Network Attached Storage That Fits a Home Office
The Synology DiskStation DS224+ is our best overall NAS for home and small office use thanks to its mature DSM software and hardware transcoding. The QNAP TS-464 suits media heavy libraries with faster networking, while the Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro AS3304T is the value pick for four bays on a smaller outlay.
If you want one NAS that handles backups, photos and Plex without a steep learning curve, the Synology DiskStation DS224+ is the safest starting point, with the QNAP TS-464 for heavier media work and the Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro AS3304T when you want four bays without stretching.
Choosing gets tricky because spec sheets hide the things that matter day to day, such as whether the processor can transcode, how far the RAM can be expanded and whether the apps you rely on are supported. We compared published specifications, drive compatibility lists and long term owner reports on noise, heat and rebuild times to rank these seven.
The best picks, ranked
Synology DiskStation DS224+
The DS224+ pairs a two bay chassis with an Intel Celeron processor that handles hardware transcoding and container workloads. Owners report that DSM remains the most approachable NAS operating system, with straightforward backup, photo and surveillance apps. Memory can be expanded, which keeps it useful as your household adds users.
Pros
- DSM software is the easiest to learn for first time owners
- Hardware transcoding handles most home media libraries
- Two Ethernet ports allow link aggregation or failover
Cons
- Only two bays, so capacity growth means replacing drives
- No 2.5 Gigabit networking at this tier
QNAP TS-464
The TS-464 brings four bays, dual 2.5 Gigabit ports and two M.2 slots for caching, which makes it the more future proof choice for large video collections. Its Celeron N5105 supports hardware accelerated transcoding, and PCIe expansion is available for faster networking later. Owners note the QTS interface has a steeper learning curve than DSM.
Pros
- Dual 2.5 Gigabit ports move large files quickly
- Two M.2 slots allow SSD caching or storage tiers
- PCIe slot leaves room for future upgrades
Cons
- QTS interface feels busier than Synology DSM
- Fan noise is more noticeable in a quiet room
Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro AS3304T
The Drivestor 4 Pro delivers four bays and 2.5 Gigabit networking at a tier where rivals often ship two bays. The Realtek quad core processor is happy with file serving, backups and light container work, though it is weaker for transcoding. Owners describe ADM as clean and quick to set up.
Pros
- Four bays and 2.5 Gigabit at an accessible tier
- ADM software is simple and responsive
- Compact chassis fits on a shelf easily
Cons
- ARM processor limits transcoding and heavy apps
- Memory is not user upgradeable
Synology DiskStation DS923+
The DS923+ is the step up for anyone who expects storage needs to keep climbing, with four bays, ECC memory support and an expansion unit option. Two M.2 slots can be used for cache or a separate storage pool, and a 10 Gigabit upgrade card is available. Based on specifications it is aimed at small offices rather than casual media use.
Pros
- ECC memory support suits business style workloads
- Expansion unit adds bays without replacing the NAS
- Optional 10 Gigabit card for fast local transfers
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so transcoding is limited
- Drive compatibility rules are stricter than rivals
TerraMaster F4-424
The F4-424 combines an Intel N95 processor, dual 2.5 Gigabit ports and two M.2 slots, which is generous for its class. TOS 6 has improved considerably, and many owners install a third party operating system to unlock more. Build quality is solid, though the fan runs harder than premium rivals under load.
Pros
- Strong processor and memory for the money
- Dual 2.5 Gigabit ports come as standard
- Two M.2 slots for cache or fast storage
Cons
- TOS app ecosystem trails Synology and QNAP
- Fan noise rises noticeably during rebuilds
WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra
The My Cloud EX2 Ultra is aimed at households that want mirrored backups and remote file access without configuring much. Setup is guided, and the mobile app covers photo and document sync well. It is not the choice for containers, virtual machines or heavy media transcoding.
Pros
- One of the quickest setups for a first NAS
- Mobile app handles photo backup reliably
- Available populated or as an empty enclosure
Cons
- Limited app catalogue compared with rivals
- Processor struggles with anything beyond file serving
Synology DiskStation DS124
The DS124 is a one bay unit for people who want DSM features without a multi drive array. It is a sensible target for a laptop backup destination or a small photo library, and it runs quietly on a desk. Remember that a single drive gives you no redundancy, so a second backup copy is essential.
