Choosing NAS storage & drives is less about finding one universal winner than deciding which compromise fits your setup: a lower listed price and more drive bays, or a new, factory-sealed unit with a different device profile. The Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 and Synology DiskStation DS216play make that trade-off clear. Start with how you expect to use the enclosure, then weigh the listed condition, format, and price.
Quick verdict
Pick the Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 when a lower listed price is the main constraint and the title's *NO HDDs* wording fits your plan. Pick the Synology DiskStation DS216play when the *Factory Seal* wording matters more than the higher price. The listed prices are $180 apart, so this is a meaningful choice between bay count, condition, and device fit rather than a minor variation.
At a glance
| Product | Listed price | Form and bays | Listed condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 | $149.99 | 4 bays; rackmount; 3.5 in | Used |
| Synology DiskStation DS216play | $329.99 | 2 bays; 3.5 in | New |
Where each one wins
Netgear ReadyNAS 2100: The rackmount format and USB 3.0 detail make it the clearer fit for a setup built around those physical and connection requirements. Its PC and Mac compatibility keeps the listed device pairing straightforward.
Synology DiskStation DS216play: Ethernet and the wider compatibility list-Android, iOS, iPhone, laptop, Mac, Memory Vault, and PC-give it the edge for shoppers using more than a single desktop platform.
Product notes
Netgear ReadyNAS 2100
The Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 suits shoppers who want a direct PC and Mac pairing plus the listed USB 3.0 connection. The title's *NO HDDs* wording is a concrete limitation as well as a planning cue: drives are not part of the named package. The description adds another constraint by stating that the power adapter is not included. Its listed condition is Used, so the choice makes sense for someone comfortable arranging the required storage and power accessory separately. The silver color and 3.5-inch form factor are also specified, but they are secondary to the missing HDDs and adapter. Choose this NAS for its straightforward computer compatibility; avoid it if those two missing pieces undermine your setup.
Synology DiskStation DS216play
The Synology DiskStation DS216play suits a setup where broad device access matters. Its compatibility list reaches Android, iOS, iPhone, laptop, Mac, Memory Vault, and PC, while Ethernet adds a concrete fit for a network-attached setup. The limitation is price: it is listed at $329.99, with a $180 gap versus the Netgear. The black color is specified, but that is a styling detail rather than a functional reason to choose it. Synology earns the nod for device breadth and Ethernet; its higher listed price is the trade-off. Choose it when those connection details serve more devices than the Netgear's PC and Mac pairing.
Final choice by use case
- Four-bay, rackmount route: choose Netgear ReadyNAS 2100 when the enclosure format and lower listed price fit your plan.
- Two-bay NAS route: choose Synology DiskStation DS216play when Ethernet and wider device compatibility matter more than price.
- Condition-led decision: the Netgear is listed as Used, while the Synology is listed as New and carries the *Factory Seal* wording.
