Buffalo LinkStation 720
Score: 74/100
Synology DS223j
Score: 66/100Rankings
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.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
16 TB | 108 TBbest | |
2best | 2best | |
6best | 4 | |
1.3 GHz | 1.7 GHzbest | |
2 GBbest | 1 GB | |
3best | 2 | |
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(3) | ||
CPU Cores | 6 | 4 |
CPU Clock Speed (GHz) | 1.3 GHz | 1.7 GHz |
Memory (RAM) (GB) | 2 GB | 1 GB |
Connectivity(2) | ||
USB Ports | 3 | 2 |
Ethernet Speed (Gbps) | 2.5 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
Power(1) | ||
Power Consumption (Active) (W) | 33 W | 16.31 W |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 2.676 kg | 0.87 kg |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | 9.1×12.7×20.6 cm cm | 10.0×22.6×16.5 cm cm |
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 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.
