Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Synology is probably the best NAS system and almost always a good investment. The web-based graphical DSM software is the best available and continuously updated. The DS418 line has dual LAN ports to provide Link Aggregation. This allows you to transfer data at up to 226MB/s over 2 Ethernet lines (with each line maxing out at around 110MB/s which is basically as fast as Gigabit Ethernet can go). However, if you are considering the DS418, spend the extra $50 and get at least the DS418play. Synology’s marketing info can be confusing regarding exactly what the difference is between the models (i.e. what do you really get for the “j”, “play”, “+” suffix). In the product side-by-side comparisons, they all show similar capabilities. For example, all the DS418 models show that they will play the same media. However, the DS418 won’t hardware transcode media files (you have to get at least the DS418play for that). Even if you don’t care about DLNA transcoding, the DS418 uses a Realtek ARM CPU which won’t run Plex, Dockers, or probably most future server tech. The DS418play and up are based on Intel CPUs which will hardware transcode, run Plex, VMware and Dockers and is way more future-proof. The Intel CPUs also provide a bit more horsepower for encryption and other server activity. If you are going to spend the money, get at least the DS418play. If you are really into streaming, the DS918+ can stream 2 4k videos simultaneously while the DS418play can only stream one at a time. If multiple users need to stream 4K videos simultaneously or you want to use the eSATA port to connect the 5-Bay expansion DX517 NAS, then you have to spend the big bucks on the DS918+. Otherwise, the DS418play is your best bang for the buck.