In today’s digital age, we’re constantly accumulating more data than ever before. From high-resolution photos and videos to massive game files and important documents, our digital lives are overflowing. This is where Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices come in handy, providing a centralized storage solution for all your digital assets. But for those who rely on cloud-based streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify, traditional NAS devices might not be enough.
Enter the world of cloud-optimized NAS with RAID support. These powerful devices not only offer ample storage space but also prioritize data security and performance, ensuring smooth streaming experiences without interruptions. RAID technology, standing for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, safeguards your data by creating multiple copies across different drives, protecting you against data loss in case of a drive failure.
This article will guide you through the best NAS devices specifically designed for cloud-based streaming, featuring RAID support for ultimate data protection and seamless streaming. We’ve carefully analyzed top models, considering factors like storage capacity, processing power, streaming capabilities, and ease of use.
Find more on 14 Best Network Attached Storage for Small and Medium Businesses
Whether you’re a casual streamer or a hardcore media enthusiast, our curated list will help you find the perfect NAS device to elevate your streaming experience and keep your precious data safe.
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| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Synology DiskStation DS923+ |  |
4.5 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| QNAP TS-h873AX |  |
4.1 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASUSTOR AS6704T |  |
4.3 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Synology DiskStation DS923+
A powerful NAS with a focus on performance and expandability, designed for demanding users and businesses.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron N5105
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB)
- Drive Bays: 4 x 3.5"/2.5" SATA
- Network: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x 2.5GbE
- Operating System: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent performance for demanding tasks like video transcoding and virtualization
- Expandable storage with support for multiple drives and expansion units
- Comprehensive feature set with support for various applications and services
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be expensive compared to other NAS devices
- Requires some technical knowledge to configure and manage
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a high-performance NAS for demanding workloads
- You need to expand your storage capacity easily
- You want a NAS with a comprehensive feature set
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget
- You are a casual user who doesn't need advanced features
- You prefer a NAS with a more user-friendly interface
Bottom Line: The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is a top-of-the-line NAS that delivers exceptional performance, expandability, and features. It's a great choice for demanding users who need a reliable and feature-rich NAS for their data storage and network needs. However, it can be expensive, and its advanced features may not be necessary for casual users. If you are looking for the best possible performance and flexibility, the DS923+ is a strong contender, but if you're on a budget or need a simpler solution, there are other NAS options available.
QNAP TS-h873AX
A high-performance NAS with advanced features designed for professionals and businesses.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Xeon D-1521 (8-core)
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 ECC (expandable to 128GB)
- Drive Bays: 12 x 3.5"/2.5" SATA
- Network: 2 x 10GbE, 4 x Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: QTS
Reasons to buy :
- Exceptional performance with a powerful processor and abundant RAM
- Extensive storage capacity with support for multiple drives
- Advanced features for virtualization, containerization, and cloud storage integration
Reasons to avoid :
- Very expensive compared to other NAS devices
- Can be complex to configure and manage for less experienced users
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You require a high-performance NAS for demanding workloads, including virtualization and demanding applications.
- You need a large storage capacity for your data.
- You are comfortable with advanced NAS features and configurations.
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget.
- You are a casual user who does not need advanced features.
- You prefer a simpler and more user-friendly NAS.
Bottom Line: The QNAP TS-h873AX is a powerful and feature-rich NAS designed for demanding professionals and businesses. With its impressive performance, large storage capacity, and advanced features, it's an excellent choice for users who need a reliable and high-performing storage solution. However, its high price tag and complexity might deter casual users or those on a budget. If you require the absolute best in performance, storage capacity, and advanced features, the TS-h873AX is worth considering. However, if you are looking for a more affordable and user-friendly option, other NAS devices might be a better fit.
Asustor AS6704T
A feature-packed NAS with a focus on performance and efficiency, designed for home and small business users.
