Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless)
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
A 2-bay diskless NAS with a Realtek RTD1619B CPU and 1GB non-upgradable RAM, ideal for basic file backup and personal cloud storage.
This 2-bay NAS with its Realtek RTD1619B processor and 1GB non-upgradable RAM is a cost-effective entry into Synology's ecosystem for basic file storage and personal cloud needs. Its limitations in processing power and network speed mean it struggles with more demanding applications.
If you anticipate running Docker, Plex transcoding, or needing faster network speeds, look for Synology's "+" series models with more RAM and 2.5GbE ports.
Regret Score™
Medium RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- Provides 100% data ownership with a private cloud solution.
- Enables file and media sharing/syncing across Android, Desktop, Laptop, and iPhone devices.
- Offers comprehensive data protection with backup to various destinations.
- Operates quietly with a reported noise level of 18.2 dB with two drives.
- Low power consumption, making it suitable for always-on operation.
- Comes with a 2-year warranty.
Cons
- 1GB of RAM is soldered and not expandable, limiting performance for advanced applications like Docker or Plex transcoding.
- Features a single 1GbE LAN port, which can cap network transfer speeds at around 109 MB/s.
- Lacks hot-swap drive bays, requiring the casing to be removed for drive installation.
- No integrated Wi-Fi, necessitating a wired Ethernet connection to the router.
- Some users report fan noise or rattling, even at low settings.
- Encryption options are limited, with concerns about key storage on the device.
Dimension Scores
The single 1GbE LAN port limits maximum network transfer speeds to approximately 109 MB/s, which is standard but not fast for modern NAS drives.
Synology's DSM software is widely praised for stability, and the device comes with a 2-year warranty, indicating manufacturer confidence.
Two drive bays are suitable for basic home users with modest storage needs, but quickly become limiting for those who anticipate significant data growth.
It is compatible with Android, Desktop, Laptop, and iPhone devices, and supports syncing with major cloud platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox.
Best For
- Backing up photos and documents from multiple devices (phones, laptops).
- Creating a personal cloud for file access and sharing from anywhere.
- Storing security camera footage via Synology Surveillance Station.
- Direct streaming of 1080p or 4K media within a local network.
Not Recommended For
- Running multiple Docker containers or virtual machines.
- Transcoding 4K video streams for multiple remote users.
- Users requiring network speeds faster than 1GbE.
- Those needing advanced, secure volume-level encryption with external key management.
Watch Out For
- The 1GB RAM is soldered to the board and cannot be upgraded, which can lead to slow performance when running multiple apps.
- Fan noise can be noticeable, with one user reporting a rattling fan that "NEVER stops" even on the lowest setting.
- Only has a single 1GbE Ethernet port, limiting maximum transfer speeds to approximately 109 megabytes per second.
- Drive installation requires removing the white casing and screwing in drives, as it lacks hot-swap bays.
- Lacks secure full volume encryption; keys are stored on the drive, making data vulnerable if the device is stolen.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0C8814GKB |
| Size | 2-bay |
| Brand | Synology |
| Color | White |
| Series | DS223J 24092824 |
| Item Weight | 1.91 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Synology |
| Item model number | DS223j |
| Compatible Devices | Android, Desktop, Laptop, iPhone |
| Product Dimensions | 6.5 x 3.94 x 8.9 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.5 x 3.94 x 8.9 inches |
What Buyers Say
Many users are drawn to the DS223j as an affordable entry into Synology's ecosystem, particularly for basic file storage and personal cloud functions. However, the non-upgradable 1GB RAM and single 1GbE port frequently surface as performance bottlenecks, especially for those attempting to run more demanding applications like Plex with transcoding or multiple Docker containers. The user experience can vary significantly based on expectations, with some finding it perfectly adequate for simple backups, while others are frustrated by its limitations and reported fan noise.
“I just wanted a simple backup for my family photos, and it does that, but trying to run Plex on this thing is a joke, it just chokes on 4K files and the fan sometimes sounds like a tiny jet engine in my bedroom.”
Common Praise
- Easy setup process for first-time NAS users.
- Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) software is intuitive and feature-rich for basic tasks.
- Effective for backing up photos and files from phones and computers.
- Low power consumption makes it economical to run continuously.
- Quiet operation for many users, with a reported 18.2 dB noise level.
