The Best Synology NAS Devices in 2026: 15 Picks
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This guide reviews the best synology network attached storages available in 2026. We compare 15 models, including license packs, expansion enclosures, and disk stations. The top pick is the Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack, which leads for expanding surveillance to eight cameras. These products range from compact 2-bay units to large 12-bay rackmount systems. Our picks are based strictly on the specifications published on the listings. You can choose based on drive capacity, form factor, or RAM size.
Quick picks
Our 15 picks
Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack
Best for: expanding surveillance to eight cameras
- Dimensions
- 5 × 5 × 1 inches
- Weight
- 0.71 ounces
This license pack expands your Synology NAS surveillance capacity to eight cameras. It provides a single key to activate eight surveillance devices simultaneously. You need this if your default two licenses are insufficient. It supports IP cameras, I/O modules, and access controllers. The pack is lightweight and compact, fitting easily into your setup. It allows you to migrate licenses between devices as needed.
Pros
- Supports up to eight surveillance devices
- Single license key for easy activation
- Licenses can be migrated between devices
- Compact physical size
Cons
- Requires a compatible Synology NAS or NVR
- Does not include hardware or cameras
- Multi-lens cameras may require additional licenses
Good fit if
- You have a Synology NAS with only two default licenses
- You need to connect exactly eight cameras
- You want to migrate licenses between devices
Skip if
- You need more than eight cameras
- You are buying hardware instead of software
- You already have enough default licenses
Verdict: Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack is the right choice for users who need to expand their surveillance setup to eight devices. It fits users who want flexible license migration without buying new hardware.
Synology 4 License Pack
Best for: expanding surveillance beyond default limits
- Dimensions
- 5 × 5 × 1 inches
- Weight
- 0.35 ounces
This license pack expands your surveillance capacity on compatible Synology NAS or NVR hardware. It includes four keys to activate additional IP cameras, I/O modules, or access controllers. You need this if your setup exceeds the default licenses provided with your device. It is a digital add-on for users who need more than the standard two or four included connections.
Pros
- Includes four surveillance device license keys
- Compatible with Synology NAS and NVR systems
- Supports activation of cameras and access controllers
- Licenses can be migrated between devices
Cons
- Requires compatible Synology hardware to function
- Does not include physical cameras or hardware
- Limited to four additional device connections
Good fit if
- You need to add more than two cameras to a NAS
- You are expanding an existing Synology surveillance setup
- You require licenses for I/O modules or intercoms
Skip if
- You are buying a standalone NVR with four default licenses
- You need licenses for more than four additional devices
- You do not own compatible Synology hardware
Verdict: Synology 4-Bay IP Camera License Pack is a necessary digital add-on for users expanding their surveillance network beyond default limits. It fits buyers who need precise control over camera counts on compatible Synology units.
Synology RackStation Storage Expansion Enclosure
Best for: RackStation users needing 12-bay storage expansion
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 25.4 × 17 × 3.46 inches
- Weight
- 28 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology RackStation Storage Expansion Enclosure
The Synology RX1217 is a diskless expansion unit designed for RackStation systems. It adds 12 drive bays to your existing NAS, allowing you to increase storage capacity without downtime. You can expand your volume online while the system runs. It measures 17 inches wide and weighs 28 pounds. This unit is managed through the Synology DiskStation Manager software for easy setup.
Pros
- Adds 12 drive bays for significant storage growth
- Supports online volume expansion without system downtime
- Integrates seamlessly with Synology RackStation systems
- Managed directly via Synology DiskStation Manager software
Cons
- Sold diskless, requiring you to purchase drives separately
- Heavy at 28 pounds, requiring sturdy rack support
- Limited to RackStation compatibility, not for desktop NAS
Good fit if
- You need to add 12 drive bays to a RackStation
- You require online volume expansion without stopping operations
- You manage storage via Synology DiskStation Manager
Skip if
- You need a complete NAS with drives included
- You are using a desktop DiskStation model
- You prefer a lightweight, portable storage solution
Verdict: Synology 12-Bay RackStation Expansion Unit is the right choice for RackStation users needing to scale storage by 12 bays while keeping systems online. It fits IT environments where seamless expansion and centralized management are priorities.
