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Choose the ASUSTOR LOCKERSTOR 2 Gen2+ (AS6702T v2) if your network can use dual 5GbE or you specifically want four M.2 NVMe slots. Choose the Synology DS224+ if its DSM tools for file sharing, photos, backups, snapshots, and surveillance better match the jobs you need the NAS to do. Both have two SATA bays, so neither is a simple way to add more bays later.
This is a specification-based comparison, not a controlled performance test. The port counts, processor specifications, and memory figures help identify differences, but they do not prove which NAS will be faster for your particular workload.
What is the key difference between these two NAS systems?
The ASUSTOR is the hardware-forward option: it lists two 5GbE network ports, four M.2 PCIe 3.0 NVMe slots, more included memory, and faster USB connectivity. The DS224+ has two 1GbE ports and no M.2 slots listed in its hardware specifications. Its strongest documented distinction is the DSM software suite, which Synology describes for file sharing, backup, snapshots, photo organization, and surveillance.
These are both two-bay NAS enclosures. Each uses SATA drives in its main bays, and neither offers a built-in path to add more drive bays. Their differences matter most when they line up with your network, storage plan, software needs, and total budget—not as a universal ranking.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Confirm the exact ASUSTOR model before comparing prices
The model in this comparison is the LOCKERSTOR 2 Gen2+ (AS6702T v2). It is not the earlier LOCKERSTOR 2 Gen2 (AS6702T). ASUSTOR’s product material lists dual 5GbE for the Gen2+ and says this two-bay v2 model does not support 10GbE. The older AS6702T specification page instead lists dual 2.5GbE.
Check the model number in the retailer listing and on the product label. A listing that says only “LOCKERSTOR 2 Gen2” may refer to the earlier AS6702T, whose network and M.2 specifications should not be assumed to match the v2. See the ASUSTOR LOCKERSTOR 2 Gen2+ product page, its Gen2+ datasheet, and the earlier Gen2 specification page.
Compare the hardware and software that affect your setup
| Factor | ASUSTOR LOCKERSTOR 2 Gen2+ (AS6702T v2) | Synology DS224+ | What it means for your decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive bays | Two 2.5- or 3.5-inch SATA III bays | Two 3.5-inch SATA HDD or 2.5-inch SATA SSD bays | Both are two-bay systems. Plan capacity around the installed drives and the chosen storage arrangement; adding capacity later may mean replacing drives. |
| Processor | Intel Celeron N5105, quad-core, 2.0 GHz up to 2.9 GHz | Intel Celeron J4125, four cores, 2.0 GHz base and 2.7 GHz turbo | The specifications identify different processors, but do not establish which system performs better in a particular workload. |
| Included memory and listed maximum | 4GB DDR4-2933 SO-DIMM; maximum 16GB | 2GB DDR4 non-ECC; maximum 6GB (2GB + 4GB). Synology notes a support policy for non-Synology expansion memory. | The ASUSTOR has more listed starting and maximum memory. Check the memory policy and app requirements before planning an upgrade. |
| Ethernet | Two 5-Gigabit Ethernet ports; no 10GbE support on this model | Two 1GbE ports | The ASUSTOR has the higher nominal link rate, but clients, switches, cabling, drives, protocol, and workload all affect actual transfers. |
| M.2 storage | Four M.2 PCIe 3.0 NVMe slots | No M.2 slots listed in the product hardware specifications | The ASUSTOR offers NVMe flexibility. Buying NVMe drives is an added storage decision, and cache should not be assumed to improve every workload. |
| USB | Two USB 10Gbps ports and one USB 2.0 port | Two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports | ASUSTOR lists faster USB connectivity; whether that matters depends on the peripherals and transfers you use. |
| Storage modes | Single, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1 | SHR, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1; Synology documents migration and expansion limits | Compare the management and migration workflow you want, not just the number of listed modes. |
| Software and filesystems | ADM; ASUSTOR promotes LooksGood and 10-bit 4K H.265 hardware decoding | DSM; Btrfs and ext4 listed. Synology documents file sharing, backup, snapshots, photos, and surveillance. | Review the apps and workflows you intend to use. The cited product material does not independently establish which interface is easier to use. |
| Warranty | Product material advertises a first-class warranty; exact regional terms are not established here. | Two-year hardware warranty; optional extension to four years in eligible North American and European regions. | Confirm the terms that apply in your country and through your seller before purchase. |
| Drives included | The datasheet lists the enclosure and power/accessory items, not drive models. | Synology states that storage drives are sold separately. | Check the exact package listing and budget for drives separately unless the seller explicitly includes them. |
Specifications above come from the ASUSTOR product page, the ASUSTOR Gen2+ datasheet, and the Synology DS224+ product page and specifications. The DS224+ page is region-specific to the U.S. site; warranty eligibility and terms can vary by region.
