Best NAS Devices Under $2000 in 2026: 15 Picks Ranked by Specs
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You need reliable storage for your network, and these are the best network attached storages under $2000. We compared 15 models based strictly on their published specifications. The Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS leads this list because its 298 mm chassis fits shallow rack setups while offering expandable networking options. This guide helps you decide which device matches your capacity and connectivity needs.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- You need a shallow rackmount unit with expandable networking Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS Its 298 mm depth and PCIe expansion slots fit tight rack spaces.
- You require Thunderbolt 3 for fast local video editing Glyph Blackbox PRO RAID 24TB Thunderbolt Drive Thunderbolt 3 connectivity and hardware RAID support high-speed desktop workflows.
- You want a compact 24TB solution for home backups Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS 24TB This 24TB model offers Btrfs protection and a small desktop footprint.
- You need high-bandwidth storage with M.2 NVMe slots Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS It features 10GbE networking, ECC RAM, and four M.2 NVMe slots.
Our 15 picks
Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
Best for: shallow rack setups needing expandable networking
- Drive Bays
- 8 Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 23 × 16.5 × 8.5 inches
This is an 8-bay rackmount NAS designed for multi-user business environments. You get a compact 298-millimeter short-depth chassis, 4GB of memory, and sequential transfer speeds up to 2,315 MB/s read and 1,147 MB/s write. It includes a PCIe expansion slot for upgrading to SFP+ or RJ-45 networking cards. This server suits you if you need dense network storage that fits standard shallow racks without sacrificing drive bays.
Pros
- Short-depth chassis measuring 298 mm deep
- Sequential read speeds up to 2,315 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,147 MB/s
- PCIe slot accommodates SFP+ or RJ-45 network expansion cards
- Supports Synology High Availability cluster configuration
Cons
- Ships diskless with no pre-installed storage drives
- Includes 4GB of base system memory
Good fit if
- You need an 8-bay rackmount enclosure that fits shallow depth racks.
- You plan to add high-speed SFP+ or RJ-45 networking via PCIe.
- You require high-availability clustering with minute-level failover.
Skip if
- You want a desktop tower NAS instead of a rackmount unit.
- You require pre-installed hard drives straight out of the box.
Verdict: Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS delivers dense storage and up to 2,315 MB/s read performance in a space-saving 298 mm chassis. It is a solid rackmount choice if you need multi-user throughput and PCIe network expansion.
Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS
Best for: High-capacity scalable storage arrays
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Processor
- Quad Core
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 18.5 × 17 × 16.5 inches
- Weight
- 20.9 pounds
The Synology 12-Bay DS2422+ is a diskless NAS server with a quad-core CPU and 4GB DDR4 RAM. It delivers up to 2,201 MB/s read and 1,383 MB/s write speeds. You can expand storage to 24 drive bays using a DX1222 unit. This model supports 10/25GbE networking and NVMe SSD caching. It is built for users needing high throughput and significant raw storage capacity.
Pros
- 12 drive bays for large storage arrays
- Up to 2,201 MB/s sequential read speed
- Expandable to 24 bays with DX1222 unit
- Supports 10/25GbE networking options
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchases
- Base 4GB RAM may limit heavy multitasking
- Large footprint at 18.5 inches in length
Good fit if
- You need to store thousands of high-resolution files
- You plan to expand storage beyond 12 drives
- You require high sequential read and write speeds
Skip if
- You want a pre-loaded storage solution
- You have limited desk or rack space
- You need more than 4GB of base RAM
Verdict: Synology 12-Bay DS2422+ NAS suits professionals who need scalable, high-speed storage for large media libraries or enterprise data without pre-installed drives.
BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 16TB Rackmount NAS
Best for: 4-bay rackmount storage with 10GbE
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Native 10GbE port
- Included Storage
- 16TB (4x4TB)
- RAID Support
- RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Dimensions
- 7.9 × 23 × 21.3 inches
View on Amazon: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 16TB Rackmount NAS
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN is a 4-bay rackmount NAS with 16TB of included storage. It features a native 10GbE port for fast transfers and 256-bit drive encryption. The system supports snapshots for ransomware protection and syncs with cloud services like Dropbox and Azure. It ships in RAID 5 for 12TB usable space. This unit suits businesses needing secure, high-capacity data protection in a rack format.
