Site icon NAS Compares

The Synology DS216J versus The QNAP TS-231 – Budget NAS Face off, New vs Old

The Battle of the Budget NAS from Synology and QNAP

 When it comes to buying Network Attached Storage, some people just want a tiny NAS that works! For a long time now the big NAS Brands, Synology and QNAP have been releasing that the current market thinks of as the biggest NAS, the Best NAS and is the recommended NAS of 2016. However lower down the models, we see another spike of interest in the small NAS, the cost effective NAS and… well… the cheap NAS.

Both of the NAS makers are good at budget NAS and have released many different Low end NAS over the years. However which one deserves your data in the battle for low cost network attached storage servers.

Synology Vs QNAP – DS216J vs TS-231

 The two NAS units from Synology and QNAP have both got their target audience already in mind. Both aiming at the low demand, cost effective NAS server customer. The DS216J NAS from synology was released in early 2016 and proclaims itself to be the cost effective NAS king. Likewise, the QNAP TS-231 NAS is being hailed as the consumer budget NAS choice. However you can’t have both! Well…technically you can, but that would be rather silly, wouldn’t it.

Anything I can do, you can do pretty much the same

 Before we start getting into the details and working out what is different about these two budget NAS of 2016, we have to se what is the same about these network attached storage 2-Bay devices. So, whether you go for the Synology 216J or the QNAP 231, Both units are:

So, as you can see, whichever NAS you buy, you will still end up with a highly capable NAS and at a bargain price. However things get a little more contentious once we line them up against one another on the stats.

NAS Specs – How do the QNAP and Synology Specifications weigh up?

Below we can see the two units up against one another on their specs ranging on both Hardware and Software. The stronger of the two in each category is shown in BOLD. Why not take a look:

 

Model Synology DS216J NAS

QNAP TS-231 NAS

Price £115 £114
CPU Marvell Armada 385 88F6820 dual-core 1.0GHz Freescale™ ARM® Cortex®-A9 dual-core 1.2GHz
Memory 512MB RAM 512MB RAM

Also features a 512MB Flash memory to keep the OPS up and running

Hot Swappable NO – internal install Yes – Tray Installation
MAX Drive Size 8TB 8TB
Ports 2X USB 3.0 3x USB 3.0

(front mounted has 1 touch copy button)

1X eSATA

2x Gigabit LAN

Power Consumption 14.85 W (Access)
6.95 W (HDD Hibernation)
In operation: 20.56W

HDD standby: 9.78W

Read and Write 112.75 MB/sec Read

97.6 MB/sec Write

172.30 MB/sec Read

110.88 MB/sec Write

Noise whilst in operation 18.2 dB(A) 15.4 dB(A)
Surveillance NAS spec 1.    Includes 2 free camera licenses, up to 10 camera channels via additional license purchase

 

1.    Includes 2 free camera licenses, up to 8 camera channels via additional license purchase

 

 

As you can see, the QNAP seems to be the better of the two NAS based on the specs of the Synology Server and the QNAP server. With clear advantages on almost all fields but power consumption, which is noticeably higher and the supporting two less IP cameras in low end NAS Surveillance (NVR NAS) use. Below you can find out video overview of these units and how the NAS compares.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It4oeb4eGO8e

📧 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER 🔔


    🔒 Join Inner Circle

    Get an alert every time something gets added to this specific article!


    Want to follow specific category? 📧 Subscribe

    This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

    Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

    Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.

      By clicking SEND you accept this Privacy Policy
      Question will be added on Q&A forum. You will receive an email from us when someone replies to it.
      🔒Private Fast Track Message (1-24Hours)

      TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
      If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a ☕ Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  
       
      Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
          
       
      Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

      ☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕

       
      Exit mobile version