Does your small business data feel scattered across different computers and clouds? Imagine losing important client files because a single hard drive crashed. That’s a real risk many small businesses face every day. Choosing the right Network Storage Device, or NAS, is crucial. It’s not just about buying a box; it’s about protecting your hard work and making sure everyone can access what they need quickly.
The market offers so many confusing terms like RAID levels and terabytes. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and worry about spending too much or buying something too complicated. We know you need a solution that is reliable, easy to use, and fits your budget.
This guide cuts through the technical jargon. We will clearly explain what a NAS is, what features actually matter for a small team, and how to pick the perfect fit for your office. Keep reading to gain the confidence to select the best network storage and finally secure your business data for good.
Top Network Storage Device For Small Business Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
UGREEN NAS DH2300 2-Bay Desktop NASync, Support Capacity 60TB (Diskless), Remote Access, AI Photo Album, Beginner Friendly System, 4GB on Board RAM,1GbE, 4K HDMI, Network Attached Storage(Diskless)
- Entry-level NAS Personal Storage：UGREEN NAS DH2300 is your first and best NAS made easy. It is designed for beginners who want a simple, private way to store videos, photos and personal files, which is intuitive for users moving from cloud storage or external drives and move away from scattered date across devices. This entry-level NAS 2-bay perfect for personal entertainment, photo storage, and easy data backup (doesn't support Docker or virtual machines).
- Set Your Devices Free, Expand Your Digital World: This unified storage hub supports massive capacity up to 60TB.*Storage drives not included. Stop Deleting, Start Storing. You can store 20 million 3MB images, or 2 million 30MB songs, or 40K 1.5GB movies or 62 million 1MB documents! UGREEN NAS is a better way to free up storage across all your devices such as phones, computers, tablets and also does automatic backups across devices regardless of the operating system—Window, iOS, Android or macOS.
- The Smarter Long-term Way to Store: Unlike cloud storage with recurring monthly fees, a UGREEN NAS enclosure requires only a one-time purchase for long-term use. For example, you only need to pay $459.98 for a NAS, while for cloud storage, you need to pay $719.88 per year, $2,159.64 for 3 years, $3,599.40 for 5 years. You will save $6,738.82 over 10 years with UGREEN NAS! *NAS cost based on DH2300 + 12TB HDD; cloud cost based on 12TB plan (e.g. $59.99/month).
- Blazing Speed, Minimal Power: Equipped with a high-performance processor, 1GbE port, and 4GB LPDDR4X RAM, this NAS handles multiple tasks with ease. File transfers reach up to 125MB/s—a 1GB file takes only 8 seconds. Don't let slow clouds hold you back; they often need over 100 seconds for the same task. The difference is clear.
- Let AI Better Organize Your Memories: UGREEN NAS uses AI to tag faces, locations, texts, and objects—so you can effortlessly find any photo by searching for who or what's in it in seconds. It also automatically finds and deletes similar or duplicate photo, backs up live photos and allows you to share them with your friends or family with just one tap. Everything stays effortlessly organized, powered by intelligent tagging and recognition.
Bestseller No. 2
BUFFALO LinkStation 210 4TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
- Value NAS with RAID for centralized storage and backup for all your devices. Check out the LS 700 for enhanced features, cloud capabilities, macOS 26, and up to 7x faster performance than the LS 200.
- Connect the LinkStation to your router and enjoy shared network storage for your devices. The NAS is compatible with Windows and macOS*, and Buffalo's US-based support is on-hand 24/7 for installation walkthroughs. *Only for macOS 15 (Sequoia) and earlier. For macOS 26, check out our LS 700 series.
- 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.
- Back Up Multiple Computers & Devices – NAS Navigator management utility and PC backup software included. NAS Navigator 2 for macOS 15 and earlier. You can set up automated backups of data on your computers.
Bestseller No. 3
BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
- Value NAS with RAID for centralized storage and backup for all your devices. Check out the LS 700 for enhanced features, cloud capabilities, macOS 26, and up to 7x faster performance than the LS 200.
- Connect the LinkStation to your router and enjoy shared network storage for your devices. The NAS is compatible with Windows and macOS*, and Buffalo's US-based support is on-hand 24/7 for installation walkthroughs. *Only for macOS 15 (Sequoia) and earlier. For macOS 26, check out our LS 700 series.
- 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.
- Back Up Multiple Computers & Devices – NAS Navigator management utility and PC backup software included. NAS Navigator 2 for macOS 15 and earlier. You can set up automated backups of data on your computers.
Bestseller No. 4
BUFFALO LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
- Value NAS with RAID for centralized storage and backup for all your devices. Check out the LS 700 for enhanced features, cloud capabilities, macOS 26, and up to 7x faster performance than the LS 200.
- Connect the LinkStation to your router and enjoy shared network storage for your devices. The NAS is compatible with Windows and macOS*, and Buffalo's US-based support is on-hand 24/7 for installation walkthroughs. *Only for macOS 15 (Sequoia) and earlier. For macOS 26, check out our LS 700 series.
- 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.