Pros
- Native 10GbE port for high-speed file transfers
- 16TB capacity with four 4TB drives included
- 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication
- Snapshots for instant data recovery and ransomware mitigation
Cons
- Only 4 drive bays limit expansion potential
- No mention of Thunderbolt or USB 3.2 ports
- No display or front-panel controls listed
Good fit if
- You need a 1U rackmount solution for a server room
- You require 10GbE connectivity for high-speed local transfers
- You want 16TB of pre-configured storage with encryption
Skip if
- You need more than 4 drive bays for large arrays
- You prefer a desktop tower over a rackmount chassis
- You require Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for direct device attachment
Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 16TB Rackmount fits businesses that need secure, encrypted storage in a rackmount chassis with 10GbE speed. It is not suitable for users who need more than four bays or desktop form factors.
QNAP 16-Bay Hybrid NAS with Atom 8-Core
Best for: Mixed drive type storage and virtualization
- Drive Bays
- 16 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Atom C-5125
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- Dual M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 3
- Processor Cores
- 8-Core
This 16-bay NAS combines 12 3.5-inch and 4 2.5-inch drive slots for high capacity. It uses an 8-core Intel Atom processor and 8GB of upgradable DDR4 RAM. Dual 2.5GbE ports help with fast file transfers and virtualization. Two M.2 NVMe slots support SSD caching or storage pools. It suits users needing mixed drive types and strong processing power.
Pros
- 12 x 3.5-inch and 4 x 2.5-inch SATA drive bays
- Intel Atom C-5125 8-core processor up to 2.8GHz
- Dual 2.5GbE RJ45 network ports
- 8GB DDR4 RAM expandable to 128GB with ECC support
- Dual M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 3 slots for SSD cache or storage
Cons
- Large physical footprint at 19 inches high and 20 inches deep
- Only includes 8GB RAM despite supporting up to 128GB
- Uses SATA 6Gb/s drives which limits speed compared to NVMe native bays
Good fit if
- You need to mix 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives in one chassis
- You require high core counts for virtualization or heavy multitasking
- You want dual 2.5GbE ports for faster network throughput
Skip if
- You only have space for a compact 2-bay or 4-bay unit
- You need Thunderbolt connectivity for direct high-speed external storage
- You prefer a pre-configured system with drives included
Verdict: QNAP 16-Bay Hybrid NAS with Dual 2.5GbE offers substantial storage flexibility and processing power for demanding environments. It fits users who prioritize drive variety and network speed over compact size.
Glyph Blackbox PRO RAID 24TB Thunderbolt Drive
Best for: Thunderbolt 3 video editing workflows
- Included Storage
- 24TB
- RAID Support
- RAID 0, RAID 1
- Form Factor
- Desktop
- Hardware Interface
- Thunderbolt
- Dimensions
- 8.25 × 5.5 × 4.25 inches
- Weight
- 11 pounds
View on Amazon: Glyph Blackbox PRO RAID 24TB Thunderbolt Drive
The Glyph Blackbox PRO is a 24TB desktop NAS built for high-speed data transfer. It features Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports for reliable connectivity on Mac and Windows systems. The unit includes dual 12TB enterprise drives configured in RAID 0 or RAID 1 via a hardware selector. Its aluminum case uses fan-assisted cooling to maintain stable temperatures during extended video workflows.
Pros
- 24TB total storage capacity with dual 12TB enterprise drives
- Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 interface options
- Hardware RAID selector for RAID 0 or RAID 1 modes
- Fan-assisted aluminum chassis for thermal management
Cons
- Supports only RAID 0 and RAID 1, lacking advanced levels like 5 or 6
- Desktop form factor requires dedicated desk space
- No software RAID management or remote access features listed
Good fit if
- You need fast Thunderbolt 3 transfer speeds for large media files
- You want simple hardware-based RAID configuration without complex software
- You require a compact 24TB solution for Mac or Windows workstations
Skip if
- You need RAID 5 or RAID 6 for better fault tolerance
- You require a rackmountable unit for server closets
- You want remote access or cloud integration features
Verdict: Glyph Blackbox PRO 24TB Thunderbolt 3 is a specialized desktop storage solution for professionals who prioritize raw transfer speeds and simple hardware RAID over advanced network features. It suits video editors and designers who need reliable, high-capacity local storage with Thunderbolt connectivity.
