Buffalo LinkStation 210
Score: 61/100
Synology DS223
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Synology DiskStation DS223 is an entry-level 2-bay NAS that delivers solid performance, quiet operation, and a rich feature set for home backups and media streaming. Its limitations include non-upgradeable RAM, a single gigabit Ethernet port, and non-hot-swap drive bays. Ideal for households seeking reliable, low-power storage with extensive DSM apps.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
4 TB | 108 TBbest | |
1 | 2best | |
— | 4best | |
0.8 GHz | 1.7 GHzbest | |
0.256 GB | 2 GBbest | |
1 | 3best | |
1best | 1best | |
1 Gbpsbest | 1 Gbpsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Storage(3) | ||
Storage Capacity (TB) | 4 TB | 108 TB |
Drive Bays | 1 | 2 |
RAID Support | false | true |
Performance(3) | ||
CPU Model | 800 MHz dual-issue ARM | Realtek RTD1619B |
CPU Clock Speed (GHz) | 0.8 GHz | 1.7 GHz |
Memory (RAM) (GB) | 0.256 GB | 2 GB |
Connectivity(1) | ||
USB Ports | 1 | 3 |
Power(1) | ||
Power Consumption (Active) (W) | 24 W | 17.343 W |
Security(1) | ||
Supported Protocols | TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, file sharing | SMB1, SMB2, SMB3, NFSv3, NFSv4, NFSv4.1, iSCSI, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SNMP, LDAP, CalDAV |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.1 kg | 1.28 kg |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | 22.0×8.4×24.0 cm cm | 10.8×23.3×16.5 cm cm |
Compliance(1) | ||
Certifications | TAA Compliant | FCC |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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 position the DS223 as a polished, entry-level NAS that excels in ease of use, low power draw, and a rich DSM app ecosystem, making it a solid choice for home backups, media streaming, and basic surveillance, though the fixed RAM and single gigabit port may limit more demanding scenarios.
Everyday users praise the DS223 for its simple setup, quiet operation, and reliable media and backup features, while recurring concerns focus on the non-upgradable memory, single network port, and the inconvenience of non-hot-swap drive bays.
“great unit for price”
