These Are The 7 Best NAS Devices (2020 review)

Are you looking for the best NAS (network-attached storage) device to access important files from the computer wherever you are? This article is for you!

NAS devices are all about maintaining and keeping your files well-protected and safe despite your location and devices in working order. You can attach the device to any network in your office or home and store multiple files/data in one secure place.

Buying the best NAS device is a complicated task, and with hundreds and thousands of models available in the market, it can be hard to choose the right one. Don’t worry; we have you covered! Read on below about the best-selling, high-rated products to make a well-informed decision.

• Related: Best Hard Drives for Virtual Machines

1. Synology 4 bay NAS DiskStation DS918+ (Diskless)

Cost: $$$ (Mid)

Performance: +++++ (Excellent)

Overall Best NAS Device

This highly rated NAS device is best known for its strong and powerful dual-core processor. It is ideal for home users and people with small businesses who wish to own a compact and reliable solution for their shared storage and thorough workloads.

The next-generation system for data protection includes the Btrfs file system that offers the most radical storage technology to meet your daily requirements and management needs. It’s instantaneous H.265/H.264 4K transcoding for large video files gives you stress-free and good-quality media playback even while using different devices. With this feature, you are free to watch your whole media library and stream high-definition TV and digital media players without needing any third-party player.

Thanks to the extensive support for your file sharing customs such as NFS, CIFS, and FTP. The Synology 4 bay NAS DiskStation DS918+ enables you to centralize your files and collaborate on multiple tasks. When required, you can even sync the files over multiple devices or locations to other people in your office who can work together.

The device also helps control your data and make sure your files are secure by making backup files for devices and offering protection against unintentional data loss. Its 24/7 smart surveillance station offers keen monitoring and video administration tools to manage IP cameras, I/O modules integration, and live streaming to save all the essential files for your work.

Pros

• Expandable memory up to 8GB
• Quad-core processor
• Encrypted sequential throughput
• Dual-channel H.265/H.264 4K video transcoding
• Advanced file system

Cons

• Need upgrading for virtual machines

2. QNAP TS-251+ 2-Bay Next Gen Personal Cloud NAS, Intel 2.0GHz Quad-Core CPU with Media Transcoding

Cost: $$$$ (High)

Performance: +++++ (Excellent)

If you are looking for a NAS system with great performance and decent price tag, look no further than QNAP TS-251+ 2-Bay Next Gen Personal Cloud NAS.

The QNAP TS-251+ is sure to offer a sturdy home for your whole multimedia content and more! It can smoothly run PLEX while still delivering great support for hardware and offline transcoding. The best thing about  QNAP TS-251+ 2-Bay Next Gen Personal Cloud NAS is that it is compatible with almost all the streaming devices available in the market.

It features TS-x51+ backup for your content so you can do everything quickly and without any hassle. You can simply download and upload your files distantly and even format the snapshots for your standbys and backups across all devices. The NAS device is powered by a 64-bit Intel Celeron 20 GHz quad-core processor and features 2-8GB energy-effective RAM that you can upgrade up to 8GB. The dual gigabits LAN ports offer up to 225 MBs for reading/writing speeds and port trunking.

If you want to automatically increase your processor’s clock rate from 2-2.4GHz, do CPU intensive tasks, carry out folder encryption with good transfer speeds, boost the performance of your system and ensure the safety of your personal data, QNAP TS-251+ should be your ultimate choice.

Pros

• Intel Celeron quad-core 2 processor
• QNAP remote included with the package
• Sharing and backup with amazing performance
• Can run multiple Windows/Linux based virtual machines
• Best for both professional and home users

Cons

• Default security options are too open for some users

3. WD 4TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra Network Attached Storage – NAS – WDBVBZ0040JCH-NESN

Cost: $$$ (Mid)

Performance: ++++ (Very Good)

WD 4TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra is an excellent option for people looking for an all-in-one solution to organize their media collection in one place with easy access anywhere and everywhere.

With this NAS device being a 2020 Amazon Top Choice, many user reviews reports can enjoy ultra-fast transfer speeds for your videos and HD TV streaming. You can automatically sync different content through computers, share folders and files with ease, and get multiple backup options to make your personalized system

The device has an improved, powerful 1.3GHz dual-core processor for ultra-fast transfer rates and better-performance streaming. WD 4TB, My Cloud EX2 Ultra, comes with 1GB DDR3 memory to help you perform multiple tasks at once with ease.

With the WD sync feature, you can coordinate your files and media through different computers and My Cloud devices and ensure that your material is always up-to-date and accessible with several devices. This NAS device can easily change the way you share your files using private/public links. Whether you are in your office or working from home, you can use the device to save your work with devotion and share it with other people without any trouble.

Some other noticeable features of WD 4TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra include SmartWare Pro backup software, 256 AES volume encryption, PLEX media server, and milestone ARCUS surveillance software easy-to-use functionality.

Pros

• Centralized network storage
• High-performance 1.3GHz dual-core processor
• Milestone ARCUS surveillance software
• Multiple RAID configurations
• Automatic file synching across different computers

Cons

• Lack of third-party applications

4. NETGEAR ReadyNAS RN214 4 Bay Diskless Personal Cloud NAS

Cost: $$$$$ (High)

Performance: +++++ (Excellent)

The NETGEAR ReadyNAS RN214 4 Bay Diskless Personal Cloud NAS is an all-new, HD streaming series that features easy to use technology and breakthrough performance to handle your routine office/home requirements.

With this NAS device, your files and videos are completely protected and are always on the go. It is packed with the most advanced and high-tech features to offer innovative performance and absolute data protection to your folders, files, videos, and photos.

