6 Top QNAP NAS Options for 2024

As small businesses expand and home users handle ever-increasing volumes of data, the need for scalable data storage solutions has never been more crucial. A storage upgrade isn’t just about enhancing capacity or reliability—it’s about centralizing setups to boost performance, ease of sharing, and security.

As Direct-Attached Storage (DAS) solutions naturally progress to Network-Attached Storage (NAS) architectures, in this article we’ll simplify the selection process by presenting the best QNAP NAS options for various needs.

What Is a NAS System

Network-attached storage, or NAS, represents a data storage and management device that allows information to be shared among versatile groups of users and varied clients simultaneously. Data can be accessed through a network or via the internet.

Being flexible and scalable, NAS servers can easily adapt to growing storage needs, allowing you to add more space to what you already have.

It’s like having a private cloud right in the office — but NAS is faster, less expensive, and can provide you all the benefits of a public cloud on-site without limiting your control over the data.

Among other things, NAS systems also provide excellent file synchronization between different machines and devices. NAS storage is an extremely reliable solution for data backup as well.

As for data recoverability, NAS servers offer much faster data recovery in case of a system failure or unintentional deletion of an important file in comparison to popular cloud services, such as DropBox or OneDrive.

What is QNAP

QNAP stands for Quality Network Appliance Provider and they are an awarded storage device manufacturer, among other network solutions.

With innovative software and a compact, yet attractive hardware design, QNAP offers a wide range of NAS devices for all purposes and budgets.

Since the brand heavily invests in research and development, users can be sure that a QNAP acquisition will be a reliable and “future-proof” choice, as they promise.

Best QNAP NAS Options for 2024

QNAP has every NAS user type in mind. Their product portfolio ranges from personal and home storage needs, small and midsize businesses (SMBs), to full server rooms for enterprise systems.

Here we present a list of the six best QNAP products that are worth checking out in 2024, plus an option for high performance needs:

Best Overall: QNAP

Key points:

• Intel CPU
• 2 bays
• 8GB RAM
• 2.5Gb LAN

Time-tested and extremely stable in operation, the QNAP TS-253E model leads today’s top thanks to the balance between value and performance that it offers.

The QNAP TS-253E is a high-performance NAS solution designed to meet the demands of various storage needs. With its Intel CPU, it offers substantial processing power for seamless multitasking.

Advantages:

• Robust Intel CPU ensures efficient performance.
• Two bays offer storage expansion options.
• 8GB RAM supports smooth data operations.
• 2.5Gb LAN facilitates faster network connectivity.

Disadvantages:

• The limited bay count might not suit large-scale storage needs.

Best Runner-up: QNAP TS-364

Key points:

• Intel CPU
• 3 bays
• 8GB RAM
• 2.5Gb LAN

For those who are new to the network-attached storage technology and are considering investing in their first NAS enclosure, the QNAP TS-364 will be an excellent option for you to start with.

The QNAP TS-364 is a versatile NAS solution that strikes a balance between performance and storage capacity. Its Intel CPU and expandable bays make it suitable for diverse applications.

While being an affordable device, this NAS can offer you a range of features that will allow you to scale from scratch if you have bigger plans in the long run.

Advantages:

• Intel CPU ensures responsive and efficient operations.
• Three bays offer improved storage options.
• 8GB RAM supports multitasking and data handling.
• 2.5Gb LAN enhances network connectivity.

Disadvantages:

• May not provide the highest storage capacity among the options.

Best Budget: QNAP TS-133

Key points:

• ARM CPU
• 1 bay
• 2GB RAM
• 1GB LAN

The QNAP TS-133 is an affordable NAS solution designed for basic storage needs. Its compact size and features make it a budget-friendly choice for individuals seeking simple data management.

This makes it a great NAS option to consider if you only want a medium to keep important backups of your PC or laptop and become less reliant on cloud storage services.

Advantages:

• Affordable price point fits tight budgets.
• The compact form factor is suitable for small spaces.
• 2GB RAM allows for basic multitasking.
• 1Gb LAN provides standard network connectivity.

Disadvantages:

• Limited bay count and lower specifications may not suit complex storage requirements.

