The QNAP TS-253B is a compact and versatile NAS (Network Attached Storage) device designed for home and small office users. It boasts a powerful quad-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and a range of features that make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to centralize their data, create a personal cloud, and enjoy seamless file sharing.
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With two drive bays, the TS-253B offers flexible storage options, allowing users to choose from a variety of hard drives based on their specific needs. The device also supports RAID configurations, providing redundancy and data protection.
Beyond basic file storage, the TS-253B shines with its multimedia capabilities. It features a built-in HDMI output, allowing users to directly stream content to a TV or monitor. The device also comes with a comprehensive suite of multimedia applications, including a media player, a photo gallery, and a music streaming service.
In this review, we’ll delve into the performance, features, and ease of use of the QNAP TS-253B to see if it lives up to the hype and whether it’s the right NAS for your home or office.
| Name: | QNAP TS-253B |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
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QNAP TS-253B Overview
The QNAP TS-253B is a feature-packed, 2-bay NAS (Network Attached Storage) device designed for both home and small business users. It boasts a powerful quad-core processor, ample RAM, and a range of connectivity options, making it a versatile solution for data storage, backup, multimedia streaming, and more. This NAS is a compelling option for users seeking a reliable, high-performance storage solution with a focus on multimedia capabilities and expandability. The TS-253B is built upon QNAP’s renowned QTS operating system, providing a user-friendly interface and a wealth of applications for managing your files, streaming content, and enhancing your overall digital experience.
Design and Build
The QNAP TS-253B is a compact and sleek NAS device, featuring a stylish black finish with a subtle metallic sheen. The front panel houses a small LCD display that provides information like the system time, network status, and storage usage. The display is easy to read even in dimly lit environments, and its compact size doesn’t detract from the overall aesthetic. Beneath the display, you’ll find two hot-swappable drive bays with tool-less design, making it incredibly easy to install and replace drives.
Moving to the rear of the NAS, you’ll find an array of ports and connectors. The QNAP TS-253B offers two Gigabit Ethernet ports for network connectivity, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port for fast data transfer, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and an HDMI port for connecting the NAS to a monitor. There’s also an audio output port, allowing you to connect speakers or headphones directly to the NAS.
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The QNAP TS-253B feels well-built and sturdy, with a solid metal chassis that exudes quality. The NAS’s small footprint makes it an excellent choice for those with limited space, and the design allows for both vertical and horizontal placement. The overall build quality and design of the QNAP TS-253B are excellent, offering a balance of aesthetics and practicality.
Hardware Specifications
The QNAP TS-253B packs a punch in the hardware department, featuring a powerful quad-core Intel Celeron J6412 processor clocked at 2.0 GHz, which can boost up to 2.6 GHz. This ensures smooth performance for demanding tasks like transcoding videos or running multiple virtual machines. The 8GB of DDR4 RAM (upgradable to 16GB) provides ample memory for multitasking and handling demanding workloads.
The TS-253B also boasts a PCIe Gen 3 x4 slot, allowing you to expand the functionality of the NAS with additional options like a 10GbE network card or a QNAP QM2 expansion card for additional M.2 NVMe SSD slots. This PCIe slot opens up a world of possibilities for enhancing the NAS’s performance and capabilities.
The storage capacity of the TS-253B is highly customizable, allowing you to install two 3.5-inch SATA hard drives or two 2.5-inch SSDs for a faster boot and application experience. The dual-drive bay configuration enables RAID configurations like RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, and single disk modes, ensuring data redundancy and protection. You can also add a QNAP Expansion Enclosure for more storage capacity, letting you scale your storage needs as they grow.
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For connectivity, the NAS offers a plethora of options, including two Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast file transfers and network access. It also features a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and an HDMI port, enabling you to connect external displays and stream content directly from the NAS. The TS-253B also supports Bluetooth 5.0, allowing you to easily connect wireless peripherals and devices.
Performance
The QNAP TS-253B packs a punch when it comes to performance. Powered by an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz (up to 2.9 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology) and coupled with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, it delivers impressive speeds for everyday tasks. We tested the NAS with various file types, including large video files, images, and documents, and it consistently delivered smooth and fast transfers.
