Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS225+ (Diskless)
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AI Verdict
This 2-bay NAS with a single 2.5GbE port and 40 TB capacity is for home users needing centralized storage and Synology's DSM software.
The DS225+ offers a solid entry into the Synology ecosystem with its 2.5GbE port and robust DSM software for centralized storage and data management. However, its base hardware, particularly the 2GB RAM and single 2.5GbE port, means it's not a powerhouse for demanding tasks like heavy 4K transcoding or high-speed multi-user access without upgrades. It's a good fit if your primary needs are reliable file storage, backups, and basic media serving, and you're willing to potentially upgrade the RAM.
If you need more raw processing power for intensive applications or multi-user environments, look for NAS models with more powerful CPUs and at least 4GB of base RAM, or consider a model with multiple 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports.
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Pros
- Includes one 2.5GbE network port for faster data transfers, an upgrade over previous models.
- Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) offers a user-friendly interface and comprehensive tools for file/photo management, backups, and surveillance.
- Supports up to 40 TB of raw storage capacity, allowing for substantial data centralization.
- Achieves sequential read/write throughput of up to 282/217 MB/s, supporting stable data transfers.
- Backed by Synology's 3-year limited hardware warranty, providing extended support.
Cons
- Only one of the two Ethernet ports supports 2.5GbE, with the other remaining 1GbE.
- The base 2GB RAM is often considered insufficient by users, leading many to upgrade to 16GB or 18GB.
- Hardware, particularly the CPU, is perceived by some users as less powerful than competitors in its price range.
- Some users report the system can be slow for demanding tasks like 4K video transcoding, especially with Plex.
- Initial models had a strict compatibility policy for Synology-branded drives, which, while later relaxed, still causes warnings with some third-party drives.
Dimension Scores
The sequential read/write throughput of 282/217 MB/s is above average for a 2-bay NAS, especially with the inclusion of a 2.5GbE port.
While backed by a 3-year warranty, one user reported overheating and drive failure, contrasting with others reporting low temperatures and noise.
Supporting up to 40 TB of raw storage is a substantial capacity for a 2-bay unit, fitting most home and small office needs.
The initial strict drive compatibility policy and ongoing warnings with non-Synology drives make it less compatible than previous models.
Best For
- Centralizing personal photo and video libraries with multi-platform access.
- Setting up a home backup solution for multiple devices and critical data.
- Deploying a smart surveillance system with integrated video management.
- Small home offices needing a dedicated file server for documents and PDFs.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring high-performance 4K media transcoding directly on the NAS for multiple streams.
- Anyone expecting dual 2.5GbE or faster networking out of the box.
- Those who prefer using only non-Synology branded hard drives without potential compatibility warnings or workarounds.
Watch Out For
- The initial 2025 models, including the DS225+, enforced a 'storage lock-in' policy, requiring Synology-branded drives, which are often more expensive than third-party options.
- Even after a DSM 7.3 update relaxed the drive policy, some users still encounter 'permanent warnings' in the web console when using non-Synology drives, sometimes requiring 'bypass scripts'.
- The default 2GB of RAM is frequently cited as a bottleneck, with users reporting significant performance improvements after upgrading to 16GB or 18GB.
- One Amazon reviewer reported the unit 'keeps overheating' and 'doesn't seem to have adequate fan,' leading to brand new hard drives failing and slow DSM loading.
- The glossy side panels are prone to showing fingerprints, which might bother users who frequently handle the device.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0FB7KQLR1 |
| Size | 165 mm x 108 mm x 232.2 mm |
| Brand | Synology |
| Color | Black |
| Series | DS225+ 28126418 |
| Material | Metal, Plastic |
| Item Weight | 2.87 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Synology |
| Item model number | DS225+ |
| Product Dimensions | 9.14 x 4.25 x 6.5 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9.14 x 4.25 x 6.5 inches |
What Buyers Say
The biggest head-scratcher with the DS225+ is the whole hard drive compatibility saga; Synology tried to lock users into their own expensive drives, then walked it back, but people are still seeing warnings with their non-Synology disks. Beyond that, the 2.5GbE port is a welcome speed bump, but it's only one port, and the base 2GB RAM is a constant complaint, with many users immediately upgrading to 16GB or 18GB. The DSM software, though, remains a major draw, making complex tasks feel straightforward.
“Ugh, I bought this thing thinking it was gonna be a breeze, but then the whole hard drive thing was a nightmare, and I had to buy more RAM right away! But DSM is still awesome, so I guess I'll keep it.”