Synology 2U Rackmount Redundant Power Expansion Unit
Best for: expanding rack-based NAS capacity
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 27.4 × 17 × 3.46 inches
- Weight
- 29.5 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 2U Rackmount Redundant Power Expansion Unit
This is a diskless 2U rack expansion unit designed for Synology RackStation systems. It adds twelve drive bays to your existing NAS infrastructure without requiring new licenses. The unit features redundant power supplies to maintain service uptime during component failure. You can manage storage expansion online while the system is running. It measures 17 inches wide and weighs 29.5 pounds.
Pros
- Redundant power supplies for higher uptime
- Online volume expansion without downtime
- Plug-and-use design for easy integration
- Managed directly via DSM software
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate hard drives
- Large 2U form factor needs rack space
- Heavy build at 29.5 pounds
Good fit if
- You need to expand storage capacity in a rack environment
- You require redundant power for critical data availability
- You want to add drives without system downtime
Skip if
- You need a complete NAS with pre-installed drives
- You are setting up a desktop or home office NAS
- You have limited rack space in your server room
Verdict: Synology 12-Bay RackStation Expansion Unit is a specialized hardware add-on for enterprise-grade storage scaling. It fits buyers who already own a compatible Synology RackStation and need to increase drive count with minimal operational interruption.
Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit
Best for: expanding storage for existing Synology NAS
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 17 × 11.4 × 1.73 inches
- Weight
- 9.44 pounds
The Synology RX418 is a diskless expansion unit designed to increase storage capacity for your existing NAS. It features four drive bays and supports online volume expansion, allowing you to add space without downtime. The unit measures 480 by 325 millimeters and weighs 9.44 pounds. It includes a deep sleep mode for energy efficiency and is managed through the DiskStation Manager software.
Pros
- Four drive bays for expanded storage
- Supports online volume expansion
- Includes energy-saving deep sleep mode
- Managed via Synology DiskStation Manager
Cons
- Requires a host NAS system
- Sold as a diskless unit
- Lacks redundant power supply
Good fit if
- You need to add four more drives to your Synology system
- You want to expand storage without taking your NAS offline
- You prefer managing storage through the DSM interface
Skip if
- You are looking for a standalone NAS with its own CPU
- You need pre-installed hard drives
- You require redundant power for critical data
Verdict: The Synology RX418 4-Bay Expansion Unit is a practical add-on for users who need more drive space and already have a compatible Synology NAS. It fits those who value seamless expansion and centralized management.
Synology 6-Bay 2.5 Inch NAS DS620slim
Best for: compact 2.5-inch drive storage and transcoding
- Drive Bays
- 6 Bay
- RAM Capacity
- 2GB DDR3L
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Form Factor
- 2.5 Inch
- Dimensions
- 6.89 × 5.94 × 4.76 inches
- Weight
- 3.09 pounds
The Synology DS620slim is a compact 6-bay NAS designed for 2.5-inch drives. It includes 2GB of DDR3L memory, expandable to 6GB. The unit supports dual-channel 4K video transcoding. It uses the Btrfs file system for robust data management. This device suits users who need high drive density in a small footprint.
Pros
- Six bays for 2.5-inch HDDs and SSDs
- Memory expandable from 2GB to 6GB
- Dual-channel 4K video transcoding support
- Supports up to 65,000 system-wide snapshots
Cons
- Includes only 2GB of base memory
- No internal drives included in the package
- Limited to 2.5-inch drive form factor
Good fit if
- You need a high-density storage solution for small drives
- You require 4K video transcoding capabilities
- You want to expand memory up to 6GB
Skip if
- You require pre-installed storage drives
- You need 3.5-inch drive bays
- You want a larger base memory configuration
Verdict: Synology DS620slim 6-Bay 2.5 Inch NAS is a compact storage hub for users prioritizing 2.5-inch drive capacity and video transcoding. It fits those who value expandable memory and snapshot features in a small chassis.
Synology 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS
Best for: Users needing SSD cache slots and hardware encryption
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Processor
- Intel quad-core
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 8.78 × 7.83 × 6.54 inches
- Weight
- 4.94 pounds
The Synology DS920+ is a 4-bay NAS drive featuring an Intel quad-core processor and 4 GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes two built-in M.2 NVMe SSD slots for cache acceleration without using storage bays. The unit delivers over 225 MB/s sequential read and write throughput. It scales up to nine drives with an expansion unit. This device suits users needing hardware encryption and performance for photo indexing.
