If you're the proud owner of one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, and you're looking for a robust solution to back up or transfer all your precious data, a top-tier NAS (network-attached storage) drive is the way to go. Even if you already have a top SSD or large external hard drives filled with your essential files, photos, and other content, nothing quite matches the versatility and convenience of a great NAS drive. Our top pick, the Synology DiskStation DS224+, exemplifies what a modern NAS should be.
TL;DR – These are the Best NAS Devices:
Our Top Pick
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The best NAS drives offer significant storage capacity and seamlessly integrate into your home network, enabling quick data transfer to and from all your devices. Whether it's smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, you can connect multiple devices to the same network and sync them effortlessly, making NAS ideal for managing digital media libraries. However, these devices can be pricey, so it's crucial to choose wisely. We've narrowed down your options to eight excellent NAS devices that cater to various needs.
Our Top Pick
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Easy-to-use, blazing-fast NAS featuring two drive bays, two Gigabit LAN ports, a powerful Intel Celeron processor, and 2GB upgradable RAM.
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Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB 3.2
RAID Level: SHR, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1
Storage: 2 x 3.5"/2.5" bays
Size: 9.02" x 9.13" x 6.5"
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If you're looking to avoid dealing with overly complex software or settling for simple hardware, the Synology DiskStation DS224+ is your go-to NAS. With two drive bays, you can opt for increased storage – up to 32TB, depending on the drives you select – or use a RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy. The dual Gigabit LAN ports support higher speeds with Link Aggregation or network failover, though we wish there was a 2.5GB or 10GB LAN option for even faster connections.
Synology's versatile apps and software are accessible via an intuitive interface. Whether you're storing security camera footage, using it as a Plex server, or keeping files and photos secure and accessible, the DiskStation DS224+ handles it all efficiently. With a powerful Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, it's ready for tasks like 4K media transcoding, file management, and smooth video streaming.
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With quality hardware, a stylish design, and a modest price, this NAS, featuring dual drive bays, is ready to back up all your files.
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Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB, HDMI
RAID Level: JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, Basic
Storage: 2 x 2.5"/3.5" bays, 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slots
Size: Not listed
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The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 offers well-built hardware and a sleek design at a midrange price. It's powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and comes with 8GB of RAM, making it ideal for managing a high-quality video library and handling hardware transcoding.
UGREEN provides a comprehensive OS for easy setup and network configuration, along with added security features like two-factor authentication. Setting up file backups and creating a personal cloud server for remote access is straightforward. Although Plex isn't natively supported, you can easily install it using Docker without compromising performance.
The dual SATA drive bays support up to 24TB each, offering ample space for media or redundancy with RAID. UGREEN's unique toolless system simplifies drive installation, and the two M.2 slots can accommodate NVMe SSDs up to 8TB for additional fast storage. The 2.5Gb ethernet ensures speedy file transfers, while other connectivity options include HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A ports.
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Ultra-affordable and easy-to-use NAS perfect for beginners.
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Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB
RAID Level: Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, SHR
Storage: 2 x 3.5" bays
Size: 6.5" x 3.94" x 8.9"
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CONS
Not all NAS devices are out of reach financially, and the Synology DiskStation DS223j is a prime example, especially for those new to NAS or with simpler storage needs. It comes equipped with Synology's top-tier DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, which offers a wide range of applications to ensure seamless storage and access across all your devices.
The build quality of the DiskStation DS223j is modest, primarily made of plastic, and requires disassembly with a screwdriver to mount the two supported 3.5" SATA drives. However, you won't need to open the chassis frequently, so this isn't a significant drawback. With a storage limit of 32TB and no M.2 slots for caching or additional storage, and lacking a multi-gig ethernet port, it's designed for simplicity, reliability, and affordability.
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Hardware like an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, drive bays supporting 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives, and two additional M.2 PCIe NVMe slots ensure this NAS can keep up.
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Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB 3.0, HDMI
RAID Level: JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1
Storage: 2 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slots
Size: 9.06" x 4.25" x 6.44"
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CONS
For those who want a NAS that can handle extensive customization, the Asustor Lockerstor AS6602T is ideal. It comes with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM, upgradeable to 8GB, along with two drive bays that support 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives. You can choose between massive 18TB hard drives or speedy SSDs. Additionally, two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots offer even faster storage options.
