Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices have solidified their position as indispensable tools for secure, centralized data storage and seamless access in 2024. With an ever-expanding array of options flooding the market, selecting the optimal NAS solution tailored to your unique home or business requirements can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide aims to streamline your decision-making process by providing expert insights and recommendations that ensure you invest in a NAS device that aligns seamlessly with your needs.
When embarking on your quest for the ultimate NAS, several crucial factors demand meticulous consideration. Prioritize lightning-fast performance, cutting-edge multi-gigabit LAN connectivity, and vast storage capacities that cater to your ever-growing data demands. Furthermore, robust security measures should be at the forefront, safeguarding your precious data from potential threats. Last but not least, strike a delicate balance between feature-rich capabilities and affordability, ensuring a prudent investment that delivers exceptional value.
In the following sections, we delve into the intricacies of the NAS realm, dissecting the nuances that separate the exceptional from the ordinary. Brace yourself for an insightful exploration of the top contenders poised to redefine the boundaries of network-attached storage in 2024. However, should any contextual information be lacking, rest assured that we will transparently acknowledge the gaps, fostering an environment of honesty and trust throughout our analysis.
Synology DiskStation DS1821+: Best High-Capacity NAS for Businesses
Synology DiskStation NAS DS1821+ -- 999.99(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
DS1821+ -- 1107.55(Router-switch.com)
DS1821+ 8-Bay Diskstation NAS (AMD Ryzen V1500B Quad-Core 2,2 GHz 4 GB D... -- 2581.03(Amazon)
Synology 32TB DiskStation DS1821+ 8-Bay NAS Enclosure Kit with Seagate I... -- 1639.91(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
Synology 48TB DiskStation DS1821+ 8-Bay NAS Enclosure Kit with Seagate N... -- 2303.91(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
DiskStation DS1821+ NAS Server for Business with Ryzen CPU, 32GB Memory,... -- 2799(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is a high-performance NAS solution designed to meet the needs of businesses and power users who require robust, scalable, and high-capacity data storage. With its powerful AMD Ryzen CPU, dual M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching, and the ability to expand up to 18 bays, it offers excellent performance and flexibility for a variety of demanding applications.
Who It's For
The DS1821+ is best suited for IT enthusiasts, small to medium-sized businesses, and power users who need a scalable and powerful network attached storage solution. Its advanced features and high storage capacity make it ideal for handling business-grade backup solutions, virtualization, and intensive workloads. However, it may be excessive for home users or those with modest storage requirements.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Scalable up to 18 bays for extensive storage needs | ❌ May be too complex and costly for average home users |
| ✅ Powered by an AMD Ryzen quad-core processor for high performance | ❌ Base model starts without hard drives, requiring additional investment |
| ✅ Comes with sophisticated software for file sharing, backup, and virtualization | ❌ Only 4GB of RAM included, which may need upgrading for optimal performance |
QNAP TS-h973AX: Best High-Speed Networking NAS
TS-h973AX-32G 9-Bay QuTS Hero NAS with 10GbE/2.5GbE Connectivity -- 1124.03(Amazon)
QNAP TS-h973AX-32G (1TB HDD Included), AMD Ryzen V1500B, 9-Bay, SATA, NA... -- 1659(AVADirect Custom Computers)
Why We Picked It
The QNAP TS-h973AX stands out for its powerful blend of high-speed networking and versatile storage options, making it an excellent choice for businesses and power users who require robust data transfer capabilities and a flexible storage setup. Its advanced features, such as SSD caching and the ZFS-based QuTS hero operating system, provide enhanced performance and data integrity, which are crucial for demanding applications and workloads.
Who It's For
This NAS is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses, tech enthusiasts, and professionals in fields such as video editing, virtualization, and data-intensive server tasks. It may not be the best fit for small businesses or individuals with limited budgets due to its higher price point.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Combines 2.5GbE and 10GbE networking for fast data transfer | ❌ Higher price point may be prohibitive for some budgets |
| ✅ Supports a mix of SATA and SSD drives for storage flexibility | ❌ Complex features may be overkill for basic storage needs |
| ✅ Features advanced ZFS-based QuTS hero operating system for data integrity | ❌ Potential over-specification for individual users or very small businesses |
Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro AS7110T: Best NAS for Enterprise-Level Tasks
Lockerstor 10 Pro| AS7110T | Enterprise Network Attached Storage | 3.4GH... -- 2299(Amazon)
AS7110T Lockerstor Pro 10bay Nas Intel Perp Xeon 4c Cpu 8gb Ddr4 2 M.2 S... -- 2299(Amazon)
Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro AS7110T 10-Bay NAS Enclosure, Intel Xeon E-222... -- 3020.55(Microless.com)
Why We Picked It
The Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro AS7110T is a high-performance NAS designed for businesses and power users who require robust storage solutions. It is equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon processor and 10GbE connectivity, which are ideal for handling enterprise-level tasks, heavy workloads, and virtualization. The inclusion of dual M.2 NVMe SSD ports for fast caching and support for Docker apps makes it a versatile and future-proof investment.