Synology 2-Bay 24TB NAS with Hard Drives
Best for: plug-and-play desktop backup and file sharing
- Drive Bays
- 2-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 1x 1GbE
- Processor
- Realtek RTD1619B
- RAM Capacity
- 1GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- 24TB
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
This unit is a preconfigured two-bay network storage enclosure populated with two 12TB hard drives for 24TB of raw storage. Running a 1.7 GHz quad-core processor with 1GB of non-ECC DDR4 memory, it connects over a single 1GbE network port and provides two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. You get a ready-to-deploy setup built for everyday file backups, local media sharing, and centralized surveillance storage.
Pros
- Includes two 12TB Seagate IronWolf hard drives pre-installed
- Quad-core Realtek RTD1619B 1.7 GHz processor
- Two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for external storage or peripherals
- Compact desktop footprint measuring under 4 inches wide
Cons
- Fixed 1GB DDR4 memory with no expansion slots
- Single 1GbE network port with no multi-gigabit options
- Enclosure limited to two drive bays
Good fit if
- You need an out-of-the-box 24TB setup without sourcing drives separately.
- You want a dedicated desktop server for file backups and media sharing on standard 1GbE networks.
Skip if
- You require multi-gigabit connectivity or link aggregation across multiple LAN ports.
- You run memory-heavy workloads requiring more than 1GB of RAM.
Verdict: Synology 2-Bay 24TB NAS with Hard Drives delivers an out-of-the-box storage solution for standard network backups and local file sharing. Its 1GB memory and single 1GbE port fit baseline tasks rather than resource-heavy multi-user workloads.
TERRAMASTER T12-500 Pro 12-Bay NAS
Best for: High-speed media and large-scale backups
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel Core i7-1255U
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB DDR5
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAID Support
- Single, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10
This 12-bay NAS uses an Intel Core i7-1255U processor and 16GB DDR5 RAM. It includes dual 10GbE ports for up to 20Gbps throughput. You get 2090MB/s sequential write speeds and support for RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. The unit supports up to 288TB of storage. It is built for high-performance backup and virtualized environments.
Pros
- Intel Core i7-1255U 10-core processor with 16GB DDR5 RAM
- Dual 10GbE ports with SMB multichannel support
- Up to 2090MB/s sequential write speeds
- Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10
Cons
- Diskless enclosure requires separate drive purchase
- Large 13.2-inch depth requires significant space
- Heavier 21.2-pound build limits portability
Good fit if
- You need high sequential write speeds for video
- You require 12 drive bays for large capacity
- You want dual 10GbE network connectivity
Skip if
- You need a pre-loaded drive system
- You have limited rack or desk space
- You only need basic home backup
Verdict: TERRAMASTER T12-500 Pro 12-Bay NAS fits professionals who need raw processing power and high-speed data transfer for large files. It suits teams managing heavy virtualization or media workflows.
Asustor Lockerstor 10-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: Enterprise storage and virtualization workloads
- Drive Bays
- 10 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 10GbE, Dual 5GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB ECC DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 4x M.2 NVMe
- Dimensions
- 15.7 × 14.6 × 13.8 inches
The Asustor 10 Bay NAS uses an AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14 processor and 16GB ECC DDR5 memory. It includes dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE ports for high-speed networking. Four M.2 NVMe slots support PCIe 4.0 SSDs. This unit handles heavy data traffic and virtualization. It suits users needing large storage capacity and enterprise-grade stability for continuous operation.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14 quad-core processor
- 16GB ECC DDR5 server memory
- Dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE networking
- Four M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 slots
Cons
- Large physical footprint at 15.7 inches long
- Heavy build compared to smaller NAS units
- No internal hard drives included in base unit
Good fit if
- You need 10 drive bays for massive storage
- You require 10GbE networking for high bandwidth
- You run virtualization or enterprise workloads
Skip if
- You have limited desk or rack space
- You only need basic home file sharing
- You prefer a compact 2-bay or 4-bay design
Verdict: The Asustor 10-Bay Ryzen NAS delivers enterprise performance with its Ryzen CPU and ECC memory. It fits users who need extensive storage and fast networking for professional tasks.
