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Synology DiskStation DS223j vs Synology DiskStation DS225+

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against NAS at a similar price

The Synology DiskStation DS223j scores 5.0/10 overall, ahead of the Synology DiskStation DS225+ at 4.5/10.

The Synology DiskStation DS223j leads on storage capacity (bays, M.2), CPU and transcoding and openness.

The Synology DiskStation DS225+ leads on networking.

They score the same on memory ceiling and software and ecosystem.

DiskStation DS223j

Synology DiskStation DS223j

5.0/10verdict: good, not the best

The DS223j is for people who want a simple two-bay NAS for file storage and backup. It suits anyone who values easy DSM setup, quiet running and low power draw over raw performance. It is a poor fit for memory-hungry workloads or anyone who needs more than a single 1GbE connection.

Typically about £167 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Synology DiskStation DS225+

Synology DiskStation DS225+

4.5/10verdict: skip

The DS225+ suits home and small-office buyers who want Synology's DSM software for file sharing, backups, photos and a few cameras on two drives. Its 2.5GbE port and mature app set fit light, dependable storage duties. Media servers that need hardware transcoding, heavy container or VM use, and anyone wanting NVMe cache are poorly served by its 2019-era CPU, 6 GB RAM ceiling and lack of M.2 slots.

Typically about £339.98 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightSynology DiskStation DS223jSynology DiskStation DS225+
Storage capacity (bays, M.2)20%5/103/10
CPU and transcoding20%4/103/10
Networking20%5/106/10
Memory ceiling15%3/103/10
Software and ecosystem15%8/108/10
Openness10%5/104/10
Overall5.0/104.5/10

Specifications

SpecSynology DiskStation DS223jSynology DiskStation DS225+
Drive bays2 x 3.5" SATA HDD or 2.5" SATA SSD (2.5" drives need optional Type C drive holder)2 × 3.5" SATA HDD / 2.5" SATA SSD, hot-swappable
CPURealtek RTD1619B, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 4 threads, 64-bit, 1.7 GHz, with hardware encryption engineIntel Celeron J4125, 4 cores / 4 threads, 64-bit, 2.0 GHz base / 2.7 GHz turbo, hardware encryption engine
Memory1 GB DDR4 non-ECC2 GB DDR4 non-ECC installed, 1 slot, max 6 GB (2 GB + 4 GB)
Networking1 x 1GbE RJ-45 LAN port, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports1 × 1GbE RJ-45 + 1 × 2.5GbE RJ-45
M.2 slotsnot listedNone
Expansionnot listedNo expansion unit or PCIe slot; 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 1
Operating systemDiskStation Manager (DSM)Synology DSM

Strengths and weaknesses

Synology DiskStation DS223j

  • + DSM software is easy to set up
  • + Quiet with low listed power figures
  • + Reliable for backup duty according to owners
  • − Single 1GbE port, criticised by owners
  • − 1 GB fixed RAM with no published maximum
  • − 2.5in drives need an optional holder

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need more than a single 1GbE connection
  • Anyone planning containers, VMs or other memory-heavy workloads
  • People who want M.2 cache slots or any expansion options
Read the full Synology DiskStation DS223j review ›

Synology DiskStation DS225+

  • + 2.5GbE port alongside a 1GbE port
  • + Mature DSM with SHR, snapshots and Hyper Backup
  • + Third-party drives supported again since DSM 7.3
  • − Quick Sync not enabled for Plex or Jellyfin
  • − Only 2 GB RAM installed, 6 GB maximum
  • − No M.2 slots, PCIe slot or expansion unit

Skip it if:

  • Plex or Jellyfin users who need supported hardware transcoding
  • Homelabbers wanting several VMs or many containers within a 6 GB limit
  • Buyers who want M.2 cache, PCIe expansion or a path to 10GbE
Read the full Synology DiskStation DS225+ review ›

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