In today’s digital age, we’re all constantly accumulating more data, from high-resolution photos and videos to music libraries and important documents. With multiple devices in our homes, managing and accessing all this data can be a real challenge. That’s where Network Attached Storage (NAS) comes in. A NAS acts as a central hub for all your digital content, allowing you to store, access, and share files seamlessly across all your devices. But choosing the right NAS can be tricky, especially if you’re looking for reliable performance and advanced features like RAID support for data redundancy.
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RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a crucial feature for anyone serious about data protection. It allows you to combine multiple hard drives into a single logical unit, providing increased storage capacity and data redundancy. In the event of a drive failure, RAID ensures that your data remains safe and accessible.
If you’re a multi-device household with a growing library of multimedia content, a NAS with RAID support is a must-have. But with so many options available, choosing the best NAS for your needs can be overwhelming. This article will guide you through the top 7 NAS devices that offer excellent performance, robust RAID capabilities, and are perfect for multi-device streaming.
We’ll delve into each NAS’s key features, storage capacity, performance metrics, and overall value, helping you make an informed decision for your home network. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user with a massive media collection, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore the best NAS options for seamless multi-device streaming and data security.
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| Synology DiskStation DS923+ |  |
4.5 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| QNAP TS-h973AX |  |
4.0 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asustor AS7004T | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Synology DiskStation DS923+
A powerful and versatile NAS designed for home and small business users, offering a wide range of features and excellent performance.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB)
- Drive Bays: 4 x 3.5" SATA
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports)
- Operating System: Synology DSM 7
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent performance for demanding tasks like video editing and transcoding.
- User-friendly interface and extensive app library.
- Comprehensive security features, including encryption and intrusion detection.
- Supports RAID configurations for data redundancy and fault tolerance.
Reasons to avoid :
- Relatively expensive compared to some other NAS devices.
- May be overkill for users with basic storage needs.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a powerful and reliable NAS for demanding applications.
- You value a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features.
- You need to protect your data with robust security measures.
Don't buy it if:
- You have a limited budget.
- Your storage needs are basic and don't require advanced features.
- You are unfamiliar with NAS devices and prefer a simpler setup.
Bottom Line:
The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is a top-tier NAS that offers exceptional performance, reliability, and a wealth of features. It's an excellent choice for users who need a powerful and versatile storage solution for demanding tasks, but its price tag may be prohibitive for budget-conscious users. If you are looking for a feature-packed NAS that can handle everything from basic file storage to complex multimedia applications, the DS923+ is an excellent option. However, if your storage needs are simpler or you are working with a limited budget, you might be better off considering a more affordable model.
QNAP TS-h973AX
A high-performance NAS with an emphasis on multimedia capabilities, perfect for home theater enthusiasts and professionals.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Core i5-12400 processor
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (expandable to 128GB)
- Drive Bays: 9 x 3.5" SATA
- Network: 10GbE (2 ports), Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports)
- Operating System: QTS 5
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful hardware for demanding tasks like 4K video transcoding.
- Extensive multimedia features, including support for Plex and QNAP's own media server.
- Excellent performance for large file transfers and backups.
- Supports various RAID configurations for data protection.
Reasons to avoid :
- One of the most expensive NAS devices on the market.
- Complex setup and configuration for novice users.
- May be overkill for users who don't need advanced multimedia capabilities.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a top-of-the-line NAS for demanding multimedia applications.
- You value high performance and extensive features.
- You are willing to invest in a premium NAS solution.
Don't buy it if:
- You have a limited budget.
- Your storage needs are basic and don't require advanced multimedia features.
- You are unfamiliar with NAS devices and prefer a simpler setup.
Bottom Line:
The QNAP TS-h973AX is a powerhouse NAS that caters to users with demanding multimedia needs. Its powerful hardware, extensive features, and focus on multimedia capabilities make it an excellent choice for home theater enthusiasts, video editors, and professionals who require a reliable and high-performing storage solution. However, its high price tag and complex setup may deter budget-conscious users and those who prefer a simpler approach. If you are looking for a cutting-edge NAS that can handle any multimedia task you throw at it, the TS-h973AX is a top contender. But if your needs are more modest, you can find more affordable and easier-to-use options on the market.