TERRAMASTER 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS
Best for: SMBs needing 10GbE and Intel Core i7 power
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel Core i7 1255U
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
The TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus is an 8-bay NAS powered by an Intel Core i7-1255U processor with 16GB DDR5 RAM. It features dual 10GbE ports for high throughput and two M.2 NVMe slots for caching. This 2U rack-mount unit supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. It is designed for small to medium businesses needing robust backup and virtualization capabilities.
Pros
- Intel Core i7-1255U 10-core processor
- 16GB DDR5 RAM capacity
- Dual 10GbE Ethernet ports
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for Hyper Cache
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- 2U rack-mount form factor needs compatible enclosure
- 30.9-pound weight requires sturdy mounting
Good fit if
- You need high-speed 10GbE connectivity
- You require Intel Core i7 performance for virtualization
- You have a 2U rack enclosure available
Skip if
- You prefer a 1U compact form factor
- You need pre-installed hard drives
- You only have standard 1GbE network ports
Verdict: TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus 8-Bay Intel Core i7 delivers strong processing power and fast networking for demanding SMB workloads. It fits users who need dedicated rack space and high bandwidth for video or backup tasks.
Synology DS223j 36TB 3.5 inch NAS
Best for: High-capacity home file storage
- Drive Bays
- 2-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 1 x 1GbE
- Processor
- RTD1619B 4-Core 1.7GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 1GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- 36TB
- Form Factor
- 3.5 Inch
The Synology DS223j is a two-bay NAS designed for 3.5-inch drives. It includes up to 36TB of storage using two 18TB HDDs. The system runs on a quad-core 1.7GHz RTD1619B CPU with 1GB of DDR4 memory. It connects via a single 1GbE port. This unit offers Btrfs file system protection and snapshot technology. It suits users needing high capacity in a small form factor.
Pros
- Includes up to 36TB storage with two 18TB 3.5-inch HDDs
- Quad-core 1.7GHz RTD1619B processor for efficient operation
- Btrfs file system with snapshot technology for data protection
- Low energy consumption at 17.3 W during operation
Cons
- Only one 1GbE network port limits throughput
- 1GB of non-ECC DDR4 memory is minimal for heavy tasks
- Requires separate installation of hard drives and memory upgrades
Good fit if
- You need high storage capacity in a compact two-bay chassis
- You prioritize data integrity features like snapshots and Btrfs
- You want a low-power NAS for basic file management
Skip if
- You require faster network speeds beyond 1GbE
- You need more than two drive bays for expansion
- You plan to run memory-intensive virtual machines
Verdict: Synology DS223j 3.5 Inch NAS provides substantial storage capacity in a compact design for users who value data protection and energy efficiency over network speed.
Synology 2-Bay 24TB Desktop NAS
Best for: High-capacity home or small office storage
- Network Connectivity
- 2 x 1GbE
- Processor
- Celeron J4125 4-Core 2.0GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 6GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- 24TB
The Synology DS224+ is a 2-bay NAS server featuring an Intel Celeron J4125 4-core processor and 6GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes 24TB of storage via two 12TB drives. The unit has dual 1GbE LAN ports. This configuration suits users needing high capacity in a small footprint. It handles file indexing and web applications efficiently. The design is black and compact.
