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Asustor 4-Bay Quad-Core NVMe NAS Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

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You are looking for asustor as5404t 4 bay NAS alternatives that match its specific feature set. The original model targets content creators with four drive bays, four M.2 NVMe slots, and dual 2.5GbE ports. Its quad-core Intel Celeron N5105 processor and 4GB of RAM provide a solid foundation for video editing tasks. However, you might want a different option if you need higher network throughput, a different form factor, or a distinct brand ecosystem. Some users prefer all-flash architectures for speed, while others need rackmount expansion or direct-attached storage solutions.

The 6 picks on this list were chosen because their published specifications overlap with those of the Asustor AS5404T. Each alternative offers a unique combination of connectivity, processing power, and storage flexibility. You can compare options ranging from premium all-flash NAS units to budget-friendly 10GbE models. This guide focuses strictly on hardware specs and intended use cases. You will find detailed comparisons of bays, ports, and target audiences to help you select the right storage solution for your specific workflow needs.

Our top pick: Asustor 4-Bay Quad-Core NVMe NAS.

How the alternatives compare to Asustor

UGREEN 4-Bay All-Flash NVMe SSD NAS

The UGREEN DXP480T Plus replaces the original’s Intel Celeron N5105 with a more powerful processor, targeting high-speed video editing workflows. It offers four M.2 NVMe slots similar to the Asustor, but lacks included drive capacity, functioning as a diskless unit. You get dual 2.5GbE ports and Wi-Fi 6E support for wireless connectivity, which the Asustor does not list. This model suits creators who already own fast NVMe SSDs and need a dedicated media server with stronger processing power than the original provides.

Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Hybrid NAS

The Asustor AS6704T v2 upgrades the network connectivity from dual 2.5GbE to dual 5GbE ports, offering significantly higher throughput for local transfers. It retains four drive bays and supports NVMe caching, similar to the original AS5404T. However, it uses a different processor architecture and includes 8GB of RAM compared to the original’s 4GB. This model is better for creators prioritizing raw network speed and caching performance. It is slightly larger and heavier than the original, fitting a desktop form factor while delivering enhanced performance for active media workflows.

UGREEN 4-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS

The UGREEN DXP4800 GT provides dual 10GbE ports, doubling the bandwidth available compared to the original’s 2.5GbE connections. It features an AMD Ryzen processor, offering greater processing power for demanding tasks. Like the original, it supports NVMe expansion and has four drive bays. However, it lacks the user-friendly app ecosystem, requiring manual container configuration for services like Plex. This unit is larger and heavier than the Asustor. It is ideal for users who need maximum network speed and hardware flexibility, provided you are comfortable with technical setup.

Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit

The Synology RX418 is not a standalone NAS but a rackmount expansion unit for existing Synology DiskStation Manager systems. It adds four drive bays to increase storage capacity, unlike the original which functions independently. It connects via a proprietary expansion cable rather than standard Ethernet ports. This unit is designed for shallow racks and provides seamless storage growth. It does not offer processing power or network management features on its own. You should choose this if you already have a Synology NAS and need additional drive space for your content creation workflow.

G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle

The G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle is a direct-attached storage device using Thunderbolt 3, not a network-attached storage system. It provides pre-configured 32TB capacity with hardware RAID, unlike the original’s empty bays. It connects directly to your computer for high-speed video editing, bypassing network limitations. This model is heavier and lacks network connectivity features like Ethernet ports. It suits professionals who prioritize data safety and raw performance over network flexibility. You would pick this if you need immediate, high-throughput access to large media files without setting up a network infrastructure.

QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Enclosure

The QNAP TR-004-US is a USB-C hardware RAID enclosure, not a network-attached storage device. It supports RAID 0, 1, and 5 configurations managed via hardware, offering direct-attached storage expansion. It has four drive bays but connects via USB-C rather than Ethernet. This model serves as external backup or local capacity expansion without network management features. It is lighter and smaller than the original Asustor. You should choose this if you need a simple, high-performance external drive array for direct connection to your workstation, rather than a shared network storage solution.

