Are you looking for a reliable NAS device that does not break the bank? While there are a lot of premium models available on the market, you may prefer something that is more affordable and budget-friendlier for a small office or home usage. If that is the case, then Qnap TS-251 and Synology DS214play can be viable choices. Both Qnap TS-251 and Synology DS214play are currently available around similar prices. So, which is the one that is the most suitable for your needs and preferences? Find out below!
Performance and Features
One thing to note, Qnap TS-251 is relatively newer than Synology DS214play, which has been updated with Synology DS216play that we have ever discussed about. Hence, as the effect, there is no need to be surprised that Qnap TS-251 comes with better hardware than Synology DS214play. While Synology DS214play is armed with a 1.6 GHz dual-core Intel Atom processor and 1 GB DDR3 memory, Qnap TS-251 boasts a 2.41 GHz dual-core Intel Celeron, also with 1 GB DDR3L memory. Therefore, if you try to compare their performance, you will be able to see that Qnap TS-251 indeed has a slightly faster processing speed than Synology DS214play, especially with high numbers of requests.
Qnap TS-251 has also been enhanced for server functionality. Powered by the Virtualization Station feature, you can run multiple Windows and Linux VMs on the same unit. It also offers five concurrent channels for video transcoding. On the other hand, Synology DS214play indeed has always been famous for the ease-of-use, featuring a screwless drive bay design for easy installation of new drives and the hot-swappable support.
Connectivity
Synology DS214play comes with just a single Gigabit Ethernet port, plus a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port. It is DLNA-ready, though. However, Qnap TS-251 is clearly trying to outmatch the competitor, as Qnap TS-251 has been packed with more connection ports as well. Qnap TS-251 comes with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. Connecting multiple wired devices is not a problem!
Qnap TS-251 Vs Synology DS214play
| Qnap TS-251 | Synology DS214play | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Qnap | Synology |
| Key features | - Transcode Full HD videos on-the-fly or offline.Play 1080p videos with 7.1 channel surround sound pass-through via HDMI output - 2 x Gigabit RJ-45 Ethernet port1 x HDMI；2 x USB 3.0 port (Front: 1, Rear: 1)；2 x USB 2.0 port (Rear: 2) ；Support USB printer, pen drive, and USB UPS etc. - Centralize your file storage, sharing and backup | - 1080p Full HD Video Transcoding on the Fly. - Dual Core CPU Powered by Floating-Point Unit. - Features SuperSpeed USB 3.0. DLNA Ready Media Server. - Screwless Drive Bay Design and Hot-swappable Support. - Running on Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM). |
| Price | ||
| Customer Rating | 4.3 out of 5.0 stars | 4.4 out of 5.0 stars |
| Best Offer | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
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Conclusion
All in all, Qnap TS-251 clearly comes out as the winner here. It has a more powerful engine and an integrated virtualization solution if you need it to run multiple virtual machines. It also has more connection ports.