If you're the proud owner of one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, you might be looking for a reliable way to back up or transfer your valuable data. While your setup might boast a top SSD or spacious external hard drives filled with essential files, photos, and other content, nothing quite matches the versatility and convenience of a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device. Our top recommendation? The Synology DiskStation DS224+.
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
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### Synology DiskStation DS1821+
0See it at Amazon
### QNAP TS-264-8G
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### SynologyDiskStation DS923+
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### ioSafe Duo Pro
0See it at ioSafe
The best NAS drives offer significant storage capacity and seamlessly integrate into your home network, allowing quick data transfers to and from your devices. Whether it's smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, connecting multiple devices to the same network and syncing them is a breeze, making NAS an ideal solution for managing digital media libraries. However, NAS devices can be pricey, so it's crucial to choose wisely. We've narrowed down your options to eight excellent NAS devices 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-performance NAS featuring 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
The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is perfect for those who want a capable yet user-friendly NAS. With two drive bays, you can expand your storage up to 32TB or opt for a RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy. Its dual Gigabit LAN ports support higher speeds with Link Aggregation or network failover, though a 2.5GB or 10GB LAN port would be a welcome addition for even faster connections.
Synology's versatile apps and software run on an intuitive interface, allowing you to store security camera footage, use it as a Plex server, or safely manage files and photos. With its Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM (which you can upgrade), the DS224+ handles 4K media transcoding, file management, and video streaming with ease.
UGreen NASync DXP2800
Best Budget NAS
### UGREEN NASync DXP2800
0The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 offers quality hardware, a sleek design, and a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent choice for backing up your files. 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 combines solid build quality with a stylish design and offers impressive hardware at a midrange price. Powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, it's well-equipped to handle high-quality video libraries and hardware transcoding.
UGreen's comprehensive OS simplifies setup and network configuration, and includes extra security features like two-factor authentication. Setting up file backups and creating your own cloud server for remote access is straightforward. Although Plex isn't natively supported, installing it via Docker is easy and performs well.
The DXP2800 features dual SATA drive bays that support up to 24TB each, providing ample space for media or RAID configurations for redundancy. Its toolless drive installation system makes adding storage effortless. Additionally, two M.2 slots accommodate NVMe SSDs up to 8TB, and a 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures speedy file transfers. Other connectivity options include HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A, supporting a wide range of devices.
Synology DiskStation DS223j
Most Affordable NAS
### Synology DiskStation DS223j
0The Synology DiskStation DS223j is an ultra-affordable and 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 proves that NAS doesn't have to be expensive, making it perfect for first-time users and those with simpler storage needs. It runs Synology's top-notch DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, offering a wide range of applications for seamless file storage and access across devices.
Although its build quality is modest and primarily plastic, requiring a screwdriver to mount the two 3.5” SATA drives, it's not a significant drawback. The DS223j supports up to 32TB of storage but lacks M.2 slots for caching or faster transfer speeds. However, its simplicity, reliability, and affordability make it an unbeatable choice for basic NAS needs.
Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals
### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
0The Asustor Lockerstor AS6602T, equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, and versatile storage options, is perfect for power users and professionals. 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 those who need a robust NAS solution. It features an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM (upgradable to 8GB), supporting 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives for up to 18TB of storage. Additionally, two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots allow for even faster storage options.
With dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports that can be combined for 5Gb connectivity, setting up the AS6602T for speedy backups, virtualization, or a powerful media center is simple. It also includes an HDMI 2.0 port and supports 10-bit 4K hardware decoding for a superior 4K HDR experience.
Synology DiskStation DS1821+
Best Multi-Bay NAS
### Synology DiskStation DS1821+
0The Synology DiskStation DS1821+ offers a massive 128TB capacity with eight drive bays and M.2 2280 NVMe slots, perfect for those needing extensive storage. 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
If you need a vast amount of storage, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is the solution. Priced over $1,000, it offers eight drive bays for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, providing up to 128TB of capacity with hot-swappable drives. Expansion units can further increase storage to 18 bays, and M.2 2280 NVMe slots allow for high-speed caching.
The DS1821+ is powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32GB), ensuring robust performance for future needs.
QNAP TS-264-8G
Best NAS for Media Streaming
### QNAP TS-264-8G
0The QNAP TS-264-8G is designed for media streaming, featuring dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, dual drive bays, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. 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 can be challenging to master
The QNAP TS-264-8G is perfect for streaming media, featuring dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to handle high-throughput media access. Its 4K-capable HDMI output allows you to set it up directly next to your TV.
With two 3.5-inch drive bays for ample storage and two additional PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching or network speeds, the TS-264-8G is powered by an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, ensuring smooth 4K video streams with hardware transcoding.
Synology DiskStation DS923+
Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations
### SynologyDiskStation DS923+
0The Synology DiskStation DS923+ offers four drive bays for ample storage and various RAID configurations for enhanced data security. 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 prioritizing data backup and security. With four drive bays for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives and two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching, it supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, SHR, Basic, and JBOD.
Powered by a dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, the DS923+ runs on the user-friendly DSM operating system, ensuring a smooth setup and operation.
ioSafe Duo Pro
Best Rugged NAS
### ioSafe Duo Pro
0Though not a traditional NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro offers fireproof and water-resistant protection, along with RAID configurations for added data security. 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 robust, long-lasting drive bays
Cons:
- Not designed to be a NAS
The ioSafe Duo Pro prioritizes data protection with its fireproof and water-resistant design, boasting an IP68 rating for submersion up to 10 feet for 72 hours. While it's not a traditional NAS, it provides RAID configurations and robust drive bays for enhanced data security.
Note that the Duo Pro requires an always-on computer or router USB attachment to function as network storage, as it's not specifically designed as a NAS device. ioSafe also offers data recovery services for added peace of mind.
What to Look for in NAS
Not everyone needs a NAS, but it can solve specific networking challenges. If you and your family share the same network, a NAS device allows you to centralize file sharing across all connected computers. Instead of backing up each computer individually, a NAS device provides a single solution for all your backup needs.
What are you using it for?
If you find yourself needing to access the same tools or files across multiple devices in your home, a NAS device is an excellent choice. It's not just about storage but also about seamless access to your data.
For those with extensive media libraries, a NAS can be transformed into a Plex server, enabling everyone in your home to enjoy movies, TV shows, and music from any connected device.
Go diskless? How many bays?
Most NAS devices are sold without disk drives, requiring you to purchase them separately. While this might be less of an issue if you already own compatible drives, always check the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal performance.
The number of bays determines the potential storage capacity of your NAS. Generally, two or more bays are recommended, with multimedia systems often requiring more.