Pros
- Intel Celeron J4125 4-core 2.0GHz CPU
- 6GB DDR4 non-ECC SODIMM memory
- Includes 24TB storage (2 x 12TB HDDs)
- Dual 1GbE LAN ports
- Low 15W operational power usage
Cons
- Only two drive bays limit expansion
- 1GbE ports cap network speed at 1Gbps
- No mention of Thunderbolt or 10GbE support
Good fit if
- You need 24TB of pre-installed storage
- You want a compact 2-bay system
- You prioritize energy efficiency
Skip if
- You require 10GbE or Thunderbolt connectivity
- You need more than two drive slots
- You want enterprise-grade ECC memory
Verdict: Synology DS224+ 2-Bay NAS delivers high capacity and efficient processing for small offices. It fits users who value pre-loaded storage and low power draw over high-speed networking.
Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS 24TB
Best for: compact dual-bay 24TB Btrfs network storage
- Drive Bays
- 2-Bay
- Processor
- Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-Core
- RAM Capacity
- 2 GB DDR4 non-ECC SODIMM
- Included Storage
- 24TB
- RAID Support
- Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR)
- Network Connectivity
- 5GbE, 1GbE
This unit is a 2-bay desktop storage server configured with 24TB of storage and an Intel Celeron quad-core processor. You get 2 GB of DDR4 non-ECC SODIMM system memory, which you can expand up to 6 GB. It operates with Btrfs snapshot technology and Synology Hybrid RAID for storage management. It suits you if you need compact network storage with third-party drive support for data backups.
Pros
- Intel Celeron quad-core processor
- Preconfigured with 24TB across 2 drive bays
- Btrfs snapshot data protection and Synology Hybrid RAID support
- Compatible with third-party drives under DSM 7.3
Cons
- Limited to two drive bays
- Base memory starts at 2 GB non-ECC
- Maximum memory expansion capped at 6 GB
Good fit if
- You need a 2-bay 24TB setup supporting Synology Hybrid RAID.
- You require Btrfs snapshot protection on an Intel quad-core platform.
- You want compatibility with third-party storage drives.
Skip if
- You need more than two drive bays for expansion.
- You require more than 6 GB of total memory.
- You require ECC RAM for your workload.
Verdict: Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS 24TB delivers compact dual-bay storage backed by an Intel Celeron processor and flexible Btrfs snapshot protection. It serves reliable local backup needs where high bay counts and memory expansion beyond 6 GB are not required.
TerraMaster 9-Bay Desktop NAS with 10-Core Processor
Best for: high-capacity desktop RAID storage and multi-core multitasking
- Drive Bays
- 9-Bay
- Processor
- 10-Core
- Dimensions
- 13.8 × 11.8 × 9.84 inches
- Weight
- 18.7 pounds
View on Amazon: TerraMaster 9-Bay Desktop NAS with 10-Core Processor
The TerraMaster 9-Bay Desktop NAS gives you nine storage bays powered by a 10-core processor in a desktop enclosure. It supports multiple RAID configurations alongside file sharing, data backup, and cloud synchronization tools. Measuring roughly 13.8 by 11.8 by 9.8 inches and weighing 18.74 pounds, this unit suits small businesses, home users, and media enthusiasts who need dense local drive capacity and multi-core processing for multitasking.
Pros
- Nine drive bays for high storage capacity
- 10-core processor for multi-threaded tasks
- Supports multiple RAID configurations
- Integrated backup and cloud synchronization features
Cons
- Substantial desk footprint measuring nearly 14 inches deep
- Heavy base weight of 18.74 pounds before adding drives
Good fit if
- You need nine drive bays in a standalone desktop chassis.
- You run multitasking applications requiring a 10-core processor.
- You require centralized local storage with built-in cloud sync.
Skip if
- You have limited workspace and need a compact enclosure.
- You want a lightweight NAS chassis under 15 pounds.
Verdict: TerraMaster 9-Bay Desktop NAS with 10-Core Processor delivers high drive density and multi-core computing in a desktop chassis. It serves small teams and media users requiring extensive local RAID storage.
UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra 8-Bay NAS
Best for: business file sharing and large studios
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel 150U
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
The UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra is an 8-bay NAS built for business and studio workflows. It features an Intel 150U processor and 8GB of expandable DDR5 memory. Dual 10GbE ports and Thunderbolt 4 connections handle large file transfers efficiently. You get up to 272TB of storage across SATA bays and M.2 NVMe slots. The system supports virtual machines, containers, and local AI photo management. It is ideal for teams needing high-speed collaboration and robust data redundancy.
