NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices are essentially hard drives you can access remotely through a network rather than plugging directly into your computer. They make it possible to do many things, such as setting up a Plex server to back up important files.
They’re typically more expensive and complex storage solutions than a simple external hard drive, but they allow you to access your files anywhere. NAS devices also have extra data security features to keep your files safe. Many are also highly expandable, upgradeable, and capable of holding vast files and media.
Whether you’re looking for a simple network attached storage solution for storing movies and music or a business-ready data vault with several dozen terabytes of space, here are the best NAS from top brands.
The Western Digital My Cloud EX2 is far from the most advanced NAS, the fastest, or the most versatile, but it wins its place as the best overall for most people because it’s affordable and hassle-free. The My Cloud Ex2 is pretty much plug-and-play and comes with 8TB of storage capacity, which is plenty for home use. It also comes with Plex Media Server built-in, a digital media player that makes it easy to stream your favorite media to all of your devices.
Best Overall
Western Digital My Cloud EX2
8 to 36TB storage options
Great value
Easy to set up
Not expandable or upgradeable
Other handy features include the ability to easily schedule backups from multiple devices and share files with others by creating private links. Unusually for a device that’s just about as easy to set up as an ordinary external hard drive, it also comes with advanced security features. We think it’s the best NAS for the average person who wants a straightforward device.
Processor: Marvell ARMADA 1.3 GHz | Storage Capacity: 8TB (included) to 36TB | Compatibility: Windows, macOS | Ports: Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 3.0
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need to store a ton of data, the Buffalo LinkStation 210 is a great option. By NAS standards, the LinkStation 210 is an absolute bargain; it’s almost in the price range of traditional hard disk drives (HDD) that you find in many computers. However, Buffalo limited this device to just 2TB to 4TB of storage capacity, which isn’t much for a NAS. Secondly, it only features a single, outdated USB port, though the Gigabit Ethernet port is what’s really important here.
Best Budget
Buffalo LinkStation 210 NAS Server
Low cost
Storage included
Relatively small and portable
Easy setup process
Not a lot of storage
Slow USB 2.0 port
The LinkStation 210 is a NAS for people who only need a small quantity of remotely accessible storage for backup, file sharing, and streaming. You can set it up with a smartphone or tablet, and it’s perfect for first-time NAS users.
Processor: Unknown | Storage Capacity: 2TB (included) to 4TB ︱Compatibility: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Ports: USB 2.0, RJ45
If you need to store a massive quantity of data, the Synology DiskStation DS918+ is the NAS device for you. This hulking NAS device offers nine drive bays, which, when filled with high capacity drives, can offer up to 48TB of storage capacity.
Best Storage
Synology DiskStation DS918+
Can store up to 48TB of data
High-performance components
Pro-level features
Steep price tag
Though the DS918+ is quite expensive, you get your money’s worth with the potential storage capacity. It starts with 8TB of hard drive storage and two 128GB M.2 SSDs for a total of 256GB of storage. You also get 8GB of RAM, which you can expand for faster operation. On top of a powerful processor, this flexibility makes the DS918+ a truly impressive NAS device.
Processor: Quad-core | Storage Capacity: 8TB (included) to 48TB︱Compatibility: Windows 7 and 10, macOS 10.11+ | Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 2x RJ45, eSATA
The Western Digital My Cloud EX4100 is much like our top pick. It’s easy to use and includes 8TB of storage, but the EX4100 is available in models that run up to 24TB if you need that extra capacity.
Best for Home
Western Digital My Cloud EX4100
Easy to use
8TB of included storage
Plenty of room to expand
Expensive
The EX4100 features a more powerful processor than the EX2 and extra RAM for increased performance. It also offers a more secure platform for storing your irreplaceable photos and files. If you’re interested in setting up a Plex Media Server for streaming at home, this is an ideal device to use. Overall, this NAS device is perfect as a data hub that your whole family can easily access, no matter where they happen to be.
Processor: Marvell ARMADA 388 1.6GHz | Storage Capacity: 8TB (included) to 24TB︱Compatibility: Windows, macOS | Ports: 3x USB 3.0, 2x RJ45
If you fear the unthinkable event of a fire and losing precious photos or replaceable or sensitive data stored on computers or external drives, the IoSafe 218 2-Bay NAS eases those fears. The design is fireproof up to 1550 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. It’s also submersible up to 10 feet underwater for as long as 72 hours.
Best Fireproof
IoSafe 218 2-Bay NAS Array
Can survive fires and floods
Theft and tamper protection
Hard drives are included
Low capacity for the cost
That kind of serious protection comes at a high cost, however. While this NAS only holds an included 8TB of total capacity, it’ll set you back a pretty penny. However, keep in mind that for that price, you’re getting a highly sophisticated NAS system with features just as robust as its physical durability.
Processor: Realtek RTD1296 Quad Core 1.4GHz | Storage Capacity: 8TB (included) to 24TB︱Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Ubuntu | Ports: 2x USB Type-A, USB Type-A
While in most respects the IoSafe 1517 40TB 5-Bay NAS Array is almost identical to the IoSafe 218, it varies in one key respect. It stores five times more than its smaller counterpart at only a bit more than twice the price.
