Top NAS Picks for 2025: Secure Storage for Games, Movies, and More

If you're the proud owner of one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, you're likely in search of a reliable solution to back up or transfer your precious data. Whether your system is equipped with a top SSD or you have sizable external hard drives filled with essential files, photos, and other content, nothing quite matches the convenience and efficiency of a great NAS (network-attached storage) drive. Our top recommendation is the Synology DiskStation DS224+, a robust choice for managing your digital assets.

TL;DR – These are the Best NAS Devices:

Our Top Pick### Synology DiskStation DS224+

0See it at Amazon### UGREEN NASync DXP2800

0See it at Amazon### Synology DiskStation DS223j

0See it at Amazon### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

0See it at Amazon### Synology DiskStation DS1821+

0See it at Amazon### QNAP TS-264-8G

0See it at Amazon### SynologyDiskStation DS923+

0See it at Amazon### ioSafe Duo Pro

0See it at ioSafeNAS drives are essential for their significant storage capacity and ability to seamlessly integrate with your home network, allowing quick data transfers to and from your devices. Whether it's smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, connecting multiple devices to the same network and syncing them up is a breeze, making NAS ideal for managing digital media libraries. However, due to their cost, it's crucial to choose wisely. We've selected eight excellent NAS options to suit various needs.

1. Synology DiskStation DS224+

Best NAS

Our Top Pick### Synology DiskStation DS224+

0The Synology DiskStation DS224+ offers an easy-to-use, high-speed NAS with two drive bays, two Gigabit LAN ports, a powerful Intel Celeron processor, and 2GB of upgradable RAM. It's perfect for those who want a capable yet straightforward NAS solution. With support for up to 32TB of storage and the option for RAID 1 configuration, it ensures data redundancy and security. While it lacks multi-gig LAN ports, its two Gigabit LAN ports provide solid performance with Link Aggregation or network failover support. Synology's versatile apps and user-friendly interface make it a great choice for storing security camera footage, running as a Plex server, or managing files and photos. The Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM ensure smooth operation, with the possibility of RAM upgrades for enhanced performance.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB 3.2RAID LevelSHR, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1Storage2 x 3.5"/2.5" baysSize9.02" x 9.13" x 6.5"PROSEasy-to-use interfaceFast quad-core processorCONSNo multi-gig LAN port

2. UGreen NASync DXP2800

Best Budget NAS

### UGREEN NASync DXP2800

0The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 offers quality hardware at a midrange price, making it an excellent budget NAS. With dual drive bays and a stylish design, it's ready to back up your files effortlessly. Powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, it's well-equipped for managing a high-quality video library and performing hardware transcoding. UGreen's comprehensive OS simplifies setup and network configuration, while additional security features like two-factor authentication keep your content safe. While it lacks native Plex support, you can easily install it using Docker for smooth performance. The NAS supports up to 24TB per drive bay and includes two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs up to 8TB. Its 2.5Gb ethernet port ensures fast file transfers, and various connectivity options like HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A provide wide device support.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB, HDMIRAID Level JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, BasicStorage2 x 2.5"/3.5" bays, 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slotsSizeNot listedPROSComprehensive OS and appsMulti-gig ethernetCONSNo native Plex

3. Synology DiskStation DS223j

Most Affordable NAS

### Synology DiskStation DS223j

0The Synology DiskStation DS223j is an ultra-affordable and user-friendly NAS, perfect for beginners. It features Synology’s renowned DiskStation Manager (DSM) OS, offering a wide range of applications for easy file management and access across devices. While its build quality is mostly plastic and requires a screwdriver for drive installation, the DS223j offers reliable performance at a budget-friendly price. It supports up to 32TB of storage without M.2 slots or multi-gig ethernet, but its simplicity, reliability, and affordability make it an excellent choice for those with basic storage needs.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USBRAID LevelBasic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, SHRStorage2 x 3.5" baysSize6.5" x 3.94" x 8.9"PROSReliable hardwareEasy to useCONSLacks multi-gig ethernet port

4. Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals

### Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T

0The Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T is tailored for power users and professionals, featuring an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, 4GB of upgradable RAM, and dual drive bays supporting 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives. It also includes two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for additional storage. With dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports and link aggregation, it offers up to 5Gb connectivity for speedy backups and virtualization. The NAS supports 10-bit 4K hardware decoding, making it ideal for a powerful media center. While drive installation can be more involved, the Lockerstor 2 AS6602T is a robust solution for those who need to go wild with their NAS capabilities.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB 3.0, HDMIRAID LevelJBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1Storage2 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slotsSize9.06" x 4.25" x 6.44"PROSDual M.2 PCIe NVMe slots for additional storageSupports 10-bit 4K hardware decodingCONSDrive installation is more involved

