Imagine this: you take a fantastic photo, but then your computer crashes! All your memories are gone in an instant. Doesn’t that sound scary? In today’s digital world, we create tons of important files every single day. Photos, school projects, favorite videos – they all need a safe place to live.
That’s where a Network Attached Storage device, or NAS, steps in! Think of a NAS as your own private cloud storage, right at home or in your office. But when you start looking to buy one, you might feel lost. Should you get a big one or a small one? Which brand is best? The choices can feel overwhelming, and you want to pick the perfect device to guard your precious data without breaking the bank.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain what a NAS is in simple terms. You will learn exactly what features matter most for your needs. By the end, you will feel confident choosing the right NAS for you.
Ready to build your own digital fortress? Let’s dive into the world of Network Attached Storage devices and find the perfect fit!
Top Network Attached Storage Device Recommendations
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.
No. 2
UGREEN NAS DH4300 Plus 4-Bay Desktop NASync, Support Capacity 120TB, Remote Access, AI Photo Album, Beginner Friendly System, 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, 2.5GbE, 4K HDMI, Network Attached Storage(Diskless)
- Entry-level NAS Home Storage: The UGREEN NAS DH4300 Plus is an entry-level 4-bay NAS that's ideal for home media and vast private storage you can access from anywhere and also supports Docker but not virtual machines. You can record, store, share happy moment with your families and friends, which is intuitive for users moving from cloud storage, or external drives to create your own private cloud, access files from any device.
- 120TB Massive Capacity Embraces Your Overwhelming Data: The NAS offers enough room for your digital life, no more deleting, just preserving. You can store 41.2 million pictures, or 4 million songs, or 80.6K movies or 125.6 million files! It also does automatic backups and connects to multiple devices regardless of the OS, IOS, Android and OSX. *Storage disks not included.
- User-Friendly App & Easy to Use: Connect quickly via NFC, set up simply and share files fast on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, web browsers, and smart TVs. You can access data remotely from any of your mixed devices. What's more, UGREEN NAS enclosure comes with beginner-friendly user manual and video instructions to ensure you can easily take full advantage of its features.
- AI Album Recognition & Classification: The 4 bay nas supports real-time photo backups and intelligent album management including semantic search, custom learning, recognition of people, object, pet, similar photo. Thus, you can classify and find your photos easily. What's more, it can also remove duplicate photos as desired.
- More Cost-effective Storage Solution: 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 $629.99 for a NAS, while for cloud storage, you need to pay $719.88 per year, $1,439.76 for 2 years, $2,159.64 for 3 years, $7,198.80 for 10 years. You will save $6,568.81 over 10 years with UGREEN NAS! *NAS cost based on DH4300 Plus + 12TB HDD; cloud cost based on 12TB plan (e.g. $59.99/month).
No. 3
Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless)
- 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
- 2-year warranty
- Check Synology knowledge center or YouTube channel for help on product setup and additional information
No. 4
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.
No. 5
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.
No. 6
Yxk Zero1 2-Bay Desktop NAS, Maximum 60TB (Diskless), User-Friendly Home NAS Storage, Private Security & Remote Access, Silent, 4GB RAM, 2.5GbE Port, 4K HDMI, Network Attached Storage
- Advanced Storage Management & Resilience: Yxk NAS ensures data integrity through enterprise-grade features like RAID redundancy, automated backups, and snapshot recovery, safeguarding your information against single drive failures.
- Scalable Capacity Without Recurring Costs: Expand storage seamlessly by adding drives or upgrading existing ones. Unlike cloud services with ongoing subscriptions and capacity limits, this home NAS offers flexible, one-time hardware investment for true ownership.
- Intuitive Setup & Effortless Control: Get started instantly via QR code scanning. Our comprehensive mobile/desktop app provides a unified, user-friendly interface for all functions, ensuring a smooth and efficient management experience.
- Truly Private & Secure Cloud: Maintain 100% data ownership within your personal cloud. Advanced encryption and granular permission controls protect files during collaboration, while our strict zero-knowledge policy guarantees we never access or store your data.
- Effortless Multi-User Collaboration: Securely share and synchronize data across diverse devices and platforms with family, friends, or colleagues. Enable seamless teamwork while preserving individual privacy with dedicated user spaces.
No. 7
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.
No. 8
UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay Desktop NASync, Intel Pentium Gold 8505 5-Core CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 128G SSD, 1x 10GbE, 1x 2.5GbE, 2X M.2 NVMe Slots, 4K HDMI, Network Attached Storage (Diskless)
- High-Performance NAS with Powerful Procesor: DXP4800 Plus is ideal for small offices, & More. You can enjoy smooth performance and seamless collaboration, while making use of advanced features like Docker and virtual machines. It works semalessly across every device inluding Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android or Google services and so on.
- 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 136TB capacity, you can store 47 million photos or 92,000 movies! *Hard Drives not included.