Read more about this on 15 Best Network Attached Storage for Home
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron J6412
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB)
- Drive Bays: 4 x 3.5"/2.5" SATA
- Network: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x 2.5GbE
- Operating System: ADM
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent performance for everyday tasks and multimedia streaming
- Comprehensive features for file sharing, backup, and multimedia management
- User-friendly interface and mobile app for easy access and management
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited expandability compared to some other NAS devices
- Performance may be less impressive for demanding workloads
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a reliable and feature-rich NAS for everyday tasks and media streaming.
- You prefer a user-friendly interface and mobile app.
- You are looking for a good value for your money.
Don't buy it if:
- You require a high-performance NAS for demanding workloads, such as virtualization or intensive applications.
- You need to expand your storage capacity beyond the four bays.
- You have a limited budget and need a more affordable option.
Bottom Line: The Asustor AS6704T is a solid NAS that offers a balance of performance, features, and affordability. It's a great option for home users and small businesses that need a reliable and feature-rich storage solution for everyday tasks and media streaming. While it might not be the best choice for demanding workloads or those requiring extensive storage capacity, it provides a good value for its price and is easy to use. If you are looking for a user-friendly NAS with solid performance and a decent feature set without breaking the bank, the AS6704T is worth considering. However, if you need more performance, storage capacity, or advanced features, other NAS devices might be a better fit.
Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra
Find more on 15 Best Network Attached Storage Software
Read more about this on 32 Best Network Attached Storage for Mac Users
A user-friendly NAS designed for home users who want a simple and reliable way to store and access their data.
Specifications :
- CPU: Marvell Armada 385
- RAM: 2GB DDR3 (not upgradable)
- Drive Bays: 2 x 3.5"/2.5" SATA
- Network: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: WD My Cloud OS 3
Reasons to buy :
- Easy setup and user-friendly interface
- Affordable compared to other NAS devices
- Good option for basic file sharing and backup needs
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited performance compared to other NAS devices
- Limited expandability with only two drive bays
- Less comprehensive features compared to more advanced NAS devices
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You are a casual user looking for a simple and affordable NAS for basic file sharing and backup.
- You are comfortable with a basic user interface and limited features.
- You are looking for an easy-to-use NAS that does not require extensive technical knowledge.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a high-performance NAS for demanding tasks.
- You need a large storage capacity and want to expand beyond two drive bays.
- You require advanced features, such as virtualization, containerization, or cloud storage integration.
Bottom Line: The Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a budget-friendly NAS that offers a simple and user-friendly experience for home users. It's a good choice for those who need a basic storage solution for file sharing and backup without needing advanced features or high performance. However, its limited performance, storage capacity, and features might not be ideal for demanding users or those who need a more versatile NAS. If you are looking for a simple and affordable NAS for everyday use, the My Cloud EX2 Ultra might be a suitable option. However, if you need more power, features, or expandability, other NAS devices might be a better fit.
TerraMaster F5-423
A powerful and versatile NAS with a focus on performance and features, designed for home and small business users.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron J4125
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB)
- Drive Bays: 5 x 3.5"/2.5" SATA
- Network: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x 2.5GbE
- Operating System: TOS
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent performance for everyday tasks and multimedia streaming
- Comprehensive features for file sharing, backup, and multimedia management
- Good value for the price with a balance of features and performance
Reasons to avoid :
- Less well-known brand compared to other NAS companies
- Limited expandability compared to some other NAS devices
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a reliable and feature-rich NAS for everyday tasks and media streaming.
- You are looking for a good value for your money with a balance of features and performance.
- You prefer a user-friendly interface and mobile app.
Don't buy it if:
- You require a high-performance NAS for demanding workloads, such as virtualization or intensive applications.
- You need to expand your storage capacity beyond the five bays.
- You prefer a NAS from a more established brand.
Bottom Line: The TerraMaster F5-423 is a solid NAS that offers a good balance of performance, features, and affordability. It's a great option for home users and small businesses who need a reliable and feature-rich storage solution for everyday tasks and media streaming. While it might not be the best choice for demanding workloads or those requiring extensive storage capacity, it provides a good value for its price and is easy to use. If you are looking for a user-friendly NAS with solid performance and a decent feature set without breaking the bank, the F5-423 is worth considering. However, if you need more performance, storage capacity, or advanced features, other NAS devices might be a better fit.
