Synology

Synology DiskStation DS224+

Ranked #17 in NAS Devices

231 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

Still a mainstream recommendation: r/HomeNAS advice for 2025/2026 buyers points newcomers at "entry-level 2-bay NAS units like the Synology DS224+ or QNAP TS-233 - they're compact, beginner-friendly." It is the previous generation of Wirecutter's pick and has since been superseded by the DS225+, which is the only reason it ranks sixth rather than first. Everything about its ownership experience - DSM updates, support, build - is proven over years.

Consolidated from 3 independent outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

See the sources

Flagged as a product to avoid

5 of 9 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

Superseded by DS225+ which offers a faster CPU, more RAM and 2.5GbE for only a small price increase, making the older model a poor value.
Flagged 23 September 2026

Superseded by DS225+ which offers a faster CPU, more RAM and 2.5GbE for only a small price increase, making the older model a poor value.
Flagged 23 September 2026
It is the superseded predecessor of the DiskStation DS225+: both Wirecutter and Android Central's current guides tested the new generation and picked the successor instead, so every current guide points at the newer machine.
Flagged 23 September 2026
A coasting model: Wirecutter's current testing has moved the crown to its own successor, the DS225+, so buying the older one is dominated at every turn.
Flagged 23 September 2026
Superseded by the DS225+ in fresh testing, yet still appears in outdated links and community advice, meaning buyers would be purchasing last year’s pick when a current model is available.
Flagged 23 September 2026
The superseded two-bay that Wirecutter tested against its new generation and displaced in favor of the DS225+, while the broader expert mood has turned against Synology. It still dominates search results and cross-shopping on old reputation.
Flagged 23 September 2026

Why the boards include products to avoid

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Pros & cons

✓ Proven ownership experience with DSM updates and support
✓ Compact and beginner-friendly form factor
✓ Better hardware than the DS223j
✓ Mature firmware with huge install base
✓ Synology support reputation intact

✗ Superseded by DS225+, making it less top-ranked
✗ Older CPU, less RAM and no 2.5 GbE compared to DS225+
✗ Superseded model offers better specs for little extra cost
✗ Superseded by its direct successor, the DS225+
✗ Older platform with the same software as the newer model

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. 2 outlets wouldn't let us check their links. We quote no words from these sources, so each row shows only where we placed it.

Evidence 2 articles and 1 community source

3 stance not read sources

Android Central Article Read W

Wirecutter Article Read H r/HomeNAS Reddit thread Read thread

Frequently asked questions

It ranks #17 of 22 on our NAS devices tier list, in D tier. That placement draws on 3 independent outlets.

Superseded by DS225+, making it less top-ranked. Older CPU, less RAM and no 2.5 GbE compared to DS225+. Superseded model offers better specs for little extra cost. Superseded by its direct successor, the DS225+. Older platform with the same software as the newer model.