6 Best Alternatives to the QNAP 4-Bay 1U Short Depth (2026)
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The QNAP TS-464eU-8G-US delivers compact 1U rackmount storage with strong networking and media features. If you are searching for qnap ts 464eu 8g us 4 bay 1u alternatives, you might need different specifications or a different brand. This model excels in space efficiency and includes dual 2.5GbE ports for faster file transfers. It also supports M.2 NVMe SSDs for cache acceleration and 4K media playback via HDMI.
You might look elsewhere if you require pre-installed drives, higher capacity, or simpler security protocols. Some users prefer the ready-to-use nature of BUFFALO models or the specific expansion options from QNAP. The alternatives listed here were chosen because their specs overlap with the original. They share the 4-bay form factor and rackmount design. This list covers options ranging from budget JBODs to high-capacity business units, ensuring you find a match for your specific technical needs.
Our top pick: QNAP 4-Bay 1U Short Depth Rackmount NAS.
Comparing rackmount alternatives
BUFFALO TeraStation 4-Bay 8TB Rackmount NAS
The BUFFALO TeraStation TS3420R0804S comes with four 2TB drives pre-installed for a total of 8TB. You get a secure, ready-to-use solution without buying separate hard drives. This model prioritizes data protection and US support over raw speed. It lacks the dual 2.5GbE ports found on the QNAP, offering standard Gigabit connectivity instead. If you value included storage capacity and simplified setup over high-speed networking, this is a practical choice. The black rackmount chassis fits standard server racks. It is ideal for teams needing simple, secure storage without configuring drives themselves.
QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS
The QNAP TR-004U is a dedicated expansion unit, not a standalone NAS. It adds four extra drive bays to an existing QNAP system. You cannot use it independently; it requires a PCIe expansion card and a compatible host NAS. This makes it perfect for users who already own a QNAP server and need more raw storage space. It shares the same rackmount form factor but lacks its own processor or RAM. Choose this if you need to scale capacity within your current QNAP ecosystem. It is not suitable for building a new, independent storage system from scratch.
QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD
The QNAP TL-R400S is a SATA JBOD expansion unit designed for raw storage growth. Like the TR-004U, it connects to an existing QNAP NAS via a PCIe card. It provides four additional bays for drives you install yourself. This model is best for users who need more space without managing a second operating system. It lacks the CPU, RAM, and networking features of the TS-464eU. You get pure storage expansion rather than a complete server. Pick this if you already have a QNAP system and need to increase capacity in a rackmount environment efficiently.
QNAP TS-431K 4-Bay NAS
The QNAP TS-431K is a desktop NAS, not a rackmount device. It lacks the 1U form factor and rack ears of the TS-464eU. You get dual 1GbE ports instead of the faster dual 2.5GbE connectivity. It also omits the HDMI output for media playback and the M.2 NVMe slots for cache acceleration. This model is suitable for home users or small offices who do not need server rack mounting. It offers basic 4-bay storage at a lower performance tier. Choose it if you prioritize standard Gigabit networking and desktop placement over high-speed networking and rack integration.
Synology 4-Bay Compact Rackmount NAS
The Synology RS422+ is a compact rackmount NAS from a different brand. It offers four bays in a similar space-efficient chassis. You get Synology’s operating system instead of QNAP’s QTS. This model focuses on network flexibility and upgrade paths for rack environments. It may lack the specific media transcoding features and dual 2.5GbE ports of the TS-464eU. Choose Synology if you prefer their software ecosystem or need different networking options. It fits teams that want a dedicated rackmount solution without the QNAP brand or its specific hardware interface.
BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB
The BUFFALO TeraStation TS5420RN comes with four 8TB drives pre-installed for 32TB of total capacity. This offers significantly more storage than the empty-bay QNAP model. It includes 10GbE networking for faster large file transfers, surpassing the QNAP’s 2.5GbE ports. You get robust security features and high capacity in a rackmount form. However, it is larger and heavier, measuring 21.3 inches in length. Pick this if you need pre-loaded high capacity and 10GbE speed. It is ideal for teams requiring strict data protection and maximum storage density in a single rack unit.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
QNAP 4-Bay 1U Short Depth Rackmount NAS
Best for: compact rackmount media and file storage
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
View on Amazon: QNAP 4-Bay 1U Short Depth Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
This QNAP rackmount NAS offers 4 bays in a 1U short-depth form factor. It includes an Intel quad-core CPU with 8GB RAM and dual 2.5GbE ports for fast network transfers. Dual M.2 NVMe slots support cache or storage pools. HDMI 1.4b output enables 4K media playback. It suits teams needing compact, high-speed storage for large files and media.
