Choosing NAS storage & drives means resolving a real trade-off: do you want a clearly stated capacity and broad computer compatibility, or a two-bay enclosure with hot-swap hardware at a lower listed price? LinkStation 210 and NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 answer that question differently. The right choice depends on whether your priority is the LinkStation's storage-and-backup package or the ReadyNAS's enclosure setup.
Quick verdict
Pick LinkStation 210 2TB if a 2TB NAS with Windows and macOS compatibility is your priority. Pick NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 if two bays, hot-swappable drive bays, and a lower listed price matter more-and the used condition fits your plans. The two enclosures are aimed at different decision points, so the cheaper price alone does not settle the comparison.
Listed-price comparison
| Product | Listed price | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| LinkStation 210 2TB | $254.24 | New |
| NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202 | $71.00 | Used |
Where each NAS wins
LinkStation wins on capacity and computer coverage
The LinkStation combines a stated 2TB capacity with compatibility for Windows and macOS, plus desktop and laptop support. That makes it the clearer fit for a setup spanning those operating systems. It also centers on centralized storage, file sharing, and automated backup. Choose it when those named functions matter more than a multi-bay enclosure.
NETGEAR wins on bay layout and drive handling
The ReadyNAS 202 has two bays and hot-swappable drive bays, giving it a different enclosure focus from the single-bay LinkStation. Its interface is Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, and the absolute price difference between the two products is $183.24. Choose it when those enclosure details and the lower $71.00 price outweigh the LinkStation's stated capacity and operating-system coverage.
Product notes
LinkStation 210 2TB
LinkStation 210 2TB offers a backup-centered setup without monthly subscription fees. It includes centralized storage, file sharing, data security, encrypted transfer, and automated backup, giving the enclosure a clearly defined role for photos, music, videos, and other files. The main limitation is its 1-Bay form factor, alongside HDD drive support; shoppers who need a multi-bay configuration may find that constraint decisive. The $254.24 price also makes it the more expensive side of the comparison. Choose LinkStation when no-subscription storage and the named backup features matter more than having multiple bays.
NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202
NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 RN202 earns consideration when network interface details matter. It has Gigabit Ethernet with two ports, plus a 1.4 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A15 processor and 2 GB RAM. Those concrete hardware details give shoppers useful specifications to match against an existing network setup. Its limitation is practical: accessories not pictured are not included, so the package expectation is narrower than a complete accessory bundle. Favor the ReadyNAS when its Ethernet interface and two-port detail are the specifications you want to prioritize.
Final choice by use case
- Choose LinkStation 210 2TB for: centralized storage, automated backup, file sharing, and storage without monthly subscription fees.
- Choose NETGEAR ReadyNAS 202 for: a network setup where Gigabit Ethernet and a two-port interface are the deciding specifications, along with a two-bay enclosure.
If the choice remains close, start with the feature you will use most: the LinkStation's backup-focused functions or the ReadyNAS's enclosure and network details.
