Synology is aware of what it is doing in relation to making the very best dwelling NAS servers, and within the final 12 months, the Taiwanese model constructed out its funds portfolio. The DiskStation DS224+ that I reviewed final 12 months nonetheless leads the best way on this phase because of its highly effective {hardware} and Plex transcoding, however there are various extra alternate options out there.The DiskStation DS223j is an effective entry-level NAS that delivers the necessities at simply $189, but it surely’s the vanilla DiskStation DS223 that’s the extra engaging alternative. The DS223 is a 2-bay NAS bought within the Value sequence, and that is completely different to the Plus sequence in that you just get only a single Gigabit port and no upgradeability; the DS224+ has an ordinary SODIMM slot that allows you to enhance the RAM to 6GB, however on the DS223, you get a 2GB RAM module that’s soldered to the mainboard.The upside is the affordability, with the DiskStation DS223 out there for simply $250. That makes it an important alternative if you happen to’re simply venturing into dwelling NAS servers and are curious about seeing what Synology does on this class. It can also be probably the most inexpensive methods to check Synology’s standout software program options, and also you even get Plex right here.I used the DS223 alongside the DS224+ and among the costlier servers within the model’s portfolio — together with the DiskStation DS923+ and DS1522+ — and I believe this funds NAS is a terrific alternative if you happen to simply want a dependable dwelling server with two drive bays.Synology DiskStation DS223: Specs, pricing, and launch date(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Synology unveiled the DiskStation DS223 in February 2023, and the NAS is now out there globally. In the U.S., you possibly can choose it up for $249 on Amazon and different main retailers, together with B&H. The NAS retails for £255 ($321) within the U.Okay., and in India, it’s out there for ₹27,999 ($338). Like the DS224+, the DS223 will get an ordinary two-year guarantee.This is a barebones server, and meaning it would not include any storage — you simply get the enclosure. If you are contemplating this server, I’d recommend choosing up 4TB or 6TB IronWolf drives.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategorySynology DiskStation DS223Internal Drive BaysTwo (16TB every bay), 3.5-inch HDD, 2.5-inch SSDNetwork Interface1 x Gigabit EthernetUSB Ports3 x USB 3.1 Gen1eSATA Ports❌PCIe❌CPUQuad-core 64-bit 1.7GHz Realtek RTD1619BPlex Transcoding❌RAM2GB DDR4 non-ECC, solderedM.2 Slots❌File SystemEXT4, BtrfsCooling1 x 92mm fan, 22dBAExtensibility❌Dimensions165 mm x 108 mm x 232.7mmWeight2.82lb, 1.28kgSynology DiskStation DS223: Design and options(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)I’ve been testing Synology NAS servers for the higher a part of a decade now, and in that point, the model did not make any appreciable adjustments to its design language. The DiskStation DS223 has the very same design because the DS224+, and if it weren’t for the small label on the backside that particulars the mannequin quantity, there isn’t any solution to inform these two servers aside.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)That stated, there isn’t any motive to alter the design; the DS223 has wonderful airflow because of the vents on the aspect, and there is a 92mm fan on the again that does an important job with thermal administration. The shroud masking the drive bays has a shiny end and is vulnerable to choosing up mud, however the enclosure itself has a matte texture and is not a mud magnet as such.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The construct high quality is among the many finest on this class, and the design is not flashy within the least, permitting the DS223 to mix into the background with relative ease. The drive bays are simply accessible, and set up is tool-free if you happen to’re slotting in customary 3.5-inch arduous drives, and you may want to make use of the bundled screws if you happen to’re mounting 2.5-inch SSDs.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)There are standing LEDs to the best, and in contrast to the DS224+, you simply get one Gigabit Ethernet port, so there’s only one community LED. You additionally get a USB-A port on the entrance that allows you to join a USB drive and switch the contents to the DS223. There is not something new with the design, however the DS223 has a sturdy chassis with confirmed reliability.Synology DiskStation DS223: Ports(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Given that the DS223 is aimed on the funds phase, it would not have a lot in the best way of connectivity. You get a single Gigabit Ethernet port on the again together with two USB-A ports, and that is about it. The NAS comes with 2GB of RAM because the DS224+, which is nice to see, however there is not a solution to slot in a bigger module do you have to want to enhance reminiscence down the road.Lack of upgradeability is not an enormous