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The best network-attached storage devices you can buy

The best NAS storage devices feature user-friendly interfaces, fast performance, and excellent app availability.
Synology DiskStation DS1522+ | Best network-attached storage overall
Synology DiskStation DS1522+
Synology DiskStation DS1522+
Best network-attached storage overall
View now View at B&H
Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 | Best network-attached storage array with a versatile app suite
ASUSTOR Lockerstor 6 Gen 2
Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2
Best network-attached storage array with a versatile app suite
View now View at Newegg
QNAP TS-233-US 2-Bay NAS | Best budget NAS
QNAP TS-233-US 2 Bay Affordable Desktop NAS
QNAP TS-233-US 2-Bay NAS
Best budget NAS
View now View at Amazon
TerraMaster F4-423 | Best mid-tier network-attached storage
TerraMaster F4-423
TerraMaster F4-423
Best mid-tier network-attached storage
View now View at Newegg
SSK 2TB Portable NAS with Wi-Fi hotspot | Best NAS for portability
SSK 2TB Portable NAS with Wi-Fi hotspot
SSK 2TB Portable NAS with Wi-Fi hotspot
Best NAS for portability
View now View at Amazon

A network-attached storage device (NAS) can be invaluable for home and small office use. If you work for a large company, you undoubtedly have remote access to a corporate file server. But if you are employed by a small business or you're working from home, your file server is likely to be cloud-based. 

However, cloud services may not always cut it, especially for fully-remote workers. You may find NAS storage a more practical option. Sure, you're paying for drives, but once you pay out the expense for the NAS and drives, you're done -- no monthly subscriptions required. Furthermore, NAS devices are fast, easy to access, and tend to offer applications for creating local, private, on-premises business servers. This is why ZDNET has provided recommendations on the best NAS systems on offer today, backed by our years of experience in the field and with contributions from experts. 

What is the best NAS device right now?

Based on extensive testing, research, and expert opinions, ZDNET's top pick for the best NAS overall is the Synology Diskstation DS1522+. You can't go wrong with this NAS as a powerful, robust option with excellent supporting applications. Read on to find all of our recommendations for NAS devices on the market today.  

The best NAS devices of 2024

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Excellent DSM UI
  • Good price per bay
  • Great apps
  • Ample USB ports
Cons
  • No native 2.5GB Ethernet ports
  • No HDMI ports
  • No SSD-only models
More Details

Synology Diskstation DS1522+ specs: Drive bays: 5 | Max capacity: 108TB | Max w/expansion units: 270TB | RAM: 8GB DDR4 (32GB max) | 1GB Ethernet ports: 4 | 10GB Upgrade: with Gen3 x2 upgrade | USB 3.2 ports: 2 | eSATA ports: 2 | M.2 slots: 2

By far, the standout feature of any Synology NAS is the company's exceptional Diskstation Manager (DSM) software. While the Synology hardware is on par with many other NAS offerings, it's when that hardware is combined with the DSM software that Synology's offerings truly become noteworthy.

Also: We test the Synology DiskStation DS1817+ RAID

Synology's DS1522+ ships with built-in enterprise-grade data software and support for dozens of applications, OS, and SaaS services. Featuring five hard drive bays by default and expandable up to 15 bays total, the DS1522+ is an economical NAS solution with plenty of room to expand as the user's data storage needs grow.

Running Diskstation Manager, this NAS option comes with Synology's suite of enterprise backup solutions. This includes Active Backup for Business which allows users to backup Windows PCs, VMs, SaaS applications like Microsoft 365. 

Also included is Synology's Hyper Backup software, which allows you to back up your entire NAS or specific files and folders to most major cloud service providers. This flexible and free backup software gives the user enterprise-grade tools in an easy-to-understand format. This makes setting up a proper 3-2-1 backup environment a breeze, no matter what or how many devices you're responsible for.

"It's like the cool kid on the block that can handle all sorts of data and has a knack for impressing tech enthusiasts and small businesses alike," says user Kacper Rafalski, demand generation team leader at digital acceleration company, Netguru

The DS1522+ is also a certified storage device for VMware and is compatible with most major virtualization platforms, including Windows Server, Microsoft's Hyper-V, and Citrix. You can pick up the Synology DiskStation DS1522+ for around $700.

Also: How to set up your own NAS for more reliable data backups

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Ample M.2 slots
  • Reasonable RAM capacity
  • Built-in HDMI
Cons
  • Customers report slow tech support
More Details

Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen 2 specs: Drive bays: 6 | M.2 SSD slots: 4 | Max capacity: 120TB + M.2 capacity | RAM: 8GB | 2.5G Ethernet ports: 2 | USB 3.0 ports: Dual 3.2Gen 2x1 | PCIe Gen 3 x4 slots: Support PCIe 3.0 on M.2 SSD | HDMI: HDMI 2.0b

This Asustor Lockerstor model bridges worlds in a number of ways. First, by providing six hard drive bays as well as support for four M.2 sticks, it's possible to do some very interesting performance tiering work, both automatically and manually. Second, like the QNAP, the Lockerstor has HDMI output, possibly moving this from the server closet to the family room.