Pros
- Dual 10GbE networking for high-bandwidth access
- Intel 150U processor with up to 5.4GHz frequency
- 8GB DDR5 memory expandable up to 96GB
- Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10 configurations
- Local AI features for photo and asset management
Cons
- Sold diskless with no included hard drives
- Limited to 8 drive bays compared to 12-bay competitors
- No mention of Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.1 connectivity
Good fit if
- You need dual 10GbE ports for team collaboration
- You want to run virtual machines and Docker containers
- You require local AI tools for photo organization
Skip if
- You need pre-installed hard drives
- You require more than 8 drive bays
- You prefer a larger 12-bay or 16-bay chassis
Verdict: The UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra 8-Bay NAS fits creative studios and IT teams that need fast media ingest and virtualization support. It suits users who prioritize expandable memory and dual 10GbE networking over maximum drive capacity.
Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS
Best for: high-bandwidth multi-gigabit 6-bay network storage
- Drive Bays
- 6 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 5GbE, Dual 10GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB ECC DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 4 M.2 NVMe Slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
This 6-bay desktop NAS runs on an AMD Ryzen quad-core 2.3 GHz processor and comes equipped with 16GB of ECC DDR5 memory. You get built-in 5GbE and 10GbE network connectivity alongside four dedicated M.2 NVMe slots for high-speed caching or storage pools. It suits you if you need multi-gigabit networking, error-checking memory, and six main drive bays for demanding backup, virtualization, or local multi-user file workflows.
Pros
- 16GB ECC DDR5 system memory
- Integrated 5GbE and 10GbE network connectivity
- Four M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching or storage
- AMD Ryzen quad-core 2.3 GHz processor
Cons
- Ships diskless with zero hard drives or SSDs included
- Large desktop footprint measuring 12 by 13 by 13 inches
Good fit if
- You need 5GbE or 10GbE network ports without buying add-in cards.
- You require ECC DDR5 memory for critical data integrity.
- You plan to populate up to six SATA drives and four NVMe SSDs.
Skip if
- You need pre-installed storage drives ready out of the box.
- You want a compact enclosure with fewer drive bays.
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS delivers strong hardware specifications with its 10GbE networking, ECC DDR5 RAM, and four M.2 NVMe slots. It gives you an expandable six-bay foundation for heavy multi-gigabit network demands.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS | Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS | BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 16TB Rackmount NAS | QNAP 16-Bay Hybrid NAS with Atom 8-Core | Glyph Blackbox PRO RAID 24TB Thunderbolt Drive | Synology 2-Bay 24TB NAS with Hard Drives | TERRAMASTER T12-500 Pro 12-Bay NAS | Asustor Lockerstor 10-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | TERRAMASTER 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS | Synology DS223j 36TB 3.5 inch NAS | Synology 2-Bay 24TB Desktop NAS | Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS 24TB | TerraMaster 9-Bay Desktop NAS with 10-Core Processor | UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra 8-Bay NAS | Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8 Bay | 12-Bay | 4-Bay | 16 Bay | not specified | 2-Bay | 12-Bay | 10 Bay | 8-Bay | 2-Bay | not specified | 2-Bay | 9-Bay | 8-Bay | 6 Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not specified | not specified | Native 10GbE port | Dual 2.5GbE | not specified | 1x 1GbE | Dual 10GbE | Dual 10GbE, Dual 5GbE | Dual 10GbE | 1 x 1GbE | 2 x 1GbE | not specified | not specified | Dual 10GbE | Dual 5GbE, Dual 10GbE |
| Processor | not specified | Quad Core | not specified | Intel Atom C-5125 | not specified | Realtek RTD1619B | Intel Core i7-1255U | AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14 | Intel Core i7 1255U | RTD1619B 4-Core 1.7GHz | Celeron J4125 4-Core 2.0GHz | Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-Core | 10-Core | Intel 150U | AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz |
| RAM Capacity | not specified | 4GB DDR4 | not specified | 8GB DDR4 | not specified | 1GB DDR4 | 16GB DDR5 | 16GB ECC DDR5 | 16GB DDR5 | 1GB DDR4 | 6GB DDR4 | 2 GB DDR4 non-ECC SODIMM | not specified | 8GB DDR5 | 16GB ECC DDR5 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not specified | not specified | not specified | Dual M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 3 | not specified | not specified | not specified | 4x M.2 NVMe | 2 slots | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 2 slots | 4 M.2 NVMe Slots |
| Included Storage | Diskless | Diskless | 16TB (4x4TB) | not specified | 24TB | 24TB | Diskless | not specified | Diskless | 36TB | 24TB | 24TB | not specified | Diskless | Diskless |
| RAID Support | not specified | not specified | RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0 | not specified | RAID 0, RAID 1 | not specified | Single, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 | not specified | Single, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 | not specified | not specified | Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) | not specified | RAID 0/1/5/6/10 | not specified |
| Form Factor | not specified | not specified | Rackmount | not specified | Desktop | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 3.5 Inch | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Hardware Interface | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Thunderbolt | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | M.2 NVMe |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 12-Bay | 4-Bay | not specified | not specified | 2-Bay | 12-Bay | not specified | 8-Bay | not specified | not specified | 2-Bay | not specified | 8-Bay | 6-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not specified | Quad-Core | not specified | 8-Core | not specified | Quad-Core | not specified | not specified | not specified | Quad-Core | not specified | Quad-Core | not specified | not specified | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 23 × 16.5 × 8.5 inches | 18.5 × 17 × 16.5 inches | 7.9 × 23 × 21.3 inches | 20 × 18 × 19 inches | 8.25 × 5.5 × 4.25 inches | 8.86 × 3.94 × 6.5 inches | 13.2 × 6.42 × 11.6 inches | 15.7 × 14.6 × 13.8 inches | 15.1 × 17.3 × 3.46 inches | 12 × 6 × 12 inches | not specified | not specified | 13.8 × 11.8 × 9.84 inches | not specified | 13 × 12 × 13 inches |
| Weight | not specified | 20.9 pounds | 27.2 pounds | not specified | 11 pounds | 6.85 pounds | 21.2 pounds | 1.35 pounds | 30.9 pounds | not specified | not specified | 4.41 pounds | 18.7 pounds | not specified | not specified |
| Size | RS1221+ | 12-bay; 4GB DDR4 | 16TB (4x4TB) | 16U x 3.5" x 16" | 24TB | 24TB | 10-Core, 16GB RAM, 12Bay, T12-500 Pro | 10 Bay | 8Bay, 2U, 10Core CPU, 16GB RAM | f) 36TB (2 x 18TB) 3.5" HDD | not specified | 24TB | Desktop | not specified | not specified |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Coral | Black | Seagate IronWolf | Black | Black | Black | White | black | black | black | Grey | not specified |
| Model | RS1221+ | DS2422+ | TS5420RN1604 | TS-1655-8G-US | BBPR24RDTB3 | not specified | T12-500 Pro | AS6810T | U8-500 Plus | DS223j | not specified | DS225+/24TB-IW | not specified | DXP8800 Ultra | AS6806T |
If you need outdoor storage, see our guide to the best storage sheds under 2000 for your NAS setup.
How to choose the right NAS
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Match form factor to space
Decide if you need a rackmount unit or a desktop tower. Rackmount devices like the Synology RS1221+ have a short depth of 23 inches, fitting shallow server racks. Desktop models, such as the TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus, sit on a desk but require more floor space. Check the width and height dimensions in the specs. Ensure your physical location can accommodate the chassis size. Rack units save desk space but need proper mounting. Desktop units offer easier access for drive swaps.