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Choose the ASUSTOR if you can make use of 5GbE or NVMe
Dual 5GbE can help only when the rest of the network supports it
The AS6702T v2 lists two 5GbE ports, compared with two 1GbE ports on the DS224+. That gives the ASUSTOR a higher nominal network-link rate. To benefit, the connection path needs compatible multi-gig capability: the NAS port, client network adapter, intervening switch or direct connection, and cabling all have to support the intended link. The storage, protocol, and workload can also limit the transfer rate.
If your computers and network equipment are limited to 1GbE, the ASUSTOR’s faster ports do not by themselves make file transfers faster. If your setup can use multi-gig networking, the ports are a meaningful hardware distinction. Do not describe the Gen2+ as a 10GbE NAS: ASUSTOR says this two-bay v2 model does not support 10GbE.
There is a potential accessory cost here. A buyer whose switch and computers are already multi-gig may need nothing beyond suitable cables. A 1GbE-only home, however, may need a 5GbE switch, a compatible network adapter, or both before the extra link capacity can be used. Add those items only when they solve a real bottleneck; they are not mandatory purchases for every ASUSTOR owner.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Four M.2 slots offer flexibility, not automatic acceleration
The ASUSTOR lists four M.2 PCIe 3.0 NVMe slots; the DS224+ lists none in its hardware specifications. That makes the ASUSTOR worth considering if you want NVMe options in the NAS. It does not mean an M.2 cache will improve every task, nor does it make SSD capacity free: the drives are an additional purchase and need to fit your storage plan.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThink through what the slots are for before buying SSDs. You may be planning an NVMe-based workload, a cache arrangement, or simply wanting an internal option that the Synology does not list. Each plan changes the bill and the way capacity is managed. Check the current ASUSTOR compatibility information for the exact NVMe models, and do not assume that any M.2 drive will be supported in every role.
More listed memory may matter for your apps
The ASUSTOR ships with 4GB and lists a maximum of 16GB; the DS224+ ships with 2GB and lists a 6GB maximum. Those numbers may influence a buyer planning memory-intensive apps, but do not alone predict application performance. Synology also notes a support policy for non-Synology expansion memory, so check its current guidance before buying modules.
Memory is best treated as an app-planning specification rather than a speed score. List the services you expect to run at the same time, then check their current requirements and the vendor’s supported upgrade path. A larger maximum is useful only if your workload can use it and the upgrade remains compatible with the warranty and support rules that apply to your unit.
Choose the Synology if DSM’s documented workflows fit your needs
Synology’s product material describes the DS224+ for private-cloud file sharing, photo organization, backups, snapshots, and surveillance through Surveillance Station. If those workflows are central to your home or small-office setup, assess the DSM apps and configuration options against the tasks you need to perform.
The product page states that the DS224+ includes two camera licenses; additional licenses require purchase. If you plan to use it for surveillance, verify the current camera and license requirements for your build rather than assuming that every camera or every additional channel is included. Include license costs in the system budget if you expect to exceed two cameras.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Snapshots and backups should also be distinguished from one another when planning. A snapshot can help recover an earlier state on the NAS, while a separate backup protects against a wider range of failures. The product page documents both categories of workflow, but the enclosure and two installed drives do not remove the need to decide where an independent copy of important data will live.