Pros
- Intel quad-core processor with AES-NI hardware encryption
- Two built-in M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for cache
- 4 GB DDR4 RAM expandable up to 8 GB
- Over 225 MB/s sequential read and write throughput
Cons
- Sold diskless with no included storage drives
- 4 GB RAM is lower than the 8 GB found in the 5-bay variation
- Requires separate purchase of hard drives and expansion units
Good fit if
- You need dedicated SSD cache slots for faster performance
- You want hardware encryption for data security
- You plan to expand storage with a DX517 unit
Skip if
- You require pre-installed hard drives
- You need more than four drive bays
- You want a system with 8 GB RAM standard
Verdict: The Synology DS920+ 4-Bay NAS with 4GB RAM is a capable choice for users who prioritize SSD caching and hardware encryption. It fits those building a scalable storage system with separate drives.
Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
Best for: shallow rackmount multi-user storage setups
- Drive Bays
- 8 Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 23 × 16.5 × 8.5 inches
This Synology 8-Bay Rackmount NAS delivers multi-client network storage in a compact 298-millimeter short-depth chassis. You get eight storage drive bays, 4GB of onboard memory, and sequential speeds reaching 2,315 MB/s read and 1,147 MB/s write. It supports PCIe expansion for high-speed network adapters and pairs with a second unit for high-availability clustering. It suits you if your server rack needs dense, expandable storage without excessive chassis depth.
Pros
- Short chassis depth measuring 298 mm
- Up to 2,315 MB/s read and 1,147 MB/s write throughput
- PCIe slot accepts compatible SFP+ or RJ-45 network cards
- Supports Synology High Availability clustering for minute-level failover
Cons
- Ships diskless with no internal drives included
- Base configuration provides only 4GB of RAM
Good fit if
- You need eight drive bays fitted into a shallow rack enclosure.
- You want PCIe expansion options for SFP+ or RJ-45 networking.
- You plan to run a high-availability failover cluster with two units.
Skip if
- You need a desktop tower rather than a rackmount form factor.
- You want a storage unit that includes pre-installed hard drives.
Verdict: Synology 8-Bay Rackmount NAS delivers eight expandable drive bays and high-speed PCIe networking options in a space-saving shallow rack footprint.
Synology 12-Bay DiskStation Expansion Unit
Best for: expanding Synology NAS storage capacity
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 18.5 × 17.1 × 16.5 inches
- Weight
- 19.9 pounds
The Synology DX1215II is a diskless expansion unit that adds 12 drive bays to your existing Synology DiskStation. It features a plug-and-play design for easy storage upgrades. The unit measures 17.1 by 16.5 by 18.5 inches and weighs 19.9 pounds. You can use it with Synology HAT5300 SATA HDDs for verified compatibility. This expansion chassis is ideal for users needing significant additional storage capacity without buying a new main unit.
Pros
- Adds 12 additional drive bays
- Plug-and-play design for easy upgrades
- Compatible with Synology HAT5300 SATA HDDs
- Backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate purchase of hard drives
- Large footprint at 17.1 by 16.5 by 18.5 inches
- Heavy at 19.9 pounds
Good fit if
- You need to expand storage on an existing Synology NAS
- You want to add 12 drive bays to your setup
- You prefer a plug-and-play upgrade solution
Skip if
- You need a complete NAS system with drives included
- You have limited space for a large expansion unit
- You want to avoid purchasing additional hard drives
Verdict: Synology DX1215II 12-Bay Expansion Unit is the right choice for users who need to significantly increase storage capacity by adding 12 bays to an existing Synology DiskStation.
Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS
Best for: high-capacity storage and expansion
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Processor
- Quad Core
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 18.5 × 17 × 16.5 inches
- Weight
- 20.9 pounds
The Synology DS2422+ is a 12-bay NAS drive with a quad-core CPU and 4GB DDR4 RAM. It delivers up to 2,201 MB/s read speeds. You can expand storage to 24 bays using the DX1222 unit. This device suits users needing high capacity and fast data transfer. It supports 10/25GbE networking and NVMe SSD cache for performance boosts.
