You can use most NAS devices to stream media, but some are better at it than others. This setup is ideal, as it allows you to expand the storage capacity of the NAS over time, and even swap out defective drives without losing data in some models. Many NAS devices come with one or more additional drive bays. What to Look For in Network Attached Storage Additional Drive Bays However, if you need more advanced capabilities and the support for a whopping 48TB of storage, the DS918+ ( view at Amazon) is worth the considerable extra cost. It’s easy to use and includes most of the major features you want in a NAS at a reasonable price point. The Western Digital My Cloud EX2 ( view at Amazon) is the NAS device we recommend to most people. Processor: Marvell ARMADA 1.3 GHz | Storage Capacity: 8TB (included) to 36TB | Compatibility: Windows, macOS | Ports: Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 3.0 We think it's the best NAS for the average person who wants a straightforward device. Unusually for a device that’s just about as easy to set up as an ordinary external hard drive, it also comes with advanced security features. Other handy features include the ability to easily schedule backups from multiple devices and share files with others by creating private links. It also comes with Plex Media Server built-in, a digital media player that makes it easy to stream your favorite media to all of your devices. The My Cloud Ex2 is pretty much plug-and-play and comes with 8TB of storage capacity, which is plenty for home use. Portable drives are fine for this purpose.The Western Digital My Cloud EX2 is far from the most advanced NAS, the fastest, or the most versatile, but it wins its place as the best overall for most people because it’s affordable and hassle-free. It will backup when you charge the laptop. If you don't want the hassle of unplugging and plugging a USB drive all the time because you are using the laptop on the road buy a charging USB hub suitable for your laptop and just leave the drive plugged in permanently on your desk. It is much cheaper to just buy 2 USB drives and plug one into each of your laptops. We would only be using it for safely and securely backing out our laptops. I can understand the choice but not sure they are the best solution. they almost copied each other.īoth put WD cloud drives at top of the list. Looking at a couple of current articles for NAS and Time Machine. A NAS and a proper NAS drive will still come out expensive. More than adequate for average home usage. Alternatively a USB drive could be used to backup the NAS then wipe the internal drive and start over. you can buy one hdd now and add another when you fill the first drive if you decide to maintain the history over long periods. I recommend people buy a 2 bay model rather than just single disk. If you want to use a NAS for streaming movies etc. For just Time Machine the bottom models are fine.
WHAT BEST NAS FOR HOME PLUS
Any of them with + or Plus on the name is top model with x86 like Celeron and more memory slots. ie bottom model with ARM processor and fixed memory. Synology use model numbers that are logical.Ģ means two bays (4 for 4 bays but can be a lot more with add ons. even second hand model like the DS218j, a couple of years old, would be fine. A number of us here use them for Time Machine backup. Synology and QNAP are the two big names in NAS.