Choosing the Best NAS: Synology DS723+ vs QNAP TS-233 Comparison
If you’re looking for a two-bay network-attached storage (NAS) solution, the Synology DS723+ and Qnap TS-233 should be on your list of choices. When considering the best NAS for home or office use, these modern enclosures from two of the industry’s most reputable brands stand out.
In the UK, the demand for NAS storage for home use has grown, and these two devices, considered among the best home NAS options, cater to those needs. Their performance and features align with what most users seek in NAS Drives UK in 2024. With the evolving storage landscape, one can anticipate that the features they offer today will align with the expected standards for NAS 2024.
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However, a closer look reveals the best NAS drives 2024 standards. For instance, the Synology DS723+ boasts M.2 slots, making it a suitable NAS SSD device.
When choosing the SSD NAS drive, its versatility can be crucial, and this model does not disappoint. However, as the search for the best NAS drives heats up, features like these set devices apart.
Synology DS723+ and QNAP TS-233 quick glance
The Synology DS723+ and QNAP TS-233, each comprise features tailored for the modern user, ensuring efficient storage and data-sharing capabilities, making them top contenders for NAS storage for home.
Setting up both the Synology DS723+ and Qnap TS-233 is straightforward. Their user-friendly interfaces ensure that even those with minimal tech knowledge can easily navigate their systems.
Both home NAS devices consistently deliver robust performance across various environments. These models cater to multiple needs, from NAS servers for home setups to more demanding office scenarios.
Synology DS723+
£451
(May 2024)
What We Like:
- More powerful hardware than the QNAP TS-233
- Two M.2 drive slots for caching or creating a high-performance storage pool
- Supports an optional 5-bay expansion unit, Built-in 10GbE port for faster network connectivity
- Offers robust data protection features, including snapshots and file self-healing.
- Provides a variety of backup solutions, such as the Active Backup Suite and Hyper Backup.
What We Don't Like:
- More expensive than the QNAP TS-233
- Only Gigabit LAN ports & single USB Port are available out of the box
- The Synology DS723+ does not have an integrated GPU
Synology is well-suited for:
- For those home users and small businesses seeking a robust NAS solution, the DS723+ stands out with its high-performance capabilities.
- If you’re a user who needs to run Docker containers or virtual machines on your NAS, you’ll find the DS723+ to be an excellent choice.
- For users requiring fast network connectivity from their NAS device, the DS723+’s built-in 10GbE port makes it an ideal option.
QNAP TS-233
£190
(May 2024)
What We Like:
- The QNAP TS-233 is a budget-friendly two-bay network-attached storage (NAS) device.
- It offers a straightforward installation and management process.
- This NAS provides a variety of QNAP and third-party applications for storing and organising multimedia files.
- The TS-233’s built-in NPU processor boosts high-speed face and object recognition.
What We Don't Like:
- The TS-233 comes with 2GB of RAM that is not expandable
- Lacks an integrated graphics unit, which can be crucial for specific media-related tasks
- The QNAP TS-233 does not come with Plex Media Server pre-installed
- It features only one 1Gbps LAN port, missing out on multi-gigabit capabilities
QNAP is well-suited for:
- Home users prefer local network data storage for quick recovery or easy sharing with friends and family.
- Users seeking a NAS device for simple functions like file sharing, backing up, and streaming
- Users in search of a budget-friendly NAS solution.
Hardware and Performance:
The Synology DS723+ is a robust and versatile NAS device, considered one of the best home NAS 2024 UK options, powered by an AMD Ryzen R1600. This processor is a significant upgrade from the Celeron J4125 found in its predecessor, the DS720+, providing more power for your storage needs.
In addition to the various drive types, the DS723+ introduces M.2 slots that can be used for storage and SSD caching, offering greater flexibility and speed for those looking for the best drive for NAS.
A notable feature is a PCIe slot, which enables 10 Gigabit Ethernet and substantially improves data transfer speeds. Nonetheless, it’s important to highlight that the DS723+ only has Gigabit LAN ports by default and lacks an integrated GPU.
The memory is extendable to 32GB, providing ample room for future upgrades. In terms of performance, the AMD Ryzen R1600 proves reliable in daily use, and the DiskStation Manager (DSM) software continues to be one of the best in the market, offering many useful features. However, it does miss out on Plex hardware transcodes.
QNAP, another NAS device heavyweight in the TS-233, offers outstanding performance but a reasonable price tag. A multi-core ARM Cortex-A55 2.0GHz processor reveals that neural networks, AI, and privacy are at the heart of this modern age.
On the other hand, the user won’t notice a big difference with the DS723+’s i3 processor. It’ll be comparable with the AMD Ryzen R1600, which provides fast and stable performance for everyday tasks.