Who It's For
This NAS is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses, IT professionals, and prosumers who need a reliable and scalable storage solution with high-speed network capabilities. It's also a good fit for those who run virtual machines or use Docker containers. However, it may be overkill for home users or small setups that don't require the advanced features or high-speed connectivity it offers.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Equipped with a powerful Intel Xeon E-2224 3.4GHz Quad-Core processor | ❌ High cost may not be justifiable for all users |
| ✅ 10GbE connectivity for fast data transfer speeds | ❌ Advanced features may be unnecessary for simpler storage needs |
| ✅ Expandable up to 64GB of DDR4 ECC memory and dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots for enhanced performance | ❌ Potential over-specification for non-enterprise environments |
TerraMaster F5-422: Affordable High-Speed Networking NAS
TerraMaster - F5-442 - 5-Bay NAS Enclosure F5-422 -- 555.99(Zoro)
12V Replacement for TerraMaster Power Adapter for TerraMaster F2-210 F2-... -- 24.99(Amazon)
USB Initboot System, TOS 5.1, for F2-221, F2-421, F4-421, F5-221, F5-421... -- 15.99(Amazon)
4-Pin 12V 7A Power Adapter for TerraMaster F4-210 F4-223 F4-423 F5-422 F... -- 25.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The TerraMaster F5-422 stands out for its 10GbE networking capability, offering a significant performance boost for data transfer speeds at a price point that's accessible for small to medium businesses. This feature makes it an excellent choice for organizations looking to upgrade their network storage solutions without breaking the bank. Additionally, its 5-bay capacity allows for ample storage expansion, making it a versatile option for growing data needs.
Who It's For
Ideal for small to medium businesses or tech-savvy home users who require fast data transfer speeds and substantial storage capacity without the high cost typically associated with 10GbE networking. It's also suitable for those who prioritize ease of use and straightforward setup but may not need the most advanced features found in higher-end models.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ 10GbE networking at an affordable price | ❌ May lack advanced features of higher-end models |
| ✅ 5-bay capacity for ample storage expansion | ❌ Limited by the TerraMaster ecosystem for some accessories and upgrades |
| ✅ Compatible with a wide range of TerraMaster accessories and power adapters | ❌ Potential learning curve for users new to NAS systems |
Buffalo TeraStation 3420DN: Best NAS for Small Business Data Security
Buffalo TeraStation 3420DN Desktop 8TB 4 Bay NAS TS3420DN0802 -- 608.99(Amazon)
Buffalo TeraStation 3420DN 4-Bay Desktop NAS 8TB (4x2TB) with HDD NAS Ha... -- 669.99(TekChoice Electronics)
Buffalo TeraStation 3420DN TS3420DN3204 - NAS Server - 4 Bays - 32 TB - ... -- 1464.99(CDW)
Why We Picked It
The Buffalo TeraStation 3420DN is a robust NAS solution tailored for small businesses that require reliable data protection and seamless cloud integration without the complexity and cost of enterprise-level systems. Its built-in security features and direct cloud service integration make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to safeguard their data with a straightforward, efficient backup and storage solution.
Who It's For
Small businesses with around 25 users seeking a secure and versatile data storage solution will find the TeraStation 3420DN to be a perfect fit. It's especially suitable for those who prioritize data protection and require a system that can handle the demands of an always-on environment without the need for extensive IT resources.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Quality made data storage with fast data transfers | ❌ Performance may not match that of higher-end units under heavy load |
| ✅ Native 2.5GbE port for high-speed connectivity | ❌ Price point may be a consideration for very small businesses or startups |
| ✅ Remote management service for efficient multiple NAS oversight | ❌ Physical size as a desktop unit may not be ideal for all office environments |
Synology DiskStation DS220+: Best NAS for Home and Small Office
DS220+ -- 242.25(Router-switch.com)
Synology 2 Bay NAS DiskStation (DS220+) -- 309.95(Central Computers)
Why We Picked It
The Synology DiskStation DS220+ is a compact network-attached storage (NAS) device that offers robust performance and a user-friendly interface, making it an ideal solution for home users and small offices looking to manage and share data efficiently. Its balance of features and affordability, along with the reputable Synology DSM software, provides a solid foundation for data backup, file sharing, and multimedia streaming.
