BuffaloAmericas 16TB Review: A Home Office Private Cloud Storage Hub
The BUFFALO LinkStation 720 16TB offers a centralized, subscription-free private cloud for home and office use, with strong data security features and included hard drives.
By Elvis Dicki
Updated October 20, 2026
In an era where digital data is prolific, finding a secure, centralized, and cost-effective storage solution is a priority for many homes and small offices. The BUFFALO LinkStation 720 16TB 2-Bay Home Office NAS (Network Attached Storage) device aims to address this need by providing a personal cloud that eliminates recurring subscription fees. This device, which ships with hard drives pre-installed, is designed to be a central repository for backups, media, and files, accessible to all devices on your network.
Targeted at users looking to move away from a collection of disparate external drives or paid online services, the BuffaloAmericas 16TB promises enhanced features, compatibility with modern operating systems, and a focus on data security through its closed system architecture. The bottom line: this is a plug-and-play NAS solution for those seeking to consolidate storage and backups without the complexity of a business-grade server.
BUFFALO LinkStation 720 16TB 2-Bay NAS Private
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BuffaloAmericas 16TB at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | BUFFALO LinkStation 720 |
| Total Capacity | 16TB (2 x 8TB drives) |
| Drive Bays | 2-Bay |
| Default RAID Configuration | RAID 1 (8TB usable) |
| Key Feature | Subscription-Free Personal Cloud |
| Security | SSL encryption, closed system |
| Compatibility | Windows, MacOS |
| Cloud Integration | Sync with Dropbox, Azure, OneDrive |
| Included Support | 24/7 US-based support, 2-year warranty |
| Build Origin | Made in Japan |
Design and Build
The BUFFALO LinkStation 720 presents a straightforward, functional design typical of consumer and prosumer NAS units. Its dimensions are compact, and the housing is constructed from metal, which aids in heat dissipation and provides a durable feel. The black finish allows it to blend into a home office or entertainment setup without drawing undue attention. The physical build quality, coupled with its origin of manufacture in Japan, suggests an emphasis on reliability. The device is designed for a simple connection to a router, emphasizing ease of setup over complex, rack-mounted server aesthetics.
Performance and Features
Core Performance and Capacity
The manufacturer states this model offers up to 7x faster performance than its LS 200 predecessor, though specific benchmark figures are not provided. The core value lies in its 16TB total raw capacity, delivered via two 8TB hard drives. It ships configured in RAID 1 (mirroring), which provides automatic data redundancy by writing identical data to both drives. This safety net comes at the cost of usable space, halving the total to 8TB. For users prioritizing capacity over backup, the system can be reconfigured to RAID 0, which stripes data across both drives to utilize the full 16TB but offers no protection against a single drive failure.
Private Cloud and Hybrid Flexibility
A standout feature is the subscription-free personal cloud. This allows users to store, manage, and access files, videos, music, and photos from any device on their local network or remotely via the internet without incurring monthly fees. For added flexibility and data security, the NAS supports hybrid cloud integration. It can sync with popular services like Dropbox, Microsoft Azure, and OneDrive, enabling users to create a layered storage strategy that combines local, private storage with scalable cloud options.
Security and Data Management
Data security is a highlighted selling point. The LS700 series employs a closed system architecture, which limits the installation of third-party applications. This design choice is intended to reduce potential vulnerabilities that can arise from unvetted software. For secure data transfer, the device uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption. User management is facilitated through the ability to configure individual access restrictions for folders, allowing secure file sharing with family, friends, or colleagues while keeping private data locked down.
Software and Backup Capabilities
The package includes Buffalo’s NAS Navigator management utility and PC backup software. This software suite enables users to set up automated, scheduled backups for multiple computers and devices on the network, centralizing data protection. The system is promoted as a tool to end the chaos of searching through different external drives or cloud accounts by providing a single, unified storage location. For further insights on securing network infrastructure, you can explore our guide on the best VPN routers.
Setup, Support and Ownership
Setup is designed to be user-friendly. The primary step involves connecting the LinkStation to a router, after which the included utilities guide configuration. Buffalo provides 24/7 US-based support for installation walkthroughs, which is a significant benefit for users less familiar with network storage. The device is backed by a two-year warranty that includes the pre-installed hard drives. As a closed system, upgrade paths are limited primarily to adjusting the RAID configuration or potentially replacing drives with identical capacities, though detailed upgrade instructions are not specified in the provided data. The device represents a fixed solution rather than a highly expandable one.