Pros
- Intel quad-core CPU with 8GB RAM
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports
- Dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots
- HDMI 1.4b for 4K playback
Cons
- HDMI 1.4b limits output to 4K @30Hz
- M.2 slots are PCIe Gen 3 x1
- USB ports are Type-A only
Good fit if
- You need a 1U rackmount form factor
- You require fast 2.5GbE network speeds
- You want local 4K media playback
Skip if
- You need 10GbE networking
- You require USB Type-C ports
- You prefer a desktop form factor
Verdict: QNAP 4-Bay 1U Short Depth NAS provides compact rackmount storage with strong networking and media features. It fits teams prioritizing speed and space efficiency over future-proof PCIe standards.
BUFFALO TeraStation 4-Bay 8TB Rackmount NAS
Best for: Simple, secure rackmount storage with drives
- 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
This BUFFALO TeraStation is a 4-bay rackmount NAS with 8TB of storage. It includes four 2TB hard drives pre-configured in RAID 5. The unit features a native 2.5GbE port for fast transfers. It supports 256-bit drive encryption and cloud sync with services like Dropbox and Azure. You get a 3-year warranty with US-based support. It is designed for secure, professional-grade data protection.
Pros
- Includes 8TB of storage (4x2TB drives)
- Native 2.5GbE port for fast transfers
- 256-bit drive encryption for data security
- 3-year warranty with US support
Cons
- Lower 2.5GbE speed compared to 10GbE options
- Closed system limits advanced customization
- No mention of app control or remote management
Good fit if
- You need a simple, secure rackmount solution
- You want drives included and pre-configured
- You prefer US-based warranty support
Skip if
- You require 10GbE connectivity
- You need advanced cloud sync features
- You want a fully open system
Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 8TB 4-Bay Rackmount NAS is a secure, ready-to-use option for teams needing simple data protection. It fits users who value included drives and US support over high-speed networking.
QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS
Best for: expanding QNAP NAS storage
- 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
This is a 4-bay rackmount expansion enclosure designed to add storage to a QNAP NAS. It supports up to four SATA drives and features a USB 3.0 Type-C port for faster data transfer. The unit includes lockable hard drive trays and dip switches to configure RAID groups. It serves as a direct-attached storage device or hardware-based RAID unit for cross-platform file sharing.
Pros
- Supports up to four SATA drives
- USB 3.0 Type-C port for faster transfer
- Lockable hard drive trays
- Dip switches for RAID configuration
Cons
- No built-in network ports for standalone use
- Requires a host QNAP NAS for management
- Lacks built-in RAID controller hardware
Good fit if
- You need extra storage for a QNAP NAS
- You want a rackmount expansion unit
- You prefer hardware RAID control
Skip if
- You need a standalone NAS
- You require network connectivity on the unit
- You want a budget-friendly option
Verdict: QNAP TR-004U 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion is a dedicated storage add-on for QNAP users. It fits those who need more drive bays in a rackmount form factor without building a new system.
QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD
Best for: expanding storage for QNAP NAS systems
- 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 JBOD enclosure designed to expand storage for QNAP NAS units, Windows, and Linux systems. It holds four 3.5-inch SATA drives but ships diskless. The package includes a QXP-400eS-A1164 PCIe SATA card and an SFF-8088 cable. This setup offers high-performance SATA 6Gb/s connectivity. It suits users needing extra disk space without managing a full NAS operating system.
