Synology Ds216+ Ii
Product ratings
Pros
Cons
32 reviews
A NAS that does more than it says on the box
Digitec asks me to evaluate the Synology DS216+ II after a week. Well then:
Synology's product portfolio is more confusing (DS216se, DS216j, DS216play, DS216, DS216+II) than a Pokedex. The DS216+II differs from the others within the 216 series by the CPU (a minimally faster Intel Celeron). I cannot judge whether the difference is noticeable.
The performance is completely sufficient for a NAS. And there is still plenty left to run a lot of additional gadgets and features.
The web user interface to the DSM (v6.0) is exemplary. All device manufacturers that offer web interfaces should take a look at this.
Synology's pre-built application packages can be installed via a simple package manager.
There is Docker, through which one can search, download, set up and run almost any Docker container. My first tests indicate that this is not just a theoretical gimmick: the performance is very decent even with several containers running. A real eye-opener for me.
Synology's mobile apps are not bad, but not really good either. For comparison: the Plex app is much fancier as a media player than DSvideo; the DSfile is about on par with the ownCloud app. Overall, I find them purposefully powerful, but not inspiring.
One exception is DSphoto and the Synology-supplied Photo Station on the NAS: this is a very usable photo server and a pretty good mobile client. Powerful and visually appealing.Pro
- great web-based user interface
- Good assistants, e.g. to make or check security-relevant settings.
- Docker promises exceptional flexibility and (relative) future security
- Read/Write performance is good
Contra
- The range of functions might be too much for technophobic beginners.
Super, but with somewhat little working memory
Completely satisfied after upgrading to 8GB RAM (out of warranty). Replaced my aging Synology DS211+, which has now been converted into a "backup" server.
A clear recommendation to buy.Pro
- Very good UI
- Fast data transmission in the LAN (112MB/s)
- Good apps available for mobile phones
- Synology is constantly developing its operating system
- Low power consumption
- Quiet
Contra
- Only 1 GB RAM
- only 1 LAN connection
Very good!
Excellent value for money!
In addition with all the expertise of Synology which has become
leader in the field of personal NAS.
You can do almost anything with this Nas.Pro
- Performance, ease of use, functionality.
- Low consumption
Immediately again.
A super Nas. It convinced me right from the start. Friendly and appealing user interface. Large selection of apps for the NAS itself as well as for mobile phones. I can't imagine my life without it. As soon as I get home and my hady connects to the wifi, it automatically uploads photos and other important data. I paired it with a UPS. Easy as pie. As soon as the power fails, the NAS continues to run for 5 minutes until it gets a pulse and shuts down properly.
Pro
- User interface
- Apps
- Simple configuration
- Power
- Price/Performance Top
- All
Contra
- Nothing
Runs reliably and without problems
Runs and has run for years, incl. camera with continuous recordings.
An affordable entry-level NAS
This NAS has all the features you would expect from a home or small business in terms of performance and functionality. The management is so easy that it would be a shame to miss out on this alternative (compared to the free or even paid services that can be found on the Net).
Pro
- It has so many advantages that it would take too long to mention them here
- Awards
- Features
- Ease of use
- Data security
- Data privacy
Contra
- No
A good NAS!
Very good value for money, I find it much easier to use than my QNAP. (Subjective)
Sometimes makes a bit of noise if used a lot.
I recommend it.Pro
- Plug & Play (quick installation)
- Copy button on front panel
- LED intensity adjustable according to time of day
- Fast response (does not lag)
Contra
- Sometimes a bit noisy
- Sometimes a little slow to wake up
Very good product!
The hard drives purchased separately are easy to install (WD Red 4GB), the installation was quick and easy. The start-up was also quick and easy. The software around the NAS works well. For people doing this for the first time, count 1 to 2 days for the commissioning (photos, videos, synchronization of folders with the PC, backup ...). The possibilities of extending the services are practically unlimited.
Pro
- Easy to install
- Software
- OS stability
Contra
- Hardware not very powerful for the price (vs. Qnap)
I would buy it again, especially since I now have a replacement power supply. That's really the only criticism I have.
I am actually very satisfied with the NAS from Synology, as it offers an enormous amount for relatively little money. However, this is the second NAS from Synology where the power supply unit broke within a very short time. Extremely bad, especially when you need a replacement quickly.
Pro
- Installation
- Migration from existing NAS
- Included programs. Be it those from Synology or also from third parties
- Performance, i.e. price/performance ratio
Contra
- The power supply unit is probably being saved...
Very happy with my purchase
Very good product, very easy to install and quickly done, impressive. Can be configured as required. Perfect for private use or a small SME.
The best for a NAS at home
Top notch!
Both for basic and advanced use, with a wide range of utilities for all kinds of services.
Very easy to install and use.
Video Station is very convenient with a smart TV.Pro
- Easy to install
- Easy to use
- Lots of utilities for all kinds of uses
Contra
- User rights management not always clear
Nice but complicated
My first NAS. Now that it is installed and running I am very happy with it. It does exactly what I needed it for. However, to get there was not easy at all. If you are new to Synology and NAS in particular well you are in for a ride. I spent countless hours on synology's unofficial forums to solve one problem after another. Their support is not really helpful and you are better off with other users.