Quick picks

#ProductBest forPrice
1 Asustor 4-Bay Quad-Core NVMe NAS Best overall content creators needing NVMe caching and 2.5GbE Check price of Asustor 4-Bay Quad-Core NVMe NAS on Amazon
2 UGREEN 4-Bay All-Flash NVMe SSD NAS Also great high-speed video editing workflows Check price of UGREEN 4-Bay All-Flash NVMe SSD NAS on Amazon
3 Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Hybrid NAS Also great Creators needing fast local transfers and NVMe caching Check price of Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Hybrid NAS on Amazon
4 UGREEN 4-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS Also great high-speed 10GbE editing and containerized workflows Check price of UGREEN 4-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS on Amazon
5 Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit Synology rack-mount storage expansion Check price of Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit on Amazon
6 G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle Best premium Thunderbolt 3 direct-attached storage for video editing Check price of G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle on Amazon
7 QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Enclosure Best budget direct-attached multi-drive USB hardware RAID storage Check price of QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Enclosure on Amazon

Our 7 picks

Best overall

Asustor 4-Bay Quad-Core NVMe NAS

Best for: content creators needing NVMe caching and 2.5GbE

Drive Bays
4-Bay
Network Connectivity
2x 2.5GbE
Processor
Intel Celeron N5105
RAM Capacity
4GB DDR4
M.2 NVMe Slots
4 slots
Included Storage
Diskless

View on Amazon: Asustor 4-Bay Quad-Core NVMe NAS Affiliate link

This Asustor 4-bay enclosure features an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor and 4GB of DDR4 memory. You get four M.2 NVMe SSD slots alongside the four main drive bays. Two 2.5GbE ports provide multi-gigabit network links, while three 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports connect external peripherals. It suits content creators who need high-speed caching and solid local throughput.

Pros

  • Four M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs
  • Two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Quad-core Intel Celeron N5105 processor
  • Three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports with 10 Gbit/s transfer rates

Cons

  • Ships with 4GB of base memory
  • Chassis capacity is limited to four main drive bays

Good fit if

  • You want four dedicated M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching or storage.
  • You need dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for local transfers.
  • You connect high-speed 10 Gbit/s USB 3.2 Gen 2 devices.

Skip if

  • You need more than four main drive bays for storage.
  • You require more than 4GB of RAM out of the box.

Verdict: Asustor 4-Bay Quad-Core NVMe NAS combines four drive bays with four M.2 NVMe slots and dual 2.5GbE connectivity. It gives you flexible solid-state caching and multi-gigabit throughput in a desktop form factor.

Also great

UGREEN 4-Bay All-Flash NVMe SSD NAS

Best for: high-speed video editing workflows

Drive Bays
4-Bay
Network Connectivity
10GbE, Wi-Fi 6
Processor
Intel i5 1235u
RAM Capacity
8GB DDR5
M.2 NVMe Slots
4 slots
Included Storage
Diskless

View on Amazon: UGREEN 4-Bay All-Flash NVMe SSD NAS Affiliate link

The UGREEN DXP480T Plus is a 4-bay all-flash NAS designed for content creators. It features a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and four M.2 NVMe slots. You get 10GbE networking and Wi-Fi 6 for fast data access. The unit supports RAID 0 through 10. It is diskless, so you must provide your own SSDs. This setup suits video editors needing high throughput.

Pros

  • 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
  • Four M.2 NVMe slots for SSDs
  • 10GbE network port
  • Built-in Wi-Fi 6 support
  • RAID 0/1/5/6/10 levels

Cons

  • Diskless chassis requires separate SSD purchase
  • Maximum 32TB capacity limits large archives
  • Wi-Fi 6 may bottleneck 10GbE speeds

Good fit if

  • You edit 4K or 8K video files
  • You need fast local SSD storage
  • You want wireless connectivity options

Skip if

  • You require pre-installed hard drives
  • You need more than 32TB capacity
  • You prefer dedicated wired connections only

Verdict: UGREEN DXP480T Plus All-Flash NAS delivers raw speed for creators who prioritize processing power and flash storage over included drive capacity. It is the right pick if you already own NVMe SSDs and need a powerful, wireless-enabled media server.

