When comparing Synology DS216+II vs WD 2TB My Cloud Personal NAS, the Slant community recommends Synology DS216+II for most people. In the question“What are the best NAS enclosures under $300?” Synology DS216+II is ranked 1st while WD 2TB My Cloud Personal NAS is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Synology DS216+II is:
This function is called USBCopy. You just need to attach your media to the front, press the Copy button (labeled C on this version) and wait untill it's done (no need to have it attached to any PC and no need to login to the NAS as well). By default, the backups get compressed to a single archive per backup and are named after their device name and timestamp attached (changeable within the settings). Older/other versions also had an SD-Card reader, this one doesn't (but it seems to have an eSATA port) so you might search for an alternative if you need the SD-Card reader.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Single-button press backup functionality (ports and button on the front)
This function is called USBCopy. You just need to attach your media to the front, press the Copy button (labeled C on this version) and wait untill it's done (no need to have it attached to any PC and no need to login to the NAS as well). By default, the backups get compressed to a single archive per backup and are named after their device name and timestamp attached (changeable within the settings). Older/other versions also had an SD-Card reader, this one doesn't (but it seems to have an eSATA port) so you might search for an alternative if you need the SD-Card reader.
Pro DiskStation Manager OS is rock solid
DiskStation Manager OS is by far the best commercial NAS-OS out there when it comes to expandability, usability, and stability. No other system comes close, unless you build one yourself and use an Open-Source NAS-OS that you fine-tune to your needs.
Pro Synology has by far the best LTS of any comparable manufacturer
Even 10-year-old NAS storages still get updates for their OS (called DSM). The only thing that limits you is the hardware.
Pro Full flegged x86 CPU
See this for tech-spec.
Pro AES-NI hardware encryption engine
Encryption performance at over 113.01 MB/s reading, 111.66 MB/s writing.
Pro Company-level advanced BTRFS file system with built-in data integrity check
See further details on Synology's page
Pro Usability (WebOS)
Product and software work seamlessly with any operating system (since it's a WebOS running in the browser). Product software has easy to follow icons and GUI that allow users to use it as a VPN, time machine, media server, etc.
Pro Supports syncing
Any updates that are done to files are automatically updated on the device, allowing for up to date access from all devices.
Pro Good bang for your buck
At roughly $120, the 2TB My Cloud is a great start to building an at home storage that is both reliable and easy to interact with.
Pro Reliability
Easy to setup, user friendly, reliable tech support, and overall a simple experience. Great for people just getting started with large personal storage at home or in a small business.
Pro Companion App
The MyCloud app allows you to wirelessly transfer your videos, pictures, and files onto your device while connected to any internet.
Cons
Con Too many variants, pricing is not always logical
With, without an SD-Card reader; with, without a copy button and front ports. Model numbers also don't seem to follow any logic so you have to be careful when buying here. Also with some, you can switch the RAM model yourself while on many others it's soldered to the mainboard. You don't need the latest model. Be careful selecting one to fit your needs and pocket when buying (they're pretty good even when they're used - just use new HDDs and you're fine).
Con Not made for 4K streaming addicts (PLEX)
Yet so are typical other NAS from other manufacturers unless they are tailored for the purpose. Synology calls these NAS boxes "play" e. g. DS216play. They often have other drawbacks.
You have to spend more to get hardware level support for proper media-streaming. This is, however, not the usual task for a NAS and is only interesting if you need to stream 4K files (most often other bottlenecks are in-place like a slow network connection anyway). For streaming 1080p this NAS should be fine.
If you need serious streaming look elsewhere.
Con Requires a bit of work if you want to get the most out of it
It's clearly not made for people that want to buy a device and just use it but those that take some time to set it up. Once you're done, it runs, and runs, and runs (till you want to do more, which you can since it has Package-Management built in that enables you to download new packages and extend the functionality of your simple NAS).
Con Expensive
While the cost is not as high as some, there are similar storage size options for cheaper prices. This price tag, like most, is for branding and the high quality product you get from Synology.
Con Slow support
Technical support is not the go to option for a solution, with long wait times, and open cases taking up to weeks to resolve (that is with persistent follow up).
Con Software lacks depth
The WD software is simple, and rudimentary enough to get the job done. The software specifically lacks functionality in security settings, OSX compatibility, idle control and power/sleep settings. Keep an eye out for updates from WD, there is a decent bit of room for improvement here.
Con Entry level
This is really an entry level product for those looking to get started with large personal storage and security. There are many other options as far as security and storage. If you are looking to get started and see how this kind of hardware can work for you? Then by all means, make sure you have the two day free shipping!