Synology DiskStation DS223j Review
Adding a NAS device to your storage system is a smart way to maintain control of your data and not pay for a recurring subscription. In this Synology DS223j review, we go over the details to help you decide if this solution is right for your needs.
— Last Updated: 2025-04-03T10:41:16+00:00 Facts checked by Simona Ivanovski
The DiskStation DS223j is the newest version of Synology’s entry-level network-attached storage (NAS) device. It is a great option for anyone looking to include NAS as an external drive option. We’ll go over all the details in this Synology DS223j review.
For anyone who’s used Synology’s NAS devices or even the older DS220 version, much of this DS223j review will sound familiar. It features upgrades in the areas that matter most, such as speed and performance, while maintaining the ease of use Synology is known for. If you want to learn more, check out our guide explaining what NAS is.
It’s worth noting that the DS223j is not suited for every user type. Businesses or users who need advanced features like SSD caching — which helps improve performance — or stronger processing power will likely want to look for a different model. For everyone else, read on to see if the DS223j is a good option for you.
The Cloudwards Expert Opinion: DS223j
The Cloudwards Expert Opinion: DS223j
The DS223j is one of my favorite NAS devices. It is very easy to use, especially for those who are unfamiliar with NAS or not very tech-savvy. You can set it up quickly, and it works well. Another positive is the relatively low up-front cost for a good chunk of storage. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a simple, solid NAS drive.
Synology DiskStation DS223j Pros & Cons
Key Features & Design
Synology DiskStation DS223j Specs
| Number of Bays | 2 |
| Network Protocols | SMB, AFP, NFS, FTP, WebDAV, CalDAV, iSCSI, Telnet, SSH, SNMP, VPN (PPTP, OpenVPN, L2TP) |
| CPU | Realtek RTD1619B, 64-bit, 1.7 GHz |
| RAM | 1GB DDR4 |
| Ports | Two USB ports: 3.2 Gen 1, RJ-45 1GbE LAN |
| NAS Operating System | DiskStation Manager (DSM) |
| Compatible Drives | 2 x 3.5” or 2.5” SATA HDD/SSD (not included) |
| Maximum Single-Volume Size | 108TB |
| RAID Configuration | Basic to RAID 1 |
| Size (H x W x D) | 165 x 100 x 225.5 mm |
| Weight | 0.88 kg (without compatible drives) |
The design is one of the nicer aspects of the DS223j. Visually, it has almost the same design as the older model, maintaining a low profile and a clean look. As is common with NAS devices, you’ll need to remove the cover to insert the required 3.5-inch storage drives. If you want to use 2.5-inch drives, you’ll need to buy Synology’s adapter.
The built-in operating system runs on a Realtek RTD1619B 1.7 GHz processor, which is enough speed for basic and personal use. Additionally, the DS223j runs programs with 1GB of RAM, with no upgrade options available.
With the Synology DiskStation DS223j, you can synchronize your data with other cloud services, such as IDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox, using a free tool called “Synology cloud sync” that can be found in the package center. Alternatively, you can pick from the best cloud backup for Synology to keep your data protected.
Pricing: How Much Does DS223j Cost?
One of the most appealing aspects of the Synology DiskStation DS223j is its affordability. The average price for the base unit is $189. Of course, you also need to buy two storage drives, which will vary in price depending on your needs.
from the control panel in the web interface.
If you’re just getting started, you can purchase two 4TB SSD drives for about $85 each. That would bring the total cost of starting out with your Synology DS223j to just under $360. However, if you want 12TB of storage space, for example, it could cost you upwards of $400 just for the storage drives.
| Amazon | $189.99 |
| Newegg | $195.99 |
| CDW | $228.99 |
| Adorama | $189.99 |
Where Is Synology DS223j Available to Buy?
You can’t buy this NAS device directly from Synology. However, there are several retail options to choose from, with Amazon.com being one of the most popular. Other options include Newegg, Adorama and CDW. The device costs $189.99 on Amazon, while Newegg offers it for $195.99.
You can also find the required data storage drives at these retailers and can often get a deal or a discount when purchasing everything together.
