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The more data we keep accumulating, the more storage space we need. To a point, the storage systems you were using such as external hard drives and cloud services, have been enough. But wouldn’t it be more efficient to have your own personal cloud?
Today, we are going to look at two 2-bay NAS systems, the Qnap TS-251 vs TS-231. We will compare all of their specifications from processing power to file access and backup systems. We will include a side-by-side chart for a quick overview and some pros and cons of each before deciding which is the better NAS.
There are just a few similarities between the Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-231. We will start with these.
Qnap TS-251 vs Qnap TS-231 – Similarities
Quick Glance
The comparison chart below recaps the features of the Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-231.
Qnap TS-251 |
Qnap TS-231 |
|
| Image |  |
 |
| Size | 6.5 x 4.02 x 8.62 inches | 6.65 x 4.02 x 8.62 inches |
| Weight | 2.82lbs | 2.82lbs |
| CPU and Memory | Intel Celeron 2.41GHz dual-core processor, 1GB DDR3L memory | Freescale ARM v/ Cortex A9 dual-core 1.2 GHz, 512MB DRAM |
| Internal HDD/SSD | X2 3.5” or 2.5” SATA II or SATA III | X2 3.5” or 2.5” SATA III, SATA II |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix | Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix |
| Ports | X2 USB 2.0, x2 USB 3.2, x2 LAN, HDMI | X3 USB 3.2, x2 RJ-45 Ethernet |
| Supported RAID | Single, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1 | JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID capacity extension, RAID level migration, RAID recovery |
| Sharing Capability | 100 account users | Not stated |
| Cloud Sync | Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon Cloud Drive, Yandex, Box | Amazon S3, Amazon Glacier, WEBDAV-based cloud storage, Microsoft Azure, Open Stack, Google Cloud Storage |
| Multimedia Features | Photo station, music station, video station, file station | File station, notes station, photo station, music station, video station, signage station |
| File Access | Qfile, Qmusic, Qphoto, Qvideo | Qfile, Qfile HD, Qmanager, Qmusic, Qremote, Qget, Vmobile |
| Backup | Real-time remote replication (RTRR), Desktop backup, Apple Time Machine, third party backup software | Real-time remote replication (RTRR), Desktop backup, Apple Time Machine, third party backup software |
| Surveillance Station | Over 3000 IP cameras, maximum 40 camera channels | Over 2700 IP camera, maximum 8 camera channels |
| Price |
Appearance
The Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-231 are exactly the same size at 6.5 x 4.02 x 8.62 inches and they weigh 2.82 pounds. The only difference is the Qnap TS-251 is black and the Qnap TS-231 is white.
HDD/SSD
There is space for 2 HDD or SDDs. The Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-231 take form factor 2.5- or 3.5-inch form formats and either SATA II or SATA III.
Compatibility
The Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-231 are compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Unix. For file access, there are numerous Qnap apps that can be downloaded for Android and iOS.
Backup
Some of the most popular ways to back up your data with the Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-231 are with Real-time remote replication (RTRR), Desktop backup, and Apple Time Machine. You can also use a variety of third-party backup software.
Next, we will go over the features of the Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-231 that differ.
Differences Between Qnap TS-251 and Qnap TS-231
CPU and Memor
The two NAS systems have their own processor and memory for enhanced performance.
Qnap TS-251
It has an Intel Celeron 2.41GH dual-core processor and a 1GB DDR3L memory.
Qnap TS-231
This runs with a Freescale ARM v/Cortex A9 dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and a 512MB DRAM.
The Winner Is- The Qnap TS-251
Read next- Qnap TS-451 vs Qnap TS-453 Pro: Which NAS is Better?
Ports
The bays have front and rear ports to connect different devices.
Qnap TS-251
There are 2 USB 2.0 ports and 2 USB 3.2 ports. There are also 2 LAN ports and an HDMI.
Qnap TS-231
There are three USB 3.2 ports and 1 RJ-45 Ethernet.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Supported RAID
RAID (redundant array of independent disks) allows for data transfer across drives.
Qnap TS-251
It supports single, JBOD, RAID 0, and RAID 1.
Qnap TS-231
As well as the above, it supports RAID capacity extension, RAID level migration, and RAID recovery.
The Winner Is- The Qnap TS-231
Sharing Capacities
The NAS systems support enough account users for personal and small office use.
Qnap TS-251
There can be up to 100 account users.
Qnap TS-231
There is no information on how many users there can be.
Cloud Sync
It is handy to know that you can still use your 2-bay NAS with popular cloud service providers.
Qnap TS-251
You can sync the NAS with Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon Cloud Drive, Yandex, and Box.
Qnap TS-231
The options are similar. You have Amazon S3, Amazon Glacier, WEBDAV-based cloud storage, Microsoft Azure, Open Stack, and Google Cloud Storage.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Multimedia Station
As a multimedia station, you have options such as live music and video streaming and creating your own notes, etc.
Qnap TS-251
You can use the photo station, music station, video station, and file station.
Qnap TS-231
Aside from the file, video, music, and photos stations, you have a notes station and a signage station.
The Winner Is- The TS-251
Surveillance Station
Whether your home or office has security cameras, you can use the 2-bay NAS systems for surveillance.
Qnap TS-251
You can use over 3000 IP cameras and there is a maximum of 40 camera channels.
Qnap TS-231
The numbers are lower but still, you can use more than 2700 IP cameras and there are 8 camera channels.
The Winner Is- The Qnap TS-251
Pros and Cons
Before the final verdict, we have some pros and cons of the Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-231.
Qnap TS-231
Pros:
- Fast transfer speeds
- Low power consumption
- The apps make it easier to use
Cons:
- Perhaps too many features for those looking for a simple solution
Qnap TS-251
Pros:
- It’s simple to set up
- Low operating noise
- Great range of downloadable apps
Cons:
- It’s expensive
The Final Verdict
There was a difference today between the better NAS and the better NAS for you. The better NAS is the Qnap TS-251 as the processor and memory are superior. You also have the HDMI port which really helps with multimedia. Nevertheless, this comes at a price. Some people have also found this is 2-bay NAS to be overkill. If you are looking for an entry-level NAS, the Qnap TS-231 would be the better option for you.