Personal & home NAS
For household backups, shared documents, photos and compatible home-media workflows.
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Interactive NAS buying guide
NAS Buying Guide & Network Storage Finder
Choose network attached storage by drive bays, capacity, RAID, form factor, storage interface, network speed and the work you need it to perform.
Home & personalBackup, files and media
Business & creativeShared storage and workflows
Enterprise & expansionRackmount and growth planning
Start here
Which type of NAS should you choose?
Start with the workload and users, then select the bays, storage, performance and connectivity that support it.
Quick answer: choose a personal or home NAS for centralised backups, shared files and compatible media use; an SMB NAS for more users, applications and faster networking; an enterprise NAS for heavier workloads, rack deployment or advanced expansion; and a compatible expansion unit only when your existing NAS supports it.
Small & midsize business NAS
For team folders, computer backup, business applications and multi-user storage planning.
Browse SMB NAS →Enterprise NAS & SAS
For rack environments, larger arrays, heavier workloads and selected enterprise storage interfaces.
Browse enterprise NAS →Expansion units
For adding supported drive bays to a compatible NAS after checking the exact host and enclosure pairing.
Browse NAS expansion units →1
Define the workload and users
List the people, devices and applications that will use the NAS.
2
Estimate capacity and growth
Include current data, backup versions, future growth and RAID overhead.
3
Choose drive bays and RAID
Plan usable storage, drive-failure tolerance and expansion.
4
Match processor and memory
Allow for applications, simultaneous users and media requirements.
5
Choose network speed and ports
Match the NAS to the switch, cabling, clients and workflow.
6
Verify compatibility
Check drives, memory, apps, cameras, expansion and accessories.
Plan the complete NAS solution, not only the enclosure
A working solution may also require compatible HDDs or SSDs, a suitable switch, network adapters, cabling, a UPS and backup media. Check what is included in each listing before you order.
Popular choices
Popular NAS Models
Browse a selection of popular NAS models, then use the guide below to compare drive bays, capacity, performance and platform requirements.
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SYNOLOGY DS923+ 4-BAY NAS (NO DISK) RYZEN 1600, 4GB,GbE(2), USB(2),M.2(2), eSATA
$1,116.95 $1,319.00
NAS explained
Dan Explains: Network Attached Storage
Watch this DeviceDeal introduction to the basic principles of network attached storage, then continue through the guide to compare capacity, drive bays, RAID, performance and connectivity.
What a NAS is: a dedicated storage system connected to your network. It can centralise files, backups and shared folders for authorised users and devices, with features varying by brand and model.
Understand the role
What can a NAS do?
A NAS can provide an always-available location for local file storage, computer backups, shared team folders and supported applications. Depending on the model and software platform, it may also support snapshots, cloud synchronisation, media services, surveillance recording, containers or virtual machines.
- Centralise files instead of leaving important data across individual computers.
- Automate supported backup jobs for computers, servers or cloud services.
- Control access by user, group, folder and application.
- Grow storage through additional drives or a compatible expansion unit.
- Access approved services locally and, when configured securely, remotely.
Backup & recovery
Protect supported computers and shared files with scheduled jobs, versioning and separate backup destinations.
File sharing
Create controlled shared folders for household members, teams, projects and multiple devices.
Personal cloud
Keep selected data on storage you control while using supported remote access or cloud synchronisation.
Media library
Store photos, music and video centrally, then check direct-play and transcoding requirements before choosing hardware.
Creative workflow
Plan faster networking, storage performance, capacity and backup for large photo, design and video files.
Business applications
Match processor, memory, storage and licences to supported containers, virtual machines, databases or surveillance.
Capacity first
How much NAS storage and how many bays do you need?
Do not size a NAS only for the data you hold today. Include backup history, future growth, RAID overhead and operating headroom.
Measure computers, shared folders, media, archives and data being migrated.
Allow additional space for retained backup versions and supported snapshots.
Remember that usable capacity is lower than the combined raw drive capacity.
Plan for new users, higher-resolution media, cameras and additional applications.
A practical capacity-planning method
- Measure current data: include computers, shared folders, media, archives and any data being migrated.
