Discover top NAS systems suitable for home use, focusing on ease of setup and versatility.
A network-attached storage (NAS) device can be a real game-changer for your home. Imagine having a central location to store all your photos, videos, and documents, accessible from any device on your network. A NAS also gives you peace of mind knowing your important data is backed up and safe. With a NAS, you can even create a personal cloud for easy access to your files on the go.
Choosing the right NAS for your home can feel overwhelming with so many options available. There are different factors to consider, such as storage capacity, speed, features, and price. This guide aims to help you navigate the NAS landscape and find the perfect fit for your needs.
We’ve compiled a list of the 15 best network-attached storage devices for home use. Each NAS on this list excels in different areas, offering various features and price points to suit diverse needs. Whether you need a simple storage solution or a powerful NAS for media streaming and advanced backup features, this list will guide you to the best NAS for your home.
Find more on 22 Best Network Attached Storage Media Players for 2024
This guide will take you through the key features to look for in a NAS, provide a breakdown of each NAS on our list, and offer helpful tips for choosing the right NAS for your specific requirements. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision and choose the NAS that will elevate your home network and data storage.
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| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Synology DiskStation DS923+ |  |
4.5 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| QNAP TS-h973AX |  |
4.0 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASUSTOR AS6704T |  |
4.3 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Synology DiskStation DS220+ |  |
4.5 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TerraMaster F5-422 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Netgear ReadyNAS 424 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Synology DiskStation DS1222+ | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| QNAP TS-253D |  |
4.4 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Synology DiskStation DS923+
A powerful NAS designed for demanding users with a focus on performance and expandability. It features a quad-core processor, plenty of RAM, and support for multiple drives, making it ideal for large media libraries, backups, and demanding applications.
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 8GB)
- Storage: Up to 9 drives (including M.2 NVMe SSDs)
- Network: 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Features: Synology DSM operating system, various apps and services
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful performance with a quad-core processor
- Expandable storage options
- Flexible and versatile with a wide range of applications
- Excellent user experience with Synology's intuitive DSM interface
Reasons to avoid:
- Higher price compared to other NAS options
- May be overkill for casual users with small storage needs
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a powerful NAS for large media libraries, backups, and demanding applications.
- You want expandable storage options.
- You value ease of use and a wide range of features.
Don't buy it if:
- You have a limited budget.
- You only need a basic NAS for simple file sharing.
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is a powerful and versatile NAS that caters to demanding users who need high performance, expandable storage, and a wide range of features. It's an excellent choice for those who want to create a reliable and feature-rich home network storage solution. If you're looking for a NAS that can handle large media libraries, backups, and demanding applications, and you have the budget for it, the DS923+ is a great option. However, it might be overkill for casual users with smaller storage needs.
QNAP TS-h973AX
A high-performance NAS with a focus on enterprise-level features, designed for demanding workloads and large data storage requirements. It features a powerful Intel Xeon processor, abundant RAM, and support for multiple drives, including high-speed NVMe SSDs, making it ideal for businesses and professionals.
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Xeon processor
- RAM: 32GB DDR4 (expandable to 128GB)
- Storage: Up to 12 drives (including M.2 NVMe SSDs)
- Network: 2x 10GbE SFP+ ports, 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Features: QNAP QTS operating system, advanced security features, virtualization support, and more
Reasons to buy:
- Extremely powerful performance
- Massive storage capacity with support for NVMe SSDs
- Advanced security features
- Suitable for demanding workloads and large data storage requirements
Reasons to avoid:
- High price tag
- Complex configuration for non-technical users
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a highly performant NAS for demanding workloads and large data storage.
- You need advanced features such as virtualization, containerization, and advanced security.
- You're willing to invest in a high-end NAS for your business or professional needs.
Don't buy it if:
- You have a limited budget.
- You are a casual user with basic storage needs.
Bottom Line:
The QNAP TS-h973AX is a powerful, feature-rich NAS specifically designed for enterprise-level workloads. If you require massive storage capacity, blazing-fast performance, advanced security features, and the ability to handle demanding applications, this is a top-tier option. However, its high price and complexity make it unsuitable for casual users or those with simpler storage needs.
