Synology DS218+

Bought one of its predecessors 7 years ago, the DS211+. It still runs 24 hours a day without any problems, currently as a backup server for the DS218+, but due to my extra wishes it became a bit too slow, hence the DS218+. The possibilities of the Diskstation 'platform' are very extensive, it takes some effort in the beginning to find your way, but that will come naturally. After that it's just set and forget. Music server, Video server, Mail server, Web server, Security system, Central photo storage with automatic upload from Windows, Android and Apple devices. All this and much more is possible, but not necessary. You just choose the package you need, in 99% of the cases without extra costs. The support from Sysnology is great, my 7 year old DS211+ still gets Diskstation updates (this year for the last) but security updates are still running for 2 years. This is all included in the price. In recovery with the DS211+ the speed has of course increased, I notice this especially when using Surveillance Station, the security system. Two full HD cameras run on this 24/7. Also saving and converting photos and videos for use with Photo Station is much faster now. They are not cheap, putting together a NAS yourself using a small PC is cheaper to purchase, but the convenience and the support/updates from Synology justify the price difference. Use with 2x WD RED 4TB in conjunction with Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR). The perfect solution for intensive home or small business use.

I switched from the DS213 to the DS218+ and the difference in performance is amazing. Websites on Web Station load much faster, and starting movies via Video Station is also much faster. In addition, I am also very satisfied with the fast response of all interfaces.

Bought this DS218+ to complement my trusty DS212+. Because both devices work with the same interface (DSM), everything works as usual. Installing is quick and easy. This 218+ is clearly faster than my old 212+, which of course also makes sense with a much faster processor and four times the memory. I do notice that the cooling fan (also on the lowest speed) of this 218+ makes a little bit more noise than my old NAS. Still very acceptable by the way and not a problem for me, but maybe this is important for others. This is another excellent device with the familiar ease of use and all the possibilities that Synology is known for. The reliability will of course have to prove itself, but given my previous experiences with Synology, I'm not worried about that! As far as I'm concerned, there is only one real (temporary) drawback to this DS218+. This device is still so new that there are only very limited 3rd party packages (such as SabNZBD) available, because the toolchain is not yet available to developers. Hopefully it will be resolved in a few weeks or months, so it's not a big disadvantage. Until then, luckily I still have my old DS212+ available. Nevertheless, this device is absolutely recommended!