When you're shopping for network-attached storage, the first fork in the road is simple: do you want a unit that comes with storage already inside, or are you willing to buy an enclosure and supply your own drives? The choice shapes everything, because the options here span very different prices and packages. One option is a new LinkStation that works as soon as you connect it to your router. Another is a used Synology enclosure with four empty bays. And then there's a used NETGEAR dual-bay unit that costs a fraction of the others.
Quick Take
If you want plug-and-play backup without monthly fees, the LinkStation 210 is the most direct route. If you already own hard drives and want room to grow, the Synology DS423 gives you four bays in a used enclosure. If you're price-conscious and comfortable with used gear, the NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 is the low-cost way to get into a dual-bay NAS.
Price Comparison
The table shows a wide spread, from $71 to $350. That's a $279 gap between the lowest-priced and highest-priced options, which tells you how different these NAS options are.
| Product | Price | Value bar |
|---|---|---|
| NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202 (Used) | $71.00 | |
| LinkStation 210 2TB | $254.24 | |
| 2TB LinkStation 210 for Safe File Backup and Sharing | $268.99 | |
| Synology DS423 4-Bay Enclosure (Used, No Drives) | $350.00 |
Decision Matrix
| Product | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| LinkStation 210 2TB | Subscription-free personal cloud and centralized backup | Single-bay design, so no expansion |
| 2TB LinkStation 210 (Backup/Sharing) | Secure file sharing with access restrictions | Higher price than the other LinkStation |
| Synology DS423 4-Bay | Growing a large-capacity storage pool | No drives included and final-sale used policy |
| NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 | Getting a dual-bay NAS on a tight budget | Used condition with no accessories beyond what's pictured |
Product Notes
LinkStation 210 2TB
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The LinkStation 210 is a new, ready-to-use NAS with a 2TB HDD already installed. Connect it to your router, and you can start backing up desktops and laptops on Windows or macOS. The metal enclosure holds a single drive, which keeps the setup simple but also means you can't add a second bay later. The feature list covers automated backups, encrypted transfers, cloud storage, and file sharing, all without a subscription fee. If you want a personal cloud for your videos, music, and photos without monthly costs, this unit delivers it in one box. The limitation is expansion: once 2TB feels small, you'll be shopping for a new unit instead of popping in another drive.
2TB Network Attached Storage - LinkStation 210 for Safe File Backup and Sharing
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This second LinkStation 210 unit carries the same capacity as the cheaper model, so you're looking at the same core storage experience. It emphasizes backup and sharing with scheduled backups, SSL encryption, and individual access restrictions, plus Windows and macOS compatibility. The key difference is the price: it costs more than the other LinkStation in this comparison. If those specific security-focused conveniences matter and the extra cost doesn't bother you, this is a functional choice. Otherwise, the lower-priced LinkStation gives you essentially the same storage and backup approach for less, making it the more sensible choice.
Synology DS423 4-Bay Network Attached Storage Enclosure
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The Synology DS423 is a used 4-bay enclosure that supports HDDs and connects via Ethernet. It's the only option here that lets you build a multi-drive setup from scratch, which makes it attractive if you already own compatible hard drives and want room to grow. The caveat is that no drives are included, so the price is for the chassis alone. This unit is described as fully functional with possible small scratches, and the sale is final with no returns. It's also listed as PC-compatible, so Mac-only households may need to look elsewhere. Choose it if you want a NAS that can scale by adding your own drives, but be ready for a used, as-is purchase.
NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202 2-Bay Network Attached Storage NAS RN20200-100NES
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The NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 is a used 2-bay NAS with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 3.0, 2GB RAM, and hot-swappable drive bays. It's the lowest-priced option in this lineup, making it an easy entry point if you want to experiment with NAS storage without spending much. The description notes that any accessories not pictured aren't included, so you're buying the unit as shown. The dual-bay design gives you a path to start with one drive and add a second later. Choose it if you're comfortable with used gear and want maximum savings for a working dual-bay NAS.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
For a ready-to-go backup appliance, pick the LinkStation 210 2TB. It's new, includes the drive, and has no subscription fees. If you prefer the second LinkStation's backup-and-sharing focus, the higher price only makes sense when you specifically value those security features. For a builder with drives on hand, the Synology DS423 offers the most expansion room. For a price-conscious shopper, the NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 is the lowest-cost route into a dual-bay NAS, as long as used gear is acceptable.
