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If you own one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, you might be looking for a robust solution to back up or transfer your precious data. While your system might be equipped with a top SSD, or you might have decently large external hard drives holding essential files, photos, and other content, nothing quite matches the convenience and versatility of a great NAS (network-attached storage) drive. Our top recommendation is the Synology DiskStation DS224+.
TL;DR – These are the Best NAS Devices:
Our Top Pick
Synology DiskStation DS224+
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UGREEN NASync DXP2800
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Synology DiskStation DS223j
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Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
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Synology DiskStation DS1821+
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QNAP TS-264-8G
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Synology DiskStation DS923+
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ioSafe Duo Pro
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The best NAS drives offer significant storage capacity and integrate seamlessly into your home network, allowing quick data transfers to and from your devices. They can connect smartphones, tablets, desktops, and laptops simultaneously, making them ideal for managing digital media libraries. However, NAS devices are not inexpensive, so it's crucial to choose wisely. We've selected eight excellent options to suit various needs.
1. Synology DiskStation DS224+
Best NAS
Our Top Pick
Synology DiskStation DS224+
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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.
See it at Amazon
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"
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Fast quad-core processor
Cons
- No multi-gig LAN port
If you want to avoid dealing with overly complex software or settling for simple hardware, the Synology DiskStation DS224+ is an excellent choice. It features two drive bays, allowing for increased storage – up to 32TB, depending on the drives you select – or a RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy. The two Gigabit LAN ports support higher speeds with Link Aggregation or network failover, though we wish there were a 2.5GB or 10GB LAN support for even quicker connections.
Synology's versatile apps and software are accessible through an easy-to-use interface. You can set it up to store security camera footage, use it as a Plex server, or keep files and photos safe and accessible. Whether you're transcoding 4K media, managing files quickly, or streaming videos smoothly, the DiskStation DS224+ performs exceptionally well, thanks to its powerful Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM, which you can upgrade.
2. UGreen NASync DXP2800
Best Budget NAS
UGREEN NASync DXP2800
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With quality hardware, a stylish design, and a modest price, this NAS, which comes with 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
Pros
- Comprehensive OS and apps
- Multi-gig ethernet
Cons
- No native Plex
The UGreen NASync DXP2800 is well-built, aesthetically pleasing, and offers quality hardware at a midrange price. It's powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and a robust 8GB of RAM, making it suitable for a high-quality video library and capable of handling hardware transcoding with ease.
UGreen includes a comprehensive OS for easy setup and network configuration, along with additional security features like two-factor authentication. Backing up files and creating your own cloud server for remote access is straightforward. While Plex isn’t native, it's simple to install using Docker, and the performance remains excellent.
For storage, the dual SATA drive bays each support up to 24TB, offering ample space for media or additional security through RAID redundancy. UGreen's unique toolless system makes drive installation easy. Two M.2 slots accommodate NVMe SSDs up to 8TB, and a 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures speedy SATA file transfers. Other connectivity options include HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A, supporting a wide range of devices.
3. Synology DiskStation DS223j
Most Affordable NAS
Synology DiskStation DS223j
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Ultra affordable and easy-to-use NAS that’s 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"
Pros
- Reliable hardware
- Easy to use
Cons
- Lacks multi-gig ethernet port
Not all NAS options are prohibitively expensive, and the Synology DiskStation DS223j is an excellent choice for NAS newcomers and those with simpler storage needs. It comes with Synology’s acclaimed DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, providing numerous applications to ensure seamless storage and access across devices.
The build quality of the Synology DiskStation DS223j is functional, primarily plastic, and requires a screwdriver for drive installation. However, since you won’t need to open the chassis frequently, this isn't a significant issue. Storage is limited to 32TB without M.2 slots for caching or additional storage, and there's no multi-gig ethernet port for faster transfer speeds. Nonetheless, for simplicity, reliability, and affordability, this NAS is unmatched.
4. Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals
Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
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Hardware like an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, drive bays that support 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives, and two additional M.2 PCIe NVMe slots ensure this NAS can keep up.
See it at Amazon
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"
Pros
- Dual M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for additional storage
- Supports 10-bit 4K hardware decoding
Cons
- Drive installation is more involved
For those looking for a versatile NAS, the Asustor Lockerstor AS6602T is an ideal choice. It's equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM, upgradable to 8GB. It features two drive bays that support 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives, allowing you to choose between massive 18TB hard drives or speedy SSDs. Two additional M.2 PCIe NVMe slots provide even faster storage options.