Best for Home: QNAP TS-251D

Key Points:

• Intel Celeron J4005 CPU
• 2GB/4GB DDR4 RAM Options
• 2 Drive Bays
• Dual Gigabit LAN Ports
• HDMI Output with 4K Support

The QNAP TS-251D is a versatile NAS (Network Attached Storage) device that offers a range of features tailored to meet the needs of home users. Its multimedia capabilities, expandability, and comprehensive backup options make it a reliable choice for a variety of users.

With its powerful hardware and user-friendly software, the TS-251D stands as a cost-effective solution for those seeking reliable data storage and management. The QNAP TS-251D strikes a balance between performance, versatility, and affordability, making it a valuable addition to home networks.

Advantages:

• The Intel Celeron CPU and ample RAM options make the TS-251D suitable for various applications, from data storage and backup to media streaming and virtualization.
• With two drive bays and support for SSD caching, you can easily expand your storage capacity and improve performance as your needs grow.
• The HDMI output and support for multimedia applications like Plex and Kodi turn the TS-251D into a media hub for your home entertainment needs.
• QNAP provides a range of backup options, including real-time remote replication, snapshot support, and hybrid backup, ensuring your data is protected.

Disadvantages:

• TS-251D can be considered relatively expensive compared to some budget NAS options.
• Setting up advanced features like RAID configurations and virtualization may require some technical expertise.

Best Value: QNAP TS-431P3

Key Points:

• ARM CPU
• 4 bays
• 4 GB RAM
• 1 GB LAN

The QNAP TS-431P3 is a value-oriented NAS solution that strikes a balance between features and affordability. With its four bays and respectable specifications, it offers a cost-effective storage solution.

The TS-431P3 can back up all your computers and devices, which means you can save money by ditching your unreliable cloud storage subscriptions. At the same time, improve the security of your files by eliminating the risks associated with data security issues concerns.

Advantages:

• Four bays provide decent storage capacity.
• Affordable prices offer value for money.
• 4GB RAM supports basic multitasking and data handling.
• 1Gb LAN provides standard network connectivity.

Disadvantages:

• ARM CPU might limit performance for more intensive tasks.

Best Capacity: QNAP TVS-H1688X

Key points:

• Intel CPU
• 16 bays
• 8GB RAM
• 10Gb LAN

If the most important thing for you in a NAS is capacity and in your search, you are guided by the principle “the more the better”, then TVS-H1688X is your best QNAP choice.

The QNAP TVS-H1688X is a high-capacity NAS solution tailored for extensive storage requirements. With its large number of bays and robust features, it’s designed to handle substantial data volumes.

Advantages:

• Sixteen bays provide exceptional storage capacity.
• Intel CPU ensures powerful data processing.
• 8GB RAM supports multitasking and efficient operations.
• 10Gb LAN offers high-speed network connectivity.

Disadvantages:

• Larger physical size and higher cost may be less suitable for smaller setups.

Bonus: QNAP TVS-672XT for high-performance needs

Key points:

• Intel CPU
• 6 bays
• 8GB RAM
• 10Gb LAN

While it is known that Plex, the digital media player and organization tool, is demanding on NAS systems, there is a NAS device that was designed to meet these requirements, namely TVS-672XT. QNAP positions this model as the ideal NAS for the media hub.

The QNAP TVS-672XT is a premium NAS solution optimized for Plex media streaming and management. Its powerful Intel CPU and ample bays make it an excellent choice for multimedia enthusiasts.

This high-performance QNAP NAS is also a great choice for photographers and video editing professionals thanks to its high-speed file sharing thanks and the flexibility to install a graphics card.

Advantages:

• Intel CPU supports smooth 4K transcoding for Plex.
• Six bays provide ample storage for media libraries.
• 8GB RAM ensures responsive performance.
• 10Gb LAN offers high-speed network connectivity.

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost compared to other models.

Summary

Finding the best-suited NAS device can be a daunting task. However, SalvageData experts compared QNAP options for those looking for stability, scalability, or capacity. There are options for those on a budget and even the best model to get started with networked storage systems.

These QNAP NAS options were analyzed based on product specifications. But even the most reliable model is susceptible to failures caused by power surges, user error, defects, or even ransomware attacks.

If your data becomes inaccessible due to a disk failure in the NAS, damage to the drive, media corruption, or any other reason, request a free evaluation from SalvageData specialists.