
Buffalo LinkStation 720
Score: 74/100
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 720 LS720D1602 is a 2-bay desktop NAS pre-loaded with 16 TB of storage and 2.5 GbE networking, targeting home-office and small-household users. Its constraints include only two drive bays and passive cooling, which may limit scalability and thermal performance. Best suited for users who want an out-of-the-box high-capacity solution with built-in cloud sync.
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
16 TB | 108 TBbest | |
2best | 2best | |
6best | 4 | |
1.3 GHz | 1.7 GHzbest | |
2 GBbest | 2 GBbest | |
3best | 3best | |
1best | 1best | |
2.5 Gbpsbest | 1 Gbps |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
Storage(1) | ||
Storage Capacity (TB) | 16 TB | 108 TB |
Performance(2) | ||
CPU Cores | 6 | 4 |
CPU Clock Speed (GHz) | 1.3 GHz | 1.7 GHz |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Ethernet Speed (Gbps) | 2.5 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
Power(1) | ||
Power Consumption (Active) (W) | 33 W | 17.343 W |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 2.676 kg | 1.28 kg |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | 9.1×12.7×20.6 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 highlight the LS720D1602 as a plug-and-play NAS that is reliable, easy to set up, and well-suited for home or small-office environments thanks to its 2.5 GbE port and built-in cloud integration, while noting the lack of active cooling and limited bay count.
Everyday users praise the convenience of a ready-to-use 16 TB solution, DLDL streaming, and seamless cloud sync, but note the limited expansion options and passive cooling as drawbacks.

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.
