Synology DS720+ Review: Is It Still Worth It?

Synology Servers

The Synology DS720+ has long been a favourite among home users and small businesses looking for reliable, flexible network storage. Even years after its release, it continues to hold a strong position in the NAS market. But with newer models offering upgraded hardware, many users are asking whether the DS720+ is still a smart investment today.

The answer depends on your needs, workload, and expectations.

Overview of the DS720+

The DS720+ is a 2-bay NAS designed for versatility. It supports a wide range of use cases, including:

File storage and sharing
Data backup and disaster recovery
Media streaming
Light virtualization

Its balance between performance and affordability makes it a popular choice for users who need more than basic storage without moving into enterprise-level systems.

Performance and Hardware Capabilities

CPU and Memory

The DS720+ is powered by an Intel Celeron processor, which is capable of handling:

Multi-user file access
Background tasks like backups and indexing
Media streaming workloads

It also supports RAM upgrades, allowing users to improve multitasking performance as their needs grow.

Real-World Performance

In everyday scenarios, the DS720+ performs reliably:

Fast file transfers on a Gigabit network
Smooth backup operations using tools like Hyper Backup
Stable performance for small teams or home environments

However, it is not designed for heavy enterprise workloads such as large-scale virtualization or high-performance databases.

Storage and Expansion Flexibility

Drive Bays and RAID Options

With two drive bays, the DS720+ supports:

RAID 0 for performance
RAID 1 for redundancy

This allows users to choose between speed and data protection.

Expansion and SSD Caching

The system includes:

NVMe slots for SSD caching
Support for expansion units for additional storage

This gives users the ability to improve performance and scale storage over time, even with a 2-bay system.

Software Experience with DSM

One of the biggest advantages of the DS720+ is its software ecosystem. It runs on DiskStation Manager (DSM), which is widely regarded as one of the most user-friendly NAS platforms available.

DSM provides:

An intuitive interface
A large library of applications
Strong security features
Regular updates and support

This software experience is a major reason why the DS720+ remains relevant.

Backup and Data Protection Features

The DS720+ offers robust backup capabilities, including:

Hyper Backup for local and cloud backups
Snapshot replication for quick recovery
Support for external and off-site backups

These features make it a reliable solution for protecting critical data, especially for small businesses.

Media Streaming Capabilities

The DS720+ is also a strong performer for media use.

Supported Features:

Plex Media Server support
Synology Audio Station and Video Station
Remote streaming capabilities

It can handle most media streaming tasks smoothly, including HD content. However, for heavy transcoding or multiple simultaneous streams, performance may be limited compared to newer models.

Pros of the DS720+

Reliable and proven performance
Excellent DSM software ecosystem
Expandable storage and caching options
Strong backup and media capabilities
Good value for money

Limitations to Consider

Despite its strengths, the DS720+ has some limitations:

Only 2 drive bays, limiting storage capacity
Older CPU compared to newer NAS models
Not suitable for heavy enterprise workloads
Limited scalability for large environments

These factors may be important depending on your use case.

Who Should Still Consider the DS720+?

Ideal Users:

Home users with growing storage needs
Small businesses requiring reliable backup
Media enthusiasts building a home server
Users looking for a cost-effective NAS solution

Not Ideal For:

Large enterprises
High-performance computing environments
Users needing extensive storage capacity without expansion

DS720+ vs Newer NAS Models

Compared to newer models, the DS720+ may not offer the latest hardware, but it still holds up well in many scenarios.

Slightly lower performance
Still highly capable for everyday workloads
More affordable than newer alternatives

For many users, the price-to-performance ratio remains very attractive.

Long-Term Value and Stability

One of the key reasons the DS720+ continues to be relevant is its long-term reliability. Synology’s consistent software updates ensure that even older hardware remains secure and functional. For users who value stability over cutting-edge performance, the DS720+ is still a dependable choice that can serve for years without major issues.

How Epis Technology Helps Optimize NAS Systems

Epis Technology helps businesses and users get the most out of systems like the DS720+. From performance tuning to backup optimization, Epis Technology ensures efficient and reliable operation.

The company provides services including large storage solutions, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace backups, fully managed PC backups, and Synology consulting and support. Epis Technology also assists with system upgrades, network optimization, and infrastructure planning.

About Epis Technology

Epis Technology provides enterprise IT infrastructure, Synology consulting, and data protection solutions for organizations of all sizes. The company specializes in NAS deployments, storage optimization, and scalable IT environments. Through expert design, implementation, and ongoing support, Epis Technology helps users build efficient, secure, and high-performance systems.