If you own one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, you might be looking for a reliable way to back up or transfer your valuable data. Even if your setup includes a top SSD or sizable external hard drives filled with essential files, photos, and other content, nothing beats the convenience and power of a great NAS (network-attached storage) drive. Our top recommendation is the Synology DiskStation DS224+, which offers robust performance and versatility.
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 seamlessly integrate into your home network, allowing for quick data transfers to and from your devices. Whether you're using smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, a NAS can connect them all simultaneously, 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+
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 the ability to support up to 32TB of storage and RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy, it's versatile and secure. The dual Gigabit LAN ports enhance speed with Link Aggregation or network failover support, though a multi-gig LAN port would be a welcome addition for even faster connections.
Synology's user-friendly interface and versatile apps make it ideal for various uses, from storing security camera footage to serving as a Plex server or safeguarding your files and photos. The powerful Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM ensure smooth performance, with the option to upgrade the RAM for even better results.
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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 and a stylish design at a midrange price. It features dual drive bays and is powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor with 8GB of RAM, making it ideal for managing a high-quality video library and handling hardware transcoding with ease.
UGreen's comprehensive OS simplifies setup and network configuration, and includes extra security features like two-factor authentication. While Plex isn't native, it can be easily installed using Docker without compromising performance. The dual SATA drive bays support up to 24TB each, offering ample space for media or redundancy with RAID configurations. The toolless installation system makes adding drives straightforward, and two M.2 slots support NVMe SSDs up to 8TB for additional fast storage. A 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures speedy file transfers, and other connectivity options include HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A.
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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 and user-friendly NAS, perfect for beginners. It runs on Synology's top-rated DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, which offers a wide range of applications for seamless file storage and access across devices.
While the build quality is mostly plastic and requires a screwdriver for drive installation, it's a minor inconvenience given its affordability and reliability. The NAS supports up to 32TB of storage without M.2 slots for caching, and lacks a multi-gig ethernet port. However, for those seeking simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the DS223j is an excellent choice.
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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 AS6602T is designed for power users and professionals, featuring an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of upgradable RAM. It includes two drive bays that support 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives, and two additional M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for enhanced performance.
With dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports that can be combined for 5Gb connectivity, this NAS is perfect for speedy backups, virtualization, and media centers. It also features an HDMI 2.0 port and supports 10-bit 4K hardware decoding for 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 requiring extensive storage, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ offers eight drive bays with a total capacity of 128TB and includes M.2 2280 NVMe slots for high-speed caching. Priced over $1,000, it's a future-proof solution with ample expandability.
The DS1821+ supports hot-swappable drives and can be expanded to 18 drive bays. It's powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory, which can be upgraded to 32GB, ensuring robust 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 designed for media streaming, offering a central location for your media library. It features dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, dual drive bays, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. This compact 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.
While the software may be more challenging to master, the TS-264-8G's impressive hardware and design make it a top choice for media enthusiasts.
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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+ is ideal for those seeking robust data backup with multiple RAID configurations. It features four drive bays for ample storage and supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, and JBOD.
The DS923+ includes two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching and is powered by a high-performing dual-core AMD Ryzen processor with 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM. While it lacks a multi-gig LAN port, its versatility and performance make it a strong choice for data 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" 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, offers unparalleled protection for your data with its fireproof and water-resistant design. It features an IP68 rating, protecting against full submersion in water up to 10 feet for 72 hours.
The Duo Pro supports various RAID configurations and includes robust, long-lasting drive bays. ioSafe also provides data recovery services. To use it as a NAS, you'll need to share it with your home network through an always-on computer or connect it directly to your router 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 not for everyone, but they can solve specific networking challenges. If you and your family or housemates share the same network, a NAS allows you to share files from a central unit. It's also an efficient way to back up multiple computers on one 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 invaluable. It's not just about storage; it's about accessibility. Additionally, if you have a large media library, a NAS can be transformed into a Plex server, providing swift 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 is because NAS manufacturers typically don't produce hard drives themselves. If you already own compatible drives, a diskless system is less of an issue, but always check the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal performance.
The number of bays in a NAS determines its potential storage capacity. Two or more bays are generally recommended, with multimedia systems often requiring more. The more bays, the more flexibility and capacity you have for your storage needs.