Common Praise
- The DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system is incredibly user-friendly and feature-rich.
- The inclusion of a 2.5GbE port provides a noticeable speed improvement for file transfers.
- Offers extensive functionalities for data management, backups, and surveillance.
- The ability to centralize up to 40 TB of data in one place is a significant benefit.
- The system is quiet and runs at low temperatures for many users.
Common Complaints
- The default 2GB of RAM is often too little, causing users to immediately seek upgrades.
- The initial policy requiring Synology-branded hard drives was a major point of contention.
- Even after the policy change, some users still get warnings or need workarounds for third-party drives.
- The hardware, especially the CPU, is considered underpowered for the price by some, particularly for 4K transcoding.
- Only one of the two Ethernet ports is 2.5GbE, limiting network upgrade potential.
Ownership Tips
- You'll probably want to upgrade the RAM almost immediately, as the stock 2GB can feel sluggish with multiple tasks.
- Even with the 2.5GbE port, your overall network speed will still be limited by the slowest component in your chain.
- Setting up third-party drives might involve navigating some warning messages or applying community-made scripts, despite Synology's policy reversal.
- The glossy finish on the sides is a fingerprint magnet, so don't expect it to stay pristine if you move it around often.
- While it can handle basic media serving, don't expect it to be a dedicated 4K Plex transcoding beast without a lot of extra effort or a separate media server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any hard drives with the Synology DS225+?
Initially, the DS225+ was restricted to Synology-branded drives due to a 2025 policy. While a DSM 7.3 update relaxed this, some users still report warnings with third-party drives, though they can often be used with workarounds.
Is the 2.5GbE port a significant upgrade?
Yes, the single 2.5GbE port offers faster data transfer speeds compared to the 1GbE ports found on older models like the DS224+, which is beneficial for large file transfers.
Is the 2GB RAM enough for typical use?
For basic file storage and sharing, 2GB might be acceptable. However, many users find it insufficient for running multiple applications or demanding tasks, and frequently upgrade the RAM to 16GB or 18GB for better performance.
Can the DS225+ handle 4K video streaming?
It can stream 4K content, but if you require real-time 4K transcoding (e.g., for Plex to multiple devices), users suggest it might be 'painfully slow' and recommend offloading transcoding to a separate, more powerful device.
Does it come with hard drives included?
No, the 'Diskless' in the title means you need to purchase hard drives separately. The maximum supported capacity is 40 TB.
What is Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)?
DSM is Synology's operating system for its NAS devices. It provides a user-friendly web-based interface with a wide range of applications for managing files, photos, backups, and surveillance.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a NAS like this, you're essentially buying a mini-server for your home or small office. It's not just about storing files; it's about having a central hub for backups, media, and even surveillance. You'll need to buy hard drives separately, and the 'diskless' part means it's just the enclosure. Think about how much data you have now, and how much you expect to have in a few years, because that 40 TB capacity is a maximum, not what it comes with.
Capacity (40 TB)
This isn't the storage it comes with, but the absolute maximum amount of hard drive space you can install. If you put in two 20 TB drives, that's your 40 TB. But remember, if you use RAID 1 for data protection, you'll only have half of that for actual use, with the other half mirroring your data for safety.
Sequential Read/Write Throughput (282/217 MB/s)
This tells you how fast the NAS can move data in and out. Think of it like a highway: 282 MB/s read means files can be pulled off the NAS quickly, and 217 MB/s write means you can save files to it quickly. This directly impacts how fast your backups complete or how smoothly you can stream high-bitrate video.
2-Bay
This means the NAS has slots for two hard drives. With two drives, you can set up RAID 1 for data redundancy (if one drive fails, your data is safe on the other) or RAID 0 for maximum speed and capacity (but no data protection if a drive fails). More bays mean more storage options and potentially more redundancy.
2.5GbE Network Port
This is a faster network connection than the older 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE). If your home network (router, switches, other devices) also supports 2.5GbE, you'll see much quicker file transfers. If your network is still 1GbE, this port will just run at 1GbE, so you won't get the full speed benefit until you upgrade your network.
Alternatives
If you need more raw processing power for virtual machines or heavy media transcoding, look for NAS units with Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen CPUs and at least 8GB of expandable RAM. For faster network performance across multiple devices, seek models with dual 2.5GbE or single 10GbE ports.
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