Buffalo 8TB 2-Bay or Synology DS124: the smarter NAS buy?

Display

Neither product is a display-based device, so there’s no screen quality to compare in the usual sense. For a NAS, the practical equivalent is the management interface, and this is where Synology wins decisively. DSM on the DS124 is widely regarded as one of the best NAS interfaces available, with a clean web UI, better app organisation, and easier setup for backups, media, and remote access. Buffalo’s LinkStation interface is functional, but it is generally more basic and less refined. Winner: Synology DS124, because the software experience matters more than a physical display on a headless storage device.

Performance

On raw hardware value, the Buffalo has the advantage of shipping with 8TB of drives already installed and two bays, which means you can immediately configure it for either capacity or redundancy. In practical home use, that can be helpful for file sharing, light media serving, and simple backups. However, the DS124 is the stronger platform overall for NAS performance and responsiveness thanks to Synology’s better-optimised software stack and typically smoother app ecosystem. The DS124 is a 1-bay desktop NAS, so it cannot do RAID 1, but it can still perform very well for single-disk storage, Plex metadata, cloud sync, and backup duties. If you need multi-drive resilience, Buffalo wins on hardware layout; if you want a faster-feeling and more capable NAS environment, Synology wins. Overall winner: Synology DS124 for performance experience, Buffalo only if the included dual-drive setup is your priority.

Build quality and design

The Synology DS124 is the cleaner, more compact choice. A 1-bay chassis is easier to place on a desk or shelf, uses less power, and usually runs quieter than a 2-bay unit with two spinning disks. Buffalo’s LinkStation 220 is bulkier because it houses two drives, but that also gives it more practical storage architecture out of the box. In terms of physical design, Synology products tend to feel more polished and easier to live with, from drive access to front-panel indicators and overall fit-and-finish. Buffalo is solid enough, but it is more utilitarian. Winner: Synology DS124 for design and day-to-day living, though Buffalo’s two-bay form factor is inherently more expandable at the hardware level.

Battery life

Neither NAS has a battery, so there is no battery life metric to compare. For home users, the more relevant consideration is power efficiency and the effect of spinning disks on noise and electricity use. The DS124 should generally draw less power than a two-drive NAS like the Buffalo, simply because it has one drive bay instead of two. That makes Synology the better option for low-power, always-on use in a UK home office or living room. Winner: Synology DS124, by virtue of lower typical power draw.

Price and value for money

This is the clearest area of separation. The Buffalo costs £467.97, while the Synology DS124 costs £139.97, a difference of £328.00. Even though the Buffalo includes 8TB of HDD storage and two bays, it is still a very expensive proposition when compared with buying the DS124 and adding your own drive. The Synology’s upfront price is dramatically lower, and that leaves room in the budget for a quality NAS-grade HDD, a larger single drive, or even a future upgrade path. If you only compare box-and-drive included, Buffalo looks more complete; if you compare total value, Synology is vastly better. Winner: Synology DS124, by a wide margin.

Game library/features

A NAS has no game library, so the relevant comparison is features: backups, remote access, media serving, and expandability. Synology is the clear winner here. DSM offers a stronger package of backup tools, mobile apps, cloud sync options, user management, and remote access features, which makes it much better for home cloud use. The DS124’s single bay is a limitation, especially if you want RAID 1, but Synology’s software ecosystem often compensates with better data protection workflows, easier maintenance, and a more complete app experience. Buffalo’s LinkStation 220 can do the basics, but it does not match Synology’s depth or polish. Winner: Synology DS124.

Overall user experience

For most buyers, this is where the decision is made. The Buffalo LinkStation 220 gives you 8TB and two bays straight away, which is attractive if you want an all-in-one storage appliance and value the option of mirrored storage. But it comes at a very high price, and the user experience is not as strong as Synology’s. The DS124 is cheaper, easier to manage, and backed by a much better software platform, which matters every time you log in to configure backups, share files, or stream media. The downside is obvious: one bay means no RAID, and you must buy your own drive. Still, for most home users, the Synology is the better long-term NAS even though it starts with less hardware in the box. Overall winner: Synology DS124.

Overall summary: the Buffalo LinkStation 220 is only the better buy if you specifically want two bays and 8TB included from day one. For everyone else, the Synology DS124 is the smarter purchase because it is far cheaper, better designed, and backed by superior NAS software. In a home NAS, the chassis and interface matter more than bundled drives, and Synology delivers the better experience by a long way.