If you're the proud owner of one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, you're likely on the lookout for a solution to back up or transfer all your precious data. Whether your machine is equipped with a top SSD or you have large external hard drives filled with essential files, photos, and other content, nothing quite matches the convenience and power of a great NAS (network-attached storage) drive. Our top recommendation, the Synology DiskStation DS224+, stands out as a stellar choice for managing your digital life.
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
0See it at ioSafe
The best NAS drives offer substantial storage capacity and seamlessly integrate with your home network, enabling quick data transfers to and from all your devices. Whether it's smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, you can connect them all to the same network and sync them effortlessly, making NAS perfect for managing digital media libraries. However, since NAS drives can be a significant investment, it's crucial to choose wisely. We've curated a list of eight top-notch options 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-speed NAS featuring 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 experience. 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 ideal for those who prefer simplicity without sacrificing performance. With two drive bays, you can expand your storage up to 32TB or opt for a RAID 1 setup for data redundancy. Its dual Gigabit LAN ports support higher speeds through 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 make it easy to set up the DS224+ for various uses, from storing security camera footage to serving as a Plex server or safeguarding files and photos. Powered by an Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, it 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 stylish design, and a competitive price, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious users. It features dual drive bays and is ready to back up all 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 is well-built and offers quality hardware at a midrange price. It's equipped with an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, making it suitable for managing a high-quality video library and handling hardware transcoding.
UGREEN's comprehensive OS simplifies setup and network configuration, and includes extra security features like two-factor authentication. While Plex isn't natively supported, it's easy to install via Docker with comparable performance. The dual SATA drive bays support up to 24TB each, offering ample storage or the option for RAID redundancy. The toolless drive installation system and two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs up to 8TB further enhance its appeal. A 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures fast file transfers, complemented by HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A ports for broad device compatibility.
Synology DiskStation DS223j
Most Affordable NAS
### Synology DiskStation DS223j
0The Synology DiskStation DS223j is an ultra-affordable, user-friendly NAS perfect for beginners and those with simpler storage needs. 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 excellent choice for those new to NAS or with basic storage requirements. It runs on Synology's acclaimed DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, offering a wide range of applications for seamless file storage and access across devices.
While the build quality is primarily plastic and requires a screwdriver for drive installation, the DS223j's simplicity, reliability, and affordability make it a standout. It supports up to 32TB of storage without M.2 slots or multi-gig ethernet, but remains a top pick for those seeking an entry-level NAS solution.
Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals
### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
0The Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T is designed for power users and professionals, featuring an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, dual drive bays for 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives, and two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for enhanced performance. 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 can be more involved
The Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T is ideal for those who demand more from their NAS. With an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM (upgradable to 8GB), it's ready for extensive use. The two drive bays support both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives, and the two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots allow for even faster storage options.
Network connectivity is robust with dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports, which can be combined for up to 5Gb connectivity using link aggregation. The NAS is versatile enough for backups, virtualization, or as a powerful media center, and includes an HDMI 2.0 port for 10-bit 4K hardware decoding.
Synology DiskStation DS1821+
Best Multi-Bay NAS
### Synology DiskStation DS1821+
0The Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is perfect for those needing vast storage, offering eight drive bays with a total capacity of 128TB and M.2 2280 NVMe slots for high-speed caching. 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 with extensive data storage needs, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is a top choice. Priced over $1,000, it offers eight drive bays for 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch drives, providing up to 128TB of storage. The hot-swappable drives and expandability to 18 bays via expansion units, along with M.2 2280 NVMe slots for caching, make it future-proof. It's powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 ECC memory.
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 for a central media library. 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 harder to master
The QNAP TS-264-8G is tailored for streaming media, with dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to handle high throughput and a 4K-capable HDMI output. It supports two 3.5-inch drive bays for ample storage and two PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching or network speed enhancement. An Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory ensure smooth 4K video streaming with hardware transcoding.
Synology DiskStation DS923+
Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations
### SynologyDiskStation DS923+
0The Synology DiskStation DS923+ offers robust data backup with four drive bays and various RAID configurations for added 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 security with its support for multiple RAID configurations. With four drive bays and two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for caching, it's well-equipped for storage expansion. The dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, combined with the user-friendly DSM operating system, ensure a seamless setup and operation.
ioSafe Duo Pro
Best Rugged NAS
### ioSafe Duo Pro
0The ioSafe Duo Pro, though not a traditional NAS, offers fireproof and water-resistant protection for your data, with RAID configurations for added 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 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, featuring fireproof and water-resistant capabilities with an IP68 rating. It also supports various RAID configurations for data protection and offers data recovery services. While not a traditional NAS, it can be connected to a home network via an always-on computer or directly to a router via USB for network storage.
What to Look for in NAS
NAS devices are invaluable for addressing networking challenges, particularly if you share a network with family or housemates. They allow you to centralize file sharing across multiple computers and simplify backups for all devices.
What are you using it for?
If you need to share files or tools across multiple devices, or if you manage a large media library accessible from various devices, a NAS device is highly beneficial. It can transform into a Plex server, providing swift access to movies, TV shows, and music for everyone at home.
Go diskless? How many bays?
Most NAS devices come without disk drives, requiring you to purchase them separately. While this can be an advantage if you already own compatible drives, it's essential to check manufacturer recommendations for optimal performance.
The number of bays determines the NAS's potential capacity; two or more bays are typically recommended, with multimedia systems often requiring more.
