Synology DS214seFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 23 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment61%
PROS 61%
CONS 39%

Rank based on 23 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a simple, reliable NAS for backups, photo/music storage, and basic file syncing
  • You value Synology's easy DSM interface and app ecosystem over raw hardware specs
  • You plan to run RAID 1 mirroring with two drives for redundancy

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need strong CPU power for transcoding, Plex, or multiple simultaneous HD streams
  • You're comparing against similarly priced competitors like QNAP TS-212P with faster processors and USB 3.0
  • You need advanced features like RAID 0 for video editing or high-capacity 6TB+ drive support

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Budget
Ugreen DXP2800
Easy setup for beginnersUpgradeable RAM and storageAffordable entry pointRAID is not backupLimited scalability with 2 baysImmature firmware options
Ugreen DXP2800
Easy setup for beginners
Upgradeable RAM and storage
Affordable entry point
RAID is not backup
Limited scalability with 2 bays
Immature firmware options
2Premium
Seagate Exos X16
Full advertised capacityGood packaging designLong-term reliabilityNoticeable operating noiseDrive failures reportedShipping/packaging damage in some regions
Seagate Exos X16
Full advertised capacity
Good packaging design
Long-term reliability
Noticeable operating noise
Drive failures reported
Shipping/packaging damage in some regions
You are here
3Mid
Synology DS214se
Reliable long-term operationEasy to use interfaceGood value versus competitorsUncertain streaming performance under loadWeak CPU and limited RAMAccount and connectivity issues reported
Synology DS214se
Reliable long-term operation
Easy to use interface
Good value versus competitors
Uncertain streaming performance under load
Weak CPU and limited RAM
Account and connectivity issues reported
4Budget
Seagate SkyHawk
Affordable price pointUsable for general storage, not just surveillanceSuited for surveillance/video recording workloadsConcerns over Seagate's data-loss reputationConfusing compatibility guidance for mixed NAS/NVR setupsSkepticism about AI marketing claims
Seagate SkyHawk
Affordable price point
Usable for general storage, not just surveillance
Suited for surveillance/video recording workloads
Concerns over Seagate's data-loss reputation
Confusing compatibility guidance for mixed NAS/NVR setups
Skepticism about AI marketing claims
5Budget
Western Digital Elements
Easy to shuckData recovery often possibleLow cost per terabyteUSB/power board issuesDrive failures and DOA unitsPhysical fragility during shucking
Western Digital Elements
Easy to shuck
Data recovery often possible
Low cost per terabyte
USB/power board issues
Drive failures and DOA units
Physical fragility during shucking
6Mid
Seagate Game Drive Hub for Xbox
Massive storage capacityExtra front USB portsGood value for the spaceReliability and failure issuesStays powered on after Xbox shutdownNo power button and noise complaints
Seagate Game Drive Hub for Xbox
Massive storage capacity
Extra front USB ports
Good value for the space
Reliability and failure issues
Stays powered on after Xbox shutdown
No power button and noise complaints
7Mid
Synology DS224+
Unofficial RAM upgrades often workEasy setup and softwareLong-term reliabilityNo 2.5GbE networkingOutdated/recycled hardwareLimited large-drive support
Synology DS224+
Unofficial RAM upgrades often work
Easy setup and software
Long-term reliability
No 2.5GbE networking
Outdated/recycled hardware
Limited large-drive support
8Mid
Seagate IronWolf
Long-term reliability for NAS workloadsStrong sustained write speedsPurpose-built for NAS environmentsLoud operational noiseDead-on-arrival and early failuresHigh operating temperatures
Seagate IronWolf
Long-term reliability for NAS workloads
Strong sustained write speeds
Purpose-built for NAS environments
Loud operational noise
Dead-on-arrival and early failures
High operating temperatures
9Mid
Seagate BarraCuda
Long-term reliabilityHigh storage capacity for archivingEasy installationReliability and failure reportsSMR write speed limitationsNoise and clicking sounds
Seagate BarraCuda
Long-term reliability
High storage capacity for archiving
Easy installation
Reliability and failure reports
SMR write speed limitations
Noise and clicking sounds
10Mid
Seagate Game Drive for Xbox
Fast game transfersEasy setupLong-term reliability for some usersCan't play next-gen games directlyDrive failure over timeNot recognized by Xbox
Seagate Game Drive for Xbox
Fast game transfers
Easy setup
Long-term reliability for some users
Can't play next-gen games directly
Drive failure over time
Not recognized by Xbox

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Owners consistently praise the DS214se for its simple setup and polished software. Multiple reviewers highlight the easy setup guides, simplistic and nice DSM UI, and smooth operation with no issues over extended use. One user calls it one of the nicest and simplistic NAS UIs available, while others say they've used it happily for over a year without problems, recommending Synology devices to others.

The value proposition splits opinion, with hardware specs seen as weak but the software ecosystem as the real payoff. Some commenters note the CPU and RAM are weak compared to price, saying you could build a cheaper system, but others argue the price pays for the incredible ecosystem of apps across iOS, Android, Windows and macOS rather than raw hardware. Several owners state plainly that despite being not cheap, the units are worth the cost.

Buyers frequently debate this model against the standard DS214 and other NAS competitors before purchasing. Many commenters ask about differences versus the DS214, DS213j, QNAP TS-212P, WD My Cloud, and Terra Master, focused on CPU/RAM differences and whether reduced power impacts HD streaming to devices like a PS4. Several who bought after watching reviews report satisfaction, including one who avoided the Terra Master F2-NAS 2 and another who called it 'amazing.'

Outdated / Not-accurate data?