Hands-On Testing & Performance
Once you get the storage drives installed, the DS223j is easy to set up and configure right out of the box — more so than some of its competitors. It’s not quite plug-and-play, but it comes close. Once you get it plugged in and connected to your network, you’ll spend most of your time on the web interface.
storage server if you use the Synology Drive application.
One element that can be a little frustrating is the need for an account password and a device password. Of course, you can use the same password twice, but as with any password, reuse comes with a risk. You’ll gain full access to your NAS to configure it once you set up your login credentials.
The DS223j downloads packages quickly with its 1GB of internal RAM. Similarly, with up to 1.7 GHz of CPU, it is strong enough to accomplish most tasks. Any users complaining that the 1GbE interface needs better performance would likely benefit from a more powerful solution than the DS223j.
Security Settings
A benefit of NAS is that your data isn’t stored on a company’s remote servers. However, that doesn’t mean your data isn’t vulnerable to cyber threats. The best way to protect data stored on the DS223j is to take full advantage of your account’s security settings.
in terms of how secure you make your device and account.
The control panel has a dedicated security section with many different settings, providing granularity for device and account security. If you use QuickConnect to log in to your device, enabling and enforcing two-factor authentication is recommended. Adaptive multi-factor authentication detects high-risk login attempts by requiring a second form of authentication.
Another option lets you enable a firewall specific to your NAS. Additional security settings include blocking IP addresses, denial-of-service (DOS) protection and HTTP compression to save bandwidth. To learn more about protecting your NAS, check out our NAS security guide.
Competitors: Synology DiskStation DS223j Alternatives
The Synology DiskStation DS223j has plenty of competition as an entry-level NAS device, as you can see in our article on the best personal cloud storage devices. More powerful and cheaper options are available, though rarely in the same package. Plus, Synology is one of the easiest to use. However, here are a couple of alternatives to consider.
Terra-Master F2-212
The Terra-Master F2-212 has a more powerful internal processor that uses ARM V8.2 1.7 GHz, and it comes with 1GB of RAM. It supports 44TB of storage space and is best for personal use. You can use 3.5- or 2.5-inch hard drives, and you don’t have to disassemble the unit to install them — nor do you need to buy a separate adapter for 2.5-inch hard drives.
The F2-212 has a similar price point, at $169.99 on Amazon, making it a slightly more affordable option than the DS223j. For Windows users, the interface has almost the same design and functionality. Terra-Master recently updated its TOS operating system, and it supports mobile app connections for data management on the go.
WD My Cloud
The My Cloud Home offers one of the lowest costs for an entry-level NAS device, at just $99.99 for 2TB and with no need to buy additional storage. In fact, there are no upgrade options with this device, which also comes in 4TB, 6TB and 8TB capacity. It doesn’t have as many features as the DS223j or the F2-212, but it is easy to set up and use.
Synology DS223j vs DS223
The Synology DiskStation DS223 is a slightly upgraded version of the DS223j. Visually, the DS223 has a black exterior, while the DS223j has a white shell. Functionally, there is little difference between the two, as you still need to disassemble the DS223 to install the hard drives. The DS223 has three USB ports, with one on the front of the device.
Under the hood, the DS223 can process data more quickly, with 2GB of DDR4 RAM. The CPU is identical for both units, as is the number of storage drive bays. Both also have the same Rj-45 1GbE LAN port and the same overall storage capacity.
The Verdict: Is Synology DS223j Worth It?
The DS223j is best suited to anyone who doesn’t want to spend much to incorporate a NAS device into their storage and backup system. The no-fuss Synology DS223j setup process and operations, plus the low cost, make it a great option for those just getting started. It’s an entry-level model, so it’s not best for power users or businesses.
Do you have a Synology DiskStation DS223j? Are you considering purchasing a NAS device? Which other devices do you like? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading our article.
FAQ: Synology NAS Device
You should buy the Synology DiskStation DS223j if you are looking for a NAS device that is easy to set up and use.
The maximum single-volume size of DS223j is 108TB.
Yes, the Synology Cloud Station is discontinued. However, you can use the Synology Drive server to enjoy the same benefits and functionality.
The Synology DiskStation DS223j is an affordable and easy-to-use NAS device that lets you store data locally on a home network.
