DS218j, which came out in 2022.

The forepart of the NAS LED indicators and a small opening for the rear fan to pull air through (also as the side panels). The two sides have a cutout Synology branding that doubles every bit intake vents, and the rear of the NAS houses a single 80mm fan, two USB 3 ports, and a Gigabit LAN port.

The Synology DS220j is a high-quality NAS for the price.

Like the older DS218j, Synology chose to go with 512MB of RAM and two bulldoze bays. This is an affordable, entry-level model, and then one shouldn't expect top-level operation. The processor has been bumped slightly from a 32-bit dual-core Marvell Fleet 385 88F6820 CPU to a 64-bit quad-core Realtek RTD1296.

The 512MB RAM and ARM processor aren't the best on the market, and you won't be able to transcode HD movies, simply for file storage and calorie-free media streaming (music, photos), the DS220j is perfectly equipped. Storing everything on this NAS is carried out using the ii drive trophy, which tin be kitted out with up to two 16TB HDDs for a total of 32TB of capacity.

Utilizing Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) — which you admittedly should — will exit you lot with about one-half the available storage for use, so if you lot have two 16TB drives, simply 16TB will be usable. RAID is a practiced manner of making sure y'all have redundancy if a drive somehow fails. But no HDD volition fail due to heat thanks to the overall design.

Synology DS220j Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

Unpacking the DS220j is simple, and everything is secured with loftier-quality materials. The bulldoze trophy themselves aren't removable, nor are they hot-swappable. The NAS can be carve up into two after removing but ii rear screws, which provides access to the ii drive bays, one atop the other. This is one trade-off you lot must live with compared to more than expensive NAS models.

Subsequently hooking up the NAS to a network, all you need to do is fire upward a browser and load the IP — you can use your router interface to locate this, or download the Synology Assistant. The DiskStation Managing director (DSM) OS initial setup wizard greets you by asking for various details, including setting upwards an optional Synology business relationship.

Category	Spec
Bays	ii
CPU	Realtek RTD1296 1.4Ghz quad-cadre
RAM	512MB
Max storage	32TB
Warranty	2 years
Ports	2x USB 3.0 1x Gigabit Ethernet

While non required, a Synology account is handy every bit information technology ties your NAS to Synology's servers. Most households have dynamic external IP addresses, which means the IP you use to access your NAS when not at home will change at some betoken, breaking connectivity. A Synology account addresses this by keeping the IP address current on Synology's side for external access.

Plex does this automatically, then if you don't fancy using a Synology account, it'due south non required. And speaking of Plex, the DS220j can indeed run the media server service without issue, though, as is the case with bottom-powered ARM processors, transcoding will be severely limited for motion picture streaming. Other third-party software is supported, too as Synology'southward own apps, through the package heart.

Synology DS220j Source: Windows Key

The package center is just i part of the DSM OS, which is one of the most convenient interfaces around. It's easy to navigate, and fifty-fifty beginners will exist able to brand necessary alterations to the DS220j without messing everything up. For transfer performance, the DS220j should be able to hit 80MB/s, which isn't likewise bad at this cost point.

What you'll dislike about the Synology DS220j

Synology DS220j Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Primal

Taking into account just how affordable this NAS is, in that location's not a whole lot to dislike about the DS220j. Information technology'southward an entry-level NAS, and and so rocks just two drive bays and a limited amount of RAM. The latter is more than an badgerer due to the lack of upgradability, but if yous want to perform more advanced and enervating tasks on a NAS, you'll need a more pricey server.

The bulldoze trophy are a petty fiddly too. Unlike other NAS models, this server requires yous to take autonomously the outer casing to gain access to the two drive trophy, and one sits atop the other. Should you need to remove the drive from bay ii, you'd need to beginning extract the other drive. A slight issue, but tin can be written off due to the size and price.

And then should you lot buy the Synology DS220j?

Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

The Synology DS220j is perfectly positioned for NAS beginners. Whether you need a small unit for file storage and for saving backup information or a home media server to stream music, this small and mighty NAS is capable of all of these tasks. It's when it comes to more advanced features similar movie transcoding and multiple account access where the pocket-sized corporeality of RAM and CPU may crusade an effect.

If you're on the chase for a budget-friendly NAS, the DS220j is a great place to start. Testing the waters to see if a NAS is a good fit on your network while leaving room for expansion by moving up the Synology NAS catalog, this is an first-class NAS worth because for small deployments.

Beginner NAS

Synology DS220j

A great value NAS for beginners

Equipped with a 64-bit quad-core ARM processor and ii drive bays, the DS220j is perfectly positioned as an entry-level NAS for beginners. Information technology's just a shame almost the non-upgradable 512MB RAM.

We may earn a committee for purchases using our links. Learn more than.

An internet connection will soon be required when setting up Windows 11 Pro

UH OH

An internet connection will presently be required when setting up Windows xi Pro

Microsoft has announced that subsequently this twelvemonth, users will be required to connect to the cyberspace and sign-in with a Microsoft Account during the out of box setup experience on Windows 11 Pro. Microsoft has already been enforcing this requirement on Windows 11 Home since launch last Oct, and Windows eleven Pro is now expected to follow accommodate soon.