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

If you own one of the best gaming PCs or laptops and are looking for a robust solution to back up or transfer your precious data, consider upgrading to a network-attached storage (NAS) drive. Even if your machine is equipped with a top SSD or you have large external hard drives filled with essential files, photos, and other content, a NAS like our top pick, the Synology DiskStation DS224+, offers unparalleled convenience and security.

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### Synology DiskStation DS923+

0See it at Amazon### ioSafe Duo Pro

0See it at ioSafeThe best NAS drives offer substantial storage capacity and integrate seamlessly into your home network, allowing quick data transfers to and from your devices. Smartphones, tablets, desktops, and laptops can connect to the same network simultaneously, making it easy to sync and manage your digital media libraries. However, NAS devices can be pricey, so choosing the right one is crucial. We've selected eight top options that cater to various needs and budgets.

1. Synology DiskStation DS224+

Best NAS

Our Top Pick### Synology DiskStation DS224+

0This easy-to-use, high-speed NAS features two drive bays, dual Gigabit LAN ports, a powerful Intel Celeron processor, and 2GB of upgradable RAM. It's perfect for those who want a capable yet straightforward solution for data storage and management.

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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 ideal for those who want to avoid complex software while still enjoying a robust NAS solution. With two drive bays, you can increase storage up to 32TB or opt for RAID 1 for data redundancy. The dual Gigabit LAN ports support Link Aggregation and network failover, though a multi-gig LAN option would be a welcome addition for even faster connections.

Synology's user-friendly interface and versatile apps make it easy to set up for various uses, from storing security camera footage to serving as a Plex server or simply keeping your files and photos secure and accessible. With a powerful Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM (upgradable), it handles tasks like 4K media transcoding, file management, and video streaming with ease.

2. UGreen NASync DXP2800

Best Budget NAS

### UGREEN NASync DXP2800

0This NAS offers quality hardware and a stylish design at a mid-range price, featuring dual drive bays ready to back up all your files.

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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 is a well-built, visually appealing NAS with quality hardware at a reasonable price. It's powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, making it well-suited for a high-quality video library and capable of handling hardware transcoding effortlessly.

The NAS comes with a comprehensive OS for easy setup and network configuration, along with security features like two-factor authentication. It's straightforward to set up for file backups and creating a personal cloud server accessible from anywhere. Although Plex isn't native, it can be easily installed using Docker without compromising performance.

For storage, the dual SATA drive bays support up to 24TB each, allowing ample room for media or redundant RAID configurations. UGreen's toolless system makes drive installation a breeze, and two M.2 slots support up to 8TB NVMe SSDs for fast storage. A 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures speedy file transfers, while additional connectivity options include HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A.

3. Synology DiskStation DS223j

Most Affordable NAS

### Synology DiskStation DS223j

0This ultra-affordable, user-friendly NAS is perfect for beginners looking to dive into network-attached storage.

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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 those new to NAS or with simpler storage needs. It runs on Synology's highly regarded DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, which offers a 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, the DS223j remains a reliable and cost-effective solution. It supports up to 32TB of storage but lacks M.2 slots for caching and multi-gig ethernet for faster transfer speeds. Nevertheless, it excels in simplicity, reliability, and affordability.

4. Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals

### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

0This NAS is packed with hardware like an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, and versatile storage options to meet the demands of power users and professionals.

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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

For power users and professionals seeking a versatile NAS, the Asustor Lockerstor AS6602T is an ideal choice. It comes equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM (upgradable to 8GB), supporting both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives for maximum flexibility. With the option for up to 18TB hard drives or speedy SSDs, and two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots, you're not limited by SATA speeds.

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

5. Synology DiskStation DS1821+

Best Multi-Bay NAS

### Synology DiskStation DS1821+

0For those requiring vast storage, this NAS offers eight drive bays for a total capacity of 128TB, along with M.2 NVMe slots for high-speed caching.

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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

If you have extensive data to store and need easy access across multiple devices, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is the solution. 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, totaling 128TB capacity. The hot-swappable drives and expansion units allow for up to 18 drive bays, while M.2 2280 NVMe slots enhance performance with high-speed caching. The system is powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory, expandable to 32GB.

6. QNAP TS-264-8G

Best NAS for Media Streaming

### QNAP TS-264-8G

0This NAS is designed for media streaming, offering dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, 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 tailored for streaming media, featuring dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to handle multiple large file accesses simultaneously. With a built-in 4K HDMI output, it's perfect for placement next to your TV.

The NAS includes two 3.5-inch drive bays for extensive storage, complemented by two PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching or enhanced network speeds. It's powered by an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, ensuring smooth 4K video streaming with hardware transcoding.

7. Synology DiskStation DS923+

Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations

### Synology DiskStation DS923+

0This NAS offers four drive bays for ample storage and various RAID configurations for enhanced data security.

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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

For those prioritizing data backup and security, the Synology DiskStation DS923+ is an excellent choice. It features four drive bays for substantial storage and supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, SHR, Basic, and JBOD.

The NAS supports 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, and includes two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching. With dual 1Gb ethernet ports and the option for 10Gb connectivity, it ensures robust performance. The device runs on a high-performing dual-core AMD Ryzen processor with 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM and the user-friendly DSM operating system.

8. ioSafe Duo Pro

Best Rugged NAS

### ioSafe Duo Pro

0While not a traditional NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro 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 engineered for data safety, offering fireproof and water-resistant protection with an IP68 rating against full submersion in water up to 10 feet for 72 hours. It also provides various RAID configurations and robust drive bays for long-term data protection.

While not specifically designed as a NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro can be used for network storage by sharing it through an always-on computer or connecting it directly to your router via USB. ioSafe also offers data recovery services for added peace of mind.

What to Look for in NAS

A NAS can resolve common networking challenges, especially if you share a network with family or housemates. It allows you to share files across multiple computers from a single central unit and simplifies backups by storing data in one place.

What are you using it for?

If you need to share files or tools among multiple devices or want to access a large media library from various devices, a NAS is a great solution. You can even set it up as a Plex server for seamless access to movies, TV shows, and music throughout your home.

Go diskless? How many bays?

Most NAS devices are sold without disk drives, requiring you to purchase them separately. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for compatible drives. The number of bays determines the NAS's potential storage capacity; two or more bays are typically recommended, with multimedia systems often requiring more.