5. Synology DiskStation DS1821+

Best Multi-Bay NAS

### Synology DiskStation DS1821+

0For those requiring extensive storage, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is a top choice, offering eight drive bays with a total capacity of 128TB. It also features M.2 2280 NVMe slots for high-speed caching. The DS1821+ supports various RAID configurations and can be expanded to 18 drive bays with additional units. Powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 ECC memory, it ensures robust performance. While it may be on the pricier side, its expandability and storage capacity make it ideal for users with large data needs. Note that it can be noisy, but the hot-swappable drives add convenience.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB 3.2RAID LevelJBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR)Storage8 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slotsSize18.2" x 14.4" x 12.5"PROSWild 128TB capacityHot-swappable drivesCONSCan get noisy

6. QNAP TS-264-8G

Best NAS for Media Streaming

### QNAP TS-264-8G

0The QNAP TS-264-8G is designed with media streaming in mind, offering a central location for your media library. With dual 2.5Gb ethernet ports, a 4K HDMI output, dual drive bays, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, it ensures smooth streaming even with multiple users. Its compact design and powerful Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor with 8GB of DDR4 memory support smooth 4K video streams and hardware transcoding. While the software may be more challenging to master, the TS-264-8G is an excellent choice for those looking to centralize their media library and enjoy high-quality streaming.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB 3.2, HDMIRAID LevelRAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, JBODStorage2 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe slotsSize8.1" x 6.6" x 4.1"PROSCompact designImpressive hardwareCONSSoftware is harder to master

7. Synology DiskStation DS923+

Best Network Attached Storage for RAID Configurations

### SynologyDiskStation DS923+

0The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is ideal for users seeking secure data backup with various RAID configurations. Featuring four drive bays and two M.2 PCIe slots for fast caching, it offers ample storage and the flexibility to run in redundancy. With support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, and JBOD, you can tailor the configuration to your needs. The DS923+ is powered by a high-performing dual-core AMD Ryzen processor and 4GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM, ensuring smooth operation. While it lacks multi-gig LAN ports, the device's versatility and expandability make it a strong contender for those prioritizing data security.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB 3.2, eSATARAID LevelRAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, JBODStorage4 x 3.5"/2.5" bay, 2 x M.2 PCIe slotsSize6.5" x 7.8" x 8.7" PROSOffers various RAID levelsExpandable storage and RAMCONSNo multi-gig LAN port

8. ioSafe Duo Pro

Best Rugged NAS

### ioSafe Duo Pro

0While not technically a NAS, the ioSafe Duo Pro drive offers unparalleled data protection with its fireproof and water-resistant design. Its IP68 rating ensures it can withstand submersion in water up to 10 feet for 72 hours. The Duo Pro supports various RAID configurations, providing an additional layer of data security. Its robust, long-lasting drive bays ensure durability, and ioSafe even offers data recovery services. Note that to use it as a NAS, you'll need to share it with your home network through an always-on computer or connect it directly to your router via USB. Despite not being designed as a NAS, its ruggedness makes it a top choice for those concerned about physical damage to their storage solutions.See it at ioSafeProduct SpecificationsConnectionUSB 3.2RAID LevelRAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD, SPANStorage2 x 3.5"/2.5" baysSize11.50" x 5.91" x 9.06"PROSFireproof and water-resistantOffers two robust, long-lasting drive baysCONSNot designed to be a NAS

What to Look for in NAS

NAS devices can solve various networking issues, especially if you share a network with family or housemates. They allow you to centralize file storage and sharing, making it easier to back up multiple devices on a single drive. If you need to access the same tools or files across multiple devices, a NAS can streamline this process. Additionally, if you have a large media library, a NAS can serve as a Plex server, providing everyone in your home with easy access to movies, TV shows, and music.

What are you using it for?

If any of these scenarios apply to you, a NAS device could be a valuable addition to your setup. It's not just about storage but also about efficient access to your data.

Go diskless? How many bays?

Most NAS devices come diskless, requiring you to purchase drives separately. This can be advantageous if you already own compatible drives, but always check the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal performance. The number of bays determines the potential storage capacity, with two or more bays generally recommended. Multimedia systems often require more bays to accommodate larger libraries.