BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay Business Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The buffalo terastation 5420rn 4 bay business alternatives list helps you find the right storage for your needs. This NAS offers 10GbE speed and 32TB capacity in a rackmount chassis. It includes drives and focuses on security with snapshots and encryption. You might look elsewhere if you need a desktop form factor instead of rackmount space. Some teams prefer Synology or QNAP software ecosystems over Buffalo’s closed system. Others want more bays or different network ports like dual 1GbE for redundancy.
The alternatives were chosen because their specs overlap with the original. We compared form factors, bay counts, and connectivity options. You will see rackmount expansions that add space to existing QNAP systems. There are also compact rack units from Synology for teams needing fast transfers. Desktop options provide 10GbE speed without the rackmount footprint. Each pick matches specific requirements like NVMe support or budget constraints. Review the specifications to see which model fits your infrastructure best.
Our top pick: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB.
How alternatives compare to the 5420RN
QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS
The QNAP TR-004U is a 4-bay rackmount expansion unit rather than a standalone NAS. It weighs only 4.41 pounds and measures 16.5 by 21.3 inches, making it much lighter and narrower than the 27.2-pound BUFFALO unit. You use this to add space to an existing QNAP system. It lacks the 10GbE port and built-in security features like snapshots found in the BUFFALO. This is for users who already have a host NAS and need more bulk storage without managing a second full system. It does not include drives.
QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD
The QNAP TL-R400S is a 1U rackmount JBOD, designed for SATA expansion. It is smaller than the BUFFALO, measuring 16.3 by 21.3 inches. This unit provides raw disk space for servers or NAS systems but does not offer file sharing or network protocols on its own. You lose the 10GbE speed and security features like encryption. It is best for users who need cheap, expandable storage for a server environment. It does not include hard drives. The BUFFALO is a complete storage solution with RAID and network capabilities, while this is just a drive enclosure.
Synology 4-Bay Compact Rackmount NAS
The Synology RS422+ is a compact 4-bay rackmount NAS. It is smaller and lighter than the BUFFALO, measuring 15.8 by 21 inches. It offers dual 1GbE ports for network redundancy but lacks the native 10GbE port of the BUFFALO. You must buy drives separately, whereas the BUFFALO includes 32TB of storage. This unit suits users who want high-speed sequential transfers and plan to add 10GbE modules later. It gives up included drives and 10GbE speed for a smaller footprint. Choose this if you prefer Synology software and need expandable network options.
BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN is a desktop version of the rackmount model. It includes 32TB of storage in 4 bays, just like the original. However, it uses a desktop form factor instead of rackmount. It measures 12.2 by 14.1 inches, making it much smaller than the 23-inch wide rack unit. It retains the 10GbE port and security features like snapshots. This is for businesses that prioritize 10GbE speed and desktop flexibility over rackmount density. You save rack space but lose the ability to mount it in a standard server rack. It includes drives.
BUFFALO TeraStation 4-Bay 8TB Rackmount NAS
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 8TB is a smaller capacity version of the original. It has 4 bays with 8TB total capacity, compared to the 32TB in the original. It uses 2.5GbE speed instead of 10GbE. This unit is for small teams needing secure, pre-configured rack storage with included drives. You give up raw capacity and 10GbE speed for a lower-cost entry point. It retains the rackmount form factor and security features. Choose this if you need less storage and do not require 10GbE networking. It ships with hard drives included for immediate use.
QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
The QNAP 8-Bay NAS offers double the bays of the BUFFALO. It has 8 bays and 8GB of RAM, compared to the 4 bays and unspecified RAM in the BUFFALO. It supports NVMe and offers 5GbE and 2.5GbE connectivity. This unit is for users who need more storage density and faster networking options in a compact rack solution. You gain expandable RAM and NVMe performance but lose the included drives and 10GbE port. The BUFFALO provides 32TB included, while this unit requires separate drive purchases. It is better for teams needing higher capacity and processing power.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB
Best for: Businesses needing secure 10GbE rackmount storage
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Native 10GbE port
- Included Storage
- 32TB (4x8TB)
- RAID Support
- RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Dimensions
- 7.9 × 23 × 21.3 inches
View on Amazon: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB Affiliate link
This is a 4-bay rackmount NAS with 32TB of storage included. It features a native 10GbE port for fast data transfers and 256-bit drive encryption. The system supports snapshots for quick recovery and integrates with major cloud services. You get 24/7 US-based support and a 3-year warranty. It suits businesses needing secure, high-capacity storage in a rackmount form factor.