- Add backup versions: retained versions and snapshots consume additional space.
- Allow for growth: consider new users, higher-resolution media, cameras and future applications.
- Apply RAID overhead: usable capacity is lower than the combined raw capacity of the drives.
- Keep operating headroom: avoid planning a system that will be full immediately after deployment.
| RAID level | Typical minimum | Drive-failure tolerance | Capacity planning | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAID 0 | 2 drives | None | Uses combined drive capacity | A single drive failure can make the array unavailable. It is not a protective RAID level. |
| RAID 1 | 2 drives | Normally 1 drive in a two-drive mirror | Approximately the capacity of the smallest drive | Simple redundancy for supported two-bay and multi-drive mirror configurations. |
| RAID 5 | 3 drives | 1 drive | Approximately total capacity minus one smallest drive | Supported models only; rebuild and expansion behaviour varies. |
| RAID 6 | 4 drives | 2 drives | Approximately total capacity minus two smallest drives | Uses more capacity for parity than RAID 5. |
| RAID 10 | 4 drives in an even count | Depends on which mirrored drives fail | Approximately half of matched raw capacity | Combines striping and mirroring on supported systems. |
Bays and installation
Choose the drive-bay count and form factor together
The live NAS category can be narrowed by drive bays and form factor. Use both filters because physical installation and storage design are connected.
Desktop or tower NAS
Suitable for many homes, studios and offices. Check dimensions, acoustic requirements, airflow and access to the drive trays.
Rackmount NAS
Designed for compatible racks. Check rack depth, rail-kit requirements, redundant-power options, noise, cooling and available network infrastructure.
Expansion planning
More bays can simplify future growth, but an expansion enclosure is useful only when the exact host NAS supports it.
Bay-count questions to answer
- How many drives does the chosen RAID level require?
- How much usable capacity remains after RAID overhead?
- Will the NAS support larger drives or additional bays later?
- Are hot-swap trays, spare drives or expansion units required?
- Does the physical location have suitable power, ventilation and network access?
Drive compatibility
Match the storage interface to the exact NAS model
The DeviceDeal category includes filters for several internal storage interfaces. These describe different classes of HDD and SSD support; they are not interchangeable unless the model documentation says so.
- 3.5-inch SATA: common for high-capacity NAS hard drives.
- 2.5-inch SATA: used by selected hard drives and SATA SSDs.
- M.2 NVMe: may support cache, applications or storage pools depending on the NAS.
- U.2, U.3 and E1.S NVMe: selected enterprise and high-performance systems only.
- 3.5-inch SAS: selected enterprise NAS and SAS-capable systems only.
| Storage choice | Often considered for | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| NAS hard drives | Backups, archives, shared files and large media libraries | Compatibility, workload rating, capacity, noise, vibration, warranty and RAID plan |
| Enterprise HDD or SAS | Selected business arrays and heavier workloads | Exact interface, backplane support, sector format and approved drive list |
| SATA SSD | Quieter storage, faster random access and selected application workloads | Endurance, compatibility, drive-bay fit, RAID and cost per terabyte |
| M.2 NVMe SSD | Cache, application volumes or fast storage pools on supported models | Slot role, physical size, PCIe generation, endurance, cooling and compatibility |
| U.2 / U.3 / E1.S NVMe | Selected enterprise all-flash or hybrid systems | Backplane, form factor, hot-swap support, firmware and vendor compatibility |
Compatibility comes before capacity. A drive that physically fits may still be unsupported for the required NAS, firmware, storage pool or application. Check the current manufacturer compatibility information for the exact model.
Processor, memory and network
Match performance to the workload—not only the drive capacity
Backup and simple file sharing are lighter tasks than media transcoding, surveillance, containers, virtual machines or several active users.
Processor and memory
- Choose a processor class that supports the applications and simultaneous tasks you plan to run.
- Check installed memory, maximum memory and whether memory is replaceable or expandable.
- Virtual machines, containers, databases and surveillance may require additional resources and licences.
- Media hardware acceleration depends on the processor, application, codecs, client devices and software requirements.
