Best NAS (Network Attached Storage) to Buy in April 2025
UGREEN NASync DXP4800 4-Bay Desktop NAS, Intel N100 Quad-core CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 32G eMMC, 2 * 2.5GbE, 2 * M.2 NVMe Slots, 4K HDMI, Network Attached Storage (Diskless)
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CENTRALIZED STORAGE WITH AUTOMATIC BACKUPS FOR PEACE OF MIND.
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MASSIVE 112TB CAPACITY STORES 39M PHOTOS OR 76K MOVIES!
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SUPER-FAST TRANSFERS: 1GB BACKED UP IN UNDER 2 SECONDS!
Seagate IronWolf 8TB NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 7200 RPM 256MB Cache for RAID Network Attached Storage – Frustration Free Packaging (ST8000VNZ04/N004)
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OPTIMIZED FOR NAS: DESIGNED FOR UP TO 8-BAY SYSTEMS, ENHANCES PERFORMANCE.
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HIGH CAPACITY & SPEED: 8TB STORAGE WITH 6.0 GBPS TRANSFER RATE BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY.
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RELIABLE & MONITORED: FEATURES HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND A 5-YEAR WARRANTY FOR PEACE OF MIND.
QNAP TS-433-4G-US 4 Bay NAS with Quad-core Processor, 4 GB DDR4 RAM and 2.5GbE Network (Diskless)
- LIGHTNING-FAST ARM CORTEX-A55 QUAD-CORE AND 4GB RAM FOR SEAMLESS MULTITASKING.
- FUTURE-PROOF YOUR NETWORK WITH DUAL HIGH-SPEED ETHERNET PORTS.
- AFFORDABLE NAS SOLUTION FOR STORING AND STREAMING YOUR MEDIA LIBRARY.
QNAP TS-464-8G-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad-core Processor, M.2 PCIe Slots and Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) Network Connectivity (Diskless)
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POWER-PACKED INTEL CELERON CPU WITH 8GB RAM FOR SEAMLESS MULTITASKING.
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DUAL 2.5GBE PORTS FOR RAPID FILE SHARING AND ENHANCED TEAM COLLABORATION.
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LIGHTNING-FAST USB 3.2 PORTS FOR QUICK TRANSFERS OF LARGE MEDIA FILES.
QNAP TS-932PX-4G 5+4 Bay High-Speed NAS with Two 10GbE and 2.5GbE Ports
- POWERFUL 1.7GHZ QUAD-CORE ARM PROCESSOR BOOSTS PERFORMANCE.
- DUAL 10GBE PORTS FOR ULTRA-FAST DATA CONNECTIVITY.
- FLEXIBLE STORAGE OPTIONS WITH 5 X 3.5-INCH SATA DRIVES.
GMKtec Mini PC NAS, G9 Intel N150 Dual Boot System Desktop Computer 12GB DDR5 64GB EMMC +512GB SSD, 4*M.2 NVMe Slots, Dual NIC 2.5GbE, USB-C/USB 3.2 10Gbps, Network Attached Storage
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TRANSFORM YOUR PC INTO A NAS FOR MASSIVE STORAGE & EASY SHARING!
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DUAL BOOT UBUNTU & WIN 11 PRO: VERSATILE FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS!
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EXPERIENCE TRIPLE DISPLAY & 4K STREAMING FOR ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT!
Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS723+ (Diskless)
- FAST SPEEDS: UP TO 471/225 MB/S FOR QUICK FILE OPERATIONS.
- VERSATILE SOLUTIONS: BUILT-IN FILE MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION FEATURES.
- EXPANDABLE STORAGE: MAXIMIZE CAPACITY WITH 5 EXTRA DRIVE BAYS.
Seagate Expansion 20TB External Hard Drive HDD - USB 3.0, with Rescue Data Recovery Services (STKP20000400)
- EFFORTLESS PLUG-AND-PLAY SETUP—NO TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED!
- FAST USB 3.0 TRANSFERS FOR QUICK AND EFFICIENT FILE MANAGEMENT.
- LIMITED WARRANTY & DATA RECOVERY SERVICES FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND.
In today's digital world, data is a valuable asset that grows exponentially every day. Whether you're a business owner, a media enthusiast, or someone who loves hoarding digital memorabilia, storing data efficiently and securely is crucial. That's where NAS (Network Attached Storage) comes into play. This guide will walk you through the essentials of NAS, what to look for when choosing one, and how to find the best deals without recommending specific products.
What is NAS?
Network Attached Storage, commonly referred to as NAS, is a data storage device connected to a network that allows you to store and access files from centralized or distributed locations. Unlike external hard drives which connect to a single computer directly, NAS devices connect to your network, making it easy to access files across multiple devices and locations.
Why Use NAS?
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Centralized Storage: NAS serves as a centralized hub for all your data, allowing every device on the network to access the same files seamlessly.
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Data Redundancy: Many NAS devices offer data redundancy options through RAID configurations. This ensures your data is secure even if one drive fails.
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Remote Access: Access your data from anywhere in the world using an internet connection, enhancing mobility and flexibility.
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Media Streaming: Enjoy seamless streaming of media files like videos, music, and photos to various devices in your home.
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Backup Solutions: NAS offers automated backup and recovery solutions, protecting your critical data from unexpected incidents.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a NAS
When selecting a NAS device, it's essential to understand the features that cater to your specific needs.
1. Storage Capacity
Consider the amount of data you plan to store. NAS devices come with varying storage capacities, typically measured in terabytes (TB). You'll need enough space not only for current needs but future expansion as well.
2. Number of Bays
NAS devices come with multiple bays for hard drives. More bays allow for larger storage capacities and better data redundancy. Think about how many drives you plan to use for optimal performance and reliability.
3. RAID Support
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) options increase reliability and performance. Look for NAS devices that support various RAID configurations to protect against data loss and improve read/write speeds.
4. Processor and RAM
A powerful CPU and adequate RAM are crucial for handling data-intensive operations and ensuring smooth performance, especially when multitasking or streaming media.
5. Connectivity
Consider NAS devices with multiple connectivity options like Ethernet ports, USB ports, and Wi-Fi connectivity. This ensures versatile connections with various devices across your network.
6. Operating System and Apps
The NAS operating system determines how user-friendly and feature-rich the device will be. Look for systems that offer intuitive user interfaces and a wide array of compatible apps for added functionality.
7. Power Consumption
Since NAS devices are often running 24/7, energy efficiency is vital. Choose a model with low power consumption to reduce your electricity bills.
8. Security Features
Data security is non-negotiable. Select NAS devices with robust security features such as encryption, user accounts, and secure access protocols to safeguard your data from unauthorized access.
How to Find the Best NAS Deals
Finding the best NAS deals requires a bit of research and patience. Here are some tips:
- Compare Prices: Use comparison websites to see price differences across various retailers.
- Seasonal Sales: Keep an eye on seasonal sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or holiday promotions for significant discounts.
- Refurbished Options: Consider buying refurbished units from reputable sellers to get high-quality products at reduced prices.
- Set Alerts: Use price tracking and alert services to get notified of price drops on the NAS devices you're interested in.
- Bundle Deals: Look for bundle deals that include extra hard drives or other peripherals.
Conclusion
Choosing the right NAS can revolutionize how you manage and access your data. By understanding its features and benefits, you can make an informed decision suited to your storage needs. With strategic shopping techniques, you'll be able to snag the best NAS deals available. Remember to keep security and future scalability at the forefront of your choice, ensuring your investment is both practical and future-proof.