TERRAMASTER or BUFFALO? NAS Devices Compared in 2026
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
You are looking at the TERRAMASTER vs BUFFALO NAS device debate. Both units serve as home network storage solutions for centralizing files. The main difference lies in their capacity and flexibility. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 is a diskless, 2-bay unit with a quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM. In contrast, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a pre-configured, 1-bay system that includes 2TB of storage. You must decide between expandable hardware and an out-of-the-box experience.
Key differences
| Aspect | TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS | BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 2-Bay | 1-Bay |
| Processor | ARM v8 quad-core 1.7GHz | not listed |
| RAM | 1GB DDR4 | not listed |
| Included Storage | Diskless | 2TB |
| RAID Support | RAID 0 | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS if
- You want to expand your storage capacity beyond 2TB by adding multiple drives.
- You need a more powerful processor for handling multimedia or file services.
- You prefer a diskless system to choose your own hard drives for specific needs.
Choose BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS if
- You want a ready-to-use solution with 2TB of storage included.
- You prefer a compact, single-bay form factor for limited space.
- You want a closed system designed for simple backup and secure file sharing.
Verdict: The TERRAMASTER F2-212 is the better choice for users who need expandability and processing power. The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 suits those who want a simple, pre-configured storage device with included drives.
TERRAMASTER vs BUFFALO NAS Specs
Number of bays
The TERRAMASTER F2-212 offers two drive bays, allowing you to install two hard drives for increased capacity or redundancy. This 2-bay configuration supports SATA HDDs up to 24TB each, reaching a total of 64TB in RAID 0. In contrast, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a 1-bay NAS. It comes with a single 2TB drive included. While BUFFALO offers other models with more bays, this specific unit is limited to one drive. If you need to store more data or want basic RAID protection without buying a larger chassis, the TERRAMASTER provides more internal flexibility from the start.
RAM capacity
Memory plays a role in how smoothly the operating system handles multiple requests. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 is equipped with 1GB of DDR4 RAM. This memory is not upgradeable, so you are stuck with this amount for the life of the device. The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 does not list its RAM specifications in the provided data. Without knowing the exact memory size, it is difficult to compare performance under load. However, the TERRAMASTER explicitly states its hardware configuration, giving you clear information about its processing resources for file services and multimedia decoding.
Processor
Processing power affects how quickly files are accessed and how well media is streamed. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 uses an ARM v8 quad-core CPU running at 1.7GHz. This processor supports 4K video hardware decoding and handles multiple file protocols like SMB, NFS, and AFP. The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 does not list its processor type or clock speed in the available specifications. While it is designed for home users, the lack of detailed CPU information makes it hard to judge its raw performance capabilities compared to the clearly specified quad-core unit from TERRAMASTER.
Included storage
Some NAS drives come with pre-installed drives, while others require you to buy them separately. The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 includes a 2TB hard drive out of the box. This means you can set it up and start storing files immediately without additional hardware purchases. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 is sold diskless. You must purchase two hard drives separately to use it. If you want a complete solution that works right out of the box with no extra spending on media, the BUFFALO option is more convenient for immediate use.
RAID support
RAID configurations protect your data or increase speed by combining drives. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 supports RAID 0, which combines two drives to double capacity and speed, though it offers no data redundancy. If one drive fails, you lose all data. The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a single-bay device, so it cannot perform any RAID operations. It relies on the single internal drive for storage. If you plan to use two drives for performance, the TERRAMASTER allows it. If you only need one drive, the BUFFALO is simpler, but offers no RAID flexibility.
Which NAS device fits your needs
Users needing flexible storage expansion
The TERRAMASTER F2-212 provides two drive bays, allowing you to install two hard drives for increased capacity or redundancy. This 2-bay configuration supports SATA HDDs up to 24TB each, reaching a total of 64TB in RAID 0. You can mix 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, giving you control over your storage growth and performance without being locked into a single fixed size.
Buyers wanting immediate plug-and-play storage
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 includes a 2TB hard drive, so you get immediate storage upon unboxing. This one-bay unit is ideal if you want a simple, centralized backup solution for photos and videos without the setup time of buying separate drives. It connects to your router for shared network access across Windows and macOS devices right away.
Home users prioritizing hardware performance
The TERRAMASTER F2-212 features an ARM v8 quad-core 1.7GHz processor and 1GB of DDR4 RAM. This hardware supports 4K video hardware decoding and robust file services like SMB, NFS, and iSCSI. If you plan to use the NAS as a multimedia center or need faster file transfers across multiple platforms, this stronger CPU and memory configuration handles those tasks more effectively.
The products compared
TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS
Best for: Home multimedia and basic file storage
- Drive Bays
- 2-Bay
- Processor
- ARM v8 quad-core 1.7GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 1GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAID Support
- RAID 0
- Dimensions
- 8.74 × 4.69 × 6.06 inches
View on Amazon: TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS Affiliate link
The TerraMaster F2-212 is a 2-bay network attached storage device for home and small office use. It features an ARM v8 quad-core 1.7GHz processor and 1GB of DDR4 RAM. The unit supports RAID 0 and accepts 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA drives up to 24TB each. It runs TOS 7 and includes hardware decoding for 4K video. This diskless model serves as a reliable file server and multimedia center.