Network speed
- Gigabit Ethernet is suitable for many backup and shared-file tasks.
- Multi-gigabit Ethernet can help larger transfers and multiple users when the complete network path supports it.
- The NAS, switch, cabling, network adapter, client and storage must all be capable of the target performance.
- Multiple network ports may support failover, link aggregation or other features, but setup and client benefits vary.
| Workload | Performance priorities | Questions to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Basic backup | Reliable storage, compatible drives and scheduled software | How many devices, how much data and how often will backups run? |
| Shared office files | Memory, user permissions, network speed and backup | How many people will open or transfer files at the same time? |
| Creative media | Fast storage, multi-gigabit networking and a protected workflow | What file sizes, editing applications, clients and backup targets are involved? |
| Plex or media server | Client compatibility, direct play and supported transcoding | Which codecs, containers, subtitles, resolutions and simultaneous streams are required? |
| Virtualisation or containers | Processor, memory, SSD performance and network capability | Which hypervisor or applications, how many instances and what resource allocation? |
| Surveillance | Camera compatibility, licences, sustained recording and retention capacity | How many cameras, what recording settings and how many days of retention? |
Software ecosystem
The NAS operating system can matter as much as the hardware
Compare the exact platform features and applications needed for your workflow before selecting a brand or series.
Backup applications
Check supported Windows, macOS, server, cloud and NAS-to-NAS backup targets, schedules and retention.
Snapshots & file systems
Confirm snapshot support, replication options, quotas and any file-system requirements for the selected model.
User access
Review accounts, groups, shared folders, directory integration and remote-access controls.
Application catalogue
Check the current availability of media, productivity, container, virtualisation and surveillance applications.
Licences
Some camera, backup or business applications may include limited licences or require additional purchases.
Update lifecycle
Review software updates, security notices and support information for the exact platform and model.
Choose by requirement, then compare brands. QNAP, Synology, UGREEN and ASUSTOR offer different model ranges and software environments. Confirm the precise features, compatibility and support terms on the product and manufacturer documentation.
Media planning
How to choose a NAS for Plex and media streaming
A NAS used only to store media can have different hardware needs from a NAS expected to run Plex Media Server and transcode files. Start by checking what the playback devices can play directly.
- Direct Play: the client plays the original file without conversion.
- Direct Stream: compatible audio and video are repackaged into a different container.
- Transcoding: the server converts video, audio or subtitles and may require much more processing power.
- Check the number of simultaneous users and whether remote streaming is required.
- Confirm the NAS model, Plex application support, codec support and any Plex account requirements.
Do not choose a Plex NAS from a single “4K” claim. Actual playback depends on the media format, bitrate, subtitles, audio, client device, network, server software and whether conversion is required.
Data protection
Build backup, snapshots, security and power protection into the plan
A NAS is a storage platform, not a complete protection strategy by itself. Design recovery before data is moved onto the system.
- Keep a separate copy of important data on another device or location.
- Use snapshots or versioning where supported, with a retention plan.
- Test recovery rather than assuming a completed backup can be restored.
- Apply NAS and application updates and review security notices.
- Use strong unique credentials and multi-factor authentication where supported.
- Disable unused services and configure remote access carefully.
- Use a compatible UPS where safe shutdown during power loss is required.
Questions for a recoverable NAS design
- Which data is essential and how quickly must it be restored?
- Where is the separate backup stored if the NAS is lost or damaged?
- How many versions are retained, and for how long?
- Who receives drive, capacity, backup and security alerts?
- When was the last successful restore test?