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Asustor AS7004T
A well-rounded NAS offering a balance of performance, features, and affordability.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron J6412 quad-core processor
- RAM: 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB)
- Drive Bays: 4 x 3.5" SATA
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports)
- Operating System: ADM 4
Reasons to buy :
- Solid performance for everyday tasks like file sharing and backups.
- Good balance of features and affordability.
- User-friendly interface and a wide range of apps available.
- Supports RAID configurations for data protection.
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as powerful as some other NAS devices.
- May not be ideal for demanding multimedia applications.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a reliable and affordable NAS for everyday use.
- You value a user-friendly interface and a good selection of features.
- You are looking for a good balance between performance and value.
Don't buy it if:
- You need the highest possible performance for demanding tasks.
- You require advanced multimedia capabilities.
- You are willing to spend more for a premium NAS.
Bottom Line:
The Asustor AS7004T is a solid NAS that provides a good blend of features, performance, and affordability. It's a great choice for users who need a reliable and capable NAS for everyday tasks like file sharing, backups, and basic multimedia streaming. Its user-friendly interface and wide range of apps make it easy to use and manage. While it may not be the most powerful NAS on the market, it's a great option for users who are looking for a good balance between value and performance. If you are looking for a NAS that is easy to use, offers a wide range of features, and won't break the bank, the AS7004T is an excellent choice. However, if you require the highest performance or advanced multimedia capabilities, you might want to consider a different option.
Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra
A user-friendly NAS designed for home users who are new to NAS technology.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Celeron dual-core processor
- RAM: 2GB DDR3
- Drive Bays: 2 x 3.5" SATA
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (1 port)
- Operating System: WD My Cloud OS 3
Reasons to buy :
- Simple setup and easy to use, even for beginners.
- Affordable price point.
- Supports basic file sharing and backups.
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited features compared to other NAS devices.
- Not as powerful as other NAS devices.
- No RAID support.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You are new to NAS devices and want a simple and affordable solution.
- You need basic file sharing and backup capabilities.
- You are looking for an easy-to-use NAS.
Don't buy it if:
- You need advanced features like RAID support or multimedia capabilities.
- You require high performance for demanding tasks.
- You are familiar with NAS devices and prefer a more feature-rich option.
Bottom Line:
The Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a great entry-level NAS for home users who are new to NAS technology. Its simple setup, user-friendly interface, and affordable price point make it an accessible option for those who just need basic file sharing and backup capabilities. However, its limited features and lack of RAID support may not be ideal for users with more advanced needs. If you are looking for a simple and affordable NAS to get started with, the My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a good choice. But if you need more features, performance, or data protection, you might want to consider a different option.
TerraMaster F5-422
A mid-range NAS offering a good balance of features and performance.
Specifications :
- CPU: Realtek RTD1296 quad-core processor
- RAM: 2GB DDR4 (expandable to 8GB)
- Drive Bays: 5 x 3.5" SATA
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports)
- Operating System: TOS 5
Reasons to buy :
- Good performance for everyday tasks like file sharing and backups.
- Affordable price point.
- Supports various RAID configurations for data protection.
- User-friendly interface and a good selection of apps.
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as powerful as some other NAS devices.
- May not be ideal for demanding multimedia applications.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a reliable and affordable NAS for everyday use.
- You value a user-friendly interface and a good selection of features.
- You are looking for a good balance between performance and value.
Don't buy it if:
- You need the highest possible performance for demanding tasks.
- You require advanced multimedia capabilities.
- You are willing to spend more for a premium NAS.
Bottom Line:
The TerraMaster F5-422 is a solid NAS that strikes a good balance between features, performance, and affordability. It's a great option for users who need a reliable and capable NAS for everyday tasks like file sharing, backups, and basic multimedia streaming. Its user-friendly interface and wide range of apps make it easy to use and manage. While it may not be the most powerful NAS on the market, it's a great choice for users who are looking for a good balance between value and performance. If you are looking for a NAS that is easy to use, offers a wide range of features, and won't break the bank, the F5-422 is an excellent choice. However, if you require the highest performance or advanced multimedia capabilities, you might want to consider a different option.
