Choosing NAS storage & drives often comes down to a practical trade-off: do you want a six-bay enclosure with a lower listed price, or a new, factory-sealed two-bay NAS with broad device compatibility? The NETGEAR ReadyNAS RND-6A RNDU6000-100NAS and SYNOLOGY DiskStation DS216play take distinctly different approaches, so the right pick depends on your storage plan and how much setup work you are prepared to handle.
Quick verdict
The NETGEAR ReadyNAS fits a hands-on buyer who prioritizes its six-bay format and lower entry price, while accepting that hard drives and cables are not included. The Synology DiskStation DS216play fits someone who prefers a new, factory-sealed unit and a clearly stated two-bay design. Their listed prices are $129.99 and $329.99, respectively, making the difference between setup scope and purchase condition especially important.
Listed-price and feature comparison
| Product | Listed price | Key decision cue |
|---|---|---|
| NETGEAR ReadyNAS RND-6A RNDU6000-100NAS | $129.99 | Six-bay; used; hard drives and cables not included |
| SYNOLOGY DiskStation DS216play | $329.99 | Two-bay; new; factory sealed |
Where each product wins
NETGEAR ReadyNAS
NETGEAR wins when the six-bay format is the first filter. Its listed RJ-45 and USB-A connectivity also gives shoppers a concrete port combination to match against their planned network and accessories. This is the more suitable direction for an enclosure-focused project where supplying separate hard drives and cables is acceptable. The trade-off is that the lower listed price does not turn it into a complete drive-filled setup; the missing hardware remains part of the buying decision.
SYNOLOGY DiskStation DS216play
Synology wins for device breadth. Its compatibility details name Android, iOS, iPhone, laptop, Mac, Memory Vault, and PC, making it the more direct match for a setup that moves files across several of those device types. Ethernet is the listed interface, and the black finish is clearly specified. The $200 difference from the NETGEAR makes this choice most compelling when new, sealed condition and the named compatibility range matter more than choosing the lower-priced enclosure.
Product notes
NETGEAR ReadyNAS RND-6A RNDU6000-100NAS
The NETGEAR ReadyNAS RND-6A RNDU6000-100NAS suits a hands-on NAS build because its listed connectivity includes RJ-45 and USB-A. Those ports give the choice a concrete shape for shoppers planning around network access and accessory connections. The main limitation is setup scope: hard drives and cables are not included. Scratches and scrapes around the body are also part of the listed condition, so cosmetic wear belongs in the trade-off. Choose this model when its port mix fits your plan and sourcing the missing hardware separately is acceptable. It is a focused enclosure purchase rather than a simple all-in-one storage package.
SYNOLOGY DiskStation DS216play
The SYNOLOGY DiskStation DS216play fits shoppers whose devices span Android, iOS, iPhone, laptop, Mac, Memory Vault, and PC. Its new, factory-sealed condition gives the purchase a clear starting point, while the listed black color keeps the description specific without adding assumptions. The limitation is the two-bay format: it is a different enclosure choice from the six-bay NETGEAR, so bay count should match the intended storage plan. Choose Synology when the named device compatibility and sealed condition matter more than paying the lower listed price. Its Ethernet interface is also explicitly identified for network use.
Final choice by use case
- Choose NETGEAR when you want the lower listed price, six-bay format, and RJ-45 or USB-A connectivity, and you are prepared to supply hard drives and cables.
- Choose Synology when you want a new, factory-sealed two-bay NAS and your setup includes devices such as Android, iOS, Mac, or PC.
- If price leads: NETGEAR is listed at $129.99, while Synology is listed at $329.99-a $200 difference. If bay count or condition leads, let those concrete distinctions outweigh the price gap.
