Discover top NAS systems suitable for home use, focusing on ease of setup and versatility.
You’re probably reading this because you’re tired of running out of storage space on your computer. Maybe you’re a photographer with a massive library of images, or maybe you’re a gamer who downloads tons of games. Whatever your reason, you’re in the right place.
Network attached storage (NAS) devices are a great way to add extra storage to your home network. They’re essentially small computers that connect to your router and allow you to access your files from any device on your network. This makes them perfect for backing up your data, sharing files with friends and family, and even running your own home server.
With so many NAS devices on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best NAS devices for home use. We’ve considered factors like price, performance, features, and ease of use to help you find the perfect NAS for your needs.
Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or just looking for a simple way to add more storage to your home, our guide will help you find the perfect NAS device. We’ll cover everything from the basics of NAS to the latest features and technologies. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of network attached storage.
| QUICKLIST | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Synology DiskStation DS220+ |  |
4.5 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| QNAP TS-251D |  |
4.1 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Synology DiskStation DS420+ | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Synology DiskStation DS920+ |  |
3.4 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASUSTOR AS6704T |  |
4.3 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TerraMaster F5-422 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Synology DiskStation DS1522+ |  |
4.7 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| QNAP TS-453D |  |
4.5 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Synology DiskStation DS118 |  |
5.0 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Synology DiskStation DS220+
Read more about this on 18 Best Network Attached Storage for Streaming
A compact and affordable NAS for home users, the DS220+ offers a good balance of performance and features.
Read more on 15 Best Network Attached Storage Devices in 2024
Specifications :
- CPU: Dual-core Intel Celeron J4025
- RAM: 2GB DDR4 (expandable to 6GB)
- Bays: 2
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable price
- Easy to use with the DSM operating system
- Supports a variety of applications and services
- Compact size
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited storage capacity (2 bays)
- No built-in 10GbE network port
- Limited CPU power for demanding tasks
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a basic NAS for home storage and backup.
- You're on a tight budget.
- You want a simple and user-friendly interface.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a lot of storage capacity.
- You plan to use the NAS for demanding tasks like video editing or transcoding.
- You require a fast network connection.
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS220+ is an excellent choice for users looking for a simple, affordable NAS for home use. It's easy to set up and use, and it offers a good range of features for basic storage and backup needs. However, it's not the best option for users who need a lot of storage capacity, high performance, or a fast network connection. If you're looking for a more powerful NAS, you might want to consider the Synology DiskStation DS420+ or DS920+.
QNAP TS-251D
A versatile NAS that combines performance, multimedia features, and a user-friendly interface. It's suitable for both home and small office use.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron J3455 dual-core
- RAM: 2GB DDR3L (expandable to 8GB)
- Bays: 2
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: QTS
Reasons to buy :
- Offers good performance for a wide range of tasks.
- Supports a variety of multimedia features, including Plex media server and QNAP's own multimedia apps.
- User-friendly QTS operating system with a clean and intuitive interface.
- Versatile and can be used for file sharing, backup, and more.
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as powerful as some of the other NAS models on this list.
- Limited storage capacity (2 bays).
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're looking for a versatile and user-friendly NAS with good multimedia features.
- You need a NAS for file sharing, backup, and multimedia streaming.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a NAS with high-performance for demanding tasks like video editing or transcoding.
- You need a lot of storage capacity.
Bottom Line:
The QNAP TS-251D is a solid choice for home users and small offices who need a reliable NAS with good performance and versatile features. It's well-suited for tasks like file sharing, backup, and multimedia streaming. However, its limited storage capacity and performance may not be ideal for those with high-demands for storage or performance.
Synology DiskStation DS420+
A great option for users who need more storage space and performance than the DS220+. It offers four drive bays and a powerful processor for handling demanding tasks.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-core
- RAM: 2GB DDR4 (expandable to 8GB)
- Bays: 4
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Reasons to buy :
- Offers more storage capacity with four drive bays.
- Powerful processor for handling demanding tasks like video transcoding.
- Supports a variety of applications and services.
- Easy-to-use DSM operating system.
Reasons to avoid :
- More expensive than the DS220+.
- No built-in 10GbE network port.
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need more storage capacity than the DS220+.
- You plan to use the NAS for demanding tasks like video editing or transcoding.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You need a NAS with a fast network connection.
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS420+ is an excellent choice for users who need a powerful and reliable NAS with plenty of storage space. Its powerful processor and versatile features make it a good choice for demanding tasks like video editing and transcoding. However, it's more expensive than the DS220+, so it might not be the best option for users on a tight budget.