As its name indicates, the TS-233 features 2 GB of RAM, which cannot be expanded, unlike the DS723+, which allows increasing memory. Moreover, omitting multi-gig LAN ports and HDMI video output limits its use spectrum among various users.
However, it does showcase versatility in storage. It is compatible with both 3.5- and 2.5-inch drives and boasts an impressive maximum internal storage capacity of 36 TB, comprised of two drives, each with a capacity of up to 18 TB.
QNAP designed the TS-233 for straightforward installation and efficient performance, making it particularly suited for basic tasks and simple storage needs due to its ARM processor and limited RAM.
Here is a comparison table of the hardware and performance of Synology DS723+ and QNAP TS-233:
Feature | Synology DS723+ | QNAP TS-233 |
CPU | AMD Ryzen™ R1600 dual-core (4-thread), max. boost clock up to 3.1 GHz | quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 2.0GHz processor, |
System Memory | 2 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM (expandable up to 32 GB) | 2 GB on board (non-expandable) |
Drive Bay | 2 x 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA HDD/SSD | 2 x 3.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s, 3Gb/s |
Max Capacity | Up to 90 TB | Up to 36 TB |
Compatible Drive | 3.5″ SATA HDD 2.5″ SATA SSD M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | 3.5″ SATA HDD 2.5″ SATA SSD |
Hot-swappable | Yes | Yes |
Ethernet Port | Gigabit Ethernet Port (RJ45) 2 | Gigabit Ethernet Port (RJ45) 1 |
USB Port | USB 3.2 Gen 1 port: 1, eSATA port:1 | USB 2.0 port: 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1 port: 1 |
File System | Btrfs, EXT4, EXT3, FAT, NTFS, HFS+, exFAT | EXT3, EXT4, NTFS, FAT32, HFS+, and exFAT |
Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) | 0 – 40 °C (32°F – 104°F) |
Storage Temperature | -20°C to 60°C (-5°F to 140°F) | -20 – 70°C (-4°F – 158°F) |
Power Consumption | HDD Sleep Mode: 8.62 W, Operating Mode: 21.07 W | HDD Sleep Mode: 3.43 W, Operating Mode, Typical: 10.81 W |
FAN | 92 mm x 92 mm x 1 pcs | 1 x 80mm, 12VDC |
FAN Noise | 20.7 dB(A) | N/A |
Weight | 1.51 kg | 1.95 kg |
Warranty | 3-year with extendable to 5 years option | 2-years with extendable to 5 years option |
Features: Synology DS723+ vs QNAP TS-233
Examining the entire feature set of both Synology DS723+ and QNAP TS-233 is crucial. This approach assists users in comprehending the capabilities of each device and how effectively they can fulfil varying requirements.
Every feature, from the operating system to backup options, contributes to the device’s functionality and user-friendliness. Therefore, it is essential to examine each feature closely to understand what each device offers comprehensively.
Operating System
The Synology DS723+ runs on DSM 7.2, a highly intuitive web-based operating system that offers a range of powerful features for both home and business use. Key highlights include:
- Enhanced Security: AES 256-bit encryption and improved access control to secure data.
- Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR): Simplified RAID management for easy disk expansion and redundancy.
- Cloud Sync: Easy integration with cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox.
- Virtual Machine Support: Ability to run virtual machines, adding flexibility for testing and private cloud management.
DSM 7.2 is ideal for a robust, secure, and user-friendly NAS solution with scalable features.
The QNAP TS-233 operates on QTS 5.2, a versatile and AI-driven OS with several key features:
- AI Optimised Performance: Automatically adjusts settings to optimise storage management.
- QuMagie AI: Organises and tags photos using machine learning, making it easier to manage extensive media collections.
- Hybrid Backup Sync: Integration with the cloud services for secure backup data management with proper security concerns.
- Ransomware Protection & MFA: Bolstered safeguards against loss, theft and compromise of the firm’s information assets and privacy.
QTS 5.2 provides brilliant performance, making it perfect for home users and SMBs to manage their storage efficiently and securely.
File Management:
On the other hand, the QNAP TS-233 is driven by QTS 5.1.0. It provides practical, budget-friendly storage solutions for business IT with many features, establishing itself as a notable choice in the NAS UK market.
On the other hand, the TS-233 provides a flexible, all-in-one solution for data sharing, synchronisation, backup, and surveillance.
Media Streaming:
The Synology DS723+ NAS is a versatile device with various media streaming features. It supports different resolutions—720p, 1080p, and 4K—enabling you to enjoy high-definition content directly from the NAS.
Compatible with modern multimedia devices like smart TVs and multimedia players, it allows access to stored videos through My Network Places (SMB) or Media Server (DLNA).
