Quick Verdict
The Buffalo LinkStation 710 is a straightforward 1-bay personal cloud NAS that ships with a hard drive already installed and focuses on simple shared storage, backups, and remote access without monthly fees.
Recommended for home users who want a ready-to-use personal cloud with a 2.5GbE port and minimal setup.
Trade-offs: it is a closed system with fewer advanced packages than a full Synology DSM device, and the single bay means no RAID redundancy.
Check Buffalo LinkStation 710 price on Amazon
See how it compares to the Synology DS120j in our Synology DS120j vs Buffalo LinkStation 710 comparison.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This review is based on the manufacturer’s specifications and published reviews.
Table of Contents
Buffalo LinkStation 710 Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
| Model | LinkStation 710 (LS710D0201 for 2 TB) |
| Drive bays | 1 |
| Included storage | 2 TB HDD (this listing) |
| Other capacities in series | 4 TB and 8 TB models available |
| CPU | Hexa-core 1.3 GHz |
| Memory | 2 GB |
| Network | 1 × 2.5GbE RJ-45 |
| USB ports | 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 1 + 1 × USB 2.0 |
| Supported protocols | SMB/CIFS, FTP/FTPS, SFTP, NFS, TCP/IP |
| Remote access | WebAccess + mobile apps |
| Backup software | NAS Navigator + NovaBACKUP (Buffalo edition, PC licenses included) |
| Dimensions (D × W × H) | 8.07 × 1.77 × 5.02 in (approx. 205 × 45 × 127 mm) |
| Weight | Approx. 2.9 lb |
| Power | External AC adapter, max 46 W |
| Operating temperature | 41–104 °F (5–40 °C) |
| Country of origin | Japan (TAA compliant) |
| Warranty | 2-year (includes hard-drive coverage per Buffalo) |
Specifications drawn from Buffalo Americas official LinkStation 700 series product page and the Amazon listing for the 2 TB model.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Drive included and ready for immediate use
- Native 2.5GbE port for faster transfers on compatible networks
- Hexa-core 1.3 GHz CPU and 2 GB RAM
- Subscription-free personal cloud access
- Folder-level access controls for sharing
- Includes NovaBACKUP PC licenses and NAS Navigator utility
- US-based phone support listed by Buffalo
- Made in Japan, TAA compliant
Cons
- Single bay — no RAID redundancy
- Closed system with limited third-party packages
- Higher maximum power draw than some entry-level competitors
- Fewer advanced features than a full DSM-based NAS
Performance and Real-World Use
Hardware Design
The Buffalo LinkStation 710 is a compact desktop 1-bay unit. Official dimensions are approximately 8.07 × 1.77 × 5.02 inches and weight is listed around 2.9 pounds for the 2 TB model. It connects via a single 2.5GbE RJ-45 port and provides two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports plus one USB 2.0 port for external expansion. The hexa-core 1.3 GHz processor and 2 GB of RAM are specified to handle concurrent file serving and backup tasks more comfortably than older single- or dual-core entry-level NAS devices.
Network and Transfer Capabilities
The native 2.5GbE port is the standout hardware feature. On a 2.5G-capable switch or router the unit can exceed the roughly 110–120 MB/s practical limit of gigabit Ethernet. Buffalo positions the 710 series as offering up to 7× the performance of the older LinkStation 200 series under its own test conditions. Actual speeds will still depend on the client devices, cabling, and network configuration.
Software and Backup Features
The device uses Buffalo’s closed operating environment rather than an open package system. NAS Navigator handles discovery and basic management. NovaBACKUP (Buffalo edition) is included for PC backups. Folder-level permissions allow restricted sharing with family or friends. Remote access is provided through WebAccess and the corresponding mobile apps. SSL encryption is available for secure transfers. The closed design reduces the surface for third-party software vulnerabilities but also means fewer options for advanced media servers, Docker containers, or extensive surveillance packages.
Power and Noise
Buffalo lists a maximum power consumption of 46 W for the 710 series. The unit is designed for continuous operation in a home or small-office environment. Exact idle or hibernation figures are not published in the same detail as some competitors, so expect higher continuous draw than the most power-efficient 1-bay units.
Who Should Buy the Buffalo LinkStation 710?
A great fit if you…
- Want a personal cloud that arrives with the drive already installed
- Have or plan to use a 2.5GbE network
- Prefer a simple, closed system with basic sharing and backup tools
- Need included PC backup software and listed US phone support for setup help
- Are looking for a TAA-compliant, Japan-made 1-bay unit
Look elsewhere if you…
- Need RAID redundancy or multi-bay expandability
- Want a rich package ecosystem (Docker, advanced media servers, extensive surveillance)
- Prioritize the absolute lowest continuous power consumption
- Plan to swap or upgrade drives frequently beyond the available 2/4/8 TB models
Alternatives to Consider
- Synology DS120j – more flexible DSM software and lower power draw, but requires more setup and typically a separate drive purchase
- Higher-capacity LinkStation 710 models (4 TB or 8 TB) if you need more space while keeping the same hardware platform
- Browse the Gear Review Hub for other storage and electronics tool reviews
FAQ
Does the Buffalo LinkStation 710 include a hard drive?
Yes. The 2 TB, 4 TB, and 8 TB models in the 710 series ship with the drive already installed.
Can I expand storage later?
The unit is a single-bay design. You can attach external USB drives for additional capacity, but internal expansion beyond the installed drive is not supported on the 1-bay 710.
Is remote access free?
Buffalo lists subscription-free personal cloud access via WebAccess and the mobile apps. No monthly fee is required for basic remote file access according to the product information.
Does it support Mac Time Machine?
Buffalo documents Time Machine support for Mac backups on the LinkStation 700 series. Confirm the current firmware and OS compatibility on Buffalo’s support site for your exact macOS version.
Final Verdict on the Buffalo LinkStation 710
The Buffalo LinkStation 710 delivers a clean, ready-to-use 1-bay personal cloud experience with a modern 2.5GbE port, solid memory, and included backup tools. It is best suited for users who want simplicity and faster network transfers rather than a full open NAS platform. If those priorities match your needs, it is a practical choice for home file storage and basic multi-device backups.