Pros
- 12-bay drive capacity
- Quad-core CPU
- Up to 2,201 MB/s read speed
- Expandable to 24 bays
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate drives
- Limited to 4GB RAM base
- Large 18.5-inch footprint
Good fit if
- You need extensive local storage
- You require high sequential read speeds
- You plan to expand to 24 bays
Skip if
- You prefer a pre-loaded drive unit
- You need more than 4GB RAM without upgrades
- You have limited rack space
Verdict: Synology DS2422+ 12-Bay NAS fits professionals needing scalable storage and fast read speeds. It serves users who prioritize capacity expansion and network performance over plug-and-play simplicity.
Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure
Best for: High-capacity storage and virtualization workloads
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Processor
- 6-core Intel Xeon
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 17 × 18.3 × 17 inches
- Weight
- 21.6 pounds
The Synology DS3622xs+ is a 12-bay, diskless NAS designed for heavy workloads. It features a 6-core Intel Xeon processor and 16GB of RAM, supporting upgrades to 48GB. Performance includes over 260,000 4K random read IOPS. It scales to 36 bays via expansion units and supports 10/25GbE networking. This unit suits users needing high capacity and processing power for virtualization or video management.
Pros
- 12-bay capacity for extensive storage scaling
- 16GB RAM with upgrade support up to 48GB
- 6-core Intel Xeon processor for demanding tasks
- Supports 10/25GbE networking and Fibre Channel
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate purchase of drives
- Heavy build at 21.6 pounds
- Large physical dimensions at 18.3 inches wide
Good fit if
- You need a high-capacity 12-bay chassis for bulk storage
- You require a powerful 6-core CPU for virtualization
- You plan to upgrade RAM beyond the included 16GB
Skip if
- You need a pre-loaded unit with drives included
- You have limited space for a 18.3-inch wide device
- You are looking for a lightweight, portable solution
Verdict: Synology DS3622xs+ 12-Bay NAS with 16GB RAM is a robust, diskless chassis for users requiring high density and processing power. It fits data centers or offices needing scalable storage and advanced networking options.
Synology 4-Bay Expandable Rackmount NAS
Best for: scalable rackmount storage with expansion options
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Four 1GbE ports
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 19.3 × 17.2 × 10 inches
- Weight
- 18.7 pounds
The Synology 4-Bay RackStation NAS provides rackmount network storage for your infrastructure. You get four internal drive bays with expansion up to eight drives using an RX418 unit. It delivers over 2,103 MB/s read and 1,074 MB/s write throughput across four 1GbE ports with link aggregation. This unit suits you if you need scalable rack-based storage with optional 10GbE or 25GbE network upgrade paths.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds exceeding 2,103 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,074 MB/s
- Four 1GbE ports supporting network failover and load balancing
- Scales up to eight drives with an optional RX418 expansion unit
- Supports optional 10GbE or 25GbE network interface upgrades
Cons
- Ships diskless without pre-installed storage drives
- Base networking is limited to 1GbE ports without built-in multi-gigabit
- Requires optional add-in modules for SSD cache and faster networking
Good fit if
- You need a rackmount enclosure that can expand up to eight drives.
- You want multiple network ports for link aggregation and failover.
- You plan to add 10GbE or 25GbE network cards as your workload grows.
Skip if
- You require pre-installed storage drives straight out of the box.
- You need out-of-the-box 10GbE networking without purchasing add-on cards.
Verdict: Synology 4-Bay RackStation NAS delivers multi-gigabit throughput and quad-port redundancy in a dedicated rackmount chassis. It provides a solid foundation if you want modular storage that supports future networking and drive expansion.
Synology 2-Bay 2GB RAM NAS Hub
Best for: Compact home file backup and surveillance
- Drive Bays
- 2-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 2GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 6.5 × 4.25 × 9.17 inches
- Weight
- 2.82 pounds
The Synology DS223 is a 2-bay, diskless NAS unit designed for home and office backup. It features a Realtek RTD1619B quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM. You get a compact chassis measuring 4.25 by 6.5 inches. It supports automated backups for Macs and PCs. You also get DIY surveillance capabilities for IP cameras. This unit centralizes your data without included drives.
