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 NAS 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 2023. With the evolving storage landscape, one can anticipate that the features they offer today will align with the expected standards for NAS 2023.
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However, a closer look reveals the best NAS drives 2023 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 server for home setups to more demanding office scenarios.
Synology DS723+
£476
(Oct 2023)
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
£197
(Oct 2023)
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 2023 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.
Including the various drive types, the DS723+ also introduces M.2 slots that can be used for storage in addition to SSD caching, offering greater flexibility and speed for those looking for the best drive for NAS.
A notable feature is a PCIe slot, enabling 10 Gigabit Ethernet and substantially improving 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.
The QNAP TS-233, another solid contender in the lineup of NAS devices, offers good performance at a reasonable price point, powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 2.0GHz processor. While not as powerful as the AMD Ryzen R1600 in the DS723+, this processor still provides reliable performance for most basic tasks.
The TS-233 comes equipped with 2GB of RAM, a capacity that, regrettably, cannot be expanded, unlike the DS723+, which features expandable memory. Additionally, the absence of multi-gig LAN ports and an HDMI video output could constrain its adaptability for specific users.
However, it does showcase versatility in storage, compatible with both 3.5- and 2.5-inch drives and boasting 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, a close look at each feature is essential to understand what each device offers comprehensively.
Operating System
The Synology DS723+ runs on the DiskStation Manager (DSM), a web-based operating system that provides a host of native productivity, management, and security solutions.
On the flip side, the QNAP TS-233 is driven by QTS 5.1.0, providing effective and budget-friendly storage solutions for business IT with a myriad of features, establishing itself as a notable choice in the NAS UK market.
File Management:
Synology Drive on the DS723+ presents a comprehensive solution for seamless file management and secure collaboration. It enables access to files across all your devices while ensuring protection through intelligent versioning. If you’re on the lookout for the best drive for NAS, the DS723+ delivers an all-inclusive package.
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 an array of 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 Video Station and DS video for playing videos directly on your browser or mobile device. For optimal streaming of 4K videos over the Internet, it’s recommended to have an upload speed of 25 Mbps or higher. Despite lacking an integrated NPU, the DS723+ supports Plex with a native installer for easy setup, providing a robust set of features suitable for home and small business use.
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, simplifying the organisation and search of your media library.
Furthermore, the TS-233 is crafted to boost collaboration and remote work productivity, featuring diverse multimedia applications and serving as a comprehensive home entertainment hub.
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 a greater number of concurrent users compared to prior-generation systems. The DS723+ also comes with hardware and software engineered to protect your data.
In terms of performance, the DS723+ can deliver up to 471/225 MB/s read/write, reducing transfer times and accelerating your 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.
On the other hand, the TS-233 operates on an ARM® Cortex-A55 quad-core 2 GHz processor and houses built-in 2 GB RAM and one Gigabit LAN port. It supports two SATA 6Gb/s hard drives and boasts AES-NI 256 hardware-accelerated encryption for entire NAS volumes and individual shared folders, ensuring heightened data security.
Ease 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, walking users through preparation, firmware installation, and creating storage space on the device, aligning with what many seek in NAS drives UK in 2023.
User Interface
Both devices come with interfaces that are intuitive and user-friendly. 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 a wealth of resources available in the Synology Knowledge Center, with the product manual offering 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 2023.
Which NAS Device is Suitable For You?
Considering what you need and your budget is crucial when picking between the Synology DS723+ and the QNAP TS-233. Spend a little time weighing each device’s Pros and Cons to determine which suits you best.
If you like having the best features and excellent performance and don’t mind paying more, the Synology DS723+ is an excellent 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 deal with many users and big tasks, doing 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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Synology DS723+ and QNAP TS-233 are excellent NAS devices offering various features to suit different needs. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific requirements and budget.
Consider the features most important to you – the operating system, file management capabilities, media streaming options, backup and recovery features or other unique offerings – and choose the best device.