Best Computer Network Attached Storage AI pick
Chosen by an AI model from its trained knowledge, with its reasoning.
AI pick: Synology DiskStation Plus DS224+
A 2-bay x86 NAS whose DSM software makes backup, photo sync, file sharing and Plex-style media serving easy for non-specialists, with Intel hardware transcoding and upgradable RAM.
Not for: Anyone who wants 4+ bays, built-in 2.5GbE or faster networking, or full control to run TrueNAS or Unraid on the hardware.
AI picks by need
For tight budget, simple backup and file sharing
Synology DiskStation Value DS223j
Gives you the same DSM backup and sync apps on a low-power ARM box, good enough for file storage and phone photo backup.
Not for: Anyone who wants to run Docker containers, virtual machines or transcode video for Plex.
For 4 bays and room to grow
Synology DiskStation Plus DS923+
Supports RAID 5/6 or SHR across 4 bays, uses ECC memory, and has M.2 slots and a PCIe slot for a 10GbE card.
Not for: Plex users who need hardware transcoding, because its AMD Ryzen CPU has no integrated graphics.
What the AI looks for in Computer Network Attached Storage
- Bay count vs. redundancy
- RAID 1 / SHR needs 2 drives, RAID 5 needs 3+, RAID 6 / SHR-2 needs 4+; buy at least one more bay than you think you need You cannot add bays later, and migrating to a bigger unit means moving all your data.
- CPU architecture
- Choose x86 Intel with integrated graphics (Quick Sync) for Plex/Jellyfin transcoding; ARM units are fine for files and backup only CPU type sets whether you can run Docker, virtual machines and media transcoding.
- Network speed
- 1GbE caps transfers at roughly 110 MB/s; choose 2.5GbE or a 10GbE upgrade path if you edit video or move large files A single modern hard drive can already saturate a gigabit link.
- Drive type
- Use CMR NAS-rated drives; check the vendor's compatibility list before buying SMR drives can fail RAID rebuilds or make them extremely slow, and some vendors limit support for drives not on their list.
- Software and update support
- Prefer vendors with a long, consistent track record of security updates and first-party backup apps A NAS is always connected to your network, so software quality and patching matter more than raw hardware specs.
Brands that matter
- Synology: Most polished software (DSM) and backup tools; hardware is conservative for the money.
- QNAP: More hardware per unit (2.5GbE, PCIe); its software is powerful but has had notable ransomware incidents, so patch it diligently.
- UGREEN: Newer entrant (NASync) with strong hardware for the money and support for installing a third-party OS.
- TerraMaster: Budget-friendly hardware; software is less mature than Synology's.
- Asustor: Solid mid-range hardware with good media features.
What to avoid
- Using SMR drives in a RAID array.
- Treating RAID as a backup: keep a separate copy offsite or in the cloud.
- Exposing NAS admin ports directly to the internet instead of using a VPN or the vendor's relay service.
- Buying single-bay units for irreplaceable data unless you back them up somewhere else.
Questions
Is RAID a backup?
No. RAID protects against a drive failing, not against deletion, ransomware, theft or fire. You still need a separate backup.
Do NAS units include drives?
Most are sold diskless, so you buy the drives separately. Budget for them when sizing capacity.
Network Attached Storage (NAS) Devices
Complete NAS devices are the same decision as the parent category: pick by bay count, CPU type and network speed. The Synology DS224+ is the default choice, and the DS223j is the budget alternative.