Pros
- 2-bay diskless design for flexible storage
- Realtek quad-core CPU with 2GB RAM
- Compact 4.25 x 6.5 inch footprint
- Supports automated backups and surveillance
Cons
- Diskless, requiring separate drive purchase
- 2GB RAM limits heavy multitasking
- No included storage media
Good fit if
- You need a compact 2-bay NAS
- You want automated file backups
- You plan to add IP cameras
Skip if
- You require pre-installed drives
- You need more than two bays
- You want a high-performance server
Verdict: Synology DS223 2-Bay NAS is a compact entry point for users needing basic file backup and surveillance. It suits those who prefer to buy drives separately and value a small footprint.
Synology 12-Bay Redundant Power Expansion Unit
Best for: expanding RackStation storage capacity
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 32.7 × 25.7 × 8.27 inches
- Weight
- 38.5 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 12-Bay Redundant Power Expansion Unit
This is a 12-bay expansion unit designed for rack environments. It holds 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA drives but includes no storage. The RX1223RP model features redundant power supplies to prevent single points of failure. It measures 16.9 by 27.2 by 3.5 inches and weighs 38.5 pounds. You use it to add significant storage capacity to an existing Synology RackStation system.
Pros
- 12 drive bays for 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA drives
- Redundant power supply prevents single points of failure
- Expands storage using Synology DSM unified tools
- Compatible with Synology drives for integration reliability
Cons
- Diskless design requires you to purchase drives separately
- Large footprint at 16.9 by 27.2 by 3.5 inches
- Heavy build at 38.5 pounds
Good fit if
- You need to add 12 drive bays to a RackStation
- You require redundant power for critical data storage
- You already have a Synology NAS system to expand
Skip if
- You need a standalone NAS with included drives
- You require a compact desktop unit for home use
- You do not have a rackmount chassis to attach it to
Verdict: Synology 12-Bay RackStation with Redundant Power is a robust expansion unit for users who need to scale storage capacity significantly while maintaining power redundancy in a rack environment.
Synology 2-Bay 8TB NAS
Best for: pre-equipped two-bay centralized file storage
- Drive Bays
- 2-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 1 x RJ-45 1GbE
- Processor
- Realtek RTD1619B
- RAM Capacity
- 2 GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- 8TB
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
The Synology DiskStation 2-Bay 8TB NAS is a compact desktop network storage setup supplied with 8TB of storage across two hot-swappable drive bays. It runs on a Realtek RTD1619B quad-core 1.7 GHz processor paired with 2 GB of DDR4 non-ECC memory and one 1GbE LAN port. This configuration suits you if you need ready-to-use central storage with dedicated system memory for file sharing, local backups, and external drive connections via three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports.
Pros
- Includes 8TB of storage pre-configured in two bays
- Realtek RTD1619B 4-core 1.7 GHz processor with 2 GB DDR4 memory
- Three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for external connectivity
- Supports hot-swappable drive replacement
Cons
- Limited to a single 1GbE network port
- Fixed 2 GB non-ECC RAM configuration
- Only two drive bays available for storage capacity
Good fit if
- You want a two-bay unit that arrives with 8TB of included storage.
- You need multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for external peripherals.
- You require 2 GB of system memory for baseline network storage tasks.
Skip if
- You need multi-gigabit networking or link aggregation across multiple LAN ports.
- You require more than two drive bays for higher capacity or complex RAID arrays.