ASUSTOR AS6704T
A versatile NAS designed for both home and business users with a focus on flexibility and value. It features a quad-core processor, ample RAM, and multiple drive bays, offering a good balance between performance and price.
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Celeron J6412 quad-core processor
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB)
- Storage: Up to 4 drives (including M.2 NVMe SSDs)
- Network: 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1x 10GbE SFP+ port (optional)
- Features: ASUSTOR ADM operating system, a wide range of applications and services
Reasons to buy:
- Good balance between performance and price
- Flexible and versatile with a wide range of applications
- Expandable storage options, including NVMe SSDs
- User-friendly interface with ADM operating system
Reasons to avoid:
- Performance may not be as high as other high-end NAS options
- Limited storage capacity compared to some other NAS models
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a reliable and versatile NAS for a mix of home and office applications.
- You value good performance without breaking the bank.
- You want expandable storage options, including NVMe SSDs.
Don't buy it if:
- You need the absolute highest performance.
- You require a NAS with massive storage capacity.
Bottom Line:
The ASUSTOR AS6704T is a well-rounded NAS that offers a good balance between performance and price. It's a great choice for home and business users who need a flexible and feature-rich NAS for a variety of tasks. While it may not be the absolute fastest or largest NAS on the market, it's a solid and affordable option that provides excellent value for the money.
WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra
A compact and easy-to-use NAS designed for home users who need a simple and reliable way to store and share files. It features a dual-core processor, built-in backup features, and a user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for beginners.
Specifications:
- CPU: Marvell Armada 388 processor
- RAM: 1GB DDR3
- Storage: 2 drive bays (up to 16TB capacity)
- Network: 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
- Features: WD My Cloud OS 3 operating system, automatic backup and synchronization features
Reasons to buy:
- Simple and easy to use, even for beginners
- Built-in backup and synchronization features
- Compact and affordable
- Ideal for basic file sharing and storage needs
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited performance compared to other NAS options
- Limited features compared to other NAS models
- Not ideal for demanding applications or large data storage
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a simple and easy-to-use NAS for basic file sharing and backup.
- You're on a tight budget and don't need advanced features.
Don't buy it if:
- You need high performance or a wide range of features.
- You require a NAS for demanding applications or large data storage.
Bottom Line:
The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a great choice for home users who need a simple and affordable NAS for basic file sharing, storage, and backup. It's easy to set up and use, and its built-in backup features make it a convenient option for protecting your important data. However, it's not a good choice for users who need high performance, a wide range of features, or massive storage capacity.
Synology DiskStation DS220+
A compact and affordable NAS designed for home users who need a reliable and easy-to-use solution for file sharing, backup, and media streaming. It features a dual-core processor, a user-friendly interface, and a wide range of applications.
Specifications:
- CPU: Realtek RTD1296 dual-core processor
- RAM: 2GB DDR4 (expandable to 6GB)
- Storage: 2 drive bays
- Network: 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
- Features: Synology DSM operating system, various apps and services
Reasons to buy:
- Compact and affordable
- Easy to use with Synology's intuitive DSM interface
- Wide range of applications and services
- Ideal for home users with basic storage and file sharing needs
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited performance compared to higher-end NAS models
- Not as powerful as other NAS options for demanding applications
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a compact and affordable NAS for basic file sharing and storage.
- You want a user-friendly interface and a wide range of apps.
Don't buy it if:
- You need high performance for demanding applications.
- You require a NAS with expandable storage options.
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS220+ is a great choice for home users who need a compact, affordable, and user-friendly NAS for basic file sharing, storage, and backup. It's an excellent option for users who are new to NAS devices and want a simple and reliable way to manage their data. However, if you need high performance, expandable storage, or advanced features, you might want to consider a more powerful NAS model.