Use the current category filters
How to narrow the DeviceDeal NAS range
The NAS category currently exposes filters that can be used after you define the workload. Treat filter values as a shortlist, then verify the exact product specification.
| DeviceDeal filter | Use it to answer | What to verify on the product page |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Which software platform and product family do you want to compare? | Model generation, OS features, application support, compatibility and warranty terms |
| Form Factor | Will the NAS sit on a desk or shelf, or install in a rack? | Dimensions, rack depth, rails, noise, cooling, power supplies and installation space |
| No. of Drive Bays | How many drives are required for capacity, RAID and growth? | Supported drive types, RAID levels, maximum expansion and hot-swap behaviour |
| Internal HDD Interface | Does the system use SATA, SAS, M.2 NVMe, U.2, U.3 or E1.S storage? | Exact backplane or slot support, approved drives, endurance and intended slot role |
| Port Speed | Is Gigabit or multi-gigabit networking required? | Exact Ethernet speeds, number of ports, switch and client compatibility |
| Outputs: HDMI | Do you need a supported local display or media output? | HDMI version, supported applications, resolution, audio and whether the use case requires HDMI at all |
| Number of Ports | Do you need multiple network connections or extra interfaces? | Port type, speed, failover or aggregation support and how the intended application uses them |
Filter data is a discovery tool. Some values can be broad, legacy or shared across products. The exact product page and current manufacturer documentation remain the final compatibility check.
Final buying check
Confirm these details before ordering
- Exact NAS model and form factor
- Whether the listing is diskless or includes drives
- Compatible drive model, interface, capacity and quantity
- Supported RAID level and expected usable capacity
- Installed and maximum memory
- Ethernet speed, switch, cabling and client adapters
- Required applications, licences and operating-system features
- Plex, camera, virtualisation or container compatibility where required
- Expansion-unit and accessory compatibility
- Separate backup destination and UPS requirements
Shop by NAS brand
Compare QNAP, Synology, UGREEN and ASUSTOR
Use the guide to define your requirements, then compare exact products within each DeviceDeal brand range.
Browse the QNAP NAS and network storage range.
Shop QNAP →
Browse the Synology NAS and network storage range.
Shop Synology →
Browse the UGREEN NAS and network storage range.
Shop UGREEN →
Browse the ASUSTOR NAS and network storage range.
Shop ASUSTOR →
Related NAS categories and storage
NAS questions answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers for capacity, RAID, drives, networking, Plex, backup, remote access, surveillance and expansion.
What is a NAS?
A NAS, or network attached storage device, is a dedicated storage system connected to a network. It can centralise files, backups and shared folders so authorised users and devices can access them without relying on one desktop computer.
Does a NAS normally include hard drives or SSDs?
Many NAS enclosures are sold diskless, while some listings are bundles that include drives. Check the exact product listing before ordering and confirm that every selected drive is compatible with the NAS model.
How many drive bays should I choose?
Choose enough bays for the usable capacity, RAID level and future growth you expect. A two-bay NAS suits many simple mirrored-storage setups, while four or more bays provide more RAID and expansion choices. Exact RAID support varies by model.
Is a two-bay NAS enough for home use?
A two-bay NAS can suit personal backups, shared files and many home media libraries when its capacity and performance match the workload. Choose more bays when you need additional usable capacity, a different RAID layout or more room to expand.
Is RAID the same as a backup?
No. RAID can keep a supported array available after certain drive failures, but it does not protect against every risk, including accidental deletion, ransomware, theft, fire or loss of the entire NAS. Keep at least one separate backup, preferably in another location.
What is the difference between RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6 and RAID 10?
RAID 1 mirrors data across two or more supported drives. RAID 5 normally needs at least three drives and can tolerate one drive failure. RAID 6 normally needs at least four drives and can tolerate two drive failures. RAID 10 normally needs at least four drives in matched mirrored pairs. Support and usable capacity depend on the NAS and drives.
Can I mix different drive sizes in a NAS?
Some NAS and RAID configurations allow mixed capacities, but usable capacity may be limited by the smallest drive and expansion behaviour varies by platform. Matched drives are easier to plan. Check the exact NAS documentation before mixing sizes or models.
Can I use ordinary desktop hard drives in a NAS?
Use drives that the NAS manufacturer lists as compatible and that suit the intended workload. NAS-rated and enterprise drives are designed for continuous multi-drive environments, but the correct choice still depends on model compatibility, workload, noise, capacity and budget.
Should I choose hard drives, SATA SSDs or NVMe SSDs?
Hard drives normally provide the lowest cost per terabyte for backup and archives. SATA SSDs can improve responsiveness and reduce noise, while NVMe SSDs can provide higher performance for supported cache or storage-pool roles. The NAS must support the selected drive type and intended use.
