Synology
Synology DS124 Personal Backup & File Hub - Protect Photos, Secure Home Surveillance (1-Bay Diskless NAS)
Bottom line: The Synology DS124 Personal Backup & File Hub ($159.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 12:20 UTC): Automatic backup for iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows devices in one place; main trade-off: single drive bay means no RAID mirroring if the drive fails.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Automatic backup for iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows devices in one place
- ✓ Private file cloud with remote access and sharing, no monthly subscription fees
- ✓ AI surveillance detects people and vehicles and sends instant alerts
- ✓ Covered by a 2-year Synology warranty plus ongoing DSM software updates
Cons
- ✗ Single drive bay means no RAID mirroring if the drive fails
- ✗ Diskless: you have to buy a hard drive separately
- ✗ Total storage is limited to what one drive can hold
- ✗ Surveillance use requires IP cameras, sold separately
Manufacturer description
The Synology DS124 is a compact 1-bay NAS that gathers your scattered photos, documents and videos into one private location you control. It ships diskless, so you choose the hard drive that fits your storage needs and budget. Backup is its main job. The DS124 automatically protects files from iPhone and Android phones as well as Mac and Windows computers. Your household gets one place to restore from instead of several separate cloud accounts. It runs Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM), which turns it into your own file cloud. You can reach files from any device and share large projects…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Synology DS124 Personal Backup & File Hub using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the nas & home servers category. Synology's nas & home servers 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 nas & home servers 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
Does the Synology DS124 come with a hard drive?
No. The DS124 is a diskless 1-bay NAS, so you buy and install one drive yourself. Check Synology's compatibility list on the product listing before you choose a drive.
Can the DS124 back up my iPhone or Android phone automatically?
Yes. Synology lists automatic backup of photos, documents and videos from iPhone and Android phones, plus Mac and Windows computers, all to one location on the DS124.
Is there a monthly subscription fee to use the DS124 as a personal cloud?
No. Synology says the DS124 uses license-free DiskStation Manager (DSM) apps for its private cloud, file access and sharing, with no monthly subscription fees.
Will my files be safe if the single drive fails?
With only one bay, the DS124 cannot mirror data across two drives. If that drive fails, its data is at risk, so keep a second copy of important files on an external drive or an offsite backup.
What warranty does the Synology DS124 have?
The DS124 comes with a 2-year warranty and ongoing software updates from Synology. Check the product listing for the full warranty terms.
Key Features
- Complete Phone & Computer Backup - Automatically protect photos, documents and videos from iPhone android, Mac and Windows to one secure location
- Your Private File Cloud - Access files from anywhere and share large projects with family or clients without relying on expensive cloud subscriptions
- Smart Home Security Hub - Monitor your home 24/7 with AI-powered surveillance that detects people, vehicles and sends instant alerts
- 100% Data Ownership - Keep full control of your personal data with multi-platform access and no monthly subscription fees
- 2-Year Warranty - Reliable hardware backed by Synology's expert customer support team and ongoing software updates
Full Specifications
| Size | DS124 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Synology |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Model Number | DS124 |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Mac |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Item Type Name | Synology NAS |
| Mfr Part Number | DS124 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop, Server, Smart Phone |
| Enclosure Material | Alloy Steel |
| Warranty Description | 2 years warranty |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 2.8"D x 6.54"W x 8.82"H |
| EU Spare Part Availability Duration | 2 years |
Ready to buy?
Synology DS124 Personal Backup & File Hub - Protect Photos, Secure Home Surveillance (1-Bay Diskless NAS) 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 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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