9 Best NAS Devices for Personal, Business, and Media Storage in 2024

In today’s digital age, managing and storing your data efficiently is crucial. Whether you’re a small business owner, a tech enthusiast, or someone with a growing collection of multimedia files, a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device can be a game-changer. NAS devices offer a convenient and secure way to store, access, and back up your data from anywhere.

1. Criteria for Choosing the Best NAS

Choosing the right NAS can be challenging given the myriad options available. To simplify your decision, consider these key factors:

Capacity and Scalability

Evaluate storage needs to determine the optimal capacity. Look for NAS devices with scalable options so you can easily add more drives as your data grows. Check for RAID support, which offers redundancy and greater storage flexibility.

Ease of Use and Setup

Prioritize NAS systems with intuitive interfaces and straightforward setup processes. User-friendly software can make managing your NAS simpler. Consider devices with guided setup wizards to avoid technical hurdles.

Compatibility and Integration

Ensure compatibility with your existing hardware and software. Verify NAS systems that integrate seamlessly with popular platforms like Windows, macOS, and various mobile operating systems. Look for third-party app compatibility to enhance functionality.

By focusing on these criteria, you’ll find a NAS that meets your storage, usability, and integration needs.

2. Best NAS for Home Use

Finding the best NAS for home use ensures you have a reliable and efficient way to store, manage, and back up your personal data. Here are two top options for home users.

Synology DiskStation DS220j

Opt for the Synology DiskStation DS220j if you need a budget-friendly yet powerful solution. It features a dual-core processor, 512MB DDR4 memory, and supports up to 32TB of storage. This NAS offers Synology’s intuitive DiskStation Manager (DSM) software, making it easy to set up and use. With built-in apps like Synology Drive and Moments, you can manage files and photos effortlessly. Its energy-efficient design reduces power consumption, making it ideal for continuous operation at home.

QNAP TS-251B

Choose the QNAP TS-251B for versatility and multimedia capabilities. Equipped with an Intel Celeron dual-core CPU, 2GB DDR3L (expandable up to 8GB), and support for up to 32TB of storage, it can handle various home storage needs. It includes QNAP’s QTS operating system, which offers extensive app support for tasks like file sharing, backup, and media streaming. HDMI output allows you to connect directly to a TV for seamless media playback. Its hardware-accelerated encryption ensures data security without sacrificing performance.

3. Best NAS for Small Businesses

Choosing the right NAS is vital for small businesses to manage their growing data needs. Here are some of the top options that provide excellent features and reliability.

Netgear ReadyNAS RN424

Netgear ReadyNAS RN424 delivers powerful performance and efficient data management. It offers:

• Quad-Core Processor: Ensures smooth operation and quick access to your data with minimal lag.
• Expandable Storage: Allows you to start with a small capacity and expand up to 40TB as your business grows.
• Advanced Data Protection: Features like RAID configuration, automatic backups, and snapshot technology protect against data loss.
• Cloud Integration: Easily integrates with popular cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox for seamless data synchronization.
• Five Levels of File Protection: Provides comprehensive data protection, including antivirus and bit rot protection.
• User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive dashboard allows for easy setup, monitoring, and management, even for non-technical users.

QNAP TS-453D

QNAP TS-453D stands out with its versatility and robust features. It provides:

• High-Speed Connectivity: Dual 2.5GbE ports enable faster data transfer and network efficiency, perfect for SMBs with high data traffic.
• Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-Core Processor: Ensures efficient multitasking and smooth operation, handling various applications simultaneously.
• Expandable RAM: Start with 4GB of RAM, expandable up to 8GB to cater to increased workload demands.
• Comprehensive Security: Advanced security features including encryption and antivirus protect your sensitive business data.
• 4K Media Playback and Transcoding: Ideal for businesses dealing with media files, provides excellent 4K HDMI output and video transcoding.
• Hybrid Backup Sync: Simplifies backup processes with file backup, restoration, and synchronization across multiple platforms including cloud services.

These NAS devices offer essential features that help small businesses efficiently manage data while ensuring security and scalability.

4. Best NAS for Media Professionals

Media professionals require NAS devices that offer robust performance, high storage capacity, and seamless playback features. Here are the top picks:

Synology DiskStation DS920+

The Synology DiskStation DS920+ is perfect for media professionals needing optimal performance. It supports up to four drives, giving you ample storage for high-resolution videos and graphics. Its Intel Celeron J4125 processor ensures smooth multitasking, even with heavy workloads. Plus, the 4GB RAM, expandable up to 8GB, handles multiple applications effortlessly.

Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) software provides robust media management tools. It supports 4K video transcoding, enabling smooth streaming across various devices. Plus, its intuitive interface helps you quickly organize and access your media files.

