Synology DS118 vs Synology DS218j Review: Pros and Cons
Being the prominent brand of NAS, choosing between Synology DS118 vs. Synology DS218j can be a tough nut to crack. Fortunately for you, we have done all the heavy pulling and are ready to present you with all you need to know about both models to help you get started.
Synology DS118 Review
- Design
Similar to its Synology DiskStation counterparts, the DS118 model sports a sleek design. With its attractive-looking black-colored chassis and clean lines structure, the storage solution looks minimalistic but pleasant at the same time. On the rear side, we can see an air-cooling system and connectivity ports, adding to its simplicity.
- Features
When we talk about Synology DS118, we talk about performance. Yes, this DiskStation model is designed to cater to the needs of users who focus on fast performance than massive storage. However, it is worth noting that it does not necessarily mean that the storage solution cannot be used to backup files.
Quite the contrary, the DS118 is now equipped with a private cloud that makes it possible for users to backup their files. Not only that, the fact that Synology DS118 is powered by a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor and 1GB DDR4 memory further cemented its reliability.
Yes, not only does it provide excellent writing and reading speed, but it also provides users with numerous applications to increase productivity. These features and apps make it possible for you to maintain 100-percent control of your files and protect it from accidental loss no matter where you are in the world at the time.
Synology DS118 Pros and Cons
- Installation and setup is incredibly easy
- Configuration can be done in an instant
- DSM 6.2 installation with BTRFS support
- Very energy-efficient and reliable
- Accessible from mobile applications
- Not equipped with transcoding engine or Docker support
- Comes with only a single drive-bay option
Synology DS218j Review
- Design
At a glance, Synology DS218j may not seem like it shares the same design as its DS118 counterpart – but it does! The difference lies in the fact that the DS218j comes in an elegant white color that adds to its appeal. The cooling system can be seen on either side and the rear, along with connectivity ports.
- Features
What do you get when you focus on the value instead of any other aspect? Some people are worried that it will lead them to a good-for-nothing appliance that will fall apart within a week. Well, next on our Synology DS118 vs. Synology DS218j review is the DS218j model, and let us tell you something, it is far from what you are fearing.
The DS218j is a 2-drive bay storage solution, a perfect fit for those looking for a NAS that focuses on data redundancy. Powered by an impressive DiskStation Manager, the DS218j boasts an incredible reading speed performance of more than 113 MB/s.
Not only that but it is also equipped with a comprehensive operating system and file-sharing protocols to ensure proper synchronization and file sharing.
With 24 TB of maximum capacity, 512 MB DDR3 memory, and a 1.3 GHz dual-core processor, this simple yet incredibly powerful appliance makes for secure data sharing, and more!
Synology DS218j Pros and Cons
- One of the best entry-level 2 drive bay NAS
- Comes with an astounding hardware encryption engine
- Comes with an integrated multimedia server for streaming
- Robust software and durable
- Up to 4-6 GB per minute transfer speed
- Initial set-up may not be straightforward
- Poor built quality
See Also: Synology DS118 vs Synology DS115J Review: Pros and Cons
Conclusion
Confused as to which one to buy? Don’t be. If you are performance-oriented, the Synology DS118 is a perfect fit, but if data redundancy is a top priority, Synology DS218j is much more suitable. When it comes to Synology DS118 vs. Synology DS218j, we are confident that you won’t be disappointed.