Synology DiskStation DS223j review

Synology DiskStation DS223j is Synology's entry point for people who want DSM but only need basic storage. Synology lists a Realtek RTD1619B quad-core CPU at 1.7 GHz, 1 GB of DDR4 memory, one 1GbE RJ-45 port and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and describes it as compact, quiet and energy-efficient. It runs the same DSM apps for file sharing, photo backup and PC backup as pricier DiskStations, which is the main reason to buy it over other budget boxes. The hardware is the weakest on this list: 1 GB of RAM leaves little room for extra apps, and the 1GbE port caps transfers at Gigabit speed. 2.5" drives need an optional holder. Synology does not show a direct US price on its product page, so the USD check is pending. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test the NAS ourselves.

Who it is for

first-time users who want Synology DSM at the entry level

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Realtek RTD1619B quad-core CPU at 1.7 GHz
• 1 GB DDR4 non-ECC memory
• One 1GbE RJ-45 port and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
• Two drive bays, with 2.5" drives needing an optional holder
• Runs Synology DSM with file, photo and backup apps

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Same DSM software as the DS225+
• Strength: Synology describes it as compact, quiet and energy-efficient
• Strength: Two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for external drives
• Weakness: 1 GB of RAM is the least on this list
• Weakness: 1GbE port only
• Weakness: Synology's US page shows no direct price, so the USD check is pending

Key facts

• Price checked: USD check pending
• Bays: 2
• CPU and RAM: Realtek RTD1619B 1.7 GHz, 1 GB DDR4
• Network: 1x 1GbE
• OS: Synology DSM

Where it ranks

Synology DiskStation DS223j is No. 9 in our Best NAS Drives verdict.