What are M.2 NVMe slots used for in a NAS?
Depending on the model, M.2 NVMe slots may support cache, a dedicated storage pool, applications or other acceleration features. Do not assume every M.2 slot supports every role; confirm the model specification and drive compatibility list.
What network speed should I choose for a NAS?
Gigabit Ethernet is suitable for many backup and file-sharing tasks. Multi-gigabit networking can help larger transfers, multiple users and faster storage, but the NAS, switch, cabling and client devices all need compatible network capability to deliver the expected result.
Do I need 10GbE for a NAS?
Not always. Consider 10GbE for large media files, high-speed backups, virtualisation or several active users when the storage and client devices can also sustain higher throughput. For lighter workloads, Gigabit or 2.5GbE may be more practical.
Can I access a NAS from devices connected by Wi-Fi?
Yes. The NAS is normally connected to the router or network switch by Ethernet, and authorised Wi-Fi devices access it through the local network. Transfer speed will still depend on the Wi-Fi connection and the rest of the network path.
How much processor power and memory does a NAS need?
Basic backup and file sharing need less processing power than media transcoding, surveillance, containers, databases or virtual machines. Match the processor, installed memory and memory expansion options to the applications, number of users and expected simultaneous work.
Can every NAS run Plex Media Server?
No. Plex application availability and performance vary by NAS platform and model. Check the current Plex compatibility information, the NAS application catalogue and the formats used by your playback devices before choosing a media-server NAS.
What is the difference between Plex Direct Play and transcoding?
Direct Play sends a compatible media file to the client without converting it. Transcoding converts video, audio or subtitles when the client cannot play the original format and can require much more processing power. Direct Stream changes the container while leaving compatible streams largely unchanged.
Can a NAS back up Windows PCs and Macs?
Many NAS platforms provide tools for Windows backup, shared folders and Apple Time Machine, but supported features differ by brand, operating-system version and NAS model. Check the current software documentation before deployment.
Can I access my NAS remotely?
Many NAS systems support remote access, synchronisation or private-cloud features. Configure remote access carefully, apply updates, use strong unique credentials and multi-factor authentication where supported, and expose only the services you need.
What are NAS snapshots?
Snapshots can preserve point-in-time versions of supported storage so files can be rolled back after deletion or unwanted changes. Snapshot support, retention and storage requirements vary by model and file system, and snapshots do not replace a separate backup.
Can a NAS record surveillance cameras?
Selected NAS models can store or manage compatible camera recordings. Before purchasing, check camera compatibility, included and additional licence requirements, storage retention, network bandwidth and the NAS surveillance application limits.
Should I connect a NAS to a UPS?
A compatible uninterruptible power supply can give the NAS time to shut down safely during a power interruption. Confirm communication and shutdown support between the exact NAS and UPS models before ordering.
What is a NAS expansion unit?
An expansion unit adds supported drive bays to a compatible host NAS. It is not a universal accessory: the connection type, maximum number of units, supported storage layouts and migration options depend on the host NAS and expansion-unit combination.
Should I choose a desktop, tower or rackmount NAS?
Desktop and tower NAS systems suit many homes, studios and offices. Rackmount systems are designed for compatible racks and business or data-centre environments. Compare space, noise, cooling, power, drive access, redundancy and network requirements.
How should I compare QNAP, Synology, UGREEN and ASUSTOR NAS?
Compare the exact models rather than choosing by brand name alone. Review drive bays, processor, memory, network ports, supported drives, operating-system features, applications, snapshots, remote access, expansion, warranty terms and the workload you need to run.
Are NAS drive bays hot-swappable?
Many NAS systems support hot-swapping in selected configurations, but it is not universal. Confirm the exact model, drive type, RAID state and manufacturer procedure before removing a drive while the NAS is running.
What should I check immediately before ordering a NAS?
Recheck the exact model specification, drive and memory compatibility, whether drives are included, required RAID support, usable capacity, network ports, application support, expansion compatibility and any accessories needed for installation.