If you own one of the best gaming PCs or laptops and need a reliable solution to back up or transfer your valuable data, a top-notch NAS (Network-Attached Storage) drive is the way to go. Even if you're using a high-speed SSD or have large external hard drives, nothing beats the convenience and capacity of a NAS. 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 substantial storage capacity and seamlessly integrate into your home network, allowing for quick data transfers across your devices. Whether you're using smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, a NAS can sync them all, making it perfect for managing digital media libraries. However, NAS devices can be pricey, so it's crucial to choose wisely. We've selected eight top options to suit various needs.
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.
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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"
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Fast quad-core processor
Cons
- No multi-gig LAN port
If you're looking to avoid complex software or settling for basic hardware, the Synology DiskStation DS224+ is the perfect solution. It offers two drive bays, allowing for up to 32TB of storage or a RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy. With two Gigabit LAN ports, you can enjoy higher speeds through Link Aggregation or network failover support. While we wish it had 2.5GB or 10GB LAN support for even faster connections, the DS224+ still delivers impressive performance.
Synology's versatile apps and software are accessible through an intuitive interface. You can use it to store security camera footage, set it up as a Plex server, or keep your files and photos safe and accessible. Whether you're transcoding 4K media, managing files, or streaming videos, the DiskStation DS224+ handles it all with ease, thanks to its powerful Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM, which is upgradable.
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 offers quality hardware at a midrange price, making it an excellent budget option. 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 effortlessly.
UGREEN provides a comprehensive OS for easy setup and network configuration, along with extra security features like two-factor authentication. Backing up files and setting up a personal cloud server for remote access is straightforward. While Plex isn't native, it's easy to install using Docker, and the performance remains top-notch.
For storage, the dual SATA drive bays support up to 24TB each, offering ample space for media or redundancy with RAID configurations. UGREEN's toolless system makes drive installation a breeze. Additionally, two M.2 slots can accommodate NVMe SSDs up to 8TB for fast storage. The 2.5Gb ethernet ensures speedy SATA file transfers, and other connectivity options include HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A.
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 expensive, and the Synology DiskStation DS223j is a prime example, ideal for beginners and those with simpler storage needs. It comes with Synology's top-rated DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, offering a wide range of applications for seamless file storage and access across devices.
The build quality of the DS223j is modest, primarily plastic, and requires a screwdriver for drive installation. However, you won't need to open it often, so it's not a significant issue. With a maximum capacity of 32TB and no M.2 slots for caching or storage, it's a straightforward, reliable, and affordable choice.
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.
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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"
Pros
- Dual M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for additional storage
- Supports 10-bit 4K hardware decoding
Cons
- Drive installation is more involved
For power users and professionals, the Asustor Lockerstor AS6602T is the ideal choice. It's equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM, upgradable to 8GB. The two drive bays support 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives, and you can choose between large 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 that can be combined for 5Gb connectivity using link aggregation. Whether you're setting up speedy backups, virtualization, or a powerful media center, the Lockerstor AS6602T is up to the task. It also features an HDMI 2.0 port and supports 10-bit 4K hardware decoding for a superior 4K HDR experience.
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 and data to store, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is the solution you need. Priced over $1,000, it offers future-proof expandability with eight drive bays for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, providing up to 128TB of storage. The hot-swappable drives make maintenance easy, and you can expand to 18 drive bays with additional units. M.2 2280 NVMe slots allow for high-speed caching, and the quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU with 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32GB) ensures robust performance.
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.
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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"
Pros
- Compact design
- Impressive hardware
Cons
- Software is harder to master
The QNAP TS-264-8G is designed for media streaming, offering a central location for your media library. With dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports, it can handle multiple streams without bottlenecks. The 4K-capable HDMI output allows you to connect it directly to your TV.
It features two 3.5-inch drive bays for ample storage and two PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching or enhanced network speeds. Powered by an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, it's ready for smooth 4K video streaming with hardware transcoding.
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.
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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"
Pros
- Offers various RAID levels
- Expandable storage and RAM
Cons
- No multi-gig LAN port
For those prioritizing data security, the Synology DiskStation DS923+ is an excellent choice. With four drive bays, you can maximize storage and run it with redundancy using various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, SHR, Basic, and JBOD.
The DS923+ supports 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, and includes two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching. It features two 1Gb ethernet ports with Link Aggregation or Failover support, and the option to add 10Gb connectivity. The dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, combined with the user-friendly DSM operating system, make setup and operation a breeze.
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.
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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
- Fireproof and water-resistant
- Offers two robust, long-lasting drive bays
Cons
- Not designed to be a NAS
The ioSafe Duo Pro drive is designed to protect your data from physical damage, being both fireproof and water-resistant with an IP68 rating. It can withstand submersion in water up to 10 feet for 72 hours.
In addition to physical protection, it offers various RAID configurations and robust drive bays for data security. ioSafe also provides data recovery services. Note that this is a direct-attach storage device, not a traditional NAS. To use it for network storage, you'll need to share it through an always-on computer or connect it directly to your router via USB.
What to Look for in NAS
NAS devices are not for everyone, but they can solve specific networking issues. If you and your family or housemates share the same network, a NAS allows you to share files from a central unit. If you don't want to back up each computer individually, a NAS can do it all on one drive.
What are you using it for?
If you need to access the same tools or files across multiple devices, a NAS can be invaluable. It's not just about storage; it's about accessibility too. If you have a large media library you want to access from various devices, consider turning your NAS into a Plex server for seamless access to movies, TV shows, and music.
Go diskless? How many bays?
Most NAS devices come without disk drives, requiring you to purchase them separately. NAS manufacturers often don't make hard drives, so they sell their devices without disks. If you already own drives, a diskless system might be less of an issue, but always check the manufacturer's recommendations for compatible drives.
The number of bays determines the potential storage capacity. Two or more bays are generally recommended, with multimedia systems often requiring more.
