Top NAS Picks for 2025: Securely Store Games, Movies, and More

Are you the proud owner of one of the best gaming PCs or laptops? If you're looking for a seamless way to back up or transfer the vast amounts of precious data on these machines, you might want to consider upgrading from a top SSD or your trusty external hard drives. Enter the world of NAS (network-attached storage) drives, and let us introduce you to our top pick, the Synology DiskStation DS224+.

TL;DR – These are the Best NAS Devices:

Our Top Pick### Synology DiskStation DS224+

0See it at Amazon### UGREEN NASync DXP2800

0See it at Amazon### Synology DiskStation DS223j

0See it at Amazon### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

0See it at Amazon### Synology DiskStation DS1821+

0See it at Amazon### QNAP TS-264-8G

0See it at Amazon### Synology DiskStation DS923+

0See it at Amazon### ioSafe Duo Pro

0See it at ioSafe

The best NAS drives offer expansive storage capacity and seamlessly integrate into your home network, facilitating quick data transfers to and from your devices. Whether it's smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, connecting them to the same network is a breeze, making NAS the perfect solution for managing digital media libraries. However, NAS drives can be a significant investment, so it's crucial to choose wisely. We've selected eight outstanding options tailored to various needs.

1. Synology DiskStation DS224+

Best NAS

Our Top Pick### Synology DiskStation DS224+

0The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is an easy-to-use, high-speed NAS with two drive bays, two Gigabit LAN ports, a robust Intel Celeron processor, and 2GB of upgradable RAM. It's perfect for those who want a capable yet straightforward NAS experience.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB 3.2
RAID Level: SHR, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1
Storage: 2 x 3.5"/2.5" bays
Size: 9.02" x 9.13" x 6.5"
PROS
- Easy-to-use interface
- Fast quad-core processor
CONS
- No multi-gig LAN port

If you're looking to avoid complex software or settling for basic hardware, the Synology DiskStation DS224+ is your go-to NAS. It offers up to 32TB of storage and supports a RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy. The dual Gigabit LAN ports enhance speed with Link Aggregation or network failover, though a 2.5GB or 10GB LAN would be a nice addition for even faster connections.

Synology's versatile apps and software run on an intuitive interface, making it ideal for various uses, from storing security camera footage to serving as a Plex server or safeguarding your files and photos. With an Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM (upgradable), the DS224+ handles 4K media transcoding, file management, and video streaming with ease.

2. UGreen NASync DXP2800

Best Budget NAS

### UGREEN NASync DXP2800

0With quality hardware, a sleek design, and an affordable price, this NAS with dual drive bays is perfect for backing up your files.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB, HDMI
RAID Level: JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, Basic
Storage: 2 x 2.5"/3.5" bays, 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slots
Size: Not listed
PROS
- Comprehensive OS and apps
- Multi-gig ethernet
CONS
- No native Plex

The UGreen NASync DXP2800 combines solid construction, attractive design, and quality hardware at a midrange price. Powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, it's well-equipped for a high-quality video library and efficient hardware transcoding.

UGreen's comprehensive OS simplifies setup and network configuration, while extra security features like two-factor authentication keep your content secure. Backing up files and creating a personal cloud server is straightforward, though Plex isn't native, it's easily installable via Docker with comparable performance.

Storage is ample with dual SATA drive bays supporting up to 24TB each, allowing for either extensive media storage or RAID redundancy. UGreen's toolless system makes drive installation a breeze, and two M.2 slots accommodate NVMe SSDs up to 8TB. A 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures speedy SATA file transfers, complemented by HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A ports for broad device compatibility.

3. Synology DiskStation DS223j

Most Affordable NAS

### Synology DiskStation DS223j

0An ultra-affordable and user-friendly NAS, perfect for beginners.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB
RAID Level: Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, SHR
Storage: 2 x 3.5" bays
Size: 6.5" x 3.94" x 8.9"
PROS
- Reliable hardware
- Easy to use
CONS
- Lacks multi-gig ethernet port

NAS doesn't have to break the bank, and the Synology DiskStation DS223j is a testament to that, ideal for NAS newcomers and those with basic storage needs. It runs on Synology's top-tier DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, offering a wide range of applications to streamline storing and accessing your files across devices.

While the build quality is modest, primarily plastic, and requires a screwdriver for drive installation, it supports two 3.5” SATA drives with a maximum capacity of 32TB. It doesn't include M.2 slots or a multi-gig ethernet port, but it excels in simplicity, reliability, and affordability.

4. Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals

### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

0Equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, versatile drive bays, and two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots, this NAS is designed for those who demand performance.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB 3.0, HDMI
RAID Level: JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1
Storage: 2 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slots
Size: 9.06" x 4.25" x 6.44"
PROS
- Dual M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for additional storage
- Supports 10-bit 4K hardware decoding
CONS
- Drive installation is more involved

For power users and professionals looking to push the limits, the Asustor Lockerstor AS6602T fits the bill. It boasts an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM, upgradeable to 8GB, and supports 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives, with options for massive 18TB hard drives or speedy SSDs. Two additional M.2 PCIe NVMe slots offer even faster storage solutions.

With dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports, link aggregation enables 5Gb connectivity, perfect for speedy backups, virtualization, or a robust media center. An HDMI 2.0 port and support for 10-bit 4K hardware decoding deliver a superior 4K HDR experience.

5. Synology DiskStation DS1821+

Best Multi-Bay NAS

### Synology DiskStation DS1821+

0For those needing vast storage, this NAS offers eight drive bays with a total capacity of 128TB and includes M.2 2280 NVMe slots.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB 3.2
RAID Level: JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR)
Storage: 8 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slots
Size: 18.2" x 14.4" x 12.5"
PROS
- Wild 128TB capacity
- Hot-swappable drives
CONS
- Can get noisy

If you're dealing with an enormous amount of files and data, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is your solution. Priced over $1,000, it's a future-proof investment with eight drive bays supporting up to 128TB of capacity, and hot-swappable drives. Expansion units can increase this to 18 bays, and M.2 2280 NVMe slots provide high-speed caching. Powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32GB), it's built for performance.

6. QNAP TS-264-8G

Best NAS for Media Streaming

### QNAP TS-264-8G

0A central hub for your media library, this NAS offers two 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, dual drive bays, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB 3.2, HDMI
RAID Level: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, JBOD
Storage: 2 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe slots
Size: 8.1" x 6.6" x 4.1"
PROS
- Compact design
- Impressive hardware
CONS
- Software is harder to master

The QNAP TS-264-8G is designed for seamless media streaming, offering dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to handle high throughput and a 4K-capable HDMI output for TV connectivity. With two 3.5-inch drive bays and two PCIe Gen 3 slots, it supports extensive storage and fast caching. Powered by an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, it ensures smooth 4K video streaming with hardware transcoding.

7. Synology DiskStation DS923+

Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations

### Synology DiskStation DS923+

0Ensure extra data security with this NAS offering four drive bays for ample storage and various RAID configurations for redundancy.
See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Connection: Ethernet, USB 3.2, eSATA
RAID Level: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, JBOD
Storage: 4 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe slots
Size: 6.5" x 7.8" x 8.7"
PROS
- Offers various RAID levels
- Expandable storage and RAM
CONS
- No multi-gig LAN port

A NAS is a great way to back up your data, and the Synology DiskStation DS923+ excels at this with four drive bays, enabling both extensive storage and redundancy through multiple RAID configurations. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, and JBOD. The device includes two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching, and while it features two 1Gb ethernet ports, there's an option to add 10Gb connectivity. A dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, combined with the user-friendly DSM OS, make setup and operation straightforward.

8. ioSafe Duo Pro

Best Rugged NAS

### ioSafe Duo Pro

0While not technically a NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro drive safeguards your data from fire and water, with RAID configurations adding an extra layer of protection.
See it at ioSafe
Product Specifications
Connection: USB 3.2
RAID Level: RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, SPAN
Storage: 2 x 3.5"/2.5" bays
Size: 11.50" x 5.91" x 9.06"
PROS
- Fireproof and water-resistant
- Offers two robust, long-lasting drive bays
CONS
- Not designed to be a NAS

Protecting your data from physical damage is crucial, and the ioSafe Duo Pro drive is built to withstand fire and water, with an IP68 rating for submersion up to 10 feet for 72 hours. It also provides various RAID configurations and robust drive bays for data protection. While not a traditional NAS, it can be shared over your home network through an always-on computer or directly attached to your router via USB.

What to Look for in NAS

NAS isn't for everyone, but it's a powerful solution for specific networking needs. If you and your family or housemates share a network, a NAS device allows centralized file sharing. If you're tired of backing up multiple computers individually, a NAS can streamline this process.

What are you using it for?

If you need a way to access files or tools across multiple devices, a NAS can be invaluable. It's not just about storage; it's about accessibility. Additionally, if you have a large media library that you want to stream across various devices, a NAS can be transformed into a Plex server for seamless access to movies, TV shows, and music.

Go diskless? How many bays?

Most NAS devices are sold without disk drives, requiring you to purchase them separately. While NAS manufacturers may not produce hard drives, they'll recommend compatible brands. The number of bays determines potential storage capacity; two or more bays are typically recommended, with multimedia systems often requiring more.