Qnap or Synology? Which is better?

badrobot · Mar 12, 2014

I want to get an entry level network attached storage at around $300 only (diskless 2-bay systems). Any thoughts between the 2 brands?

As of the moment I am only using the 2-USB 3.0 ports on my ASUS RT-N65U dual band router to share 2 hard drives on my home network. I just I wanna go 1 level up.

For Qnap I am looking at this one: (Qnap TS-220) QNAP Systems, Inc. - Network Attached Storage (NAS) - Products - Products - Storage - Home & SOHO - 2-Bay - TS-220

For Synology I am looking at this: Synology - Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Or if someone has any good recommendation within the budget I will appreciate it. Thanks!

Digerati · Mar 13, 2014

I don't have any experience with any manufactured NAS devices (I re-purpose old PCs into NAS devices), but just looking at the two, I like the Synology because the fan in back appears to be a 92mm fan while the fan on the QNAP is a 70mm. Larger fans tend to move a lot more air at much slower RPMs, thus they tend to be much quieter.

That said, the Synology does not have USB 3.0 or eSATA support like the QNAP does - but that does not matter if you will be connecting by Ethernet (which I recommend over USB any day).

Edit add: Synology clearly states their device has a 2 year warranty. The QNAP does not clearly state anything about the warranty. It might be 2 years, but it might be 1 (unless I just need more coffee this morning).

TomasD · Mar 13, 2014

I had Synology DS411 for a couple years. At the time I was doing a research what to buy, Synology had the best interface and features. I'm pretty sure I would go with Synology again if I would be looking for a end-user NAS.

badrobot · Mar 15, 2014

Thank you! I decided to go for Synology. Unfortunately, it is unavailable in my area. The Qnap is in stock so I just went ahead and placed an order for it. I have 30 days to try it out anyway. But between my 2 choices, performance aside, the Qnap has a lot more to offer in terms of expansion (5 in total... 2xUSB 3.0, 2xsSata and a USB 2.0 port). Plus the tool less hd installation. It also has 2 years manufacturer's warranty but I paid an extra $5 for Express RMA if there is a problem for the 1st 90 days.

Barry · Mar 18, 2014

I use QNAP Nas storage in business, works very well never had any problems.

The one they have has a handy auto-update feature that automatically downloads and installs the firmware updates :)

badrobot · Mar 19, 2014

******************UPDATE********************

I got my Qnap and after setting it up (and it was really painless and easy), I am so glad to say that Qnap had exceeded my expectations! Everything that I wanted for an entry level NAS in terms of setup, speed and expandability. I have 2 internal hard drives (on RAID 1) installed and 3 USB hard drives attached and visible on all PCs. All of my 3 PCs have synchronized folders and my files are accessible anywhere I want (inside and outside my network).

Having the USB drives attached to the NAS instead of direct to the PC prevents slowing down of the PCs on boot up. Transfer rate from attached external hard drive is 50MBps on the average.

Cheers!

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Qnap or Synology? Which is better?

badrobot

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Digerati

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TomasD

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Barry

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Qnap or Synology? Which is better?

badrobot

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Digerati

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TomasD

Sysnative Staff, BSOD Kernel Dump Senior Analyst

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Barry

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