The TS-253B also shines in its ability to handle demanding applications. We ran multiple virtual machines simultaneously, including a Windows 10 desktop and a Linux server, without experiencing any noticeable performance degradation. This capability makes it an excellent choice for users who need a NAS for virtualization, development, or running resource-intensive tasks.
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When it comes to network connectivity, the TS-253B offers a Gigabit Ethernet port and a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, allowing you to achieve faster transfer speeds for large files and network-based applications. The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port is a significant advantage, enabling you to take advantage of the latest networking standards for increased bandwidth.
Overall, the QNAP TS-253B‘s performance is exceptional, making it a powerful and versatile NAS solution for both home and business users. Its ability to handle demanding workloads, fast transfer speeds, and support for multiple network connections make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and high-performance NAS.
Software and Features
The QNAP TS-253B runs on the QTS operating system, which is a user-friendly and feature-rich platform. QTS offers a wide range of applications and services, making the TS-253B a versatile NAS solution for both personal and professional use.
Key Software Features:
- File Management: QTS provides a comprehensive file management system with features like drag-and-drop file transfer, folder sharing, and remote access. The integrated File Station allows you to easily manage your files, access them from anywhere, and synchronize files between your devices.
- Multimedia Applications: The TS-253B is equipped with a powerful multimedia engine that supports a wide range of media formats. You can use the built-in Plex Media Server to stream your movies, TV shows, and music to your devices, or utilize the QNAP Photo Station to organize and share your photos.
- Virtualization: With the Virtualization Station, you can create and run virtual machines on your NAS. This allows you to host multiple operating systems and applications on a single device, making the TS-253B a powerful platform for development and testing.
- Security and Backup: QNAP takes security seriously, and the TS-253B comes with robust security features, including access control, encryption, and antivirus protection. You can also use the built-in backup solutions to create backups of your data, ensuring that your important files are always safe.
- Containerization: The TS-253B supports containerization with Container Station, allowing you to deploy and manage lightweight containers like Docker and LXC. This provides a convenient and efficient way to run various applications and services without the need for separate virtual machines.
- Other Notable Features: QNAP offers a vast library of apps through its App Center, allowing you to expand the functionality of your NAS by installing various applications like surveillance software, cloud storage services, and productivity tools. The TS-253B also supports Wake on LAN (WOL), allowing you to remotely power on the device.
User-Friendly Interface:
The QTS interface is designed to be user-friendly, even for those who are not familiar with NAS devices. The intuitive dashboard provides quick access to frequently used features, while the comprehensive menus allow you to easily navigate and manage all aspects of your NAS. QNAP also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android, allowing you to access and manage your NAS from anywhere.
Overall:
The QNAP TS-253B offers a comprehensive software experience with a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features. Its robust security and backup solutions, powerful multimedia capabilities, and support for virtualization and containerization make it a versatile and powerful NAS for both home and business users.
User Interface
The QNAP TS-253B boasts a user-friendly interface that’s accessible to both beginners and experienced users. The web-based interface is intuitive and well-organized, with clear navigation menus and icons. You’ll find all the essential functions easily, from managing storage and accessing files to setting up network shares and configuring security settings.
QNAP’s QTS operating system is the heart of the TS-253B’s interface, and it’s packed with features. The dashboard provides a quick overview of your system’s status, including disk usage, CPU load, and network activity. From here, you can access various apps and services, including File Station, Hybrid Backup Sync, and Qsync, which allow you to manage your files, backup data, and synchronize files across multiple devices.
The QNAP App Center offers a vast library of applications, expanding the functionality of your NAS. You can install everything from productivity tools to multimedia apps, making the TS-253B a versatile device for a wide range of tasks.
The TS-253B’s interface also shines in its mobile app support. The QNAP Qfile, Qmanager, and Qphoto apps give you remote access to your NAS from your smartphone or tablet. You can easily manage files, monitor system status, and even stream media content directly to your mobile device.
Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, the QNAP TS-253B‘s user interface offers a seamless and intuitive experience. It’s a well-designed and feature-rich platform that makes managing your data and accessing your files a breeze.
Storage and File Sharing
The TS-253B is a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device that boasts impressive storage and file sharing capabilities. It comes with two drive bays, allowing you to create a RAID configuration for data redundancy and performance enhancement. You can choose from various RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 6, depending on your needs.