- Back Up Multiple Computers & Devices – NAS Navigator management utility and PC backup software included. NAS Navigator 2 for macOS 15 and earlier. You can set up automated backups of data on your computers.
Bestseller No. 5
SSK 4TB Personal Cloud Network Attached Storage Support Wireless Remote Access, Home Office NAS Storage with 4T Hard Drive Included for Phone, Tablet, Laptop Auto-Backup, Wired Ethernet Only,No WiFi
- Your personal cloud storage with 4TB large capacity doesn't have own WIF: This NAS built-in 3.5inch 4TB storage, as long as it is powered and connected to the internet, you will be able to remote access and manage the storage data anywhere by PC/Mobile phone,without geographical restrictions.Point to Point(P2P) confidential transmission to ensure the data security.Support Samba and DLNA Protocol, all smart devices interconnection in the same LAN, smart TVs,laptops and mobile phones
- Two working mode with LED Indicator: Two working mode meets all of your needs. NAS(Network-attachment Storage) Mode and DAS(Direct-attached storage) Mode. With 1000M Ethernet port for NAS mode, true network speed can reach to 10-30MB/s. With USB3.0 High speed transmission port for DAS mode to transfer larger numbers of various sized files. Two Modes with different LED indicator colors, easy understanding
- Centralize all your data: Support IOS, Android, Windows, MAC, all have proprietary client software, centralize all your photos,When downloading from the web page, do not use the Google Chrome browser to download, please use the IE (Internet Explorer) browser or safari browser to download on the computer
- One-click back up & Auto sleep: One-click backup of photos and videos, designated folders real-time synchronous update and backup on Mobile Phone/ Tablet /PC, you can save everything and access anywhere. No longer to worry when you are on a business trip, go hiking and travel around the world. This 4TB Personal Cloud Network Attached Storage will automatically switch the work/sleep state according to the usage, which can better reduce power consumption and protect the drive
- Smart management: Smart App/Software, multi-people sharing at the same time; Support Samba&Dlna Protocol, all smart devices interconnection in the LAN, smart TVs, laptops and mobile phones can share SSK Drive data; Divide Hard drive to Private Area and Public Area, better to keep private information, more safety
Bestseller No. 6
UGREEN NAS DXP2800 2-Bay Desktop All-Round NASync Ideal for Small Team, Enthusiasts, Intel N100 Quad-core CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 2.5GbE, 2X M.2 NVMe Slots, 4K HDMI, Network Attached Storage (Diskless)
- All-Round NAS: DXP2800 is ideal for enthusiasts, small Teams, & More. You will get pro specs and advanced features from accessible and user-friendly storage. It is intuitive for users moving from cloud storage or external drives and helps you to create an intuitive and secure platform to centralize, organize, and securely share your data. Just move away from data scattered across devices.
- 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. All-Round NAS is ideal for small team, & more.
- Massive Storage Capacity: Store up to 76TB, 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.
- AI-Powered Photo Album: Automatically organizes your photos by recognizing faces, scenes, objects, and locations. It can also instantly remove duplicates, freeing up storage space and saving you time.
Bestseller No. 7
Ubiquiti Cloud Gateway Max - (UCG-Max) (No Storage)
- Includes full UniFi application suite for device management
- Manages 30+ UniFi devices and 300+ clients
- 1.5 Gbps routing with IDS/IPS
- Multi-WAN load balancing
- No Storage - 512 GB - 1TB - 2TB NVMe SSD storage for NVR
Bestseller No. 8
TERRAMASTER F4-424 Pro NAS Storage - 4Bay Core i3-N305 8-Core 8-Thread CPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 2.5GbE Port x 2, Network Attached Storage Peak Performance for Business (Diskless) Black
- Peak Performance 4-Bay NAS: Unleash the power of the F4-424 Pro NAS storage, featuring a Core i3-N305 8-core 8-thread CPU at 3.8GHz (turbo), integrated UHD GPU at 1.25GHz, 32GB DDR5 4800MHz memory (non-ECC, non-upgradable), dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, and dual M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching. An ideal peak performance NAS storage solution for small and medium-sized business users.
- Enhanced Application Speed: The F4-424 Pro NAS enclosure, equipped with a robust CPU and DDR5 memory, achieves a remarkable 150% performance boost over its predecessors. Experience 100% faster application load times, a 45% increase in file and photo retrieval speed, a 55% improvement in database response speed, and a outstanding 65% faster PHP response for web pages. Elevate your workflow efficiency with seamless high-load performance.
- High-Speed Connectivity: The F4-424 Pro NAS case features dual 2.5 GbE interfaces and can achieve a linear data transmission speed of 283 MB/s (tested with NAS dedicated HDDs 18TB x 4, RAID 0), Link Aggregation offers a network bandwidth up to 5 Gb, ideal for multi-user and high-concurrent file access. Featuring dual USB 3.2 10Gbps interfaces, data transfer between your NAS and external devices is made swift. The F4-424 Pro supports various RAID types, including RAID 0/1/5/6/10/JBOD/Single, and TRAID.