Pros
- Full DSM experience in a very small chassis
- Quiet enough for a bedroom or shared office
- Low power draw for always on use
Cons
- No drive redundancy with a single bay
- Not suitable for transcoding video
How to choose
Start with how many bays you actually need Two bays mirrored gives you redundancy against one drive failing, which covers most households. Four bays let you run a parity array where usable capacity grows without buying an entirely new unit later. If you already have several terabytes of photos and video, four bays usually costs less over five years than replacing a two bay unit halfway through.
Match the processor to the jobs you will run File serving and backups run happily on an ARM chip. Transcoding video for Plex, running Docker containers or hosting a virtual machine needs an Intel or AMD processor, ideally with integrated graphics. Owners frequently report that this single decision is what they would change about their first NAS purchase.
Plan for network speed and memory headroom Gigabit Ethernet caps transfers at roughly 110 megabytes per second, which is fine for streaming but slow for moving large project folders. A 2.5 Gigabit port removes that bottleneck if your router or switch supports it. Expandable memory matters too, since photo indexing and containers consume far more RAM than the base configuration provides.
A NAS is not a backup on its own RAID protects against a drive failing, not against deletion, ransomware or a flood. Every unit here supports scheduled copies to an external drive or cloud service, and setting that up on day one is the single most useful thing you can do. Owners who have recovered from a failure almost always credit that second copy rather than the array itself.
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Drive bays | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Synology DiskStation DS224+ | 2 x 3.5 inch SATA | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | QNAP TS-464 | 4 x 3.5 inch SATA | Best for media libraries | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro AS3304T | 4 x 3.5 inch SATA | Best value | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Synology DiskStation DS923+ | 4 x 3.5 inch SATA | Best for growing setups | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | TerraMaster F4-424 | 4 x 3.5 inch SATA | Best for four bays on a budget | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra | 2 x 3.5 inch SATA | Best for simple backups | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Synology DiskStation DS124 | 1 x 3.5 inch SATA | Best single bay starter | 8.0 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
How many drive bays do I need for a home NAS?
Two bays cover most households once you mirror them for redundancy. If you store large video libraries or expect several users, four bays give you room to grow and better usable capacity with parity.
Do NAS units come with hard drives included?
Most are sold as empty enclosures, so you buy drives separately. A few models are offered pre populated. Check the listing carefully, because the enclosure and populated versions often share very similar names.
Which drives should I use in a NAS?
Use drives rated for continuous operation and vibration in multi bay chassis, such as NAS specific lines from the major manufacturers. Desktop drives can work but generally carry shorter warranties and lack the firmware features that arrays rely on.
Can a NAS run Plex smoothly?
Direct play works on almost any unit. Transcoding is the demanding part, and that needs a processor with integrated graphics such as the Intel chips in the DS224+, TS-464 or F4-424. ARM based units struggle once more than one stream needs converting.
Is RAID the same as a backup?
No. RAID keeps the array running when a drive fails, but it copies deletions and corruption instantly across the array. You still need a separate copy on an external drive or a cloud service.
How loud is a NAS in a living space?
The enclosure fan is usually modest, and the drives make most of the noise. Owners report that two bay units are easy to live with in a bedroom, while four bay units under load are better placed in a cupboard or office.
How much power does a NAS use?
Small units typically draw somewhere between roughly ten and forty watts depending on drive count and activity, with disk hibernation reducing idle consumption. Four bay models with desktop class processors sit at the higher end of that range.
Can I access my NAS files away from home?
Yes. Every brand here offers a remote access service and mobile apps. For safety, enable two factor authentication, keep the firmware current and avoid exposing administration ports directly to the internet.
The verdict
For most homes and small offices the Synology DiskStation DS224+ remains the easiest NAS to live with, combining capable hardware with software that does not demand a weekend of study. Choose the QNAP TS-464 if large media libraries and faster networking matter more, or the Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro AS3304T when you want four bays without the premium. Whichever you pick, budget for quality drives and a second backup copy from the start.
