If you're the proud owner of one of the best gaming PCs or laptops and are looking for a seamless way to back up or transfer your valuable data, a top-tier NAS (network-attached storage) drive is the solution you need. Whether it's housed on a top SSD or spread across large external hard drives, your essential files, photos, and other content deserve the robust protection and accessibility that a great NAS like the Synology DiskStation DS224+ can provide.
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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The best NAS drives offer significant storage capacity and seamlessly integrate with your home network, allowing for swift data transfers across your devices. Whether you're using smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, a NAS facilitates simultaneous connectivity and effortless synchronization, making it perfect for managing digital media libraries. However, given their cost, selecting the right NAS is crucial. Here are eight top picks tailored for various needs.
- Synology DiskStation DS224+
Best NAS
Our Top Pick: Synology DiskStation DS224+
0This easy-to-use, high-speed NAS features two drive bays, two 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 straightforward NAS. It supports up to 32TB of storage and offers RAID 1 for data redundancy. With two Gigabit LAN ports, it supports higher speeds through Link Aggregation or network failover. Although it lacks multi-gig LAN support, its powerful Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor and 2GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM make it exceptionally fast for tasks like storing security footage, running a Plex server, or managing files and photos.
- UGREEN NASync DXP2800
Best Budget NAS
UGREEN NASync DXP2800
0This NAS, with its stylish design and quality hardware, offers dual drive bays and is ready to back up all your files at a modest price. 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
The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 offers a solid build and stylish design at a midrange price. Powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, it's well-suited for managing a high-quality video library and hardware transcoding. It comes with a comprehensive OS for easy setup and enhanced security features like two-factor authentication. Although Plex isn't native, installation via Docker is straightforward. Its dual SATA drive bays support up to 24TB each, and two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs up to 8TB provide additional fast storage, complemented by a 2.5Gb ethernet for speedy transfers.
- Synology DiskStation DS223j
Most Affordable NAS
Synology DiskStation DS223j
0This ultra-affordable and easy-to-use NAS is perfect 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 an ideal entry-level NAS, offering simplicity and affordability. With Synology's class-leading DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, it provides a user-friendly experience across multiple devices. Though its plastic build requires screwdriver access for drive installation, and it lacks M.2 slots and multi-gig ethernet, it remains a reliable and cost-effective choice for those with simpler storage needs.
- 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 supports both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives, along with two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots. 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
For power users and professionals, the Asustor Lockerstor AS6602T is a top choice. With an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of upgradable RAM, it's designed for heavy-duty tasks. Its dual drive bays support up to 18TB drives, and two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots provide additional speed. Dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports ensure fast connectivity, making it ideal for backups, virtualization, or a powerful media center. It also features an HDMI 2.0 port for a 4K HDR experience.
- Synology DiskStation DS1821+
Best Multi-Bay NAS
Synology DiskStation DS1821+
0This NAS offers eight drive bays for a total of 128TB capacity and includes 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
The Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is perfect for those with extensive storage needs. With eight drive bays supporting up to 128TB and hot-swappable drives, it offers ample space and expandability. The inclusion of M.2 2280 NVMe slots and a powerful quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU with 4GB of upgradable DDR4 ECC memory ensures robust performance, making it an excellent choice for future-proofing your storage needs.
- QNAP TS-264-8G
Best NAS for Media Streaming
QNAP TS-264-8G
0This NAS offers a central location for your media library with two 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 is harder to master
The QNAP TS-264-8G is tailored for media streaming, featuring dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to handle large media files with ease. With a 4K-capable HDMI output, it's perfect for placement next to your TV. Its dual 3.5-inch drive bays offer substantial storage, and two PCIe Gen 3 slots enable fast caching or network speeds. Powered by an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, it ensures smooth 4K video streaming with hardware transcoding.
- Synology DiskStation DS923+
Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations
Synology DiskStation DS923+
0This NAS provides four drive bays for ample storage and supports multiple 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+ excels in data backup and security with its support for multiple RAID configurations. Its four drive bays accommodate 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, and two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots provide fast caching. With two 1Gb ethernet ports and the option for 10Gb connectivity, along with a high-performing dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, it's a robust choice for those prioritizing data safety.
- ioSafe Duo Pro
Best Rugged NAS
ioSafe Duo Pro
0Though not technically a NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro drive offers fireproof and water-resistant protection for your data, along with RAID configurations. 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 is built to protect your data from fire and water, with an IP68 rating for submersion up to 10 feet for 72 hours. It provides robust drive bays and various RAID configurations for added data protection. Although it's not a traditional NAS, it can be shared across your network via an always-on computer or directly attached to your router via USB, offering a rugged solution for data safety.
What to Look for in NAS
Not everyone needs a NAS, but it can solve certain networking issues effectively. If you and your family or housemates share a network, a NAS allows you to share files from a central unit. It also simplifies backing up multiple computers onto a single drive.
What are you using it for?
If you need to share files or tools across multiple devices, or if you have a large media library you want to access from various devices, a NAS is worth considering. You can even turn your NAS into a Plex server for seamless media streaming throughout your home.
Go diskless? How many bays?
Most NAS devices are sold without disk drives, requiring you to purchase them separately. If you already own compatible drives, this isn't an issue, but be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal performance. The number of bays determines potential storage capacity; two or more bays are generally recommended, with multimedia systems often requiring more.
