When you spend a lot of time on your computer , nothing hurts more than losing your data. It could be months or years of documents , images, and video files that could suddenly disappear. And yet, it can happen to anyone. One of the best solutions for peace of mind is to use a NAS (network attached storage). This can regularly back up data and offer several backup options to avoid data loss. Below, we will discover the best NAS servers that can currently be found on the market. But first, beyond what has been mentioned, here are some of the main reasons that might push the most skeptical to consider network attached storage.
NAS servers in more detail
For both business and home users, having a reliable NAS ( Network Attached Storage ) can be invaluable. Network attached storage works like a custom, independent cloud storage . It allows you to store all your files on a massive local network. Plus, it has the ability to grow and expand to meet ever-increasing storage needs. On the hardware side, you could almost say that a NAS device is a computer dedicated solely to storage. It’s important to understand that NAS servers are specifically designed for data archiving , retrieval, and connecting all your PCs .
In addition to storing phenomenal amounts of data that can be easily shared between computers connected to a local network, advanced NAS devices are equipped with RAM and CPUs . When large files or a large number of small files need to be accessed or transferred, the processor helps speed up the process considerably. Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of the best NAS servers, both in terms of their price and what they have to offer.
#1 ASUSTOR Nimbustor 2 Gen 2 AS5402T, Best NAS for High-Speed Users
The ASUSTOR Nimbustor 2 Gen 2 AS5402T tops the list thanks to its fast components. It features an SSD (Solid State Drive) cache that delivers very satisfying performance. This NAS offers two bays and is fully equipped with four M.2 slots for installing NVMe SSDs. This type of feature is rare when it comes to consumer offerings. Typically, only two of these slots are found in this price category. Furthermore, support for link aggregation and 4K video transcoding is another highlight of this model. This easily places it at the top of our list of the best NAS of 2025 for those who want a powerful two-bay model for content creation, personal cloud storage, or as a data backup repository.
#2 Qnap TS-233, best budget NAS for those who don’t need an included disk
With the TS-233, Qnap offers some very interesting features presented in a minimalist, white, and elegant casing. This two-bay NAS supports hot-swapping and features a quad-core processor. It also offers a pair of USB ports for connecting external drives. Its advantage is that it is very easy to install and provides very respectable file transfer performance. Added to this is a nice selection of QNAP and third-party applications that help make the product more complete as a multifunctional server. This makes it one of the best NAS for users looking for an affordable two-bay server. It’s the perfect accessible model for home data storage without paying for a cloud subscription.
#3 Synology DiskStation DS1621+, still relevant in 2025
The Synology DiskStation DS1621+ is positioned as a high-end piece of hardware with 1GbE Ethernet ports out of the box. It uses a quad-core AMD Ryzen processor, which, although outdated, remains very competitive in the field. Indeed, the processor allows the device to run smoothly and is still very efficient for users who need to run multiple demanding applications at once. It can therefore be used for running virtual machines and surveillance systems as opposed to multimedia playback. Overall, the DS1621+ is a powerful and versatile 6-bay NAS. It is perfect for small and medium-sized businesses as well as demanding home users. Supporting advanced features like 4K video transcoding and virtualization, this NAS server provides a centralized and powerful solution for data and network service management.
#4 QNAP TS-433-4G, a high-performance quad-bay NAS for individuals and SMEs
The QNAP TS-433-4G is a four-bay NAS designed to provide a powerful and versatile network storage solution for homes and small businesses. Powered by a quad-core ARM processor and 4GB of RAM, it ensures fast file transfers and efficient application management. This NAS stands out with its support for NVMe SSDs for caching or automatic tiering, optimizing data access performance. It also offers Gigabit Ethernet network connectivity and the ability to expand its functionality through the QNAP App Center, which offers a wide range of applications for backup, file sharing, multimedia streaming, and more. Its compact design and intuitive user interface make it an affordable and powerful storage solution for centralizing and securing your data.
#5 Synology BeeStation 4TB, Best NAS for Small Budgets
The Synology BeeStation 4TB is a suitable NAS server for those looking for a personal cloud storage device. It allows easy access to photos, videos, and other media from anywhere. There’s no RAID protection here, nor an app library to complement it. The brand focuses more on the ease of automatic backup and data sharing with other users. All this can be done without having to pay a monthly cloud subscription fee. The BeeStation is ideal for those looking for simplicity above all else in a NAS. If features and performance are your priorities, you’ll surely find other models better suited to your usage style in our list.
