Family of four, 3x Mac and 1x Windows users. Currently using Google Drive, Google Photos, Dropbox and OneDrive to store documents, MS Office files, PDFs, and photos. Don't want to pay monthly subscriptions for storage. No idea of a realistic budget and probably depends on the different solutions available and the one that suits the best. Want an idiot proof user interface which is easy to navigate. Thank you!
Based on your needs, I would recommend the Synology DS220+ over the DS218play. Here's why:
The DS220+ is a more powerful NAS than the DS218play, and it has more features that would be useful for a family of four with multiple Mac and Windows users. One of the most important features of the DS220+ is the ability to use Synology's Active Backup for Business, which allows you to easily back up all of your computers to the NAS. This is a great way to ensure that all of your important files are backed up and protected in case of a hardware failure or other disaster.
In addition, the DS220+ has a more advanced CPU, which means it can handle more tasks and users at the same time. This is especially important if you're using the NAS for multimedia, such as streaming videos or music to multiple devices.
The DS220+ also comes with Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, which has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. You can easily create folders, set up permissions for different users, and configure backup and syncing tasks using DSM.
Finally, the DS220+ has a reasonable price point and offers a lot of value for the price. While there are other NAS options on the market, the DS220+ is a great balance of features and affordability.
Overall, I would recommend the Synology DS220+ for your family's needs. It's powerful, easy to use, and offers a great set of features for backing up and storing your documents, photos, and multimedia.