In 2024, having the best NAS (Network Attached Storage) for home use is more important than ever. As digital media consumption, remote work, and home automation continue to evolve, a reliable and efficient NAS can streamline your data management and enhance your home entertainment experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 10 NAS devices available on Amazon, providing in-depth reviews of each product. If you’re looking for the best NAS for home, whether for backing up files, media streaming, or serving as a home cloud solution, this guide will help you make an informed choice.
# | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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1 | Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless) | $189.99 | Buy on Amazon | ||
2 | Western Digital Diskless My Cloud EX2 Ultra Network Attached Storage - NAS - WDBVBZ0000NCH-NESN | $173.57 | Buy on Amazon | ||
3 | Synology 2-Bay NAS DS223 (Diskless) | $249.99 | Buy on Amazon | ||
4 | BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS... | $129.99 | Buy on Amazon | ||
5 | QNAP 2 Bay Home NAS with 4TB Storage Capacity, Preconfigured RAID 1 Seagate IronWolf Drives Bundle,... | $409.00 | Buy on Amazon | ||
6 | Asustor AS5402T, 2 Bay NAS, Intel Quad-Core 2.0GHz CPU, 4X M.2 NVMe SSD Slots, 2x2.5GbE Ports, 4GB... | $369.00 | Buy on Amazon | ||
7 | Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL, 2 Bay NAS, 1.7GHz Quad Core, 1GbE Port, 1GB RAM DDR4, Network... | $175.00 | Buy on Amazon | ||
8 | LincStation N1 6 Bay NAS Storage Support 6x8TB SSD Network Attached Storage with Unraid System... | $399.00 | Buy on Amazon | ||
9 | TERRAMASTER F2-212 2Bay NAS - Quad Core CPU DDR4 RAM Personal Private Cloud Home Network Attached... | $169.99 | Buy on Amazon | ||
10 | BUFFALO TeraStation Essentials 4-Bay Desktop NAS 16TB (4x4TB) with HDD Hard Drives Included 2.5GBE /... | $699.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Features to Consider When Buying a NAS
Before diving into our top picks, it’s essential to know what to look for when selecting the best NAS for your home. Here are some key features to consider:
Storage Capacity
The storage capacity you need depends on your usage. If you store a large amount of media or backup multiple devices, looking for models with higher capacities (e.g., 12TB or more) is advisable.
RAID Support
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) protection helps safeguard your data against hardware failures. The most common RAID configurations for home use are RAID 1 (mirroring) and RAID 5 (striping with parity).
Data Transfer Speed
If you’re streaming high-definition content or transferring large files, a NAS with faster read/write speeds is crucial. Look for models with Gigabit Ethernet ports or even 2.5/5GbE for enhanced performance.
Mobile and Remote Access
Most NAS devices come with mobile apps that allow you to access your data remotely. Check if the NAS supports mobile features if you plan on accessing your files away from home.
User Interface and Ease of Use
A user-friendly interface is essential, especially for those new to NAS. Some devices come with straightforward setup processes and intuitive management software.
Backup Options
Look for NAS devices that offer various backup solutions, including cloud backup services, to ensure your data is redundantly protected.
Top 10 NAS for Home in 2024
Now that we’ve covered essential features, let’s explore the top 10 NAS devices available on Amazon for 2024.
1. Synology DiskStation DS220+
The Synology DiskStation DS220+ is a two-bay NAS device perfect for home users looking for a balance between performance and price. Equipped with a dual-core processor and expandable RAM, this NAS can handle multimedia streaming, file sharing, and backups efficiently.
The user-friendly DiskStation Manager (DSM) allows for easy file management, while the extensive support for apps makes it suitable for various use cases, including surveillance and multimedia distribution.
The DS220+ offers support for 4K video transcoding, making it ideal for streaming media directly to your devices.
With its impressive software suite and performance, it stands out as one of the best NAS for home in 2024.
- Synology DiskStation DS220+ is made for a variety of server roles, such as home data backup, file syncing, and sharing. A high-capacity powerhouse capable of fitting into most any environment, making it easy to centralize all your multimedia collections with rigorous workloads.
- Celeron J4025 Dual-Core 2.0GHz CPU, Up to 2.9GHz Burst; 6GB DDR4 non-ECC; 4TB (2 x 2TB) SATA 3.5" HDDs for High-Capacity Storage; 2 x RJ-45 1GbE LAN Ports (with Link Aggregation / Failover support); 2 x USB 3.2 Ports
- Features: Security Advisor, AES 256-bit Encryption, 2 Factor Authentication, File Server/Management, 4K Multimedia Server role, Desktop Backup, Hyper Backup, Snapshot Replication, Synology Drive, and many more
- Synology NAS chassis comes in a sealed box.
