The Best File Servers/NAS of the Year
If you have decided to purchase a NAS but cannot decide which one suits your needs, here you will find the best options of the year.
For all-around use at home with media and remote access
The Synology DiskStation DS225+ 2-Bay is the most balanced choice when you want a NAS that does many things well, without jumping straight to a more expensive 4-bay setup.
With 2 drive bays, you can set up RAID 1 for file protection while keeping management simple.
The 2 Ethernet ports come in handy when you have multiple transfers running at the same time at home or in a small office, while the built-in services for media, files, and remote access make it practical for everyday use.
All-around use
- Hard Drive Bays: 2, so you can set up mirroring (RAID 1) for safer backups.
- Ethernet Ports: 2, giving you greater network flexibility when multiple users or devices are connected.
- Processor: 2.0 GHz Celeron J4125, for smooth file sharing, media, and basic services.
- Memory Type: DDR4, for reliable everyday multitasking.**Services:** File Server, Media Server, Surveillance Station, VPN Server, so you can build a central hub for your home.
- Supported Drives: HDD/SSD, so you can choose either cost-effective capacity or a faster setup.
Review we selected
"I added RAM too, and it works perfectly"
For an affordable introduction to NAS
The Synology DiskStation DS124 1-Bay is a good fit if you want to get started with NAS on a controlled budget and with a clear goal: a personal cloud and backup without the complexity.
With a single drive bay, it does not support RAID mirroring, so it is better suited to a simpler setup or as a second, complementary NAS.
In practice, though, it handles everyday storage of photos and files, as well as automatic backups from mobile devices, very well, especially if keeping the upfront cost low is a priority.
For Your First NAS Experience
- Hard Drive Bays: 1, for basic storage and easy initial setup.
- Ethernet Ports: 1, sufficient for typical home file access and backups.
- Processor: 1.7 GHz RTD1619B, suitable for light file sharing and home media use.
- Memory Type: DDR4, for reliable everyday operation.
- Connections: USB 3.2, for quickly making backups to an external drive.
- Services: File/Media/FTP/VPN Server, giving you practical cloud features without the need for a more expensive model.
Review we picked
"I installed a 16 TB drive and downloaded the app on my family's phones, so we essentially have our own cloud at home."
For cameras and remote site monitoring
The Synology DiskStation DS223 2-Bay is a practical solution when site monitoring and file storage are top priorities.
The 2 drive bays support basic RAID for added security for your recordings, while the app ecosystem helps you access cameras and files from your phone or laptop when you’re away. E
It is a suitable choice for a home, small shop, or office that wants a single hub for video, backups, and shared folders.
For cameras and remote room monitoring
- Hard Drive Bays: 2, for keeping a copy of your recordings with RAID 1.
- Ethernet Ports: 1, enough for stable operation at home or in a small business.
- Processor: RTD1619B at 1.7GHz, for continuous basic operation of surveillance and backup services.
- Memory Type: DDR4, for reliable everyday use.
- Services: Surveillance Station, Media Server, VPN Server, for remote access and centralized control.
- Connections: USB 3.2, for fast local file transfers when needed.
Featured Review
"The top NAS. It really made things easier for the business... Easy to install, and very fast and reliable in operation."
Undecided?
If you are not sure which features you should pay more attention to, you can at any time refer to the buying guide for File Server/NAS.
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