Imagine this: You’re ready to save your favorite photos or important school projects, but your computer’s hard drive just blinked “Storage Full!” Sound familiar? In today’s digital world, we create mountains of data every single day. Keeping all those precious files safe and easily accessible is a huge challenge.
Choosing the right Network Storage Device—often called a NAS—can feel like navigating a maze. Do you need speed? Security? Enough space for everyone in your house? Getting it wrong means slow backups or, worse, losing important memories. It’s confusing to compare features like RAID setups and gigabit speeds when you just want a reliable digital vault.
This guide cuts through the tech jargon. We will break down exactly what a Network Storage Device is and show you the simple steps to pick the perfect one for your needs, whether you are a student, a gamer, or a small business owner. Get ready to take control of your data!
Top Network Storage Device Recommendations
- 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.
- 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.
- High-capacity add-on storage.Specific uses: Business, personal
- Fast data transfers
- Plug-and-play ready for Windows PCs
- WD quality inside and out
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
Your Easy Guide to Choosing the Best Network Storage Device (NAS)
A Network Attached Storage (NAS) device is like having your own private cloud in your home or office. It lets you save files, photos, and videos in one central spot that everyone on your network can reach. Picking the right one can seem tricky, but this guide makes it simple.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a NAS, focus on these important parts. They decide how fast and useful your device will be.
1. Drive Bays and Capacity
- Drive Bays: This is how many hard drives you can put inside. More bays mean more storage space later. Four-bay units are great for families or small offices.
- Capacity: Think about how much space you need now and in the future. You buy the drives separately for most NAS units.
2. Processor (CPU) and RAM
These parts make the NAS run fast. A better CPU handles more people using the device at once. More RAM helps run apps on the NAS smoothly, like streaming movies.
3. Network Speed (Ethernet Port)
Look for Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) as a minimum. If you move very large files often, a 2.5GbE or 10GbE port is much faster, but your whole network needs to support it.
4. Redundancy (RAID)
RAID is a fancy way to protect your data. RAID 1 mirrors your data across two drives, so if one fails, you don’t lose anything. RAID 5 spreads data across three or more drives, offering speed and protection.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your NAS lasts and how cool it stays.
- Chassis: Most good NAS units use strong metal cases (like aluminum). Metal helps pull heat away from the spinning hard drives. Plastic cases are cheaper but might not cool as well.
- Drive Trays: Look for trays that lock securely. Some models let you swap drives without opening the whole box, which is very convenient.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a NAS great or just okay?
Improving Quality:
- Easy Setup Software: The best brands offer simple, guided setup programs. You should not need to be a computer expert to get started.
- App Ecosystem: Can the NAS run extra software? Good devices let you install apps for backups, media servers (like Plex), or security camera recording.
- Quiet Operation: Since these often sit in living areas, quiet fans and vibration dampening are big pluses.
Reducing Quality:
- Proprietary Drives: Some manufacturers lock you into using only their expensive hard drives. Avoid these if you like choosing your own storage.
- Slow Interfaces: If navigating the settings menu feels slow, it reduces the daily user experience significantly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you actually use your NAS?
For Families and Media Lovers:
You need a NAS good at streaming. Look for strong CPU power to “transcode” video—this means changing the video format so your smart TV or phone can play it instantly. Backup software for phones and computers is also crucial here.
For Small Businesses:
Security and uptime matter most. You need easy tools for remote access (working from home) and reliable backup scheduling. Multiple user accounts must be managed simply.
A good NAS device saves time and protects your memories. Match the features to what you plan to do most often!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Network Storage Devices
Q: What is the main difference between a NAS and an external hard drive?
A: An external drive connects to only one computer with a USB cable. A NAS connects to your router, so many devices (phones, PCs, TVs) can access it over the network at the same time.
Q: Do I have to buy hard drives separately?
A: Yes, most NAS units are sold as “enclosures” without drives. You choose the drives based on the size and speed you need.
Q: Is setting up a NAS complicated?
A: No, modern NAS setups are usually plug-and-play. You plug it into your router, run the manufacturer’s setup software on your computer, and follow the simple steps.
Q: Is my data safe if the NAS loses power?
A: If you use RAID (like RAID 1 or 5), your data is safe if one drive fails. For protection against power outages, it is best practice to connect the NAS to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
Q: Can I access my files when I am away from home?
A: Yes. Most major brands include free apps that allow secure remote access to your files using your smartphone or laptop over the internet.
Q: What does “Transcoding” mean for video streaming?
A: Transcoding is when the NAS actively converts a video file (like a high-quality MKV) into a format your device (like an old tablet) can play immediately. This needs a strong CPU in the NAS.
Q: How many users can typically use a home NAS at once?
A: A standard home NAS handles five to ten users easily. Larger units with powerful processors can handle more simultaneous users without slowing down.
Q: Which RAID level should a beginner choose?
A: RAID 1 is the easiest choice for beginners with two drives because it offers complete mirroring—if one drive dies, the second one has an exact copy.
Q: Does a NAS use a lot of electricity?
A: No. Modern NAS devices are very energy efficient. They often use less power than a standard desktop computer, especially when they enter low-power sleep modes.
Q: Do I need to worry about viruses on my NAS?
A: While the NAS itself is not a primary target, it stores backed-up data. Always use strong passwords and keep the NAS operating system updated to prevent unauthorized access or infection.