by 2 reviews.
BUFFALO LinkStation 210 4TB NAS Review: A Reliable Home Cloud Solution?
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 4TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage is a compact and affordable solution for anyone looking to centralize their data storage. With a pre-installed 4TB HDD, this NAS device promises seamless integration into your home or small office network, offering features like personal cloud access, automated backups, and DLNA media streaming. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the pros and cons based on real customer experiences.
Pros: What Customers Love
1. Easy Setup and User-Friendly Interface
One of the standout features of the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is its simplicity. Many users praised how quickly they could get the device up and running. One reviewer mentioned, "It took me about 5 minutes to hook it up to the network, turn it on, download the software, and have it up and running." The intuitive web interface and clear instructions make it accessible even for those new to NAS devices.
2. Affordable and Feature-Packed
For the price, the LinkStation 210 offers excellent value. It comes with a 4TB HDD pre-installed, eliminating the need for additional purchases. Customers appreciated the inclusion of features like DLNA media streaming and USB connectivity for external drives. One user noted, "Extremely cheap when you consider it comes with a 4TB hard drive installed."
3. Reliable Performance
Several users reported that the device works flawlessly for basic storage and media streaming needs. One reviewer shared, "Still works great after 4.5 years of continuous use in a motorhome." The NAS also supports multiple devices, making it a versatile choice for households with diverse tech setups.
4. No Subscription Fees
Unlike many cloud storage services, the LinkStation 210 allows you to create your own personal cloud without recurring fees. This feature was a major selling point for budget-conscious users.
Cons: Where It Falls Short
1. Slow Transfer Speeds
One of the most common complaints was the device’s slow transfer speeds. A user reported, "Speeds copying data over the network to the drive so far have been about 17 MB/s." While this might be sufficient for basic tasks, it can be frustrating for users handling large files or frequent backups.
2. Limited Utilities
The LinkStation 210 is designed for simplicity, which means it lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end NAS devices. One reviewer mentioned, "Maybe lacking in utilities compared to some other companies." If you’re looking for advanced customization or enterprise-level features, this might not be the right choice.
3. Firmware Update Challenges
Some users struggled with updating the device’s firmware. One reviewer noted, "I get a message that a new version is available, but it is not obvious how to install the update." This could be a hurdle for less tech-savvy users.
4. Mixed Reliability Experiences
While many users praised the device’s reliability, others had a completely different experience. One dissatisfied customer shared, "It constantly disconnects from the network, meaning I can only access my files sporadically." This inconsistency in performance highlights potential quality control issues.
Who Is It For?
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is ideal for:
- Home users looking for an affordable and easy-to-use NAS for media storage and streaming.
- Small offices needing centralized storage for backups and file sharing.
- Tech novices who want a plug-and-play solution without the complexity of advanced configurations.
However, if you require high-speed transfers, advanced features, or enterprise-level reliability, you might want to explore other options.
Final Verdict
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 4TB NAS is a solid choice for budget-conscious users seeking a simple and reliable storage solution. Its easy setup, affordable price, and personal cloud functionality make it a great entry-level NAS. However, its slow transfer speeds and limited utilities may disappoint more advanced users.
Pros:
- Easy setup and user-friendly interface.
- Affordable with a pre-installed 4TB HDD.
- No subscription fees for personal cloud access.
- Reliable performance for basic needs.
Cons:
- Slow transfer speeds.
- Limited advanced features.
- Firmware updates can be challenging.
- Mixed reliability experiences.
If you’re looking for a no-frills NAS to store and stream media or back up your files, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is worth considering. But for those with more demanding needs, it might be worth investing in a higher-end model.
Specification BUFFALO LinkStation 210 4TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home:
Comments from Amazon:
I simply plugged this into my router, then accessed the URL, and set up was incredibly easy. About 10 minutes and I was using this with multiple devices. I can even use it with my iPhones.
The setup on this was very easy. Instructions were clear and correct. Performance of the unit seems reasonable and the unit is quiet. My only concern is that the unit came with Seagate hard drives. I generally prefer Western Digital, as I think they tend to be a little more reliable than Seagate. At least Seagate is a major brand and they didn't put some off-brand in the unit. One thing that I couldn't figure out and that is how to update the firmware. I get a message that a new version is available, but it is not obvious how to install the update. Overall, I am satisfied with the unit and you won't go wrong getting this for the price that it is.