Pros
- Four 3.5-inch SATA drive bays for expanded capacity
- Includes QXP-400eS-A1164 PCIe SATA controller card
- Compact 1U rackmount form factor fits standard servers
- Supports SATA 6Gb/s and 3Gb/s interfaces
Cons
- Ships diskless with no hard drives included
- Lacks a built-in NAS operating system or management interface
- Requires a PCIe slot and specific QNAP host for full functionality
Good fit if
- You need extra storage for an existing QNAP NAS
- You want a simple disk expansion without full NAS features
- You have a server with an available PCIe slot
Skip if
- You need a standalone NAS with its own operating system
- You want pre-installed hard drives ready to use
- You require USB connectivity for direct PC attachment
Verdict: The QNAP TL-R400S 4 Bay Rackmount JBOD is a practical expansion unit for users who already have a QNAP NAS and need more raw storage space. It fits best in server racks where you can utilize the included PCIe card for direct host connection.
QNAP TS-431K 4-Bay NAS
Best for: home users needing dual 1GbE ports
- Drive Bays
- 4 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2 x 1 GbE
- Processor
- Annapurna Labs AL-214
- RAM Capacity
- 1GB DDR3
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 6.3 × 8.62 × 6.3 inches
View on Amazon: QNAP TS-431K 4-Bay NAS Affiliate link
The QNAP TS-431K is a 4-bay NAS designed for home use. It features an Annapurna Labs AL-214 quad-core 1.7 GHz processor and 1GB DDR3 RAM. You get two 1GbE ports for network connectivity. The unit includes three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. It supports four 3.5-inch SATA drives. This model suits users needing basic storage with dual network access.
Pros
- Annapurna Labs AL-214 quad-core 1.7 GHz processor
- Two 1 GbE network ports
- Three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
- Supports four 3.5-inch SATA drives
Cons
- Only 1GB DDR3 RAM
- 1GbE network speed
- Not rackmount compatible
Good fit if
- You need dual 1GbE ports for home use
- You want a 4-bay SATA NAS
- You prefer a compact desktop form factor
Skip if
- You require 10GbE connectivity
- You need a rackmount chassis
- You want more than 1GB of RAM
Verdict: QNAP TS-431K 4-Bay NAS fits users who need basic 4-bay storage with dual 1GbE ports. It is not suitable for those requiring rackmount mounting or higher network speeds.
Synology 4-Bay Compact Rackmount NAS
Best for: compact rackmount storage with upgrade paths
- 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
The Synology RackStation RS422+ is a 4-bay rackmount NAS designed for compact server rooms. It offers over 601/516 MB/s sequential read/write speeds and dual 1GbE ports for network redundancy. The unit features a space-saving depth of 327.5 mm with handles installed. You can expand connectivity using plug-and-play network upgrade modules. This diskless unit suits users needing reliable storage with flexible networking options.
Pros
- Over 601/516 MB/s sequential read/write throughput
- Dual 1GbE ports for failover and load balancing
- Space-saving depth of 327.5 mm with handles
- Supports plug-and-play 10GbE upgrade modules
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- Limited to 1GbE base connectivity without upgrades
- No mention of included rack mounting hardware
Good fit if
- You need a compact 1U rackmount solution
- You require network redundancy with dual ports
- You plan to upgrade to 10GbE later
Skip if
- You want pre-installed hard drives
- You need native 10GbE connectivity
- You prefer a desktop form factor
Verdict: Synology RackStation RS422+ 4-Bay NAS provides a compact, expandable storage base for users who prioritize network flexibility and space efficiency in a rack environment.
BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB
Best for: High-capacity secure business 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
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN is a 4-bay rackmount NAS with 32TB of storage included. It features a native 10GbE port for fast transfers and 256-bit drive encryption. The system supports snapshots for instant recovery and syncs with cloud services like Azure and Dropbox. It ships in RAID 5 for 24TB usable space. This unit suits users needing high-capacity, secure business storage with professional hardware stability.