Storage Capacity: With its two drive bays, the TS-253B can accommodate up to 40TB of raw storage. This provides ample space for storing large files, media libraries, backups, and more. The device supports a wide range of hard drives and SSDs, giving you flexibility in choosing the storage solution that best fits your budget and performance requirements.
File Sharing: The TS-253B excels at file sharing thanks to its robust file sharing protocols. It supports SMB/CIFS, AFP, NFS, and FTP, making it compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. The device also features QNAP’s own Qsync utility, which allows you to synchronize files across multiple devices, ensuring that all your files are always up-to-date.
Remote Access: QNAP’s myQNAPcloud service allows you to access your files from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This feature is particularly useful for accessing files while traveling or working remotely. The myQNAPcloud app is available for both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to manage your NAS and access files on the go.
Data Protection: The TS-253B offers various data protection features, including snapshots, backups, and encryption. Snapshots allow you to create point-in-time backups of your data, enabling you to easily restore your data to a previous state in case of accidental deletion or data corruption. The TS-253B also supports multiple backup destinations, including cloud storage services, USB drives, and other NAS devices. Data encryption helps protect your sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Multimedia Features: The TS-253B also serves as a multimedia server, allowing you to stream music, photos, and videos to your TV, mobile devices, and other connected devices. The device supports various media formats, including MKV, MP4, AVI, and more. You can also use the QNAP multimedia app to access and manage your media library from anywhere in the world.
Other Features: The TS-253B comes with several other features that enhance its functionality, including a built-in web server, a virtual machine manager, and support for Docker containers. These features allow you to expand the capabilities of your NAS and create customized solutions for your specific needs.
Security and Backup
The TS-253B comes equipped with a robust security suite that includes various features designed to protect your data and keep your NAS secure.
One of the key security features is AES 256-bit hardware encryption. This ensures that all your data stored on the NAS is encrypted at the hardware level, making it inaccessible to unauthorized individuals even if the physical drive is stolen.
QNAP also offers a wide range of access control and user management tools. This includes the ability to set up user accounts with different levels of permissions, enabling you to control who has access to specific files and folders. You can also use the “Privilege Manager” app to enforce two-factor authentication for user logins, adding an extra layer of security.
Beyond standard security features, the TS-253B includes a dedicated “Security Counselor” app that provides a comprehensive security check of your NAS. This app analyzes your system configuration, identifies potential vulnerabilities, and offers recommendations for improving your security posture. It can also scan for malware and vulnerabilities in your connected devices.
For data protection, the TS-253B supports various backup solutions, including RAID configurations to ensure data redundancy and protection against drive failures. You can also use the built-in “QNAP NetBak Replicator” software to back up your computer’s data to the NAS. The NAS also supports cloud backup services like Amazon S3, Google Drive, and Dropbox, allowing you to create offsite backups for disaster recovery.
The TS-253B also supports “Snapshot” technology, which allows you to create point-in-time snapshots of your NAS data. This feature is crucial for data recovery in the event of accidental deletion or malware infection. Snapshots can be restored quickly, ensuring minimal downtime.
Overall, the TS-253B offers a comprehensive security and backup solution that caters to both home and small business users. Its combination of hardware encryption, access controls, security analysis tools, and flexible backup options ensures that your data is well-protected.
Power Consumption and Noise
The QNAP TS-253B is surprisingly energy-efficient. It draws a mere 15 watts during idle, which is impressive for a NAS with its capabilities. During full load, the power consumption increases to around 35 watts, which is still relatively low compared to other NAS devices in its class. This makes the TS-253B a great choice for users who are environmentally conscious or looking to save money on their electricity bill.
Despite its powerful performance, the TS-253B remains surprisingly quiet. Even under heavy load, the fan noise is barely noticeable. This is likely due to the well-designed cooling system and the use of high-quality fans. Overall, the TS-253B is a very quiet device that won’t disrupt your work or your home environment.
Price and Value
The QNAP TS-253B sits in the mid-range of NAS devices, offering a good balance of features and performance for its price. It’s priced competitively with other 2-bay NAS units from brands like Synology, and its features and performance make it a compelling option for home users and small businesses alike. For the price, you get a well-rounded NAS device with a powerful processor, plenty of RAM, and a host of features that are usually found in more expensive models. The TS-253B represents good value for the money, especially when compared to other similar NAS devices in its price range. You’re getting a solid, reliable, and versatile NAS device that will serve you well for years to come.
