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The idea of having a personal cloud storage system for your home sounds too good to be true. Rather than juggling files, movies, games, and music across multiple storage locations, you can combine all data into one. With a 2-bay NAS system, you can achieve the same personal cloud system for your office.
We are going to compare the Qnap TS-251 vs TS-251+. We will look at their appearance, processors, ease of use, and sharing abilities. There will be a side-by-side chart to review the features and some pros and cons before the final decision.
We will start by looking at the features that the Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-251+ have in common.
Qnap TS-251 vs Qnap TS-251+ – Similarities
Quick Glance
The comparison chart below has all of the specifications of the Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-251+ side by side.
Qnap TS-251 |
Qnap TS-251+ |
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| Images |  |
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| Size | 6.5 x 4.02 x 8.62 inches | 6.64 x 4.01 x 8.85 inches |
| Weight | 2.82lbs | 2.82lbs |
| CPU and Memory | Intel Celeron 2.41GHz dual-core processor, 1GB DDR3L memory | Intel Celeron J1900 4-core/4-thread processor, bursts up to 2.42GHz, 2GB SO-DIMM DDR3L |
| 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 USB 2.0, x2 RJ-45 Ethernet, HDMI |
| Supported RAID | Single, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1 | Single, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1 |
| Sharing Capability | 100 account users | 300 account users |
| Cloud Sync | Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon Cloud Drive, Yandex, Box | Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon Cloud Drive, Yandex, Box, HiDrive |
| Multimedia Features | Photo station, music station, video Station, file station | Photo station, music station, video station HD (HybridDesk) station, Notes station, file station |
| File Access | Qfile, Qmusic, Qphoto, Qvideo | Qfile, Qmusic, Qphoto, Qvideo, Qget |
| 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 3000 IP cameras, maximum 40 camera channels |
| Price |
Appearance
There is very little difference in size so it may come down to the color you prefer. The white Qnap TS-251 is 6.5 x 4.02 x 8.63 inches and weighs 2.82 pounds. The Qnap TS-251+ is black, it is 6.64 x 4.01 x 8.85 inches and weighs the same 2.82 pounds.
Compatible Drives
You can use the Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-251+ with HDD and SSDs. They take both 2.5- and 3.5-inch form factors, SATA II and SATA III.
Compatibility
The Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-251+ will run with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Unix. To access your files on the go, there are various apps that can be downloaded for iOS and Android.
Supported RAID
RAID allows users to share data across multiple drives. The Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-251+ support single, JBOD, RAID 0, and RAID 1.
Data Backup
Both the Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-251+ have a wide range of backup methods. Some of the most popular are Real-time remote replication (RTRR), Desktop backup, and Apple Time Machine. There are also third-party backup software solutions.
Surveillance Station
You can monitor more than 3000 IP cameras with the Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-251+. In terms of camera channels, there is a maximum of 40 with each 2-bay NAS.
Next, we will discuss how the Qnap TS-251 and the Qnap TS-251+ differ.
Differences Between Qnap TS-251 and Qnap TS-251+
Processor and Memory
Two of the most important features for NAS performance will be the CPU and the memory.
Qnap TS-251
It comes with an Intel Celeron 2.41GHz dual-core processor along with a 1GB DD$3L memory.
Qnap TS-251+
The Intel Celeron processor is a J1900 4-core, a 4-thread processor with bursts up to 2.42GHz. The memory is 2GB SO-DIMM DDR3L.
The Winner Is- The Qnap TS-251+
Read next- Qnap TS-451 vs Qnap TS-453 Pro: Which NAS is Better?
Ports
The 2-bay NAS systems have an excellent range of ports including front and rear USB ports.
Qnap TS-251
There are 2 USB 2.0 ports and 2 USB 3.2 ports. There are also x LAN ports and an HDMI connection.
Qnap TS-251+
The ports are almost identical. The only difference is that the LAN ports are RJ-45, so the latest in connectivity.
The Winner Is- The Qnap TS-251+
Read next – Qnap TS-251 vs Qnap TS-231: Which Home NAS is Better?
Sharing Capability
Both have enough access for family sharing and small offices.
Qnap TS-251
You can give access to 100 account users.
Qnap TS-251+
The maximum number of users is 300.
The Winner Is- The Qnap TS-251+
Cloud Sync
Again, there are plenty of options to connect to cloud storage provides. We have looked at the most popular.
Qnap TS-251
You can sync data with Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon Cloud Drive, Yandex, and Box.
Qnap TS-251+
As well as the above-mentioned, you can sync it with HiDrive.
The Winner Is- The Qnap TS-251+
Multimedia Features
Qnap does a great job providing multimedia features for streaming.
Qnap TS-251
There is a photo station, music station, video station, and file station to organize all types of files.
Qnap TS-251+
There are a couple of extra multimedia features like the HD (HybridDesk) station and the notes station.
The Winner Is- The Qnap TS-251+
Pros and Cons
To help decide which is the better 2-bay NAS, we have included some pros and cons.
Qnap TS-251
Pros:
- It’s quiet to run
- Plenty of downloadable apps
- The setup is quite straightforward
Cons:
- Pricey for what it is
Qnap TS-251+
Pros:
- Superior performance with the quad-core processor
- Great for HDTV
- Massive range of features
Cons:
- There is some heat when running
The Final Verdict
There is no doubt that the Qnap TS-215+ is the better 2-bay NAS. The fast, smooth performance is consistent and there is an exceptional number of features. The question is whether you are going to use all of these features. Currently, the Qnap TS-215+ is a few hundred dollars more expensive and it is worth it if you are going to take advantage of these additional features. If this is your first NAS and are looking for a more entry-level NAS, the Qnap TS-251 will do a great job.