Top NAS Picks for 2025: Store Games, Movies, and More

If you're the proud owner of one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, you'll understand the importance of safeguarding all your valuable data. Whether your machine boasts a top SSD or you're utilizing large external hard drives to store your essential files, photos, and other content, nothing quite matches the versatility and security offered by a Network Attached Storage (NAS) drive. Among the top choices, the Synology DiskStation DS224+ stands out as a favorite.

TL;DR – These are the Best NAS Devices:

Our Top Pick

Synology DiskStation DS224+

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UGREEN NASync DXP2800

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Synology DiskStation DS223j

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Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

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Synology DiskStation DS1821+

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QNAP TS-264-8G

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Synology DiskStation DS923+

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ioSafe Duo Pro

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NAS drives offer significant storage capacity and seamlessly integrate into your home network, enabling quick data transfers to and from your devices. Whether it's smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, these devices can all connect to the same network and sync effortlessly, making NAS an ideal solution for managing digital media libraries. However, NAS units can be costly, so choosing the right one is crucial. We've narrowed down the options to eight excellent NAS devices for various needs.

1. Synology DiskStation DS224+

Best NAS

Our Top Pick

Synology DiskStation DS224+

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The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is an easy-to-use, high-performance NAS featuring two drive bays, two Gigabit LAN ports, a powerful Intel Celeron processor, and 2GB of upgradable RAM.
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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

The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is perfect for those who want a straightforward yet capable NAS. With two drive bays, you can expand storage up to 32TB or configure a RAID 1 setup for data redundancy. The dual Gigabit LAN ports support Link Aggregation and network failover, though a 2.5GB or 10GB LAN port would enhance connectivity speeds even further.

Synology's versatile apps and software are accessible through an intuitive interface. Whether you're storing security camera footage, setting up a Plex server, or keeping your files and photos secure and accessible, the DiskStation DS224+ handles it all with ease. Its Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM ensure smooth performance, even for tasks like 4K media transcoding and video streaming.

2. UGREEN NASync DXP2800

Best Budget NAS

UGREEN NASync DXP2800

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With quality hardware, a stylish design, and a modest price, this NAS comes equipped with dual drive bays for ample file backup.
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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 offers well-built hardware and a sleek design at a midrange 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 operating system for easy setup and network configuration, along with enhanced security features like two-factor authentication. Setting up file backups and creating a personal cloud server for remote access is straightforward. While Plex isn't natively supported, it can be easily installed using Docker without compromising performance.

For storage, the dual SATA drive bays support up to 24TB each, allowing for extensive media storage or RAID redundancy. UGREEN's toolless installation system makes adding drives a breeze. Additional fast storage is available through two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs up to 8TB. A 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures speedy SATA file transfers, complemented by an HDMI port, USB-C, and USB-A for broad device compatibility.

3. Synology DiskStation DS223j

Most Affordable NAS

Synology DiskStation DS223j

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An ultra-affordable and user-friendly NAS perfect for beginners.
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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

The Synology DiskStation DS223j is an excellent choice for NAS newcomers and those with simpler storage needs. It features 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 primarily plastic and requires a screwdriver for drive installation, it's not a significant issue given the infrequent need to access the chassis. The storage capacity is limited to 32TB without M.2 slots for caching or additional storage, and it lacks a multi-gig ethernet port for faster transfer speeds. Nonetheless, it excels in simplicity, reliability, and affordability.

4. Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals

Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

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With hardware like an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, and versatile drive bays, this NAS is designed for those who need robust performance.
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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

The Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T is tailored for power users and professionals who need a versatile and powerful NAS. It comes equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM, which can be upgraded to 8GB. The device features two drive bays that support both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives, and two additional M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for even faster storage options.

For networking, it includes dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports that can be combined for 5Gb connectivity via link aggregation. Setting up the NAS for backups, virtualization, or as a media center is straightforward, and the HDMI 2.0 port supports 10-bit 4K hardware decoding for a superior 4K HDR experience.

5. Synology DiskStation DS1821+

Best Multi-Bay NAS

Synology DiskStation DS1821+

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For those requiring vast storage, this NAS offers eight drive bays with a total capacity of 128TB and includes M.2 2280 NVMe slots.
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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

The Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is perfect for users with extensive data storage needs. Priced over $1,000, it offers future-proof expandability with eight drive bays supporting 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch hard drives or SSDs, providing a total capacity of 128TB. The drives are hot-swappable, and the device supports expansion units to increase to 18 drive bays. Additionally, it includes M.2 2280 NVMe slots for high-speed caching.

The system is powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory, which can be expanded to 32GB, ensuring robust performance for all your storage needs.

6. QNAP TS-264-8G

Best NAS for Media Streaming

QNAP TS-264-8G

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Designed for media streaming, this NAS offers two 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, dual drive bays, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.
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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

The QNAP TS-264-8G is designed with media streaming in mind, offering a central location for your media library. It features dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to handle high throughput, ensuring smooth streaming even with multiple users. The device also includes a 4K-capable HDMI output, making it perfect for placement next to your TV.

With two 3.5-inch drive bays for ample storage and two additional PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching or enhanced network speeds, this NAS is powered by an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory. This setup ensures smooth 4K video streams with hardware transcoding.

7. Synology DiskStation DS923+

Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations

Synology DiskStation DS923+

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Ensure your data is backed up securely with this NAS offering four drive bays and multiple RAID configurations for redundancy.
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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

The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is ideal for users seeking robust data backup and security through RAID configurations. With four drive bays, you can maximize storage while maintaining redundancy. The device supports multiple RAID types, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, and JBOD, allowing you to select the best setup for your data protection needs.

The four bays accommodate 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, and the NAS includes two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching. It features two 1Gb ethernet ports with support for Link Aggregation or Failover, and there's an option to add 10Gb connectivity. The system is powered by a high-performing dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, ensuring efficient operation with the user-friendly DSM operating system.

8. ioSafe Duo Pro

Best Rugged NAS

ioSafe Duo Pro

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Though not technically a NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro drive offers fireproof and water-resistant protection for your data, with RAID configurations for added security.
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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

The ioSafe Duo Pro is built to protect your data from physical damage, boasting fireproof and water-resistant capabilities with an IP68 rating, ensuring protection against submersion up to 10 feet for 72 hours. While it's not designed as a NAS, it provides RAID configuration options and robust drive bays for data protection. ioSafe also offers data recovery services. To use it for network storage, you'll need to share it through an always-on computer or connect it directly to your router via USB.

What to Look for in NAS

NAS can solve many networking issues, particularly if you share a network with multiple users. A NAS device allows you to share files across all connected computers from a single central unit, simplifying backups and file access.

What are you using it for?

If you need to access the same tools or files across multiple devices in your home, a NAS device can streamline this process. It's not just about storage; it's about efficient access.

For those with large media libraries, turning your NAS into a Plex server can provide everyone in your home with seamless access to movies, TV shows, and music.

Go diskless? How many bays?

Most NAS devices are sold without disk drives, requiring separate purchases. This allows flexibility but requires checking compatibility with recommended disk brands. The number of bays determines potential storage capacity, with two or more bays being ideal, and multimedia systems often requiring more.