Low Cost
The DiskStation 418 offers incredible low cost 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 DS418 has a lot to offer.
PROS
- Low Cost
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Holds up to 32TB of storage
- Limited Transcoding
CONS
- Memory Not Upgradable
- Limited Transcoding
The DS418 is a great NAS enclosure for a file server, sharing files or a backup device.
UNDER: $400.00
Powerful Hardware
The DiskStation 420+ 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
- Works Great for 4K Transcoding
- Two Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- Holds up to 32TB of storage
- Powerful Dual-Core Hardware
- Upgradable Memory
- M.2 slots (SSD caching)
CONS
- Dual-Core not as powerful as DS920+
The DS420+ will grow and expand with your future needs. The DS420+ has a more powerful dual-core processor and upgradable memory of the DS418.
UNDER: $500.00
The Most Powerful Hardware
The DiskStation 920+ 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, 4GB of RAM (Upgradable to 8Gb), 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 DS920+ is the four-bay NAS to beat right now.
PROS
- Excellent for 4K Transcoding
- Two Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- Holds up to 64TB of Storage (144TB with optional expansion unit)
- Expand up to 9 drives (4+5) with a DX517 expansion unit
- Powerful Quad-Core Hardware
- Upgradable Memory
- M.2 slots (SSD caching)
CONS
- Price (more expensive then the DS420+)
If your budget can afford the extra cost; the DS920+ will grow and expand with your future needs. The DS920+ has a more powerful quad-core processor and 2x memory compared to the DS420+.
UNDER: $550.00
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
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
| DS418 | DS420+ | DS920+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
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 | 2GB DDR4 non-ECC | 2 GB DDR4 non-ECC upgradable (6Gb Total) | 4 GB DDR4 non-ECC upgradable (8Gb Total 4Gb+4Gb) |
Network interface | 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Link Aggregation / Failover | 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Link Aggregation / Failover | 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Link Aggregation / Failover |
Internal File System | Btrfs, EXT4 | Btrfs, EXT4 | Btrfs, EXT4 |
Internal drive bays | Four (maximum 16TB each bay) 3.5-inch HDD 2.5-inch HDD/SSD 64TB of total storage | Four (maximum 16TB each bay) 3.5-inch HDD 2.5-inch HDD/SSD 64TB of total storage | Four (maximum 16TB each bay) 3.5-inch HDD 2.5-inch HDD/SSD 64TB of total storage Expand up to 9 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 |
