Network Attached Storage (NAS), also known as network storage, acts as a technology for backing up data and sharing files over a network. For personal use, small businesses, or corporate needs, having the right network storage solution is crucial. This solution ensures your data stays safe, easy to access, and well-managed. However, how well your network storage works depends greatly on the quality of the NAS system you use.
Choosing the best network storage device is not an effortless task. It involves considering several crucial factors, such as data storage size, data transfer speed, operating system compatibility, user interface, and security features. Therefore, the wrong choice can lead to storage inefficiencies, data loss, and network slowdowns.
Correctly choosing the network storage involves a comprehensive evaluation of the product’s specifications. You should consider elements like the number and type of drive bays, the processor type and speed, the RAM size, the support for RAID configuration, and the connectivity options.
Armed with this information, we have tested and evaluated various network storage devices to identify the ones that guarantee optimum data safety, reliability, and simplicity. This article will provide you with our findings and recommendations, guiding you to make the best choice for your network storage needs.
Best Network Storage
Choosing the right network storage is vital for reliable data management, backup, and accessibility. The appropriate NAS device should offer ample data storage, quick data transfer rates, and robust security features. With extensive options available in the market, choosing the optimum one can be overwhelming. In this article, we have thoroughly researched and summarized a list of the best network storage devices that will help ease your decision-making process.
Western Digital 8TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra Network Attached Storage – NAS – Western DigitalBVBZ0080JCH-NESN
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient NAS device, the Western Digital 8TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a great option.
Pros
- With two 10TB drives, you can store up to 20TB of personal or small office data.
- The dual-bay design allows for capacity expansion and data redundancy.
- With 4K and 1080p video streaming capabilities, you can easily access and stream your media collection.
Cons
- The initial setup process can be time-consuming and requires a fair amount of technical know-how.
- Some users have reported issues with the device randomly rebooting.
- The device’s performance can be sluggish at times, particularly when accessing large files or folders.
We’ve been using the Western Digital 8TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra for a few months now, and overall, we’re pretty satisfied with its performance. The device’s dual-bay design is particularly impressive, as it allows for both capacity expansion and data redundancy. This means that you can easily add an additional drive to the device, giving you even more storage space while also ensuring that your data is backed up and protected.
One of the standout features of this NAS device is its 4K and 1080p video streaming capabilities. Whether you’re watching movies or streaming TV shows, the Western Digital 8TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra provides smooth and buffer-free playback. This makes it a great option for anyone who wants to build a home media server.
That being said, there are a few downsides to this device. The initial setup process can be a bit tricky, and it requires a fair amount of technical know-how. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the device randomly rebooting, which can be frustrating. Finally, the device’s performance can be a bit sluggish at times, particularly when accessing large files or folders.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient NAS device with plenty of storage space, the Western Digital 8TB My Cloud EX2 Ultra is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve during the initial setup process.
Tandberg RDX QuikStor – RDX X 1-2 TB – Storage Media, Black (8731-RDX)
If you’re looking for a reliable and secure data backup solution, the Tandberg RDX QuikStor is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The Tandberg RDX QuikStor offers fast data transfer rates, making it an ideal solution for backing up large amounts of data.
- With its LTO-like tape technology, this device offers a secure and reliable way to store your data.
- The Tandberg RDX QuikStor is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it a versatile option for businesses and individuals alike.
Cons
- The Tandberg RDX QuikStor only comes with a single tape, which may not be enough for businesses or individuals with large amounts of data to backup.
- While the device is relatively quiet during operation, it can get quite loud when seeking data, which may be a concern for some users.
- The Tandberg RDX QuikStor is a bit on the expensive side compared to other data backup solutions on the market.
We’ve had the opportunity to use and test the Tandberg RDX QuikStor, and we’re impressed with its performance and reliability. The device offers fast data transfer rates, making it an ideal solution for backing up large amounts of data. We also appreciate the fact that it uses LTO-like tape technology, which offers a secure and reliable way to store our data.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Tandberg RDX QuikStor only comes with a single tape, which may not be enough for businesses or individuals with large amounts of data to backup. However, the device is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, which makes it a versatile option for businesses and individuals alike.
Overall, we believe that the Tandberg RDX QuikStor is a great option for anyone in need of a reliable and secure data backup solution. While it may be a bit on the expensive side, the device offers fast data transfer rates and secure data storage, making it a worthwhile investment for businesses and individuals alike.
Western Digital 4TB My Cloud Home Personal Cloud – WDBVXC0040HWT-NESN, Single Drive, White
If you’re looking for a personal cloud storage solution that’s easy to set up and use, the Western Digital 4TB My Cloud Home Personal Cloud is a great option.
Pros
- The setup process is quick and easy, and the My Cloud app makes it simple to manage your content from anywhere.
- The 4TB of storage is plenty for most users, and the device is compatible with popular cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive.
- The My Cloud OS 3 operating system provides advanced features like DLNA media serving, BitTorrent client support, and USB 3.0 support.
