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10 Best Nas Servers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BUFFALO TeraStation 5820DN 8-Bay Business Desktop NAS 160TB (8x20TB) with Hard Drives Included RAID iSCSI Network Storage File Server

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,127
Number of Bays
Software and Features

Most important from
3 reviews

Number of Bays
Extra drive bays provide valuable future expansion, making this a long-term storage solution that grows with your needs.
Software and Features
The included license for NovaBackup software simplifies backup management on PCs and workstations, enhancing data protection.

The BUFFALO TeraStation 5820DN is a solid choice for businesses needing a large and reliable network storage solution. It comes with 8 bays, each preloaded with 20TB NAS-grade hard drives, giving you a massive raw capacity of 160TB. Configured in RAID 6 out of the box, it offers about 120TB of usable space with good data protection, which is ideal for critical business data. The device supports RAID configurations, allowing flexibility depending on your needs for speed or redundancy.

Its hardware is designed for stability and security, featuring a closed system with 256-bit encryption and two-factor authentication to protect sensitive files. The built-in snapshot feature helps with quick backups and recovery, which is useful in preventing data loss from accidental deletion or ransomware attacks. Another standout is the native 10GbE Ethernet port that supports very fast file transfers without needing additional hardware upgrades, beneficial for environments with heavy data traffic.

In terms of compatibility, it works well across Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, making it versatile in mixed-OS offices. Cloud integration with services like Dropbox and Amazon S3 enables hybrid backup strategies for extra data safety. The unit is fairly large and weighs about 31.5 pounds, and while power consumption and noise levels aren’t explicitly detailed, business NAS devices like this typically balance performance with reasonable energy use and quiet operation. The 5600 RPM hard drives are optimized for NAS use but might be slower than higher RPM drives for some intensive tasks. If you need a high-capacity, secure, and business-focused NAS with strong data protection and fast network connectivity, the TeraStation 5820DN is a dependable option best suited for medium to large businesses looking for a robust desktop NAS without having to separately buy drives.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,127
Number of Bays
Software and Features

Most important from
3 reviews

Number of Bays
Extra drive bays provide valuable future expansion, making this a long-term storage solution that grows with your needs.
Software and Features
The included license for NovaBackup software simplifies backup management on PCs and workstations, enhancing data protection.
#2

NETGEAR ReadyNAS RN526XE4 6 Bay 24TB Enterprise Premium Performance NAS, 60TB Capacity Network Attached Storage, Intel 2.2GHz Dual Core Processor, 4GB RAM

Rating
9.8
Software and Features

Most important from
16 reviews

Software and Features
The NETGEAR ReadyNAS RN526XE4 works great for photo storage and streaming movies, with Plex being a standout feature.

The NETGEAR ReadyNAS RN526XE4 is a robust NAS server designed for professionals and businesses that require substantial storage and high performance. With a 24TB capacity and the potential to expand up to 60TB, it caters well to creative professionals, architects, and any businesses handling large files. One of the standout features is its 10G connectivity, allowing for exceptionally fast data transfer speeds, which is ideal for environments with high data demands. The Intel dual-core processor combined with 4GB of RAM ensures smooth operation and improved application processing, making it suitable for multitasking needs.

In terms of backup solutions, the ReadyNAS offers solid protection against ransomware and includes options for cloud backups to major platforms like AWS and Google Drive. This makes it a reliable choice for maintaining data integrity.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While the 20 gigabits per second access speed is impressive, users with smaller, less demanding storage needs may find this level of performance excessive and potentially costly. The setup, while supported by the NETGEAR Insight app for management, might still be a bit complex for those unfamiliar with NAS systems. Additionally, the weight of 17.55 pounds and its external installation type could pose challenges for portability.

Rating
9.8
Software and Features

Most important from
16 reviews

Software and Features
The NETGEAR ReadyNAS RN526XE4 works great for photo storage and streaming movies, with Plex being a standout feature.
#3

QNAP TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G High-speed media NAS with Intel® Xeon® W-1250 CPU and Two 10GbE Ports

Rating
9.7
Processor and RAM
Software and Features

Most important from
48 reviews

Processor and RAM
This NAS server offers powerful performance with its Xeon processor and 6 NIC, making it a full-blown server that can handle multiple VMs simultaneously.
Software and Features
The QNAP Hero OS may seem intimidating, but it’s actually very user-friendly and reliable, especially compared to Apple's current file serving apps.