Furthermore, the DS723+ features a Video Station and DS video for playing videos directly on your browser or mobile device. We recommend having an upload speed of 25 Mbps or higher for optimal streaming of 4K videos over the internet. Despite lacking an integrated NPU, the DS723+ supports Plex with a native installer for easy setup, providing robust home and small business features.
The QNAP TS-233 NAS is a versatile device offering a range of media streaming features. It leverages ARM NEON technology, enhancing video processing for an enriched entertainment experience.
Compatible with various devices, it enables seamless media streaming to DLNA® devices and TVs via popular media streaming gadgets such as Roku®, Apple TV® (via Qmedia), Google Chromecast™, and Amazon Fire TV®.
Notably, it boasts a built-in NPU (Neural Network Processing Unit) processor, elevating performance for rapid face and object recognition and simplifying the organisation and search of your media library.
Furthermore, QNAP crafted the TS-233 to enhance collaboration and remote work productivity. It offers a wide range of multimedia applications and is a complete home entertainment centre.
Backup and Recovery:
Both NAS devices offer robust backup and recovery options. The DS723+ provides hardware and software engineered to protect your data. Free solutions also support multi-layered backups to back up files, folders, physical devices, VMs, and SaaS applications.
The TS-233 safeguards critical data with powerful storage management features built on the advanced Btrfs file system. It also offers advanced snapshot technology for schedulable and near-instantaneous data protection for shared folders and LUNs.
Other Features:
The DS723+ comes equipped with provisions for 10GbE and dual NVMe drives, enabling it to manage more demanding application workloads and accommodate more concurrent users than its predecessors.
This DS723+ offers versatile smart storage that helps you consolidate and store your growing digital data. It can handle more demanding application workloads and concurrent users than prior-generation systems. The DS723+ also comes with hardware and software engineered to protect your data.
Regarding performance, the DS723+ can deliver up to 471/225 MB/s read/write, reducing transfer times and accelerating workloads. While the Synology DS723+ does not have an integrated NPU, it still offers a range of powerful features for home and small business use.
The TS-233 has an ARM® Cortex-A55 quad-core 2GHZ processor, 2 GB RAM built-in, and one 1GHZ LAN port included. It provides two SATA 6Gb/s Hard Disk Drives and features AES-NI 256 hardware-accelerated encryption for complete NAS volumes and shared folders, supporting more security.
Easy of Use: Synology DS723+ vs QNAP TS-233
Setup and Configuration
Synology DS723+ and QNAP TS-233 are known for their user-friendly setup and configuration, making them some of the best NAS for home and office use. The DS723+ includes a comprehensive product manual, offering step-by-step guidance through the setup process. It assists users in hardware installation, firmware initialisation, and storage space configuration on the NAS device.
Similarly, the QNAP TS-233 comes with a thorough guide covering all the essentials of NAS setup. The guide walks users through preparation, firmware installation, and creating storage space on the device, aligning with what many seek in NAS drives UK in 2024.
User Interface
Both devices have intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. The DS723+ operates on the web-based Synology DSM operating system, bringing native productivity, management, and security features. Its interface is responsive and user-friendly, ensuring a seamless experience.
Delivering a responsive and smooth user experience, the TS-233 runs on QTS 5.1.0, making every interaction, from clicking buttons to switching between apps and managing windows, effortless and suitable for a NAS server for home.
Documentation and Support
Synology and QNAP are committed to providing extensive documentation and support for their NAS devices, especially as the demand for NAS storage for home use UK continues to grow.
The Synology DS723+ has many resources available in the Synology Knowledge Center. The product manual offers in-depth instructions for setup and usage. Additionally, users can access the Synology Download Center for operating systems, utilities, applications, and compatibility checks.
Similarly, QNAP provides robust support for the TS-233. The user manual offers comprehensive guidance, and additional resources, including operating system, utility, applications, and compatibility checks, are available at the QNAP Download Center, catering to the evolving standards of NAS 2024.
Key Features to Look for in a NAS Device
When choosing a NAS device, consider the following key features to ensure it meets your needs:
- Storage Capacity & Scalability: Check that the NAS has enough space for what you need today and that there is space for expansion. It is crucial to consider bays, which generally range between 2 and 12, and to purchase devices that can add more bays as capacity increases.
- RAID Support: RAID offers redundancy and performance. RAID 1 (mirroring) is appropriate for home users since it supplies additional security for data and ensures that users won’t lose it. In contrast, businesses should use RAID 5 or RAID 6 to combine performance with effectively executing a crucial function—data safety.
- Processor & RAM: These two components affect performance; however, you can define it using the processor’s speed and the size of the RAM. Home primary users can assemble it with a dual-core CPU and 2GB or 4GB of RAM. For purposes like media streaming or serving multiple people, use a multi-core processor and Avast Visual RAM or 4GB+ RAM.
