Synology DS218play Home Storage Cloud Review

Review Details

I recently purchased the Synology DS218play to replace my old DS215J, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. The DS218play is a solid choice for a home media streamer, offering an impressive array of features at an affordable price.

One of the primary reasons I upgraded was to improve my streaming experience on PLEX. The DS218play’s more powerful processor and increased memory make it much better suited for use as a media server. The setup process was straightforward, and while the new Diskstation software (DSM7) is different from the previous version, I had no issues adjusting to the changes.

The DS218play has a sleek matte black design, and though it’s not the most robust unit, it’s sturdy enough for its intended purpose. Installation of two brand-new, unformatted HDD drives was quick and easy, with all the necessary screws and brackets included.

When it came to setting up the drives, I had several options for RAID configurations. I opted for two Basic storage pools, one on each drive, which met my needs for a media server. Be aware that the initial check on new drives can take a long time (mine took over 8 hours), but it’s not strictly necessary.

Transferring my media files took hours over Ethernet, but once everything was in place, PLEX worked flawlessly. I can now enjoy DVD quality movies on my iPad, stream my collection over hotel WiFi, and view subtitles or switch audio tracks on my TV. The addition of two USB 3 sockets on the back allows for easy expansion of storage with external drives.

While the newer DS220+ offers additional features, the DS218play is more than sufficient for my media streaming needs. The £100 price difference allowed me to invest in larger hard drives instead. As a warehouse deal, my unit arrived in perfect condition and looked like new.

In conclusion, the Synology DS218play is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable home media streaming solution. With a straightforward setup process, solid performance, and compatibility with PLEX, it’s an investment that should serve you well for years to come.