BUFFALO
BUFFALO LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage
Bottom line: The BUFFALO LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage: Ships with 4TB of drives installed, no separate disk purchase; main trade-off: macOS support stops at macOS 15 Sequoia; macOS 26 needs the LS 700.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Ships with 4TB of drives installed, no separate disk purchase
- ✓ RAID 1 out of the box: 2TB usable with automatic mirroring
- ✓ Switchable to RAID 0 for the full 4TB capacity
- ✓ No monthly subscription for personal cloud access
- ✓ 2-year warranty covers the enclosure and both hard drives
Cons
- ✗ macOS support stops at macOS 15 Sequoia; macOS 26 needs the LS 700
- ✗ Closed system blocks third-party NAS apps and Docker containers
- ✗ LS 700 series is rated up to 7x faster than this LS 200
- ✗ RAID 1 default halves advertised 4TB down to 2TB usable
Manufacturer description
The BUFFALO LinkStation 220 is a 2-bay network attached storage device that turns your home router into a private cloud, and it ships with 4TB of hard drives already installed so there is nothing to buy separately. Out of the box it runs in RAID 1, mirroring your files across both bays for 2TB of usable space and automatic redundancy; switch it to RAID 0 if you would rather have the full 4TB. Connect it to your router and every Windows or macOS machine on the network can reach the same shared folders, with per-folder access restrictions so family photos and work files stay separated. The…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored BUFFALO LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. BUFFALO's external storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for external storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much usable storage do I actually get?
It ships in RAID 1, which mirrors the two drives and gives you 2TB of usable space out of the 4TB total. You can reconfigure it to RAID 0 to use the full 4TB, but you lose the mirrored backup.
Does the LinkStation 220 work with macOS?
It supports macOS 15 (Sequoia) and earlier, along with Windows. NAS Navigator 2, the management utility, is also limited to macOS 15 and earlier. For macOS 26, Buffalo points to the LS 700 series instead.
Do I have to pay a monthly fee to access my files remotely?
No. Buffalo markets it as a subscription-free personal cloud, so you store, back up, and reach your videos, music, and photos without recurring charges.
Can I back up more than one computer to it?
Yes. It includes the NAS Navigator management utility plus PC backup software, so you can set up automated backups from multiple computers to the same device.
What warranty and support come with it?
Buffalo includes a 2-year warranty that covers the hard drives as well as the unit, plus 24/7 US-based support that can walk you through installation.
Key Features
- Value NAS with RAID for centralized storage and backup for all your devices. Check out the LS 700 for enhanced features, cloud capabilities, macOS 26, and up to 7x faster performance than the LS 200.
- Connect the LinkStation to your router and enjoy shared network storage for your devices. The NAS is compatible with Windows and macOS*, and Buffalo's US-based support is on-hand 24/7 for installation walkthroughs. *Only for macOS 15 (Sequoia) and earlier. For macOS 26, check out our LS 700 series.
- Subscription-Free Personal Cloud – Store, back up, and manage all your videos, music, and photos and access them anytime without paying any monthly fees.
- Storage Purpose-Built for Data Security – A NAS designed to keep your data safe, the LS200 features a closed system to reduce vulnerabilities from 3rd party apps and SSL encryption for secure file transfers.
- Back Up Multiple Computers & Devices – NAS Navigator management utility and PC backup software included. NAS Navigator 2 for macOS 15 and earlier. You can set up automated backups of data on your computers.
- Securely Share Files With Family & Friends – Configure individual access restrictions for folders to ensure your data remains private while securely share storage space or files with others.
Full Specifications
| Size | 4TB (2x2TB) |
|---|---|
| Brand | BUFFALO |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Unspecified |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Model Number | LS220D0402 |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac |
| Mounting Type | Tabletop |
| Built-In Media | NAS server, Network cable, Software |
| Item Type Name | Network Attached Storage |
| Mfr Part Number | LS220D0402 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop |
| Enclosure Material | Unspecified |
| Warranty Description | 2 years |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 8.1"D x 8.07"W x 5"H |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00747464128634 |
| Full listing title | BUFFALO LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage that Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home |
Ready to buy?
BUFFALO LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage that Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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