Top NAS Picks for 2025: Secure Storage for Games, Movies, and More

If you're the proud owner of one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, you know the importance of safeguarding and transferring your valuable data. Whether it's stored on a top SSD or large external hard drives, nothing beats the convenience and security of a robust NAS (network-attached storage) drive. Our top recommendation, the Synology DiskStation DS224+, stands out for its versatility and performance.

TL;DR – These are the Best NAS Devices:

Our Top Pick### Synology DiskStation DS224+

0See it at Amazon### UGREEN NASync DXP2800

0See it at Amazon### Synology DiskStation DS223j

0See it at Amazon### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

0See it at Amazon### Synology DiskStation DS1821+

0See it at Amazon### QNAP TS-264-8G

0See it at Amazon### SynologyDiskStation DS923+

0See it at Amazon### ioSafe Duo Pro

0See it at ioSafeThe best NAS drives are essential for their significant storage capacity and seamless integration into your home network, allowing quick data transfers across your devices. Whether you're using smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, NAS enables simultaneous connectivity and easy synchronization, making it perfect for managing digital media libraries. However, with the higher cost of NAS, selecting the right one is crucial. We've narrowed it down to eight top options tailored to various needs.

1. Synology DiskStation DS224+

Best NAS

Our Top Pick### Synology DiskStation DS224+

0Easy-to-use, blazing fast NAS featuring two drive bays, two Gigabit LAN ports, a powerful Intel Celeron processor, and a 2GB upgradable RAM. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB 3.2RAID LevelSHR, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1Storage2 x 3.5"/2.5" baysSize9.02" x 9.13" x 6.5"PROSEasy-to-use interfaceFast quad-core processorCONSNo multi-gig LAN portIf you're looking for a NAS that's both highly capable and straightforward, the Synology DiskStation DS224+ is an excellent choice. It offers two drive bays for up to 32TB of storage or RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy. Dual Gigabit LAN ports support higher speeds with Link Aggregation or network failover, though it lacks 2.5GB or 10GB LAN support.

Synology's intuitive interface and versatile apps make it easy to set up for various uses, from storing security camera footage to serving as a Plex server or safely storing and accessing files and photos. The powerful Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM, which is upgradable, ensure smooth performance even when transcoding 4K media or managing and streaming files.

2. UGreen NASync DXP2800

Best Budget NAS

### UGREEN NASync DXP2800

0With quality hardware, a stylish design, and a modest price, this NAS, which comes with dual drive bays, is ready to back up all your files. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB, HDMIRAID Level JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, BasicStorage2 x 2.5"/3.5" bays, 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slotsSizeNot listedPROSComprehensive OS and appsMulti-gig ethernetCONSNo native Plex The UGreen NASync DXP2800 offers impressive hardware and a sleek design at a midrange price. Powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, it's well-suited for managing a high-quality video library and performing hardware transcoding.

UGreen's comprehensive OS simplifies setup and network configuration, offering additional security features like two-factor authentication. While it doesn't natively support Plex, installing it via Docker is straightforward, ensuring excellent performance. With dual SATA drive bays supporting up to 24TB each, and two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs up to 8TB, storage is ample. A 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures speedy transfers, complemented by HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A ports for broad device compatibility.

3. Synology DiskStation DS223j

Most Affordable NAS

### Synology DiskStation DS223j

0Ultra affordable and easy-to-use NAS that’s perfect for beginners. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USBRAID LevelBasic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, SHRStorage2 x 3.5" baysSize6.5" x 3.94" x 8.9"PROSReliable hardwareEasy to useCONSLacks multi-gig ethernet portFor those new to NAS or with simpler storage needs, the Synology DiskStation DS223j is an affordable and reliable option. It comes with Synology's renowned DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, offering a wide range of applications for easy file and data management across devices.

Though constructed mostly of plastic and requiring a screwdriver for drive installation, the DS223j is user-friendly and dependable. It supports up to 32TB without M.2 slots for additional caching or storage, and it lacks a multi-gig ethernet port. However, its simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness make it an ideal choice for beginners.

4. Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals

### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

0Hardware like an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, drive bays that support 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives, and two additional M.2 PCIe NVMe slots ensure this NAS can keep up. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB 3.0, HDMIRAID LevelJBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1Storage2 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slotsSize9.06" x 4.25" x 6.44"PROSDual M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for additional storageSupports 10-bit 4K hardware decodingCONSDrive installation is more involvedThe Asustor Lockerstor AS6602T is designed for power users and professionals. It features an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM, upgradable to 8GB, with two drive bays supporting 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives. Two additional M.2 PCIe NVMe slots allow for faster storage options.

With dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports that can be combined for 5Gb connectivity, this NAS is perfect for speedy backups, virtualization, or as a powerful media center. An HDMI 2.0 port and support for 10-bit 4K hardware decoding ensure a high-quality 4K HDR experience.

5. Synology DiskStation DS1821+

Best Multi-Bay NAS

### Synology DiskStation DS1821+

0For those who need excess amounts of storage, grab this NAS that delivers eight drive bays for a total 128TB capacity and even has M.2 2280 NVMe slots. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB 3.2RAID LevelJBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR)Storage8 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slotsSize18.2" x 14.4" x 12.5"PROSWild 128TB capacityHot-swappable drivesCONSCan get noisyFor extensive storage needs, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ offers eight drive bays supporting up to 128TB capacity with hot-swappable drives. It's expandable to 18 bays and includes M.2 2280 NVMe slots for high-speed caching.

Powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory, upgradable to 32GB, this NAS is a future-proof solution for those with vast data requirements.

6. QNAP TS-264-8G

Best NAS for Media Streaming

### QNAP TS-264-8G

0Enjoy a central location for your media library with this NAS offering two 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, dual drive bays, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB 3.2, HDMIRAID LevelRAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, JBODStorage2 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe slotsSize8.1" x 6.6" x 4.1"PROSCompact designImpressive hardwareCONSSoftware is harder to masterThe QNAP TS-264-8G is ideal for streaming media, featuring dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports to handle high-throughput demands. It also includes a 4K-capable HDMI output for direct TV connection.

With two 3.5-inch drive bays and additional PCIe Gen 3 slots for fast caching, powered by an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 memory, it's equipped for smooth 4K video streams and hardware transcoding.

7. Synology DiskStation DS923+

Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations

### SynologyDiskStation DS923+

0Be extra secure in your data backup, as this NAS offers four drive bays for ample storage and the ability to run it in redundancy with several RAID configurations. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB 3.2, eSATARAID LevelRAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, JBODStorage4 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe slotsSize6.5" x 7.8" x 8.7" PROSOffers various RAID levelsExpandable storage and RAMCONSNo multi-gig LAN portThe Synology DiskStation DS923+ is perfect for those prioritizing data security with RAID configurations. It features four drive bays and supports various RAID types, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, and JBOD, ensuring data safety.

With two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for fast caching, dual 1Gb ethernet ports with Link Aggregation or Failover support, and an AMD Ryzen dual-core processor paired with 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, it offers robust performance and expandability.

8. ioSafe Duo Pro

Best Rugged NAS

### ioSafe Duo Pro

0Though technically not a NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro drive keeps your data safe from fire and water while offering RAID configurations as an extra blanket of protection. See it at ioSafeProduct SpecificationsConnectionUSB 3.2RAID LevelRAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, SPANStorage2 x 3.5"/2.5" baysSize11.50" x 5.91" x 9.06"PROSFireproof and water-resistantOffers two robust, long-lasting drive baysCONSNot designed to be a NASThe ioSafe Duo Pro drive is designed to protect your data from physical damage, being both fireproof and water-resistant with an IP68 rating. It offers various RAID configurations and robust drive bays, with data recovery services available.

While not a NAS by design, it can be shared on your home network through an always-on computer or directly attached to your router via USB.

What to Look for in NAS

NAS devices are invaluable for those sharing a network with multiple users, allowing centralized file sharing and backups. If you're managing a large media library or need simultaneous access across devices, a NAS can streamline your setup.

What are you using it for?

Consider a NAS if you need to share files or tools across multiple devices or if you want to set up a Plex server for a home media library.

Go diskless? How many bays?

Most NAS devices are sold without disk drives, requiring separate purchases. Check manufacturer recommendations for compatible drives. The number of bays determines storage potential; two or more bays are recommended, with multimedia systems often requiring more.