If you're the proud owner of one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, you know the importance of safeguarding your precious data. Whether your machine is powered by a top SSD or you have ample external hard drives filled with essential files and cherished memories, nothing quite matches the convenience and security of a robust NAS (network-attached storage) drive. Our top recommendation? The Synology DiskStation DS224+, a powerhouse for all your storage needs.
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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NAS drives are essential for those who need significant storage capacity and seamless data transfer across multiple devices. Whether you're connecting smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, a NAS can sync them effortlessly, making it perfect for managing digital media libraries. However, given the investment, choosing the right NAS is crucial. We've selected eight top NAS options tailored to 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, dual Gigabit LAN ports, a robust Intel Celeron processor, and 2GB of upgradable RAM. It's perfect for those who want a powerful yet straightforward solution for their storage needs. With the DS224+, you can opt for up to 32TB of storage or use a RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy. The dual Gigabit LAN ports support Link Aggregation and network failover, though a multi-gig LAN port would enhance its connectivity further.
Synology's user-friendly interface and versatile apps make it ideal for various applications, from storing security camera footage to serving as a Plex server. The Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM ensure smooth performance, even with tasks like 4K media transcoding and video streaming.
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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 budget-friendly price, featuring dual drive bays and a stylish design. It's powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, making it capable of handling high-quality video libraries and hardware transcoding with ease.
UGreen's comprehensive OS ensures a simple setup and network configuration, with added security features like two-factor authentication. While it doesn't come with native Plex support, installing it via Docker is straightforward and maintains excellent performance.
The NAS supports up to 24TB per SATA drive bay, offering ample storage for media or redundancy with RAID configurations. UGreen's toolless system simplifies drive installation, and the inclusion of two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs up to 8TB adds extra speed. The 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures fast file transfers, complemented by HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A ports for broad device support.
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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 the perfect entry-level NAS, offering affordability and ease of use for beginners. It runs Synology's acclaimed DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, providing a wide range of applications for seamless file storage and access across devices.
While its build quality is primarily plastic and requires a screwdriver for drive installation, the DS223j is reliable and straightforward. It supports up to 32TB across two 3.5" SATA drive bays but lacks M.2 slots and multi-gig ethernet. For those prioritizing simplicity and cost-effectiveness, this NAS is unbeatable.
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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. Its two drive bays support both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives, with additional M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for enhanced performance.
With dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports, the AS6602T supports up to 5Gb connectivity via link aggregation, making it ideal for speedy backups, virtualization, and media centers. The HDMI 2.0 port and 10-bit 4K hardware decoding ensure a superior 4K HDR 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 with extensive storage needs, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ offers eight drive bays, supporting up to 128TB of capacity. Its hot-swappable drives and M.2 2280 NVMe slots provide high-speed caching and expandability, with support for up to 18 drive bays through expansion units.
Powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 ECC memory, the DS1821+ is a future-proof solution for those who need robust storage and performance.
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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 tailored for media streaming, offering dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, and dual drive bays. It's compact yet powerful, with an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, ensuring smooth 4K video streaming with hardware transcoding.
With two additional PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching or network speeds, the TS-264-8G provides a central location for your media library, accessible from multiple devices.
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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+ excels in data security, offering four drive bays and multiple RAID configurations for redundancy. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, and JBOD, ensuring your data is always safe.
The DS923+ includes two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching, dual 1Gb ethernet ports with Link Aggregation or Failover support, and an option for 10Gb connectivity. Powered by a dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, it runs on the user-friendly DSM operating system.
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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
0While not a traditional NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro offers unparalleled protection against fire and water, with an IP68 rating for submersion up to 10 feet for 72 hours. It features robust, long-lasting drive bays and various RAID configurations for data safety.
ioSafe also provides data recovery services, though setting up the Duo Pro for network storage requires sharing it through an always-on computer or direct router attachment via USB.
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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 are ideal for solving common networking issues, especially in homes where multiple devices share the same network. They enable centralized file sharing and backup solutions, streamlining your data management.
What are you using it for?
If you're looking to share files across multiple devices or need a central repository for a large media library, a NAS could be the perfect solution. It not only stores your data but also allows easy access from any device on your network. For media enthusiasts, turning your NAS into a Plex server can provide seamless access to movies, TV shows, and music across your home.
Go diskless? How many bays?
Most NAS devices are sold without disk drives, requiring you to purchase them separately. This can be advantageous if you already own compatible drives, but always check the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal performance. The number of bays in a NAS determines its storage capacity; two or more bays are recommended, with multimedia systems often featuring more.
