Synology DS 420J vs Synology DS 420+

In comparison to Synology DS420J, the other variant, DS420+ possesses a more compelling processor, provides greater reading and writing speeds, and occupies less space due to its more compact design. However, during its operation, the fans generate relatively more sound.

Synology DS420j
Synology DS420j has a design which looks a little old school.

Differences and Similarities of both NAS Devices:

  • Both these devices are equally compatible with multiple operating browsers and web browsers.
  • They work in similar conditions including operating temperature, relative humidity, and storage temperature.

For Synology DS420+

  • The processor is more compelling compared to its twin.
  • The reading and writing speed of it is greater.
  • The device provides higher and more secure data backups.
  • It has lower price.

But at the same time:

  • It’s size is bigger including the weight.
  • And operational noise is more.

On the other hand, the Synology DS420J is not far off.

The device is equipped with a 64-bit 1.4 GHz Quad-core Realtek RTD 1296 processor for centralizing and storing any media files. It is 4 bay data storage device with no pre-installed hard drives.

Let’s check out these devices in detail.

Comparing Both Devices:

Synology DS420J

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Vs

Synology DS420+

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Cloud StorageSynology DS420JSynology DS420+
Processor64-bit 1.4 GHz Quad-core Realtek RTD 1296Intel Celeron J4025 dual-core 2.0 GHz burst up to 2.9 GHz
Installed memory1 GB DDR42 GB DDR4 onboard (expandable up to 6 GB)
Number of baysFour-bayFour-bay
Compatible Drive TypeSATA SSD/HDDSATA SSD/HDD M.2 2280 NVM-e SSD
Ports1 x GbE RJ-45   3 x USB 3.0 2 x GbE RJ-45   2 x USB 3.0    

Design of both devices:

Synology DS 420J has a desktop design.

The front panel contains multiple horizontal lines with a NAS model name present in the center.

This front side also possesses numerous LEDs indicators, with one indicating the device status (ON/ OFF), one for LAN connectivity, and four LEDs for depicting the status of hard drives.

The power button along with an indicator is present at the center of these LEDs.

On the rear side, the majority area is occupied by the two fans.

A power port and a Kensington security slot are present on this panel as well.

Two 3.0 USB slots and one port for LAN connectivity are also present along with a reset button. One of the sidewalls has a company name engraved on it.

On the other side, the Synology DS 420+ exhibits a plastic glossy desktop design supported by its four legs.

The maximum front portion is covered by the four drive trays on which tray locks are present for fixing the hard drives stably.

On the right side of these trays, the device power status LED is present along with four other LEDs for illustrating the status of each hard drive.

This panel also contains a USB port and one power button along with an indicator. Its rear portion is mainly occupied by two cooling fans of identical dimensions.

A reset button, Kensington security slot, and a power port are also present on this rear side.

Two ethernet ports of 1GB are present as well for connecting two LAN devices simultaneously.

From a handling and portability viewpoint, DS 420+ is superior as it exhibits a lower size allowing it to cover minimal space compared to its counterpart.

The weight of this device is also relatively lower than its twin making it easy to carry around.

The dimensions of DS420J fans are however lower in comparison.   

Cloud Storage DevicesDS 420JDS 420+
Depth (mm)184166
Width (mm)168199
Height (mm)230223
Weight (kg)2.212.18
Two Fans dimension (mm)80×8092×92

System Requirements of both:

Both devices are equally compatible in terms of operating systems.

These devices support Windows 7 or above versions including Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11.

In the case of MAC OS, both of them require 10.11 or onward versions.

Which NAS has a better Speed?

The CPU available in the NAS decides its reading and writing speed and overall device performance.

The presence of a more powerful processor in Synology DS 420+ allows it to process a higher number of threads thereby providing higher reading and writing speed.

On the other hand, its counterpart comprises a relatively less powerful processor therefore it provides lower reading and writing speed.

So, DS 420+ is superior in this regard.

Cloud Storage DevicesDS 420JDS 420+
Reading Speed112 MB/s226 MB/s
Writing Speed112 MB/s225 MB/s

Backup and sharing Comparison:

The backup and sharing of the device are characterized by the number of operating systems supported by the NAS or on the storage device’s memory.

Although both these devices are equally compatible in terms of the operating system, higher memory allows DS 420+ to provide superior data backups and storage.

Mobile application is available for both these devices which allow accessing and transferring of data at any time and place.

Setting up these devies:

The following procedure is taken for setting up these devices:

  • Attach the hard drives to the NAS device.
  • Connect the Wi-Fi modem with the storage device.
  • Now turn on the cloud storage device by pressing the power button.
  • Open the web browser and then visit the device’s official website.
  • Download the up-to-date DSM OS and after that create an administrator account.

The working criteria and conditions of these storage devices are familiar including operating temperature, operating humidity, and storage temperature.

Cloud Storage DevicesDS 420JDS 420+
Operating Temperature0 to 40 °C0 to 40 °C
Operating Humidity5 to 95 % RH noncondensing5 to 95 % RH noncondensing
Storage Temperature-20 to 60 °C-20 to 60 °C

Which device produce more Noise?

The fan present in the storage device produces sound upon working.

Both products exhibit dual fans for cooling down in case of overheating.

The noise generation of DS 420+ is higher in comparison because of its greater fans dimension.

This makes DS 420J more effective as it produces less noise.

Which offers better Warranty?

DS 420+ provides a longer period of warranty than its twin.

This device comes in with a warranty of 3 years.

On the contrary, the warranty period of DS 420J is shorter.

This device has two years long limited warranty.

This makes DS 420J behind its counterpart in terms of warranty duration.

From an environmental viewpoint, both devices are equally commendable as they are RoHS certified and are completely safe to be used.