Synology BeeStation review: trying out the hard disk with internet access

The Synology BeeStation is aimed at anyone looking for an uncomplicated, personal cloud storage solution and centralised photo management. However, you’ll have to do without the wide range of options offered by classic Network Attached Storage (NAS). So I wouldn’t describe the product as a NAS.

A Synology DiskStation, on the other hand, is exactly that. As a result, it’s also a small server that supports a wide range of software. The bottom line: the BeeStation is only made for storing and retrieving files. In addition, a single four terabyte (TB) drive means there’s no fail-safe. NAS with several drive bays and a corresponding RAID level have an advantage here.

During testing, the BeeStation surprises me in a few ways. As the setup and operation are kept simple, it’s also suitable for people who aren’t tech-savvy. I particularly like the fact that I can access it on the local network without an additional app thanks to the Server Message Block Service (SMB) that can be turned on.

BeeStation hardware: enables data transfers at up to 113 megabytes per second

At 820 grammes and 14.8 × 6.26 × 19.63 centimetres, the BeeStation is as compact as a book. This means it can also fit in tight spaces. During operation, its fan hums quietly, but I only hear this when I get closer. An LED on the front shows me the current status of the device.

The back features a power button, reset button, a USB-A and USB-C port (both 3.2 Gen 1), a Gigabit Ethernet port (RJ45) and a power connection.

Here’s what’s inside:

• Realtek RTD1619B quad-core processor (64-bit, 1.7 GHz)
• 1 gigabyte of DDR4 memory
• Synology HAT3300 4 Terabyte SATA HDD

The hard disk is a relatively quiet model (5,400 revolutions per minute), which currently costs around 110 francs/euros in our shop. According to tests by German online magazine Hardwareluxx, its maximum speed is around 200 megabytes per second when reading and 196 megabytes per second when writing.

A speed that can’t actually be achieved by the BeeStation due to the Gigabit port. If I use SMB to move a file directly from Windows Explorer to the hard disk, 112 megabytes per second (896 megabits) is the best I get. When downloading, I reach a maximum of 113 megabytes per second (904 megabits).

Simple setup and few settings

To set it up, I visit a website listed in the Quick Start Guide and follow instructions that even my grandma could’ve followed when she was still with us. Even connecting the device is illustrated step by step. When setting up, I have to create a Synology account or log into an existing one. I then enter a serial number and have to wait at least 15 minutes until everything is set up and updates are installed.

System settings: limited, but still offer storage space for family and friends as well as SMB

As a final step, I fittingly name my new NAS-like device BeeOK. Synology then informs me that I can either open BeeFiles and BeePhotos in the browser or use them as an app.

I’ll discuss the apps later. So I click away the message and turn to the system settings.

To keep things clear, here’s a list of all the settings. If you want to get an overview without explanations, just read the bold words:

• Add up to eight people under Users. You can invite family and friends and assign them private storage space. Apart from the administrator (you), nobody has access to this. Simplified login with a Google or Apple account is possible.
• Under System, there’s an overview with the model name, IP address and the like. There, you can decouple the device from your Synology account and reset it to factory settings among other things.
• You can also deactivate the Sleep option for the hard disk. This is active by default and results in energy being saved after 20 minutes of inactivity. When accessed again, it’ll take a few seconds before the device is ready with Sleep mode on.
• You can also set manual configurations for IPv4 and IPv6 there. IPv6 is deactivated by default and IPv4 is configured automatically.
• You can deactivate device analysis, if not already rejected during the initial setup. This means you’ll prevent the collection of functional data to improve future products. Stored personal data or personal information isn’t collected.
• Last but not least, you’ll find Time zone and time server options under the same section.
• Under Backup & Restore, you can back up the entire BeeStation to an external drive or Synology C2 Storage. Unfortunately, web storage from other providers can’t be used. You can also restore a backup there. If you want to prevent a defect or data loss, you should make regular backups of your data and store them securely, if necessary in a separate location.
• Updates for BeeStation and the two browser applications BeeFiles and BeePhotos are available under, well, Update. Update your device automatically or manually here. You can also install beta versions manually.
• You can activate Email notifications under Advanced Settings. There’s also a contact for problems and the option to activate remote access for support and create logs.

