Best NAS Devices of 2025

Kenneth Collin Avatar
Kenneth Collin
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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Network-attached storage (NAS) devices are a type of storage solution that allows multiple users to access and share files over a network. They are essentially an external hard drive that connects to a network rather than a single computer. NAS devices offer a range of benefits including easy file sharing, data backup and recovery, centralised storage, and remote access. With a variety of sizes and storage capacities available, NAS devices are suitable for both personal and business use. They are a great investment for those looking for a reliable and efficient way to store and share data.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Synology DS223J 2 Bay NAS Storage Solution Cover #TOP 1
Synology DS223J 2 Bay NAS Storage Solution
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Synology DS923+ 4-Bay DiskStation Storage Cover #TOP 2
Synology DS923+ 4-Bay DiskStation Storage
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Synology DS423+ 4 Bay NAS Server Cover #TOP 3
Synology DS423+ 4 Bay NAS Server
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 NAS Devices

#TOP 1

Synology DS223J 2 Bay NAS Storage Solution

DS223J
White
Standard Warranty
Synology DS223J 2 Bay NAS Storage Solution Cover
Synology DS223J 2 Bay Desktop NAS, White

The Synology DS223J NAS offers an excellent solution for centralised data storage, allowing you to consolidate up to 36TB of data. You can easily access your files from multiple platforms, ensuring 100% data ownership. With its next-generation file system, you benefit from features like file self-healing and rapid data snapshots, making data management swift and efficient. Secure sharing and syncing enable you to safely access and share files and media from anywhere, keeping you connected with clients and colleagues effortlessly.

What We Like
Large data storage capacity
Fast data management features
Secure file sharing
Multi-platform access
#TOP 2

Synology DS923+ 4-Bay DiskStation Storage

DS923+
Black
4-bay; 4GB DDR4
Synology DS923+ 4-Bay DiskStation Storage Cover
Synology 4-Bay DiskStation DS923+ (Diskless)

The Synology DS923+ offers impressive sequential read and write speeds of up to 625/559 MB/s, making file operations quick and efficient for you. It features built-in file and photo management tools, which simplify how you organise and protect your data. With two 1GbE ports, integrating this device into your existing network is straightforward, while optional 10GbE connectivity caters to more demanding applications. Additionally, you can expand your storage capacity to a maximum of nine drives by adding a DX517 expansion unit, providing flexibility as your storage needs grow.

What We Like
High read/write speeds
Built-in data management tools
Easy network integration
Expandable storage options
#TOP 3

Synology DS423+ 4 Bay NAS Server

DS423+
Black
Standard Warranty
Synology DS423+ 4 Bay NAS Server Cover
Synology DS423+ 4 Bay Desktop NAS Storage Server

The Synology DS423+ offers centralised data storage, allowing you to keep up to 72 TB of data in one location while maintaining complete ownership. Its dependable performance ensures stable data transfers with impressive read and write speeds of up to 226/224 MB/s. You can take advantage of built-in data management tools for efficient file and photo organisation, as well as data protection solutions. Additionally, effortless data sharing and syncing across various operating systems and devices make it easy for you to access and manage your media and files.

What We Like
High storage capacity
Fast data transfer speeds
Built-in management tools
Easy data sharing
#TOP 4

WD My Cloud PR4100 56TB NAS Storage Server

WDBNFA0560KBK-EESN
Black
56 TB
WD My Cloud PR4100 56TB NAS Storage Server Cover
WD 56TB My Cloud PR4100 4-bay NAS - Network Attached Storage Media Server with Transcoding, with quad-core processor, 4GB DDR3L RAM and WD Red drives

The WD My Cloud PR4100 offers creative teams reliable network storage to edit, save, and share production files from anywhere with an internet connection. It is compatible with both Mac and PC, ensuring your content is protected regardless of the operating system. With access to your HD media via MyCloud.com and the mobile app, you can easily edit and share files with clients and colleagues. Additionally, its built-in hardware transcoding prepares media for smooth streaming, making it convenient to enjoy your content across various devices.

What We Like
Easy access from anywhere
Supports both Mac and PC
Built-in media transcoding
Streamlined creative workflow
#TOP 5

Synology DS224+ 8TB NAS with HAT3300 Drives

DS224+
8 TB
Synology DS224+ 8TB NAS with HAT3300 Drives Cover
Synology DS224+ 8TB 2 Bay NAS Solution installed with 2 x 4TB HAT3300 Drives

The Synology DS224+ offers a robust solution for your data management needs. With centralized data storage, you can easily consolidate all your important files, ensuring complete ownership and easy access across multiple devices. The sharing and syncing capabilities allow you to access and distribute your data effortlessly, making collaboration simpler than ever. Additionally, powerful backup and restoration tools protect your critical data, giving you peace of mind. Finally, built-in data management tools enhance your experience with file, photo management, and video surveillance solutions.

What We Like
Centralised data storage
Easy sharing and syncing
Powerful backup options
Built-in management tools
#TOP 6

Synology BeeStation 4TB Portable SSD Storage

BST150-4T
Black
Synology BeeStation 4TB Portable SSD Storage Cover
Synology BeeStation 4TB USB C 3.2 External Portable SSD

The Synology BeeStation SSD offers a cloud-like experience, enabling you to replace traditional cloud storage services instantly. With effortless setup, you can simply plug it in and start using it right away. Enjoy the benefit of no recurring costs, as it's a one-time purchase without any monthly fees. Plus, you gain 100% data ownership, allowing you full control over your files while maintaining your privacy.

