Compared with DS1515+, DS1520+ contains a high-frequency processing chip, larger RAM, enhanced storage capacity, and better sharing capacity. However, this device comes for a relatively higher amount.
Differences/Similarities of Both NAS Devices:
- DS1520+ has a faster processing unit and a larger RAM.
- DS1515+ weighs heavier in comparison.
- DS1520+ can accommodate more SSDs due to M.2 2280 MNVe slots. So, it has a larger storage capacity.
- DS1520+ present faster reading and writing speeds.
- DS1515+ supports earlier operating systems.
- DS1520+ has superior file sharing capability.
- DS1515+ makes more noise than its competitor.
- DS1520+ is a relatively expensive cloud storage device.
The Synology DS1515+ is a heavier device that you can use even with older versions of Windows and Mac operating systems.
Moreover, it enables you to connect multiple USB devices simultaneously due to 4 USB ports. It allows expansion of storage through external drives connected via an eSATA port.
On the other side, the Synology DS1520+ comes in a similar outlook but weighs nearly half in comparison. Its faster processor and vast installed memory lead to higher read-write speeds.
Also, its SSD cache technology and designated M.2 slots provide huge storage capacity.
Table of Contents
Side By Side Comparison:
| DS1515+ | DS1520+ | |
| Processor | Intel Atom C2538 Quad Core 2.4GHz | Intel Celeron J4125 4-core 2.0 GHz, burst up to 2.7 GHz |
| Internal memory | DDR3 2 GB | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Drive types | 3.5” or 2.5” SATA(II) X 5 | 2.5” or 3.5” SATA HDD/SSD x 5 M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD x 2 |
| Warranty time | 3 years | 3 years Limited warranty 5 years premium warranty |
Whose Speed is better?
Synology DS1520+ has more processing efficiency as its operating frequency is comparatively higher, and it also contains a larger RAM.
Hence, it can store new data quickly and offer lag-free streaming of multimedia content. Link aggregation further adds to its efficiency of data transmission.
On the other side, Synology DS1515+processes information at a lower frequency and specifies much lesser internal memory, due to which it has slower read-write speeds.
Link aggregation through four Ethernet ports significantly improves its processing rate, yet its overall performance ranks below the competitor.
| DS1515+ | DS1520+ | |
| Read (Mbps) | 450.77 (link aggregation) 442.82 (encrypted transmission) | 451.28 (link aggregation) |
| Write (Mbps) | 396.50(link aggregation) 187.88 (encrypted transmission) | 451.18 (link aggregation) |
Does DS1520+ Offer Better Design and Software?
Synology DS1515+ characterizes a matte black outlook with all 5 drive bays opening on the front side.
Small LED pointers indicate drive status and functions.
USB ports, GBE slots, security slot, fans, reset button, and power inlet are present on its rear panel. It carries more USB ports than the competitor, but its storage capacity is lesser as it lacks M.2 MNVe slots for SSDs.
Moreover, its working efficiency in extreme tempratures is comparatively minor compared to its contestant.
Synology DS1520+ also has 5 bays and specifies similar design and dimensions, but it is comparatively lightweight.
It can link fewer USB-enabled devices because it only has 2 USB ports. Its storage capacity is relatively larger because it can accommodate 2 additional SSDs in M.2 2280 slots and 5 HDD/SSDs on drive bays.
Likewise, its temperature endurance is higher than its competitor.
| DS1515+ | DS1520+ | |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 157 x 248 x 233 mm | 166 x 230 x 223 mm |
| Weight | 4.17 kg | 2.62 kg |
| No. of the drive bays | 5 | 5 |
| Ports | USB 3.0 ports x 4 eSATA ports x 2 RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet x 4 | USB 3.0 ports x 2 eSATA ports x 2 RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet x 4 |
Cloud storage
Both devices provide private cloud formation via Synology drive, which is the remote personal database associated with your NAS.
This cloud service backs up your NAS data and synchronizes it across different platforms. Mutual synchronization is also possible with public cloud services, but Synology DS1515+ supports relatively fewer platforms (Google Drive, Box, hubiC, Dropbox, Baidu, Microsoft OneDrive).
On the other side, Synology DS1520+ gets more points for cloud networking because it allows one or two-way sync with the services mentioned above as well as Alibaba Cloud, OpenStack Swift, Amazon S3, Baidu Cloud, Yandex Disk, Backblaze B2, Google Cloud Storage, MegaDisk, WebDAV servers, and Tencent COS.
OS and web browsers
These devices are compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
However, DS1515+ takes the lead over its competitor as it supports earlier versions of these OS too. It works with Windows XP onward, Mac OS X 10.5 onward, and Ubuntu 9.04 onward systems.
Among web browsers, Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer (8 or onward), Safari (5 or onward), iOS (5 or later on iPad), and Android (4.0 on tablets or smartphones) are supported by this network-attached system.
On the other side, DS1520+ is only compatible with newer OS versions, including Windows 7 onwards, macOS 10.12 onwards, and Linux OS.
It supports all the internet browsers mentioned above, just like the competitor.
Is Synology DS1515+ Backup better?
The proficiency of data backup is primarily the same for both these DiskStations. Both enable various RAID levels, including Synology Hybrid RAID, providing excellent mirroring and local backup. In addition, both systems utilize the same tools for remote backup.
However, a greater storage capacity of 1520+ provides it an edge over its competitor because it can backup comparatively larger data volumes.
| DS1515+ | DS1520+ | |
| RAID level | Synology Hybrid RAID, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10 | Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10 |
| Snapshot replications | enabled | enabled |
| IP cameras support | 40 | 40 |
Sharing ability
Synology DS1520+ allows better file-sharing than its contestant because it allows more concurrent SMB/FTP connections.
However, both tools allow the creation of an equal number of local user accounts, shared folders, and local groups.
Likewise, its ability to manage synchronization of shared folders is also higher as it can simultaneously handle 32 sync tasks.
In contrast, Synology DS1515+ shows lesser sharing proficiency because it enables only a small number of concurrent connections; 512 at maximum.
And it also needs a longer time to sync shared folders as it can maximally manage 8 tasks only.
| DS1515+ | DS1520+ | |
| Max. local user accounts | 2048 | 2048 |
| Max. local groups | 256 | 256 |
| Max. shared folder | 512 | 512 |
| Max. SMB/NFS/AFP/FTP concurrent connections | 512 | 2000 |
| VPN server connection | 20 | 30 |
| Shared folder syncing tasks | 8 | 32 |
Setup
Both devices have hot-swappable drives that make their setup very convenient.
- Slide a disk tray out.
- Load it with a compatible storage disk. You may need to fix the hard disk with screws.
- Set the drive back to its place.
- Turn on your NAS and access Synology DiskStation manager via web assistant.
Noise
DS1520+ shows quieter operations and marks a lower level (20.8dB) on the noise scale because its system fans are comparatively smaller. So, they make lesser mechanical noise.
Conversely, DS1515+ has larger system fans and produces a loud noise. It hits the decibel scale at 22.3dB.
| DS1515+ | DS1520+ | |
| Fans | 2 | 2 |
| Fan size | 120mm x 120mm | 92mm x 92mm |
| Noise level | 22.3 dB | 20.8 dB |
Warranty
When it comes to durability, DS1520 is likely to go a long way because it integrates a better processing chip and processes higher resistance to extreme temperatures.
Synology backs this device with 3 years warranty, and a premium option for 5 years warranty is also available.
The competitor also shows optimized performance for a good time, but its longevity score becomes lesser due to decreased temperature endurance and relatively less efficient CPU.
It has a 3-year warranty from the manufacturer.