Best network-attached storage (NAS) in 2020

Technological progress does not stand still, everything is developing very rapidly. Computers and smartphones are no exception. After all, user needs are growing along with resource-intensive programs and games. If 20 years ago it was difficult to imagine the amount of RAM in 8 GB or a hard disk of 500 MB, today such characteristics may not satisfy some selection criteria.

In addition to processor power, a large amount of RAM and a video card, a modern motherboard, the main need is also for a storage hdd. Therefore, there was a fashion for spacious hard drives and external drives. Thanks to which you can save considerable amounts of information, speed up the download of file transfers.

Recently, network storage devices have begun to gain considerable popularity. They are designed to store information and securely interact with cloud storage. It also distributes information via the wireless Internet to any device, which is very convenient, you do not need to save it separately on your tablet, phone and computer, just click on the icon and enter your login and password in the dialog box.

NAS is a standalone device, or rather a storage with its own processor and RAM. Design, size and characteristics may vary, it all depends on the manufacturer's company and its functionality. But they are connected by independent and independent work from other devices.

What is network attached storage and what is it for?

In terms of functions, NAS is similar to various cloud services, such as Yandex disk, Dropbox and the well-known iCloud. For the device to work, its hard drive must be connected to the router. The end result is a shared, reliable storage that can be easily accessed by tablet, PC and smartphone.

One of the key points is the cross-platform nature of the NAS, that is, it can interact and work with any operating system and is perfect not only for a media player, but also for Smart TV. As mentioned above, these drives can differ greatly from each other, it all depends on the manufacturer, functions and how many places are provided for the HDD. The cost, of course, is influenced by performance, capacity, power and popularity of models. Therefore, the average price can vary from 8 thousand to 40 thousand rubles and more.

Many people ask in the reviews if it can work as a small server? Naturally. After all, the device itself is a fast and small server. Some small businesses use NAS instead of a huge cluster cabinet that not every company can afford. Maintenance is much easier, to get started, just install the drivers and read the instructions on how to use it. Most of the popular models are sold with additional power.

The review provides a rating of quality drives. Various models, from cheap to more expensive.The article will help you understand and answer the main question: which option is better to buy. And also at the end there will be a brief instruction on setting up and connecting.

WD My Cloud Personal

Compact, fast and quiet hard. Powered by a 650 MHz 2-core processor. Unassuming design, easy to use. Available in two colors: gray and black. The ability to control using special mobile applications that can be downloaded for free from Google Play for Android, and iTunes for IOS.

The storage capacity ranges from 2 to 4 TB. Ideal for home and small office use. It can be found at an average price of 10,000 rubles. The disadvantage of this device is that the disk is not capable of backing up inside the system, so you have to connect an external drive, which is not always convenient. But good data transfer speed with USB 3.0.

• Fast, quiet and compact;
• Simple and stylish design;
• High storage capacity;
• Good price;
• Convenient to operate;
• An ordinary user can figure it out quickly, no wizard is needed.

• Few hard drive bays;
• Some models are available without HDD;
• Not shockproof;
• Lack of internal backup.

Seagate Personal Cloud 2-Bay

Features similar to My Cloud, but provides more options. A fairly high capacity - up to 8 TB, its cost is 18,290 rubles. With software like media server and RAID support, it can act as an FTP server. It has two storage bays, which allows you to quickly transfer files from one disk to another, and autonomous operation in the event of a failure of one of the disks.

Compact size and stylish design fit into any interior. Comes in two colors: black and dark gray. Pleases, its quiet operation and small size.

Works with various cloud services and streaming apps such as Twitch, Fsplit and obs-studio.

• Cross-platform;
• Attractive appearance;
• Multiple hard drive bays;
• Ability to work as an FTP server;
• High storage capacity;
• Possibility of fast internal backup.

• Lack of impact resistance;
• In the countries of the former CIS, only models with 4 TB.

