In comparison with DS920+, DS918+ weighs lesser, possesses better Ethernet connectivity, provides more sound backups, and is priced comparatively lesser while DS920+ has an efficient processor working on a higher frequency, shows faster performance, and offers better collaboration tools.
Let’s wrap the similarities and differences first:
- Both devices carry intel quad-core CPUs but DS920+ has a higher frequency processing unit.
- Each of these has four drive bays and two SSD slots.
- DS918+ carries lesser weight and has better GbE connectivity.
- DS920+ shows quicker read-write functions in comparison.
- DS918+ presents enhanced backup efficiency.
- DS920+ allows collaboration for comparatively larger groups.
- Noise level and the warranty period are the same for both these gadgets.
- Both devices usually cost a similar price.
Here the Synology DS918+ is a lightweight device that utilizes a four-core processor and 4 GB memory chip.
It enables data mirroring through the innovative Synology RAID hybrid.
The improved snapshot replications account for its enhanced backup efficacy and more GbE ports allow better link aggregation.
The integration of the hardware transcoding engine provides multimedia streaming in 4k resolution and supports various codecs including HEVC, AVC, VC-1, and MPEG-2.
On the other side, Synology DS920+ takes the advantage of its high-frequency CPU and provides faster operations.
Its efficient collaborative tools lead to effective communication and productive work sessions.
Table of Contents
Side By Side Comparison:
| DS918+ | DS920+ | |
| CPU | Intel Celeron J3455 tetra-core 1.5GHz, burst up to 2.3GHz | Intel Celeron J4125 Tetra-core, 2.0 GHz, bursts up to 2.7 GHz |
| Inbuilt memory | DDR3L, SO-DIMM 4 GB RAM | DDR4, 4 GB RAM |
| Supported drive types | 3.5″ SATA SSD/HDD 2.5″ SATA SSD/HDD | 3.5″ SATA SSD/HDD 2.5″ SATA SSD/HDD |
| Drive bays | 4 | 4 |
| Connective Ports | 2 x USB 3.0 ports 4 x 1 GbE (RJ-45) ports 1 x eSATA port | 2 x USB 3.0 ports 2 x 1 GbE (RJ-45) ports 1 x eSATA port |
Speed
As Synology DS920+ has a high-frequency processor, it collects and transmits the data more quickly than its competitor.
Its operative frequency is normally 2.0 GHz but can raise even up to 2.7 GHz.
Hence, it quickly sifts and scans through the massive data volumes. Its sequential throughput for read-write operations is recorded at 225 Mbps.
At the other pole, Synology DS918+ shows slower performance in comparison owing to its lower processing frequency.
Its CPU operates at a 1.5 GHz frequency that bursts maximally up to 2.3 GHz, leading to slower read-write speeds.
The failover Ethernet interface allows link aggregation, improving the data transfer rate to some extent but the writing speed still remains lesser than the competitor.
| Speed | DS918+ | DS920+ |
| Reading | 226 Mbps via link aggregation 225 Mbps via encryption throughput | 225 Mbps |
| Writing | 222 Mbps via link aggregation 221 Mbps via encryption throughput | 225 Mbps |
Differences in Looks:
Synology DS918+ shows a minimalistic, black, and sleek layout that has drive openings, LED status indicators, a USB inlet, and a power button on the front, and the other USB 3.0, GbE, power, security, eSATA, and M2 SSD ports on the rear side. Its drive bays are easily swappable, making the equipment user-friendly.
It has four gigabit Ethernet ports that make its link aggregation ability twice as compared to the contestant.
Moreover, it allows the users to expand their storage beyond the capacity of four storage disks via its M2 2280 MNVe SSD slots for additional SSDs and eSATA port for connecting external drives.
The competitor, Synology DS920+ shows the same design and dimensions but it weighs comparatively heavier.
It also stands below the competitor for link aggregation/failover ability because it only has two GbE ports.
Both devices contain two system fans of identical size, producing a similar amount of mechanical noise.
Likewise, these tools come at par for the resistance to extreme temperatures and humidity levels.
| DS918+ | DS920+ | |
| Height | 166 mm | 166 mm |
| Width | 199 mm | 199 mm |
| Depth | 223 mm | 223 mm |
| Weight | 1.67 kg | 2.24 kg |
| Noise level | 19.8 dB | 19.8 dB |
Cloud storage service
Both Synology DS920+ and DS918+ support Synology Drive- a private remote database associated with the DiskStation systems.
It provides cloud storage, cross-platform sync, and shared folder access through desktop and mobile apps. Cloud files are regularly updated through rsync.
Furthermore, you can link your NAS cloud with your commercial cloud accounts, keeping your private database up-to-date via two-way Synchronization.
Supported OS and browsers
The system requirements for both these tools are alike and you can connect multiple desktop and smartphone devices with your private cloud network.
Desktop gadgets operating on Windows 7, 10/ higher, macOS 10.11/ higher, Linux, and mobile phones with Android 6.0 or iOS are compatible with these DsikStations.
For cloud management, both devices support Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Safari.
Backup
Although these devices specify the same RAID levels yet DS918+ provides better data backup due to its enhanced snapshot technology.
With the comparatively double number of snapshot replications, this system ensures that data is accurately mirrored from one disk to the other and also enables self-healing to ameliorate any incidental errors. It allows up to 64 snapshot replications.
Conversely, the backup and retrieval proficiency of Synology DS920+ is lesser than its competitor as it supports only 32 snapshot replication.
Hence, its mirroring accuracy and data self-healing ability are reduced in comparison.
However, remote backup resources and backup volume are the same for these tools.
Both have a four-drive capacity and show fault tolerance for up to two hard disks.
Hyper backup and an active backup suite of Synology provide optimized data security through incremental blockchain and deduplication mechanisms.
Sharing ability
These devices present very similar sharing abilities as they support an equal number of FTP connections, local user accounts, groups, shared folders, and chat users.
However, DS920+ provides better collaboration by permitting a larger number of office users to work together.
Its ability for shared folder sync is also enhanced as it can handle 16 tasks for shared folder synchronization.
Furthermore, it supports a larger number of VPN connections simultaneously.
Conversely, DS918+ gets the minimal score for collaboration as it permits fewer office users to work on office documents and also presents slower syncing functions.
It can manage 8 sync tasks at maximum. Likewise, its ability to form connections with VPN servers is lesser in comparison.
Setup
As both of these systems carry swappable drives, hence, installation of hard disks is very convenient.
- Swap out the disk tray.
- Load your hard disk over it. You may need to set it in place with the help of small screws.
- Slide the loaded tray into the drive bay and secure it by turning the drive lock clockwise.
- Turn your device on and activate DSM (DiskStation Manager) to set up your private cloud.
Warranty
These Synology NAS are quite durable because their hardware casings are built from tough plastic and their software structures include established CPU and RAM chips.
Hence, these products last for many years as reliable storage resources.
The company backs both these products with a long warranty for up to three years.
Consumers can claim a replacement if their equipment presents faulty performance, however, fair usage conditions apply.