There are multiple reasons for setting up a Network Attached Storage (NAS) in your home or office. Whether you need a dependable file server, a versatile multimedia center, or the option to use it as a personal server, VPN server, or private cloud, NAS can fulfill all these needs.
In this way, NAS is used more and more, and for more and more functions, so their popularity continues to increase.
However, choosing the NAS server that best meets your needs requires some minimal technical knowledge. To simplify your choice, we have developed this complete buying guide. Here we will be listing the top 13 best nas.
- Much Better Way to Store Than External Drives: NAS offers centralized storage, automatic backups, remote access, and a wide range of RAID options for easy data recovery even if a drive fails.
- Massive Storage Capacity: Never worry about storage limits again. With up 112TB capacity, you can store 39 million photos or 76,000 movies!
- Super-Fast Transfers: Back up 1GB in less than a second using either the 10GbE network port or the 10Gbps USB ports.
- Spend Less, Store More: Unlike costly cloud storage subscriptions, NAS only requires a one-time purchase with no ongoing fees, offering much better long-term value. Storing your data locally also provides far greater data security and gives you complete control.
- Massive Storage Capacity: Store up to 64TB, giving you more than enough space to back up all your files, photos, and videos. Automatically create photo albums and enjoy your personal home cinema.
- User-Friendly App: Simple setup and easy file-sharing on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, web browsers, and smart TVs, giving you secure access from any device.
- Leverage built-in file and photo management, data protection, virtualization, and surveillance solutions
- Two 1GbE ports for simple integration into existing environments with optional 10GbE connectivity to tackle more specialized, bandwidth-heavy applications
- Add 5 extra drive bays with one DX517 expansion unit for a maximum of 9 storage drives
- Much Better Way to Store Than External Drives: NAS offers centralized storage, automatic backups, remote access, and a wide range of RAID options for easy data recovery even if a drive fails.
- Massive Storage Capacity: Never worry about storage limits again. With up 112TB capacity, you can store 39 million photos or 76,000 movies!
- Super-Fast Transfers: Back up 1GB in less than 2 seconds using either the 2x 2.5GbE network port or the 10Gbps USB ports.
- Quad-core Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 4-core/4-thread burst up to 2.9 GHz with 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) ports accelerates file sharing across teams and devices or streamline large file transfers
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots enable cache acceleration or SSD storage pools for improved performance
- Secure private cloud - Enjoy 100% data ownership and multi-platform access from anywhere
- Easy sharing and syncing - Safely access and share files and media from anywhere, and keep clients, colleagues and collaborators on the same page
- Comprehensive data protection - Back up your media library or document repository to a variety of destinations
- Store, share, and protect Configure your DS223j to manage all your documents, photos, and other files, or protect your physical assets with professional video surveillance.
- CPU Model Realtek RTD1619B, System Memory 1 GB DDR4 non-ECC
- Safely access and share files and media from anywhere, and keep clients, colleagues and collaborators on the same page
- Mini-sized yet powerful 6-bay NAS, ready to maximize your work productivity
- 6 Drive Bays with better RAID flexibility to configure 2. 5” HDDs and SSDs; over 220 MB/s reading and 190 MB/s writing even under encrypted data transmission
- 2GB DDR3L memory, expandable up to 6GB
- Effortless Installation – Simply connect the LinkStation to your router and enjoy shared network storage for all your devices. The NAS is compatible with Windows and macOS, and Buffalo's US-based support is on-hand 24/7 for installation walkthroughs.
- Subscription-Free Personal Cloud – Store, back up, and manage all your videos, music, and photos and access them anytime without paying any monthly fees.
- Storage Purpose-Built for Data Security – A NAS designed to keep your data safe, the LS200 features a closed system to reduce vulnerabilities from 3rd party apps and SSL encryption for secure file transfers.
- High Performance: All-CMR (conventional magnetic recording) portfolio enables consistent, industry-leading 24×7 performance allowing users to access data anytime, anywhere
- Class-Leading Dependability: Up to 550TB/year workload rating, 2.5M hours MTBF, and 5-year limited warranty for unparalleled total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Peace of Mind with Data Recovery: Complimentary 3 year Rescue Data Recovery Services for a hassle-free, zero-cost data recovery experience
- MINI PC NAS HYBRID COMPUTER - The G9 mini pc is one of the first computers to incorporate 4x M.2 2280 PCIE slots so you are able to use NAS software with normal PC features. The G9 uses the latest Twin Lake N150 CPU 4 Core 4 Threads 6MB cache, burst speed up to 3.6GHz. As an upgrade of the Alder Lake N100, the N150 offers an overall performance improvement of 6%-10% and 15% improvement over the N95. Ideal for routine tasks, office work and home entertainment, which is more convenient than traditional desktop pc.
- NAS STORAGE - Why do you want NAS? Because you can transform the pc into a massive storage network; Backup files, share photos, and stream videos. With the appropriate software (GMKtec does not provide NAS Software) you can host servers and create a home network for multiple users.
- DUAL BOOT UBUNTU & WIN 11 PRO - The G9 mini pc desktop computer is pre-installed with Win 11 Pro (Default OS) and Ubuntu 24.10 Version (Linux Software must be 24.10 Ver. or Higher). The Ubuntu OS is stored on 64GB EMMC Storage and Win 11 Pro is installed on the SSD.
- AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324 ARM Cortex-A57 quad-core 1.7GHz processor
- 2 X 10GbE SFP+ ports
- 2 x 2.5GbE ports
- Dual 10GbE Network Ports: Two 10GbE high-speed network ports that can be aggregated into 20G bandwidth for download speeds of up to 2500MB/s. Transfer large files smoothly like a breeze. Load between the two port links can be dynamically adjusted and balanced to improve transmission efficiency.
- Unparalleled Processing Performance: With a 12th Gen, 10-core 12-thread Intel Core i5 Processor, processing performance is improved by leaps and bounds compared to previous processors.
- 8-Bay, 208TB Massive Data Storage: Equipped with eight SATA and two M.2 NVMe drive bays, the NASync DXP8800 Plus has a maximum storage capacity of up to 208TB. And supports JBOD/Basic/RAID0/RAID1/RAID5/RAID6/RAID10 RAID levels. Store thousands of HD movies, pictures, and documents, Making NASync a movie library, photo album, and file storage space all in one.
Things to Consider Before Buying Best Nas
NAS is an acronym for ” Network Attached Storage,” which translated means “network-connected storage.” This device allows you to store data and share it through a network safely, wired or Wi-Fi, with other devices such as PCs and smartphones.
The NAS server contains at least two hard disks inside and behaves like a private cloud that you can easily install inside your company, studio, or home.
What Exactly Is a Nas Server?
A NAS server is an extensive capacity network storage system that connects to a home or professional network. Its function is to make it possible to access all existing files and documents on any device on the web, without having to establish a direct connection with the unit in which they are located.
What Is a Nas Used For?
NAS servers can have several functions. Among the main ones, manage files on the network, install a personal streaming server, or offer a local system to a group of users. Also, they are often used to store recordings of IP surveillance cameras.
At the same time, they can be configured as servers connected to the Internet and, therefore, can perform functions similar to those shown by web storage or hosting services. So, you can use them as an email server or store your website. It is also possible to turn them into VPN servers.
What Are Nas Bays?
The spaces available to NAS servers for mounting hard drives are called a bay. In home-use NAS, one or two bays are usually sufficient. However, in devices for professional users or workplaces, it is necessary to have four or even twelve bays.
Keep in mind that each bay has an individual storage capacity. So if it is 10 GB, you cannot mount a 12 GB disk. Furthermore, energy consumption must be considered: the more bays there are, the higher this consumption. Hence, it is not recommended to choose NAS servers with more bay than necessary.
The Operating System that Manages the Nas
NAS devices don’t work with Windows. The big manufacturers have their own Linux-based operating systems, such as in the case of Synology DiskStation Manager, QTS of Qnap, or My Cloud of WD. However, there are also many free systems such as FreeNAS, NASlite, or Openfiler.
In general, all of them are quite simple to use. Some, like QNAP, Asustor, or Synology, can also be managed from the mobile phone. Besides, it is also essential to consider which applications each system has to manage email, FTP (File transfer protocol), and backup servers, among others.
The Processor
For a family environment, a 1 GHz Dual Core processor will be more than sufficient. Instead, for an office, you must think, at a minimum, of a quad-core processor. In general, mid-range models usually mount Intel Celeron processors, while professional ones use Intel i3 or Xeon.
RAM
The RAM you will need depends on the use you want to make of the NAS server. If you only need to save backup copies, you don’t have to worry too much about this. For home use, 512MB memory may be sufficient. Instead, it may be advisable for an office to have up to 8 GB of memory.
If you want to use it as a multimedia device to play content in high definition, you will need at least 1 GB of RAM. If you’re going to frequently use the NAS as a multimedia player in HD or 4K quality, you should think of a server equipped with 2 GB or more RAM.
Number and Storage Capacity of Disks
A NAS server can have a variable number of hard disk bays, which are called bays. Today it is possible to buy two and up to 12 bay NAS servers. Those with a single bay are now disappearing. Having a model of NAS server with multiple bays means having more storage space at your disposal.
A 2-bay model could prove to be the right choice in the home environment, for small offices, and when your storage needs are limited. A multi-bay NAS, however, is recommended for medium or large companies.
Hard Disk
When you choose a NAS without a hard disk, you will have to consider buying them separately and suitable for your needs.
One model hard disk model is not the other and is optimized for a specific use. There are hard drives on the market specifically designed to operate continuously 24/7, with high energy efficiency, suitable for working with video surveillance, video recording systems, etc.
The available hard drives are usually 6 TB or 8 TB. By purchasing a 2-bay NAS, you will have 12 TB of storage (2-bay x 6 TB corresponding to 12 TB), by choosing a 4-bay model, the space increases to 24 TB and so on.
Technical Features
One of the main advantages offered by the NAS server, compared to traditional storage methods such as HDD or pen drive, is the security in data storage.
NAS devices take advantage of the RAID configuration, which in English means “redundant array of independent disks,” a “redundant set of independent disks.”
This is a technique that allows you to divide the data between the disks inside the NAS in order to obtain better performance, greater tolerance against any malfunctions, and the guarantee of not losing the stored data.