TerraMaster F5-422
A versatile and affordable NAS designed for home users and small businesses with a focus on performance and storage capacity. It features a quad-core processor, abundant RAM, and multiple drive bays, making it a good choice for media streaming, backups, and file sharing.
Specifications:
- CPU: Realtek RTD1619B quad-core processor
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 8GB)
- Storage: 5 drive bays
- Network: 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Features: TerraMaster TOS operating system, a variety of apps and services
Reasons to buy:
- Good balance between performance and price
- Expandable storage options
- User-friendly interface with TerraMaster's TOS operating system
- A good choice for media streaming, backups, and file sharing
Reasons to avoid:
- Not as powerful as some high-end NAS options
- Performance may not be as high as other NAS options with faster processors
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a NAS for media streaming, backups, and file sharing at an affordable price.
- You want a NAS with expandable storage options.
Don't buy it if:
- You need the absolute highest performance for demanding applications.
Bottom Line:
The TerraMaster F5-422 is a versatile and affordable NAS that offers a good balance between performance and price. It's a great option for home users and small businesses who need a reliable NAS for storing, sharing, and backing up their data. With its expandable storage options and user-friendly interface, it's a solid choice for those looking for a feature-rich NAS without breaking the bank. However, if you need the absolute highest performance for demanding applications, you may want to consider a more powerful NAS.
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Netgear ReadyNAS 424
A compact and reliable NAS designed for home users and small businesses who need a simple and efficient way to store and share files. It features a dual-core processor, a user-friendly interface, and automatic backup and synchronization features.
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Specifications:
- CPU: Marvell Armada 385 processor
- RAM: 1GB DDR3
- Storage: 2 drive bays
- Network: 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
- Features: Netgear ReadyNAS OS, automatic backup and synchronization features
Reasons to buy:
- Compact and affordable
- Easy to use with Netgear's ReadyNAS OS
- Built-in backup and synchronization features
- Ideal for basic file sharing and storage needs
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited performance compared to other NAS options
- Limited features compared to other NAS models
- Not ideal for demanding applications or large data storage
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a simple and affordable NAS for basic file sharing and storage.
- You want a NAS with automatic backup and synchronization features.
Don't buy it if:
- You need high performance or a wide range of features.
- You require a NAS for demanding applications or large data storage.
Bottom Line:
The Netgear ReadyNAS 424 is a solid choice for home users and small businesses who need a simple, reliable, and affordable NAS for basic file sharing, storage, and backup. It's easy to set up and use, and its built-in backup features make it a convenient option for protecting your important data. However, if you need high performance, a wide range of features, or massive storage capacity, you might want to consider a more powerful NAS.
Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay
A compact and easy-to-use NAS designed for home users who need a simple way to store and share files. It features a dual-core processor, built-in backup features, and a user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for beginners.
Specifications:
- CPU: Marvell Armada 385 processor
- RAM: 1GB DDR3
- Storage: 2 drive bays (up to 16TB capacity)
- Network: 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
- Features: Seagate Personal Cloud OS, automatic backup and synchronization features
Reasons to buy:
- Simple and easy to use, even for beginners
- Built-in backup and synchronization features
- Compact and affordable
- Ideal for basic file sharing and storage needs
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited performance compared to other NAS options
- Limited features compared to other NAS models
- Not ideal for demanding applications or large data storage
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a simple and easy-to-use NAS for basic file sharing and backup.
- You're on a tight budget and don't need advanced features.
Don't buy it if:
- You need high performance or a wide range of features.
- You require a NAS for demanding applications or large data storage.
Bottom Line:
The Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay is a good choice for home users who need a simple and affordable NAS for basic file sharing, storage, and backup. It's easy to set up and use, and its built-in backup features make it a convenient option for protecting your important data. However, it's not a good choice for users who need high performance, a wide range of features, or massive storage capacity.
Check this blog on 15 Best Network Attached Storage Software
Synology DiskStation DS1222+
A powerful and versatile NAS designed for demanding users who need high performance, expandable storage, and a wide range of features. It features a quad-core processor, plenty of RAM, and support for multiple drives, making it ideal for large media libraries, backups, and demanding applications.
Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 8GB)
- Storage: Up to 12 drives (including M.2 NVMe SSDs)
- Network: 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Features: Synology DSM operating system, various apps and services
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful performance with a quad-core processor
- Expandable storage options
- Flexible and versatile with a wide range of applications
- Excellent user experience with Synology's intuitive DSM interface
Reasons to avoid:
- Higher price compared to other NAS options
- May be overkill for casual users with small storage needs
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a powerful NAS for large media libraries, backups, and demanding applications.
- You want expandable storage options.
- You value ease of use and a wide range of features.
Don't buy it if:
- You have a limited budget.
- You only need a basic NAS for simple file sharing.
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS1222+ is a powerful and versatile NAS that caters to demanding users who need high performance, expandable storage, and a wide range of features. It's an excellent choice for those who want to create a reliable and feature-rich home network storage solution. If you're looking for a NAS that can handle large media libraries, backups, and demanding applications, and you have the budget for it, the DS1222+ is a great option. However, it might be overkill for casual users with smaller storage needs.
QNAP TS-253D
A compact and affordable NAS designed for home users who need a reliable and easy-to-use solution for file sharing, backup, and media streaming. It features a quad-core processor, a user-friendly interface, and a wide range of applications.
Specifications:
- CPU: Realtek RTD1619B quad-core processor
- RAM: 2GB DDR4 (expandable to 8GB)
- Storage: 2 drive bays
- Network: 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
- Features: QNAP QTS operating system, various apps and services
Reasons to buy:
- Compact and affordable
- Easy to use with QNAP's QTS interface
- Wide range of applications and services
- Ideal for home users with basic storage and file sharing needs
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited performance compared to higher-end NAS models
- Not as powerful as other NAS options for demanding applications
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You need a compact and affordable NAS for basic file sharing and storage.
- You want a user-friendly interface and a wide range of apps.
Don't buy it if:
- You need high performance for demanding applications.
- You require a NAS with expandable storage options.
Bottom Line:
The QNAP TS-253D is a great choice for home users who need a compact, affordable, and user-friendly NAS for basic file sharing, storage, and backup. It's an excellent option for users who are new to NAS devices and want a simple and reliable way to manage their data. However, if you need high performance, expandable storage, or advanced features, you might want to consider a more powerful NAS model.
Western Digital My Cloud Home
A simple and affordable NAS for home users.
Check this blog on 15 Best Network Attached Storage Devices in 2024
Specifications :
- Storage Capacity: Up to 24TB
- Processor: Dual-core processor
- Memory: 1GB RAM
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: WD My Cloud OS 3
Reasons to buy :
- Easy setup and use
- Affordable price
- Supports multiple users
- Cloud backup capabilities
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited features compared to other NAS devices
- No support for RAID configurations
- Slow performance for demanding tasks
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are a casual user looking for a simple and affordable way to store and access files remotely.
- You don't need advanced features like RAID or virtualization.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a high-performance NAS for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
- You want advanced features like RAID or virtualization.
Bottom Line:
The WD My Cloud Home is a solid option for casual users who want a simple and affordable way to store and access their files. It's easy to set up and use, and it offers cloud backup capabilities. However, it lacks the performance and features of more expensive NAS devices, so it's not the best choice for power users.
Synology DiskStation DS1522+
A powerful and versatile NAS for home and small business users.
Specifications :
- Storage Capacity: Up to 120TB
- Processor: Intel Celeron N5105 Quad-Core processor
- Memory: 8GB RAM (expandable to 32GB)
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, 10GbE (optional)
- Operating System: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful performance for demanding tasks
- Extensive feature set including RAID support, virtualization, and multimedia streaming
- User-friendly interface and mobile app
Reasons to avoid :
- Relatively expensive compared to other NAS devices
- Requires more technical knowledge to set up and configure
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a high-performance NAS for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
- You want advanced features like RAID, virtualization, and multimedia streaming.
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget.