Cons
- The device requires a wired Ethernet connection, which may be a downside for some users who prefer wireless connectivity.
- The device is relatively large and may not fit in smaller spaces.
- The device is not as fast as some other cloud storage solutions on the market.
We’ve been using the Western Digital 4TB My Cloud Home Personal Cloud for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The setup process was quick and easy, and the My Cloud app makes it simple to manage our content from anywhere. We appreciate the advanced features provided by the My Cloud OS 3 operating system, and the 4TB of storage is plenty for our needs.
One thing to keep in mind is that the device requires a wired Ethernet connection, which may be a downside for some users who prefer wireless connectivity. Additionally, the device is relatively large and may not fit in smaller spaces. Finally, the device is not as fast as some other cloud storage solutions on the market, but we haven’t found this to be a major issue.
Overall, we would recommend the Western Digital 4TB My Cloud Home Personal Cloud to anyone in the market for a personal cloud storage solution. It’s easy to set up and use, provides plenty of storage, and offers advanced features for power users.
Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless)
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use NAS device, the Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless) is a great option.
Pros
- The DS223j is easy to set up and manage, with a user-friendly web-based interface and mobile apps.
- It supports a wide range of file formats and protocols, making it versatile for different use cases.
- The device is quiet and energy-efficient, with a fanless design and Sleep Mode feature.
Cons
- The DS223j only supports 2.5″ SATA III solid-state drives (SSDs) or hard disk drives (HDDs), which may limit its capacity for some users.
- The device’s maximum transfer rate of 114 MB/s may not be sufficient for heavy-duty data transfer tasks.
- The DS223j’s price point may be higher than some other 2-bay NAS devices on the market.
The DS223j is a great choice for small businesses or home users who need to centralize and backup their data, stream multimedia content, or run apps and services. Its dual-bay design allows for easy scalability, and the device supports various RAID configurations to ensure data safety.
The DS223j is also a green device, with a fanless design that eliminates noise and dust generation. It consumes only 12.98W in HDD access and 13.55W in HDD idle, making it energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
In terms of performance, the DS223j supports up to 114 MB/s transfer speed, which is sufficient for most data transfer tasks. However, it may not be ideal for heavy-duty tasks that require higher transfer rates.
Overall, the Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless) is a reliable and easy-to-use NAS device that offers a range of features and functionalities for small businesses and home users.
BUFFALO LinkStation 210 4TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use NAS device, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a great option.
Pros
- The device is easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly web interface and mobile apps.
- It supports a wide range of file formats and protocols, making it versatile for different use cases.
- The LinkStation 210 is energy efficient and quiet, making it a good option for home use.
Cons
- The device only has one hard drive bay, which may limit its scalability for some users.
- The included 4TB hard drive may not be enough for users with large amounts of data to store.
- The device may not be suitable for users who need high-performance NAS capabilities.
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a great option for users who want a simple and reliable NAS device for their home. The device is easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly web interface and mobile apps that allow you to access your files from anywhere. It also supports a wide range of file formats and protocols, making it versatile for different use cases.
One of the standout features of the LinkStation 210 is its energy efficiency and quiet operation. This makes it a great option for users who want to use the device in their home without it being a noise or power consumption nuisance. Additionally, the device comes with a 2-year warranty and Buffalo’s technical support, giving users peace of mind in case they run into any issues.
However, there are a few potential downsides to the LinkStation 210. The device only has one hard drive bay, which may limit its scalability for some users. Additionally, the included 4TB hard drive may not be enough for users with large amounts of data to store. Finally, the device may not be suitable for users who need high-performance NAS capabilities.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and reliable NAS device for your home, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is definitely worth considering. Its user-friendly interface, versatile file support, and energy-efficient operation make it a great option for most users.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best network storage solution, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various network storage devices, and we understand the importance of each factor. In this section, we will discuss the key factors to consider when buying a network storage device.
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a network storage device is its capacity. The capacity of the device will determine how much data you can store on it. It is important to choose a device with enough capacity to meet your current and future storage needs.
Speed
Another important factor to consider is the speed of the network storage device. The speed of the device will determine how quickly you can access your data. It is important to choose a device with fast read and write speeds to ensure that you can access your data quickly.
Reliability
Reliability is also an important factor to consider when buying a network storage device. You want to choose a device that is reliable and will not fail when you need it most. Look for a device with a good track record of reliability and a warranty to protect your investment.
Security
Security is another important factor to consider when buying a network storage device. You want to choose a device that is secure and will protect your data from unauthorized access. Look for a device with built-in security features such as encryption and firewalls.
Ease of Use
Finally, it is important to choose a network storage device that is easy to use. Look for a device with a user-friendly interface and easy setup process. You want to be able to access your data quickly and easily without having to spend a lot of time figuring out how to use the device.
In summary, when choosing a network storage device, it is important to consider its capacity, speed, reliability, security, and ease of use. By considering these factors, you can choose a device that meets your current and future storage needs and provides quick and easy access to your data.
