If you’ve ever lost important files or wanted one place to keep everything accessible, a NAS (Network Attached Storage) might be the solution you didn’t know you needed. Unlike an external hard drive that connects to just one computer, a NAS is a small server that sits on your network and makes storage available to all your devices. This makes it perfect for backing up data, streaming media, and even running apps or virtual machines.
NAS devices vary a lot in power and features. Some are simple, budget-friendly boxes meant for storing family photos, while others are high-performance machines built for businesses or creative professionals working with 4K and 8K video. The best one for you depends on how much storage you need, how many users will access it, and what kind of workloads you’ll throw at it.
In this guide, we’ll start with the most powerful options and work down to the simpler models, so you can quickly see what fits your needs and budget.
How to Choose a NAS
When looking at NAS specs, four things matter most:
Bays – This tells you how many hard drives or SSDs you can install. More bays mean more storage and the option for RAID setups, which provide data redundancy or better performance.
CPU & RAM – A stronger processor and more memory let the NAS handle heavier workloads like 4K video editing, virtualization, or running apps in the background.
Networking – Most entry-level NAS devices come with 1GbE ports, which are fine for casual use. Higher-end ones offer 2.5GbE or even faster connections, giving you better speeds if your network supports it.
Software & Ecosystem – Synology and QNAP are leaders here, with polished operating systems and app ecosystems. TERRAMASTER and UGREEN are catching up, offering solid alternatives at lower prices.
Best NAS Devices: Quick Comparison
| NAS Device | Bays | CPU | RAM | Networking | Storage Included | Price (Amazon) |
| Synology DS923+ (16TB Bundle) | 4 | AMD Ryzen R1600 Dual-Core | 4GB (expandable) | 2x 1GbE | Yes (16TB) | $1527 – Buy Now |
| QNAP TS-464-8G-US | 4 | Intel Celeron Quad-Core | 8GB | Dual 2.5GbE | No | $589 – Buy Now |
| TERRAMASTER F4-424 | 4 | Intel N95 Quad-Core | 8GB DDR5 | Dual 2.5GbE | No | $499 – Buy Now |
| UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus | 4 | Quad-Core | 8GB LPDDR4X | 2.5GbE | No | $429 – Buy Now |
| Synology DS223j | 2 | Quad-Core | 1GB | 1GbE | No | $194 – Buy Now |
Best NAS Devices: Top Picks
Synology DS923+ 4-Bay Diskstation NAS (16TB Bundle)
Quick Highlights
- AMD Ryzen R1600 Dual-Core (4 threads)
- 4GB RAM (expandable)
- Includes 16TB storage (4x 4TB Seagate IronWolf)
- 2x RJ-45 1GbE LAN ports
- Expandable with additional drives and memory
- Price – $1527 – Buy Now
The Synology DS923+ is the most complete NAS on this list, making it a great choice for professionals and businesses. Out of the box, it includes 16TB of storage (thanks to four Seagate IronWolf drives) and is powered by AMD’s R1600 processor, ensuring smooth file management and multitasking. Its dual LAN ports allow stable connectivity across multiple users.
Performance is one of the DS923+’s strong suits. It handles 4K video streaming, data backups, and collaborative file access with ease. You can also expand its storage or upgrade the RAM later on, which adds flexibility as your needs grow. Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) software further adds enterprise-level features like virtualization, data snapshots, and advanced security.
For professionals or families looking for a high-end solution, the DS923+ stands out. With bundled storage, future-proof expandability, and excellent software support, this NAS is more of an investment into a private data ecosystem than just another storage box.
Pros:
- Comes pre-bundled with 16TB storage
- Powerful CPU with upgrade potential
- Excellent DSM software ecosystem
Cons:
- Pricier than diskless models
- Only 1GbE ports (no 2.5GbE by default)
QNAP TS-464-8G-US 4-Bay NAS
Quick Highlights
- Intel Celeron Quad-Core CPU
- 8GB RAM
- Dual 2.5GbE ports
- M.2 PCIe slots for caching
- 4K HDMI output
- Price – $589 – Buy Now
QNAP’s TS-464-8G-US is built for users who want both speed and versatility. With an Intel Celeron CPU and 8GB RAM, it easily manages file sharing, media streaming, and even light VM hosting. Its inclusion of dual 2.5GbE ports means it’s a step ahead in networking, offering faster transfer speeds if your setup supports it.
This NAS is also packed with expandability options. The M.2 PCIe slots allow SSD caching for faster response times, and the HDMI port makes it a strong choice for direct media playback on a TV or monitor. For small businesses and power users, the flexibility of QNAP’s QTS operating system is also a big plus.
