The Best NAS (Network Attached Storage) of 2024

Look for features like additional drive bays, media streaming capabilities, and encryption

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NAS devices are typically more expensive and complex storage solutions than a simple external hard drive, but they allow you to access your files anywhere. They have extra data security features to keep your files safe, and 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 devices on the market.

in this article

Best Overall

Western Digital My Cloud EX2

Western Digital My Cloud EX2

Amazon

Pros
  • 8 to 36TB storage options

  • Great value

  • Easy to set up

Cons
  • Not expandable or upgradeable

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 plug-and-play and comes with 8TB of storage capacity, which is plenty for home use. It also comes with a built-in Plex Media Server, a digital media player that makes it easy to stream your favorite media to all your devices.

Other handy features include efficiently scheduling backups from multiple devices and sharing files with others by creating private links. The device is about as easy to set up as an ordinary external hard drive and has advanced security features.

The EX2 is 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

Best Budget

Buffalo LinkStation 210

Buffalo-linkstation-210-nas-server

Dell

Pros
  • Low cost

  • Storage included

  • Relatively small and portable

  • Easy setup process

Cons
  • Not a lot of storage

  • Slow USB 2.0 port

If you're on a tight budget and only need to store a little 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 storage capacity, which is a little for a NAS. Secondly, it only features a single, outdated USB port, though the Gigabit Ethernet port is vital here.

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

Most Storage

Synology DiskStation DS918+

Synology-diskstation-ds918-

Amazon

Pros
  • Can store up to 48TB of data

  • High-performance components

  • Pro-level features

Cons
  • Steep price tag

If you need to store massive amounts of data, the Synology DiskStation DS918+ is your NAS. This hulking NAS device offers nine drive bays, which, when filled with high-capacity drives, can offer up to 48TB of storage capacity.

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 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+ an 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

Best Fireproof

IoSafe 218 NAS

Iosafe-218-2-bay-nas-array

Iosafe

Pros
  • Can survive fires and floods

  • Theft and tamper protection

  • Hard drives are included

Cons
  • Low capacity for the cost

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 72 hours.

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, remember that for that price, you're getting a highly sophisticated NAS system with features 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 

Best Splurge

IoSafe 1517 NAS

Iosafe-1517-5-bay-nas-array

Bhphotovideo

Pros
  • 40TB of included storage

  • Waterproof and fireproof

  • Theft and tamper protection

Cons
  • Extremely expensive

The IoSafe 1517 40TB 5-Bay NAS Array is almost identical to the IoSafe 218, except it stores five times more than its smaller counterpart at only a bit more than twice the price.

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 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

Best for Speed

Asustor Lockerstor 2

Asustor-lockerstor-2-as6602t

Amazon

Pros
  • High performance

  • HDMI connectivity

  • Robust app support

Cons
  • Expensive

Though it’s a bit pricey, 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.

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 significantly increase the speed of the NAS.

Additionally, you 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

Most NAS devices can 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 go-between.

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 crucial if you use your NAS to back up sensitive data 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.

FAQ
  • Do I need a NAS or an external hard drive?

    A NAS device is a good choice if you need to store a lot of information and extra security for your data. NAS devices also help you access your information remotely. A simple and cheap external hard drive might be more economical 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. Follow instructions from 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 helpful in backing up and storing data long-term where speed isn’t a significant factor. 

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