The internal 8GB RAM is respectable, and ZDNET was impressed with the 2.5G Ethernet port. The Lockerstor 6 uses the ADM operating system with more than 200 App Central applications, including various tools, business applications, office applications, and digital home entertainment.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Solid performance
  • Supports multimedia applications
Cons
  • Purchasing disks ramps up the cost
More Details

QNAP TS-233-US 2-Bay NAS specs: Drive bays: 2 | Max capacity: Diskless | RAM: 2GB (up to 4GB) | Ethernet ports: 1 | USB 2 ports: 2 | USB 3.2 ports: 1 

QNAP has a broad selection of NAS devices, and this lower-cost entry-level unit is absolutely worth consideration. At only $200 (without drives), this option provides you with a way to quickly create a private home cloud.

Powered by an ARM Cortex-A55 2.0GHz processor, this NAS station can serve two valuable purposes at home: working as a backup machine for Windows and Mac (via NetBak Replicator software and Time Machine), and as a storage system for your multimedia, including photos, videos, and important documents. 

The entry-level NAS comes with 3.5-inch drive bays that are 2.5-inch compatible. Customer reviews suggest that this NAS is excellent value for money, with one reviewer saying it "punches above its class." However, others say the user interface needs improvement.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Fast
  • Respectable user interface
  • HDMI port
  • Bay hot swaps
Cons
  • A bit more expensive than TerraMaster's earlier offerings
  • Fewer apps than Synology and QNAP
More Details

TerraMaster F4-423 specs: Drive bays: 4 | Max capacity: 80TB | RAM: 4GB | 2.5G Ethernet ports: 2 | USB 3.2 ports: 2 | HDMI port: 1 | M.2 slots: 2

TerraMaster is a solid storage space at a budget-friendly price. We found the user interface to be clean and well done and the overall usage experience to be solid. Now, to be clear, this is not a Synology, but that device is considerably more expensive.

TerraMaster is upping its game with the F4-423. Instead of a budget device, this is a performance machine, but at a mid-tier price. It's got two high-speed Ethernet ports, an HDMI port that lets you turn this into a media center server, and support for additional applications. TerraMaster says this model provides improved speeds and up to a 50% improvement in handling high-load workflows.

Overall, this is a solid product for higher-stress loads at a reasonable price. Cheaper, two-bay options are also available. Customers say this NAS solution is great for home setups, although some are irritated by its lack of documentation.

TerraMaster's NAS offering is typically available for around $500.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Portable
  • Personal cloud functionality
Cons
  • Some users report performance issues
More Details

SSK 2TB Portable NAS specs: HDD/SSD | Max capacity: 2TB | NTFS & EXFAT support | USB 3.0 ports: 1 | HDMI port: 1 | Supports up to 10 simultaneous connections

If you're interested in exploring the capabilities of NAS devices but aren't ready to take the plunge on a full rig -- yet -- you may want to consider the SSK 2TB portable NAS. 

To be clear, this product doesn't have bays and is more akin to an external storage drive than a full NAS -- and some users report problems with speed. However, it's cheap and provides a way to set up a personal cloud that can be accessed remotely via your PC, smartphone, and other mobile devices. 

Keep in mind, though, that this is a mechanical hard disk so you shouldn't treat it like a typical external SSD drive, which tends to be quite rugged. This $130 device is best kept safe on your desk. As it has its own Wi-Fi hotspot, I would use a product like this for accessing media including films and TV shows.

What is the best network-attached storage?

ZDNET's top pick for the best NAS available right now is the Synology Diskstation DS1522+. You can't go wrong with this NAS as a powerful, robust option, complete with excellent supporting applications, but if this model doesn't suit you, below are the top features to consider with alternatives:

Best network attached storage

Price

Bays

Max capacity

Ethernet

Synology Diskstation DS1522+

$700

5

90TB

4 1GB ports

Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen 2

$810

6

120TB

2 2.5GB ports

QNAP TS-233-US 2-Bay NAS

$200

2

36TB

1 port

TerraMaster F4-423

$500

4

80TB

2 2.5GB ports

SSK 2TB Portable NAS

$130

N/A

2TB

1 port

Which is the right NAS for you?

So, how should you choose? In this case, the decision tree is pretty straightforward. You need, of course, to determine your budget and storage needs. Almost all vendors offer models in two bays (room for two drives) and up. 

If you need a ton of storage, get more bays. But if you are new to the world of NAS devices, perhaps consider an entry-level or portable solution to familiarize yourself before investing in more powerful, heavy-duty gear. 

From there, here's a quick chart to help you make your decision. 

Choose this NAS device...

If you want...