#6 QNAP TS-632X-4G, a balanced solution for light use
The QNAP TS-632X-4G is a NAS server that offers convincing overall performance for its price. It stands out especially for its compatibility with the latest hard drives and SSDs as well as its scalability with its PCIe slot. It also offers 10 GbE connectivity expandable up to 25 Gb for multi-link configurations. This model natively supports multi-channel SMB and ECC memory. It is therefore a solution suitable for basic file management needs. In terms of software, QNAP provides access to the majority of its applications such as backup tools, office suites, and cloud solutions. If we had to remember one thing about this model, it would be that it is a balanced solution for moderate use.
#7 ASUSTOR Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL, an affordable entry-level NAS
The ASUSTOR Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL is an entry-level NAS ideal for individuals and small businesses. It offers a simple and affordable storage solution with its 1.7 GHz Realtek processor, 1 GB of RAM, and two bays supporting HDD/SSDs up to 22 TB. This model offers speeds of approximately 113 MB/s in RAID 1 and is pleasing for its ease of installation. In addition, it has an intuitive ADM that will put beginners at ease. This NAS also provides features such as file sharing, backup, and a basic media server. Note that its limited RAM and single Gigabit port limit it to light uses. In short, it is an economical choice for essential needs, but not suitable for demanding applications.
#8 Synology DiskStation DS224+, Fast Transfers for Small Offices and Homes
The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is a two-bay NAS aimed at users who want exceptionally fast file transfers. It’s perfect for small offices that need quick file access from multiple PCs. It’s the direct successor to the popular DS220+, which was praised for the value it offered to consumers looking for their first enclosure. With an Intel Celeron processor, 2GB of DDR4 RAM, and support for an excellent DSM operating system, this server has it all. It also comes with Synology’s catalog of apps. Boasting the same Intel Celeron J4125 processor, this NAS will satisfy those looking for a good value server for home use.
#9 ASUSTOR Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 AS3304T v2, affordable transcoding and Btrfs
The ASUSTOR Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 AS3304T v2 is positioned as a powerful and affordable 4-bay NAS. It’s the ideal model for network storage, streaming, and gaming thanks to its Realtek RTD1619B Quad-Core 1.7 GHz processor. It also comes with a 2.5 Gigabit port and hardware transcoding. This NAS supports the Btrfs file system for better data protection via snapshots. This is a surprising feature for an Asustor ARM NAS, but it’s welcome. Furthermore, the manufacturer provides 2 GB of DDR4 RAM, hot-swap bays, and flexible RAID management with the AS3304T. All this is combined with optimized power consumption (5W in standby). Overall, Asustor offers ideal hardware for both professionals and demanding individuals.
#10 Synology DS124, an economical and easy-to-use single-bay NAS
The Synology DS124 is a cost-effective single-bay NAS designed for users looking for a simple network storage solution. Powered by a 1.7 GHz quad-core Realtek RTD1619B processor (64-bit ARM) and 1 GB of non-expandable DDR4 RAM, it offers good energy efficiency but limited performance. Its main advantage is DSM 7.2, Synology’s excellent operating system. It also includes applications such as Synology Photos and Surveillance Station. However, the lack of RAID, the single 1 GbE port, and the RAM limit it to basic uses (backup, file sharing). It’s a good option to consider for those on a tight budget.
How to find the right NAS server
Finding the right NAS can be difficult for someone new to this type of system. There are a wide range of options, each one as interesting as the next. Here are a few tips to help beginners make the right choice.
I. NAS server with and without data storage disk
Most NAS devices do not have a data storage drive . This means that the NAS does not come with any storage devices. Furthermore, some low-end models include a small amount of memory. These can be upgraded or not depending on the manufacturer’s choice. The user must therefore purchase the drives separately. This must then be factored into the budget for the NAS. However, in other cases, some brands include the hard drive directly in the NAS.
II. Dedicated processors
As mentioned above, NAS devices are very similar to personal computers, but they are used solely for data. The use of dedicated processors or computer processors makes these similarities with PCs. NAS processors are still derivatives of computer processors , but they are generally much less powerful. This is because network storage does not need to run an operating system or load executable files. The number of processor cores and their frequency often indicate the product’s performance.