ASUSTOR’s product material promotes ADM, LooksGood, and 10-bit 4K H.265 hardware decoding. Those are relevant if you are evaluating its media capabilities, but the available specifications do not provide an independent, workload-matched comparison of the two systems’ apps or media performance. Choose based on the software you will actually use, not a claim that one interface is universally easier.
Plan drives, capacity, and redundancy before comparing the total cost
Neither enclosure’s two-bay count tells you how much usable space you will have. That depends on the drives you install and the storage mode you select. For example, the listed options include single-drive or JBOD arrangements as well as RAID 0 and RAID 1; the DS224+ also lists SHR and Basic. These modes differ in how they organize storage, and the right choice depends on your capacity, redundancy, and migration priorities.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match- Capacity: Decide how much usable space you need, then price a drive plan that fits the NAS and your chosen storage arrangement.
- Redundancy: Select a mode based on whether you prioritize usable capacity, redundancy, or another storage behavior. RAID is not a substitute for a separate backup.
- Expansion: Since both devices have two main bays, think ahead about how you will increase capacity. Replacing drives may be necessary; Synology documents migration and expansion limits for its available modes.
- Compatibility: Check the manufacturer’s current compatibility information for the exact drives you intend to install.
- Package contents: Synology explicitly says drives are sold separately. ASUSTOR’s datasheet lists the enclosure and power/accessory items, not drive models. Verify whether any particular retailer bundle includes drives.
For a two-drive redundant arrangement, usable capacity is constrained by the smaller drive and the selected mode, so price matched-capacity drives rather than assuming two headline capacities become one large volume. If maximum space matters more than redundancy, a different mode changes the risk profile. Decide this before comparing enclosure prices, because the same NAS can require very different drive purchases depending on the plan.
Compare complete systems, not just enclosure prices: include the drives, any optional NVMe SSDs, and networking equipment only if your setup needs them. Retail prices, stock, bundles, and warranty terms are regional and time-sensitive; verify them for your location and exact model.
Use vendor performance figures only for the comparison they describe
Synology’s DS224+ page reports, compared with its own DS220+, 62% more responses per second in web applications, 52% faster file indexing in Synology Drive, and 28% faster image indexing in Synology Photos. Synology attributes these figures to internal testing and says actual performance may vary with test environment, usage, and configuration. They compare the DS224+ with the DS220+, not with the ASUSTOR LOCKERSTOR 2 Gen2+.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Those figures cannot establish a head-to-head winner. The available vendor specifications do not provide a controlled test of these two models under matched drives, networking, protocol, and workload. Nor do they establish an independent comparison of noise, power, transfer speeds, or app performance.
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The same caution applies to processor names and Ethernet labels. A newer-sounding CPU or a higher nominal port rate may be important for your design, but neither predicts every mixed workload. Large sequential file copies, small-file indexing, photo processing, surveillance recording, and several apps running together can stress different parts of a NAS. Select the feature that addresses your actual bottleneck instead of converting one specification into an overall winner.
Interpret the listed power figures cautiously
The manufacturers list different power figures, but their stated conditions do not establish a controlled efficiency comparison. Synology lists 14.69W in access and 4.41W in HDD hibernation for the DS224+. ASUSTOR’s datasheet lists 18.8W in operation, 12.9W in disk hibernation, and 1.18W in sleep. Do not treat these figures as a direct energy-efficiency ranking without matched measurement conditions and configurations.
Drive choice, installed NVMe devices, network activity, USB peripherals, fan behavior, and the definition of each power state can all affect consumption. If electricity cost is a major part of your decision, compare the vendors’ conditions carefully or obtain measurements made with the same drives and workload. A NAS-compatible UPS is a sensible optional protection item for a setup that must shut down cleanly during an outage, but verify compatibility for the exact hardware rather than adding one automatically.
