As the demand for reliable and versatile storage solutions continues to rise, it’s no surprise that NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices have become increasingly popular among homeowners and small business owners. In fact, industry analysts predict that the global NAS market will reach over $20 billion by 2024. With so many options available, choosing the right NAS device can be a formidable task. However, by understanding the key features and capabilities of the top NAS devices, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect solution to meet your specific storage and performance needs. Let’s plunge into and explore the five best NAS devices for home and small business use in 2024.
For home storage and backup needs, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 4TB 1-Bay NAS is a reliable and straightforward solution. With its effortless installation, you can quickly set up a personal cloud to store, back up, and manage your files without any monthly fees. The 4TB capacity provides ample space, and the closed system along with SSL encryption guarantees data security. While some customers experienced minor setup and connectivity issues, the majority found the LinkStation 210 easy to use, with good performance and features. Compared to alternatives like the WD My Cloud, this BUFFALO NAS offers better responsiveness as a local storage solution. Overall, the LinkStation 210 is an excellent choice for home users seeking a simple and secure network-attached storage device.
Best For: Home users seeking a simple and secure network-attached storage device for their storage and backup needs.
Pros:
Effortless installation with a subscription-free personal cloud
Strong data security features like closed system and SSL encryption
Good performance and reliability based on customer feedback
Cons:
Some customers reported minor issues with setup and connectivity
Warranty and support details not clearly specified
Limited to 1 drive bay compared to more expandable NAS options
Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T – 6 Bay All-SSD NAS Storage
The Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T stands out as a versatile and high-performance NAS solution, particularly suited for users seeking fast and reliable all-SSD storage. Boasting a quad-core Intel Celeron N5105 CPU, 4GB of DDR4-2933 RAM, and six M.2 NVMe slots, this NAS device delivers lightning-fast performance for demanding tasks. Its superfast 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet ports and dual USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 interfaces guarantee seamless data transfers, while the HDMI 2.0b and S/PDIF output provide excellent multimedia capabilities. With its compact and quiet design, the Flashstor 6 FS6706T is an excellent choice for home or small business use. While some users have reported minor issues with the snapshot feature and memory upgrades, the overall consensus is that this NAS device offers a fantastic blend of speed, versatility, and user-friendly features.
Best For: The Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T is best for users seeking a fast and reliable all-SSD NAS solution for home or small business use.
Pros:
Fast performance with a quad-core Intel Celeron N5105 CPU and 6x M.2 NVMe slots
Quiet and compact design
Excellent connectivity with 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet and dual USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 ports
Cons:
Some users experienced issues with the snapshot feature
Memory upgrades may be a concern for some users
Interface responsiveness could be improved in certain situations
QNAP TS-264-8G-US 2 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS
With its powerful quad-core Intel Celeron processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and dual 2.5GbE ports, the QNAP TS-264-8G-US 2 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS is an excellent choice for users seeking a high-performance network-attached storage solution. You’ll appreciate the tool-less drive installation and the user-friendly web interface, which makes setup and configuration a breeze. The dual M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD slots allow for cache acceleration or SSD storage pools, while the multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports provide fast data transfer speeds. Though the PCIe bay’s lack of a fan may limit card installation, the QNAP’s range of features, including Emby Server with 4K transcoding and MyQNAPCloud for secure remote access, make it a compelling choice for home and small business users.
Best For: The QNAP TS-264-8G-US 2 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS is best for home and small business users seeking a high-performance network-attached storage solution.
Pros:
Powerful quad-core Intel Celeron processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM for fast performance
Dual 2.5GbE ports for accelerated file sharing and large file transfers
Dual M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD slots for cache acceleration or SSD storage pools
Cons:
Limited PCIe card installation due to lack of fan in the PCIe bay
Some users report minor issues like DOA units or incompatible expansion cards
Potential setup complexity for users not familiar with NAS devices
If you’re looking to centralize and secure your digital files, the Synology 2-Bay NAS DS223 (Diskless) ticks all the right boxes. Designed for both work and leisure, this NAS offers license-free, built-in solutions to create your private cloud, access files from any device, and collaborate efficiently. Its Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) feature allows for easy storage management, accommodating different drive sizes and providing data protection in case of drive failure. The DS223 can serve as a versatile platform, functioning as a download server, DHCP server, media server, and more. With its user-friendly interface and extensive features, setting up this NAS is a breeze, delivering a seamless experience. Though some users reported compatibility issues when using it as a cloud device, the DS223’s overall performance and value make it a compelling choice for home and small business use.
Best For: The Synology 2-Bay NAS DS223 (Diskless) is best for home and small business users looking to centralize and secure their digital files with an easy-to-use and feature-rich NAS solution.
Pros:
Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) for easy storage management and data protection
Versatile platform with various server capabilities (download, DHCP, media, etc.)
User-friendly interface and comprehensive features
Cons:
Some users reported compatibility issues when using it as a cloud device
Potential file and folder name compatibility concerns
May be overkill for users with basic storage and sharing needs
Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra Network Attached Storage (BVBZ0080JCH-NESN)
For users in need of a high-capacity network storage solution, the Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra Network Attached Storage (BVBZ0080JCH-NESN) stands out as a robust and versatile option. Boasting a 1.3 GHz dual-core processor, it delivers high-performance and ultra-fast transfer speeds. With up to 16TB of centralized storage and 1GB of DDR3 memory, it effortlessly handles all your data storage and multitasking needs. The EX2 Ultra simplifies file sharing and synchronization across your network, and its compatibility with Windows, Mac OS, and RAID 1 configuration makes it a versatile choice. While some users report issues with fan noise and access credentials, the overall positive reviews and feature set make this NAS an excellent pick for home and small business users.
