After months of testing NAS devices aimed at families, the Synology DiskStation DS225+ stands out for backing up personal files fast and running an entertainment-ready home cloud. It’s polished to set up, supports VPN and security camera integration, and hits
A NAS doesn’t feel dramatic the moment you buy it. It feels quiet—like a box you place somewhere out of sight and forget about until you really need it.
After months of testing network-attached storage devices designed for home backups. file sharing. and even a DIY entertainment cloud. the standout for most families was the Synology DiskStation DS225+. It’s the kind of device that can take the weight off your laptop and phones. keep your files organized in one place. and do it fast enough that you don’t feel like you’re waiting for your own data.
In my tests, the two-bay DS225+ delivered performance that either topped the charts or sat close. It consistently reached around 300 MB/s read and 250 MB/s write. The numbers didn’t stay there in every setup. though: if your network is limited to 1 Gbps—whether that’s through the router. port. cable. or switch—speeds drop to a little over 100 MB/s.
That practical reality is matched by practical hardware. The DS225+ includes 2.5-Gbps and 1-Gbps Ethernet ports along with USB ports both front and back. Inside is a speedy Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor, with 2 GB of RAM that can be upgraded to 6 GB. You get room for two drives—up to 40 TB—wrapped in a compact design that’s relatively quiet. with only some minor fan noise when it’s busy. A screwless, clip-on tray design also makes drive installation quick.
What really separates the DS225+ from many home NAS devices is how painless it is to live with. Synology’s software—handled through its web interface and mobile apps—was the most polished and user-friendly I tested. Synology also offers the largest selection of apps. including its own well-finished offerings and third-party options such as Plex and Jellyfin.
And the DS225+ isn’t just about storing files. It offers flexibility for backups, works well as a media server, and includes extras that can matter more than people expect—like VPN server support and security camera support.
Still, it’s not the perfect deal for everyone. Synology devices are relatively expensive, and like most NAS setups, you have to provide your own drives. There was also a moment of friction in Synology’s broader NAS lineup: the company briefly locked down its NAS devices to Synology drives. deeming third-party drives incompatible. Synology later rolled that back after protest. so you can use third-party drives now—but it remains a red flag for buyers who want freedom from day one.
There are also practical omissions. There’s no HDMI port here, which could matter if you’re thinking about connecting the NAS directly to a TV.
If the storage ceiling matters, the company’s bigger option is the Synology DiskStation DS425+ at $520. It adds an extra two bays.
For people who want backup without much thought. I also tested Synology’s BeeStation Plus. an all-in-one option that includes storage. Prices are currently inflated due to an AI-driven shortage. and that’s a painful reality if you’re trying to buy into a budget-friendly setup. Still, setup is quick and it works fine for automatic backups. The photo app is also decent and can recognize faces—but the performance is described as middling. There are no apps or additional features, either.
The regular Synology BeeStation at $365 is more affordable, but it only offers half the space at 4 TB. For a straightforward backup solution, it’s as easy as it gets. The trade-off is that you can get more for your money with the DS225+ approach.
Synology doesn’t only make home NAS devices. The company offers a wide range of systems, including powerful options for big businesses, and it also makes good routers that can be paired to form a mesh. It sells security cameras as well, though those were not tested here.
NAS Synology DiskStation DS225+ home backup Plex Jellyfin VPN server network-attached storage security cameras BeeStation Plus BeeStation file sharing