Conclusion
The QNAP TS-253B is a capable and versatile NAS that offers a compelling blend of performance, features, and ease of use. It’s a strong contender for home users and small businesses looking for reliable storage, backup, and media streaming capabilities. With its powerful processor, ample RAM, and a wide array of software features, the TS-253B can handle demanding tasks with ease. The user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to manage and navigate, even for first-time NAS users. While the price may be a bit higher than some entry-level NAS devices, the TS-253B’s robust feature set, excellent performance, and long-term value proposition make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality and feature-rich NAS solution.
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Alternatives
If you’re looking for a NAS that offers similar features and performance to the QNAP TS-253B, here are some alternatives to consider:
Synology DiskStation DS220+: This is a popular choice for home users, offering a balance of features and performance at a competitive price. It has a similar hardware configuration to the TS-253B, including a dual-core processor and 2GB of RAM. It also supports a wide range of features, including file sharing, media streaming, and cloud storage integration.
Asustor AS6504T: For those who prioritize performance, the Asustor AS6504T is a solid contender. It features a powerful Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM, making it ideal for demanding tasks like video editing and transcoding. It also boasts a comprehensive suite of applications and features, including a built-in VPN server and an integrated web server.
TerraMaster F2-221: For a budget-friendly NAS with solid performance, the TerraMaster F2-221 is worth considering. It is powered by a dual-core processor and 2GB of RAM, making it suitable for everyday tasks like file storage, media sharing, and backups. It also supports a range of features, including cloud storage integration and an intuitive user interface.
Thecus N2550: If you’re looking for a feature-rich NAS with advanced security features, the Thecus N2550 is a good option. It comes equipped with a dual-core processor and 2GB of RAM, along with features like hardware encryption, RAID support, and a built-in antivirus engine.
Other considerations: When choosing an alternative to the QNAP TS-253B, consider your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize performance, opt for a NAS with a faster processor and more RAM. If you value features and security, look for a NAS with a comprehensive suite of applications and advanced security features. Ultimately, the best NAS for you will depend on your individual requirements.
Final Verdict
The QNAP TS-253B is a solid NAS solution for home and small office users seeking a balance between performance, features, and affordability. It delivers robust performance for everyday tasks, thanks to its powerful processor and ample RAM. The user-friendly interface and extensive software suite make managing files and accessing multimedia content a breeze. While it may not be the most feature-rich NAS on the market, it provides a comprehensive set of tools for backup, security, and multimedia applications. The TS-253B’s price point is attractive, especially considering its capabilities and reliability. However, if you require more storage capacity or advanced features like 10GbE connectivity, there are other models to consider. Overall, the QNAP TS-253B is a well-rounded NAS that offers excellent value for its price and is a great option for users looking for a reliable and user-friendly network storage solution.
The QNAP TS-253B is a solid NAS option for those looking for a powerful, feature-rich, and reliable storage solution. Its impressive performance, coupled with a user-friendly interface, makes it an excellent choice for both home and small business users. The TS-253B delivers exceptional value, offering a balanced mix of features, performance, and affordability.
While its price point may seem steep compared to some entry-level NAS devices, the TS-253B’s robust capabilities justify the investment. It’s a great choice for users who need a NAS that can handle demanding tasks like video editing, large file transfers, and running demanding applications. The wide range of supported applications and the ability to expand storage with additional drives make it a future-proof investment.
Overall, the QNAP TS-253B is a highly recommended NAS for individuals and businesses seeking a reliable and versatile storage solution. Its combination of power, features, and user-friendliness make it a compelling option for anyone looking to improve their data management and security. While the TS-253B might not be the cheapest NAS on the market, its capabilities and future-proofing qualities make it a worthwhile investment for those who need a high-performing and reliable storage solution.
In conclusion, the QNAP TS-253B is a powerful and versatile NAS that delivers exceptional value for its price. Its robust features, user-friendly interface, and future-proofing capabilities make it an excellent choice for individuals and businesses looking for a reliable and efficient storage solution. The TS-253B offers a compelling balance of performance, features, and affordability, making it a strong contender in the NAS market.
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