Asustor Lockerstor 4 AS6604T

The Asustor Lockerstor 4 AS6604T is a versatile choice for media professionals. Equipped with a powerful Intel Celeron J4125 processor and 4GB of RAM, this NAS ensures swift data processing and media playback. It supports up to four bays, offering extensive storage capacity for large media libraries.

One standout feature is its dual 2.5GbE ports, providing faster network speeds and enhanced performance for high-definition video editing and streaming. Furthermore, the ADM operating system gives you access to numerous apps, perfect for managing and sharing media content efficiently.

5. Best Budget-Friendly NAS Options

When you’re looking for an efficient way to manage your files without breaking the bank, budget-friendly NAS options can be a lifesaver. Here are some top picks that offer great value for their price.

Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra

Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra is an excellent choice for budget-conscious users. It features a dual-core 1.3 GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance for most home tasks. With easy setup and a user-friendly dashboard, you can manage your data effortlessly. The device supports RAID configurations for data redundancy, and its compatibility with popular apps like Plex enhances your media experience. Priced reasonably, it’s perfect for those seeking reliability without a hefty price tag.

TerraMaster F2-221

TerraMaster F2-221 offers impressive performance at an affordable price. Powered by an Intel dual-core 2.0 GHz processor with 2 GB of RAM, it’s more than capable of handling your daily storage needs. This device supports AES hardware encryption, ensuring that your data remains secure. The F2-221 comes with an intuitive interface, making it easy to set up and manage. Additionally, it’s compatible with various cloud services and multimedia applications. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly NAS with robust features, this is a great option.

6. Best NAS for Scalability

If you’re looking for a NAS that can grow with you, scalability is key. These solutions ensure that as your data needs expand, your NAS can keep up without missing a beat.

Synology DiskStation DS1817+

This NAS is perfect for scalability thanks to its robust expansion options. You can start with eight bays and add more as your storage needs increase, supporting up to 108TB. It offers dual-core 2.4GHz CPU and 2GB of RAM, upgradable to 16GB, ensuring smooth performance. With four Gigabit Ethernet ports, you’ll get excellent network speeds, and its support for link aggregation further boosts connectivity. Ideal for growing businesses, it’s compatible with a host of enterprise features like Btrfs file system and snapshot replication.

7. Best NAS for Security Features

Protecting your data is crucial, and a NAS with robust security features can provide peace of mind. Here’s the best NAS for security features:

Netgear ReadyNAS 2304

Netgear ReadyNAS 2304 is designed with security in mind, making it an excellent choice for both businesses and individuals. It includes 5 levels of data protection: automatic RAID configuration, real-time antivirus, bit rot protection, offsite replication, and easy-to-use backup. This comprehensive suite ensures your data is safeguarded from various threats.

The AES 256-bit encryption ensures your stored data is protected from unauthorized access. The ReadyNAS 2304 also supports multiple snapshot versions, allowing you to recover previous versions of your data in case of ransomware attacks or accidental deletions. Integrated cloud backup options further enhance data security, giving you multiple layers of protection.

With ReadyNAS OS, the user interface is designed to manage and monitor your data security easily. It offers features like encrypted remote access, two-factor authentication, and centralized access management, ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive information. Optimal network security makes the Netgear ReadyNAS 2304 a top contender for a security-focused NAS solution.

8. Best NAS with Cloud Services

Integrating cloud services enhances the functionality of your NAS. You’ll benefit from automatic backups, remote access, and collaboration features.

QNAP TS-451D2

This device seamlessly blends NAS and cloud features. It offers integration with major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. With its Intel Celeron quad-core processor, you’ll experience smooth multitasking and efficient data management. The device supports Hybrid Backup Sync, allowing you to easily back up data to the cloud or another NAS. Additionally, you’ll find the Qsync feature useful as it syncs files across multiple devices, ensuring you always have the latest version available.

9. Best Innovative NAS Technology

Innovative NAS technology can elevate your data management experience, offering cutting-edge features to optimize storage, performance, and usability.

Asustor AS5202T

Asustor AS5202T stands out with its dual 2.5GbE ports, providing exceptional data transfer speeds. This NAS features an Intel Gemini Lake dual-core processor, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. It’s perfect for gamers and media enthusiasts, supporting 4K streaming and transcoding. The device also offers a robust app ecosystem with over 200 apps, enhancing its versatility. With Asustor’s ADM operating system, you’ll find an intuitive interface designed to simplify management tasks.

Conclusion

Choosing the right NAS device can significantly enhance your data management and storage capabilities. Whether you’re a personal user, small business owner, or media professional, there’s a NAS out there to meet your needs. From the scalable and secure Synology DiskStation DS1817+ to the cloud-integrated QNAP TS-451D2 and the high-speed Asustor AS5202T, each device offers unique features tailored to different requirements. Investing in a quality NAS not only safeguards your data but also streamlines your digital workflow, making it a valuable addition to your tech arsenal.