The QNAP TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G is a robust NAS server designed for users needing high-speed media storage and advanced functionality. With an Intel Xeon W-1250 6-core processor and 16GB of ECC RAM, it offers strong performance for handling multiple tasks and users simultaneously, making it suitable for small to medium businesses or tech-savvy home users. The server boasts 12 bays, providing ample storage capacity, which can be expanded further with RAID support for data redundancy and security, a crucial feature for anyone concerned about data loss.

Connectivity is another strong point. With two 10GbE ports and additional 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, transferring large files or streaming high-definition media is quick and efficient. The multiple USB ports, including Type-C and HDMI, enhance its versatility, allowing for easy connections to various devices.

The QNAP TVS-h1288X may not be ideal for everyone. Its size and weight can be cumbersome for home use, especially if space is limited. Additionally, while it excels in performance, the initial setup and management can be complex for users without technical expertise. This may require some time to fully understand and utilize its extensive features effectively. The price point reflects its advanced specifications, which might be considered high for casual users who only need basic storage solutions.

Rating
9.7
Processor and RAM
Software and Features

Most important from
48 reviews

Processor and RAM
This NAS server offers powerful performance with its Xeon processor and 6 NIC, making it a full-blown server that can handle multiple VMs simultaneously.
Software and Features
The QNAP Hero OS may seem intimidating, but it’s actually very user-friendly and reliable, especially compared to Apple's current file serving apps.

Buying Guide for the Best Nas Servers

When choosing a NAS (Network Attached Storage) server, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. NAS servers are used for storing and sharing data across a network, making them ideal for both personal and business use. They can serve as a central hub for your files, backups, and media, and can also provide additional functionalities like remote access and data redundancy. To make an informed decision, you should understand the key specifications and how they align with your requirements.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the total amount of data that the NAS server can hold. This is important because it determines how much data you can store and share. Storage capacity is usually measured in terabytes (TB). For personal use, a NAS with 2-4 TB might be sufficient, while small businesses might need 8-16 TB or more. If you plan to store large files like videos or run multiple backups, opt for higher capacity. Always consider future growth and choose a NAS that allows for easy expansion.
Number of BaysThe number of bays in a NAS server indicates how many hard drives it can accommodate. This is crucial for both storage capacity and data redundancy. A NAS with more bays allows for greater storage and the ability to use RAID configurations for data protection. For home use, 2-4 bays are typically enough, while businesses might require 4-8 bays or more. If you need high storage capacity and robust data protection, choose a NAS with more bays.
Processor and RAMThe processor and RAM in a NAS server determine its performance and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. A more powerful processor and higher RAM are important for running applications, streaming media, and managing large amounts of data. For basic file storage and sharing, a dual-core processor and 2-4 GB of RAM might suffice. For more demanding tasks like virtualization, media transcoding, or running multiple applications, look for a NAS with a quad-core processor and 8 GB or more of RAM.
RAID SupportRAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) support is a feature that allows you to combine multiple hard drives into a single unit for data redundancy and performance improvement. This is important for protecting your data against drive failures. Common RAID levels include RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, each offering different balances of performance, redundancy, and storage efficiency. For personal use, RAID 1 or 5 might be sufficient, while businesses might prefer RAID 5, 6, or 10 for better data protection and performance.
ConnectivityConnectivity options on a NAS server determine how it can be accessed and integrated into your network. This includes Ethernet ports, USB ports, and sometimes Wi-Fi. Gigabit Ethernet is standard, but for faster data transfer, look for NAS servers with multiple Gigabit ports or 10 Gigabit Ethernet. USB ports are useful for connecting external drives or printers. If you need high-speed access and plan to connect multiple devices, ensure the NAS has sufficient and fast connectivity options.
Software and FeaturesThe software and features provided by the NAS server's operating system can greatly enhance its functionality. This includes user-friendly interfaces, mobile apps, remote access, backup solutions, and support for various applications like media servers, virtual machines, and cloud integration. Consider what features are important for your use case. For example, if you need to access files remotely, look for robust remote access features. If you plan to use the NAS for media streaming, ensure it supports popular media server applications.
Power Consumption and NoisePower consumption and noise levels are important considerations, especially if the NAS server will be running continuously or placed in a quiet environment. Lower power consumption can save on energy costs, and quieter operation is less disruptive. Check the power consumption ratings and noise levels provided by the manufacturer. For home use, look for energy-efficient models with low noise levels. For business environments, balance power efficiency with performance needs.

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