Best For: Home and small business users in need of a high-capacity network storage solution with fast transfer speeds and remote access capabilities.
Pros:
High-performance 1.3 GHz dual-core processor
Up to 16TB of centralized storage
Simplified file sharing and synchronization
Cons:
Some users experienced loud fan noise during heavy load
Issues with accessing private shares with non-admin credentials
Power light may blink off briefly every five seconds during indexing
When choosing a NAS device, you’ll want to ponder its storage capacity and ability to expand. The processing power and performance will impact how quickly the NAS can handle tasks. You’ll also need to examine the network connectivity and available ports to guarantee it meets your needs.
Storage Capacity and Expansion
One of the primary factors to ponder when choosing a NAS device is its storage capacity and expansion capabilities. These devices offer a range of options, from 2TB to an impressive 16TB or more, depending on the number of bays and supported drive sizes. Additionally, some NAS units allow for expansion through USB ports or additional bays, enabling you to increase storage as your needs grow.
To guarantee data redundancy and protection against drive failures, consider RAID configurations like RAID 1 or RAID 6, though these may impact overall storage capacity. For enhanced performance, look for NAS devices with M.2 NVMe SSD slots, which can provide high-speed storage for cache acceleration or storage pools.
The type and number of drive bays, as well as compatibility with various drive sizes and types, are vital considerations when selecting a NAS device that can meet your storage and expansion requirements.
Processing Power and Performance
Alongside the storage capacity and expansion considerations, the processing power and performance of a NAS device are equally vital factors to ponder. A quad-core processor like the Intel Celeron N5105 can provide high-performance and ultra-fast transfer speeds, making it suitable for demanding NAS applications. On the other hand, a dual-core processor with a clock speed of 1.3 GHz can provide sufficient processing power for general NAS usage, but may struggle with resource-intensive tasks. The amount of RAM can profoundly impact NAS performance, with more RAM allowing for smoother multitasking and faster file transfers. Additionally, the type of RAM, such as DDR3 or DDR4, can affect performance, with newer types providing faster speeds and lower power consumption. A higher number of CPU cores and threads can improve NAS performance by allowing multiple tasks to be executed simultaneously, reducing bottlenecks and increasing overall system responsiveness.
Network Connectivity and Ports
NAS devices typically feature multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing fast and reliable network connectivity. Some models even offer 2.5-Gigabit or 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports for even faster speeds. USB ports, like USB 3.2 Gen 2 or USB-C, allow you to expand storage, back up data, and transfer files. You can also connect peripherals like printers and scanners to these ports.
Certain NAS devices come with HDMI ports, letting you connect them directly to TVs or monitors for media playback or use them as a PC substitute. Additionally, some NAS devices feature M.2 NVMe slots, which you can use for SSD cache acceleration or SSD storage pools, dramatically boosting performance and reducing latency.
To guarantee high availability and minimize downtime, look for NAS devices with dual LAN ports or Link Aggregation, which provide failover support, load balancing, and increased network bandwidth.
Ease of Setup and Management
For hassle-free setup and management, prioritize NAS devices with user-friendly interfaces and exhaustive setup guides. Many modern NAS devices come with tool-less drive installation and easy configuration options, simplifying the process for users without extensive technical expertise. Automatic file synching and backup features can also streamline the management of a NAS device, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
The ability to access and manage your NAS remotely through mobile apps or web interfaces can enhance ease of setup and management. Additionally, devices with regular firmware updates and a robust support system can guarantee you have access to the latest features and security patches, making management easier over time. By considering these factors, you can find a NAS device that aligns with your needs and technical abilities, certifying a smooth setup and seamless long-term management.
Data Protection and Backup
When choosing a NAS device, data protection and backup capabilities are paramount. A NAS with built-in RAID, like RAID 1, can automatically duplicate your data, safeguarding it against single-drive failures. Regular backups are a must, and NAS devices often support automated processes, such as Time Machine for Mac or NetBak Replicator for Windows, making this task a breeze.
To further secure your data, look for NAS devices that offer encryption options, like SSL, to protect sensitive information during file transfers. Snapshot capabilities can also be invaluable, allowing you to revert to previous data versions if files are accidentally deleted or corrupted. Redundancy features, such as dual Ethernet ports, guarantee continuous accessibility, even if one port fails. Prioritize these data protection and backup features when selecting the best NAS for your home or small business needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can NAS Devices Be Used for Remote Data Backup?
Absolutely, NAS devices can be used for remote data backup. You can securely store your files on the NAS and access them from anywhere, ensuring your important data is safe and easily retrievable.
How Do I Monitor and Manage My NAS Device Remotely?
You can monitor and manage your NAS device remotely by using its built-in web-based management interface. You can check system status, configure settings, and even access your stored data from anywhere with an internet connection.
What Are the Security Features Available in NAS Devices?
Modern NAS devices offer robust security features to protect your data. You can enjoy encrypted storage, user access controls, remote access, and real-time monitoring to keep your files safe and secure from unauthorized access.
Can NAS Devices Be Integrated With Cloud Storage Services?
Imagine your files like precious family heirlooms – you’d want them safe, yet accessible. Well, NAS devices can do just that, seamlessly integrating with cloud storage for the ultimate in secure, flexible data management.
How Do I Expand Storage Capacity in My NAS Device?
You can expand your NAS device’s storage capacity by adding additional hard drives or solid-state drives. Most NAS devices offer expansion bays, allowing you to easily increase your total storage space as your needs grow.
Conclusion
When choosing the best NAS device for your home or small business in 2024, you’ll need to weigh the trade-offs between performance, storage capacity, and ease of use. But be warned – one wrong decision could leave you struggling with an unreliable, sluggish device that fails to meet your needs. Will you make the right choice and tap into the full potential of your data storage? The decision is yours.