Also great

Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Hybrid NAS

Best for: Creators needing fast local transfers and NVMe caching

Drive Bays
4-Bay
Network Connectivity
2 x 5GbE
Processor
Intel Celeron N5105
RAM Capacity
4GB DDR4
M.2 NVMe Slots
4 slots
Included Storage
Diskless

View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Hybrid NAS Affiliate link

The Asustor AS6704T v2 is a 4-bay NAS built for content creators who need speed and capacity. It uses an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core CPU and supports dual 5GbE ports for fast data transfer. You get four M.2 NVMe slots for cache acceleration and an HDMI port for 4K media streaming. With expandable RAM and RAID options, it handles heavy workloads while keeping your data protected.

Pros

  • Dual 5GbE Ethernet ports for high-speed networking
  • Four M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching
  • HDMI output with hardware 4K transcoding support
  • Expandable DDR4 RAM up to 16GB

Cons

  • Base RAM is only 4GB
  • Heavier build at 6.48 pounds
  • No mention of Thunderbolt or USB-C connectivity

Good fit if

  • You need fast local network transfers for large video files
  • You want to use NVMe SSDs to speed up your NAS
  • You plan to stream 4K media directly to a TV

Skip if

  • You require Thunderbolt connectivity for direct high-speed external storage
  • You prefer a lighter, more compact device for small spaces
  • You need more than 4 drive bays for massive storage arrays

Verdict: Asustor AS6704T v2 4-Bay Hybrid NAS suits creators who prioritize network speed and caching performance over raw capacity. Its dual 5GbE ports and NVMe support make it a strong choice for active media workflows.

Also great

UGREEN 4-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS

Best for: high-speed 10GbE editing and containerized workflows

Drive Bays
4-Bay
Network Connectivity
2x 10GbE
Processor
AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514
RAM Capacity
8GB DDR4
M.2 NVMe Slots
2 slots
Included Storage
Diskless

View on Amazon: UGREEN 4-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS Affiliate link

The UGREEN 4-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS is a high-speed network storage enclosure designed for multi-user workflows and media tasks. You get an AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 quad-core processor, 8GB of DDR4 memory, two M.2 SSD slots, and dual 10GbE network ports. With support for up to 144TB total storage across four SATA or U.2 bays and M.2 drives, it suits you if you need rapid local transfers and direct SD card media ingestion.

Pros

  • Dual 10GbE network ports supporting up to 20Gbps aggregate bandwidth
  • Two M.2 SSD slots plus support for up to two U.2 NVMe drives
  • AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 quad-core processor with 8 threads
  • Built-in SD card reader, 10Gbps USB ports, and 4K HDMI

Cons

  • Pre-installed 8GB RAM is non-ECC
  • Plex media server requires manual setup through Docker
  • Surveillance center works strictly with ONVIF and RTSP cameras

Good fit if

  • You need dual 10GbE networking for fast multi-gigabit file transfers
  • You want built-in SD card ingestion and 10Gbps USB connectivity
  • You plan to expand memory up to 64GB for virtual machines and Docker

Skip if

  • You require pre-installed ECC memory out of the box
  • You prefer an out-of-the-box native Plex installation without container setup

Verdict: UGREEN 4-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS pairs high-throughput 10GbE connectivity with versatile NVMe expansion and an AMD Ryzen processor for demanding local storage tasks. It delivers strong hardware flexibility, provided you do not mind manual container configuration for apps like Plex.

Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit

Best for: Synology rack-mount storage expansion

Drive Bays
4-Bay
Included Storage
Diskless
Dimensions
17 × 11.4 × 1.73 inches
Weight
9.44 pounds

View on Amazon: Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit Affiliate link

This 4-bay expansion unit adds extra drive bays to an existing setup. It measures 1.73 inches high with a 12-inch depth designed for 2-post or wall-mount racks, weighing 9.44 pounds. You configure storage through Synology DiskStation Manager, enabling online volume expansion and an energy-saving deep sleep mode. It suits you if you need compact rack-mounted drive expansion managed directly within the DiskStation Manager environment.