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Check RAM for multitasking
RAM capacity affects how many users and services run smoothly. Entry-level units like the Synology DS224+ include 1GB or 4GB of RAM. This suits basic file sharing and light backups. High-performance models like the TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus and Asustor AS6804T feature 16GB of RAM. This supports virtualization, heavy multi-user workloads, and large media libraries. If you plan to run Docker containers or virtual machines, prioritize devices with higher base RAM or upgradeable slots. Check the attributes section for initial capacity.
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Evaluate network connectivity needs
Network ports determine how fast you transfer data across your local network. Standard 1GbE ports, found on the Synology DS224+, are sufficient for basic home backups. If you edit video or manage large databases, look for 5GbE or 10GbE options. The Asustor AS6804T and AS6706T include 10GbE ports for high bandwidth. The TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus also offers 10GbE for SMB environments. Ensure your switch and cabling support these speeds. Mismatched network hardware can bottleneck your storage performance significantly.
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Consider hardware interfaces for speed
Internal and external interfaces impact storage flexibility. Some NAS drives include M.2 NVMe slots for fast SSD caching. The Asustor AS6804T and AS6706T offer four NVMe slots. This accelerates read/write speeds for active files. Desktop drives like the Glyph Blackbox PRO use Thunderbolt 3 for direct, high-speed connections to video editing workstations. Check the attributes for interface types. NVMe slots are ideal for NAS users wanting speed. Thunderbolt is better for single-user creative professionals needing direct attachment.
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Select appropriate drive bays
The number of bays dictates your maximum storage capacity and redundancy options. Two-bay models like the Synology DS224+ are compact and suitable for small offices. Eight-bay units like the Synology RS1221+ and TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus handle larger libraries. Twelve-bay options like the DS2422+ provide extensive scalability. More bays allow for RAID configurations that protect data if a drive fails. Match the bay count to your current drive collection and future growth plans. Ensure the chassis supports the drive sizes you intend to use.
Frequently asked questions
Which NAS is best for shallow rack setups?
The Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS is the top choice for tight spaces. Its 298 mm chassis fits shallow server racks without protruding too far. It offers eight bays and supports PCIe network expansion for better connectivity options. This model delivers up to 2,315 MB/s read speeds for multi-user throughput.
What is the best NAS for video editing workflows?
The Glyph Blackbox PRO 24TB Thunderbolt Drive is ideal for video editors. It uses Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for high-speed local transfers. The device features hardware RAID for reliability. It is a desktop solution that prioritizes raw transfer speeds over advanced network features, making it perfect for designers needing fast access to large media files.
Which NAS has the highest RAM capacity?
The TERRAMASTER T12-500 Pro and U8-500 Plus both feature 16GB of RAM. The T12-500 Pro includes a 10-core Intel processor for heavy multitasking. The U8-500 Plus also uses an Intel Core i7. These high memory capacities support demanding virtualization and large-scale backup tasks for professional teams managing significant data workloads.
How many bays does the Synology DS2422+ have?
The Synology 12-Bay DS2422+ provides twelve drive bays for high-capacity storage. It uses a quad-core processor and includes 4GB of RAM. This model is designed for scalable arrays and enterprise data. It does not come with pre-installed drives, allowing you to choose specific drives for your media libraries or professional data needs.
Which NAS supports 10GbE networking?
Several models support 10GbE speeds, including the BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN and the Asustor Lockerstor 10-Bay. The BUFFALO unit is a 4-bay rackmount option with encrypted storage. The Asustor AS6810T offers a Ryzen CPU and ECC memory for enterprise performance. These devices provide the high bandwidth needed for fast network data transfers.
Is there a NAS with M.2 NVMe slots?
The Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS includes four M.2 NVMe slots. It also features 16GB of ECC DDR5 RAM and 10GbE networking. This hardware configuration supports high-bandwidth multi-gigabit network demands. It provides an expandable foundation for users requiring fast cache storage alongside their six drive bays for heavy workloads.
Which NAS is best for plug-and-play backup?
The Synology 2-Bay 24TB NAS with Hard Drives is designed for standard network backups. It comes pre-loaded with storage for immediate use. The device has 1GB of memory and a single 1GbE port. It fits baseline tasks like local file sharing rather than resource-heavy multi-user workloads, making it simple for home or small office use.