Synology 2-Bay Intel Streaming NAS Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

Comparing NAS Alternatives to DS225+

Buffalo LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS

The BUFFALO LinkStation 220 includes 4TB of pre-installed storage, whereas the Synology DS225+ arrives diskless. This makes the Buffalo a ready-to-use option for home users who want simplicity without buying drives separately. It focuses on straightforward RAID 1 backup for data security. However, it lacks the Intel CPU hardware transcoding found in the DS225+, meaning it cannot handle 4K media streaming as efficiently. If you need a private media server with advanced surveillance support for up to 30 IP cameras, the Synology is the stronger choice. The Buffalo suits those who prioritize plug-and-play convenience and basic file protection over high-performance streaming capabilities.

QNAP 2-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage

The QNAP TR-002 is a Direct Attached Storage device, not a network-attached server. It connects via USB-C to a single PC, offering high-speed expansion rather than multi-user network access. Unlike the Synology DS225+, which allows you to access files from anywhere via the internet, this unit is limited to local connectivity. It is ideal if you already own a QNAP NAS and need extra local capacity or a fast external drive for a single computer. You give up the ability to stream media to multiple devices simultaneously or run smart home surveillance systems. Choose this if your workflow centers on a single machine needing rapid data transfer speeds without network complexity.

QNAP TS-233 2-Bay NAS

The QNAP TS-233 is a compact entry-level NAS with a quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM. It is smaller and lighter than the Synology DS225+, making it suitable for small spaces. However, it lacks the dedicated Intel CPU hardware transcoding capabilities of the DS225+, limiting its effectiveness as a 4K media streaming server. It also does not support the extensive IP camera integration found in the Synology unit. This model fits users who need basic file storage and reliable backups in a home office environment. If you require robust data protection with snapshot technology or advanced media server features, the Synology offers superior performance and versatility for your digital content management needs.

QNAP TS-233 2-Bay Desktop NAS

This listing for the QNAP TS-233 Desktop NAS mirrors the previous model with a quad-core processor and 2GB RAM. It serves as a practical entry-level solution for basic file management and backups. Like the other TS-233 variant, it lacks the Intel hardware transcoding engine present in the Synology DS225+. This means it cannot efficiently convert video formats for streaming to various devices. It also does not support the extensive surveillance features available on the Synology. This unit is best for users who prioritize compact size and straightforward data protection over advanced media server capabilities. If you need a reliable backup drive for a small team or home office without the need for heavy media processing, this QNAP model is a functional alternative.

Asustor Lockerstor 2-Bay NVMe NAS

The Asustor AS6702T features an Intel processor and dual 2.5GbE ports, offering faster network speeds than the standard Ethernet on the Synology DS225+. It supports NVMe cache expansion, which can significantly boost performance for media servers and virtual machines. Like the Synology, it is designed for strong performance in media streaming and local network transfers. However, it also arrives without included storage, requiring you to purchase drives separately. It is an excellent choice if you prioritize raw network throughput and expandability. Users who need specific smart home surveillance integration or the particular backup ecosystem of Synology might find the Asustor less comprehensive, but it excels in pure data transfer speed and processing power.

QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Desktop NAS

The QNAP TS-264 is a more powerful desktop NAS with an Intel Celeron processor and support for M.2 NVMe drives. It offers 5GbE and 2.5GbE networking options, providing superior bandwidth compared to the DS225+. This makes it ideal for users who value speed and expandability for complex media workflows. However, it is larger and heavier than the Synology unit. It lacks the specific smart home surveillance features highlighted for the DS225+. If you need high-performance processing for intensive tasks and fast network connectivity, the TS-264 is a strong contender. It suits users who prioritize raw speed and storage expansion over the compact size and specific surveillance integrations of the Synology DS225+.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Synology 2-Bay Intel Streaming NAS

Best for: Intel-based media streaming and surveillance

Drive Bays

2-Bay

Processor

Intel CPU

Included Storage

Diskless

Dimensions

9.14 × 4.25 × 6.5 inches

Weight

2.87 pounds

View on Amazon: Synology 2-Bay Intel Streaming NAS Affiliate link

The Synology DS225+ is a 2-bay NAS with an Intel CPU for hardware transcoding. It supports up to 30 IP cameras and offers 282 MB/s transfer speeds. This diskless unit measures 165 x 108 x 232.2 mm. It suits users needing private cloud storage, media streaming, and automated data protection without monthly fees.

Pros

• Intel CPU enables hardware transcoding for media servers
• Supports up to 30 IP cameras with AI detection
• Fast 282 MB/s transfer speeds for remote access
• Multi-layered data protection with RAID and snapshots
• Includes a 3-year warranty for hardware reliability

Cons

• Sold diskless with no included storage drives
• Limited to 2 drive bays for expansion
• No mention of built-in eSATA or USB 3.2 ports

Good fit if

• You need hardware transcoding for Plex or similar apps
• You want to connect multiple security cameras
• You prioritize data protection with RAID and snapshots

Skip if

• You require more than 2 drive bays
• You need pre-loaded storage drives included
• You prefer ARM-based low-power solutions

Verdict: Synology DS225+ 2-Bay Intel NAS fits users who need hardware transcoding and robust data protection. It is ideal for those building a private media library or surveillance system.