- Hard drives and memory upgrades included separately, NOT installed, installation required.
2. QNAP TS-451+
The QNAP TS-451+ is another excellent option, thanks to its robust performance and sleek design. It comes with a powerful Intel quad-core processor and supports up to 8GB of RAM. This NAS is ideal for those wishing to run virtual machines or host a media server.
This NAS features HDMI output, allowing you to connect it directly to your TV for a smooth media experience. The QTS operating system provides a user-friendly interface for managing files and apps efficiently.
This model is also great for multitasking, making it a top contender for the best NAS for home 2024.
- Quad-core Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 4-core/4-thread burst up to 2.9 GHz with 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) ports accelerates file sharing across teams and devices or streamline large file transfers
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots enable cache acceleration or SSD storage pools for improved performance
- Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (type-A) with up to 10Gb/s transfer speeds, allowing compatibility with newer, faster USB drives/expansion enclosures for transferring large media files
- Centrally store and organize personal or family photos, music, and videos
3. Western Digital My Cloud Home
The Western Digital My Cloud Home is designed for simplicity and ease of use. This single-bay NAS is perfect for users who primarily need storage for personal files and photos.
With automatic backup and access from anywhere via the mobile app, My Cloud Home is convenient. While it lacks advanced features like RAID, it’s an affordable option for those looking to transition into NAS without overwhelming complexity.
This makes it one of the best NAS for home users who want an entry-level device.
- High-performance 1.3 GHz dual-core Processor for lag-free streaming
- 1GB of DDR3 Memory to multitask with ease
- Centralized network storage and access from anywhere
- Automatic file synching across all your computers
- Simplified file and folder sharing
4. TerraMaster F2-221
The TerraMaster F2-221 is a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on performance. It features an Intel dual-core processor and supports up to 32TB of storage with its two-bay design.
The device is ideal for families, offering multimedia streaming, file sharing, and cloud backup capabilities. With TOS (TerraMaster Operating System), users get an intuitive experience for file management.
This affordable NAS can easily be your home media hub, giving it a rightful place in the best NAS for home category.
- Powerful Hardware: N5095 Quad-core 2.0GHz CPU, 4GB RAM DDR4 (expandable up to 32GB). Dual 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet ports - Supports up to 5 Gbps under Link Aggregation. 2 bay NAS designed for SMB High Performance Requirements.
- Maximum Internal Raw Capacity: 40TB (20 TB drive x 2). Compatible with 3.5" and 2.5" SATA HDD, 2.5" SATA SSD. Supports RAID 0/1/JBOD/Single; Supports online capacity expansion and online migration. The built-in M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slot can realize SSD cache acceleration and increase the storage efficiency of the disk array several times.
- Multiple Backup Solutions: Centralized Backup, Duple Backup, Snapshot, CloudSync, enhance the Safety of your Data with multiple backup applications.
- Easily build file storage servers, mail servers, web servers, FTP servers, MySQL databases, CRM systems, Node.js, and Java virtual machines, as well as a host of other commercial applications.
- Small-sized compact design, can be used vertically and horizontally. Features an aluminum-alloy shell and intelligent temperature control ultra-quiet fan, good in heat dissipation and Very Quiet.
5. ASUSTOR AS5304T
The ASUSTOR AS5304T is a high-performance NAS designed for gamers and multimedia creators. With an Intel quad-core CPU and 4GB of DDR4 RAM, it can handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
The 4-bay setup allows for ample storage expansion, and it offers impressive 4K transcoding capabilities. The AS5304T also includes various multimedia applications and backup solutions.
This makes it a great choice for those who require both performance and capacity, solidifying its status as one of the best NAS for home.
- Intel Celeron J4105 Quad core CPU with 4GB DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 8GB) for power user and enthusiast
- Compatible with 2.5" or 3.5" SATA SSD/HDD drives up to 72TB (18TB x 4). Expand as much storage as needed with ease
- 2 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Enable up to 150% faster performance and up to 5 Gbps in Link Aggregation mode
- Features HDMI 2.0a with 10bit 4K hardware decoding, HEVC decoding and VP9 10bit Profile2 decoding for overwhelming 4K HDR Experience
- 3 year manufacturer warranty
6. Buffalo LinkStation 210
The Buffalo LinkStation 210 is an affordable single-bay NAS, ideal for users seeking basic data backup and file sharing capabilities. It’s preconfigured and comes with a user-friendly interface, making setup quick and hassle-free.
With remote access and notable DLNA features, the LinkStation is excellent for home users looking to organize photos and stream media.
This budget-conscious option secures a spot for users wanting straightforward operation without extensive features.
