Synology DS225+ review – my first experience and plans for the future
After a long time of considering it, I finally got my first more modern NAS server, the Synology DS225+. The main reason wasn’t just data synchronization and backups, but also the ability to use Docker containers, which my older NAS didn’t support.
I’m using the NAS with two 4 TB Synology drives and I upgraded it with 8 GB of Crucial RAM, so I currently have a total of 10 GB of memory available.
Initial setup
I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the first startup was. After inserting the drives and turning on the NAS, the system walked me through the basic configuration practically step by step.
Creating a user account, setting up storage, creating shared folders, and basic security took just a few minutes. I also enabled two-factor authentication (2FA), which I consider very important.
Syncing data from my computer
My main goal was to sync data from multiple drives in my computer to one central place. For that I use Synology Drive Client, which was very easy to set up.
Thanks to that, my important documents, photos, articles, and projects automatically sync to the NAS without any manual copying.
Mobile access and access away from home
On my phone, I use several Synology apps:
- DS Finder
- Synology Drive
- DS File
To sync files between the NAS and my phone, I use the Autosync app via WebDAV. Because of that, I have my own DDNS address set up.
When I’m away from home, I connect to my data securely via WireGuard VPN, so I can access my files from pretty much anywhere.
Why I wanted a NAS with Docker support
One of the main reasons for switching to the DS225+ was Docker container support. It opens up completely new ways to use a NAS server.
For now I’m just getting familiar with Docker, but in the future I plan to try several interesting solutions.
Containers I’m interested in
- Portainer – easier Docker container management via a web interface
- Dozzle – real-time container log monitoring
- File Browser – convenient file management via a web interface
- AdGuard Home – blocking ads and tracking services across the entire home network
- Uptime Kuma – monitoring the availability of devices and services
- Homepage – a custom dashboard with links and a service overview
- MeTube – easy video downloads via a web interface
- Immich – a self-hosted alternative to Google Photos
- Vaultwarden – a self-hosted password manager compatible with Bitwarden clients
- Paperless-ngx – archiving documents and invoices
The ability to run similar services was one of the reasons I wanted a newer NAS server.
What I like about Synology
- easy initial setup
- clear DSM interface
- excellent data synchronization
- mobile apps
- Docker container support
- secure remote access options
- 2FA support
- expandability with apps and packages
My setup
- Synology DS225+
- 2× 4 TB Synology HAT3300
- 10 GB RAM (2 GB + 8 GB Crucial)
- Synology Drive Client
- WebDAV
- WireGuard VPN
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Conclusion
Even though I’ve been using the Synology DS225+ for a relatively short time, I can already say it’s one of the most practical devices I’ve bought in recent years.
Right now I mainly use it for data synchronization, backups, and remote file access, but over time I want to explore Docker and the options it offers more.
For users who want to keep their data under control while also gaining the ability to run their own services, the Synology DS225+ is a very interesting choice.
If I discover other interesting features, apps, or Docker containers, I’ll keep updating this article with new experiences.
