If you're the proud owner of one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, you're likely looking for a seamless way to back up or transfer your valuable data. Whether your system is equipped with a top SSD or you have external hard drives filled with essential files, photos, and other content, nothing quite matches the versatility and convenience of a top-tier NAS (network-attached storage) drive. Our top recommendation is the Synology DiskStation DS224+, a powerhouse in the world of NAS solutions.

TL;DR – These are the Best NAS Devices:

Our Top Pick### Synology DiskStation DS224+

0See it at Amazon### UGREEN NASync DXP2800

0See it at Amazon### Synology DiskStation DS223j

0See it at Amazon### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

0See it at Amazon### Synology DiskStation DS1821+

0See it at Amazon### QNAP TS-264-8G

0See it at Amazon### SynologyDiskStation DS923+

0See it at Amazon### ioSafe Duo Pro

0See it at ioSafe

The best NAS drives offer substantial storage capacity and integrate seamlessly into your home network, facilitating rapid data transfer across your devices. Whether you're syncing smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, NAS devices make it easy to manage and access your digital media libraries. While NAS solutions can be pricey, we've selected eight top-notch options to suit various needs and budgets.

1. Synology DiskStation DS224+

Best NAS

Our Top Pick### Synology DiskStation DS224+

0Easy-to-use, blazing fast NAS featuring two drive bays, two Gigabit LAN ports, a powerful Intel Celeron processor, and a 2GB 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

If you're looking to avoid the hassle of complex software or settling for basic hardware, the Synology DiskStation DS224+ offers a highly capable yet user-friendly NAS solution. With two drive bays, you can choose to maximize storage up to 32TB or opt for a RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy. The dual Gigabit LAN ports support higher speeds with Link Aggregation or network failover, though a 2.5GB or 10GB LAN port would enhance connectivity further.

Synology's versatile apps and software run on an intuitive interface, enabling you to store security camera footage, set up a Plex server, or keep files and photos safely accessible. Whether you need to transcode 4K media, manage files efficiently, or stream videos smoothly, the DiskStation DS224+ performs admirably, powered by a robust Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM.

2. UGreen NASync DXP2800

Best Budget NAS

### UGREEN NASync DXP2800

0With quality hardware, a stylish design, and a modest price, this NAS, which comes with dual drive bays, 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

The UGreen NASync DXP2800 combines well-built hardware, an attractive design, and a competitive price. It's powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, making it ideal for managing a high-quality video library and handling hardware transcoding with ease.

UGreen provides a comprehensive OS that simplifies setup and network configuration, along with security features like two-factor authentication. Setting up file backups and a personal cloud server for remote access is straightforward. While Plex isn't native, it can be easily installed via Docker without compromising performance.

The dual SATA drive bays support up to 24TB each, offering ample space for your media collection or enhanced security with RAID configurations. UGreen's toolless installation system makes adding drives a breeze, and the two M.2 slots accommodate NVMe SSDs up to 8TB. With a 2.5Gb ethernet port for fast SATA file transfers, plus HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A ports, connectivity is robust and versatile.

3. Synology DiskStation DS223j

Most Affordable NAS

### Synology DiskStation DS223j

0Ultra affordable and easy-to-use NAS that’s 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

Not all NAS options need to break the bank, and the Synology DiskStation DS223j is a prime example, ideal for those new to NAS or with simpler storage requirements. It comes equipped with 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 basic and primarily plastic, requiring a screwdriver to mount the two 3.5” SATA drives, it's not a frequent task. With a maximum storage capacity of 32TB and no M.2 slots or multi-gig ethernet port, the DS223j focuses on simplicity, reliability, and affordability, making it a solid choice for beginners.

4. Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals

### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

0Hardware like an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, drive bays that support 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives, and two additional M.2 PCIe NVMe slots ensure this NAS can keep up. 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 those who need a versatile and powerful NAS, the Asustor Lockerstor AS6602T is the perfect match. Equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM (upgradable to 8GB), this NAS supports 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives in its two bays, accommodating large 18TB hard drives or fast SSDs. Two additional M.2 PCIe NVMe slots provide options for even faster storage.

With dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports that support link aggregation for up to 5Gb connectivity, the AS6602T is designed for speed. It's ideal for backups, virtualization, or as a robust media center, with an HDMI 2.0 port for a 4K HDR experience and 10-bit 4K hardware decoding.

5. Synology DiskStation DS1821+

Best Multi-Bay NAS

### Synology DiskStation DS1821+

0For those who need excess amounts of storage, grab this NAS that delivers eight drive bays for a total 128TB capacity and even has 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

If you're dealing with a vast amount of data and need a robust storage solution, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is your go-to choice. Priced over $1,000, this NAS offers future-proof expandability with its eight drive bays, supporting up to 128TB of storage for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives or SSDs, all of which are hot-swappable.

For even more storage, the DS1821+ supports expansion units, extending 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 upgradable DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32GB), this NAS ensures high performance and reliability.

6. QNAP TS-264-8G

Best NAS for Media Streaming

### QNAP TS-264-8G

0Enjoy a central location for your media library with this NAS offering 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

A NAS provides a central hub for all your devices to access your media library, and the QNAP TS-264-8G is designed specifically for streaming. With dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports, it offers ample throughput to handle multiple simultaneous media file accesses. The built-in 4K-capable HDMI output makes it perfect for TV setups.

The TS-264-8G features two 3.5-inch drive bays for extensive storage, supplemented by two PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching or enhanced network speeds. Powered by an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, this NAS is well-equipped for smooth 4K video streaming with hardware transcoding.

7. Synology DiskStation DS923+

Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations

### SynologyDiskStation DS923+

0Be extra secure in your data backup, as this NAS offers four drive bays for ample storage and the ability to run it in redundancy with several RAID configurations. 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

One of the key advantages of a NAS is data backup security, and the Synology DiskStation DS923+ excels in this area with its four drive bays. This setup allows for ample storage and multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, SHR, Basic, and JBOD, ensuring your data remains safe.

The DS923+ supports 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, and includes two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching. With two 1Gb ethernet ports supporting Link Aggregation or Failover, and an option for 10Gb connectivity, this NAS is versatile. It's powered by a high-performing dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, all running on the user-friendly DSM operating system.

8. ioSafe Duo Pro

Best Rugged NAS

### ioSafe Duo Pro

0Though technically not a NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro drive keeps your data safe from fire and water while offering RAID configurations as an extra blanket of protection. 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

While the ioSafe Duo Pro isn't technically a NAS, it's designed to keep your data safe from physical damage. It's fireproof, water-resistant, and boasts an IP68 rating, protecting against submersion in water up to 10 feet for 72 hours.

In addition to physical protection, the Duo Pro offers various RAID configurations for data integrity and robust, long-lasting drive bays. ioSafe also provides data recovery services. To use it as a NAS, you'll need to share it with your home network through an always-on computer or connect it directly to your router via USB.

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 the same network, a NAS device allows you to share files from a central location. Additionally, it can back up multiple computers simultaneously, simplifying the process.

What are you using it for?

If you find yourself in a situation where multiple devices need to access the same files or tools, a NAS device is a valuable solution. It's not just about storage; it's about seamless access too. If you have a large media library, consider turning your NAS into a Plex server to provide everyone in your home with easy access to movies, TV shows, and music.

Go diskless? How many bays?

Most NAS devices come without disk drives, requiring you to purchase them separately. Since NAS manufacturers typically don't produce hard drives, they sell their devices diskless. If you already own compatible drives, this isn't an issue, but always check the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal performance.

Bays are where disk drives are housed, and more bays mean greater potential capacity. For most users, two or more bays are ideal, while multimedia setups often require more.