by Aria Apr 24,2025
If you own one of the best gaming PCs or laptops and are looking for a reliable way to back up or transfer your valuable data, a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) drive is an excellent solution. Even if you have a top SSD or sizable external hard drives storing your essential files, photos, and other content, nothing beats the convenience and scalability of a NAS like our top pick, the Synology DiskStation DS224+.
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
Synology DiskStation DS923+
0See it at Amazon
ioSafe Duo Pro
0See it at ioSafe
NAS drives offer significant storage capacity and seamlessly integrate with your home network, facilitating quick data transfers to and from your devices. Whether you're using smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, you can connect them to the same network and sync them effortlessly, making NAS perfect for managing digital media libraries. However, NAS devices can be expensive, so it's crucial to choose wisely. We've selected eight top options to suit various needs.
Our Top Pick: Synology DiskStation DS224+
0The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is an easy-to-use, high-performance NAS with two drive bays, dual Gigabit LAN ports, a powerful Intel Celeron processor, and 2GB of upgradable RAM. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is perfect for those who want a capable yet straightforward NAS. It offers flexibility with up to 32TB of storage, depending on the drives, or a RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy. Its dual Gigabit LAN ports support Link Aggregation or network failover, though it lacks a multi-gig LAN for even faster connections.
Synology's suite of versatile apps and software runs on an intuitive interface, allowing you to store security camera footage, serve as a Plex server, or keep your files and photos safe and accessible. The Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM ensure smooth performance, with the option to upgrade the RAM.
UGREEN NASync DXP2800
0With quality hardware, a stylish design, and a modest price, this NAS with dual drive bays is perfect for backing up your files. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 offers quality hardware at a midrange price, featuring an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM. It's well-suited for managing a high-quality video library and handles hardware transcoding effortlessly.
UGREEN's comprehensive OS simplifies setup and network configuration, and includes security features like two-factor authentication. Though it lacks native Plex support, it's easy to install via Docker without sacrificing performance.
Storage options include dual SATA drive bays supporting up to 24TB each, with a toolless installation system. Additional fast storage is available via two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs up to 8TB, and a 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures speedy transfers. Other connectivity options include HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A.
Synology DiskStation DS223j
0An ultra-affordable and user-friendly NAS perfect for beginners. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
The Synology DiskStation DS223j is ideal for NAS newcomers and those with simpler storage needs. It features Synology's renowned DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, offering comprehensive applications for seamless file management across devices.
While its build quality is mostly plastic and requires a screwdriver for drive installation, it's a minor inconvenience for its affordability and reliability. It supports up to 32TB without M.2 slots for caching or storage, and lacks a multi-gig ethernet port for faster transfers.
Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
0With an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, and drive bays supporting both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives, this NAS is perfect for power users. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
The Asustor Lockerstor AS6602T is tailored for power users, featuring an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM, upgradeable to 8GB. It includes two drive bays supporting up to 18TB hard drives or SSDs, with additional M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for even faster storage options.
Dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports can be combined for up to 5Gb connectivity, making it ideal for speedy backups, virtualization, or a powerful media center. It also supports 10-bit 4K hardware decoding via an HDMI 2.0 port for a superior 4K HDR experience.
Synology DiskStation DS1821+
0With eight drive bays and a total capacity of 128TB, this NAS is perfect for those needing extensive storage. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
The Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is perfect for storing vast amounts of data, offering eight drive bays with a total capacity of 128TB. Its hot-swappable drives and expandability options, including support for up to 18 drive bays with expansion units, make it future-proof.
Powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory, expandable to 32GB, this NAS also features M.2 2280 NVMe slots for high-speed caching.
QNAP TS-264-8G
0This NAS offers a central location for your media library with dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
The QNAP TS-264-8G is designed for streaming, featuring dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to handle large media files and a 4K HDMI output for direct TV connection.
With two 3.5-inch drive bays and additional PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching or network speeds, it's powered by an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor with 8GB of DDR4 memory, ensuring smooth 4K video streaming with hardware transcoding.
Synology DiskStation DS923+
0This NAS offers four drive bays for ample storage and various RAID configurations for enhanced data security. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is ideal for those prioritizing data backup security, offering four drive bays and multiple RAID configurations. It supports 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, with M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching.
Powered by a dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, it features two 1Gb ethernet ports with Link Aggregation or Failover support, and an option for 10Gb connectivity.
ioSafe Duo Pro
0Though not technically a NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro keeps your data safe from fire and water while offering RAID configurations. See it at ioSafe
Product Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
The ioSafe Duo Pro prioritizes physical data protection with its fireproof and water-resistant design, featuring an IP68 rating for submersion up to 10 feet for 72 hours.
While it's not specifically a NAS, it offers RAID configurations and robust drive bays. For network storage, it must be shared via an always-on computer or connected directly to your router via USB.
NAS devices are invaluable for those sharing a network with family or housemates, enabling file sharing from a central unit and simplifying backups. If you need multiple devices to access the same tools or files, or manage a large media library, a NAS can be a game-changer. Consider turning it into a Plex server for seamless access to movies, TV shows, and music across your home.
Go diskless? How many bays?
Most NAS devices are sold without disk drives, requiring separate purchases. While some may already own compatible drives, it's wise to check manufacturer recommendations for optimal performance. The number of bays determines potential storage capacity, with two or more bays recommended, especially for multimedia systems.
Girls Frontline 2: Exilium Global Website Goes Live, Along With Its Socials!
Marvel Rivals: Understanding Bussing and Catching It
New Game Plus in Assassin's Creed Shadows: Confirmed?
Top Skills to Prioritize for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Pokemon GO Leak Teases New Adventure Effects
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Movements Reviewed by Two Parkour Athletes
Amazon Music Unlimited: Free 3-Month Trial Available
Death Stranding 2 Release Date Unveiled in Massive Trailer