Pros

  • 12-inch depth fits 2-post and wall-mount racks
  • Supports online volume expansion
  • Energy-saving deep sleep mode
  • Managed directly through Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
  • Plug-and-play design

Cons

  • Expansion unit only, not a standalone NAS
  • Ships diskless without pre-installed storage drives
  • Requires a host system running Synology DiskStation Manager

Good fit if

  • You need 4 additional drive bays for a compatible Synology system.
  • You use a shallow 12-inch depth 2-post or wall-mount rack.
  • You want online volume expansion managed via Synology DiskStation Manager.

Skip if

  • You need an independent, standalone NAS.
  • You do not use Synology DiskStation Manager.
  • You require pre-installed storage drives.

Verdict: Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit provides seamless 4-bay storage growth for shallow racks through Synology DiskStation Manager. It functions strictly as an expansion unit rather than a standalone NAS.

Best premium

G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle

Best for: Thunderbolt 3 direct-attached storage for video editing

Drive Bays
4-Bay
Included Storage
32TB
RAID Support
0, 1, 5, 10
Hardware Interface
Thunderbolt
Dimensions
9.75 × 6.85 × 10.5 inches
Weight
16 pounds

View on Amazon: G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle Affiliate link

This 4-bay Thunderbolt 3 storage unit offers 32TB of capacity for multi-stream 4K and 8K workflows. It features built-in hardware RAID for data protection and a transportable design. Weighing 16 pounds, it connects via Thunderbolt for high-speed transfers. It suits creators needing reliable, direct-attached storage for demanding video editing tasks.

Pros

  • 32TB storage capacity for large media libraries
  • Built-in hardware RAID supporting 0, 1, 5, and 10 configurations
  • Optimized for multi-stream 4K and 8K video workflows
  • Transportable design for studio-to-location use

Cons

  • Heavy 16-pound build limits portability compared to lighter options
  • No mention of network connectivity like Ethernet or Wi-Fi
  • Thunderbolt 3 interface requires compatible host devices

Good fit if

  • You need high-speed direct-attached storage for 4K or 8K editing
  • You require hardware RAID for data redundancy without software overhead
  • You work in a studio environment with Thunderbolt-equipped computers

Skip if

  • You need a network-attached storage solution for multiple users
  • You require USB connectivity instead of Thunderbolt
  • You need a lightweight, portable drive for frequent travel

Verdict: G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3 provides robust hardware RAID and high-speed Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for video editors. It fits professionals who prioritize data safety and performance over network flexibility.

Best budget

QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Enclosure

Best for: direct-attached multi-drive USB hardware RAID storage

Drive Bays
4-Bay
Included Storage
Diskless
RAID Support
RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD
Dimensions
8.62 × 6.31 × 6.63 inches
Weight
4.08 pounds

View on Amazon: QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Enclosure Affiliate link

This unit functions as direct-attached storage rather than a standalone network server. You get four 3.5-inch drive bays operating over SATA 3Gb/s, connected via a USB Type-C port. Built-in hardware RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, and individual disks across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. It suits you if you need multi-drive local storage or direct backup capacity for an existing NAS setup without network configuration.

Pros

  • Hardware RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, and individual configurations
  • Direct USB Type-C connectivity works with Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Four lockable 3.5-inch drive bays
  • Includes a USB Type-C to Type-A connector cable

Cons

  • Internal drive bays use SATA 3Gb/s transfer speeds
  • Cannot install or run standalone NAS applications
  • Storage pool cannot be combined directly into a host NAS volume

Good fit if

  • You want direct-attached hardware RAID expansion via USB Type-C.
  • You need dedicated external drive backup for an existing compatible NAS.
  • You manage storage locally on Windows, macOS, or Linux computers.

Skip if

  • You need a standalone network-attached server with independent network ports.
  • You want to host applications and services directly on the storage unit.
  • You require SATA 6Gb/s interface throughput or NVMe drive slots.

Verdict: QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Enclosure delivers hardware-managed RAID 0, 1, and 5 arrays over a direct USB connection. It serves as external backup or local capacity expansion without network management features.