Verdict: Synology DiskStation 2-Bay 8TB NAS provides an integrated 8TB two-bay storage setup with 2 GB of memory and solid USB connectivity. It handles personal backups and daily data sharing across a standard 1GbE network.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack | Synology 4 License Pack | Synology RackStation Storage Expansion Enclosure | Synology 2U Rackmount Redundant Power Expansion Unit | Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit | Synology 6-Bay 2.5 Inch NAS DS620slim | Synology 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS | Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS | Synology 12-Bay DiskStation Expansion Unit | Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS | Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure | Synology 4-Bay Expandable Rackmount NAS | Synology 2-Bay 2GB RAM NAS Hub | Synology 12-Bay Redundant Power Expansion Unit | Synology 2-Bay 8TB NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 4-Bay | 6 Bay | 4-Bay | 8 Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 4-Bay | 2-Bay | 12-Bay | 2-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Four 1GbE ports | not specified | not specified | 1 x RJ-45 1GbE |
| Processor | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Intel quad-core | not specified | not specified | Quad Core | 6-core Intel Xeon | not specified | not specified | not specified | Realtek RTD1619B |
| RAM Capacity | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 2GB DDR3L | 4GB DDR4 | not specified | not specified | 4GB DDR4 | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 2 GB DDR4 |
| Included Storage | not specified | not specified | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | 8TB |
| Form Factor | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 2.5 Inch | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Number of Bays | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 4-Bay | 6-Bay | 4-Bay | 8-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 4-Bay | 2-Bay | 12-Bay | 2-Bay |
| Size | CLP8 | 4 license | 88 mm x 482 mm x 696 mm | 2U x 24" x 36" | 44 mm x 480 mm x 325 mm | 6-bay; 2GB DDR3L | DS920+ | RS1221+ | 270 mm x 300 mm x 340 mm | 12-bay; 4GB DDR4 | DS3622xs+ | RS822+ | DS223 | 16.9" x 27.2" x 3.5" | 8TB |
| Processor Cores | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Quad-Core | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 5 × 5 × 1 inches | 5 × 5 × 1 inches | 25.4 × 17 × 3.46 inches | 27.4 × 17 × 3.46 inches | 17 × 11.4 × 1.73 inches | 6.89 × 5.94 × 4.76 inches | 8.78 × 7.83 × 6.54 inches | 23 × 16.5 × 8.5 inches | 18.5 × 17.1 × 16.5 inches | 18.5 × 17 × 16.5 inches | 17 × 18.3 × 17 inches | 19.3 × 17.2 × 10 inches | 6.5 × 4.25 × 9.17 inches | 32.7 × 25.7 × 8.27 inches | 9.17 × 4.25 × 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.71 ounces | 0.35 ounces | 28 pounds | 29.5 pounds | 9.44 pounds | 3.09 pounds | 4.94 pounds | not specified | 19.9 pounds | 20.9 pounds | 21.6 pounds | 18.7 pounds | 2.82 pounds | 38.5 pounds | 6.68 pounds |
| Color | Multicolor | Multicolor | Black | Black | black | white | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black | Not Available | Black | Black | Seagate IronWolf |
| Model | CLP8 | CLP4 | RX1217 | RX1217RP | RX418 | DS620slim | DS920+ | RS1221+ | DX1215II | DS2422+ | DS3622xs+ | RS822+ | DS223 | RX1223RP | not specified |
Comparing the Synology NAS Lineup
Desktop enclosures target home networks and smaller workgroups. If you need simple standalone storage, models like the Synology BeeStation 4TB Personal Cloud work best. When you require faster networking and expansion bays, four-bay desktop units like the Synology 4-Bay Dual 2.5GbE NAS handle collaborative office tasks.
Rackmount chassis serve dedicated equipment racks. Choose the Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS if you operate within shallow-depth network cabinets. For high-density enterprise storage requiring hardware redundancy and 10GbE connectivity, the Synology RackStation 12-Bay 2U Redundant Power NAS provides scalable multi-drive performance.
Synology Hardware Range and Feature Limits
The Synology range suits users needing single-drive personal clouds up to 12-bay rackmount infrastructure. Hardware shapes span compact desktop towers, 1U shelves, and 2U server chassis. Capacities cover diskless enclosures and pre-configured drives from 4TB to 24TB. Network interfaces scale from 1GbE ports to integrated 10GbE and PCIe expansion. The lineup has notable gaps. None of the listed models provide wireless Wi-Fi networking or decorative lighting options. You will not find mid-tier six-bay or ten-bay configurations here, and redundant power supplies remain exclusive to large 2U rack units.
When you need physical equipment protection instead of data capacity, compare external dimensions across the best plastic storage sheds.
How to Choose a Synology NAS
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Selecting the Chassis Form Factor
You should check your physical mounting space before choosing an enclosure. Desktop units fit shelves and desks without extra hardware. Rackmount enclosures suit server closets and standard IT racks. For instance, the Synology RackStation 12-Bay 2U Redundant Power NAS occupies a 2U rack form factor and offers hardware power redundancy. Compare unit dimensions and mounting styles. If you lack a server rack, choose a compact desktop tower instead.