What We Like
Easy to set up
No monthly fees
Full data ownership
Cloud-like experience
Seamless photo backup
#TOP 7

QNAP TR-002 2 Bay Desktop NAS Expansion

TR-002
Black
2 Bay
QNAP TR-002 2 Bay Desktop NAS Expansion Cover
QNAP TR-002 2 Bay Desktop NAS Expansion - Optional Use as a Direct-Attached Storage Device

The QNAP TR-002 NAS Expansion offers several useful features for users. With a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, you can enjoy faster data transfer rates, which makes backing up or accessing files much quicker. It supports up to two SATA drives, allowing for increased storage capacity tailored to your needs. The disk mode DIP switch lets you easily switch between Hardware and Software Control configurations for setting up your RAID group. Additionally, the eject button provides a convenient way to disconnect the TR-002 from your NAS or computer safely.

What We Like
Fast data transfer speeds
Supports two SATA drives
Customisable RAID configurations
Safe disconnection feature
Lockable hard drive trays
#TOP 8

BUFFALO LinkStation 220 4TB NAS Storage

LS220D0402
Black
4 TB
BUFFALO LinkStation 220 4TB NAS Storage Cover
BUFFALO LinkStation 220 4TB 2-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home

The BUFFALO LinkStation 220 offers effortless installation, allowing you to connect it to your router and enjoy shared network storage across all your devices. With a subscription-free personal cloud, you can store and manage your videos, music, and photos without incurring monthly fees. The device is designed with your data security in mind, featuring SSL encryption and RAID for redundancy, ensuring your files remain safe. Additionally, you can back up multiple computers and devices easily, setting up automated backups to simplify your data management.

What We Like
Easy installation process
No subscription fees
Strong data security features
Automated backup options
#TOP 9

Synology DS224+ 12TB Dual Bay NAS Solution

DS224+
12 TB
Synology DS224+ 12TB Dual Bay NAS Solution Cover
Synology DS224+ 12TB 2 Bay NAS Solution installed with 2 x 6TB HAT3300 Drives

The Synology DS224+ offers a comprehensive solution for your data management needs. With centralized data storage, you can easily consolidate all your files, ensuring complete ownership and access across multiple platforms. Sharing and syncing across different systems is made simple, allowing you to access your data from various devices effortlessly. The powerful backup and restoration features safeguard your critical data, giving you peace of mind. Additionally, built-in data management tools enable you to organise your files and photos efficiently, enhancing your overall experience.

What We Like
Centralised data storage
Easy sharing and syncing
Powerful backup options
Built-in management tools
#TOP 10

Synology DS223j 8TB NAS with Seagate HDDs

Seagate IronWolf
8 TB
Synology DS223j 8TB NAS with Seagate HDDs Cover
Synology DS223j 2-Bay Diskstation NAS (Realtek RTD1619B 4-Core 1.7 GHz 1GB DDR4 RAM 1xRJ-45 1GbE LAN Port) 8TB Bundle with 2 x 4TB Seagate IronWolf NAS HDDs (ST4000VN006)

The Synology DS223j NAS offers central data storage, allowing you to keep all your important files in one secure location. With its Next Generation File System, you can enjoy enhanced performance and reliability for all your data. The device also simplifies secure sharing and synchronisation, making it easy for you to collaborate with others while keeping your data safe. Additionally, it supports easy data backup, ensuring that your valuable information is always protected against loss.

What We Like
Centralised data storage
Secure sharing options
Easy data backup
Versatile surveillance capabilities
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a NAS device used for?

A NAS system is a storage device connected to a network that allows storage and retrieval of data from a centralized location for authorized network users and heterogeneous clients. NAS systems are flexible and scale-out, meaning that as you need additional storage, you can add on to what you have.

2. What is NAS and how it works?

A network-attached storage (NAS) device is a data storage device that connects to and is accessed through a network, instead of connecting directly to a computer.

3. How is a NAS connected to network?

NAS devices are attached through ethernet cables or directly through Wi-Fi. Though many of the NAS devices come with USB ports, it isn't compatible for the NAS devices to be connected to your computer through them.

4. What is NAS file system?

Network-attached storage (NAS) is a file-level storage architecture that makes stored data more accessible to networked devices. NAS is 1 of the 3 main storage architectures—along with storage area networks (SAN) and direct-attached storage (DAS).

Editor's Notes

During our nas device research, we found 17 nas device products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 23,821 customer reviews through our big data system to write the nas devices list. We found that most customers choose nas devices with an average price of £508.40.

The nas devices are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of nas devices, including Synology, Western Digital, QNAP, Buffalo.

Written by
Kenneth Collin Avatar

Kenneth Collin graduated from Imperial College, London, at 22. He is a UX/UI designer, a web developer, and a writer, amongst others. At age 14, Kenneth programmed his first app. Kenneth's app served as a remote control for censored devices. "When I was 8, I would pick up scraps from electronics and try to rebuild or at least fix them," Kenneth said in one of his recent articles on Home repairs for top gadgets.