If you own one of the best gaming PCs or laptops and are looking for a reliable way to back up or transfer your precious data, consider upgrading to a robust NAS (Network-Attached Storage) drive. Even if your setup includes a top SSD or large external hard drives filled with essential files, photos, and other content, a NAS drive like our top pick, the Synology DiskStation DS224+, can offer unmatched versatility and security.
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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### SynologyDiskStation 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 quick data transfers across your devices. Whether it's smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, NAS drives facilitate simultaneous connections and easy synchronization, making them ideal for managing digital media libraries. However, given their cost, selecting the right NAS is crucial. We've compiled a list of eight outstanding options to suit various needs.
Synology DiskStation DS224+
Best NAS
Our Top Pick### Synology DiskStation DS224+
0The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is an easy-to-use, high-speed NAS with two drive bays, two Gigabit LAN ports, a powerful Intel Celeron processor, and 2GB of upgradable RAM. It's perfect for those who want a capable yet straightforward NAS solution. With support for up to 32TB of storage and RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy, this NAS is versatile and secure. The dual Gigabit LAN ports support Link Aggregation or network failover, although a multi-gig LAN port would enhance connectivity speeds further.
Synology's intuitive interface and versatile apps make it easy to set up for various uses, such as storing security camera footage, running as a Plex server, or safely storing files and photos. The Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM ensure smooth operation, with the option to upgrade for even better performance.
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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
UGreen NASync DXP2800
Best Budget NAS
### UGREEN NASync DXP2800
0The UGreen NASync DXP2800 offers quality hardware at a midrange price, featuring dual drive bays and a stylish design. Powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, it's well-suited for high-quality video libraries and handles hardware transcoding effortlessly.
UGreen's comprehensive OS ensures a straightforward setup and network configuration, with added security features like two-factor authentication. Although Plex isn't native, it can be easily installed via Docker with excellent performance. The NAS supports up to 24TB per drive bay, and its toolless drive installation system simplifies setup. Additionally, two M.2 slots can accommodate NVMe SSDs up to 8TB, and a 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures fast data transfers.
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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
Synology DiskStation DS223j
Most Affordable NAS
### Synology DiskStation DS223j
0The Synology DiskStation DS223j is an ultra-affordable NAS ideal for beginners and those with simpler storage needs. It features Synology’s acclaimed DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, providing a range of applications for easy file storage and access across devices.
While the build quality is basic, mainly plastic, and requires a screwdriver for drive installation, it supports up to 32TB of storage without M.2 slots for caching. Though it lacks a multi-gig ethernet port, the DS223j excels in simplicity, reliability, and affordability.
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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
Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals
### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
0The Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T is designed for power users and professionals, featuring an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of upgradable RAM. It supports 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives and includes two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for enhanced performance.
With dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports and link aggregation for 5Gb connectivity, this NAS is ideal for speedy backups, virtualization, and media centers. The HDMI 2.0 port and support for 10-bit 4K hardware decoding make it perfect for a high-quality media experience.
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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
Synology DiskStation DS1821+
Best Multi-Bay NAS
### Synology DiskStation DS1821+
0For those requiring extensive storage, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ offers eight drive bays with a total capacity of 128TB and M.2 2280 NVMe slots for high-speed caching. This high-end NAS, priced over $1,000, is future-proof and expandable.
The DS1821+ supports hot-swappable drives and can be expanded to 18 bays with additional units. Powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32GB), it's a robust solution for managing large volumes of data.
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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
QNAP TS-264-8G
Best NAS for Media Streaming
### QNAP TS-264-8G
0The QNAP TS-264-8G is designed for media streaming, offering a central location for your media library with dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, and dual drive bays. Its compact design and powerful internals, including an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, ensure smooth 4K video streaming with hardware transcoding.
While the software can be challenging to master, the TS-264-8G provides robust performance and connectivity options, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and additional PCIe Gen 3 slots for caching or network speed enhancement.
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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
Synology DiskStation DS923+
Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations
### SynologyDiskStation DS923+
0The Synology DiskStation DS923+ offers four drive bays for ample storage and the ability to run in redundancy with various RAID configurations, ensuring data security. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, and JBOD, allowing you to choose the best setup for your needs.
With support for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, and two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching, the DS923+ is powered by a high-performing dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM. It features two 1Gb ethernet ports with Link Aggregation or Failover support and an option to add 10Gb connectivity.
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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
ioSafe Duo Pro
Best Rugged NAS
### ioSafe Duo Pro
0The ioSafe Duo Pro, while not technically a NAS, provides robust protection for your data against fire and water with an IP68 rating, offering submersion protection up to 10 feet for 72 hours. It features various RAID configurations and durable drive bays for added security.
Although it isn't designed specifically for network storage, you can share it with your home network through an always-on computer or connect it directly to your router via USB. ioSafe also offers data recovery services for customers.
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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
What to Look for in NAS
NAS devices can resolve various networking issues, particularly in households where multiple devices share the same network. They enable seamless file sharing from a central unit and simplify backing up multiple computers. If you frequently need to access the same files or tools across different devices, or manage a large media library accessible from various devices, a NAS device like a Plex server can streamline your experience.
What are you using it for?
Consider a NAS if you need to share files across multiple devices or manage a large media library. It's not just about storage; it's about easy access too.
Go diskless? How many bays?
Most NAS devices are sold without disk drives, requiring you to purchase them separately. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for compatible drives. The number of bays determines potential storage capacity; two or more bays are recommended, with multimedia systems often requiring more.