- Super-Fast Transfers: Back up 1GB in less than a second using either the 10GbE network port or the 10Gbps USB ports.
- Secure Private Cloud: Retain 100% data ownership with advanced encryption to protect your files. Flexible permission management makes it easy to protect your privacy when collaborating with others.
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Picking Your Perfect Network Attached Storage (NAS) Device
A Network Attached Storage (NAS) device is like a private cloud in your home or office. It lets you store files, photos, and videos in one central spot and access them over your network. Choosing the right one can feel tricky. This guide helps you understand what matters most.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a NAS, focus on these important parts. They determine how fast and useful your device will be.
Processor and RAM
- Processor (CPU): This is the brain. A faster CPU handles many users or complex tasks (like video streaming) better. Look for modern Intel Celeron or better for good home use.
- RAM (Memory): More RAM helps the NAS multitask. 2GB is usually fine for basic file sharing. If you plan to run apps or host websites, aim for 4GB or more.
Drive Bays and RAID
- Drive Bays: This is how many hard drives you can install. 1-bay devices are just external drives on the network. 2-bay or 4-bay systems offer better safety.
- RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks): RAID is essential for safety. RAID 1 mirrors data across two drives, so if one fails, your data is safe. RAID 5 (needs 3+ drives) offers speed and safety.
Connectivity and Speed
- Ethernet Port: Always choose Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps). This ensures fast file transfers across your network. Some high-end models offer 2.5GbE or faster.
- USB Ports: Useful for connecting external backups or printers directly to the NAS.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The physical build matters for long-term reliability and cooling.
Chassis Material
- Most home NAS units use strong plastic casings. Business models often use metal (aluminum or steel). Metal helps dissipate heat better, which keeps the drives cooler and extends their life.
Drive Compatibility
- Check which hard drives the NAS supports. Most NAS devices work with standard 3.5-inch SATA drives. Ensure the manufacturer certifies the NAS for use with high-reliability “NAS-rated” hard drives. These drives are built to run 24/7.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a NAS great or just mediocre?
Quality Boosters
- Active Cooling: A good fan system moves hot air out. This keeps the drives running smoothly.
- Vendor Software: A clean, easy-to-use operating system (OS) makes managing files simple. Good software offers easy setup and mobile access.
- App Ecosystem: Some NAS brands let you install extra apps, like media servers (Plex) or surveillance station software.
Quality Reducers
- Noisy Fans: Loud fans can be annoying if the NAS sits in your living room. Check reviews for noise levels.
- Slow Initial Setup: If the setup wizard is complicated, many users will get frustrated. A simple setup process improves the initial user experience greatly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you need the NAS. This guides your purchase.
Home User Scenarios
- Central Media Hub: You want to stream movies and music to your TV or phone. Look for strong media server software support.
- Family Backup: Everyone in the house needs a safe place for their files. Look for easy backup tools for Windows and Mac.
Small Business Scenarios
- Shared Work Space: Multiple people need to access the same files simultaneously. You need better CPU power and more RAM to handle simultaneous connections.
- Security and Access Control: You must be able to set specific permissions for different users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about NAS Devices
Q: Do I need to buy hard drives separately?
A: Yes, most NAS devices are sold as diskless enclosures. You must purchase the hard drives that fit your storage needs and install them yourself.
Q: Is a NAS faster than just using a big external USB drive?
A: Usually, yes, because the NAS connects directly to your router or switch via Ethernet. This connection is often faster and more stable than a single USB connection to one computer.
Q: Can I access my files when I am away from home?
A: Yes. Most modern NAS systems offer secure remote access features, often through a dedicated mobile app or web portal.
Q: What is the main difference between NAS and cloud storage (like Google Drive)?
A: With a NAS, you own the hardware and the data stays in your house. With cloud storage, a company owns the servers, and you pay a monthly fee.
Q: How secure is my data on a NAS?
A: Your data is secure on the hardware. However, you must use strong passwords and keep the NAS software updated to protect against outside threats.
Q: What is the importance of RAID 1?
A: RAID 1 copies every file onto two drives. If one drive suddenly fails, your data is instantly available on the second drive. This prevents data loss.
Q: Do I need special software to use the NAS?
A: You need the manufacturer’s management software to set up the NAS initially. After setup, you usually access files just like a regular shared folder on your computer network.
Q: How long do NAS hard drives typically last?
A: If you use NAS-rated drives and keep them cool, they often last five to eight years or more, especially when running in a protective RAID setup.
Q: Can a NAS replace my old desktop computer?
A: No. A NAS is specialized for storage and serving files. It cannot run complex desktop programs like Photoshop or video editing software well.
Q: Should I buy a 2-bay or 4-bay unit?
A: If you only need backups and basic sharing, 2-bay is fine. If you plan to grow your media collection quickly or need extra safety, the 4-bay offers much more room to expand later.