QNAP TS-251A

The model is not budgetary, but rather high in price category. It is characterized by multifunctionality, good and stylish design and powerful processor. Has two Ethernet ports, and special software for a laptop. You can also connect a smart TV via HDMI output.

Powerful and dual-core Intel processor, clocked at 1.6GHz, 4GB RAM, expandable up to 8GB. Thanks to the modern and flexible QTS operating system, the ability to interact with all operating systems, and you can also download many multimedia and server applications for free.

Two slots for hard drives, but they need to be purchased separately, they are not included in the package. How much does such a model cost? The price ranges from 20,000 - 30,000 rubles.

• Powerful processor;
• Capacious RAM with the ability to increase;
• A clear download menu;
• Compact size;
• Mediocre design;
• Ability to work as an FTP server.

• Lack of impact resistance;
• High price;
• HDDs are sold separately.

Buffalo LinkStation LS220D

Before deciding which company is the best device to buy, you should pay attention to a fairly young company - Buffalo. Dual-core processor with a capacity of 1.2 GHz, RAM - 4 GB. High speed data transfer, two bays for hard drives and high capacity - up to 8 TB, but modifications for 2, 4 and 6 TB are possible.

The exclusive feature of the new product from Buffalo is support for Apple Time Machine and built-in BitTorrent and WebAccess. Few people know, but BitTorrent allows downloading files even when the computer is turned off. And the ability to use a server for iTunes. The design is quite stylish and the dimensions are compact. Outwardly, it looks like a small black cube with a red stripe on the side. The price at the time of issue was 17,500 rubles.

• Powerful processor;
• The RAM is large enough;
• Convenient download manager;
• Compact dimensions;
• Stylish design;
• Built-in BitTorrent and WebAccess for easy operation.

• There may not be enough hard space;
• Hard drives may not be included;
• Not shockproof.

Synology DiskStation DS416

Fast, powerful, feature rich and flexible NAS from the best manufacturers. The company has been producing components and parts for computers and phones for a long time. The NAS is equipped with 4 bays that can accommodate drives with capacities up to 8GB. The total amount of memory will be 32 TB. Plus, there is the possibility of adding an additional 5 compartments. Consequently, the volume increases to 73 TB. Almost like a small station. Such a model may well cope with work in a larger enterprise, replacing bulky and familiar servers.

Has many different tools for security and protection against unauthorized access. It can also work as a media server. Its average price is 30,000 rubles.

• Powerful processor;
• Capacious RAM - 8 GB;
• Huge amount of memory plus additional bays;
• Compact dimensions;
• Stylish design;
• Anti-hacking software.

• High price;
• Slows down when multitasking;
• Models can be produced without discs.

WD My Cloud Mirror

The new Chinese company relatively recently began to delight users with its inexpensive and high-quality novelties. A simple NAS with two bays and the ability to expand memory from 4 to 16 TB, for only 20,000 rubles. An accessible and uncomplicated manual that explains in detail how to set it up. In general, this storage model was just invented for ordinary users. It is characterized by a friendly interface, easy integration for both a computer and other devices. The device can be controlled via a browser.

Medium processor - 1.2 GHz, and 3 GB RAM. Such a device may not replace powerful servers, but it will be ideal for home. Impressive with the ability to back up to Dropbox.

• Nimble, quiet and comfortable;
• Technological and new design;
• Large storage capacity;
• Good price;
• Convenient to operate;
• An ordinary user can figure it out quickly, no wizard is needed.

• Few hard drive bays;
• Some models are available without HDD;
• Not shockproof.

Synology DiskStation DS216j

The first step is to pay attention to the metal and shockproof housing. Despite its considerable weight, its dimensions are quite small. This device is more suitable for lovers of cloud storage than ordinary users due to the complexity of the setup.

Equipped with a 1.7 GHz dual-core processor and 2 GB of RAM. Four external bays, but hard drives are not included, will have to be purchased separately and additionally configured. This can cause additional troubles for a regular user or a beginner.

