BUFFALO
BUFFALO LinkStation 220 8TB 2-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage
Bottom line: The BUFFALO LinkStation 220 8TB 2-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage ($362.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Ships with 8TB of drives installed - no separate HDD purchase or assembly; main trade-off: macOS support stops at macOS 15 Sequoia - macOS 26 needs the LS 700 series.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Ships with 8TB of drives installed - no separate HDD purchase or assembly
- ✓ RAID 1 out of the box mirrors data across both bays for automatic backup
- ✓ Subscription-free personal cloud access with no monthly fees
- ✓ Closed system design limits third-party app vulnerabilities; SSL-encrypted transfers
- ✓ 2-year warranty covers the hard drives, plus 24/7 US-based phone support
Cons
- ✗ macOS support stops at macOS 15 Sequoia - macOS 26 needs the LS 700 series
- ✗ Default RAID 1 halves capacity to 4TB usable until you reconfigure to RAID 0
- ✗ Buffalo positions LS 200 as up to 7x slower than the newer LS 700 line
- ✗ Closed system blocks the third-party apps that Synology and QNAP users expect
Manufacturer description
The BUFFALO LinkStation 220 is a 2-bay network attached storage device that ships with 8TB of hard drives already installed, so you plug it into your router and start sharing files instead of shopping for drives. Out of the box it runs RAID 1, mirroring your data across both bays for 4TB of usable capacity with automatic backup; switch it to RAID 0 if you would rather have the full 8TB. The included NAS Navigator utility and PC backup software let you schedule automated backups from multiple computers, and per-folder access restrictions mean you can share a movie library with the household…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored BUFFALO LinkStation 220 8TB 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
Do I need to buy hard drives separately?
No. The LinkStation 220 ships with 8TB of hard drives already installed across its two bays, and the 2-year warranty covers those drives.
How much storage do I actually get?
It arrives configured in RAID 1, which mirrors the two drives and gives you 4TB of usable space with automatic backup. You can reconfigure it to RAID 0 to use the full 8TB without mirroring.
Does this work with my Mac?
It supports macOS 15 (Sequoia) and earlier, along with Windows. NAS Navigator 2 is the management utility for macOS 15 and earlier. For macOS 26, Buffalo directs users to the LS 700 series instead.
Is there a monthly fee to access my files remotely?
No. The personal cloud feature is subscription-free, so you can store and reach your videos, music, and photos without recurring charges.
Can I limit what other people in the house can see?
Yes. You can configure individual access restrictions per folder, so you can share specific storage or files with family and friends while keeping other folders private.
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 | 8TB (2x4TB) |
|---|---|
| Brand | BUFFALO |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Unspecified |
| Model Number | LS220D0802 |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac |
| Mounting Type | Tabletop |
| Built-In Media | LinkStation 220, Setup CD-ROM, Quick setup guide, Ethernet cable, AC adapter, Warranty Statement |
| Item Type Name | Network Attached Storage |
| Mfr Part Number | LS220D0802 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop |
| Enclosure Material | Unspecified |
| Warranty Description | 2 years |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00747464128658 |
| Full listing title | BUFFALO LinkStation 220 8TB 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 8TB 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.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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