Pros
- Native 10GbE port for high-speed transfers
- 32TB capacity with 4x8TB drives included
- 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication
- Snapshot feature for instant data recovery
- Cloud integration with Dropbox, S3, and Azure
Cons
- Limited to 4 bays for expansion
- No mention of USB 3.0 or eSATA ports
- Heavier at 27.2 pounds compared to desktop units
Good fit if
- You need a rackmount solution with 10GbE connectivity
- You want included drives and a 3-year warranty
- You require enterprise-grade security features like snapshots
Skip if
- You prefer a desktop form factor for small offices
- You need more than 4 drive bays
- You want a budget option without included drives
Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 32TB Rackmount NAS is a robust choice for businesses that need secure, high-speed storage in a rackmount chassis. It fits teams prioritizing data protection and fast network transfers over expandability.
QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS
Best for: expanding QNAP NAS storage capacity
- Drive Bays
- 4 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- USB 3.0 Type-C
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Dimensions
- 21.3 × 16.5 × 7.87 inches
- Weight
- 4.41 pounds
View on Amazon: QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
The QNAP TR-004U is a 4-bay rackmount expansion unit designed to add storage to your existing QNAP NAS. It supports up to four SATA drives and features a USB 3.0 Type-C port for faster data transfer. You can configure RAID groups using dip switches or via the Storage & Snapshots Manager on your main NAS. This black enclosure measures 21.3 inches in length and weighs 4.41 pounds, making it a compact addition to your rack setup.
Pros
- USB 3.0 Type-C port for faster data transfer
- Supports up to four SATA drives for reliable performance
- Lockable hard drive trays prevent accidental removal
- Dip switches allow easy RAID configuration changes
Cons
- No internal RAID controller; requires a host NAS
- Cannot function as a standalone network storage device
- Limited to SATA drive compatibility
Good fit if
- You need extra storage for an existing QNAP NAS
- You want a rackmount expansion unit with lockable bays
- You prefer hardware RAID configuration via dip switches
Skip if
- You need a standalone NAS without a host system
- You require internal RAID management without a main NAS
- You need USB 3.0 Type-A connectivity only
Verdict: The QNAP TR-004U 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion is a practical storage add-on for users with a QNAP NAS who need more space. It fits best in setups where you already have a host NAS and want to expand capacity securely.
QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD
Best for: expanding storage for QNAP NAS or servers
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Hardware Interface
- SATA
- Dimensions
- 21.3 × 16.3 × 7.05 inches
View on Amazon: QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD Affiliate link
The QNAP TL-R400S is a 1U rackmount SATA 6Gbps JBOD enclosure. It holds four 3.5-inch drives but ships diskless. It includes a PCIe SATA card and SFF-8088 cable for expansion. This unit suits users needing extra storage for QNAP NAS systems, Windows, or Linux servers. It offers high-performance connectivity for bulk data storage without built-in RAID management.
Pros
- Four 3.5-inch SATA drive bays
- SATA 6Gbps interface speed
- Includes PCIe SATA card and SFF-8088 cable
- 1U rackmount form factor
Cons
- Ships diskless with no drives included
- Functions as JBOD without native RAID capabilities
- Requires separate host system for management
Good fit if
- You need extra storage for an existing QNAP NAS
- You require a compact 1U rackmount expansion unit
- You want to add SATA drives to a Windows or Linux server
Skip if
- You need a fully managed NAS with built-in RAID
- You want pre-installed drives for immediate use
- You require a tower form factor instead of rackmount
Verdict: The QNAP TL-R400S 4-Bay Rackmount JBOD provides reliable SATA expansion for servers and NAS systems. It fits users who need additional bulk storage capacity in a 1U rackmount chassis.
Synology 4-Bay Compact Rackmount NAS
Best for: Business users needing fast transfers and dual 1GbE
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 1GbE
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Dimensions
- 21 × 15.8 × 5.45 inches
View on Amazon: Synology 4-Bay Compact Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
This is a 4-bay rackmount NAS designed for business environments. It offers sequential read speeds over 601 MB/s and write speeds over 516 MB/s. The unit includes dual 1GbE ports for network failover and load balancing. It features a compact depth of 327.5 mm. You get a diskless chassis, meaning you must supply your own drives. It supports plug-and-play network upgrade modules for 10GbE connectivity.