• The best options can be found in the Advanced Settings under the Local Access tab. Activate a local account to access the BeeStation directly from the network. This allows you to access the web interface by entering the IP address in the browser, even if there’s no internet connection. It also responds much faster directly from the network.
• **Activate the SMB service to be able to access the BeeStation without a web application, smartphone or desktop app. You can use it as a network drive on almost any device. On Windows, you access the network storage directly in Explorer. On macOS, you use Finder. This also works with file managers for Linux and even Android (Cx File Explorer).

Incidentally, I only achieve a consistently high transfer rate of 112–113 megabytes per second when copying via SMB. Otherwise (web interface and apps), the transfer rate fluctuates between 94 and 107 megabytes per second.

What I don’t like about the settings: deactivating internet access is missing

The fact that Synology offers a manageable range of functions with the BeeStation is fine. However, I don’t like that there’s no option for an existing feature – you can’t deactivate remote access.

If you buy a Synology DiskStation (or a NAS from another manufacturer), it’s set up in the network. You first have to activate/set up the QuickConnect option to be able to access it from the internet. The BeeStation, on the other hand, is set up via the internet and can only be accessed directly from the network if you set up the corresponding option.

Since a device is a potential target as soon as it’s accessible from the internet, I only activate remote access on my Synology NAS on days when I need it. This isn’t directly possible with the BeeStation. Only indirectly, however, by blocking them in the firewall of my router.

Apps for smartphones, PCs and Macs: file organisation and AI-supported photo management

To access your files anywhere, Synology offers the apps BeeFiles, BeePhotos and BeeStation for Desktop. The first two are available as a web application (can be used from any device with a web browser) and as an app for Android and iOS. For computers with Windows or macOS, BeeStation for Desktop is a software that combines the functions of BeeFiles and BeePhotos.

BeeFiles: personal cloud storage

The BeeFiles interface doesn’t differ greatly from the applications of large cloud storage providers (Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.). Operation is intuitive – and if you get stuck, Synology offers helpful instructions in the Knowledge Center. There, you learn how to transfer cloud storage to the BeeStation, how to use external drives and how to make a Time Machine backup.

Here’s all you can do with BeeFiles (BeeStation for Desktop):

• Synchronise computer folders
• Synchronise cloud services (Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive)
• Access connected USB drives or create backups
• Search and display files, display file properties
• Create, rename, delete and move files to the recycle bin
• Download and upload files
• Share files (a share link can be password protected)
• Add asterisks and tags to files
• Search files for labels
• Set up offline access for files specified by you

BeePhotos: indexes and organises your snapshots

The BeePhotos user interface is also kept simple – or rather, reduced to the bare essentials. I like that, even if I miss a dark mode in the smartphone app. This is otherwise useful, as you can upload photos and videos, view them (slideshow possible) or share them via social media. You can also use it to create automated backups of smartphone camera shots.

When you upload photos to BeePhotos using the smartphone, desktop or web app, the file’s examined and moved by BeeStation using AI. This means that the application recognises what can be seen in images as well as where and when they were taken. Personal descriptions can also be added. And if one of the photos is upside down, you can rotate it directly with BeePhotos.

The manual and automatic labels help immensely, as they allow you to search for people, pets, aeroplanes and more – and find the desired shots within seconds. AI indexing also automatically creates albums for me.

If you click on a person’s album you want to see, you can assign names to different faces. This way, the search function constantly improves. As I generally don’t allow any location information when taking photos, my location album’s empty. When I click on the theme album, I can already see other automatically created sub-albums. There, BeePhotos created media collections of food, sky, nature, animals, plants, transportation, fast food, furniture and appliances for me.

Of course, you can also create albums myself. Media stored on other cloud services, such as iCloud Photos or Google Photos, can also be imported. When uploading media, BeeStation creates thumbnails and stores the photos in a separate folder from the FileStation items, sorted by year and month. Accordingly, you can also view your pictures in the app using a helpful history over time. If you only want to view certain images/videos, there are quick filters in addition to the search function.

If you want to share albums, photos or videos, you can create a share link and add a password if required. You can also set a validity period for the link.