Navigating the world of Network Attached Storage (NAS) can be daunting, especially when faced with two seemingly similar, yet distinct, options. If you’re eyeing Synology’s robust offerings, the choice between the DS720+ and the DS920+ often comes up. Both promise excellent performance and data management capabilities, but they cater to slightly different needs and user profiles.
Understanding the nuances between these two popular models is key to making an informed decision that aligns with your storage requirements and budget. Whether you’re a home user seeking a media hub or a small business owner looking for a reliable data backup solution, this comparison will break down the essential differences.
We’ll delve into their specifications, performance benchmarks, expandability options, and target audiences. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which Synology NAS, the DS720+ or the DS920+, is the superior choice for your specific setup.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | ds720+ | ds920+ |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Celeron J4025 (2-core, 2.0 GHz, burst up to 2.9 GHz) | Intel Celeron J4125 (4-core, 2.0 GHz, burst up to 2.7 GHz) |
| RAM | 2GB DDR4 (expandable up to 6GB) | 4GB DDR4 (expandable up to 8GB) |
| Drive Bays | 2-bay | 4-bay |
| Max Internal Capacity | 32TB | 64TB |
| Hot Swappable Drives | Yes | Yes |
| Network Ports | 2 x 1GbE | 2 x 1GbE |
| External Ports | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x eSATA |
| M.2 NVMe SSD Slots | 2 | 2 |
| RAID Support | Basic RAID (JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1) | Advanced RAID (JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10) |
| Power Consumption (Access/HDD Hibernation) | 14.96 W / 4.41 W | 21.69 W / 5.32 W |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 166 mm x 108 mm x 232 mm | 166 mm x 199 mm x 223 mm |
| Weight | 1.45 kg | 2.19 kg |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
CPU
- Ds720+: Equipped with an Intel Celeron J4025 dual-core processor. This is a capable CPU for basic NAS tasks like file serving and media streaming, but can struggle with heavy multitasking or more demanding applications.
- Ds920+: Features an Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor. The additional cores and higher clock speed provide a significant performance boost, making it better suited for virtual machines, Docker containers, and more simultaneous users.
- Winner: ds920+
RAM
- Ds720+: Comes with 2GB DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 6GB. While sufficient for basic use, the limited upgradability can be a bottleneck for advanced users or futureproofing.
- Ds920+: Includes 4GB DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 8GB. The higher base RAM and greater expansion potential offer better performance for memory-intensive applications and smoother multitasking.
- Winner: ds920+
Drive Bays
- Ds720+: Offers 2 drive bays. This is suitable for smaller households or basic backup needs, but limits storage capacity and RAID options.
- Ds920+: Provides 4 drive bays. This offers significantly more storage potential and allows for more robust RAID configurations (like RAID 5 or RAID 6) for data redundancy and performance.
- Winner: ds920+
M.2 NVMe SSD Cache Slots
- Ds720+: Includes 2 M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching. This is a great feature for accelerating frequently accessed data, significantly improving read/write speeds for common tasks.
- Ds920+: Also features 2 M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching. It benefits from the same caching technology, providing a substantial performance uplift when paired with SSDs.
- Winner: Tie
Expansion Options
- Ds720+: Can be expanded with one DX517 expansion unit for 5 additional drive bays. This provides a decent upgrade path for storage needs.
- Ds920+: Can also be expanded with one DX517 expansion unit, adding 5 more drive bays. The higher base drive count means it starts with a larger capacity before expansion.
- Winner: ds920+
Connectivity
- Ds720+: Equipped with 2 x 1GbE LAN ports. These can be bonded for increased throughput or failover, offering adequate network performance for most home users.
- Ds920+: Features 2 x 1GbE LAN ports. Similar to the ds720+, these support link aggregation for enhanced network capabilities, but the more powerful CPU can better leverage higher bandwidth.
- Winner: Tie
Performance & Workloads
- Ds720+: Best suited for home users for file storage, media streaming, and basic personal cloud. It can handle light photo management and some cloud sync tasks.
- Ds920+: Designed for more demanding home or small office environments. It excels at handling multiple users, running virtual machines, Docker applications, and more intensive data processing tasks.
- Winner: ds920+
Price Point
- Ds720+: Generally positioned as a more budget-friendly option. It offers a strong balance of features for its price, making it an attractive entry point into Synology’s NAS ecosystem.
- Ds920+: Typically comes with a higher price tag due to its more powerful hardware and greater capabilities. The increased cost reflects its ability to handle more complex workloads and serve a wider range of users.
- Winner: ds720+
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | ds920+ |
| CPU Performance | ds920+ |
| RAM Expandability | ds920+ |
| RAID Options | ds920+ |
| Port Selection | ds920+ |
| Form Factor & Power Efficiency | ds720+ |
| Value for Basic Needs | ds720+ |
What They Have in Common
- Synology Dsm Operating System: Both devices run on Synology’s robust and user-friendly DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, offering a wide range of applications for file management, media streaming, backups, and more.
- M.2 Nvme SSD Cache Support: Both models feature two M.2 NVMe SSD slots, allowing users to implement SSD caching for significantly improved read/write performance, especially for frequently accessed data.
