Which one should you buy?<br>Synology DiskStation DS720+ vs DS220+ vs DS220j

Which one should you buy?
Synology DiskStation DS720+ vs DS220+ vs DS220j

Low Cost

The DiskStation 220j offers incredible value, and you get a decent set of features that make it a great choice if you’re looking to pick up a NAS for the first time. While it may not be as great at transcoding files, it is just as good when it comes to streaming locally-stored media on your home network. If you want a budget option for Plex media server or for backing up data, the DS220j has a lot to offer.

PROS

CONS

The DS220j is a great NAS enclosure for a file server, sharing files or a backup device.

 

UNDER: $200.00

Powerful Hardware

The DiskStation 220+ is a standout choice if you’re in the market for a NAS enclosure for use as a plex media server. The NAS has powerful hardware, 2GB of RAM (Upgradable), and can handle 4K transcoding, ensuring seamless media playback across all devices on your home network.

PROS

CONS

The DS220+ will grow and expand with your future needs. The DS220+ has a more powerful dual-core processor and 4x the memory of the DS220j.

UNDER: $300.00

The Most Powerful Hardware

The DiskStation 720+ is a most powerful hardware choice if you’re in the market for a NAS enclosure for use as a plex media server. The NAS has powerful hardware, 2GB of RAM (Upgradable), and can handle 4K transcoding, ensuring seamless media playback across all devices on your home network. You get a lot of other software features as well and the DS720+ is the two-bay NAS to beat right now.

PROS

CONS

If your budget can afford the extra cost; the DS720+ will grow and expand with your future needs. The DS720+ has a more powerful quad-core processor compared to the DS220+.

UNDER: $400.00

Included Synology Features

Video Station

Video Station (DS Video app) helps you manage all the movies, TV shows, and home videos on your Synology NAS. Moreover, it can stream videos to various devices — computers, smartphones, media players, and TVs — to provide you with non-stop, fun watching experience.

Audio Station

With Audio Station and its mobile app DS audio, you can enjoy high-quality playback, listen to radios, manage your music collection, create personal playlist, and share with friends anywhere.

Moments

Users can instantly upload photos to their private storage and let auto-sort take care of the rest. Moments is the brand new photo solution for personal and home use.

PLEX Media Server

Enjoy Live TV & DVR, a growing catalog of great web shows, news, and podcasts. It's finally possible to enjoy all the media you love in a single app, on any device, no matter where you are. With the Plex server you can stream your video, music, and photo collections any time, anywhere, to whatever you want.

Synology Drive

Online File Syncing, Backup and File Sharing. Across multiple devices mobile phones, laptops, desktops and even other synology nas devices.

Desktop Backup

Simplified backup solution for your Mac, PC, and mobile devices.

Surveillance Station

Protect your business, home, and other environments with reliable, intuitive Surveillance Station, delivering intelligent monitoring and video management tools to safeguard your valuable assets.

File Server / Web Server

Powerful built-in file management and sharing services.

Snapshot Replication

Schedulable and instantaneous data protection for shared folders and iSCSI LUNs for disaster prevention.

Security

Security

Comprehensive built-in security tools are constantly updated to protect your devices against evolving threats.

Download and experience video station now

DS video is available for iOS and Android users, for free. You can download the apps through App Store or Google Play.

Android

iOS

Detailed Look

DS220j DS220+ DS720+
CPU Model
Realtek RTD1296
Quad Core 1.4 GHz
64-bit
Intel Celeron J4025
Dual-core 2.0GHz (2.9Ghz Burst)
64-bit
Intel Celeron J4125
Quad-core 2.0GHz (2.7Ghz Burst)
64-bit
System Memory
512 MB DDR4 non-ECC
2 GB DDR4 non-ECC
upgradable (6Gb Total)
2 GB DDR4 non-ECC
upgradable (6Gb Total)
Network interface
1 x Gigabit Ethernet
2 x Gigabit Ethernet
Link Aggregation / Failover
2 x Gigabit Ethernet
Link Aggregation / Failover
Internal File System
EXT4
Btrfs, EXT4
Btrfs, EXT4
Internal drive bays
Two (maximum 16TB each bay)
3.5-inch HDD
2.5-inch HDD/SSD (via optional mount)
32TB of total storage
Two (maximum 16TB each bay)
3.5-inch HDD
2.5-inch HDD/SSD
32TB of total storage
Two (maximum 16TB each bay)
3.5-inch HDD
2.5-inch HDD/SSD
32TB of total storage

Expand up to 7 drives with a DX517 expansion unit
Hardware Encryption Engine
Yes
AES-NI
AES-NI
Hardware Transcoding
No
Yes
Yes
Transcoding Engine
10-bit H.265 4K Ultra HD or single channel full HD video transcoding
H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), MPEG-2 and VC-1; maximum resolution: 4K (4096 x 2160); maximum frame rate per second (FPS): 30
H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), MPEG-2 and VC-1; maximum resolution: 4K (4096 x 2160); maximum frame rate per second (FPS): 30