Specifications side by side

Spec Asustor 4-Bay Quad-Core NVMe NAS UGREEN 4-Bay All-Flash NVMe SSD NAS Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Hybrid NAS UGREEN 4-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID Enclosure
Drive Bays 4-Bay 4-Bay 4-Bay 4-Bay 4-Bay 4-Bay 4-Bay
Network Connectivity 2x 2.5GbE 10GbE, Wi-Fi 6 2 x 5GbE 2x 10GbE not stated not stated not stated
Processor Intel Celeron N5105 Intel i5 1235u Intel Celeron N5105 AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 not stated not stated not stated
RAM Capacity 4GB DDR4 8GB DDR5 4GB DDR4 8GB DDR4 not stated not stated not stated
M.2 NVMe Slots 4 slots 4 slots 4 slots 2 slots not stated not stated not stated
Included Storage Diskless Diskless Diskless Diskless Diskless 32TB Diskless
RAID Support not stated JBOD, Basic, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, JBOD not stated not stated 0, 1, 5, 10 RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD
Hardware Interface M.2 NVMe, HDMI not stated M.2 NVMe, HDMI M.2 NVMe not stated Thunderbolt not stated
Number of Bays 4-Bay 4-Bay 4-Bay 4-Bay 4-Bay 4-Bay 4-Bay
Target Audience Content Creators Content Creators Content Creators Content Creators not stated not stated not stated
Processor Cores Quad-Core not stated not stated not stated not stated not stated not stated
Intended Use Video Editors Video Editors Video Editors not stated not stated not stated not stated
Dimensions 9.06 × 6.85 × 6.69 inches not stated 9.06 × 6.69 × 7.3 inches 10.1 × 7.01 × 7.01 inches 17 × 11.4 × 1.73 inches 9.75 × 6.85 × 10.5 inches 8.62 × 6.31 × 6.63 inches
Weight 5.51 pounds not stated 6.48 pounds 14.6 pounds 9.44 pounds 16 pounds 4.08 pounds
Size 4 Bay DXP480T Plus 4-Bay (Diskless) 4 Bay DXP4800 GT,4-Bay 44 mm x 480 mm x 325 mm 32TB 4 Bay
Color AS5404T Grey Black Grey black Black Diskless
Model AS5404T DXP480T Plus,4-Bay (Diskless) AS6704T v2 DXP4800 GT (Diskless) RX418 0G10077 TR-004-US

Frequently asked questions

Can I use these NAS drives for video editing?

Yes, several options here target content creators and video editors. The Asustor AS5404T and UGREEN DXP480T Plus both include NVMe slots for fast caching. The UGREEN DXP4800 GT offers a powerful AMD Ryzen processor for demanding local tasks. These features help handle large media files efficiently.

Which alternative offers the fastest network speeds?

The UGREEN DXP4800 GT provides the highest throughput with dual 10GbE ports. The Asustor AS6704T v2 features dual 5GbE ports for active media workflows. The original Asustor AS5404T uses dual 2.5GbE connectivity. Choose based on your existing network infrastructure and required bandwidth.

Do I need to buy hard drives separately?

Some models are diskless and require you to purchase drives. The UGREEN DXP480T Plus and DXP4800 GT are sold without included capacity. The Asustor AS5404T and AS6704T v2 typically include bays for your drives. Check the specific model description to confirm if drives are included.

Are there options for Thunderbolt connectivity?

The G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle uses Thunderbolt 3 for direct attachment. It is designed for professionals who prioritize data safety and performance over network flexibility. Other listed NAS units rely on Ethernet connections like 2.5GbE or 10GbE for network access.

Can I expand my existing Synology setup?

The Synology RX418 serves as a rackmount expansion unit. It provides seamless 4-bay storage growth for shallow racks. It functions strictly as an expansion unit rather than a standalone NAS. You must connect it to an existing Synology DiskStation Manager system.

Is there a budget-friendly 4-bay option?

The UGREEN DXP4800 GT is listed as the best budget choice. It pairs high-throughput 10GbE connectivity with versatile NVMe expansion. It includes an AMD Ryzen processor for local storage tasks. You may need to configure apps manually, such as setting up containers for Plex.

What is the difference between NAS and RAID enclosures?

NAS units like the Asustor and UGREEN models offer network management and shared access. The QNAP TR-004-US is a USB-C hardware RAID enclosure. It delivers RAID 0, 1, or 5 arrays over a direct USB connection. It serves as external backup without network management features.

See also