Manufacturer Synology is primarily known for its NAS systems like the recently introduced DS223j. In June, however, they introduced the BeeDrive, a particularly compact backup solution that can be used to back up, sync, and share files from PCs and smartphones. Our Synology BeeDrive review clarifies whether it is just an external SSD and where the possible advantages lie.
Technical data
| Manufacturer | Synology |
| Product | BeeDrive |
| Capacity | 1 TB / 2 TB |
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB Type-C) |
| max. read speed (sequential) | 1050 MB/s |
| max. write speed (sequential) | 1000 MB/s |
| Scope of delivery | USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-C to USB-A adapter |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 3 years |
| Compatibility | Windows 10, Windows 11, iOS, Android |
| Dimensions | 65 mm x 65 mm x 15 mm |
| Weight | 43 g |
| Price | € 137.90 * |
Synology BeeDrive review: design and workmanship
- Small and handy
- Good workmanship despite lots of plastic
The Synology BeeDrive is compact in any case. Thus, the backup solution comes with dimensions of 65 mm x 65 mm x 15 mm and weighs just 42 grams. In terms of design, the device differs from most external SSDs.
The manufacturer relies on a square product with rounded edges that is completely black. The build quality, although completely made of plastic, is completely okay. However, the BeeDrive does not look quite as robust as a Samsung T7 or even the T7 Shield.
On the top, we find the logo and a status LED, and on the front sits the USB-C port that achieves USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10 Gbps. In addition to the manual, a USB-C to USB-C cable with a length of 40 centimeters and a USB-C to USB-A adapter are included.
Compared to the Samsung T7, the BeeDrive is shorter but taller. In the end, it is a matter of taste what is more appealing in practice.
Synology BeeDrive: compatibility and speed
- Compatibility with Windows, Android, and iOS
- Capacities of 1 TB and 2 TB
- Speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s
Compatible at this time, the Synology BeeDrive is compatible with computers and notebooks running Windows 10 and Windows 11, with support for macOS to be added at a later date.
Furthermore, the backup solution allows backing up data from smartphones and tablets. Here, iOS 15 (or newer) and Android 10 (or newer) are the prerequisites. Other external SSDs are still ahead in terms of compatibility, but that will change as soon as macOS is supported.
The BeeDrive is offered with capacities of 1 TB (our test model) and 2 TB, both of which achieve a speed of up to 1,050 MB per second according to the manufacturer. Under Windows 11, the BeeDrive is recognized as a normal external drive when plugged in, where 931 GB can be used for free.
An online installer of the companion software can be found directly on the drive, and for backups from smartphone and tablet, there is a special BeeLink app that is free to download. Basically, the BeeDrive can thus be used like a normal external SSD or hard drive, at least on the PC or notebook.
Performance
The speed test reveals that the manufacturer didn’t promise too much here either. With around 1,050 MB/s in sequential read, the backup solution reaches the target, and we also end up with over 1,000 MB/s in write.
The measured values, also in the random read and random write area, are all on par with the Samsung T7 and can therefore convince.
The BeeDrive in a practical test: Where are the special features?
- practical, constant synchronization
- excellent BeeDrop solution
- intuitive, convenient apps
So up to this point, the Synology BeeDrive is actually a standard external SSD. But where are the special features now? And the practical benefits?
The core idea is that of the simplest possible backup and synchronization of files, without having to deal (especially as a layman) with the setup, maintenance and setting of a NAS. And with the advantage that the files are saved locally on the device.
After connecting to the PC, folders can be specified that are to be backed up. BeeDrive then automatically backs up all the changes made to these folders in real time, in the same format and with the same compatibility, so that they can be used on other computers.
Up to five previous file versions are stored, so that access to an earlier version is available in case of emergency. Deleted files are first stored in their own folder and can be restored from there if necessary.
The wireless transfer of photos and videos from the smartphone is particularly practical. This works similar to AirDrop in the Apple universe and requires an active Wi-Fi connection. If this is the case, BeeDrive can establish a connection via the QR code of the PC software and thus wirelessly transfer the files to the storage, making them immediately available and retrievable on the PC. Up to five smartphones can use the feature called “BeeDrop”.
Much of this is also possible with external SSDs without any problems, whereas especially the smartphone backup solution is a practical and frequently used solution by me in the test. For me, for example, this eliminates the detour via iCloud, so I can access my backed-up photos and files directly via the BeeDrive app.
It’s the intuitive apps and programs that mark a major advantage of Synology’s solution. Automatic backups and synchronization can be set up in no time at all, while other solutions require a detour via third-party apps or extensions.
Once set up, the BeeDrive can be controlled on the PC like a normal hard drive. Separate folders are created for PC backup, synchronization and BeeDrop, which is good for the overview.
Photos and files from the smartphone are transferred to the PC in no time and are immediately displayed there in an open folder. Of course, it can take longer for videos, depending on the file size. I also noticed that the transfer stops when the smartphone display turns off. This is especially annoying with 4K videos that are several gigabytes in size. However, Synology offers the option “concentrated backup” that can be activated. Then, the app stays open even when the display is turned off and does not interrupt the connection anymore.
It is a pity that only smartphones, tablets and Windows systems are supported. A backup of the digital camera is not possible, for example.
Synology BeeDrive review: conclusion
At its core, the Synology BeeDrive is nothing more than an external SSD at first glance, with read and write speeds on par with the competition. Under the hood, however, the backup solution scores not only with intuitive operation, but also with practical additional features that can all be found under one roof.
Of course, synchronizations and regular backups can also be realized with other external storage devices, but not as quickly and intuitively as in this case.
Really special, however, is BeeDrop, which allows me to transfer files from the smartphone to the PC in no time and access them directly from there. Provided both devices are on the same network and turned on.
You also have to be aware that the convincing security of local storage is mainly given when using the device at home. If I take the BeeDrive with me and it gets lost, the data stored there is also gone – but this is also something the solution has in common with other external storage devices.
In my eyes, the BeeDrive is aimed at anyone who is looking for a simple backup solution that simply works. Once set up, the backup works by itself and I don’t have to worry about anything.
In return, the solution is priced well above equally fast external SSDs and is on par with a SanDisk Extreme PRO with twice the speed. Whether the intuitive software and the practical additional features are worth the extra price is something that everyone has to decide for themselves. Personally, as a NAS layman, I would prefer the added convenience of the BeeDrive.
Synology BeeDrive
Design & workmanship
Access times
Transfer rate (read)
Transfer rate (write)
Software & features
Value for money
90/100
The Synology BeeDrive is a normal external SSD that scores with an excellent app and practical additional features. However, the manufacturer pays well for all that, while the build quality is "only" good.
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