Choosing the right backup server for your small business can be challenging, especially with options like the Synology DS225+, which offers robust media capabilities and RAID redundancy, the Synology DS223 designed for easy file centralization and collaboration, and the TrueNAS Mini X+ catering to those needing advanced, scalable storage with enterprise features. Each has unique strengths and tradeoffs, so understanding your primary needs—whether media streaming, simple backups, or scalable storage—is key to making the best choice.
Synology DS223 Home & Office B
TrueNAS Mini X+ Compact ZFS St
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
The Synology DS225+ excels for media-heavy environments with hardware transcoding but is limited to 2 drive bays.The DS223 offers excellent data centralization and easy file sharing, ideal for small offices but requires separate drives.TrueNAS Mini X+ provides high scalability and advanced features for technically capable users needing reliable, expandable storage.All options require separate hard drives or SSDs, adding to overall costs.Your choice hinges on whether media streaming, simple backups, or scalable storage is your priority.
Synology DS223 Home & Office B
TrueNAS Mini X+ Compact ZFS St
Our Top Backup Server For Small Business Picks
Synology DS225+ Private Cloud Media Server – 2-Bay Diskless NAS with Intel CPU for Hardware TranscodingBest for media-rich small business environments needing robust data protectionStorage Bays: 2-BayForm Factor: Diskless NASCPU: IntelVIEW ON AMAZONSee Our Full BreakdownSynology DS223 Home & Office Backup Hub – 2-Bay Diskless NASBest for simple, centralized data backup and collaboration in small officesNumber of Bays: 2Diskless: YesWarranty: 2 yearsVIEW ON AMAZONSee Our Full BreakdownTrueNAS Mini X+ Compact ZFS Storage Server with 5+2 Drive Bays, 32GB RAM, Eight Core CPUBest for scalable, reliable storage and advanced features for technically skilled usersDrive Bays: 5x 3.5” + 2x 2.5”RAM: 32 GB ECC DDR4CPU: 8-Core 2.2 GHz Intel AtomVIEW ON AMAZONSee Our Full Breakdown
More Details on Our Top Picks
Synology DS225+ Private Cloud Media Server – 2-Bay Diskless NAS with Intel CPU for Hardware Transcoding
The Synology DS225+ stands out for businesses that need a media-forward backup server with media transcoding capabilities. Its Intel CPU supports 4K media playback and hardware transcoding, making it an excellent choice for companies that also serve media content or require media streaming as part of their backup solution. Compared to the other options, it offers more multimedia flexibility, but its limited to 2 bays means you’ll need to add disks for storage, potentially adding cost and complexity. It’s less suited for those seeking large-scale, expandable storage or simple backup solutions with minimal fuss.
Best for: Small businesses with media streaming needs and a focus on media and surveillance integration
Not ideal for: Businesses requiring large-scale storage or straightforward backup without multimedia features
Storage Bays:2-BayForm Factor:Diskless NASCPU:IntelTransfer Speed:282 MB/sSupports:Up to 30 IP camerasWarranty:3 years
“Ideal for media-heavy small businesses needing media streaming and surveillance, but less suited for simple backups or large storage needs.”
Synology DS223 Home & Office Backup Hub – 2-Bay Diskless NAS
The Synology DS223 offers a versatile, no-fuss solution for small offices and home-based businesses needing centralized data access and backups. Its 2-bay design allows for flexible storage with separate disks, but since it arrives diskless, you’ll need to purchase drives separately. Compared to the DS225+, it doesn’t support media transcoding or surveillance features but excels at consolidating files from multiple devices for easy access and sharing. Its main limitation is the learning curve for those unfamiliar with NAS systems, and it’s less suited for multimedia tasks.
Best for: Small teams needing reliable, centralized backup and file sharing
Not ideal for: Media-heavy workflows or advanced surveillance integrations
Number of Bays:2Diskless:YesWarranty:2 years
“Best suited for small businesses prioritizing simple data centralization and backup, with some setup effort needed.”
TrueNAS Mini X+ Compact ZFS Storage Server with 5+2 Drive Bays, 32GB RAM, Eight Core CPU
The TrueNAS Mini X+ is tailored for users who need a highly scalable, reliable storage system with enterprise features in a small form factor. Its 5+2 drive bays support hot-swappable disks, making upgrades straightforward, and its 32GB ECC RAM and 8-core CPU provide ample power for demanding workloads. Compared with the Synology options, it offers far more customization, supporting protocols like NFS, SMB, iSCSI, and S3, making it suitable for complex backup and storage needs. However, its advanced setup process and the need to purchase drives separately make it less accessible for non-technical users.