The TS-464 is essentially a “prosumer” NAS – sitting in between professional enterprise solutions and simple home setups. It balances affordability with powerful features, making it one of the best long-term investments for people who want more than just storage.
Pros:
- Dual 2.5GbE networking for faster speeds
- Expandable with M.2 NVMe caching
- HDMI port for direct 4K media output
Cons:
- QTS software has a steeper learning curve than Synology’s DSM
- No bundled drives (diskless)
TERRAMASTER F4-424 NAS
Quick Highlights
- Intel N95 Quad-Core CPU
- 8GB DDR5 RAM (upgradeable)
- 2x 2.5GbE ports
- 4-bay design (diskless)
- Sleek metal chassis
- Price – $499 – Buy Now
The TERRAMASTER F4-424 strikes a solid balance between price and power. It comes equipped with Intel’s N95 processor and 8GB of fast DDR5 RAM, ensuring great performance for its price point. With two 2.5GbE ports, it’s network-ready for high-speed file transfers and multiple simultaneous users.
Its compact yet premium design makes it suitable for both office and home setups. The F4-424 excels in data backup, streaming, and collaborative file sharing. With a diskless design, users get the flexibility to choose and configure their preferred drives, from HDDs to SSDs.
This NAS is aimed at users who want reliable performance without diving into the most premium tier. It’s also highly customizable and runs on TOS (TERRAMASTER’s OS), which provides backup solutions, RAID configurations, and cloud sync features.
Pros:
- DDR5 RAM improves responsiveness
- Dual 2.5GbE ports for faster networking
- Affordable compared to Synology/QNAP options
Cons:
- TOS software less polished than Synology/QNAP
- No drives included
UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus
Quick Highlights
- Quad-bay design (diskless)
- 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 2.5GbE port
- AI-powered photo album feature
- HDMI output for 4K playback
- Price – $429 – Buy Now
UGREEN has entered the NAS market with the NASync DH4300 Plus, a device that’s particularly friendly to beginners. Its 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and quad-bay design provide plenty of room for data expansion. The built-in AI photo album function automatically organizes images, making it a unique option for families or casual users.
What makes this device interesting is its simplicity. The user interface is beginner-friendly, and the included features like remote access and multimedia streaming make it easy to set up as a personal cloud. With 2.5GbE networking, transfer speeds are also competitive.
While UGREEN is new compared to Synology or QNAP, the DH4300 Plus feels like a smart entry-level NAS for anyone who wants plug-and-play usability. It may not have the deepest ecosystem, but it’s approachable and effective for everyday storage and media tasks.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use system for beginners
- AI photo album is a unique feature
- Affordable for a 4-bay NAS
Cons:
- Ecosystem still lacks maturity
- Diskless (no drives included)
Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j
Quick Highlights
- 2-bay design (diskless)
- Quad-core CPU
- Synology DSM software
- Compact and energy-efficient
- Perfect for personal use
- Price – $194 – Buy Now
If you’re just getting started with NAS, the Synology DS223j is a simple, reliable, and affordable option. It’s a 2-bay system powered by a quad-core CPU, running on Synology’s excellent DSM software. For basic file backups, photo storage, or even simple media streaming, this device gets the job done without overwhelming users with advanced features.
The DS223j is energy efficient and compact, making it a good fit for home users. It integrates well with Synology’s apps for mobile access, cloud sync, and data security, giving it more versatility than a standard external drive.
While it lacks the raw performance of higher-end models, the DS223j shines as a cost-effective solution for individuals or small households. It’s essentially your entry ticket into the NAS world, with Synology’s software ecosystem backing it.
Pros:
- Very beginner-friendly
- Compact and efficient design
- Affordable entry point into NAS
Cons:
- Only 2 bays (limited scalability)
- Lacks high-performance networking (no 2.5GbE)
Conclusion
Choosing the right NAS in 2025 comes down to your needs and budget. If you’re after the most complete solution, the Synology DS923+ with its bundled 16TB storage and excellent software is hard to beat. For those who want power and expandability, the QNAP TS-464-8G-US and TERRAMASTER F4-424 strike a great balance between performance and flexibility.
If you prefer a beginner-friendly system with unique features, the UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus is worth considering. And for anyone new to NAS who just needs a simple, affordable way to back up files, the Synology DS223j is the best entry-level option.
No matter which one you choose, a NAS will give you more control, flexibility, and peace of mind over your data than any standard external drive or cloud service.
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