Common Complaints
- 1GB of RAM is insufficient and non-upgradable for running advanced apps or multiple services.
- Single 1GbE port creates a network bottleneck, preventing faster data transfers.
- No built-in Wi-Fi, requiring a physical Ethernet connection.
- Some users experience noticeable fan noise or rattling.
- Lack of hot-swap drive bays makes drive installation less convenient.
- Concerns over the security of its encryption implementation, with keys stored on the device.
Ownership Tips
- The 1GB RAM limitation becomes apparent quickly when trying to install more than a couple of Synology packages or any third-party apps.
- Actual network speeds often hover around 90-100 MB/s, even with fast drives.
- The lack of hot-swap bays means you have to power down the unit and open it up to replace or add drives.
- Synology Photos works well for mobile backups, but initial indexing can be slow.
- The "j" series doesn't get all the advanced features or updates that the "+" series does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Synology DS223j handle Plex media server?
It can handle direct streaming of 1080p and even single 4K streams within a local network, but its 1GB RAM and ARM CPU make 4K transcoding and library scanning slow.
Is the RAM in the DS223j upgradable?
No, the 1GB of RAM is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be expanded.
Does the DS223j have Wi-Fi connectivity?
No, the DS223j does not have built-in Wi-Fi and requires a wired Ethernet connection to your network.
How noisy is the DS223j during operation?
Synology reports a noise level of 18.2 dB with two drives, but some users have reported noticeable fan noise or rattling that "NEVER stops".
Can I use the DS223j for backing up photos from my phone?
Yes, it works well with Synology Photos for backing up images and videos from mobile devices like iPhones.
Buying Guide
When considering a NAS like this, you're essentially buying your own personal cloud server. You need to understand that "diskless" means you'll buy the hard drives separately, which is a significant additional cost. The number of bays dictates how many drives you can install, affecting total storage and redundancy options (like RAID). The processor and RAM are crucial for how many applications the NAS can run smoothly beyond just file storage.
2-Bay
This means you can install two hard drives. With two drives, you can either double your storage capacity (e.g., two 4TB drives give you 8TB) or create a mirrored backup (RAID 1), where one drive is an exact copy of the other, protecting your data if one drive fails.
Diskless
This isn't a ready-to-use device out of the box. You need to purchase compatible hard drives (NAS-specific drives are recommended) and install them yourself before you can start storing data.
1GbE LAN
This refers to the network connection speed. 1 Gigabit Ethernet is standard, but it means your maximum data transfer speed to and from the NAS will be limited to about 109 megabytes per second, regardless of how fast your internal hard drives are.
1GB RAM
RAM is like the short-term memory of the NAS. 1GB is enough for basic file serving and a few light applications, but if you plan to run multiple apps simultaneously, stream high-resolution video, or use advanced features, this amount of RAM will quickly become a bottleneck, making the system feel slow.
Alternatives
If this model feels too restrictive, look for NAS devices with more than two drive bays for future expansion, at least 2GB or 4GB of upgradable RAM, a more powerful Intel Celeron or AMD Ryzen processor, and 2.5GbE or faster network ports.
You Might Also Like
Seagate IronWolf Pro SATA III 3.5" Internal NAS Hard Drive, 2-Pack - 8TB
$300-$599A 2-pack of 8TB 7200 RPM CMR internal hard drives with 256MB cache, built for 24/7 multi-bay NAS environments.
QNAP TS-453E-8G-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad-core Processor, 8 GB DDR4 RAM and Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) Network Connectivity (Diskless)
$600+A 4-bay diskless NAS with an Intel Celeron J6412, 8GB DDR4 RAM, dual 2.5GbE, and M.2 NVMe slots for businesses needing long-term support.
Seagate Exos 28TB Internal Hard Drive HDD - 3.5 in CMR SATA 6Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 512MB Cache, 2.5M MTBF - ST28000NM000C (Renewed)
$300-$599This 28TB, 7200 RPM, 3.5-inch CMR SATA 6Gb/s renewed hard drive is for serious data hoarders needing massive capacity at a lower price point.
1TB G-Drive ArmorATD Rugged, Durable Portable External HDD, Up to 130MB/s, USB-C (5Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen 1 – SDPHE1G-001T
$50-$99A 1TB mechanical hard drive with a 130MB/s read speed and USB-C (5Gbps) connectivity, built for users needing rugged, portable storage for school or creative projects.