Best OverallSynology
Synology DiskStation DS220+
In: Best NAS Devices for Home Use 2026
- 2-bay drive enclosure
- Intel Celeron J4025 dual-core
Category guide
NAS Devices: Network Storage for Backups and Media
A NAS stores files on your home network for backups, sharing and streaming.
- 3 roundups · 2 reviews · 1 comparisons · 2 guides
- Updated
- No paid placements
Shop the shortlist
Top nas devices we recommend
Standout picks from our best-of lists. Tap any product for features, pros and cons.
- UGREEN
UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS
In: Best NAS Devices for Home Use 2026
- Intel N100 handles Plex hardware transcoding
- 2.5GbE port
Best by need
Best nas devices for every buyer
Ranked shortlists for specific budgets and use cases. Start with the one that matches yours.
- Best NAS Devices for Home Use 2026: Storage, Media, and BackupHome NAS devices store photos, videos, and backups on your local network. We compared Synology, QNAP, and Western Digital NAS boxes for easeSee the picks
- Best NAS Devices 2026: Synology vs QNAP vs Western Digital for Home and OfficeSynology, QNAP, and Western Digital NAS units compared for home media servers, backups, and small business use.See the picks
- Best NAS for Plex Media Server 2026: Transcoding, Storage, and SetupA NAS running Plex needs enough CPU power to transcode 4K video. We compared Synology DS923+, QNAP TS-464, and other NAS boxes for Plex tranSee the picks
Know before you buy
About Nas Devices
Network-attached storage connects to your router so devices can access shared drives. RAID protects against a single drive failure but isn't a backup.
Plan for an off-site backup too.
How to choose a NAS
Drive bays
Two bays allow mirroring; more bays add capacity.
Performance
Stronger CPUs help with media transcoding.
Software
Ecosystem apps add features.
Networking
2.5GbE improves speed.
Backups
Use cloud or external backups.
Research-based picks from specs, independent reviews and owner feedback.
No paid placements, ever.
Our methodologyQuick buying tips
What matters most in nas devices
- Two bays allow mirroring; more bays add capacity.
- Stronger CPUs help with media transcoding.
- Ecosystem apps add features.
- 2.5GbE improves speed.
- Use cloud or external backups.
Deep dives
In-depth reviews
- QNAP TS-233 Review: Budget 2-Bay NAS for Home Backup and Media StorageThe QNAP TS-233 is a 2-bay NAS with an ARM Cortex-A55 processor targeting home users who want simple backup and media access without the Syn
- Synology DS220+ Review: The Best 2-Bay NAS for Home UseThe Synology DS220+ is the standard recommendation for home NAS use.
Learn first
Buying guides & how-tos
- Buying guideHow to Set Up a NAS: First-Time Installation and Configuration GuideSet up a NAS by installing hard drives, connecting to your router, running the initial setup wizard, and configuring shared folders and userRead
- Buying guideNAS Buying Guide 2026: Drives, RAID, and What Specs Actually MatterChoose a NAS based on the number of drive bays, CPU for transcoding, and RAID level for redundancy. This guide explains RAID 1, RAID 5, and Read
- Buying guideNAS Not Accessible on Network: How to Fix Connection ProblemsFix a NAS that is not showing up on the network. Covers IP address assignment, firewall settings, SMB protocol versions, and how to find a NRead
Answers
Nas Devices: common questions
What is the best nas device to buy?
One of our strongest picks is the Synology DiskStation DS220+, a standout in our Best NAS Devices for Home Use 2026 list. The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS is another excellent choice.
How do I choose the right nas devices?
Start with your main use and budget, then compare our shortlists: Best NAS Devices for Home Use 2026, Best NAS Devices 2026, Best NAS for Plex Media Server 2026.
What should I look for when buying nas devices?
Two bays allow mirroring; more bays add capacity.
How long does NAS initial setup take?
Initial hardware setup (installing drives, connecting to the router) takes 15-30 minutes. The DSM operating system installation and initial configuration wizard takes another 20-30 minutes. Total first-time setup is typically under one hour. After setup, the NAS creates storage pools and volumes which may take additional time depending on drive size.
Do I need to format hard drives before putting them in a NAS?
The NAS operating system (DSM for Synology, QTS for QNAP) formats and partitions the drives during the initial setup process. Installing new, unformatted drives is the correct procedure. If you are reusing drives that have existing data, the setup will erase that data, back it up before installing.
What is the admin password for a new Synology NAS?
New Synology NAS devices have no default admin password, you create the admin account and password during the initial DSM setup wizard. If you need to reset the admin credentials on an existing device, use the physical reset button on the NAS (hold for 4 seconds) to reset the network settings and admin account to factory defaults without erasing data.
What hard drives should I use in a NAS?
Use NAS-optimized hard drives, not desktop drives. NAS drives are designed for 24/7 operation, vibration tolerance in multi-drive enclosures, and RAID error recovery. The main options are Western Digital Red Plus, Seagate IronWolf, and Toshiba N300. Desktop drives (WD Blue, Seagate Barracuda) work but are not rated for continuous use and can develop errors in RAID arrays that cause data loss.
What is RAID and do I need it on a home NAS?
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) combines multiple drives so that data is stored redundantly, if one drive fails, data is not lost. RAID 1 (mirroring) requires 2 drives and stores identical data on both. RAID 5 requires 3+ drives and distributes data with parity for one-drive failure protection. For home use, Synology SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) is a simplified version that provides redundancy without manual RAID configuration. RAID is not a backup, it protects against drive failure, not accidental deletion or ransomware.