- Effortless M.2 SSD Installation: TerraMaster streamlines M.2 SSD handling in the F4-424 Pro NAS server with a side-sliding cover, allowing quick and simple SSD installation. The inclusion of hand-tightened screws ensures a hassle-free installation process. The F4-424 Pro adopts a tool-free hard disk tray, eliminating the need for additional tools during hard disk installation. Additionally, TerraMaster's innovative Push-Lock design automatically secures inserted hard disks, preventing accidental disconnection or offline issues.
- Rich Backup Solutions: Centralized Backup, Duple Backup, Snapshot, CloudSync, TFM Backup, and more enhance the security of your data with multiple backup applications. The F4-424 Pro 4 bay NAS adopts TerraMaster's new structure which besides incorporating additional shock-absorbing measures, TerraMaster’s engineers have designed numerous special sound-absorbing panels in the new structure to minimize noise.
Your Small Business Network Storage Buying Guide
Choosing the right network storage device is a big step for any small business. This device, often called a NAS (Network Attached Storage), keeps your important files safe and lets everyone in your office access them easily. Think of it as a shared, super-secure filing cabinet on your office network. This guide will help you pick the best one.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important features:
- Capacity (How Much Space?): How many files do you have now? How much will you have next year? Start with enough space, but make sure the device lets you add more drives later.
- RAID Support: RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is crucial. It lets you use multiple hard drives together. If one drive fails, your data is safe on the others. Look for RAID 1 (mirroring) or RAID 5 (striping with parity) for good protection.
- Speed (Connectivity): Look for Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) ports as a minimum. If you move very large files often, consider 2.5GbE or 10GbE connections for faster access.
- Backup Software: Does the device come with easy software to back up your computers automatically? This feature saves you a lot of time.
- Remote Access: Can employees securely access files when they are working from home? Good remote access keeps productivity high.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your NAS depends on its parts and how well it handles problems.
Quality Boosters:
- Processor (CPU): A faster CPU means the device can handle more users at once and run backup apps smoothly.
- RAM (Memory): More RAM helps the NAS run many tasks without slowing down.
- Hot-Swappable Bays: These bays let you swap out a failed hard drive without turning the whole system off. This keeps your business running smoothly.
Quality Reducers:
- Proprietary Software: If the company locks you into their specific, hard-to-use software, it lowers your long-term options.
- Slow Network Ports: Using only older 100Mbps ports drastically slows down file sharing.
2. Important Materials and Build
Most network storage devices use strong metal or tough plastic casings. Metal cases generally offer better airflow, which keeps the hard drives cooler.
Hard Drive Type Matters:
You need to decide between two main drive types:
- HDDs (Hard Disk Drives): These offer the most storage for the lowest price. They are great for archiving large amounts of data.
- SSDs (Solid State Drives): These are much faster but cost more per gigabyte. They are best for running applications directly from the NAS.
Tip: For small businesses, using NAS-rated HDDs is usually the best starting point.
3. User Experience and Use Cases
A good NAS should feel simple, not complicated. A user-friendly interface (the dashboard you use to manage the device) makes setup and maintenance much easier.
Common Small Business Use Cases:
- Centralized File Sharing: Everyone accesses the same, most recent version of documents (e.g., client contracts, marketing materials).
- Video Surveillance Recording: Many NAS devices can record video from IP security cameras 24/7.
- Virtual Machine Storage: If you run small virtual computers on your network, the NAS can hold their large files.
- Cloud Synchronization: The device can automatically sync important folders to a public cloud service (like Dropbox or Google Drive) for an extra layer of safety.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Small Business Network Storage
Q: What is the main difference between a NAS and a regular external hard drive?
A: A regular drive plugs into one computer. A NAS plugs into your network router, letting many people access the files at the same time over the network.
Q: Do I need to buy the hard drives separately?
A: Some models come pre-loaded with drives, while others are “diskless,” meaning you buy and install the drives yourself. Diskless options offer better customization.
Q: How important is RAID protection for a small office?
A: RAID is very important. It protects your data if one hard drive suddenly stops working. Without it, losing one drive means losing your files.
Q: Can I use my NAS to host my company website?
A: Most standard small business NAS units are not designed to host public websites efficiently. They are best used for internal file storage and backups.
Q: What does “2-bay” or “4-bay” mean?
A: This refers to the number of hard drive slots inside the unit. A 4-bay unit lets you install four hard drives for more capacity or better RAID protection.
Q: How fast should the network connection be?
A: Look for a device with at least one Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) port. This offers fast file transfers for most small office needs.
Q: Will setting up a NAS be too complicated for my staff?
A: Modern NAS devices use simple, web-based setup wizards. Many popular brands are designed so that a tech-savvy employee can set them up without hiring an IT consultant.
Q: How often should I check the health of my drives?
A: Good NAS systems monitor drive health automatically. You should check the system dashboard weekly to ensure all drives are reporting “healthy” status.
Q: Can I use my NAS for video editing directly?
A: If the NAS has a very fast processor and a 10GbE connection, yes. For most offices, it is better to copy the video files to a local computer before editing them.
Q: Is security a concern if the device is on my network?
A: Yes, security is a concern. Always use strong passwords, keep the NAS firmware updated, and only enable remote access features if you truly need them.