Synology

Synology DiskStation DS223j

Ranked #22 in NAS Devices

58 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

Medium calls it "Best for Beginners" and Android Central reviews it, so it is the default cheap-Synology suggestion everywhere. It should not be bought: one gigabyte of non-upgradeable memory makes DSM 7 sluggish the day you install it and worse every year after, and it is the kind of box owners replace rather than keep. The DS224+ or DS225+ is the Synology experience this lens actually endorses.

Consolidated from 2 independent outlets

See the sources

Flagged as a product to avoid

3 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

Only 1 GB of non-upgradeable memory makes DSM 7 sluggish from the start and degrades further over time, leading owners to replace it rather than keep it.
Flagged 23 September 2026

Only 1 GB of non-upgradeable memory makes DSM 7 sluggish from the start and degrades further over time, leading owners to replace it rather than keep it.
Flagged 23 September 2026
Only 1 GB of RAM, which is insufficient for NAS duties in 2026, and it is outclassed by the UGREEN DH2300 in the same price bracket.
Flagged 23 September 2026
The UI is extremely slow and it does not handle simultaneous connections well, leading to a poor ownership experience despite the Synology badge.
Flagged 23 September 2026

Why the boards include products to avoid

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Pros & cons

✓ Named Best for Beginners in Medium's budget NAS test
✓ Wins on software ease
✓ The cheapest Synology the current coverage still recommends
✓ Included among best home NAS picks

✗ Only 1 GB RAM insufficient for 2026 NAS duties
✗ Outclassed by cheaper alternatives
✗ Extremely slow user interface
✗ Poor handling of simultaneous connections
✗ Overall poor ownership experience

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found. 1 outlet wouldn't let us check its link. We quote no words from these sources, so each row shows only where we placed it.

2 stance not read sources

Android Central Article Read M

Medium Article Read

Frequently asked questions

It ranks #22 of 22 on our NAS devices tier list, in F tier. That placement draws on 2 independent outlets.

Only 1 GB RAM insufficient for 2026 NAS duties. Outclassed by cheaper alternatives. Extremely slow user interface. Poor handling of simultaneous connections. Overall poor ownership experience.