Rankings
The Synology BeeDrive 1TB is a portable NVMe SSD delivering up to 1050 MB/s via USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 and includes proprietary BeeDrop wireless photo backup. Its limited 1 TB capacity and reliance on Synology-only software restrict flexibility. Ideal for hybrid workers and mobile photographers needing fast, on-device backup.
The SSK 2TB Portable External SSD combines a high-performance NVMe SSD with a Wi-Fi hotspot, power-bank and rugged aluminum housing, delivering up to 1050 MB/s wired speeds. Its short hotspot battery life and modest wireless throughput limit it as a primary wireless backup solution. Ideal for mobile creatives who need fast local transfers and occasional on-the-go cloud access.
The Amber X Smart Personal Cloud is a compact SSD-based device offering AI-driven photo organization, 4K HDMI output, and multiple connectivity options. Its main trade-offs are limited internal capacity (max 2 TB) and a short one-year warranty. Ideal for photographers, families, and home media enthusiasts who value speed and privacy.
The Synology DS124 is a compact single-bay NAS that offers hardware encryption, low power consumption, and a broad protocol set for home or small-office use. Trade-offs include limited 1 GB RAM, basic RAID only, and a single gigabit Ethernet port. It suits users needing a small, secure storage hub without demanding performance.
The Synology DiskStation DS223j is an entry-level 2-bay NAS that offers ultra-quiet operation, low power draw, and an easy-to-use DSM interface for basic backups and media streaming. Its limitations include modest 1 GB RAM, a single gigabit Ethernet port, and non-hot-swap drive bays. It is best for home users or beginners needing simple, energy-efficient storage.
The QNAP TS-133-US is a compact 1-bay desktop NAS with a quad-core ARM processor and 2 GB RAM, aimed at entry-level home and small-office users. Its limited RAM, lack of RAID and only 1 GbE networking restrict scalability and performance for demanding tasks. Best suited for beginners needing simple backups and basic media streaming.
The Buffalo LinkStation 210 is an entry-level single-bay NAS offering a built-in 4 TB drive and subscription-free personal cloud. Its modest processor, USB 2.0 port and lack of RAID limit performance and scalability. Best suited for home users needing simple backup and remote access at a low cost.
The SSK SSM-F200 is a compact 2 TB portable NAS that runs on a built-in battery and creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot for wireless file access. Its modest wireless speeds and lack of RAID limit it to light backup and sharing tasks. Best suited for mobile professionals who need occasional on-the-go storage and power-bank capability.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
108 TBbest | 108 TBbest | 4 TB | — | 2 TB | 2 TB | 1 TB | 2 TB | |
1 | 2best | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
4 | 4 | — | 4 | — | — | — | 6best | |
1.7 GHz | 1.7 GHz | 0.8 GHz | 1.8 GHzbest | — | — | — | — | |
1 GB | 1 GB | 0.256 GB | 2 GBbest | — | — | — | 2 GBbest | |
— | — | — | — | 7.5 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | 1,050 MB/sbest | — | |
— | — | — | — | 7.5 MB/s | 1,000 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | — | |
2best | 2best | 1 | 2best | 1 | 2best | — | 1 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Storage(3) | ||||||||
Storage Capacity (TB) | 108 TB | 108 TB | 4 TB | — | 2 TB | 2 TB | 1 TB | 2 TB |
Drive Bays | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
RAID Support | false | true | false | false | false | false | — | — |
Performance(6) | ||||||||
CPU Model | Realtek RTD1619B | Realtek RTD1619B | 800 MHz dual-issue ARM | ARM Cortex-A55 | — | — | — | ARM Cortex A55 |
CPU Cores | 4 | 4 | — | 4 | — | — | — | 6 |
CPU Clock Speed (GHz) | 1.7 GHz | 1.7 GHz | 0.8 GHz | 1.8 GHz | — | — | — | — |
Memory (RAM) (GB) | 1 GB | 1 GB | 0.256 GB | 2 GB | — | — | — | 2 GB |
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | — | — | — | — | 7.5 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | — |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | — | — | — | — | 7.5 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | — |
Connectivity(1) | ||||||||
USB Ports | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | — | 1 |
Power(2) | ||||||||
Power Consumption (Idle) (W) | 3.44 W | 4 W | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Power Consumption (Active) (W) | 10.69 W | 16.31 W | 24 W | — | — | — | — | — |
Security(1) | ||||||||
Supported Protocols | SMB1 (CIFS), SMB2, SMB3, NFSv3, NFSv4, NFSv4.1, NFS Kerberized, iSCSI, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SNMP, LDAP, CalDAV | — | TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, file sharing | — | Samba, DLNA | Samba, DLNA | — | — |
Build & Design(3) | ||||||||
Weight (kg) | 1.248 kg | 0.87 kg | 1.1 kg | — | 0.295 kg | kg | 0.043 kg | 0.3 kg |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | 16.6×22.4×7.1 cm cm | 10.0×22.6×16.5 cm cm | 22.0×8.4×24.0 cm cm | 15.75×18.80×15.75 cm cm | 2×8×13 cm cm | 2.11×9.09×13.21 cm cm | 6.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 cm cm | 3.8×12.5×12.5 cm cm |
Noise Level (dB) | 19.0 dB | 18.2 dB | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Compliance(1) | ||||||||
Certifications | — | — | TAA Compliant | — | — | — | RoHS, FCC, CE, BSMI, VCCI, RCM, KC, UKCA, BIS | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers describe the DS223j as a budget-friendly entry into Synology's lineup, commending its energy-efficient design, ultra-quiet operation, and the robust DSM software suite. However, they criticize the modest 1 GB of RAM, the single 1 GbE network port, and the entry-level CPU as constraints that limit the device to basic file serving and backup tasks.