Setting up the network is straightforward with dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports, which can be combined using link aggregation for a robust 5Gb connectivity. This NAS is perfect for speedy backups, virtualization, or a powerful media center. It also includes an HDMI 2.0 port and supports 10-bit 4K hardware decoding for an enhanced 4K HDR experience.
5. Synology DiskStation DS1821+
Best Multi-Bay NAS
Synology DiskStation DS1821+
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For those who need excess amounts of storage, grab this NAS that delivers eight drive bays for a total 128TB capacity and even has 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"
Pros
- Wild 128TB capacity
- Hot-swappable drives
Cons
- Can get noisy
If you have a vast amount of files, data, and content that you want to store securely and access easily across multiple devices, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is your solution. Priced over $1,000, it offers future-proof expandability.
The DiskStation DS1821+ features eight drive bays for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch hard drives or SSDs, offering a 128TB capacity with hot-swappable drives. For even more storage, it supports expansion units up to 18 drive bays, and includes M.2 2280 NVMe slots for high-speed caching. It's powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory, expandable to 32GB.
6. QNAP TS-264-8G
Best NAS for Media Streaming
QNAP TS-264-8G
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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.
See it at Amazon
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"
Pros
- Compact design
- Impressive hardware
Cons
- Software is harder to master
A NAS provides a central location for all your devices to access your media library, and the QNAP TS-264-8G is tailored for streaming. It features dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to avoid networking bottlenecks, ensuring ample throughput even with multiple users accessing large media files. Its 4K-capable HDMI output makes it suitable for placement next to your TV.
The QNAP TS-264-8G includes two 3.5-inch drive bays for extensive storage and two additional PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching or enhanced network speeds. Powered by an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor with 8GB of DDR4 memory, it's ready for smooth 4K video streams with hardware transcoding.
7. Synology DiskStation DS923+
Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations
Synology DiskStation DS923+
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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.
See it at Amazon
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"
Pros
- Offers various RAID levels
- Expandable storage and RAM
Cons
- No multi-gig LAN port
A key advantage of a NAS is the ability to back up your data securely, and using a RAID configuration adds an extra layer of protection. The Synology DiskStation DS923+ excels in both areas, featuring four drive bays for substantial storage and the flexibility to operate in redundancy. It supports multiple RAID types, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, and JBOD, allowing you to select the best configuration for your needs.
The DiskStation DS923+ supports 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives in its four bays, and includes two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching. With two 1Gb ethernet ports supporting Link Aggregation or Failover, and an option for 10Gb connectivity, it ensures robust performance. A high-performing dual-core AMD Ryzen processor, paired with 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM and the user-friendly DSM operating system, makes setup and operation straightforward.
8. ioSafe Duo Pro
Best Rugged NAS
ioSafe Duo Pro
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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.
See it at ioSafe
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
- Fireproof and water-resistant
- Offers two robust, long-lasting drive bays
Cons
- Not designed to be a NAS
Using a NAS to back up your files and devices is essential for keeping your information safe, but that protection can be compromised if the NAS itself is damaged. The ioSafe Duo Pro drive addresses these concerns with its fireproof and water-resistant design. Its IP68 rating ensures protection against full submersion in water up to 10 feet for 72 hours.
The ioSafe Duo Pro not only safeguards your data from physical damage but also protects it from the outset with various RAID configuration options and robust, long-lasting drive bays. ioSafe even offers data recovery services for customers. Note that this direct-attach storage device isn't specifically designed as a NAS, so if you want to set it up for network storage, you'll need to share it with your home network through an always-on computer or attach it directly to your router via USB.
What to Look for in NAS
Not everyone needs a NAS, but it can solve specific networking issues. If you and your family or housemates share the same network, a NAS device allows you to share files with all those computers from a central unit. If you don’t want to back up each family member’s computer individually, a NAS device enables you to do it all on one drive.
What are you using it for?
If either of these scenarios applies to you, a NAS device might be worth considering. If multiple devices in your home need to access the same tools or files, a NAS device can facilitate this. It's not just about storage but also about accessibility.
Another reason for a NAS device is managing a large media library accessible from multiple devices such as computers, TVs, and tablets. You could transform your NAS into a Plex server, allowing everyone in the home to access the same movies, TV shows, and music seamlessly.
Go diskless? How many bays?
Most NAS devices come without disk drives, requiring you to purchase them separately. Since NAS manufacturers typically don’t make hard drives, they sell their devices without disks. If you already own disk drives, a diskless system might be less of an issue, but it's wise to check the manufacturer’s recommendations as some disk brands may work better than others.
Bays are where disk drives are installed, so the more bays a NAS has, the greater its potential capacity. Generally, two or more bays are ideal; multimedia systems often require more.
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