Best for: Small businesses with advanced storage needs and technical expertise
Not ideal for: Businesses seeking plug-and-play solutions or with limited technical skills
Drive Bays:5x 3.5” + 2x 2.5”RAM:32 GB ECC DDR4CPU:8-Core 2.2 GHz Intel AtomNetwork:Dual 1/10 GbEForm Factor:Mini-towerSupported Protocols:NFS, SMB, iSCSI, S3
“Best for tech-savvy users needing scalable, flexible storage with enterprise-grade features.”
How We Picked
Our selections are based on a combination of factors including hardware robustness, ease of use, scalability, and suitability for small business environments. We prioritized products that provide reliable data protection, flexible storage options, and manageability, while considering their technical complexity and cost. The goal was to identify options that cater to different levels of technical expertise and storage needs, from plug-and-play solutions to more customizable systems.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Backup Server For Small Business
When selecting a backup server for a small business, it’s essential to consider your current data volume, growth plans, technical expertise, and specific needs like media support, ease of use, or scalability. Understanding these factors helps narrow down the options to what fits best, whether you need a straightforward NAS or a more capable, expandable storage system.
Assess Your Storage and Backup Needs
Start by evaluating your current data volume and future growth. If your focus is media streaming or surveillance, models like the DS225+ make more sense. For simple file backups and access, the DS223 is straightforward. For larger or more complex environments, the TrueNAS Mini X+ offers high scalability but requires more technical skill.
Consider Ease of Use vs. Customization
If you prefer a plug-and-play experience, Synology’s NAS devices are typically easier to set up and manage. However, if you’re comfortable with configurations and want maximum control, TrueNAS provides advanced features but demands technical knowledge. Balance your skill set with your storage needs to choose wisely.
Factor in Future Expansion and Integrations
Think about whether you need room to grow. The TrueNAS Mini X+ supports multiple drive configurations and protocols, making it suitable for expanding storage or integrating with cloud services. The Synology options offer simpler scalability but are limited by bays and hardware capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between NAS and SAN storage?
NAS (Network Attached Storage) like the Synology and TrueNAS models provides file-level storage accessible over a network, ideal for shared access and backups. SAN (Storage Area Network), which is more complex and typically used in larger enterprises, offers block-level storage for high-performance applications. For small businesses, NAS solutions like those reviewed are generally more practical and easier to manage.
Do I need to buy hard drives separately for these NAS devices?
Yes, all the NAS options listed are diskless, meaning you must purchase compatible hard drives or SSDs separately. The choice of drives impacts both storage capacity and performance, so selecting reliable, enterprise-grade drives can improve data security and longevity.
Is hardware transcoding necessary for small business backup servers?
Hardware transcoding, as supported by the Synology DS225+, is mainly beneficial if you plan to stream or process media content. For standard data backups and file sharing, it’s not essential. Your need for transcoding depends on whether media playback or surveillance video processing is part of your use case.
Can these systems handle off-site backups?
All three options support remote access and integrations with cloud services, making off-site backups feasible. The TrueNAS Mini X+ supports multiple protocols and cloud plugins, while Synology devices have native cloud sync features. Your choice depends on your technical comfort level and specific backup workflows.
How much technical knowledge is needed to set up the TrueNAS Mini X+?
Setting up the TrueNAS Mini X+ requires a good understanding of network configurations, RAID management, and possibly some command-line work. It’s suited for users comfortable with technical setup and maintenance, whereas the Synology models are more user-friendly for those with less technical experience.
Conclusion
For small businesses prioritizing media streaming, surveillance, or multimedia workflows, the Synology DS225+ offers a compelling balance of features and performance. Those seeking a straightforward, centralized backup solution without extensive setup might prefer the Synology DS223. If your needs include high scalability, advanced protocols, or enterprise-grade features, and you have the technical skills, the TrueNAS Mini X+ stands out as the best choice. Your decision should align with your current data needs, growth plans, and technical comfort level to ensure you select a backup server that truly supports your business’s future.