2 Best home users

Buffalo LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS

Best for: Simple home storage with RAID 1 backup

Drive Bays

2-Bay

Included Storage

4TB

RAID Support

RAID 0, RAID 1

Intended Use

Home Users

Dimensions

5.04 × 10 × 8.82 inches

Weight

1 pounds

View on Amazon: Buffalo LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS Affiliate link

The BUFFALO LinkStation 220 is a 2-bay NAS with 4TB of included storage. It supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 for data redundancy or speed. The device uses a closed system to reduce vulnerabilities and includes SSL encryption. You get shared network storage for Windows and macOS. It is designed for home users who want a simple, subscription-free personal cloud without monthly fees.

Pros

• Includes 4TB of storage in two 2TB drives
• Supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations
• Closed system reduces third-party app vulnerabilities
• Includes SSL encryption for secure file transfers
• No monthly subscription fees for personal cloud access

Cons

• Limited to macOS 15 and earlier versions
• Closed system restricts advanced app customization
• Basic management via NAS Navigator utility only

Good fit if

• You want a simple, subscription-free personal cloud
• You need RAID 1 for automatic data backup
• You store media files for home network sharing

Skip if

• You require macOS 26 (Sequoia) compatibility
• You need advanced app ecosystem support
• You want high-performance streaming capabilities

Verdict: The BUFFALO LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS fits users who prioritize data security and simplicity over advanced features. It is ideal for home users who want a straightforward, subscription-free storage solution with built-in RAID protection.

3 Best budget

QNAP 2-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage

Best for: expanding QNAP NAS capacity or single-PC storage

Drive Bays

2-Bay

Included Storage

Diskless

RAID Support

RAID 0, 1, JBOD

Dimensions

8.86 × 4.02 × 6.63 inches

Weight

2.65 pounds

View on Amazon: QNAP 2-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage Affiliate link

The QNAP TR-002 is a 2-bay direct-attached storage unit designed for high-speed data transfer via USB Type-C. It supports 2.5 and 3.5-inch SATA drives and offers hardware RAID 0, 1, and JBOD configurations. This clear-colored device weighs 2.65 pounds and measures 8.86 by 4.02 by 6.63 inches. It suits users needing extra capacity for existing QNAP systems or as a fast external drive for Windows, macOS, and Linux computers.

Pros

• USB Type-C connection for high-speed data transfer
• Hardware RAID 0, 1, and JBOD support
• Lockable drive bays for physical security
• Compatible with 2.5 and 3.5-inch SATA drives

Cons

• No built-in network interface for standalone NAS use
• Requires a host computer for operation
• Limited to direct-attached storage functionality

Good fit if

• You need to expand storage for a QNAP NAS
• You want a fast external drive for a single computer
• You prefer hardware RAID management without software

Skip if

• You need a standalone network-attached storage device
• You require remote access without a host computer
• You want to connect multiple devices over a network

Verdict: QNAP TR-002 2-Bay USB-C DAS is a practical expansion unit for users who already have a QNAP NAS or need a secure, high-speed external drive for a single PC. It does not replace a network NAS for multi-user environments.

4 Also great

QNAP TS-233 2-Bay NAS

Best for: basic file storage in small spaces

Drive Bays

2 Bay

Network Connectivity

1x Gb LAN

Processor

ARM Cortex-A55 Quad-core 2.0 GHz

RAM Capacity

2 GB RAM

Form Factor

Desktop

Dimensions

7.4 × 3.54 × 6.14 inches

View on Amazon: QNAP TS-233 2-Bay NAS Affiliate link

This 2-bay desktop NAS uses a 64-bit Cortex-A55 quad-core processor running at 2.0 GHz. It includes 2 GB of RAM and one Gigabit LAN port. The unit measures 7.4 by 3.54 by 6.14 inches and weighs 2.2 pounds. It supports snapshots to protect data. This setup suits users needing basic storage with a compact footprint.

Pros

• 64-bit Cortex-A55 quad-core 2.0 GHz CPU
• 2 GB RAM capacity
• Snapshots feature for ransomware protection
• Compact 2.2-pound desktop enclosure

Cons

• Only one Gigabit LAN port
• 2 GB RAM limits heavy media transcoding
• No mention of Wi-Fi connectivity

Good fit if

• You need a small desktop footprint
• You want basic data protection via snapshots
• You have a wired Gigabit network

Skip if

• You require multi-gigabit network speeds
• You need to stream 4K media actively
• You want wireless connectivity options

Verdict: QNAP TS-233 2-Bay Desktop NAS is a compact entry-level drive for simple file storage. It fits users who prioritize a small size over high-speed media streaming.

