If you own one of the best gaming PCs or laptops and need a reliable solution to back up or transfer your valuable data, consider a top-tier NAS (Network Attached Storage) device. Even if you have a top SSD or large external hard drives, a NAS like our favorite, the Synology DiskStation DS224+, offers unparalleled convenience and flexibility.
TL;DR – These are the Best NAS Devices:
Our Top Pick### Synology DiskStation DS224+
0See it at Amazon
### UGREEN NASync DXP2800
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### Synology DiskStation DS223j
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### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
0See it at Amazon
### Synology DiskStation DS1821+
0See it at Amazon
### QNAP TS-264-8G
0See it at Amazon
### Synology DiskStation DS923+
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### ioSafe Duo Pro
0See it at ioSafe
The best NAS drives provide significant storage capacity and seamlessly integrate with your home network, allowing quick data transfers across various devices such as smartphones, tablets, desktops, and laptops. This makes them perfect for managing digital media libraries. However, given the investment, 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, dual Gigabit LAN ports, a powerful Intel Celeron processor, and 2GB of upgradable RAM. See it at Amazon
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
For those who want a straightforward yet powerful NAS, the Synology DiskStation DS224+ is ideal. It supports up to 32TB of storage or a RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy. Its dual Gigabit LAN ports offer higher speeds with Link Aggregation or network failover support. Synology's versatile apps and software make it perfect for various uses, 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 fast performance, with the option to upgrade the RAM.
- UGREEN NASync DXP2800
Best Budget NAS
### UGREEN NASync DXP2800
0The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 offers quality hardware and a stylish design at a midrange price, perfect for backing up files with dual drive bays. See it at Amazon
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 features an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, making it suitable for managing a high-quality video library. Its comprehensive OS simplifies setup and network configuration, while additional security features like two-factor authentication keep your content safe. Though Plex isn't natively supported, it can be installed using Docker. The dual SATA drive bays support up to 24TB each, and two M.2 slots accommodate NVMe SSDs up to 8TB. A 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures fast SATA file transfers.
- Synology DiskStation DS223j
Most Affordable NAS
### Synology DiskStation DS223j
0The Synology DiskStation DS223j is an ultra-affordable, user-friendly NAS ideal for beginners. See it at Amazon
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 perfect for those new to NAS or with basic storage needs. It features Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, offering a range of applications for seamless file storage and access. While the build quality is primarily plastic and requires a screwdriver for drive installation, it's reliable and budget-friendly. It supports up to 32TB of storage but lacks M.2 slots and multi-gig ethernet ports.
- Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals
### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
0The Asustor Lockerstor AS6602T is equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, and versatile storage options. See it at Amazon
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 AS6602T is ideal for power users and professionals. It features an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of upgradable RAM. The NAS supports 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives and includes two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for faster storage options. Dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports can be combined for 5Gb connectivity. It's perfect for backups, virtualization, and media centers, with an HDMI 2.0 port and 10-bit 4K hardware decoding.
- Synology DiskStation DS1821+
Best Multi-Bay NAS
### Synology DiskStation DS1821+
0The Synology DiskStation DS1821+ offers eight drive bays for a massive 128TB capacity and M.2 2280 NVMe slots. See it at Amazon
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 needing extensive storage, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is a robust solution. Priced over $1,000, it offers eight drive bays for up to 128TB of storage with hot-swappable drives. Expansion units can increase capacity to 18 drive bays, and M.2 2280 NVMe slots provide high-speed caching. The quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory, expandable to 32GB, ensure powerful performance.
- QNAP TS-264-8G
Best NAS for Media Streaming
### QNAP TS-264-8G
0The QNAP TS-264-8G is designed for media streaming with dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, and dual drive bays. See it at Amazon
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 is tailored for media streaming, featuring dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to handle high-throughput media files. It also has a 4K-capable HDMI output, making it perfect for TV setups. With two 3.5-inch drive bays and two PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching, it's powered by an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, ensuring smooth 4K video streaming with hardware transcoding.
- Synology DiskStation DS923+
Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations
### Synology DiskStation DS923+
0The Synology DiskStation DS923+ provides four drive bays and multiple RAID configurations for secure data backup. See it at Amazon
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 those who prioritize data security through RAID configurations. It features four drive bays for ample storage and redundancy, supporting various RAID types. Two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots enhance performance, and a dual-core AMD Ryzen processor with 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM ensures efficient operation. The NAS supports Link Aggregation or Failover with two 1Gb ethernet ports and offers an option for 10Gb connectivity.
- ioSafe Duo Pro
Best Rugged NAS
### ioSafe Duo Pro
0The ioSafe Duo Pro is a rugged storage solution that's fireproof and water-resistant, offering RAID configurations for added data protection. See it at ioSafe
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 against physical damage, featuring fireproof and water-resistant construction with an IP68 rating. While not designed as a NAS, it supports RAID configurations and robust drive bays. ioSafe also offers data recovery services. To use it for network storage, you'll need to share it via an always-on computer or connect it directly to your router via USB.
What to Look for in NAS
NAS devices are invaluable for households with multiple devices sharing the same network, allowing centralized file sharing and backups. They're also excellent for managing large media libraries, which can be accessed from various devices and even set up as a Plex server.
What are you using it for?
If you need to share files or tools across multiple devices or manage a vast media library, a NAS is the solution. It's not just about storage but also about accessibility and convenience.
Go diskless? How many bays?
Most NAS devices are sold without disk drives, requiring separate purchases. Ensure compatibility with manufacturer recommendations. The number of bays determines potential storage capacity; two or more bays are recommended, with multimedia systems often needing more.