Synology DiskStation DS920+
The DS920+ is a high-performance NAS with a focus on speed and efficiency. It's ideal for users who need a fast and reliable storage solution for demanding tasks.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-core
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 8GB)
- Bays: 4
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (with optional 10GbE upgrade)
- Operating System: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Reasons to buy :
- Offers fast performance with its powerful processor and NVMe SSD support.
- Supports a wide range of applications and services.
- Easy-to-use DSM operating system.
- Flexible storage options with support for both HDD and SSD drives.
Reasons to avoid :
- More expensive than the DS420+.
- Requires a separate 10GbE network card for 10GbE speeds.
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a high-performance NAS for demanding tasks.
- You need a NAS with fast network speeds.
- You want a NAS that's easy to use and manage.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You don't need the performance of a high-end NAS.
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS920+ is an exceptional NAS for users who demand the best performance and speed. It's ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, transcoding, and large file transfers. While it's not the most affordable NAS, its performance and features make it a worthwhile investment for those who need a truly powerful storage solution.
WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra
A user-friendly NAS with a focus on simplicity and affordability. It's perfect for home users who need a basic storage solution.
Check this blog on 22 Best Network Attached Storage for Mac Users
Specifications :
- CPU: Dual-core Marvell Armada 385
- RAM: 2GB DDR3L
- Bays: 2
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: WD My Cloud OS 3
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable price
- Easy to set up and use
- Offers a good range of features for basic storage needs
- Supports mobile apps for remote access
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as powerful as some of the other NAS models on this list
- Limited storage capacity (2 bays)
- No support for 10GbE networking
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a basic NAS for home storage and backup
- You're on a tight budget
- You want a NAS that's easy to set up and use
Don't buy it if:
- You need a lot of storage capacity
- You plan to use the NAS for demanding tasks
- You need a fast network connection
Bottom Line:
The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a good choice for users who need a simple, affordable NAS for home use. It's easy to set up and use, and it offers a good range of features for basic storage and backup needs. However, it's not the best option for users who need a lot of storage capacity, high performance, or a fast network connection.
Asustor AS6704T
A powerful and versatile NAS with a focus on performance and expandability. It's suitable for both home and small office use.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-core
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 32GB)
- Bays: 4
- Network: 2x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x 10GbE
- Operating System: ADM
Reasons to buy :
- Offers fast performance with a powerful processor and support for 10GbE networking
- Versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks
- Supports a variety of applications and services
- Expandable with multiple storage expansion options
Reasons to avoid :
- More expensive than some of the other NAS models on this list
- The ADM operating system is not as user-friendly as DSM or QTS
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a high-performance NAS with a focus on speed and expandability
- You need a NAS for demanding tasks like video editing and transcoding
- You need a NAS with a fast network connection
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You prefer a more user-friendly operating system
Bottom Line:
The Asustor AS6704T is a powerful and versatile NAS that's ideal for users who need a fast and reliable storage solution. Its powerful processor, 10GbE support, and expandability make it a good choice for demanding tasks. However, it's more expensive than some of the other NAS models on this list, and its operating system is not as user-friendly as some of the competition.
TerraMaster F5-422
An affordable NAS with a focus on simplicity and value for money. It's a good option for home users who need a basic storage solution.
Specifications :
- CPU: Realtek RTD1296 Quad-core
- RAM: 2GB DDR4 (expandable to 8GB)
- Bays: 4
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: TOS
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable price
- Offers a good range of features for basic storage needs
- Supports mobile apps for remote access
- Easy to set up and use
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as powerful as some of the other NAS models on this list
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- No support for 10GbE networking
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a basic NAS for home storage and backup
- You're on a tight budget
- You want a NAS that's easy to set up and use
Don't buy it if:
- You need a lot of storage capacity
- You plan to use the NAS for demanding tasks
- You need a fast network connection
Bottom Line:
The TerraMaster F5-422 is a good choice for users who need a simple, affordable NAS for home use. It's easy to set up and use, and it offers a good range of features for basic storage and backup needs. However, it's not the best option for users who need a lot of storage capacity, high performance, or a fast network connection.