- Expandable RAM: While they come with different base RAM configurations, both the DS720+ and DS920+ support RAM expansion, allowing for greater multitasking capabilities and performance for demanding applications.
- 2 X 1gbe Lan Ports: Both NAS units are equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, which can be utilized for link aggregation to increase network bandwidth and provide failover redundancy.
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Ports: Both models offer two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for easy connection of external storage devices, printers, or other peripherals.
- Quiet Operation: Synology NAS devices are generally known for their quiet operation, and both the DS720+ and DS920+ are designed to be unobtrusive in a home or office environment.
DS720+ VS DS920+ Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The DS720+ features a more modest dual-core Intel Celeron processor, suitable for basic NAS tasks like file storage, backup, and light media streaming. For more demanding workloads, such as running multiple virtual machines, extensive Docker containers, or heavy multimedia transcoding, the DS920+ with its more powerful quad-core Intel Celeron processor offers a significant advantage. If your usage involves intense multitasking or professional applications, the DS920+ will provide a smoother and more responsive experience. (See Also: Clarity Skin Care Vs Dermalogica )
Expandability and Drive Bays
A key differentiator is the number of drive bays. The DS720+ comes with two drive bays, which can be expanded to four with an optional DX517 expansion unit. In contrast, the DS920+ offers four built-in drive bays, providing more immediate storage capacity and a simpler upgrade path without the need for an external unit. For users anticipating rapid data growth or requiring higher raw storage potential from the outset, the DS920+ is the more practical choice.
Connectivity and Ports
Both models offer excellent connectivity for a home or small office environment. The DS720+ includes dual 1GbE LAN ports, supporting link aggregation for increased network throughput. The DS920+ also features dual 1GbE LAN ports, but its advantage lies in its slightly more robust port selection, often including additional USB ports which can be beneficial for connecting more peripherals or external storage devices simultaneously. Check specific models for the exact number and type of USB ports.
Intended Use Case and Budget
The DS720+ is an excellent entry-level to mid-range NAS, ideal for users who need reliable file storage, personal cloud synchronization, and basic multimedia serving. It offers great value for its price point. The DS920+, however, is positioned for more advanced users and businesses requiring higher performance, greater storage capacity out-of-the-box, and the ability to handle more complex applications and virtualized environments. Consider your long-term needs and budget when deciding between these two capable devices. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Nintendo Lite )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy ds720+ If…
- You need a compact and power-efficient 2-bay NAS for general home use, personal cloud storage, and basic media streaming.
- Your data storage needs are modest, and you don’t anticipate requiring more than 32TB of raw storage.
- You’re looking for an entry-level Synology NAS with the flexibility to add SSD cache for a performance boost.
Buy ds920+ If…
- You require more storage capacity and a 4-bay configuration for a growing media library, extensive photo collection, or larger backup needs.
- You plan to run multiple applications simultaneously or host virtual machines, benefiting from the more powerful 4-core CPU and higher RAM ceiling.
- You need more robust RAID options for data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
- You want the flexibility of adding more storage in the future with a NAS that can handle a larger drive pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
: Which NAS is better for media streaming?
Both NAS units can handle media streaming well. However, if you plan on transcoding media on-the-fly for multiple devices or in higher resolutions (like 4K), the DS920+’s more powerful quad-core processor will offer a smoother and more efficient experience. The DS720+ is perfectly capable for direct play or streaming to a few devices without heavy transcoding.
: Can I expand the storage on the DS720+?
Yes, the DS720+ supports storage expansion through an optional DX517 expansion unit. This allows you to add an additional five drive bays, effectively increasing its total storage capacity significantly beyond its native two bays. This makes it a flexible option for growing data needs, though it requires an additional purchase.
: Which NAS is more suitable for running Docker containers?
For users planning to run a substantial number of Docker containers or more resource-intensive applications within containers, the DS920+ is the superior choice. Its quad-core processor provides more processing power and better multitasking capabilities, leading to a snappier and more responsive experience when running multiple containers concurrently. (See Also: Wingstop Tenders Vs Boneless Wings )
: Are both NAS units good for backups?
Absolutely. Both the DS720+ and DS920+ are excellent for various backup scenarios, including backing up computers, mobile devices, and other NAS devices. They offer robust backup software features and can be configured for both local and remote backups. The choice between them largely depends on the volume of data and the frequency of backups you intend to perform.
: Which NAS offers better value for money?
The DS720+ generally offers better value for money for users with more basic needs. It provides a solid feature set for its price point, making it an attractive option for home users or small businesses that don’t require the utmost in performance or expandability. The DS920+ commands a higher price but justifies it with its enhanced performance and built-in drive capacity.
Final Verdict
The Synology DS720+ is an exceptional NAS for its price, offering robust file management, cloud synchronization, and basic media serving capabilities. It’s a fantastic entry-level to mid-range device that can be expanded. However, for users demanding more power, seamless multitasking, advanced application hosting, and immediate higher storage capacity without expansion units, the DS920+ stands out. Its quad-core processor and four drive bays make it the more versatile and future-proof option for demanding workloads and growing data needs.
Winner: DS920+