If you're equipped with one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, you might be looking for a robust solution to back up or transfer your valuable data. Even if your setup boasts a top SSD or large external hard drives packed with essential files, photos, and other content, nothing quite matches the capabilities of a great NAS (network-attached storage) drive. Our top choice, the Synology DiskStation DS224+, is a prime example of what a NAS can offer.
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, enabling swift data transfers to and from your devices. Smartphones, tablets, desktops, and laptops can all connect to the same network simultaneously, and syncing them is straightforward, making NAS an ideal solution for managing digital media libraries. However, NAS devices can be expensive, so selecting the right one is crucial. We've narrowed down your options to eight excellent choices tailored to various needs.
1. Synology DiskStation DS224+
Best NAS
Our Top Pick
Synology DiskStation DS224+
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The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is an easy-to-use, high-speed NAS featuring two drive bays, two Gigabit LAN ports, a powerful Intel Celeron processor, and 2GB of 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
The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is perfect for those who want a highly capable yet straightforward NAS. It offers two drive bays that allow for up to 32TB of storage or a RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy. The two Gigabit LAN ports support higher speeds with Link Aggregation or network failover, though a 2.5GB or 10GB LAN port would enhance connectivity further.
Synology's versatile apps and software run on an intuitive interface. You can set it up to store security camera footage, serve as a Plex server, or securely store and access files and photos. With its powerful Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM (upgradable), it's well-equipped for tasks like 4K media transcoding, file management, and smooth video streaming.
2. UGREEN NASync DXP2800
Best Budget NAS
UGREEN NASync DXP2800
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The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 offers quality hardware, a stylish design, and a competitive price, featuring dual drive bays for ample file backup.
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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 support
The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 is a well-constructed NAS with a sleek design and solid hardware at a midrange price. It's powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, making it suitable for managing a high-quality video library with efficient hardware transcoding.
UGREEN's comprehensive OS simplifies setup and network configuration, and includes extra security features like two-factor authentication. Backing up files and creating a personal cloud server is straightforward. Although Plex isn't natively supported, it can be easily installed using Docker with comparable performance.
The NAS supports up to 24TB in each of its dual SATA drive bays, offering ample space for media storage or redundancy with RAID configurations. UGREEN's toolless system makes drive installation easy, and two M.2 slots support NVMe SSDs up to 8TB. A 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures speedy SATA file transfers, complemented by HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A ports for versatile device connectivity.
3. Synology DiskStation DS223j
Most Affordable NAS
Synology DiskStation DS223j
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The Synology DiskStation DS223j is an ultra-affordable and user-friendly NAS ideal 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
The Synology DiskStation DS223j is an excellent entry-level option for those with simpler storage needs. It runs on Synology's top-rated DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, offering a wide range of applications that make storing and accessing files across devices effortless.
While its build quality is primarily plastic and requires a screwdriver for drive installation, the DS223j's simplicity, reliability, and affordability make it an attractive choice. It supports up to 32TB without M.2 slots for caching or additional storage, and lacks a multi-gig ethernet port for faster transfers.
4. Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals
Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
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The Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T is equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, and versatile drive bays, making it suitable for power users and professionals.
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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
The Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T is designed for those who demand more from their NAS. With an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM (upgradable to 8GB), it's ready for high-performance tasks. It features two drive bays supporting 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives, and two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for faster storage options.
With dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports that support link aggregation for 5Gb connectivity, setting up the NAS for speedy backups, virtualization, or a powerful media center is simple. An HDMI 2.0 port and 10-bit 4K hardware decoding enable a top-tier 4K HDR media experience.
5. Synology DiskStation DS1821+
Best Multi-Bay NAS
Synology DiskStation DS1821+
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The Synology DiskStation DS1821+ offers eight drive bays for a massive 128TB capacity, perfect for those needing extensive storage.
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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
For those with vast amounts of data to store and access across multiple devices, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is a future-proof solution, despite its high cost. It supports eight drive bays for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, offering up to 128TB of capacity with hot-swappable drives. Expansion units can increase this to 18 bays, and M.2 2280 NVMe slots provide high-speed caching.
Powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32GB), the DS1821+ is a robust solution for extensive storage needs.
6. QNAP TS-264-8G
Best NAS for Media Streaming
QNAP TS-264-8G
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The QNAP TS-264-8G is designed for media streaming, featuring two 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, and dual drive bays.
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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 serves as a central hub for your media library, equipped with dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to handle high-bandwidth streaming needs. Its 4K HDMI output allows for direct TV connection, making it a versatile streaming solution.
With two 3.5-inch drive bays and two PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching or network speed enhancements, this NAS is powered by an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, ensuring smooth 4K video streaming with hardware transcoding.
7. Synology DiskStation DS923+
Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations
Synology DiskStation DS923+
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The Synology DiskStation DS923+ offers four drive bays and multiple RAID configurations for enhanced data security and backup.
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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
The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is ideal for users prioritizing data backup and security through RAID configurations. It features four drive bays for ample storage and supports multiple RAID types, ensuring data redundancy and protection.
Its four bays accommodate 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, with two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching. Two 1Gb ethernet ports support Link Aggregation or Failover, with an option for 10Gb connectivity. A dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, paired with the user-friendly DSM operating system, make setup and operation seamless.
8. ioSafe Duo Pro
Best Rugged NAS
ioSafe Duo Pro
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The ioSafe Duo Pro, while not technically a NAS, offers fireproof and water-resistant protection with RAID configurations for added data security.
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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 prioritizes data safety with its fireproof and water-resistant design, boasting an IP68 rating that protects against submersion up to 10 feet for 72 hours. It supports various RAID configurations and provides robust, long-lasting drive bays, with ioSafe offering data recovery services.
Although not specifically designed as a NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro can be shared on your home network through an always-on computer or directly attached to your router via USB for network storage.
What to Look for in NAS
NAS devices are not for everyone, but they can resolve certain networking challenges. If you and your family or housemates share the same network, a NAS device can centralize file sharing. If backing up multiple computers individually is a hassle, a NAS device simplifies the process with a single drive.
What are you using it for?
If you need to access the same tools or files across multiple devices in your home, a NAS can be a game-changer. It's not just about storage but also about seamless access.
Another key use case is managing a large media library accessible from various devices. You can transform your NAS into a Plex server, enabling everyone in your home to enjoy the same movies, TV shows, and music.
Go diskless? How many bays?
Most NAS devices are sold without disk drives, requiring you to buy them separately. If you already own drives, this isn't an issue, but be sure to check manufacturer recommendations for compatibility.
The number of bays determines the potential storage capacity; two or more bays are typically recommended, with multimedia systems often featuring more.
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