III. Memory (RAM)
Random access memory, or RAM , is another feature NAS shares with PCs. RAM determines how quickly network-attached storage can access or retrieve data stored on disk drives. More RAM is always helpful, especially if you’re using your NAS to store and transfer large files.
IV. Number of bays
The number of bays in a NAS refers to the number of disk drives it can store. If a NAS is listed as a two-bay NAS, it can accommodate two HDDs . Similarly, a 4-bay model can accommodate four hard drives, and so on. Finally, the maximum storage capacity for any network-attached storage depends on two things: the number of bays and the maximum capacity supported for each hard drive.
Our 2024 selection
#1 Qnap TS-451+, one of the best 4-bay NAS servers
#2 Synology DiskStation DS1019+, for SMEs and enthusiasts
The Synology DiskStation DS1019+ NAS is primarily aimed at SMB environments . It impresses with its attractive features when it comes to working with files directly from the NAS or for applications running on the device itself. Furthermore, as a 5-bay NAS focused on storage, standard applications, and multimedia applications, it performs very well.
#3 Buffalo Technology LinkStation 220, among the best affordable NAS servers
The Buffalo Technology LinkStation 220 , an inexpensive network storage device, is easy to use with 2 drives . It has several features, perfect for storing, sharing, serving and protecting the most important data. This model offers fast storage and backup for all computers, tablets and smartphones on the home network with RAID data protection.
#4 Netgear ReadyNAS 422 – 2 bays exceptional for streaming
The ReadyNAS 422 is an impressive device designed to easily handle up to 40 users with a maximum disk capacity of 20 TB. It can handle a wide range of service tasks simultaneously. This model remains a classic example of a modern NAS device. It is designed to be purchased for a specific job, but reused multiple times throughout its working life.
#5 WD My Cloud EX4100 8TB, one of the best NAS servers for features
Featuring RAID capabilities found in more expensive and complex NAS devices, as well as Microsoft Active Directory support, the WD My Cloud EX4100 is designed for use by small businesses. That’s not to mention it can also act as a file server , FTP, backup, and P2P download server .
#6 Asustor AS5202T, for beginners
The ASUSTOR AS5202T has all the key components needed for success: it’s easy to install, configure, and deploy, and it does what it was designed to do. The AS5202T can be successfully used and maintained by people with modest skills. You don’t need specialist skills to operate it.
#7 Netgear ReadyNAS 426, for 6 bays
The Netgear ReadyNAS RN426 falls into the category of excellent NAS choices for SMBs with data protection. It offers top-notch snapshot , backup, and replication features. It may not be as rich in applications as similar products from Qnap and Synology , but it offers better value. Plus, its fast Atom C3538 processor won’t be to blame for all the performance it puts out.
| What we like less |
|---|
| – RAM cannot be upgraded |
#8 WD My Cloud Pro Series PR4100, one of the best all-around NAS servers
The WD My Cloud Pro Series PR4100 NAS is a sound investment. It can provide unprecedented performance improvements. There’s a reason for its high price: this model offers truly compelling features and intuitive management software. It’s safe to say it’s a versatile and highly customizable device.
| What we like |
|---|
| – Easy installation – User-upgradeable RAM – Excellent Plex media server support |
| What we like less |
|---|
| – Fan noise on startup and with drives in use |
#9 Synology DiskStation DS218j, one of the best NAS servers for everyone
This entry-level Synology DiskStation DS218j NAS offers excellent performance and truly enjoyable software. It’s also easy to install. Not unlike the older DS216j, the DS218j is a cost-effective and powerful 2-bay NAS designed for home use. It boasts fast data transfer and low power consumption, a pleasing combination.
| What we like |
|---|
| – Easy installation and use – Fast performance |
| What we like less |
|---|
| – Slower with encrypted files |
#10 Qnap TS-332X-4G, complete and affordable
The TS-332X is the ideal NAS for SMBs looking for an affordable 10GbE-compatible NAS appliance with RAID5 support. Here, application options are more limited, and users will have to factor in the cost of a transceiver. However, this model still offers plenty of features. Among other things, the product combines great value with surprisingly good 10GbE performance.