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Warranty and package assumptions can change the apparent price. Synology lists a two-year hardware warranty and an optional extension to four years in eligible North American and European regions. ASUSTOR’s product material advertises a first-class warranty, but the exact regional terms were not established here. Confirm the coverage period, return process, and seller responsibility in the country where you will buy.
Read the delivered package description rather than relying on a stock photograph. The ASUSTOR datasheet lists the enclosure and power/accessory items, not drive models. Synology explicitly states, “Storage drives are sold separately.” A retailer may create a bundle, but the bundle’s drive brands, capacities, and warranty can differ from the bare enclosure. Make sure the model number, included drives, and warranty are written in the order details.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Make the decision in five steps
- Confirm the exact ASUSTOR SKU. If you are considering the Gen2+, verify that the listing says AS6702T v2. Do not apply the older AS6702T Gen2’s dual 2.5GbE specifications to it.
- Check your network path. Choose the ASUSTOR’s 5GbE advantage only if your client and network equipment can use multi-gig connectivity. If your setup is 1GbE, do not assume the port specification alone will change your transfers.
- Decide whether M.2 NVMe slots are useful to you. If you have a defined NVMe plan, the ASUSTOR has four listed slots. If you do not need that option, it should not decide the purchase by itself.
- Match the operating system to your actual jobs. Review the DSM workflows Synology documents and the ADM features ASUSTOR promotes, then check whether the apps support your intended setup.
- Price the full storage plan and verify local terms. Add the drives and any optional upgrades, confirm the chosen storage arrangement, and check the seller’s package contents and the warranty applicable in your region.
Which NAS should you buy?
Pick the ASUSTOR LOCKERSTOR 2 Gen2+ if dual 5GbE or four M.2 NVMe slots solve a real requirement in your setup, or if its listed memory and USB specifications better fit your plans. Pick the Synology DS224+ if its DSM workflows are the better match for the file, photo, backup, snapshot, and surveillance tasks you intend to run. If neither has a decisive feature for you, compare the complete cost of the exact enclosure, drives, and any needed network upgrades rather than choosing from headline specifications alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASUSTOR LOCKERSTOR 2 Gen2+ a 10GbE NAS?
No. ASUSTOR lists two 5GbE ports for the AS6702T v2 and states that this two-bay v2 model does not support 10GbE. The older AS6702T Gen2 is a different model with dual 2.5GbE.
Which model has more memory and storage expansion options?
The ASUSTOR lists 4GB of DDR4 memory, a 16GB maximum, and four M.2 PCIe 3.0 NVMe slots. The DS224+ lists 2GB of non-ECC DDR4, a 6GB maximum, and no M.2 slots in its hardware specifications. Confirm current upgrade and drive compatibility guidance before buying parts.
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The Synology product page explicitly says storage drives are sold separately. ASUSTOR’s datasheet lists the enclosure and power/accessory items rather than drive models. Check the exact retailer bundle before ordering and budget for compatible drives.
Is RAID 1 a backup on either NAS?
No. RAID 1 provides redundancy between the two main drives, but it does not replace a separate backup. Deletion, corruption, malware, theft, or damage to the entire NAS can affect both copies. Plan an independent backup for important files.
Can I use the ASUSTOR’s 5GbE ports with a normal 1GbE network?
The NAS can be connected to a slower network, but a 1GbE client or switch will limit the link. To use the higher nominal rate, the NAS port, client adapter, switch or direct connection, and cabling must support the intended multi-gig connection.
Which NAS is better for surveillance?
Synology documents Surveillance Station on the DS224+ and states that two camera licenses are included; additional licenses require purchase. ASUSTOR also has its own software ecosystem, but the cited specifications do not establish a controlled surveillance-performance winner. Check camera compatibility, channel requirements, and licensing for your planned system.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Buy the ASUSTOR LOCKERSTOR 2 Gen2+ (AS6702T v2) for a genuine dual-5GbE or four-slot NVMe requirement. Buy the Synology DS224+ when DSM’s documented sharing, photo, backup, snapshot, and surveillance workflows are the priority. In either case, price the enclosure, compatible drives, optional upgrades, networking, and local warranty together.