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Netgear ReadyNAS 426
A reliable and feature-rich NAS with a focus on data protection and ease of use.
Specifications :
- CPU: Marvell Armada 385 dual-core processor
- RAM: 2GB DDR3 (expandable to 8GB)
- Drive Bays: 4 x 3.5" SATA
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports)
- Operating System: ReadyNAS OS 6
Reasons to buy :
- Comprehensive data protection features, including RAID support and snapshots.
- User-friendly interface and easy to manage.
- Affordable price point.
- Good performance for everyday tasks like file sharing and backups.
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as powerful as some other NAS devices.
- May not be ideal for demanding multimedia applications.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a reliable NAS with strong data protection features.
- You value a user-friendly interface and easy management.
- You are looking for a good balance between affordability and features.
Don't buy it if:
- You need the highest possible performance for demanding tasks.
- You require advanced multimedia capabilities.
- You are willing to spend more for a premium NAS.
Bottom Line:
The Netgear ReadyNAS 426 is a solid NAS that prioritizes data protection and ease of use. It's a great option for users who need a reliable and secure storage solution for their files and backups. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive data protection features make it easy to manage and secure your data. While it may not be the most powerful NAS on the market, it's a great choice for users who are looking for a good balance between affordability and features. If you are looking for a NAS that is easy to use, offers robust data protection, and won't break the bank, the ReadyNAS 426 is an excellent choice. However, if you require the highest performance or advanced multimedia capabilities, you might want to consider a different option.
Thecus N8810Pro
A powerful and scalable NAS designed for demanding workloads and large businesses.
Specifications :
- CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1240 v5 processor
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 (expandable to 64GB)
- Drive Bays: 8 x 3.5" SATA
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports), 10GbE (1 port)
- Operating System: N8810Pro OS
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful hardware for demanding workloads.
- Scalable design with support for multiple users and applications.
- Comprehensive data protection features, including RAID and snapshot support.
- Excellent performance for large file transfers and backups.
Reasons to avoid :
- Very expensive.
- Complex setup and configuration for novice users.
- May be overkill for home or small business users.
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You need a powerful and scalable NAS for demanding workloads and large businesses.
- You value high performance and extensive features.
- You are willing to invest in a premium NAS solution.
Don't buy it if:
- You have a limited budget.
- Your storage needs are basic and don't require advanced features.
- You are unfamiliar with NAS devices and prefer a simpler setup.
Bottom Line:
The Thecus N8810Pro is a high-end NAS designed for demanding workloads and large businesses. Its powerful hardware, scalable design, and comprehensive data protection features make it an excellent choice for organizations that require a reliable and high-performing storage solution. However, its high price tag and complex setup may deter budget-conscious users and those who prefer a simpler approach. If you are looking for a powerful and scalable NAS that can handle the most demanding workloads, the N8810Pro is a top contender. But if your needs are more modest, you can find more affordable and easier-to-use options on the market.
Choosing the right NAS for your multi-device streaming needs can be a daunting task, especially when considering RAID support. However, with the right features and configuration, a NAS can become the cornerstone of your home entertainment setup. By investing in a NAS with RAID support, you not only ensure data redundancy but also enhance performance and reliability, guaranteeing seamless streaming across all your devices.
The NAS options outlined in this article cater to a range of budgets and needs, from entry-level solutions ideal for small families to robust systems suitable for demanding media libraries. Whether you prioritize speed, storage capacity, or advanced features like transcoding, there's a NAS on this list that can meet your specific requirements.
Ultimately, selecting the best NAS for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. By carefully considering factors such as storage capacity, performance, features, and budget, you can confidently choose a NAS that will elevate your multi-device streaming experience and provide a reliable and efficient storage solution for your digital life.
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Remember, investing in a NAS with RAID support is a smart decision, not only for safeguarding your valuable data but also for ensuring uninterrupted and enjoyable streaming across all your devices. With the right NAS, you can unlock a world of possibilities and enjoy your favorite content without worry, anytime and anywhere.
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