Setting up the network is straightforward with dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports that can be combined for up to 5Gb connectivity via link aggregation. The NAS is perfect for speedy backups, virtualization, or as a powerful media center. It also features an HDMI 2.0 port and supports 10-bit 4K hardware decoding for a superior 4K HDR experience.
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For those needing vast storage, grab this NAS that delivers eight drive bays for a total 128TB capacity and even includes M.2 2280 NVMe slots.
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Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB 3.2
RAID Level: JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR)
Storage: 8 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slots
Size: 18.2" x 14.4" x 12.5"
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CONS
If you have an abundance of files, data, and other content needing safekeeping and easy access across multiple devices, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is your solution. Priced over $1,000, it offers future-proof expandability.
The DS1821+ features eight drive bays for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch hard drives or SSDs, providing a massive 128TB capacity, with hot-swappable drives. For even more storage, it supports expansion units to increase to 18 drive bays, and includes M.2 2280 NVMe slots for high-speed caching. The system is powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory, expandable to 32GB.
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Enjoy a central location for your media library with this NAS offering two 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, dual drive bays, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.
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Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB 3.2, HDMI
RAID Level: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, JBOD
Storage: 2 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe slots
Size: 8.1" x 6.6" x 4.1"
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A NAS provides a central hub for your media library, and the QNAP TS-264-8G is tailored for streaming. It features dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to avoid network bottlenecks, ensuring smooth access to large media files even when multiple users are streaming. You can also connect it directly to your TV with its 4K-capable HDMI output.
The QNAP TS-264-8G offers two 3.5-inch drive bays for ample storage and two additional PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching or enhanced network speeds. It's powered by an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, enabling smooth 4K video streaming with hardware transcoding.
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Be extra secure in your data backup, as this NAS offers four drive bays for ample storage and the ability to run it in redundancy with several RAID configurations.
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Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB 3.2, eSATA
RAID Level: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, JBOD
Storage: 4 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe slots
Size: 6.5" x 7.8" x 8.7"
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CONS
A NAS's primary advantage is robust data backup, and using a RAID configuration adds an extra layer of security. The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is an excellent choice, featuring four drive bays to maximize storage while offering redundancy with multiple RAID types, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, and JBOD.
The DS923+ supports 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives across its four bays and includes two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching. Although it only features two 1Gb ethernet ports supporting Link Aggregation or Failover, you can add 10Gb connectivity. It's powered by a high-performing dual-core AMD Ryzen processor with 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM and the user-friendly DSM operating system.
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Though technically not a NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro drive keeps your data safe from fire and water while offering RAID configurations as an extra blanket of protection.
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Product Specifications
Connection: USB 3.2
RAID Level: RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, SPAN
Storage: 2 x 3.5"/2.5" bays
Size: 11.50" x 5.91" x 9.06"
PROS
CONS
Using a NAS to back up your files and devices is essential for data protection, but physical damage can undermine this security. The ioSafe Duo Pro drive is designed to withstand fire and water, with an IP68 rating that offers protection against submersion in water up to 10 feet for 72 hours.
Beyond physical protection, the ioSafe Duo Pro offers various RAID configurations and robust, long-lasting drive bays. ioSafe even provides data recovery services for customers. However, this direct-attach storage device isn't specifically designed as a NAS, so to use it for network storage, you'll need to share it via an always-on computer or connect it directly to your router via USB.
What to Look for in NAS
NAS devices aren't for everyone, but they can solve certain networking issues effectively. If your family or housemates share the same network, a NAS device allows you to centralize file sharing. If you're tired of backing up each computer individually, a NAS device simplifies the process by consolidating backups onto one drive.
If either of these scenarios applies to you, a NAS device could be beneficial. If multiple devices in your home need to access the same files or tools, a NAS device is the answer. It's not just about storage; it's about seamless access.
Another compelling reason for a NAS device is managing a large media library that you want to access from various devices. You can transform your NAS into a Plex server, enabling everyone at home to enjoy movies, TV shows, and music effortlessly.
Most NAS devices come without disk drives, requiring you to purchase them separately. Since NAS manufacturers typically don't produce hard drives, they sell their devices diskless. If you already own compatible drives, this isn't an issue, but always check the manufacturer's recommendations, as certain brands may perform better.
Bays are where the disk drives are housed, and more bays mean more potential storage capacity. For most users, two or more bays are ideal, while multimedia systems often require more.
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