- You are not comfortable with technical configurations.
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS1522+ is a powerful and versatile NAS that's ideal for home and small business users who need a high-performance storage solution with advanced features. It's a great choice for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming, and it offers a wide range of customization options. However, it's relatively expensive compared to other NAS devices, and it requires more technical knowledge to set up and configure.
QNAP TS-231+
A compact and feature-rich NAS for home and small office users.
Specifications :
- Storage Capacity: Up to 40TB
- Processor: Intel Celeron J4125 Dual-Core processor
- Memory: 4GB RAM (expandable to 8GB)
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: QTS
Reasons to buy :
- Compact design
- Feature-rich operating system with support for virtualization, multimedia streaming, and more
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited storage capacity compared to other NAS devices
- Performance can be slow for demanding tasks
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are looking for a compact and affordable NAS with a wide range of features.
- You need a reliable storage solution for your home or small office.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a high-performance NAS for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
- You need a large storage capacity.
Bottom Line:
The QNAP TS-231+ is a great choice for home and small office users who are looking for a compact and feature-rich NAS at an affordable price. It's easy to set up and use, and it offers a wide range of features including virtualization, multimedia streaming, and more. However, it's not the best choice for demanding tasks or users who need a large storage capacity.
Synology DiskStation DS118
A basic and budget-friendly NAS for home users.
Specifications :
- Storage Capacity: Up to 16TB
- Processor: Realtek RTD1296 Dual-Core processor
- Memory: 1GB RAM
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable price
- Easy to set up and use
- Supports multiple users
- Good performance for basic tasks
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited features compared to other NAS devices
- No support for RAID configurations
- Slow performance for demanding tasks
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are a casual user looking for a simple and affordable way to store and access files remotely.
- You don't need advanced features like RAID or virtualization.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a high-performance NAS for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
- You want advanced features like RAID or virtualization.
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS118 is a good option for casual users who are looking for a budget-friendly and easy-to-use NAS. It's simple to set up and use, and it offers basic features like file sharing and backup. However, it lacks the performance and features of more expensive NAS devices, so it's not the best choice for power users.
Thecus N8810U
A powerful and scalable NAS for home and small business users.
Specifications :
- Storage Capacity: Up to 128TB
- Processor: Intel Atom C3538 Quad-Core processor
- Memory: 4GB RAM (expandable to 16GB)
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, 10GbE (optional)
- Operating System: ThecusOS
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful performance for demanding tasks
- Scalable design with support for multiple hard drives
- Wide range of features including RAID support, virtualization, and multimedia streaming
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive compared to other NAS devices
- User interface can be confusing for beginners
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a high-performance and scalable NAS for demanding tasks.
- You want advanced features like RAID, virtualization, and multimedia streaming.
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget.
- You are not comfortable with technical configurations.
Bottom Line:
The Thecus N8810U is a powerful and scalable NAS that's ideal for home and small business users who need a high-performance storage solution with advanced features. It's a great choice for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming, and it offers a wide range of customization options. However, it's relatively expensive compared to other NAS devices, and it requires more technical knowledge to set up and configure.
Choosing the right NAS for your home can be a daunting task, with so many options available. The good news is that there's a perfect NAS out there for everyone, regardless of your needs or budget. Whether you're looking for a simple file server, a media streaming hub, or a powerful backup solution, our list of the 15 best NAS devices for home use has you covered.
When choosing your NAS, consider your specific needs, such as storage capacity, performance requirements, and features. Think about the type of data you'll be storing, the number of users who will be accessing the NAS, and any specific applications you'll be running. With a little research and careful planning, you can find the perfect NAS device to enhance your home's digital life.
We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your choices and make an informed decision. With a reliable NAS device, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your data is safe, accessible, and organized. Don't hesitate to explore the features and capabilities of each NAS device in more detail to find the perfect match for your home.
We encourage you to share your experiences with NAS devices in the comments below. What NAS do you use? What are your favorite features? Let's start a conversation and help each other find the best solutions for our home networks.