NAS NETGEAR vs. SYNOLOGY – Which is the most fitting NAS?

Are you looking to purchase some of the best 4-bay NAS servers in the industry? Then you have come to the right place. In this write up, we will be comparing two of the most popular NAS servers – the NETGEAR ReadyNAS 214 and the SYNOLOGY DS416Play.

Network Attached Storage, commonly referred to as NAS, is a system of one or multiple hard drives in a box connected to your router. You will find a CPU, some memory, and a small motherboard inside the box. These actively control the power supply and functionality of your NAS servers. These NAS servers simply act as a central location for all your storage needs. Additionally, NAS offers features that allow you to extend file-sharing access to your friends and family who are outside of your local network. While they all serve the same central function, NAS servers greatly differ when compared against each other. Let us take a look at the differences and similarities between NAS Netgear and Synology.

What are the differences between NAS NETGEAR and SYNOLOGY?

Comparison Features	NETGEAR READYNAS 214	SYNOLOGY DS416PLAY
Category of Network Devices	Small Office/ Home Office	Small Office/ Home Office
CPU	Quad-Core 1.4 GHz processor	Dual-Core 1.6 GHz processor
RAM	2 GB	1 GB
Number of LAN Ports	2 Gigabit Ethernet ports	2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
Number of USB Ports	3 USB 3.0 Ports	3 USB 3.0 Ports
Number of eSATA Ports	1	None
Noise Level (In Decibels)	25	19.4
Availability	Check Price Here	Check Price Here

NAS NETGEAR vs. SYNOLOGY – How do they differ?

Storage and Performance

Generally, the more RAM you have, the more applications you can have open and run simultaneously. That said, the NETGEAR ReadyNAS 214 has a larger storage capacity than the SYNOLOGY DS416Play, hence a better option for your storage and networking needs. It comes with 2 GB of RAM, whereas the SYNOLOGY comes with 1 GB of RAM.

In terms of performance, the CPU is the main component of the NAS server as it determines functionality and efficiency of the devices. That said, the higher the speed of your CPU, then the greater the number of complex and different applications your NAS server can run simultaneously. In this case, the NETGEAR ReadyNAS 214 is a more efficient and high-performing option compared to the SYNOLOGY DS416Play. It has a quad-core 1.4 GHz processor, whereas the Synology has a dual-core 1.6 GHz processor. This further means that the NAS NETGEAR may be a better solution for daily tasks and basic multitasking.

When it comes to the noise levels, it is clear that the SYNOLOGY offers smoother and quieter operation than the NAS NETGEAR, hence the best solution for quiet working environments. It has a noise rating of 19.4 dBA, whereas the NAS NETGEAR has a noise rating of 25 dBA.

Ports and Connectivity

Ports are the most ideal option for allowing wired connectivity, and these two devices offer quite a number of ports that you can use. They come with 3 USB 3.0 ports – 1 USB 3.0 port towards the front panel and 2 other USB 3.0 ports that help you copy files between your NAS server and external USB/SD storage devices.

Along with that, the two NAS servers come with 2 Gigabit LAN ports that support link aggregation. These are particularly useful if you are looking to increase bandwidth and throughput speeds. That said, we can deduce that the NETGEAR ReadyNAS 214 and the SYNOLOGY DS416Play have the same number of LAN and USB ports.

However, they differ when it comes to the eSATA ports. The NETGEAR ReadyNAS 214 comes with one eSATA port, while the SYNOLOGY DS416Play has none. The eSATA port is often used for external disk drives, as well as other devices such as keyboards, microphones, cameras, etc. In that regard, we can further deduce that the NETGEAR ReadyNAS 214 comes with more ports, making it a more versatile and better NAS server than the SYNOLOGY.

NAS NETGEAR vs. SYNOLOGY – A Comprehensive Overview        

NAS NETGEAR Review

The high-performing and top-quality NETGEAR ReadyNAS 214 is solidly constructed, with 2 gigabit Ethernet ports that support link aggregation. When it comes to its design structure, the Netgear ReadyNAS 214 features a 2-bay enclosure with front-accessible, quick change drive trays. Towards the front, you will find a USP port and a backup button, which allow the quick copying of files from USB mass-storage devices. Towards the back of this device, you will find 2 more USB 3.0 ports, an eSATA port and the 2 gigabit Ethernet ports that we had mentioned earlier.

When it comes to performance, the ReadyNAS 214 boasts a powerful Quad-Core 1.4 GHz processor and 2GB of system memory, which work together to deliver super-smooth DLNA streaming to accommodate mobile and PC-based clients, and seamless file playback in all your devices. It has a well-designed and user-friendly interface with a Dropbox-like look and feel, which allows instantaneous synchronization of media files and other documents.

Pros

• Smooth and quiet operation
• Easy set up and installation
• Allows for link aggregation
• Large memory space

Cons

• Basic design

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SYNOLOGY Review

The Synology DS416play NAS offers reliability, convenience and massive storage all in an ultra-compact, durable, and aesthetically pleasing package. This device is designed to conveniently fit into tight and spacious spaces around your home as it ensures all your network needs and device preferences are met. Its conventional front plate gives you quick and easy access to the 4 removable and replaceable drive bays. Along with that, the front panel has 4 LED lights, 1 USB 3.0 port and a power button, which are all easily accessible. Towards the back, you will find 2 other USB 3.0 ports and 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which can be aggregated for faster data transfers.

When it comes to performance, the DS416Play is powered by a high-performing and efficient 64-bit dual-core processor with 1 GB of RAM. This performance features significantly enhance the device’s ability to transcode 4K videos, hence the most ideal option for ultra HD content. Besides that, it features an easy-to-use interface that resembles the desktop operating system, which makes it easier for anyone who isn’t tech savvy to work around.

Pros

• Offers the best software for home and small businesses
• Low power consumption
• Most intuitive software
• Considered the best surveillance NAS software solutions

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Limited RAM

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Conclusion

If you are looking for affordable network storage solutions, backup systems, and a media system in one package that can be used just as easily in your local home network as it can be used remotely, then you can never go wrong with any of these two devices. You would be impressed by their reliability, ease-of-use, and durability levels.

Verdict: So, which is better – NAS NETGEAR or SYNOLOGY?

The NAS NETGEAR is a better storage solution than the SYNOLOGY. It is a more affordable option, offers more storage, has more connectivity options, and is versatile enough to accommodate home-user and small-business user needs.

FAQs

1. What is ReadyNAS?

It is the simplest way of getting a personalized cloud setup.

2. Can Synology get a virus?

Yes, it can. Because it is software-based, it is susceptible to malware.