Pros
- ARM v8 quad-core 1.7GHz processor
- Supports RAID 0 configuration
- 4K video hardware decoding capability
- Compatible with SMB, NFS, and AFP protocols
- Supports drives up to 24TB per bay
Cons
- Only supports RAID 0, lacking data redundancy
- RAM is not upgradeable
- Sold without internal hard drives
Good fit if
- You need a compact 2-bay storage solution
- You want hardware-accelerated 4K video streaming
- You are setting up a home multimedia center
Skip if
- You require RAID 1 for data protection
- You need to upgrade system memory later
- You want a NAS with pre-installed storage
Verdict: TerraMaster F2-212 2-Bay NAS is a capable entry-level device for users who prioritize raw throughput and media decoding over data redundancy. It fits home users who manage their own backup strategies and prefer a lightweight, diskless chassis.
BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS
Best for: Basic home file sharing and backups
- Drive Bays
- 1-Bay
- Included Storage
- 2TB
- Intended Use
- Home Users
- Dimensions
- 9.45 × 3.31 × 8.67 inches
- Weight
- 2.43 pounds
View on Amazon: BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS Affiliate link
The BUFFALO LS210 is a single-bay NAS drive with 2TB of included storage. It connects to your router for centralized file sharing across Windows and macOS 15 or earlier. The system uses SSL encryption and a closed architecture to protect your data. You get automated backup utilities and secure folder sharing. It is a straightforward, subscription-free storage solution for home users who need reliable, local data management.
Pros
- Includes 2TB HDD in a single drive bay
- SSL encryption for secure file transfers
- Closed system reduces third-party app vulnerabilities
- NAS Navigator 2 for automated computer backups
- Individual folder access restrictions for sharing
Cons
- Single drive bay offers no RAID redundancy
- Limited to macOS 15 and earlier versions
- No mention of USB 3.0 transfer speeds
Good fit if
- You need a simple, plug-and-play storage device
- You want to back up one or two computers
- You prefer a closed system for security
Skip if
- You require RAID 1 data redundancy
- You use macOS 26 or newer
- You need to store more than 2TB locally
Verdict: The BUFFALO LS210 2TB 1-Bay NAS is a secure, entry-level storage box for users who need basic file sharing and backups without complex setup.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS | BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 2-Bay | 1-Bay |
| Processor | ARM v8 quad-core 1.7GHz | not stated |
| RAM Capacity | 1GB DDR4 | not stated |
| Included Storage | Diskless | 2TB |
| RAID Support | RAID 0 | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 2-Bay | not stated |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | not stated |
| Intended Use | not stated | Home Users |
| Dimensions | 8.74 × 4.69 × 6.06 inches | 9.45 × 3.31 × 8.67 inches |
| Weight | 4.6 pounds | 2.43 pounds |
| Size | 2 Bay | 2TB (1x2TB) |
| Color | 2-Bay, Quad-Core, F2-212 | Black |
| Model | F2-212 | LS210D0201 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the TERRAMASTER F2-212 better for media playback than the BUFFALO LS210?
Yes, the TERRAMASTER F2-212 is better for media playback. It features a quad-core processor that handles raw throughput and media decoding more effectively than the single-bay BUFFALO LS210. The BUFFALO unit is designed for basic file sharing and simple backups, lacking the processing power for heavy media tasks.
Can I add more storage to the BUFFALO LS210 later?
No, you cannot add more internal storage to the BUFFALO LS210. It is a fixed 1-bay unit with 2TB of pre-installed storage. If you need more capacity, you must replace the existing drive or use an external solution. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 allows you to install two drives for expansion.
Which NAS device is smaller and lighter?
The BUFFALO LS210 is smaller and lighter. It weighs 2.43 pounds and measures 3.31 by 8.67 by 9.45 inches. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 is larger and heavier at 4.6 pounds, with dimensions of 4.69 by 6.06 by 8.74 inches. The BUFFALO unit fits easily on small desks.
Does the TERRAMASTER F2-212 come with hard drives installed?
No, the TERRAMASTER F2-212 is sold as a diskless chassis. You must purchase hard drives separately. This allows you to choose drives that fit your specific capacity and performance needs. The BUFFALO LS210 includes 2TB of storage pre-installed, so it is ready to use out of the box.
Is the BUFFALO LS210 suitable for RAID configurations?
No, the BUFFALO LS210 is not suitable for RAID. It is a single-bay device with only one drive slot. RAID requires at least two drives. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 supports RAID configurations across its two bays, offering data redundancy or increased speed depending on your setup.
Which device is better for users who want simplicity?
The BUFFALO LS210 is better for users who want simplicity. It is an entry-level storage box designed for basic file sharing and backups without complex setup. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 is aimed at users who manage their own backup strategies and prioritize raw throughput, requiring more technical involvement.