Synology DS216+II Review

Why this NAS

After running a DIY NAS with FreeNAS for a while, I switched to Synology for something that “just works.” The DS216+II delivers exactly that: dependable storage in a small, quiet box with very little maintenance.

Design and build

The hardware is understated and minimal — it blends into a shelf without drawing attention. Tool‑less drive access and the compact footprint make it easy to live with.

Software: DSM

Synology’s operating system is called DiskStation Manager (DSM). DSM is polished, consistent, and easy to navigate, from initial setup to user/shared folder management, snapshots, and apps. The web UI feels like a lightweight desktop, and most common tasks are a few clicks away.

Compared to DIY (FreeNAS)

FreeNAS (now TrueNAS) was a great way to learn about ZFS, RAID, and networking. However, for day‑to‑day home use I value the Synology approach: updates are smooth, services are pre‑packaged, and guardrails reduce foot‑guns. If you want to focus on using a NAS rather than maintaining one, Synology wins.

Verdict

Simple, reliable, and pleasant to use — the DS216+II remains an easy recommendation if you value low friction. For my needs it’s a clear 5/5.

Recommendation

If you prefer setup speed and a clean UX over tinkering, DSM on a 2‑bay Synology is hard to beat. (Affiliate link TBD.)