Pros
- Sequential read throughput exceeds 601 MB/s
- Dual 1GbE ports support network failover
- Compact depth of 327.5 mm with handles installed
- Supports 10GbE upgrade modules
Cons
- Sold diskless, requiring separate drive purchases
- Limited to 1GbE ports without add-on modules
- No redundant power supply included in this model
Good fit if
- You need high sequential read speeds for stable transfers
- You require network failover with dual 1GbE ports
- You want to add 10GbE connectivity via modules
Skip if
- You need a unit with drives included
- You require built-in 10GbE ports without upgrades
- You need a redundant power supply
Verdict: Synology RackStation RS422+ 4-Bay NAS fits users who need high-speed sequential transfers and network redundancy in a compact rackmount form. It suits those willing to buy drives separately and add 10GbE modules later.
BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS
Best for: desktop environments needing 10GbE speed
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Native 10GbE port
- Included Storage
- 32TB (4x8TB)
- RAID Support
- RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0
- Form Factor
- Desktop
- Dimensions
- 14.1 × 12.2 × 14.3 inches
View on Amazon: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS Affiliate link
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN is a 4-bay desktop NAS with 32TB of total storage, shipped with four 8TB drives. It features a native 10GbE port for fast transfers and supports RAID 5 or 6 for data protection. The unit includes 256-bit drive encryption and snapshot capabilities for ransomware mitigation. This model suits users needing high-speed connectivity and robust security in a desktop form factor rather than a rackmount chassis.
Pros
- Native 10GbE port for high-speed file transfers
- 32TB total capacity with four 8TB drives included
- 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication
- Snapshot feature for instant data recovery
Cons
- Desktop form factor limits space-saving options
- Larger physical dimensions than rackmount alternatives
- No mention of built-in UPS support
Good fit if
- You need 10GbE connectivity for fast local transfers
- You prefer a desktop unit over a rackmount chassis
- You require immediate 32TB storage with drives included
Skip if
- You are installing equipment in a standard server rack
- You require a smaller footprint for desk space
- You need a diskless unit for custom drive selection
Verdict: The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS fits businesses that prioritize 10GbE speed and desktop flexibility over rackmount density.
BUFFALO TeraStation 4-Bay 8TB Rackmount NAS
Best for: Small teams needing secure, pre-configured rack storage
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2.5GbE
- Included Storage
- 8TB (4x2TB)
- RAID Support
- RAID 0, 5, 6
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
View on Amazon: BUFFALO TeraStation 4-Bay 8TB Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
The Buffalo TeraStation 5420RN is a 4-bay rackmount NAS with 8TB of pre-installed storage. It features a 2.5GbE port for fast data transfers and 256-bit drive encryption for security. The unit ships with RAID 5 configured for 4TB of usable space. You can adjust RAID settings to increase capacity or redundancy. This drive suits small businesses needing reliable, encrypted storage with cloud sync options.
Pros
- Includes 4 pre-tested 2TB hard drives for 8TB total capacity
- Features a native 2.5GbE port for high-speed file transfers
- Provides 256-bit drive encryption and flexible backup features
- Supports cloud integration with Dropbox, Amazon S3, and Azure
Cons
- Usable capacity is only 4TB in the default RAID 5 configuration
- Lower 8TB total capacity compared to 32TB alternatives on this list
- Closed system limits advanced customization options found in other models
Good fit if
- You need a rackmount NAS with drives pre-installed
- You require 2.5GbE connectivity for faster local transfers
- You want 256-bit encryption for data protection
Skip if
- You need more than 8TB of total storage
- You prefer open-source operating systems for full control
- You are limited to standard 1GbE network connections
Verdict: The Buffalo TeraStation 5420RN 8TB Rackmount NAS offers a secure, plug-and-play solution for small teams. It fits buyers who value included drives and 2.5GbE speed over raw capacity or open software flexibility.
QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
Best for: 8-bay rackmount storage with NVMe support
- Drive Bays
- 8 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Atom C5125
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB SODIMM DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
This is an 8-bay rackmount NAS designed for business environments. It features an Intel Atom C5125 processor and 8GB of RAM, expandable to 64GB. The unit includes dual 2.5GbE ports for faster network transfers and two M.2 NVMe slots for cache acceleration. It is a diskless system, meaning you must purchase drives separately. Its short-depth 2U form factor fits standard racks efficiently.