Synology Diskstation DS1522+

The best overall NAS. By combining solid hardware and a best-in-class DSM software, this unit promises comprehensive storage for small businesses and remote workers alike.

Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen 2

The best NAS from a reputable brand. This model also features six hard drive bays, support for four M.2 sticks, and uses the ADM 4.0 operating system.

QNAP TS-233-US 2-Bay NAS

The best value storage with solid performance. This entry-level model will add considerable value to your network without breaking the bank. 

TerraMaster F4-423

The best mid-tier NAS with a nice user interface. Coming at a mid-tier price, it still has two high-speed Ethernet ports, an HDMI port, and accounts for higher stress loads.

SSK 2TB Portable NAS

A portable, less expensive, and less powerful option. While this portable NAS drive does provide you with a private cloud, it's more akin to an external hard drive than a typical NAS setup. 

Factors to consider when choosing a NAS storage solution

When you are considering purchasing a new NAS device, there are important factors to consider to ensure you select the right product:

  • Use cases: Consider what you intend your NAS device to do. Are you working with video? Do you want to set up a home workstation? Is it purely for entertainment? As these devices can be quite expensive, decide on its purpose before making a decision. 
  • Budget: You should always consider what your budget is before you purchase a new NAS system. Many are investment pieces and fetch a high price, and so you will want to pick the right option for you from the start. Also, do not forget you may have to purchase storage on top of a NAS if it is diskless.
  • Bays: How many bays do you require? Consider what you will be storing, and for how long. If you are working with multimedia and video, for example, you might want to go for higher tiers of storage. 
  • Connectivity: Some NAS devices will have Ethernet ports, others HDMI. Some portable offerings will create Wi-Fi hotspots on your behalf. Research the connectivity options on offer and ensure they are right for you. 

How did we choose these NAS devices?

Here at ZDNET, we have personal expertise in NAS devices dating back decades. Furthermore, we combine rigorous testing, verified customer reviews, and conversations with real-life users to select these NAS models, with a nod to user-friendly interfaces, performance, a model's strengths and weaknesses, and, of course, the price point. 

  • User-friendly interface: We selected NAS models that are easy to set up, include software models that promote easy use, or even have sharing and collaboration abilities. 

  • Fast performance: Unlike some cloud storage services, a NAS streamlines uploads and downloads, especially for video-editing tasks. 

  • Strengths and weaknesses: No model is perfect – we know that. So, we included the pros and cons of each model to see which features are most beneficial to your security, setup, and workflow. This includes whether or not they are considered portable.

  • Price: Many shoppers are on a budget, so we always look at a product's price point and take that into consideration. The initial cost can be expensive, but in comparison to the cost of long-term cloud subscriptions, you can end up saving, over time.

Should you build your own NAS service?

You can repurpose an old PC or even build a very custom NAS solution to meet your exact needs.

ZDNET author and resident hardware expert David Gewirtz has built his own NAS boxes for years, including some that were highly customized. But as the NAS offerings from vendors like Synology, QNAP, and Drobo improved, the need to build his own diminished. 

If you're comfortable with the prospect of sourcing PC parts and building PCs, you'll probably want to go it on your own. But if you're new to PC building, buying an appliance NAS is probably the way to go. 

What is a RAID?

Most NAS devices (and all the ones we're recommending here) support RAID. RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. RAID technology takes advantage of the fact that you have multiple hard disks with multiple spinning platters.

One form of RAID allows you to write on one, then the other to increase speed. But the RAID we're most concerned with here is mirroring. 

A well-implemented RAID array will allow one drive to fail completely without losing any data. 

What's the difference between network storage and DAS?

NAS is network-attached storage. That's storage that's on your network. DAS is directly-attached storage, and that's storage plugged right into your computer. 

If you have more than one computer on your network, work with a group, or otherwise need to share files, a NAS is the way to go. If you're doing high-performance video production on a single machine, you might want to connect a DAS device right to your machine so there's no delay.

Kacper Rafalski comes through with another analogy that makes things easier to understand. "Think about it like this. DAS is like having a personal bookshelf right next to your desk. Quick and easy to reach, but only for you," he says. "NAS, on the other hand, is like a library -- everyone connected to the network can access it, even remotely. NAS is all about sharing and collaboration, whereas DAS is like a superfast personal hard drive."

How long do NAS drives last?

Many vendors say the average lifespan of a NAS is between three and five years. While your NAS could go far further and even reach a decade of use before it needs to be replaced, the risk of failure will increase. Keep an eye out for symptoms of hardware failure, such as sluggish responses and connectivity issues. 

Does a NAS drive stay on all the time?

You can potentially improve a NAS device's lifespan by allowing it to hibernate while not in use. For example, if you are away from home for several months, you may want to consider giving it a rest. However, NAS devices can be left on permanently, as many NAS devices have been specifically built to allow this. 

Are there alternative NAS drives worth considering?

While our top recommendations are above, we also wanted to showcase some other worthy alternatives, including different features, price points, and bay counts.

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