Synology DiskStation DS1522+
The Synology DiskStation DS1522+ is a powerful and scalable NAS that is designed for home and small business users. It offers a robust feature set, excellent performance, and the user-friendly DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-core
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 8GB)
- Bays: 5
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (with optional 10GbE upgrade)
- Operating System: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Reasons to buy :
- Offers a good balance of performance and features
- Powerful processor for handling demanding tasks
- Expandable storage with up to 5 drive bays
- Supports a wide range of applications and services
- Easy-to-use DSM operating system
Reasons to avoid :
- More expensive than some of the other NAS models on this list
- Requires a separate 10GbE network card for 10GbE speeds
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a powerful NAS with a good balance of performance and features
- You need a NAS for demanding tasks like video editing and transcoding
- You need a NAS with a fast network connection
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You don't need the performance of a high-end NAS
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS1522+ is an excellent choice for users who need a powerful and reliable NAS. It offers a robust feature set, excellent performance, and the user-friendly DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system. However, it's more expensive than some of the other NAS models on this list, so it might not be the best option for users on a tight budget.
QNAP TS-453D
A powerful NAS with a focus on multimedia features. It's a good option for users who want a NAS for streaming media and managing a large media library.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron J3455 dual-core
- RAM: 4GB DDR3L (expandable to 8GB)
- Bays: 4
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: QTS
Reasons to buy :
- Offers good performance for multimedia tasks
- Supports a variety of multimedia features, including Plex media server and QNAP's own multimedia apps
- User-friendly QTS operating system with a clean and intuitive interface
- Versatile and can be used for file sharing, backup, and more
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as powerful as some of the other NAS models on this list
- No support for 10GbE networking
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're looking for a powerful NAS with a focus on multimedia features
- You need a NAS for streaming media and managing a large media library
Don't buy it if:
- You need a NAS with a fast network connection
- You need a NAS for demanding tasks like video editing and transcoding
Bottom Line:
The QNAP TS-453D is a good choice for users who need a NAS for multimedia tasks. It offers good performance for streaming media and managing a large media library. It's also a good option for users who need a NAS for file sharing and backup. However, it's not the best option for users who need a lot of storage capacity, high performance, or a fast network connection.
Synology DiskStation DS118
A small and affordable NAS with a focus on simplicity and affordability. It's perfect for home users who need a basic storage solution.
Check this blog on 28 Best SOHO Network Attached Storage Solutions
Specifications :
- CPU: Realtek RTD1296
- RAM: 512MB DDR3 (expandable to 1GB)
- Bays: 1
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Reasons to buy :
- Very affordable price
- Easy to set up and use
- Supports a variety of applications and services
- Compact size
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited storage capacity (1 bay)
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- No support for 10GbE networking
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a basic NAS for home storage and backup
- You're on a very tight budget
- You want a NAS that's easy to set up and use
Don't buy it if:
- You need a lot of storage capacity
- You plan to use the NAS for demanding tasks
- You need a fast network connection
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS118 is a good choice for users who need a very simple, affordable NAS for home use. It's easy to set up and use, and it offers a good range of features for basic storage and backup needs. However, it's not the best option for users who need a lot of storage capacity, high performance, or a fast network connection.
Western Digital My Cloud Home Duo
A dual-bay NAS with a simple setup and user-friendly interface, perfect for backing up photos and videos.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 2-bay, up to 20TB
- Processor: Dual-core processor
- RAM: 1GB
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating system: WD My Cloud OS 3
Reasons to buy :
- Easy setup and use
- Automatic backups
- Access from anywhere
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited features compared to other NAS devices
- No support for RAID 5 or 6
- Limited customization options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a simple and affordable NAS for backing up your data.
- You're comfortable with a limited feature set.
- You don't need advanced features like RAID 5 or 6.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a high-performance NAS for demanding tasks.
- You want more advanced features like remote access or Plex server support.
- You're looking for a NAS with a lot of customization options.
Bottom Line:
The WD My Cloud Home Duo is a solid choice for users who need a simple and affordable NAS for backing up their data. It's easy to set up and use, and it offers automatic backups and remote access. However, it lacks some of the advanced features found in other NAS devices, such as support for RAID 5 and 6. If you need a high-performance NAS with more customization options, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Explore further with 18 Best Network Attached Storage for Streaming
Netgear ReadyNAS 102
A compact and affordable NAS designed for small businesses and home users.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 2-bay, up to 16TB
- Processor: Dual-core processor
- RAM: 1GB
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating system: ReadyNAS OS 6
Reasons to buy :
- Compact and affordable
- Easy setup and management
- Cloud backup and sync
- Good performance for basic tasks
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited features compared to other NAS devices
- No support for RAID 5 or 6
- Limited customization options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a compact and affordable NAS for basic tasks.
- You're comfortable with a limited feature set.
- You want a NAS with cloud backup and sync capabilities.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a high-performance NAS for demanding tasks.