- Connectivity Options: Reliance on wired connections—with standard copper Ethernet ports (at least 1GbE or preferably 10GbE) and USB ports for external devices where needed—is also recommended. A 2.5GbE or 10GbE Ethernet port helps transfer files, videos, or other large documents and quickly access a large amount of data.
- Software Ecosystem: The NAS’s operating system should be friendly, multicoloured, and loaded with Synology DSM or QNAP QTS apps that support backup, file synchronisation, media streaming, etc.
- Backup & Data Recovery: Check that the NAS has different backup possibilities, connected clouds, and data recovery in case of hardware failure.
What's the Best NAS for Specific Use Cases in 2024?
The best NAS for you will depend on your use case:
- For Home Users: Home users often want NAS devices for file storage and media streaming. The Synology DS220+ and QNAP TS-253D offer good performance and media capabilities at a reasonable price.
- For Small Businesses: Small businesses need NAS devices for file sharing, backups, and remote access. The Synology DS923+ and QNAP TS-453D provide scalability and robust security features, making them suitable for business applications.
- For Media Professionals: For video editing or handling large files, choose models like the QNAP TVS-872XT or Synology DS1621xs+, offering powerful processors, 10GbE networking, and SSD support.
- For Surveillance: Surveillance NAS devices like the Synology DS720+ and QNAP TS-431P3 support multiple IP cameras and provide storage for surveillance footage.
Which NAS Device is Suitable For You?
Therefore, the decision-making process depends on your needs and funds when choosing between the Synology DS723+ and the QNAP TS-233 models. It could be helpful to weigh each gadget’s advantages and possible disadvantages, as this will help you save time and choose only the best device for you.
If you like having the best features and excellent performance and don’t mind paying more, the Synology DS723+ is a wonderful pick. It has a robust operating system, lets you manage files easily with Synology Drive, offers better media streaming with ARM NEON technology, and has reliable options for backing up and recovering data.
Plus, it can quickly recognise faces and objects with AI-powered image recognition. With space for 10GbE and dual NVMe drives, it can handle many users and big tasks better than older models.
But if you’re keeping an eye on your budget and still want a device full of features, the QNAP TS-233 is worth considering. Using QTS 5.1.0, it’s a handy tool for sharing, syncing, and backing up data and for surveillance.
It helps keep important data safe with robust storage management features and runs on a fast ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core processor with built-in 2 GB RAM. It also supports two SATA 6Gb/s hard drives and has strong encryption for extra safety.
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Buying a NAS
To ensure you get the right NAS, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overestimating Storage Needs: Buy a NAS with only what you need. Assess your current requirements and choose a model that can expand as needed.
- Underestimating Performance: Avoid low-end NAS devices if you use them for demanding tasks like media editing. Choose models with a powerful processor and ample RAM to support future demands.
- Neglecting Scalability: Choose a NAS that allows for future expansion through additional drives or RAID configurations. Scalability will ensure that your NAS grows with your needs.
- Overlooking Cooling & Power Needs: Since NAS devices run 24/7, choose one with adequate cooling and a reliable power supply to prevent overheating or hardware failure.
By focusing on these features and avoiding common mistakes, you can select the best NAS for your needs, whether for personal use or business applications.
Can You Still Buy Synology DS723 and QNAP Ts-233 NAS in 2024?
The Synology DS723+ and QNAP TS-233, initially released in 2023, might be relatively easy to find new in 2024. Manufacturers typically release new NAS models yearly, and retailers often prioritise stocking the latest versions. While these specific models might be out of stock at major electronics stores, you can still explore alternative options:
- Check Secondary Marketplaces: Look for the DS723+ and TS-233 online, like eBay or Amazon Marketplace. Be cautious when buying used electronics and ensure the seller has a good reputation.
- Search Tech Stores: Some specialised computer stores might still carry older NAS models. Contact local tech stores to see if they have any remaining stock of the DS723+ or TS-233.
- Consider Newer Options: Since technology advances rapidly in the NAS market, newer models likely offer better performance, features, and compatibility. Explore the current offerings from Synology and QNAP in the 2-bay NAS category.
Conclusion
Both the Synology DS723+ and QNAP TS-233 offer great features tailored to different needs. The DS723+ is ideal for users seeking performance, scalability, and advanced features for small businesses, while the TS-233 provides a cost-effective and simple solution for home or small office use.
Purchasing either model in 2024 has its advantages, such as improved firmware, enhanced security, and better energy efficiency. Additionally, newer models often come with extended warranties and ongoing manufacturer support, making them a solid investment.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your storage needs, budget, and the type of tasks you plan to use the NAS for. Both models are strong contenders, with the DS723+ offering more power and the TS-233 delivering great value for basic needs.