If you own one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, you understand the importance of securing and transferring your precious data. Whether you're using a top SSD or have external hard drives filled with essential files, photos, and other content, a robust NAS (network-attached storage) drive can elevate your storage solution. Our top recommendation is the Synology DiskStation DS224+, which offers unparalleled performance and reliability.
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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NAS drives are essential for their significant storage capacity and seamless integration into your home network, allowing for quick data transfers between your devices. Whether you're using smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, a NAS can synchronize them all, making it ideal for managing digital media libraries. While NAS options can be pricey, selecting the right one is crucial. Here, we've curated a list of eight top-tier NAS devices suited for 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, two Gigabit LAN ports, a powerful Intel Celeron processor, and 2GB of upgradable RAM. It's perfect for users who want a capable NAS without complex software.
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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
The Synology DiskStation DS224+ offers up to 32TB of storage, depending on the drives you choose, and supports RAID 1 for data redundancy. Its two Gigabit LAN ports provide higher speeds with Link Aggregation or network failover support. Although it lacks a 2.5GB or 10GB LAN option, the DS224+ excels with its user-friendly interface and versatile applications. Whether you're storing security camera footage, setting up a Plex server, or managing files and photos, the DS224+ performs exceptionally well, thanks to its powerful Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM, which can be upgraded for even better performance.
UGreen NASync DXP2800
Best Budget NAS
### UGREEN NASync DXP2800
0The UGreen NASync DXP2800 offers quality hardware at a budget-friendly price, featuring dual drive bays and a stylish design perfect for backing up your files.
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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
The UGreen NASync DXP2800 is well-built and offers quality hardware for a midrange price. It's powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and comes with 8GB of RAM, making it ideal for managing a high-quality video library and handling hardware transcoding. The comprehensive OS simplifies setup and network configuration, and includes security features like two-factor authentication. Although Plex isn't native, it can be easily installed using Docker, ensuring excellent performance. The dual SATA drive bays support up to 24TB each, and the toolless installation system makes adding drives straightforward. Additional storage can be added via two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs up to 8TB, and a 2.5Gb ethernet ensures speedy file transfers. Other connectivity options include HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A ports.
Synology DiskStation DS223j
Most Affordable NAS
### Synology DiskStation DS223j
0The Synology DiskStation DS223j is an ultra-affordable and user-friendly NAS, perfect for beginners looking to dive into network storage.
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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
The Synology DiskStation DS223j is an excellent choice for those new to NAS or with simpler storage needs. It runs on Synology's renowned DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, offering 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 DS223j supports up to 32TB of storage without M.2 slots for caching, and it lacks a multi-gig ethernet port, but it remains a top pick for simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
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, and versatile storage options.
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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
The Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T is ideal for users who need a high-performance NAS. It comes with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM, which can be upgraded to 8GB. The NAS supports both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives, and includes two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for faster storage options. With dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports and link aggregation, it offers up to 5Gb connectivity, making it perfect for speedy backups, virtualization, and media centers. The HDMI 2.0 port and support for 10-bit 4K hardware decoding enhance its media streaming capabilities.
Synology DiskStation DS1821+
Best Multi-Bay NAS
### Synology DiskStation DS1821+
0The Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is the ultimate choice for those needing extensive storage, offering eight drive bays and a total capacity of 128TB.
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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
The Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is perfect for users with vast amounts of data. With eight drive bays supporting 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, it offers a massive 128TB capacity and hot-swappable drives. For even more storage, it supports expansion units up to 18 drive bays and includes M.2 2280 NVMe slots for high-speed caching. Powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32GB), this NAS is future-proof and highly expandable.
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 with dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports and a 4K HDMI output.
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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
The QNAP TS-264-8G is tailored for media streaming, featuring dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to handle large media files efficiently. It includes a 4K-capable HDMI output, making it suitable for placement next to your TV. With two 3.5-inch drive bays and two PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching, this 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.
Synology DiskStation DS923+
Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations
### Synology DiskStation DS923+
0The Synology DiskStation DS923+ offers robust data backup with four drive bays and multiple RAID configurations for enhanced 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
The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is ideal for users prioritizing data security with its four drive bays and support for multiple RAID configurations. It offers RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, and JBOD, ensuring your data is protected. The NAS supports 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives and includes two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching. Powered by a dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, it runs on the user-friendly DSM operating system.
ioSafe Duo Pro
Best Rugged NAS
### ioSafe Duo Pro
0The ioSafe Duo Pro, while not a traditional NAS, offers unparalleled protection against fire and water, with RAID configurations for added data security.
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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
The ioSafe Duo Pro is designed to protect your data from physical damage, being both fireproof and water-resistant with an IP68 rating. It offers various RAID configurations and robust drive bays, ensuring your data remains safe. While not a traditional NAS, it can be shared on your home network through an always-on computer or directly attached to your router via USB.
What to Look for in NAS
NAS devices are not for everyone, but they can solve specific networking issues. If you and your family or housemates share the same 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 in your home, a NAS device is a valuable solution. 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 everyone in your home with easy access to movies, TV shows, and music.
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 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.
