As digital storage needs continue to increase, more and more people are turning to Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices to store, organize, and share their files.
Synology is a well-known brand in the NAS market, and two of their most popular models are the TS-251 and the DS214play.
In this article, we’ll compare these two NAS devices and help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
Introduction
The TS-251 and DS214play are both 2-bay NAS devices that offer a range of features designed to meet the needs of home and small business users. They are both compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, and offer features such as file sharing, media streaming, and data backup.
TS-251 Overview
The TS-251 is a 2-bay NAS device that runs on a 2.41 GHz dual-core Intel processor and comes with 1GB of DDR3 RAM (expandable up to 8GB). It offers two hot-swappable drive bays that support both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives, as well as two Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports.
DS214play Overview
The DS214play is also a 2-bay NAS device that runs on a 1.6 GHz dual-core Intel processor and comes with 1GB of DDR3 RAM (expandable up to 4GB). It offers two hot-swappable drive bays that support both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives, as well as two Gigabit Ethernet ports, one eSATA port, and two USB 2.0 ports.
Processor and Memory
The TS-251 has a faster processor than the DS214play, which means it can handle more simultaneous tasks and process data more quickly. It also has more RAM, which allows it to run more applications at the same time without slowing down.
Storage
Both the TS-251 and DS214play offer two hot-swappable drive bays that support both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives. However, the TS-251 supports both SATA II and SATA III drives, while the DS214play only supports SATA II drives. This means that the TS-251 can support faster and more modern hard drives.
Connectivity
Both devices offer two Gigabit Ethernet ports, which means you can connect them to your network for high-speed data transfer. However, the TS-251 also offers two USB 3.0 ports, which provide faster data transfer rates than the USB 2.0 ports on the DS214play. Additionally, the DS214play offers an eSATA port, which can be used to connect external hard drives for additional storage.
Software Features
Both the TS-251 and DS214play run on Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, which offers a range of features such as file sharing, media streaming, and data backup. However, the TS-251 also offers a range of advanced software features such as virtualization support, which allows you to run multiple operating systems on the same device.
Media Streaming
Both the TS-251 and DS214play offer media streaming capabilities, allowing you to stream music, videos, and photos to your TV, mobile device, or other compatible device. However, the TS-251 offers more advanced media streaming features, including support for DLNA, AirPlay, and Chromecast, as well as the ability to transcode media files on the fly, which means you can stream media files in formats that are not natively supported by your device.
Security Features
Both the TS-251 and DS214play offer a range of security features to help protect your data, including built-in firewalls, antivirus software, and data encryption. However, the TS-251 offers more advanced security features, such as support for VPN and two-factor authentication, which provides an additional layer of security when accessing your NAS device from outside your network.
Noise Level and Power Consumption
Both the TS-251 and DS214play are designed to be quiet and energy-efficient, but the TS-251 is slightly quieter than the DS214play, producing only 18.3 decibels of noise compared to the DS214play’s 19.4 decibels. Additionally, the TS-251 is more energy-efficient, consuming only 16.5 watts of power during operation compared to the DS214play’s 22.8 watts.
Price
The TS-251 is generally more expensive than the DS214play, with prices starting at around $350 compared to the DS214play’s starting price of around $270. However, the TS-251 offers more advanced features and higher performance, making it a better choice for users with more demanding storage needs.
Warranty and Support
Both the TS-251 and DS214play come with a two-year warranty and offer access to Synology’s customer support team. Synology also provides regular firmware updates to improve performance and security.
Pros and Cons
TS-251
Pros:
- Faster processor and more RAM
- Supports SATA III drives
- More advanced software features
- Advanced media streaming capabilities
- Advanced security features
- Quieter and more energy-efficient
Cons:
- More expensive than the DS214play
DS214play
Pros:
- Affordable price
- eSATA port for external storage
- Quiet and energy-efficient
Cons:
- Slower processor and less RAM
- Supports only SATA II drives
- Limited software features
- Limited media streaming capabilities
- Limited security features
Conclusion
Both the TS-251 and DS214play are excellent NAS devices that offer a range of features designed to meet the needs of home and small business users.
While the DS214play is more affordable, the TS-251 offers more advanced features and higher performance, making it a better choice for users with more demanding storage needs.
Ultimately, the best NAS device for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
FAQs
- What is a NAS device? A NAS device, or Network-Attached Storage, is a type of storage device that is connected to a network and is accessible by multiple users and devices. It is used to store and share data, such as documents, photos, and videos, and can be accessed from anywhere on the network or over the internet.
- Can I use a NAS device to store and stream media files? Yes, NAS devices are commonly used for storing and streaming media files. Most modern NAS devices come with built-in media streaming capabilities, allowing you to stream music, videos, and photos to your TV, mobile device, or other compatible device.
- What is the difference between SATA II and SATA III drives? SATA II and SATA III are different versions of the SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) interface, which is used to connect storage devices to a computer or NAS device. SATA III drives are faster than SATA II drives, offering higher data transfer rates and better performance.
- How do I access my NAS device from outside my network? To access your NAS device from outside your network, you will need to configure port forwarding on your router and set up a DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System) hostname. You will also need to set up remote access on your NAS device and configure your firewall settings to allow incoming traffic.
- Can I upgrade the RAM on my NAS device? Most NAS devices allow you to upgrade the RAM, but you should check the manufacturer’s specifications before attempting to do so. Some NAS devices have a limited amount of RAM that cannot be upgraded, while others may require specific types of RAM or have specific installation instructions.