Introduction:
In today's digital age, the need for reliable and efficient network-attached storage (NAS) solutions has become more critical than ever. And this applies of course extra much if you travel a lot on the sea, with all the risk of loosing equipment, or get moisture into the electronic devices.
Specially Two standout contenders in the NAS arena are the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra and the BUFFALO LinkStation 220 4TB. In this in-depth review, we'll pit these titans against each other to determine which one reigns supreme as the best NAS network storage solution.
Hardware and Build Quality of the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra and BUFFALO LinkStation 220:
The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra boasts a sleek and compact design with a glossy black finish. Its robust build quality ensures longevity, and it features two drive bays that support hot-swappable 3.5-inch SATA drives. This design allows for easy expansion and customization of storage capacity. The front panel features LED indicators for drive status and connectivity, making it user-friendly.
On the other hand, the BUFFALO LinkStation 220 has a more utilitarian appearance with a rugged yet unobtrusive design. It, too, has two drive bays for 3.5-inch SATA drives, making it easy to set up your preferred storage configuration. While its design may lack the aesthetic appeal of the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra, it compensates with durability.
Performance and Speed of the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra and BUFFALO LinkStation 220:
Performance is a critical aspect of any NAS, and here's where these two contenders shine in their unique ways.
The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra is powered by a 1.3GHz dual-core processor and comes with 1GB of RAM. This configuration allows it to deliver impressive read and write speeds, making it suitable for both home and small office use. It excels in multimedia streaming, backup, and file sharing tasks. Users will appreciate its ability to handle multiple users and devices seamlessly.
Conversely, the BUFFALO LinkStation 220 is equipped with a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 256MB of DDR3 RAM. While it may seem slightly underpowered compared to its competitor, it performs exceptionally well for basic file storage and sharing needs. However, it may struggle when subjected to heavy multitasking or running resource-intensive applications.
Software and User Interface of the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra and BUFFALO LinkStation 220:
The software ecosystem can significantly impact the overall user experience. WD's My Cloud OS 3 is the operating system powering the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra. It provides an intuitive and user-friendly web-based interface. Users can easily configure and manage their NAS, set up backups, and access files remotely via the My Cloud mobile app. Additionally, it supports a range of third-party apps and services for extended functionality.
In contrast, the BUFFALO LinkStation 220 runs on BUFFALO's own NAS Navigator 2 software. While it offers basic functionalities like file sharing and backup, its interface can be less intuitive and lacks the extensive app ecosystem of the WD My Cloud OS. BUFFALO's software may suffice for those with simple storage needs but may fall short for users seeking a more feature-rich experience.
Data Protection and Redundancy of the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra and BUFFALO LinkStation 220:
Data security and redundancy are paramount when considering a NAS solution. The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra provides several options for data protection, including RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD configurations. This allows users to choose between performance and data redundancy according to their needs. Additionally, it supports automatic backup solutions, further enhancing data safety.
The BUFFALO LinkStation 220 also offers RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations, providing data redundancy and performance options. However, it lacks the flexibility of JBOD, which may be a limitation for some users. Like its counterpart, it supports automatic backups and remote access, ensuring data protection and accessibility.
Connectivity and Expansion of the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra and BUFFALO LinkStation 220:
Both NAS devices offer a range of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet ports for network connectivity, USB ports for external device attachment, and cloud integration for remote access. However, the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra stands out with its additional USB 3.0 ports, which offer faster data transfer speeds when connecting external drives.
Furthermore, the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra has a broader ecosystem of apps and services, including Plex Media Server support for multimedia enthusiasts. This makes it a more versatile and expandable solution for various needs.
Price and Value of the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra and BUFFALO LinkStation 220:
The final consideration is the price point and overall value of these NAS solutions. The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra tends to be priced slightly higher than the BUFFALO LinkStation 220.
However, its robust hardware, extensive software ecosystem, and additional features make it a compelling choice for users who prioritize performance, versatility, and ease of use.
On the other hand, the BUFFALO LinkStation 220 offers decent performance at a more budget-friendly price. It's an excellent option for those with basic storage requirements and a tighter budget.
Conclusion of the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra vs. BUFFALO LinkStation 220:
In the battle between the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra and the BUFFALO LinkStation 220, the winner ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
If you value performance, a user-friendly interface, and a broad app ecosystem, the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra is the clear choice. Its versatility and expandability make it suitable for a wide range of users, from home enthusiasts to small businesses.
Conversely, the BUFFALO LinkStation 220 offers a more budget-conscious option with reliable basic performance and data redundancy. It's a solid choice for users who primarily need straightforward file storage and sharing capabilities.
In the end, both NAS devices have their strengths, and the decision should be driven by your individual requirements and priorities. Whichever you choose, both these devices are sure to provide a robust and reliable solution for your network storage needs.
(Amazon)
(Amazon)