- Effortless Installation – Simply connect the LinkStation to your router and enjoy shared network storage for all your devices. The NAS is compatible with Windows and macOS, 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 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 10.13 or later. You can set up automated backups of data on your computers.
- Securely Share Files With Family & Friends – Configure individual access restrictions for folders to ensure your data remains private while securely share storage space or files with others.
7. Synology DiskStation DS920+
A step up from the DS220+, the Synology DiskStation DS920+ features a powerful processor, increased RAM capacity, and supports a higher number of drives. The dual-bay support allows for RAID configurations, improving data redundancy.
This NAS is perfect for workload multitasking, running virtual machines, and high-performance media streaming. Synology’s DSM software provides extensive app support, enhancing productivity and ease of use.
This model is an excellent choice for users needing serious performance and reliability, marking its place as one of the best NAS for home.
- Leverage built-in file and photo management, data protection, virtualization, and surveillance solutions
- Two 1GbE ports for simple integration into existing environments with optional 10GbE connectivity to tackle more specialized, bandwidth-heavy applications
- Add 5 extra drive bays with one DX517 expansion unit for a maximum of 9 storage drives
- 3-year warranty
- Check Synology knowledge center or YouTube channel for help on product setup and additional information
8. Seagate Personal Cloud
The Seagate Personal Cloud is a great entry-level NAS that is easy to use and comes with built-in cloud service support. It’s perfect for users looking to store content securely with the option for remote access.
While its performance isn’t as robust as others on this list, the Personal Cloud offers solid streaming capabilities and automatic backup features for photos and videos.
This NAS is best suited for casual users wanting fundamental storage without complexity.
- 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
9. Netgear ReadyNAS RN214
The Netgear ReadyNAS RN214 is designed for home users who need a robust and capable NAS. With 4-bay support, users can configure the storage to meet diverse needs. Its powerful processor and ample RAM allow for smooth operation across various functions.
With advanced backup capabilities and a host of third-party apps available, the RN214 is excellent for both media storage and data protection.
It is a versatile device, and users seeking a comprehensive solution will find it one of the best NAS for home options in 2024.
- World Wide Input Voltage 100-240VAC 50/60Hz OVP, OCP, SCP Protection (OVP: Over Voltage output Protection. OCP: Over Current output Protection. SCP: Short Circuit output Protection). Tested Units. In Great Working Condition. UpBright 30 days Refund. 24 Months Exchange.
- UpBright New Global 4-Pin DIN 12V AC / DC Adapter Compatible with Netgear Ready NAS 214 RN214 RND-4E RND-4G RN42400 Diskless 4-Bay ReadyNAS RN21400 Network Attached Storage RN21400-100NES RN214D42-100NES RN214D43-100NES RN21400100NES RN214D42100NES RN214D43100NES 12VDC 7A 84W DC12V 7.0V 84.0W 12.0V 7000mA 84 W 12 V 7 A 12.0 VDC 7.0 A Switching ITE T.T.E. Power Supply Cord Cable Charger Mains PSU
- Compatible with: Netgear Ready NAS 104 RN104 RND-4D ReadyNAS RN10400-100NAS RN10442D-100NAS RN10400100NAS 4-Bay Diskless NAS Network Attached Storage Power Supply
- Compatible with: Netgear RN204 ReadyNAS 204 4-Bay Ready NAS Network Attached Storage Diskless RN204-100NES RN20422D-100NES RN20441D-100NES RN20442D-100NES RN20443D-100NES RN20441D-100NAS RN20442D-100NAS RN20443D-100NAS Power Supply ; Advanced Network Storage RND-4G RND4G RN42400
10. Zyxel NAS326
Zyxel NAS326 is an energy-efficient, budget-friendly NAS designed for home users looking to share large files across devices. With a two-bay setup and the ability to sync content to cloud services, it provides a simplified experience.
While it may not have the features of more expensive models, the Zyxel NAS326 is an excellent choice for beginners focused on local storage without needing extensive RAID configurations.
This NAS is perfect for those looking for straightforward operation and storage, earning its mention in the best NAS for home roundup.
- Instant remote access to NAS542 with the ZyXEL Drive mobile app
- Easy-to-use mobile group sharing from your own personal cloud
- User portal as the device status dashboard
- Easy to setup, maintain and organize
- RAID 1 read/write performance at 105/105.8 MB/s
Conclusion
Selecting the best NAS for home in 2024 depends on your individual needs, such as storage capacity, access speed, and intended use. The NAS products reviewed above provide a range of options, from basic single-bay devices to advanced multi-bay units equipped for complex tasks. Whether you’re looking to stream media, back up data, or serve as a file-sharing hub, the right NAS can enhance your digital lifestyle.
Always assess your requirements before making a purchase, ensuring you pick the NAS that aligns best with your household’s technological needs. Happy storing!
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.