Everyday users appreciate the DS223j for its straightforward setup, near-silent operation, and low power draw, often highlighting its reliability for personal backups and modest media streaming. Recurring complaints focus on slow network transfer speeds, limited RAM causing sluggishness under load, and occasional fan noise when the unit is busy.
“great unit for price”
“Battery drains in ~2 hours on hotspot, forcing plugged-in use”
“"awesome" flexibility for photographers and content creators who need to quickly back up and organize media from multiple sources.”
Professional reviewers rate the LinkStation 210 as a solid entry-level NAS, praising its subscription-free WebAccess remote cloud, built-in security, and value-focused inclusion of a 4 TB drive and two-year warranty. However, they note that the modest processor, USB 2.0 port, and lack of RAID limit performance and scalability, and that initial configuration-especially WebAccess on newer OS versions-can be cumbersome.
Home users generally like the simplicity, reliability, and zero-fee cloud access, highlighting the generous 4 TB storage and easy multi-device backups. Recurring complaints focus on slow transfer speeds, sparse documentation for mesh or Windows 11 environments, and frustrations with setting up remote WebAccess.
Professional reviewers commend the TS-133 as the best-value 1-bay NAS, highlighting its powerful ARM quad-core CPU, generous 2 GB RAM for a budget unit, extensive app support and fast USB 3.0 connectivity.
Everyday users love the straightforward entry into the QNAP ecosystem, the quiet operation and the solid single-drive performance for backups and media streaming. Recurring frustrations revolve around a confusing initial setup, limited RAM/CPU when running multiple services, the single-bay design's lack of redundancy, and the perceived slowness of the 1 GbE network.
Professional reviewer commentary is absent; manufacturer claims emphasize portability, battery life, and app features, but independent verification of performance and reliability is lacking.
Everyday users highlight the convenience of a wireless, battery-powered personal cloud and the ability to power other devices, while recurring concerns focus on modest transfer speeds and occasional stock shortages.
Professional reviewers highlight the SSK F200 as a highly versatile portable SSD that adds Wi-Fi hotspot and NAS capabilities to a fast NVMe drive. They commend its wired throughput, dual USB interfaces, and plug-and-play simplicity, noting it excels for creatives and mobile professionals who need rapid local transfers and on-the-go cloud access. However, they caution that the short 2-hour hotspot battery and modest wireless speeds make it less suitable as a primary wireless backup solution.
Everyday users value the ease of connecting via the auto-SSID, the convenience of charging phones, and the ability to share large files wirelessly after a single USB copy. The dominant complaints revolve around the limited hotspot battery life and the extra steps required to configure Wi-Fi through an app, with several users wishing for longer wireless operation and smoother internet pass-through.
Professional reviewers such as Dong Knows Tech praise the BeeDrive as a solid personal backup solution with outstanding 1050 MB/s performance, cool operation and useful AI-driven photo backup.
Everyday users appreciate the effortless wireless photo backup and the drive's portability, highlighting how it frees phone storage without cloud fees.
Professional reviewers consistently commend Amber X for its built-in SSD performance, comprehensive connectivity, and on-device AI organization, describing it as a portable, high-speed personal cloud.
Available commentary emphasizes appreciation for the device's speed, ease of setup, and privacy-first AI processing, with users highlighting the SD card slot and 4K casting capabilities.