Netgear ReadyNAS 426
A compact and easy-to-use NAS designed for home and small office users who need a simple and reliable storage solution.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Atom C3538
- RAM: 2GB DDR3 (not upgradable)
- Drive Bays: 2 x 3.5"/2.5" SATA
- Network: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: ReadyNAS OS 6
Reasons to buy :
- Simple setup and user-friendly interface
- Affordable compared to other NAS devices
- Good option for basic file sharing and backup needs
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited performance compared to other NAS devices
- Limited expandability with only two drive bays
- Less comprehensive features compared to more advanced NAS devices
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You are a casual user looking for a simple and affordable NAS for basic file sharing and backup.
- You are comfortable with a basic user interface and limited features.
- You are looking for an easy-to-use NAS that does not require extensive technical knowledge.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a high-performance NAS for demanding tasks.
- You need a large storage capacity and want to expand beyond two drive bays.
- You require advanced features, such as virtualization, containerization, or cloud storage integration.
Bottom Line: The Netgear ReadyNAS 426 is a budget-friendly NAS that offers a simple and user-friendly experience for home and small office users. It's a good choice for those who need a basic storage solution for file sharing and backup without needing advanced features or high performance. However, its limited performance, storage capacity, and features might not be ideal for demanding users or those who need a more versatile NAS. If you are looking for a simple and affordable NAS for everyday use, the ReadyNAS 426 might be a suitable option. However, if you need more power, features, or expandability, other NAS devices might be a better fit.
Synology DiskStation DS220+
You can find more information on 15 Best Network Attached Storage Devices in 2024
A compact and affordable NAS designed for home users who need a simple and reliable storage solution.
Specifications :
- CPU: Realtek RTD1296
- RAM: 2GB DDR4 (expandable to 6GB)
- Drive Bays: 2 x 3.5"/2.5" SATA
- Network: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet
- Operating System: Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Reasons to buy :
- Compact size and affordable price
- User-friendly interface with a wide range of applications and services
- Good option for basic file sharing, backup, and multimedia streaming
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited performance compared to other NAS devices
- Limited expandability with only two drive bays
- Less powerful than other NAS devices in the Synology lineup
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You are a casual user looking for a compact and affordable NAS for basic file sharing, backup, and media streaming.
- You prefer a user-friendly interface and a wide range of applications.
- You are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use NAS without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a high-performance NAS for demanding tasks, such as virtualization or intensive applications.
- You need a large storage capacity and want to expand beyond two drive bays.
- You require advanced features, such as containerization or cloud storage integration.
Bottom Line: The Synology DiskStation DS220+ is a budget-friendly NAS that offers a compact design, user-friendly interface, and a range of features for everyday use. It's a good option for casual users who need a simple and reliable storage solution for file sharing, backup, and media streaming. However, its limited performance, storage capacity, and features might not be ideal for demanding users or those who need a more versatile NAS. If you are looking for a compact and affordable NAS with a user-friendly interface for basic tasks, the DS220+ is worth considering. However, if you need more power, features, or expandability, other NAS devices might be a better fit.
Choosing the right NAS for your cloud-based streaming setup is crucial. It needs to be powerful enough to handle the demands of transcoding and storing your media library, while also being reliable and secure. With RAID support, you can ensure data redundancy and protect your precious media from hardware failures.
The NAS devices we reviewed in this article offer a range of features and price points to suit different needs. Whether you're a casual streamer or a serious home theater enthusiast, you'll find a NAS on this list that can meet your requirements.
By investing in a NAS with RAID support, you can enjoy the benefits of a dedicated media server that provides fast access to your streaming content, even with multiple users accessing it simultaneously. Additionally, you can rest assured knowing that your data is protected from potential hardware failures, ensuring the longevity of your media library.
Ultimately, the best NAS for your cloud-based streaming setup depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend considering your storage requirements, desired performance levels, and future expansion plans before making your final decision.
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