Best Splurge
IoSafe 1517 5-Bay NAS Array
40TB of included storage
Waterproof and fireproof
Theft and tamper protection
Extremely expensive
With that said, for 40TB of storage capacity, the IoSafe 1517 requires an investment. However, if ensuring the safety of your data is essential to your business, or if you have deep pockets and just want to purchase some peace of mind, then the IoSafe 1517 has room for everything you might need to store somewhere safe and sound.
Processor: Annapurna labs AI-314 | Storage Capacity: 40TB︱Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Ubuntu | Ports: 2x USB Type-A, 2x eSATA
One of the best uses for a NAS is a streaming hub for various media, and the QNAP TS-251D-4G handles streaming easily. It has Plex integration and a built-in HDMI cable that you can plug straight into your TV and quickly access all your media on the big screen. It also features a built-in AI-powered smart photo management that allows this NAS to sort your photos using facial recognition, geotagging, and other metrics.
Best for Streaming
QNAP TS-251D 2-Bay NAS
Can connect directly to a TV via HDMI
Plex integration
AI photo management
Cheap design
A bit pricey
Drives not included
The downside is that you have to expect to pay a little more for the TS-251D-4G, and its design is flimsier than comparable NAS devices. You’ll also have to purchase storage drives for the bays. However, if you’re primarily interested in streaming content, this is the NAS for you.
Processor: Intel Celeron J4005 | Storage Capacity: Up to 32TB (not included)︱Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, UNIX | Ports: 3x USB 2.0, 2x USB Gen 3.2, RJ45, HDMI
Though it’s a bit on the pricey side, particularly considering that it doesn’t come with drives to fill its two drive bays, the Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T is the way to go if speed is a priority.
Best for Speed
Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T
- High performance
- HDMI connectivity
- Robust app support
In addition to a powerful processor and a decent supply of RAM, the Lockerstor 2 includes two M.2 NVMe SSD slots. If you take advantage of this SSD space, you could greatly increase the speed of the NAS. Additionally, you also get two HDMI ports, making this a great NAS for streaming, and it also supports an impressive library of apps for expanded functionality.
Processor: Intel Celeron J4125 | Storage Capacity: Up to 36TB (not included)︱Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, UNIX, BSD | Ports: 3x USB 3.0, 2x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI
What to Look For in Network Attached Storage
Additional Drive Bays
Many NAS devices come with one or more additional drive bays. This setup is ideal, as it allows you to expand the storage capacity of the NAS over time, and even swap out defective drives without losing data in some models.
Media Streaming Capabilities
You can use most NAS devices to stream media, but some are better at it than others. Some NAS devices even include an HDMI port and a remote, so you can plug right into a television without using a media center PC or streaming device as a middleman.
Encryption
NAS devices that include hardware-level encryption are much faster than devices that rely on software. Encryption, which puts password protection on your data, is primarily important if you use your NAS to back up sensitive data that you don’t want anyone to access. Even if you only access your NAS through your home network, encryption will protect you if someone steals the device.
About Our Trusted Experts
Andy Zahn has been writing for Lifewire since 2019 and is experienced in the field of computer technology. As an avid photographer, he is acutely aware of the importance of backing data to a secure and easily accessible location. He selected only NAS drives he would personally consider buying and chose models based on the integrity of the brand, as well as the features and price point of the specific NAS.
- Do I need a NAS or an external hard drive?
- A NAS device is great if you need to store a lot of information and extra security for your data. NAS devices also help you access your information remotely. Not everyone needs those advantages. A simple and cheap external hard drive might be a more economical choice if you don’t need to back up many photos, store sensitive data, or have little interest in building your library of media content for streaming.
- How do I set up a NAS?
- Depending on whether your NAS comes with hard drives pre-installed or not, you may need to start by inserting hard drives into the NAS’s drive bays. Next, connect the power and local area network (LAN) cable from your router to the NAS, and power it on. Following this, you will likely follow guidance by the software included with your NAS to finish the rest of the installation process. It will involve locating, formatting, and other steps, depending on what you plan to do with your NAS.
- What is the speed of a NAS?
- NAS speed varies widely depending on many factors, but expect them to be significantly slower than a typical external hard drive. These are devices primarily useful for backing up and storing data long-term where speed isn’t a significant factor.
A NAS device is great if you need to store a lot of information and extra security for your data. NAS devices also help you access your information remotely. Not everyone needs those advantages. A simple and cheap external hard drive might be a more economical choice if you don’t need to back up many photos, store sensitive data, or have little interest in building your library of media content for streaming.
Depending on whether your NAS comes with hard drives pre-installed or not, you may need to start by inserting hard drives into the NAS’s drive bays. Next, connect the power and local area network (LAN) cable from your router to the NAS, and power it on. Following this, you will likely follow guidance by the software included with your NAS to finish the rest of the installation process. It will involve locating, formatting, and other steps, depending on what you plan to do with your NAS.
NAS speed varies widely depending on many factors, but expect them to be significantly slower than a typical external hard drive. These are devices primarily useful for backing up and storing data long-term where speed isn’t a significant factor.