Pros
- Eight drive bays for high capacity
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports
- Two M.2 NVMe SSD slots
- Expandable RAM up to 64GB
Cons
- Sold diskless without included storage
- Requires rackmount installation
- Intel Atom processor limits heavy virtualization
Good fit if
- You need eight drive bays in a rack
- You want fast 2.5GbE network speeds
- You plan to use NVMe caching
Skip if
- You need pre-installed hard drives
- You are using a desktop tower
- You require 10GbE connectivity
Verdict: QNAP 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS offers ample storage and fast networking for teams needing a compact rack solution. It suits users who value expandable RAM and NVMe performance over raw processing power.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB | QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS | QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD | Synology 4-Bay Compact Rackmount NAS | BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS | BUFFALO TeraStation 4-Bay 8TB Rackmount NAS | QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4-Bay | 4 Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 8 Bay |
| Network Connectivity | Native 10GbE port | USB 3.0 Type-C | not stated | Dual 1GbE | Native 10GbE port | 2.5GbE | Dual 2.5GbE |
| Processor | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Intel Atom C5125 |
| RAM Capacity | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 8GB SODIMM DDR4 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots |
| Included Storage | 32TB (4x8TB) | not stated | Diskless | Diskless | 32TB (4x8TB) | 8TB (4x2TB) | Diskless |
| RAID Support | RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0 | not stated | not stated | not stated | RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0 | RAID 0, 5, 6 | not stated |
| Form Factor | Rackmount | Rackmount | Rackmount | Rackmount | Desktop | Rackmount | Rackmount |
| Hardware Interface | not stated | not stated | SATA | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 8-Core |
| Dimensions | 7.9 × 23 × 21.3 inches | 21.3 × 16.5 × 7.87 inches | 21.3 × 16.3 × 7.05 inches | 21 × 15.8 × 5.45 inches | 14.1 × 12.2 × 14.3 inches | not stated | 23 × 21 × 8 inches |
| Weight | 27.2 pounds | 4.41 pounds | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 9 pounds |
| Size | 32TB (4x8TB) | 4 Bay | 4 Bay | RS422+ | 32TB (4x8TB) | 8TB (4x2TB) | Short Rackmount-RP (Unav.) |
| Color | Black | Black | black | Black | black or dark gray | Black | Black or Gray |
| Model | TS5420RN3204 | TR-004U | TL-R400S | RS422+ | TS5420DN3204 | TS3420R0804S | TS-855EU-RP-8G-US |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these alternatives in a standard server rack?
Most options on this list feature a rackmount form factor, making them suitable for standard 19-inch server racks. The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN, QNAP TR-004U, and Synology RS422+ are all designed for rack installation. This allows you to mount them securely in a data center or office server closet. One exception is the TeraStation 5420DN, which uses a desktop chassis instead.
Do any of these models include pre-installed hard drives?
Yes, several units come with drives included to save you setup time. The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 32TB includes four 8TB drives, while the 8TB version includes four 2TB drives. The desktop TeraStation 5420DN also ships with four 8TB drives pre-installed. Other models, like the Synology RS422+, typically require you to purchase drives separately.
Which alternative offers the fastest network connection speed?
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN and the desktop TeraStation 5420DN both support 10GbE networking. This provides significantly higher bandwidth than the 2.5GbE found in the 8TB rackmount version. The QNAP 8-Bay model also features advanced connectivity with 5GbE and 2.5GbE ports. These speeds help reduce transfer times for large files and busy networks.
Are there options for expanding existing storage capacity?
The QNAP TR-004U and TL-R400S are designed specifically as expansion units. The TR-004U connects to a host QNAP NAS to add more bays. The TL-R400S acts as a JBOD enclosure for servers. These are practical if you already have a primary NAS and need more space without replacing your main system. They fit neatly into the same rack setup.
Which model is best for small teams with limited space?
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN offers a desktop form factor that saves rack space. It measures 12.2 by 14.1 inches, making it easy to place on a desk. For rack users, the Synology RS422+ is a compact 4-bay option at 5.45 inches high. The QNAP TR-004U is also lightweight and narrow, fitting well in tight spaces.
Do I need to buy additional RAM or modules?
Some models require separate purchases for maximum performance. The Synology RS422+ is designed for users who add 10GbE modules later to boost speed. The QNAP 8-Bay model supports expandable RAM, which you may need to upgrade for heavy workloads. Other units like the BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN come fully configured with their included drives and standard networking.
Is there a high-capacity option for larger teams?
The QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS provides ample storage for teams needing more than four bays. It supports NVMe performance and includes 8GB of RAM out of the box. This model suits users who value expandability and speed. It measures 21 inches wide and fits into standard racks while offering nearly double the drive slots of the 4-bay alternatives.