Imagine settling in for a movie night, ready to stream your favorite film on Plex, only to face endless buffering or frustratingly slow loading times. Doesn’t that just ruin the vibe? We’ve all been there. Setting up the perfect Plex media server means having fast, reliable storage. But when you look at Network Attached Storage (NAS) options, the choices can feel overwhelming. Should you focus on speed, capacity, or maybe just the price tag? Picking the wrong NAS can lead to headaches, wasted money, and a less-than-perfect streaming experience.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what makes a NAS a great partner for Plex. You will learn the key features to look for, whether you need blazing-fast access for 4K streams or just massive space for your growing collection. By the end of this post, you will have a clear roadmap to choose the NAS that perfectly powers your Plex setup.
Top Nas Storage For Plex Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
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. 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
TERRAMASTER F4-425 Plus NAS Storage - 4Bay Intel N150 Quad-Core CPU, 16GB RAM DDR5, 5GbE LAN x 2, M.2 Slot x 3, Network Attached Storage for Teamwork, Multimedia Server (Diskless)
- Powerful 4-Bay NAS with Triple M.2 Expansion: Powered by the Intel N150 Quad-Core CPU (up to 3.6GHz) and 16GB DDR5 memory, the F4-425 Plus NAS storage delivers high-efficiency performance for demanding users. Its innovative triple M.2 SSD design supports SSD cache or independent storage pools, providing outstanding flexibility and acceleration for data-heavy tasks.
- Dual 5GbE LAN Ports up to 1020MB/s: Featuring dual 5GbE network interfaces, the F4-425 Plus network attached storage supports link aggregation and SMB Multichannel, achieving up to 1020 MB/s sequential read/write speeds. Ideal for video editors, creative teams, and small business offices that require fast and reliable data access.
- Massive 144TB Storage with Flexible TRAID Protection: The F4-425 Plus 4-bay NAS supports up to 144TB total capacity (4× HDD + 3× M.2 SSD). TerraMaster's exclusive TRAID technology automatically optimizes capacity while providing strong data protection, with advanced features such as TFSS snapshots and HyperLock-WORM for enhanced data security.
- All-in-One Hub for Pros, Businesses & Home Users: From geeks running Docker, Virtual Machines, and Portainer, to small businesses leveraging TerraMaster BBS (Business Backup Suite), and families enjoying Plex/Emby/Jellyfin with 4K/8K transcoding - The F4-425 Plus NAS server fulfills diverse needs. Integrated apps like QB/Torrent/Transmission simplify downloads, while TNAS Mobile enables full remote control.
- Data Drive Mounting & Reliable Aluminum Design: Easily integrate your existing storage by first installing TOS 6 on a new drive. Unlike other NAS systems that require disk formatting, TerraMaster's Direct Data Drive Mounting technology allows you to then hot-plug the existing data drive for instant access, ensuring all your files remain secure and untouched. Housed in a durable aluminum-alloy chassis with Push-Lock HDD trays, this NAS enclosure combines convenience, security, and reliability for long-term use.
Bestseller No. 4
BUFFALO LinkStation 720 8TB 2-Bay Home Office Private Cloud Data Storage with Hard Drives Included/Computer Network Attached Storage/NAS Storage/Network Storage/Media Server/File Server
- Get enhanced features, cloud capabilities, MacOS 26 compatibility, and up to 7x faster performance than LS 200.
- Connect the LinkStation to your router and enjoy shared network storage for all your devices. The NAS is compatible with Windows and MacOS 26, 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 LS700 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. You can set up automated backups of data on your computers.
Bestseller No. 5
TERRAMASTER F2-425 Plus NAS Storage - 2Bay Intel N150 Quad-Core CPU, 8GB RAM DDR5, 5GbE LAN x 2, M.2 Slot x 3, Network Attached Storage for Teamwork, Multimedia Server (Diskless)
- Powerful 2-Bay NAS with Triple M.2 Expansion: Powered by the Intel N150 Quad-Core CPU (up to 3.6GHz) and 8GB DDR5 memory (non-ECC SODIMM), the F2-425 Plus NAS server delivers high-efficiency performance for demanding users. Its innovative triple M.2 SSD design supports SSD cache or independent storage pools, providing outstanding flexibility and acceleration for data-heavy tasks.
- Dual 5GbE LAN Ports up to 1020MB/s: Featuring dual 5GbE network interfaces, the F2-425 Plus network attached storage supports link aggregation and SMB Multichannel, achieving up to 1020 MB/s sequential read/write speeds. Ideal for video editors, creative teams, and small business offices that require fast and reliable data access.
- Massive 84TB Storage: The F2-425 Plus 2-bay NAS supports up to 84TB total capacity (2× HDD + 3× M.2 SSD). SPC security module and CloudSync (supporting Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and more) provide comprehensive data protection. Additionally, TerraSync enables two-way sync between the F2-425 Plus and PCs/Macs.