If you have a 2-bay NAS like this one make sure when you install your HDDs for the first time to use JBOD formatting as this will add your two disks together and create one larger disk (if you have two 4.0 TB disks you will end up with one single 8.0 TB volume). If you plan on using this NAS for video streaming on apple TV or Chromecast, you are better off with Plex than synology's video station.
Besides this, it is an amazing tool once installed. I do not regret it at all.Pro
- Functionalities
- Intel CPU
- Reads all types of video formats
Contra
- Installation
- Not for beginners
I would buy again!
The Diskstation has been running perfectly for several months now! Among other things, I have a UniFi controller running via Docker. Everything is perfect!
When I unpacked the Diskstation, the hard drive drawers were missing. It was exchanged at Digitec without any problems!Pro
- good performance
- Docker
- Quiet
Definitely worth it
Perfect for watching movies and series.
Pro
- Transcoding
Contra
- Awards
A must for anyone who wants a home media / data server
Top & plug & play ;-)
Pro
- Quiet
- Price/Performance
- Design
- Economical
Contra
- Some of Syno's products leave a lot to be desired...
Great as an introduction
There are soooo many things you can do with it, but I mainly use it as a media server to watch movies and series on my TV. :) A bit of wasted potential, I know.
Pro
- Many possibilities
- Reliable
Contra
- You have to learn the ropes a little
Not recommended for NAS beginners and Mac users.
The product itself is technically very good (volume etc.).
A basic installation of the NAS software via web interface from the iPad as well as from the PC works without problems.
Access from the Mac to the NAS is very unreliable. I cannot recommend Synology for Mac users. There are many users on the web who have exactly the same problem. Synology blames Apple and Apple blames Synology.
I probably have no choice but to sell the NAS again as I am a Mac user.Pro
- Quiet
- Hardware very good
- Installation of the hard drives on the PC very simple and fast
Contra
- Synology's products require very good expertise
- Not recommended for NAS beginners
- User interface unnecessarily complex compared to an iPhone
I would buy again.
Very powerful NAS.
Very good!
Great instrument: simple, easy to use and set up, robust and elegantly built.
Pro
- Good software
- Flexible
- Quick
Contra
- Hyper Backup software to be improved
For me it was a good choice
I am very satisfied with this NAS. Simple and user-friendly. If something is still unclear, just google it and you quickly have a useful German explanation.
Photo + video management is really top.Pro
- Quick
- Simply
- Choice of functions
Contra
- Price
Would buy again
Performant device
Pro
- Very simple, intuitive and user-friendly installation
- Logitech Media Server for Squeezebox installed with one click
- Performant
- Quiet fan
highly recommended 2 HDD NAS
Installation, set up and start in 20 minutes (including mounting the HDD and first configuration of DSM). Extremely user friendly, even for non- techy people.
Pro
- ease of use
- easy to install
- robustness
- large choice of softwares and applications available
A good investment, to be complemented by a small UPS
Overall very happy and would recommend.
Used as a file server and photo server, supports a lot of functionality, allows reasonably secure access from the internet.
Some of the associated applications (especially photo uploads and android apps) could be a bit better finished (easier full page for photos, that sort of thing), and the configuration, while fairly simple, still requires some computer knowledge (at least if you want to take advantage of advanced features).Pro
- Performing
- Numerous choices of features for file systems, backups, security configuration, etc.
- This model is based on an Intel, allows to use Docker and intel packages (for geeks)
Contra
- Configuration and access for DSphoto users is not obvious
- Only one USB3 port, I would like to use several disks for backup
Recommended!
Reliable NAS, great variety of functions. My customers are all highly satisfied.
Pro
- Almost complete equipment
Top
Basic functions very easy to set up.
Fast access even from the iNet, apps work tiptop with Android and iOS.Pro
- Wide range of functions
- Additional functions can be put together individually
Contra
- Video tool awkward to set up
Perfect as a family SIN
I replaced my old DS209 (2x2Tb) after 7 years of good and loyal service because it was at its maximum storage capacity. Totally satisfied by Synology I chose the DS216+II (2x4Tb).
It acts as a music server (with MinimServer), video server (with the media server), and shared data storage for the whole family.
I was able to put it in a cupboard because it doesn't heat up very much, which makes it very discreet.Pro
- scalable
- efficient
- easy to use
- low heat
- reliable
Contra
- a little more expensive than other NAS
A NAS that is fun to set up, configure and use. Synology's cloud function is convenient!
Easy to use, powerful and pleasant. Maybe only lacks basic wifi for some uses
Pro
- Easy to use and configure
- Low noise
- Easy file sharing and backup
Contra
- no native wifi, RJ45 connection to router almost essential
Perfect for private individuals or small businesses. Inexpensive, simple and secure.
I have been using the device for about 2 weeks. Originally I was looking forward to a small tinkering project at home, but after half an hour everything was already done. Installing the hard disk takes a few minutes, creating users, folders, etc. Everything is very simple and quick.
Pro
- Quiet
- Extremely simple installation
- Extension packages
- Hardware makes a good/solid impression
- Remote access
Contra
- With OSX the access time is sometimes a bit slow, but it could also be my network
A very good NAS choise
Very nice product, easy and fast to use with quite substantial storage capabilities for normal use.
Pro
- easy to use, good price/cost relation,
- appropriate for a high level home/smal office NAS
30 out of 32 reviews
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