What Owners Say
Owner feedback for the BUFFALO LinkStation 720 16TB is mixed, reflected in its overall rating. Positive experiences often highlight the convenience of having a large, centralized storage pool that works seamlessly across Windows and Mac devices, the value of the subscription-free cloud access, and the usefulness of the backup software. The included 24/7 support is also noted as a positive. However, a segment of users report challenges, which can include occasional setup difficulties, performance that may not meet expectations in certain use cases, or desires for more advanced features typically found in higher-end, more open NAS systems. This feedback suggests that while it excels at core tasks for many, it may not satisfy all users’ needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Includes hard drives and is ready for immediate use
- Subscription-free personal cloud access from any device
- Strong focus on data security with SSL encryption and a closed system
- Automated backup software for multiple computers is included
- 24/7 US-based support and a two-year warranty
- Can sync with Dropbox, OneDrive, and Azure for hybrid cloud setups
Cons
- Default RAID 1 configuration cuts usable capacity in half
- Mixed user reviews indicate potential for setup or performance issues
- Closed system lacks the advanced app ecosystem of some competitors
- Not as feature-rich or customizable as higher-end NAS models
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The BuffaloAmericas 16TB is an ideal fit for home users, remote workers, and small offices seeking a simple, all-in-one solution to consolidate files, back up multiple computers, and create a private cloud without ongoing fees. It’s perfect for those tired of managing several external drives or monthly cloud subscriptions and who value data security and US-based support. It also serves well as a dedicated media server for a local network.
This NAS is not the best choice for tech enthusiasts, homelab tinkerers, or small businesses that require extensive customization, a wide array of third-party applications (like Plex, Docker, or virtualization), or plans for significant future expansion. Users who need the full 16TB of usable space immediately should be prepared to reconfigure it from the default RAID 1 setup, which involves erasing the drives. For those needing more advanced network management capabilities, resources like our list of the best enterprise servers for network security may offer alternative directions.
Final Verdict
The BUFFALO LinkStation 720 16TB 2-Bay Home Office NAS successfully fulfills its core mission: providing a straightforward, secure, and subscription-free hub for centralized storage and backup. Its strengths lie in its out-of-the-box readiness, robust security posture with SSL and a closed system, and the inclusion of reliable support. The ability to create a hybrid cloud by syncing with major services adds valuable flexibility for data management and disaster recovery planning.
However, its simplicity is a double-edged sword. The default RAID 1 configuration is a sensible safety-first approach but requires a conscious choice to sacrifice half the storage for redundancy. The closed system, while secure, limits the advanced functionality that power users might seek. Considering the mixed owner feedback, it’s clear this device shines for its intended audience—those seeking an appliance-like experience—but may frustrate users with more complex needs. For further reading on essential tools for security professionals and students, consider our review of the best laptops for cybersecurity students.
FAQs
Does the BuffaloAmericas 16TB come with hard drives already installed?
Yes, the BUFFALO LinkStation 720 ships with two 8TB hard drives pre-installed in the 2-bay enclosure, totaling 16TB of raw storage capacity. The device is ready to connect to your router and set up out of the box.
What is the difference between RAID 1 and RAID 0 on this NAS?
The device ships configured in RAID 1 (mirroring). This writes identical data to both drives, providing automatic backup if one drive fails, but results in 8TB of usable space. RAID 0 (striping) combines both drives to offer the full 16TB of usable space and can be faster, but if either drive fails, all data is lost. You can choose the configuration based on your priority for safety or capacity.
Can I access my files on this NAS from outside my home network?
Yes, one of its key features is acting as a subscription-free personal cloud. Once configured, you can set up remote access to your files, allowing you to manage and retrieve data from anywhere with an internet connection without paying monthly service fees.
What kind of support does Buffalo offer for this product?
BuffaloAmericas provides 24/7 installation and support assistance from a US-based team. The product is also backed by a two-year warranty that covers the entire unit, including the pre-installed hard drives.
About the author
Elvis Dicki writes reviews and buying guides for CyberSecLabs.