- All-in-One Hub for Pros, Businesses & Home Users: From geeks running Docker, Virtual Machines, and Portainer, to small businesses leveraging TerraMaster BBS (Business Backup Suite), and families enjoying Plex/Emby/Jellyfin with 4K/8K transcoding - The F2-425 Plus NAS server fulfills diverse needs. Integrated apps like QB/Torrent/Transmission simplify downloads, while TNAS Mobile enables full remote control.
- Data Drive Mounting & Reliable Aluminum Design: Easily integrate your existing storage by first installing TOS 6 on a new drive. Unlike other NAS systems that require disk formatting, TerraMaster's Direct Data Drive Mounting technology allows you to then hot-plug the existing data drive for instant access, ensuring all your files remain secure and untouched. Housed in a durable aluminum-alloy chassis with Push-Lock HDD trays, this NAS enclosure combines convenience, security, and reliability for long-term use.
Bestseller No. 6
TERRAMASTER F6-424 NAS Storage 6Bay - N95 Quad-Core CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, Dual 2.5GbE Ports, Network Attached Storage with High Performance (Diskless)
- Powerful Hardware: The F6-424 NAS storage features an N95 quad-core 4-thread CPU 3.4GHz (turbo), integrated UHD GPU at 0.75GHz, 8GB DDR5 4800MHz memory (non-ECC, upgradable up to 32GB), dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, and dual M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching.
- Enhanced Application Speed: The F6-424 NAS enclosure, equipped with a powerful CPU and DDR5 memory, achieves a remarkable 140% performance boost over its predecessors. Experience 90% faster application load times, a 40% increase in file and photo retrieval speed, a 50% improvement in database response speed, and a outstanding 60% faster PHP response for web pages. Elevate your workflow efficiency with seamless high-load performance.
- High-Speed Connectivity: The F6-424 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 F6-424 supports various RAID types, including RAID 0/1/5/6/10/JBOD/Single, TRAID and TRAID+.
- Effortless M.2 SSD Installation: TerraMaster streamlines M.2 SSD handling in the F6-424 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 F6-424 NAS 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.
- Comprehensive Business Backup Solution: The F6-424 backup server comes with TerraMaster Business Backup Suite (BBS) which is an enterprise-grade solution that includes Centralized Backup for data consolidation, TerraSync for server and PC synchronization, Duple Backup for off-site recovery, CloudSync for cloud recovery, and Snapshot for ransomware protection. BBS offers flexible, high-performance backup strategies tailored for small and medium-sized businesses.
Bestseller No. 7
LincStation N2 6-Bay NAS Storage - Intel N100 4-Core Processor, 10GbE, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, 128G eMMC, 2x2.5 SATA HDD + 4xM.2 NVMe Slots, 2-Year Warranty, 4K HDMI | Network Attached Storage (Diskless)
- Unmatched Performance with Intel Alder Lake-N N100: Experience fast, efficient data handling with a modern 4-core, 4-thread Intel processor (up to 3.4GHz) and onboard 16GB LPDDR5 memory, enabling smooth 4K media streaming, rapid backups, and seamless multitasking for demanding applications.
- Ultra-Fast 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE): Quadruple the speed of standard 2.5GbE connections. The built-in 10GbE port facilitates lightning-fast file transfers, lag-free high-resolution video editing, and robust support for multiple users in collaborative environments.
- Flexible & High-Speed 6-Bay Storage Configuration: This versatile NAS features 2 dedicated SATA bays for 2.5" HDDs and 4 M.2 NVMe slots for 2280 SSDs. Mix and match drives for the perfect balance of high-capacity storage and blazing-fast NVMe performance in one compact system.
- Included Unraid OS Starter License: Unlock ultimate storage flexibility right out of the box. Unraid OS allows you to use drives of different sizes and types together in one array, maximize usable capacity with its efficient parity system, and enjoy a vast library of community applications for media serving, virtualization, and more.
- Compact, Cool, and Connectivity-Rich Design: Its space-saving metal shell design fits anywhere. Strategically placed cooling vents ensure optimal thermal performance for 24/7 operation. Connect effortlessly via USB-C (10G), USB 3.2 Gen2, HDMI 2.0 for direct 4K display output, and a 3.5mm audio port.
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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best NAS for Your Plex Server
Setting up a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device for Plex turns your home media into a streaming powerhouse. A good NAS stores your movies, music, and photos safely. It lets you watch them anywhere, on any device. This guide helps you pick the right one for smooth Plex performance.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a NAS to run Plex, certain features matter most. These features control how fast and how much media you can store and share.
CPU Power (The Brains)
- Transcoding Ability: Plex often needs to change video files on the fly (transcoding) so your TV or phone can play them. Look for a NAS with a modern Intel processor (like a Celeron or Pentium). These CPUs often have built-in hardware acceleration (Quick Sync), which makes transcoding fast without slowing down the whole system.