Compatible with almost all cloud services, integration with all operating systems. About 8 IP cameras can be connected to the device and used as an additional host for up to 30 sites. The cost of such a device is 15,000 rubles.

• Almost silent, efficient and ergonomic;
• Impressive appearance;
• High storage capacity;
• Multifunctionality;
• Easy to use;
• Ability to work with all cloud applications.

• Heavy;
• No hard drives included;
• It will be difficult for a beginner to figure it out.

WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra

One of the most functional brothers of the WD My Cloud family. A powerful processor, stylish design and cross-platform allows you to take on more complex work than the usual copying and storing files.Price - 12,790 rubles.

A small plastic and black case with two compartments with a memory capacity of 4, 8, 12, 16 TB. The processor is of average performance, as is the RAM. Its main focus is on file protection and preservation. Friendly enough software - My Cloud OS 3. Thanks to the RAID standard, easily integrates with different operating systems and clouds.

Supports Microsoft Active Directory, designed specifically for small businesses. Therefore, it can easily serve as a server in an ordinary office.

• Small size, speed and quiet operation;
• Simple and stylish design;
• Multifunctionality;
• Practical to use
• Connects to many server applications.

• It will be difficult for a beginner to figure it out.

Western Digital DL4100

Convenient storage for home use. A medium-sized black plastic block with 4 compartments. Collected a lot of positive reviews from aliexpress. And no wonder.

A good and nimble processor, with a capacity of 1.5 GB, the ability to increase the amount of RAM from its native 2 to an impressive 6 GB. In addition, its capacity is very inspiring - from 8 to 24 TB.

The device is designed specifically for comfortable backup, with a huge number of different programs. The shell itself has a dedicated menu bar where you can choose from a huge variety of backup options. All this at a price of 22,000 rubles.

The amount of memory can also be selected, a friendly interface and ease of setup and loading, what could be better for the average user?

• Nimble, energy saving and oversized;
• Productive iron;
• Intuitive interface;
• Easy setup function for newbies;
• Ability to work with all clouds.

• Slow loading;
• Weak file transfer over WiFi.

Time Capsule Apple AirPort

It may be an expensive and well-known brand, but it is wireless, multifunctional and quite easy to use. The capacity is small - 2 and 3 TB. Fast data transfer function. All work takes place via a wireless network, the drive does not need to be connected separately. The price of the device is 35,000 rubles.

It is configured simply and automatically, practically when connected, you can start working. Beginners will appreciate it. Simple and logical interface with prompts, printer and disk sharing via USB port. Everything is easy and simple.

But the high cost is depressing, on the other hand, Apple products have always been sold at a fairly high price, sometimes not even justified. On the other hand, they offer a quality, easy-to-manage wireless storage device. Which easily interacts with iOS, without brakes and lags.

• Incomparable and stylish, corporate design;
• Wireless;
• High data transfer rate;
• Security provided by Time Capsule;
• Easy to customize;
• Good hardware.

• High price;
• Integration with iOS only;
• Lack of cross-platform;
• Small capacity.

Samsung Wireless

The well-known company Samsung on the world market has released a rather interesting device, costing 5,000 rubles, which is considered one of the best network storage devices. One of its main advantages is WiFi-hotspot, which allows connecting up to 3 users, therefore it is referred to as portable devices like smartphones and planets.

The storage capacity is small enough - 1.5 TB, allowing you to carry around a not-so-large collection of movies in good quality. Supports almost all operating systems. Connects to wireless networks and provides Internet distribution.

Another plus in the treasury of functionality is the USB 3.0 connector, which can also be used as a rechargeable battery. And the ability to connect to a computer without using a wireless network.

• Compact size and stylish design;
• Multifunctional;
• Integration with all operating systems and for mobile devices;
• Convenient interface;
• Good price.

• Small storage space.

