Synology DS218+ vs. TerraMaster F4-220: Which is the best NAS for your home?

The Synology DS218+ and TerraMaster F4-220 are two dandy Network Attached Storage (NAS) units for the home and small office. The selection between the two options tin can be a rather confusing one for newcomers to NAS and PCs in general. You may be wondering why I'd even bother comparing a four-bay NAS against i with simply two. Well, both are priced at around $300, making them ideal for those looking for not bad value.

• Meet Synology DS218+ at Amazon
• See TerraMaster F4-220 at Amazon

Synology DS218+ vs. TerraMaster F4-220: Battle of the specs

Category	Synology DS218+	TerraMaster F4-220
Release	2018	2018
CPU	Intel Celeron J3355 Dual-cadre 2.0GHz (two.5GHz heave)	Intel Celeron J1800 Dual-core 2.41GHz (2.58GHz heave)
RAM	2 GB (6 GB max)	2 GB (4 GB max)
Bays	Two	Four
Storage	24 TB	48 TB
Ports	One GbE Iii USB 3.0 One eSATA	One GbE I USB three.0 I USB 2.0
Dimensions	165 mm x 108 mm 10 232.ii mm	227 mm x 225 mm 10 136 mm
Weight	1.30 kg	two.28 kg
Dissonance	19.3 db(A)	19.eight db(A)
Power	17.23 W (admission) 5.4 Due west (hibernation)	46.6 W (access) 2.0 W (hibernation)
Os	DiskStation Managing director (DSM)	TerraMaster Bone (TOS)
Toll	$298	$289

The specifications of both products tell an interesting story. The Synology DS218+ is powered past a vastly more than capable processor, the Intel Celeron J3355, can hold more RAM, and has a further two USB 3.0 ports with an extra eSATA port to kick. The TerraMaster F4-220 is no slouch, though. The Celeron J1800 is a CPU that can ability through basic tasks. In that location'south also the bonus of two more than bays, which brings the full storage chapters up to a whopping 48TB, compared to the 24TB in the DS218+.

So if yous need more than storage at an affordable price (Synology has four-bay models, but they're more expensive), TerraMaster has you covered with support for four difficult drives. Synology is rather restricted hither but comes with more recent components, which is ideal for anyone looking to do a fiddling more with their NAS, including multiple user connections, while running a Plex server and hooking upwardly a few security cameras.

Both NAS units are capable, but the DS218+ comes out in front and should be considered for more than advanced and enervating workloads. Noise levels are also similar, though in my TerraMaster review I constitute the two fans within the F4-220 got loud every at present and and then even while idle. This could exist an upshot localized to the review unit we received, only it is a drawback should you exist looking for a silent machine. (The fans can be configured in the settings but this led to no result.)

Synology DS218+ vs. TerraMaster F4-220: Nothing simply good *design

Both companies take solid-looking NAS models that are robust and durable plenty to last through years of utilise. What sets these two options apart are the colour and materials. TerraMaster uses a shiny silver aluminum cease, while Synology opted for the traditional black slab of metal and plastic. Synology has the upper hand in terms of weight and dimensions since it's a smaller unit with one-half the number of bulldoze trophy.

Synology'south drive bay system is totally toolless (but also feeling a little more than sturdy), allowing you to add together and remove drives without the need for a screwdriver. TerraMaster is toolless up until you lot need to attach a bulldoze to the bay, but thankfully the company includes all the screws and tools you need. That's actually a small-scale negative, since yous likely won't be replacing drives all too often.

Synology DS218+ vs. TerraMaster F4-220: Companion software

This is where Synology has TerraMaster beat. DiskStation Manager (DSM) is only a superior software solution to TerraMaster OS (TOS). Installing and setting up the OS is painless on a Synology NAS. It's already preinstalled and prepare to go. Simply plug in the unit, connect to the NAS on the network using your favorite browser, and follow the wizard. TerraMaster has a similar initial procedure, but it'southward a little more than clunky.

With the F4-220, you're tasked with manually downloading the OS or allowing the NAS to download the latest version for you before doing anything. It's a strange way of doing it and may throw some beginners off rail. Once it'due south configured, though, the TerraMaster NAS is almost every bit piece of cake to use. TOS isn't as polished, only its GUI is on the same level as DSM. Overall, the experience of DSM, particularly through setup, makes information technology more user-friendly.

The best NAS for yous

There'southward no correct choice here. It depends on what you demand from a NAS. If capacity is what you really need to take advantage of, TerraMaster has ample amounts of storage at a low cost. If you're likewise a veteran (or at least familiar) with setting up and managing a NAS, the OS bachelor for installation on a TerraMaster NAS is fine.

However, if y'all're completely new to the wonderful world of NAS and desire the latest components, the DS218+ is a great option with a more than powerful CPU, more RAM supported, besides as excellent software support with the OS and available packages. The DS218+ also draws less ability under load. Both NAS units are similarly priced and kitted out, just these minor differences can make the decision an like shooting fish in a barrel i for some.

• See Synology DS218+ at Amazon
• Encounter TerraMaster F4-220 at Amazon

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