CONCLUSION

   I didn’t hide my disappointment when we tested the My Cloud EX4 model a while back since it was indeed outdated compared to what we’ve been testing for the past 2 years and thus couldn’t compete with most in performance and to a large part features (it was priced extremely well however). Well the EX2100 is not among the highest-end NAS models currently in the market either but it’s actually a lot better compared to the EX4 both in terms of specifications and features. It does lack some useful features we see with most of its competition like a HDMI connector, out of the box support for IP cameras and the redundant power supply feature found in the EX4 (handy for 24/7 use) but overall it’s a much better choice (as is the EX4100). Power consumption and noise are also in good levels but what “steals” the show is the two WD Red drives used which work flawlessly with the NAS (as expected since both are manufactured by the same company). Of course just like with the EX4 the trayless hot-swap 3.5” bays of the EX2100 are a double edged sword since they are much faster to use but at the same time are not compatible with 2.5” drives (unless you use an adapter) and although most users will never use 2.5” drives with NAS servers some might.

   The My Cloud EX4 might have been outdated but thanks to its very tempting price tag it still was a good choice for people on a budget. So how about the EX2100? Well as I type these lines the My Cloud Expert EX2100 8TB NAS retails for USD636.71 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 660Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) a price tag which is not half bad considering that just the two WD Red 4TB drives on their own currently retail for USD422/330Euros. In the end it all comes down to what your needs are and how much you’re willing to spend for a NAS server so if you don’t care about the media playback part and in terms of specifications the EX2100 could work for you then it’s a fine choice. On the other hand there are far more powerful models in the market today but they do cost quite a bit more and in the end do you really need something that much better? The decision is yours but for us the WD My Cloud Expert EX2100 8TB NAS represents a very good value for money and that’s why it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Very Good Performance
- Trayless Design
- User Friendly GUI
- Power Consumption
- Pre-Configured (Factory Ready)
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- No Surveillance Feature (Extra)
- No HDMI Output
- Not Compatible With 2.5” Drives