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Top NAS Picks for 2025: Secure Your Media with Network Storage

Author:Kristen Update:Jun 22,2025

Maybe you’ve got one of the best gaming PCs or laptops, and now you're looking for a reliable way to back up and manage all your valuable data. Perhaps it’s already equipped with a top SSD, or you’ve got some decently large external hard drives lying around, packed with essential files, photos, and media. Still, nothing quite matches the power and convenience of a high-quality NAS (network-attached storage) system—like our top pick, the Synology DiskStation DS224+.

TL;DR – Here 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 ioSafeThe best NAS drives offer substantial storage capacity and integrate seamlessly into your home network, allowing fast data transfers between devices. Whether it's smartphones, tablets, desktops, or laptops, they can all connect simultaneously, making NAS ideal for managing digital media libraries. However, NAS systems aren't cheap, so choosing wisely is crucial. We've narrowed it down to eight standout options tailored for different needs.


1. Synology DiskStation DS224+


Best Overall NAS

Our Top Pick### Synology DiskStation DS224+

0Easy-to-use, lightning-fast NAS featuring two drive bays, dual Gigabit LAN ports, a powerful Intel Celeron processor, and 2GB RAM that can be upgraded.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 portIf you want a hassle-free setup without sacrificing performance, the Synology DiskStation DS224+ is an excellent choice. It features two drive bays, giving you the flexibility to configure for more storage (up to 32TB total) or RAID 1 redundancy. Dual Gigabit LAN ports support Link Aggregation and network failover, though we’d love to see a faster multi-gig port included.

Thanks to its intuitive DSM interface, setting up this NAS is simple. Use it as a media server, security camera hub, file backup solution, or even a Plex streaming server. Powered by a capable Intel Celeron J4125 2.0GHz quad-core processor and 2GB DDR4 RAM (expandable), it handles 4K transcoding and heavy file management tasks with ease.


2. UGreen NASync DXP2800


Best Budget NAS

### UGREEN NASync DXP2800

0Solid hardware, sleek design, and budget-friendly price make this dual-bay NAS perfect for casual users.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB, HDMIRAID LevelJBOD, 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 The UGreen NASync DXP2800 offers great value with solid build quality and a stylish look. It runs on an efficient Intel N100 quad-core processor and comes with 8GB RAM, making it well-suited for media streaming and smooth transcoding.

It includes a full-featured operating system for easy setup and secure access, complete with two-factor authentication. While Plex isn’t built-in, it can be easily installed via Docker without any performance loss.

Storage-wise, the device supports two SATA drives up to 24TB each, and you can opt for RAID configurations for added protection. Two M.2 NVMe slots provide room for fast caching or additional storage. Connectivity highlights include a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, HDMI output, and multiple USB ports.


3. Synology DiskStation DS223j


Most Affordable NAS

### Synology DiskStation DS223j

0Ultra-budget-friendly and beginner-friendly NAS for light-duty use.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 portNot every user needs a powerhouse NAS. For those just starting out or needing basic storage, the Synology DiskStation DS223j is a smart pick. It comes with Synology’s acclaimed DSM OS, offering a wide array of apps for seamless file management across all your devices.

Its plastic chassis may not feel premium, but it gets the job done. You’ll need a screwdriver to install drives, and there are no M.2 slots or multi-gig Ethernet ports. But if you're after simplicity, reliability, and affordability, this compact NAS delivers.


4. Asustor Lockerstor 2 AS6602T


Best NAS for Power Users and Professionals

### Asustor Lockerstor AS6602T

0Equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core CPU, 4GB RAM (upgradable), and dual M.2 slots for blazing-fast performance.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 slotsSupports 10-bit 4K decodingCONSDrive installation is more involvedFor advanced users who demand speed and expandability, the Asustor Lockerstor AS6602T is a top contender. It’s powered by an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 4GB RAM (expandable to 8GB), with two SATA drive bays supporting up to 18TB HDDs or fast SSDs.

Two M.2 PCIe NVMe slots allow for high-speed storage expansion. Connectivity includes dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports that can be combined for up to 5Gb speeds via link aggregation. An HDMI 2.0 port enables direct 4K HDR playback, making it ideal for media centers.


5. Synology DiskStation DS1821+


Best Multi-Bay NAS

### Synology DiskStation DS1821+

0Massive 128TB storage capacity with eight drive bays and M.2 slot support for fast caching.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsConnectionEthernet, USB 3.2RAID LevelJBOD, RAID 0–6, RAID 10, SHRS torage8 x 3.5"/2.5" bays, 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slotsSize18.2" x 14.4" x 12.5"PROSWild 128TB capacityHot-swappable drivesCONSCan get noisyIf you have massive amounts of data to store and access across multiple devices, the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ is a beast of a NAS