Pros
- Native 10GbE port for high-speed data transfers
- 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication
- Snapshots for instant data backup and recovery
- 32TB capacity with four 8TB drives included
- Syncs with Dropbox, Amazon S3, and Microsoft Azure
Cons
- Heavier build at 27.2 pounds compared to competitors
- Larger physical dimensions than short-depth rack options
- Closed system limits custom firmware or app flexibility
Good fit if
- You need high-capacity storage with drives included
- You require 10GbE connectivity for fast transfers
- You prioritize data protection and encryption features
Skip if
- You need a short-depth rackmount form factor
- You prefer open-source NAS operating systems
- You want to expand storage without buying drives
Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 32TB Rackmount NAS offers robust security and speed for users who need pre-loaded capacity. It fits teams requiring 10GbE performance and strict data protection protocols.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | QNAP 4-Bay 1U Short Depth Rackmount NAS | BUFFALO TeraStation 4-Bay 8TB Rackmount NAS | QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS | QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD | QNAP TS-431K 4-Bay NAS | Synology 4-Bay Compact Rackmount NAS | BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4 Bay | 4-Bay | 4 Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | Dual 2.5GbE | 2.5GbE | USB 3.0 Type-C | not stated | 2 x 1 GbE | Dual 1GbE | Native 10GbE port |
| Processor | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Annapurna Labs AL-214 | not stated | not stated |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB | not stated | not stated | not stated | 1GB DDR3 | not stated | not stated |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2 slots | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Included Storage | Diskless | 8TB (4x2TB) | not stated | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | 32TB (4x8TB) |
| RAID Support | not stated | RAID 0, 5, 6 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0 |
| Form Factor | Rackmount | Rackmount | Rackmount | Rackmount | not stated | Rackmount | Rackmount |
| Hardware Interface | not stated | not stated | not stated | SATA | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Dimensions | not stated | not stated | 21.3 × 16.5 × 7.87 inches | 21.3 × 16.3 × 7.05 inches | 6.3 × 8.62 × 6.3 inches | 21 × 15.8 × 5.45 inches | 7.9 × 23 × 21.3 inches |
| Weight | not stated | not stated | 4.41 pounds | not stated | 4.4 pounds | not stated | 27.2 pounds |
| Size | 4 Bay | 8TB (4x2TB) | 4 Bay | 4 Bay | NAS | RS422+ | 32TB (4x8TB) |
| Color | not stated | Black | Black | black | White | Black | Black |
| Model | not stated | TS3420R0804S | TR-004U | TL-R400S | TS-431K | RS422+ | TS5420RN3204 |
Frequently asked questions
Which rackmount NAS offers the highest storage capacity?
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN provides the largest capacity in this group. It comes pre-loaded with four 8TB drives for a total of 32TB. This model is designed for teams needing high-speed 10GbE performance and strict data protection protocols. It is a robust choice for secure business storage needs.
What is the best budget-friendly rackmount expansion unit?
The QNAP TL-R400S is the best budget option for expanding existing systems. It is a 4-Bay Rackmount SATA JBOD designed to add raw storage space. It includes a PCIe card for direct host connection, making it practical for users who already have a QNAP NAS and need more capacity in a server rack.
Is there a rackmount NAS with pre-installed drives?
Yes, the BUFFALO TeraStation TS3420R0804S comes with four 2TB drives pre-installed for 8TB total. This makes it a secure, ready-to-use solution without buying separate hard drives. It prioritizes data protection and US support over raw speed, fitting users who value convenience and included components in their rackmount setup.
Can I use a non-rackmount NAS as an alternative?
The QNAP TS-431K is a 4-Bay NAS that is not rackmount compatible. It features dual 1GbE ports and is suitable for home users needing basic storage. It is not suitable for those requiring rackmount mounting or higher network speeds. It offers a compact desktop form factor instead of a 1U rack design.
Which model is best for expanding QNAP storage?
The QNAP TR-004U is a dedicated storage add-on for QNAP users. It provides four additional drive bays in a rackmount form factor. This allows you to expand your existing system without building a new one. It fits those who need more drive capacity while maintaining compatibility with their current QNAP infrastructure.
Does Synology offer a compact rackmount alternative?
The Synology RackStation RS422+ is a compact 4-Bay rackmount NAS. It provides an expandable storage base for users who prioritize network flexibility and space efficiency. This model offers a solid alternative for those who need reliable rackmount storage with upgrade paths, fitting well into environments where space is at a premium.