disadvantage contemplating not many customers go this route, and for what it is value, 2GB of RAM is greater than sufficient to deal with the web-based OS and all of the software program utilities you get. The DS223 misses out on M.2 drives as effectively, and simply as with the RAM, there isn’t any solution to swap to a 2.5GbE Ethernet port do you have to want to take action — just like the DiskStation DS723+.Synology DiskStation DS223: Performance(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The DiskStation DS223 is powered by the Realtek RTD1619B, a quad-core chipset that goes as much as 1.7GHz. It will not be fairly as highly effective as Intel’s Celeron designs which might be a mainstay on this class, but it surely has a powerful displaying in its personal proper, and it’s quick in day by day use.Honestly, there isn’t any noticeable distinction between the DS223 and DS224+ in most day-to-day eventualities, and the 2GB of RAM clearly makes a distinction right here. Like different DiskStation fashions, the DS223 runs the web-based DiskStation Manager (DSM) software program, and it’s the finest within the business.Installing DSM is as simple as slotting in arduous drives, connecting to the facility outlet, operating an Ethernet cable from the NAS to the router, switching on the NAS, and heading to search out.synology.com. The net assistant mechanically locates the NAS on your house community, and begins putting in the OS. It takes about ten minutes in whole, and you’ll arrange your consumer account and exterior entry. If you are curious about accessing the NAS from wherever on this planet, I recommend utilizing Tailscale.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)DSM is best than each different NAS interface due to the polished design and the feature-set. You can use the DS223 as a neighborhood Google Photos different, and it has its personal workplace productiveness suite, mail server, a note-taking consumer that has a ton of similarities to Evernote, and a lot extra. use case for this NAS is backing up images and movies from linked gadgets, and you are able to do that with Synology Photos. The utility mimics Google Photos, and has a sturdy set of options. A NAS can also be an important option to retailer media, and you’ll set up Plex and Jellyfin natively.Plex wasn’t out there at launch — that is one of many causes I did not evaluation the DS223 when it got here out — however the media server can now be put in on the NAS, and it runs comparatively effectively. You do not get {hardware} transcoding, however if you happen to simply must stream your media assortment to numerous gadgets on your house community, the DS223 is a superb alternative. I did not see any points on this space, however I’ll be aware that I needn’t use the transcode possibility in Plex.The DS223 is quick and dependable, and you should utilize any NAS-branded arduous drive with the server; I’d suggest going with IronWolf drives. The IronWolf Pro drives are overkill on this occasion, however any common IronWolf drive that is 4TB or increased pairs effectively with the DS223. I slotted in 6TB IronWolf drives, and acquired dependable 110MB/s transfers over the community.Synology DiskStation DS223: The competitors(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The apparent different to the DS223 is the DiskStation DS224+. Retailing for $299, it prices $50 greater than the common mannequin, and whereas it has 2GB of RAM as effectively, you possibly can improve it do you have to want to take action down the road. You additionally get twin Gigabit Ethernet ports and the power to bridge them, and the Celeron J4125 has the power to transcode content material in Plex.Synology DiskStation DS223: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)You should purchase this if:You desire a funds NAS that is highly effective in day by day useYou desire a server that is simple to arrange and useYou want loads of helpful optionsYou desire a NAS to retailer images and mediaYou should not purchase this if:You want {hardware} transcoding in PlexYou want multi-Gigabit connectivityUltimately, the DiskStation DS223 is a powerful addition to Synology’s funds portfolio. The NAS is dependable in day by day use and is simply as quick because the DS224+ in most eventualities, and whilst you miss out on upgradeability, you get a greater worth.What makes the DS223 stand out is the software program; DSM has a ton of helpful utilities, and Synology has the very best cellular apps, providing you with the power to entry your information from wherever. Backing up images and movies is about as simple because it will get, and whereas there isn’t any {hardware} transcoding, the DS223 does a adequate job as a Plex server.If you are simply getting began with a NAS, the DS223 is a superb alternative — it has all of the options you want, and also you’re getting the very best worth on this phase.
Synology DiskStation DS223
The DiskStation DS223 is a superb alternative if you happen to’re simply venturing into dwelling servers and desire a funds NAS that is highly effective.