- You want more advanced features like remote access or Plex server support.
- You're looking for a NAS with a lot of customization options.
Bottom Line:
The Netgear ReadyNAS 102 is a good choice for small businesses and home users who need a compact and affordable NAS for basic tasks. It's easy to set up and manage, and it offers cloud backup and sync capabilities. However, it lacks some of the advanced features found in other NAS devices, such as support for RAID 5 and 6. If you need a high-performance NAS with more customization options, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay
A user-friendly NAS designed for home users who want to share files and back up their data.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 2-bay, up to 16TB
- Processor: Dual-core processor
- RAM: 1GB
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating system: Seagate Personal Cloud OS
Reasons to buy :
- Simple and easy to use
- Automatic backups and file sharing
- Access from anywhere
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited features compared to other NAS devices
- No support for RAID 5 or 6
- Limited customization options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a simple and affordable NAS for backing up your data.
- You're comfortable with a limited feature set.
- You don't need advanced features like RAID 5 or 6.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a high-performance NAS for demanding tasks.
- You want more advanced features like remote access or Plex server support.
- You're looking for a NAS with a lot of customization options.
Bottom Line:
The Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay is a good choice for home users who need a simple and affordable NAS for backing up their data. It's easy to set up and use, and it offers automatic backups and file sharing. However, it lacks some of the advanced features found in other NAS devices, such as support for RAID 5 and 6. If you need a high-performance NAS with more customization options, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Synology DiskStation DS218+
A powerful and versatile NAS designed for home and small office users.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 2-bay, up to 16TB
- Processor: Intel Celeron J3355 dual-core processor
- RAM: 2GB
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating system: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful performance
- Wide range of features
- Excellent security and reliability
- User-friendly interface
Reasons to avoid :
- More expensive than some other NAS devices
- Requires some technical knowledge to set up
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a powerful and versatile NAS for home or small office use.
- You want a wide range of features, including remote access, Plex server support, and virtual machine hosting.
- You're looking for a NAS with excellent security and reliability.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a simple and affordable NAS for backing up your data.
- You're looking for a NAS that's easy to set up and manage without any technical knowledge.
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS218+ is a powerful and versatile NAS that's a great choice for home and small office users who need a wide range of features. It offers excellent performance, security, and reliability, and it's easy to use thanks to the user-friendly DSM operating system. However, it's more expensive than some other NAS devices, and it requires some technical knowledge to set up. If you need a simple and affordable NAS for backing up your data, you'll want to look elsewhere.
QNAP TS-231P2
A compact and affordable NAS with a focus on multimedia streaming and virtualization.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 2-bay, up to 16TB
- Processor: Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor
- RAM: 2GB
- Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating system: QNAP QTS
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable and compact
- Powerful performance for multimedia streaming and virtualization
- User-friendly interface
- Wide range of apps and features
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited storage capacity compared to some other NAS devices
- No support for RAID 5 or 6
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need an affordable and compact NAS for multimedia streaming and virtualization.
- You want a NAS with a wide range of apps and features.
- You're looking for a NAS that's easy to use and manage.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a high-capacity NAS for large amounts of data.
- You want a NAS with support for RAID 5 or 6.
- You're looking for a NAS with a lot of customization options.
Bottom Line:
The QNAP TS-231P2 is a great choice for users who need an affordable and compact NAS for multimedia streaming and virtualization. It offers powerful performance, a user-friendly interface, and a wide range of apps and features. However, it has a limited storage capacity compared to some other NAS devices, and it doesn't support RAID 5 or 6. If you need a high-capacity NAS with support for RAID 5 or 6, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Choosing the right NAS for your home can be a daunting task, but with so many options available, there's bound to be one that fits your needs and budget. Whether you need a simple file server to store photos and videos, a powerful media server to stream content, or a reliable backup solution, the NAS devices we've highlighted offer a wide range of features and capabilities.
Ultimately, the best NAS for you will depend on your specific requirements. Consider the amount of storage you need, the number of users you'll be sharing with, and the features that are most important to you. If you're looking for a feature-rich and reliable NAS for your home, be sure to check out the models we've reviewed.
Investing in a NAS is a smart move for anyone who wants to streamline their digital life. With a NAS, you can centralize your data, back up your devices, and access your files from anywhere in the world. The convenience and peace of mind that a NAS provides are well worth the investment.
So, whether you're a tech enthusiast, a casual user, or just someone looking to protect their data, we encourage you to explore the world of NAS devices. With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect solution for your home.
Omar 
Yasmin