ASUSTOR AS-602T

A fairly well-known brand, or rather its division, which recently appeared at the huge company ASUStek Computer. Since 2011, they have been producing the best network drives, which occupy an honorable place among competitors. In addition to good quality, they offer the consumer innovations from year to year not only for powerful and corporate networks, but also for ordinary home ones.

The model, released at a price of 21,000 rubles, is equipped with a powerful processor - a dual-core Intel Atom with 2.1 MHz and 1 GB of RAM with a DDR3 slot. Two bays for hard drives, the drives themselves are linked through a RAID program.

The device has 8 USB connectors - 6 of them are for data transfer at a speed of 2.0, the rest are 3.0, there is also an HDMI output. You can connect only 4 cameras to it, data transmission via a wireless network is available as an option, you need to be careful. In general, the device is ideal for a home network both in terms of price and quality.

• Fast, quiet and compact;
• Simple and stylish design;
• Good iron;
• Friendly interface;
• Ideal for beginners;
• Convenient to operate;
• Ability to work with all clouds.

• If you do not expect something supernatural from the device, then there are no shortcomings.

Kingston MobileLite Wireless MLW221

Quite a well-known company among lovers of high-quality memory cards and flash drives. Why is this memory card listed? It's simple, because this model can transmit data wirelessly to three users, and the wireless charging function is also available. Price - 2,500 rubles.

The device connects to the usb port along with a memory card and is used as an external storage. Quickly transfers large amounts of data such as games, movies, videos and other multimedia data to a computer and also writes to a card. The device itself is good if there is no need to connect additional different wired devices.

• Compact and multimedia device;
• Convenient to use and does not require additional connections;
• Economical power consumption;
• Fast recording and data transfer;
• There is no need to configure anything.

• Yet this is not the usual standard drive with local server functions.

How to connect and configure NAS?

Many people believe that only an experienced user or computer technician can connect and configure a network attached storage. In fact, a beginner can easily handle such work. The main thing is to carefully read the instructions, familiarize yourself with the specifics of the model and follow the points described below:

1. Before connecting the device to the router, you need to check all connectors and adapters. Further, according to the diagram presented in the instructions, we connect the necessary wires.
2. System installation.Usually the set includes a disk with the operating system, if it is not there, then it does not matter. We find any supported and publicly available operating system and download the image to a disk or flash drive. Nowadays, the installation should not cause difficulties, you just need to follow the points, in extreme cases you can watch videos, which are abundant on the Internet.
3. Finished with the operating system, let's move on to setting up the server. In the window of a separate computer, click on the special icon and enter the login and password in the dialog box. It is not recommended to leave Root by default, otherwise the server will crash. We adjust the language as needed, this can be done in the "Language" item in the menu bar.
4. Next, we split the hard disks and create the necessary partitions, just go to the "Disc" item.
5. Download and configure the required services. In modern storage models, the necessary software is built in by default. Although, if desired, the software can be updated, changed or supplemented. To do this, you need to find the necessary information on the official website of the manufacturer, read and change, enable / disable, update and delete if necessary.

There is nothing difficult in setting up a NAS, the main thing is to understand the specifics of the model itself and clearly follow the points. And there should be no problems when setting up.

This concludes the review smoothly. In this article, each device model was clearly and in detail described and analyzed. But before choosing the drive that suits you, you need to carefully understand your needs and how much money you can spend. You always need to clearly understand the feasibility of purchasing. It is foolish to buy a powerful NAS for home with huge functionality and capacity. It is also wrong to take an ordinary, inexpensive and home mini-server with reduced functionality for a large company.

Newbies often puzzle over where they can buy a device profitably. It all depends on trust and experience. It is best to purchase them in special stores with a guarantee. Many, of course, order from various online stores, but you need to be sure of them, since scammers often live in these. And in the case of all known aliexpress - delivery has to wait a very long time. Therefore, everyone must decide for himself where to buy a high-quality device.