Drobo or Synology or Qnap

Modred189

Can't Read the OP
Joined
May 24, 2006
Messages
16,308
It looks like I am no longer going to be able to do a home-brew local networked backup solution on a PC-PC basis after the death of CrashPlan. Simple NAS systems like a simple networked drive is not going to work because of the volume of data I'm moving and a desire for a little more power.

SO, I'm thinking about going with a dedicated box in the house SOLELY for backup purposes. No media serving or tanscoding or game serving, etc. JUST backups of local computers. Let's assume I have the hard drives, so no need to worry about those, so I am focusing on diskless systems.

What I am looking for:

- Probably need 4 drives or more, 6 is preferred for future proofing and flexibility.
- Gigabit networking
- Wireless not required
- Remote managing should be simple with a GUI. I don't have time for a lot of micro managing or learning a complex new system.
- Should allow for easy set up of backups, preferably incremental backups regularly completed.
- Notification capability (no recent backups, HDD issues, etc) is a huge plus, and willing to pay a little more for it.
- Backups are 90% photos and home movies. Right now have 2+ TB of said files.

Budget: What i need to pay to get what i need.

Devices I've been looking at:

Drobo 5n ($394)
https://www.amazon.com/Drobo-5N-Att...=Drobo&refinements=p_89:Drobo,p_85:2470955011


Synology DS416Slim ($290)

https://www.amazon.com/Synology-DS4...UTF8&qid=1506199571&sr=1-10&keywords=synology

Qnap TS-563-2G ($547)

https://www.amazon.com/QNAP-TS-563-...s&ie=UTF8&qid=1506200489&sr=1-7&keywords=qnap


Clearly the Drobo has the price advantage. WHile shopping, some WD devices also come up:

THoughts?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GLRX7OQ/ref=abs_brd_tag_dp?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
Everyone has their fave.

With NAS you tend to buy your first from one company and stick with that brand as you get familiar with the UI and setup.

I'm a QNAP guy but could just as easily been a Synology.
 
I've got both QNAP and Synology. Honestly, not a lot of difference, and I could recommend either one.

The QNAP interface is a little more snazzy than Synology, but functionally are about the same. Both get frequent updates, and older models continue to get security and software updates. Hardware-wise I've not had an issue with either.

I don't have any experience with Drobo, but have heard good things about them - I would probably try them if what I was looking for was a good deal.

I can say stay far far away from WD NAS products - I tried a couple, and while WD was really good about RMAing them, the fact that I had to do multiple RMAs for them was enough for me to get rid of them.
 
I can say stay far far away from WD NAS products - I tried a couple, and while WD was really good about RMAing them, the fact that I had to do multiple RMAs for them was enough for me to get rid of them.

Yeah I agree there, basically stay away from the HDD manufacturers own NAS products. Just a world of disappointment there.
 
I'd spend more and get the Synology + series. The DS916+ starts with 4 bays but can be expanded to 9 bays with the DX513 5-bay add-on box. The total cost is around $1000 but that is split across two units at $550 and $450. I started with a collection of DAS units and finally ended up getting an Asustor NAS. Uses the same Android ecosystem as Synology and QNAP and a little cheaper when looking at 5+ bays.
 
QNAP and Synology make the best stuff IMHO for the hobbyist who wants a solid functional NAS without building up a custom solution.

My current NAS is a QNAP, and it's been working flawlessly. As others say, Synology is really on the same tier - it's a really tough call.
 
I'd recommend Synology or QNAP. They're both solid. I think the OS for Synology is more polished. I think QNAP has a lot more hardware options (some models have ridiculous levels of expansion and power, but you do pay for it).

That being said, I've had a Synology at home running 24/7 for about 5 years now, and I'd buy another one in a second.
 
Tossing my hat in the QNAP ring as well. I use a 2 bay at home for personal storage and multiple 12 bay devices at work for all manner of backup and storage. They've been rock solid and even the lowest tier devices can typically be easily upgraded.
 
Back
Top