I was extremely dissatisfied with the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 6TB NAS. From the moment I attempted to set it up, it was an absolute nightmare. The instructions are unclear and overly complicated, making what should be a simple plug-and-play experience into an exercise in frustration. Even after spending hours troubleshooting, I could only get it to work intermittently on my network. The performance is shockingly slow. Transferring files takes forever, even for relatively small documents, let alone larger media files. I tested this on multiple laptops and devices, all of which are on a high-speed, reliable network, so the issue is clearly with the NAS. It constantly disconnects from the network, meaning I can only access my files sporadically—if at all. For a device that’s supposed to provide seamless, reliable storage, this is unacceptable. The interface is clunky and outdated, making navigation even more tedious. I expected at least some level of modern usability from a product at this price point, but this feels like technology from a decade ago. The promised features, like easy sharing and remote access, are almost impossible to set up without advanced technical knowledge, and even then, they don’t work reliably. I purchased this NAS hoping to streamline my file storage and access across devices, but it has been nothing but a headache. I’ve essentially paid for a device that can’t perform its most basic functions. I’ve since given up on trying to use it and am looking for an alternative product from a more reliable brand. If you’re considering this NAS, save yourself the frustration and look elsewhere. This product fails in every critical area—setup, performance, and reliability. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, not even for basic storage needs. One star is generous for how poorly it performs. Avoid at all costs!
Still works great, w have been traveling and the unit sits on a shelf in our motorhome on a UPS so it has never shut off for over 4.5 years. For some reason we lost the admin password and could not access the drive. I reset the password and we are back in business. Looking for the LS220 now because one of these days (you know hard drives) it's gonna fail.
Si quieres almacenamiento paro también reproducir media, este es tu producto. Tiene excelente costo beneficio. Recomiendo que se use junto con un disco duro USB para tener respaldo redundante de tus archivos críticos.
The BUFFALO LinkStation 720 4TB 2-Bay Home Office Private Cloud Data Storage device is truly impressive. It offers a perfect blend of convenience, performance, and reliability, making it an ideal choice for both home and office use. The 4TB storage capacity provides ample space to store all your important files and data securely. The 2-bay design allows for easy expansion and redundancy, ensuring that your data is always protected. One of the standout features of the LinkStation 720 is its private cloud functionality, which allows you to access your files remotely from anywhere in the world. This is perfect for users who are constantly on the go and need to access their files on the fly. Setting up the device is a breeze, thanks to the user-friendly interface. The device also supports multiple RAID modes for added data protection and performance optimization. Overall, the BUFFALO LinkStation 720 4TB 2-Bay Home Office Private Cloud Data Storage device is a top-notch solution for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile storage solution. Highly recommended!
The NAS just arrived a little bit ago. I found the quick setup guide to be very easy to follow mostly because all the steps are so simple. If you need more detailed instructions, the full manual is available for download. I'd say it took me about 5 minutes to hook it up to the network, turn it on, download the software, install it on my PC, and have it up and running. It took me about 10 more minutes to read about setting up folders and set up what I wanted. It was so simple I probably could have skipped the instructions. Then it took me about 15 minutes to set up the DLNA server, which I am completely new to, and have it running on my Roku TV with the Roku Media Player. So far it seems to be working flawlessly, ofcourse we will have to see if that lasts. Pros: 1) Extremely cheap when you consider it comes with two 2TB hard drives installed. 2) Super easy setup 3) Super easy and very simple web interface 4) Have it working on multiple computers and my DLNA Roku very quickly 5) EULA was super short and simple unlike some other NAS companies that I saw have EULAs requiring that you allow them the right to audit your use of the device, access your site, see your books, etc. Are you kidding me? 6) Has a USB connection for an external drive which I think will come in handy Cons 1) Maybe lacking in utilities compared to some other companies. I just wanted very basic functionality so I'm actually happy without all the extras. 2) Speeds copying data over the network to the drive so far have been about 17 MB/s for one computer and combined 24 MB/s when copying from two computers at once. I don't know how much of that is the device and how much is the other drives I'm copying from. But, it does seem a little on the slow side to me.