Its high-performance streaming features include a highly-effective 1.4GHz quad-core processor and choice of different powerful platforms like iTunes, native DLNA, and PLEX for media servers. Some other benefits linked with NETGEAR ReadyNAS RN214 are HD media streaming to numerous devices, 1080p instantaneous transcoding and streaming to remote devices, and zero performance loss while using antivirus.

You can now sync your folders between PCs and ReadyNAS and update your data anywhere you want. The device eliminates the need to use any extra software by making it easy to backup files from your phone/PC to any NAS enabled device. The time machine integration feature can back up all MAC devices in your house and make an on-the-go backup of pictures from any smartphone.

The five levels of data protection include automatic RAID to prevent disc failure, Snapshot technology to restore lost data, and free anti-virus against malware. Also, you benefit from long-term data integrity, bitrot protection, and cloud storage for sharing resources and extra backup.  

Pros

• Quad-core Cortex A15 1.4GHz processor
• Supports SATA and SSD drives
• Dual Gigabit Ethernet
• Cloud portal-based user interface
• 2GB RAM

Cons

• Only allow you to list 2 TiVo devices at a time

5. Asustor AS5202T-Gaming Inspired Network Attached Storage

Cost: $$$ (Mid)

Performance: ++++ (Very Good)

With its Gemini Lake Celeron J4005 dual-core processor and on-chip cache up to 4MB, Asustor AS5202T is one of the best and fastest NAS devices in the market. It comes with two gigabytes of DDR4 RAM that the user can easily upgrade up to 8GB. Thanks to the RAM, you enjoy 30% better performance and lower energy requirements than the predecessor models.

Two 2.5GB Ethernet ports allow up to 150% more functionality than gigabit Ethernet with compatible hardware.

Some new features to look forward to with this device includes Snapshot center, Btrfs/iSCSI volume, and backup creation that is easy to store in case of accidental data loss. 

PC-less Software installation enables you to find your system installation, system initialization, ADM firmware updates, and system installation with the blink of an eye. You can connect to the NAS device from MC OX S, Windows, or Unix despite being on your tablet, smartphone, PC, or notebook.

Few other amazing product features include effortless connection, vibrant user interface, advanced OS controls, Download Center, cross-platform multiuser access, and HDMI 2.a with4K hardware decoding. Even gamers can use LAN parties and internet cafes to store less challenging games and later play them across multiple devices instantaneously.

Pros

• 5GB speed with link aggregation
• Deliver overwhelming 4K experience
• Features Snapshot center
• Gaming inspired theme for ADM
• Convenient downloading

Cons

• Lacks all sorts of HDD devices

6. Synology 2 bay NAS DiskStation DS220j (Diskless), 2-bay; 512MB DDR4

Cost: $ (Low)

Performance: ++++ (Very Good)

This device is sure to offer huge capacity when it comes to house your photos, movies, and other important data. With Synology 2 bay NAS DiskStation DS220j, you can make your personal cloud and complete your data.  

The DSM operating system of the device shortens the procedure of backing up your PC so you can access your files from any remote location and store your videos and other multimedia projects. Use the Quick Connect feature to access Synology files via the internet and sync your data across multiple devices and locations.

With this NAS device, you can turn your DiskStation into your personal media hub. Store all TV shows, movies, pictures, videos, and MP3 downloads you want. Centralizing and organizing your videos and photos in a private cloud for easy management and sharing has never been so easy! You can even control your documents and keep your files safe from accidental loss using DSM bulletproof backup feature.

Like other Synology devices, the Synology 2 bay NAS DiskStation DS220j is also designed and manufactured by keeping safety and security in mind. Every DiskStation is jam-packed with tools like Two Factor Authentication and Auto Block feature to keep your files safe and unharmed from third-party access. To deliver even more security, the NAS device supports military-grade encryption technology to give you unmatched performance and protection.

Pros

• 24/7 file server for your household and office
• Intuitive operation flow
• Integrated media server
• Easy file access and bulletproof backup
• Complete protection

Cons

• Hard to set up via smartphone

7. BUFFALO LinkStation SoHo 2-Bay Desktop 4TB Home Office NAS with *Hard Drives Included*

Cost: $$ (Low)

Performance: ++++ (Very Good)

Buffalo Americas is a creator of reliable and easy to use technological solutions and is working in the field for over 45 years. They provide high-quality storage, technology-related, and networking yields to make your life easy and simple.

The all-new BUFFALO LinkStation SoHo 2-Bay is a budget-friendly device with a two-drive network storage system to support creative professionals and office owners. This NAS allows its users to unify their data and share files among multiple devices at once.

Its USB port and 400Mbps transfer speed are designed for users who wish to stream 4K videos from the device of their choice. They can also Playback with LinkStation SoHo by installing any third-party software for their video player. The Direct Copy feature eliminates the need to use a console and backing up data, movies, photos, and files. You can directly connect the USB port of your device to the LinkStation SoHo and gain direct access to your storage device despite your location.

Another great feature of BUFFALO LinkStation SoHo 2-Bay is that it is compatible with USB card readers. So you can copy videos and photos directly from your Compact Flash or SD card. The hard drives are included, and the RAID feature is already configured for your ease to back plug and play usability of the NAS device.

Pros

• Reliable and economical backup storage for home and offices
• Standard-grade hard drives are included
• Free personal cloud and pre-configured RAID
• Optimized for easy streaming
• No complicated setup

Cons

• A limited number of advanced features

Final Thoughts

There you go! These are our best NAS devices in 2020. All the products on this list are great and offer long-term safety to your important data. However, the clear winner for us is Synology 4 bay NAS DiskStation DS918+ (Diskless). This device doesn’t just serve files and folders but also gives painless remote access to them over the internet. Adding the quad-core CPU and 8GB RAM with room to spare this little box is a powerhouse. Compared to others on the list,  the DS918+ undeniably best NAS device on the market.