5 Also great

QNAP TS-233 2-Bay Desktop NAS

Best for: basic home file storage and backups

Drive Bays

2 Bay

Processor

ARM Cortex-A55 Quad-core 2.0 GHz

RAM Capacity

2 GB DDR4 RAM

Included Storage

Diskless

Form Factor

Desktop

Dimensions

10.4 × 8.74 × 3.94 inches

View on Amazon: QNAP TS-233 2-Bay Desktop NAS Affiliate link

The QNAP TS-233 is a 2-bay desktop NAS built for home file storage and multimedia streaming. It uses an ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core processor running at 2.0GHz paired with 2 GB of DDR4 RAM. The unit measures 8.74 by 10.4 by 3.94 inches and weighs 2.2 pounds. It supports snapshot technology for ransomware protection and includes backup software for Windows and Mac computers.

Pros

• ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 2.0GHz processor
• 2 GB DDR4 RAM for multitasking
• 2-bay desktop form factor
• Storage snapshot technology for ransomware protection

Cons

• ARM processor limits transcoding performance compared to Intel models
• Only 2 GB RAM restricts heavy app usage
• No mention of hardware transcoding acceleration

Good fit if

• You need a budget-friendly NAS for basic file storage
• You want to backup Windows and Mac computers easily
• You prefer a compact desktop unit for home use

Skip if

• You require high-performance media transcoding for 4K streams
• You need extensive app expansion capabilities
• You want an Intel-based processor for better compatibility

Verdict: The QNAP TS-233 Desktop NAS is a practical entry-level storage solution for users who prioritize basic file management and backup over advanced media server features. It suits home offices that need reliable data protection without the cost of higher-end hardware.

6 Best premium

Asustor Lockerstor 2-Bay NVMe NAS

Best for: 4K streaming and fast local network transfers

Drive Bays

2-Bay

Network Connectivity

Dual 2.5GbE

Processor

Intel Celeron N5105

RAM Capacity

4GB DDR4

M.2 NVMe Slots

4 slots

Included Storage

Diskless

View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 2-Bay NVMe NAS Affiliate link

This 2-bay NAS uses an Intel Celeron N5105 processor for efficient multimedia streaming and file management. It includes dual 2.5GbE ports for fast network transfers and supports up to 16GB of expandable DDR4 RAM. The unit also features four M.2 NVMe slots for cache acceleration. It is diskless, so you must supply your own drives. This setup suits users who need hardware transcoding for 4K content.

Pros

• Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor for smooth transcoding
• Dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports for high-speed data transfer
• Four M.2 NVMe slots for cache acceleration or storage pools
• Expandable DDR4 memory up to 16GB for multitasking
• Tool-free drive installation for easy maintenance

Cons

• Sold diskless, requiring you to purchase drives separately
• Larger physical footprint compared to standard 2-bay units
• No mention of built-in Wi-Fi connectivity

Good fit if

• You need hardware transcoding for 4K Plex streams
• You want dual 2.5GbE ports for faster local transfers
• You plan to use NVMe SSDs for cache acceleration

Skip if

• You prefer a NAS with drives included in the box
• You need a compact device for tight spaces
• You require built-in wireless network connectivity

Verdict: Asustor AS6702T 2-Bay Intel NAS delivers strong performance for media servers with its Intel processor and dual 2.5GbE ports. It is the right pick for users who prioritize fast network speeds and NVMe cache expansion over included storage.

7 Best intel celeron

QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Desktop NAS

Best for: NVMe cache and fast networking

Drive Bays

2 Bay

Network Connectivity

Dual 2.5GbE

Processor

Intel Celeron N5105/N5095

RAM Capacity

8GB DDR4

M.2 NVMe Slots

Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x1

Included Storage

Diskless

View on Amazon: QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Desktop NAS Affiliate link

The QNAP TS-264 is a 2-bay desktop NAS with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM. It features dual 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots for cache or storage. This setup suits users needing fast local transfers and media streaming. The clear desktop design fits on a desk. It supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for external drive connectivity.

Pros

• Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor
• 8GB DDR4 RAM for multitasking
• Dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots
• Dual 2.5GbE network ports
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports

Cons

• Larger desktop footprint than compact units
• No mention of built-in display or remote
• Only two drive bays limit capacity

Good fit if

• You need NVMe cache acceleration
• You want fast 2.5GbE networking
• You prefer desktop form factors

Skip if

• You require silent operation
• You need more than two bays
• You want a portable drive

Verdict: QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Desktop NAS offers strong processing power and NVMe support for media workflows. It fits users who value speed and expandability over compact size.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• hyperx cloud mix 2 alternatives
• gemini standalone USB dj media alternatives