- Core Count: More cores help the NAS handle multiple users streaming at once.
RAM (Short-Term Memory}
- Minimum Requirement: Aim for at least 4GB of RAM. If you plan heavy use or running other apps alongside Plex, 8GB is better. More RAM keeps the operating system and Plex running smoothly.
Drive Bays (Storage Space)
- Number of Bays: These are the slots where you put your hard drives. A 2-bay NAS is a good start. A 4-bay or 5-bay unit offers much more room to grow.
Networking Speed
- Gigabit Ethernet: Make sure the NAS has at least one Gigabit (1000 Mbps) Ethernet port. This ensures fast data transfer between your router and the NAS, which is vital for smooth streaming.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The physical parts of the NAS affect its lifespan and noise level.
Chassis and Cooling
- Metal vs. Plastic: Most quality NAS units use metal casings. Metal helps dissipate heat better. Good airflow and quiet fans are necessary because the NAS runs 24/7. Loud cooling fans can annoy you while watching movies.
Drive Compatibility
- Drive Types: Check if the NAS supports both traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) for bulk storage and faster Solid State Drives (SSDs) for the operating system or frequently accessed data.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The right setup dramatically improves your Plex experience. The wrong choice causes buffering and frustration.
Data Protection (RAID)
- RAID Levels: RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) protects your data. If one hard drive fails, your media is safe on the others. RAID 1 (mirroring) needs two drives. RAID 5 needs three or more drives and offers a good balance of speed and safety. Using RAID significantly improves reliability.
Network Bottlenecks (Reducing Quality)
- If your home network is old (using old Wi-Fi standards or slow switches), even the fastest NAS will struggle. Ensure your router and connections support Gigabit speeds for 4K streaming.
Transcoding Load (Improving Quality)
- If your primary viewing device can play the original file format directly (Direct Play), the CPU load on the NAS drops to almost zero. This provides the best quality because no video data is lost during conversion. If transcoding is unavoidable, a stronger CPU (like an Intel i3 or better) improves the quality by handling the conversion smoothly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the NAS dictates what you should buy.
The Casual Streamer (1-2 Users)
- A basic 2-bay NAS with a dual-core processor is usually enough. Focus on quiet operation and enough space for a few large hard drives.
The Family Server (Multiple Users/4K)
- You need more power here. Look for a 4-bay NAS with an Intel processor supporting hardware transcoding (Quick Sync). This allows multiple family members to stream 4K content simultaneously without slowdowns.
The Power User (Backups and Apps)
- These users often run Plex alongside other services like download clients or virtual machines. A NAS with 8GB of RAM and a faster CPU (Quad-Core) provides the best multitasking experience.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about NAS for Plex
Q: Do I need a dedicated computer for Plex?
A: Not necessarily. A capable NAS unit acts as a dedicated, low-power server for Plex, saving you electricity.
Q: What is transcoding, and why does it matter?
A: Transcoding changes a video file’s format so your device can play it. If your NAS cannot transcode fast enough, your movie will buffer or stop playing.
Q: Should I use HDDs or SSDs in my Plex NAS?
A: Use large HDDs for storing the media files because they are cheaper per terabyte. You might use a small SSD just for the operating system for faster boot-up times, but it is not required for Plex streaming.
Q: How much storage space should I start with?
A: Start with at least 8TB to 12TB total storage, configured in a RAID setup for safety. Media libraries grow quickly!
Q: Can I use any hard drive in a NAS?
A: It is best to use drives specifically made for NAS use (like WD Red or Seagate IronWolf). These drives are built to run reliably 24/7.
Q: Is a faster CPU more important than more RAM?
A: For Plex, the CPU is usually more critical, especially if you need to transcode videos. Good hardware transcoding relies heavily on the CPU’s specific features.
Q: What is the difference between Direct Play and Transcoding?
A: Direct Play means the NAS sends the file exactly as it is to your player. Transcoding means the NAS actively converts the file before sending it. Direct Play is always better for performance.
Q: Does the NAS need to be connected directly to my TV?
A: No. The NAS connects to your router, and Plex streams the media wirelessly or over Ethernet to any device connected to that same network.
Q: How important is 2.5GbE or 10GbE networking on a NAS?
A: For most home users streaming 1080p or even 4K content locally, standard Gigabit (1GbE) is fast enough. Faster ports are only necessary if you have many people streaming high-bitrate 4K simultaneously, or if you move very large files often.
Q: Do I need to worry about Plex Pass?
A: Plex Pass unlocks hardware-accelerated transcoding support on many NAS CPUs. If your NAS has a compatible Intel chip, buying Plex Pass significantly improves streaming quality for incompatible devices.