-
Evaluating Drive Bay Count
Check the number of drive bays to match your data redundancy needs. A two-bay unit handles basic two-drive mirroring for personal files. A four-bay unit lets you build larger multi-drive arrays with better fault tolerance. The Synology 4-Bay Media and Backup NAS provides four disk bays to distribute data safely across multiple drives. Compare the bay count against your future storage targets so you do not outgrow the enclosure too quickly.
-
Matching Network Port Speeds
Network port speed dictates your file transfer bandwidth across the local network. Basic 1GbE ports handle standard document sharing and media streaming. Faster multi-gigabit options prevent bottlenecks when moving large archives or handling high-resolution media. The Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS 24TB includes 5GbE and 1GbE connectivity for higher transfer rates. Check your existing switch and router hardware to make sure your local network supports the Ethernet speed of the NAS.
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Checking Installed RAM Capacity
Review the memory capacity to ensure the hardware supports your workload. File backups and simple media libraries run reliably on 1GB or 2GB of RAM. If you plan to manage virtualization tasks, surveillance feeds, or multi-user file sync, choose a unit with more memory. The Synology 4-Bay Expandable NAS Enclosure comes with 4GB of RAM for active workloads. Compare RAM specs before buying to keep your system responsive under heavy use.
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Pre-Installed Versus Diskless Models
Determine whether you want integrated storage drives or an empty diskless chassis. Pre-installed models come with hard drives already configured, saving you installation steps. The Synology BeeStation 4TB Personal Cloud provides 4TB of built-in storage ready for backup tasks right away. Diskless enclosures require you to supply separate drives, which gives you control over drive selection. Choose pre-configured units for quick setup, or pick diskless enclosures to customize drive capacity yourself.
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Assessing PCIe Expansion Potential
Examine whether the chassis provides PCIe slots or multi-bay expansion support. Enclosures with PCIe slots allow you to install upgraded network cards or high-speed add-on modules as your demands grow. The Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS includes PCIe expansion options alongside eight drive bays for scalable performance. If you anticipate higher throughput needs in the future, check the spec sheet for PCIe modularity before locking yourself into a fixed configuration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Synology NAS for expanding surveillance to eight cameras?
The Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack is the top choice for this task. It allows you to add eight camera licenses to your existing setup without buying new hardware. This digital add-on provides flexible license migration, making it ideal for users who need to scale their surveillance network efficiently.
Which Synology model is best for compact 2.5-inch drive storage?
The Synology DS620slim 6-Bay NAS is the best option for compact 2.5-inch drive storage. It features a small chassis that fits well in limited spaces while offering six bays for 2.5-inch drives. This unit also supports video transcoding and includes 2GB of DDR3L memory for smooth operation.
How can I expand the storage capacity of my existing Synology NAS?
You can use dedicated expansion units to add more bays to your current system. For example, the Synology RX418 offers four additional bays, while the DX1215II provides twelve bays. These enclosures connect to compatible Synology NAS devices, allowing you to scale storage seamlessly without replacing your primary unit.
What is the best Synology NAS for virtualization workloads?
The Synology DS3622xs+ 12-Bay NAS is designed for high-capacity virtualization workloads. It comes with 16GB of RAM and a quad-core processor to handle demanding tasks. This diskless chassis is suitable for data centers or offices that need scalable storage and advanced networking options for enterprise-level applications.
Which Synology NAS is suitable for shallow rackmount setups?
The Synology RS1221+ 8-Bay Rackmount NAS is ideal for shallow rack environments. It delivers eight expandable drive bays and high-speed PCIe networking in a space-saving footprint. This model supports multi-user storage setups and provides robust performance for users who need to maximize efficiency in limited rack space.
What is the best pre-equipped Synology NAS for personal backups?
The Synology DiskStation 2-Bay 8TB NAS is a strong choice for personal backups. It comes pre-installed with 8TB of storage and 2GB of RAM. This unit features USB connectivity and handles daily data sharing across a standard 1GbE network, making it easy to set up for home use.