overall
Synology DiskStation DS923+
9.5
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Looking for the best NAS enclosure to centralize your data, stream media, or back up critical files? We've tested and ranked the top 10 network-attached storage devices on Amazon US to help you choose the perfect model for your needs.
| # | Product | Best for | Best For | Type | Storage Options | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Synology DiskStation DS923+ | overall | 4-bay desktop | Up to 64TB (4x16TB) | No subscription required | Check Price |
| 2 | QNAP TS-464-8G | multimedia | 4-bay desktop | Up to 64TB (4x16TB) | No subscription required | Check Price |
| 3 | QNAP TS-233 | budget | 2-bay desktop | Up to 32TB (2x16TB) | No subscription required | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The DS923+ offers exceptional performance with a powerful AMD Ryzen processor, expandable RAM, and dual M.2 NVMe slots for caching. Its intuitive DSM operating system provides a rich app ecosystem for backups, media streaming, and file sharing. The build quality is excellent, and it supports Btrfs file system for data integrity. It's the best all-around NAS for power users and small businesses.
Home users and small businesses needing a high-performance, versatile NAS with great software support.
Budget-conscious buyers or those needing out-of-the-box 10GbE connectivity.
Key specs: 4-bay - AMD Ryzen R1600 - 2GB DDR4 (up to 32GB) - 2x M.2 NVMe slots - 2x 1GbE - USB 3.2 Gen2 - DSM 7.2
Why we picked it: The QNAP TS-464 is a multimedia powerhouse with an Intel Celeron N5095 processor that supports hardware transcoding for Plex and other media servers. It features two 2.5GbE ports for faster networking and HDMI 2.0 output for direct TV playback. The QTS operating system is feature-rich, offering virtualization, container support, and extensive app compatibility. It's ideal for media enthusiasts who want a seamless streaming experience.
Media enthusiasts and home users who want to stream 4K content and run a Plex server.
Users needing ECC RAM or high-density storage for business-critical data.
Key specs: 4-bay - Intel Celeron N5095 - 8GB LPDDR4x (fixed) - 2x 2.5GbE - HDMI 2.0 - USB 3.2 Gen2 - QTS 5.1
Why we picked it: The QNAP TS-233 is a budget-friendly 2-bay NAS that doesn't skimp on essential features. It runs on a quad-core Realtek processor and offers hardware-accelerated transcoding for media playback. The QTS operating system provides a wide range of apps for file management, backup, and multimedia. It's a reliable choice for users who want a capable NAS without breaking the bank.
Budget-conscious home users who need basic NAS functionality for backups and media streaming.
Users requiring high performance for virtualization or heavy multitasking.
Key specs: 2-bay - Realtek RTD1296 - 2GB DDR4 (fixed) - 1x 1GbE - USB 3.2 Gen1 - QTS 5.1
A NAS (Network Attached Storage) enclosure is a dedicated file storage device connected to your network, allowing multiple users and devices to access and share data centrally. You need one for centralized backups, media streaming, remote file access, and data redundancy to protect against drive failures.
For basic home use, a 2-bay NAS is sufficient for backups and media streaming. For larger storage needs or RAID 5/6 protection, a 4-bay or more is recommended. Businesses often opt for 4-8 bay models for scalability and redundancy.
Both are excellent operating systems. Synology DSM is known for its user-friendly interface and polished app ecosystem, making it ideal for beginners. QNAP QTS offers more advanced features like virtualization and HDMI output, appealing to power users. Both are reliable and regularly updated.
If you plan to stream media via Plex or Emby to multiple devices, hardware transcoding is beneficial as it offloads video conversion from the CPU, ensuring smooth playback. For basic file storage and backup, it's not necessary.
Start by estimating how much storage you need now and in the next few years. A 2-bay NAS is fine for basic use, but a 4-bay or more allows for RAID configurations and larger capacity. Look for models with expansion options like eSATA or USB for additional drive enclosures.
For basic file sharing and backups, an entry-level processor is sufficient. For media transcoding, virtualization, or heavy multitasking, choose a model with an Intel Celeron or better. RAM is also important; 2GB is minimum, but 4GB or more is recommended for smooth performance.
Most NAS devices come with 1GbE ports, which is fine for general use. For faster transfers, look for models with 2.5GbE or 10GbE support. If you have a compatible network switch and clients, multi-gigabit Ethernet can significantly improve performance.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| RAID Support | RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) allows you to combine multiple drives for data redundancy or performance. Common levels include RAID 1 (mirroring) for 2-bay and RAID 5 (striping with parity) for 4-bay or more. This protects your data if a drive fails. |
| Hardware Transcoding | Hardware transcoding uses a dedicated chip to convert video formats in real-time, enabling smooth streaming of 4K content to devices like smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. It reduces CPU load and ensures compatibility with various media players. |
| M.2 NVMe Caching | M.2 NVMe slots allow you to install ultra-fast SSDs for caching frequently accessed data. This significantly boosts read and write speeds for applications and files, improving overall system responsiveness, especially in multi-user environments. |
| Snapshot and Backup Software | Advanced NAS operating systems offer snapshot technology that captures the state of your data at a point in time, allowing you to recover from accidental deletion or ransomware. Built-in backup tools can protect data from multiple devices, ensuring comprehensive data safety. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.