Synology DS224+ review: compact storage solution for small businesses

With the DS224+, Synology has launched a compact NAS that certainly doesn’t fall short of more robust alternatives.

The Synology DS224+ is a compact NAS (Network Attached Storage) designed for small businesses and teams looking for a reliable way to store, share and secure data locally. Synology is known for its easy-to-use solutions and continues that reputation with this model. With powerful hardware, versatile software and a focus on accessibility, the DS224+ is an exciting choice for business users.

Installation: quick and easy to use

Included in the box is a Synology DS224+ NAS, a power adapter with separate cable, two network cables, an installation guide and a bag of screws. The device comes without hard drives, so businesses can choose what storage capacity they need. Since many drives are compatible with Synology’s entry-level segment, there is plenty of choice. The restriction to drives from Synology itself, which does apply to the manufacturer’s enterprise segment, does not apply here.

Installing the Synology DS224+ is smooth even for users without extensive IT background. Placing the hard drives is easy thanks to the screwless click system, and within minutes the drives are installed and the NAS is ready for configuration.

The next step is to set up Synology’s operating system, DiskStation Manager (DSM). The installation process is clear and intuitive, you basically can’t do anything wrong. Within 15 minutes, you are ready to create the first folders, add users and manage access rights. Setting up automatic backups is easily explained, so even less experienced users can get started with this.

Daily use: simple and efficient

Once set up, the DS224+ again offers a simple user experience. Synology’s DSM interface is reminiscent of that of Windows: clearly and logically laid out, with a desktop and applications running in windows. On the left side of the desktop, you see some icons, such as the Control Panel and Package Center; on the right, you get a widget with an overview the operation of the NAS and how much CPU and RAM is being used at any given time. Through Package Center, you can access 105 apps from Synology and others, such as backup or antivirus apps, among others.

Files can be easily uploaded via the web interface or mobile apps. Synology’s mobile apps, such as DS File, Synology Drive and Photos, for example, allow you to manage, download and share files from any device with an Internet connection. With this flexibility, the NAS feels more like its own cloud solution without falling into an ecosystem of big players like Google Cloud.

For companies with flexible working hours or home workers, the QuickConnect feature is a big plus. This allows employees to securely access files from any location without the need for complicated network settings. Combined with the Synology Photos app, teams can also easily store and share visual content. This makes the NAS ideal for businesses that work a lot with images or need to share files with clients or partners on a regular basis. The solution is also interesting for photographers, for example.

You can further use this NAS as a surveillance station: a hub where the images from security cameras go. Two camera licenses are included, meaning you can link third-party security cameras and manage and centralize the camera footage on the NAS. Cameras from Synology also exist, and each comes with an included license. The Synology DS224+ is not a purebred NVR, and therefore lacks some advanced AI-related capabilities for video surveillance.

Performance and connectivity

The DS224+ looks professional thanks to its matte black design and removable panel where the hard drives are hidden behind. Next to that panel you will find five LED lights: system status, LAN activity for the two LAN ports and disk activity for the two drives. Below that is a USB port, a copy button and the power button. With the copy button, the NAS automatically backs up your data.

On the back is a 1GbE LAN port, a second USB 3.2 port, a reset button and a power port. The maximum capacity of the NAS is 32TB, so you can install two 16TB drives. Synology is a bit behind the competition here, which is quietly embracing 2.5GbE as a standard anyway.

The DS224+ is said by Synology to index files up to 52 percent faster. In our experience, uploading files to Synology Drive was tremendously fast, but the download speed was unsurprisingly disappointing outside the local network. The limited upload capacity offered by providers in the Belgian market plays the biggest role in this.

This device is not only suitable for storing files, but also ideal for streaming video and audio content. Stream videos to Samsung TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast and other devices; play music can be done via AirPlay.

Also important: the device has low power consumption. According to Synology, the DS224+ consumes 4.41 watts when not in active use, and 14.69 watts when the drives are active.

That low power consumption is due to an efficient chip. Everything is driven by an Intel Celeron J4125 processor, and it has 2 GB of DDR4 RAM. That can be expanded up to 6 GB. Synology again chooses to market a new product with an old chip: the Intel Celeron J4125 was launched by Intel six years ago, in 2019. However, for the purposes of this NAS, we do not lack performance. Still, it remains striking that Synology so consistently goes for older CPUs while new models are available.

Conclusion

For this price tag, you get an excellent NAS that stores your files in a secure environment, and is also perfect to use for beginners or people with no prior knowledge. The operating system interface is great, as you can get started right after installation. The power consumption is low and you have the option to build out a surveillance station with Synology’s cameras.

As a hub for files in a small business, this NAS is perfect. Thanks to local storage, you maintain control over your files, and enjoy high transfer speeds to network folders, or via the web interface. Remote access to the NAS is very easy, although here you have to consider the upload speed of the Internet connection to which the NAS is connected.

Synology DS224+ – 329 euros excl.