If you own one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, you're likely seeking a robust solution to back up or transfer your valuable data. Whether it's stored on a top SSD or spacious external hard drives, nothing quite matches the efficiency and convenience of a high-quality 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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NAS drives offer significant storage capacity and integrate seamlessly into your home network, enabling rapid data transfers across your devices. Whether it's smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, you can connect multiple devices simultaneously and sync them effortlessly, making NAS an ideal solution for managing digital media libraries. While NAS devices can be a considerable investment, selecting the right one is crucial. We've identified eight excellent options tailored to various needs.
1. Synology DiskStation DS224+
Best NAS
Our Top Pick: Synology DiskStation DS224+
0The Synology DiskStation DS224+ stands out as an easy-to-use, high-speed NAS with two drive bays, dual 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 capable yet straightforward NAS. It supports up to 32TB of storage and offers RAID 1 for data redundancy. With two Gigabit LAN ports, it supports Link Aggregation and network failover, although a multi-gig LAN option would enhance its connectivity.
Synology's versatile apps and software are accessible through an intuitive interface, making it suitable for storing security camera footage, running as a Plex server, or securing your files and photos. Powered by an Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM (upgradable), it's well-equipped for 4K media transcoding, efficient file management, and smooth video streaming.
2. UGreen NASync DXP2800
Best Budget NAS
UGREEN NASync DXP2800
0This NAS offers dual drive bays and quality hardware at a budget-friendly price, perfect for backing up 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 a well-constructed NAS with a stylish design and quality hardware at a midrange price. It's powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, making it ideal for managing high-quality video libraries with smooth hardware transcoding.
UGreen's OS ensures a simple setup and robust security features, including two-factor authentication. It's perfect for creating a personal cloud server accessible from anywhere. While Plex isn't native, it's easily installable via Docker, and performance remains excellent.
With dual SATA drive bays supporting up to 24TB each, you can choose between extensive media storage or RAID for data redundancy. UGreen's toolless installation system makes adding drives a breeze. Additional storage is available through two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs up to 8TB, complemented by a 2.5Gb ethernet for speedy transfers and multiple USB and HDMI ports for device connectivity.
3. Synology DiskStation DS223j
Most Affordable NAS
Synology DiskStation DS223j
0This ultra-affordable NAS is perfect for beginners and those with simpler storage needs.
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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 NAS for those new to network storage or with basic needs. It runs on Synology's acclaimed DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, which offers a wide array of applications for seamless file storage and access across devices.
While the build quality is primarily plastic and requires a screwdriver for drive installation, this shouldn't be a frequent necessity. With a maximum capacity of 32TB and no M.2 slots for caching or multi-gig ethernet, it's a straightforward, reliable, and affordable solution.
4. Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals
Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
0This NAS is equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, and versatile storage options, making it ideal 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" bays, 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 AS6602T is the go-to choice for power users and professionals. It comes with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM (upgradable to 8GB). With two drive bays supporting 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives, you can choose between large 18TB hard drives or speedy SSDs. Two additional M.2 PCIe NVMe slots offer even faster storage options.
This NAS supports dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports for up to 5Gb connectivity through link aggregation, making it ideal for speedy backups, virtualization, or a powerful media center. An HDMI 2.0 port and 10-bit 4K hardware decoding ensure a top-notch 4K HDR experience.
5. Synology DiskStation DS1821+
Best Multi-Bay NAS
Synology DiskStation DS1821+
0This NAS provides expansive storage with eight drive bays, supporting up to 128TB and M.2 NVMe slots for high-speed caching.
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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" bays, 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 needing vast storage, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is an excellent choice. With eight drive bays supporting 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, it offers up to 128TB of storage, expandable to 18 bays with additional units. Hot-swappable drives and M.2 2280 NVMe slots for caching ensure high performance. Powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32GB), it's ready for future needs.
6. QNAP TS-264-8G
Best NAS for Media Streaming
QNAP TS-264-8G
0This NAS is perfect for streaming media, with dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, and versatile storage options.
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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" bays, 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 specifically for media streaming, with dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to handle multiple streams and a 4K HDMI output for direct TV connection. It supports two 3.5-inch drive bays for ample storage and two PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching or network speeds. An Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory ensure smooth 4K video streaming with hardware transcoding.
7. Synology DiskStation DS923+
Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations
Synology DiskStation DS923+
0This NAS offers robust data backup with four drive bays and multiple RAID configurations for enhanced security.
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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" bays, 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 those prioritizing data security. With four drive bays, it supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, SHR, Basic, and JBOD. The device supports 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, with two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching. Powered by a dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, it's easy to set up and manage with the DSM operating system.
8. ioSafe Duo Pro
Best Rugged NAS
ioSafe Duo Pro
0Though not technically a NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro offers fireproof and water-resistant storage with RAID options for added data 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 is designed to protect your data from physical damage, being both fireproof and water-resistant with an IP68 rating. It supports various RAID configurations and offers robust, long-lasting drive bays. However, it's not a traditional NAS and requires additional setup to share data over a network.
What to Look for in NAS
NAS devices are essential for those looking to streamline their networking needs. If your household shares a network, a NAS allows centralized file sharing and backups across all connected devices. They're also perfect for managing large media libraries accessible from multiple devices, potentially serving as a Plex server for shared entertainment.
What are you using it for?
If you need to share tools or files across multiple devices, a NAS is invaluable. They're not just for storage but also for easy access.
For extensive media libraries, a NAS can transform into a Plex server, enabling seamless access to movies, TV shows, and music across your home network.
Go diskless? How many bays?
Most NAS devices are sold without disk drives, requiring separate purchases. If you already own suitable drives, this isn't an issue, but always check the manufacturer's recommendations for compatible drives.
The number of bays determines potential storage capacity; two or more bays are generally recommended, with multimedia systems often requiring more.