Who It's For
The DS220+ is best suited for individuals or small businesses that require a reliable and versatile storage solution without the need for a large-scale server. It's perfect for those who prioritize data protection and wish to organize their files in a centralized location with the ability to access them remotely. However, it may not be the best fit for users with rapidly expanding storage needs due to its limitation of two drive bays.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Excellent performance for file sharing and backups | ❌ Limited to two drive bays, restricting storage expansion |
| ✅ User-friendly Synology DSM interface with a wide range of applications | ❌ May require additional investment in hard drives |
| ✅ Affordable price point for the features offered | ❌ Not suitable for larger businesses with extensive storage requirements |
QNAP TS-453D: Best Versatile NAS for Home and Small Business
QNAP TS-453D 8g (4 Bay) Diskless Professional NAS -- 550(eBay)
TS-464-8G-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad-... -- 589(Amazon)
QNAP HS-453DX-8G -- 739(Amazon)
TS-453E-8G-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad... -- 635.99(Amazon)
QNAP TS-453D-4G 4-bay NAS for professionals with Intel Celeron J4125 CPU... -- 704.79(Microless.com)
Why We Picked It
The QNAP TS-453D is selected for its robust feature set that caters to both home power users and small businesses. It offers a balance of performance, connectivity, and expandability with its 2.5GbE ports and PCIe slot, making it a versatile choice for a variety of storage and networking tasks.
Who It's For
This NAS is ideal for tech-savvy individuals or small business owners who require a reliable and scalable storage solution with fast network speeds for efficient file sharing and backups. It's also suitable for those who may want to expand its functionality in the future with additional PCIe cards.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Dual 2.5GbE ports for enhanced network speeds | ❌ Base RAM may be insufficient for heavy multitasking |
| ✅ PCIe slot for additional expansion options | ❌ Higher price point compared to entry-level NAS units |
| ✅ Supports M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs for cache acceleration | ❌ May require additional investment for full utilization (e.g., purchasing SSDs for cache acceleration) |
WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra: Best Entry-Level Personal Cloud NAS
WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra - Black, Diskless -- 271.45(Amazon)
WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra - Black, 16TB -- 1064.22(Amazon)
WD My Cloud Business Series Ex4100, 16TB, 4-Bay Pre-Configured NAS -- 1054.31(Tecisoft)
WD 28tb My Cloud EX2 Ultra - WDBVBZ0280JCH-NESN -- 799.99(Western Digital Store)
Why We Picked It
The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a network-attached storage (NAS) system that offers a balance of user-friendly features and robust data protection. It's designed for personal use, providing a centralized location for all your media, photos, and files. With the ability to access your content from anywhere via the My Cloud mobile app, it's a convenient option for those looking to create their own personal cloud storage without the complexity of more advanced systems.
Who It's For
This NAS is best suited for individuals or small businesses that require a simple, entry-level solution for backing up and sharing files across a network. It's ideal for users who prioritize ease of use and are looking for a device that offers straightforward remote access to their data. However, it may not be the best fit for users with high-performance needs or those who anticipate requiring significant scalability.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ User-friendly interface for easy setup and management | ❌ Lacks scalability for growing storage needs |
| ✅ Multiple RAID and backup options for data protection | ❌ Performance may not meet the demands of advanced users |
| ✅ Remote access capabilities with the My Cloud mobile app | ❌ Limited to basic NAS functionalities compared to higher-end models |
Synology DiskStation DS720+: Best Scalable NAS for Growing Storage Needs
DS720+ -- 318.75(Router-switch.com)
DiskStation DS720+ NAS Server for Business with Celeron CPU, 6GB Memory,... -- 849(Amazon)
Synology 2 Bay NAS DiskStation (DS720+) -- 467.95(atinusa.com)
Synology DiskStation DS720-PLUS NAS Server -- 468(DiscTech.com)
DiskStation DS720+ NAS Server for Business with Celeron CPU, 6GB Memory,... -- 1149(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Synology DiskStation DS720+ is a compact and powerful NAS solution designed to cater to the needs of small businesses and tech-savvy home users. Its efficient performance, coupled with the ability to scale storage through an expansion unit, makes it an excellent choice for users who require a reliable storage solution that can grow with their needs.
Who It's For
This NAS server is ideal for small business owners, home office workers, and multimedia enthusiasts who need a secure and versatile storage solution. It's also well-suited for those who plan to expand their storage capacity in the future or require a server for backup, file storage, email servers, and domain controllers.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Efficient Celeron J4125 Quad-Core CPU with burst speeds up to 2.7GHz | ❌ Higher initial cost compared to other 2-bay NAS models |
| ✅ Comprehensive software features including 4K Multimedia Server role and Surveillance Station Suite | ❌ Hard drives and memory upgrades require manual installation |
| ✅ Expandable storage with 6GB DDR4 memory and multiple HDD/SSD options | ❌ Limited to 1GbE LAN ports without native 10GbE support |
Thanks for reading! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy shopping!