Top-tier Home Network-Attachment Storage Systems for 2025
In the world of home networking, Network Attached Storage (NAS) servers have become an essential tool for managing and storing digital content. As we move into 2025, several NAS servers stand out as the best choices for home use. Here's a roundup of the top NAS servers for home use this year.
Synology DiskStation DS223j: The Best Budget Home NAS
The Synology DiskStation DS223j is a reliable and affordable NAS server that offers strong software features for daily use. Ideal for beginners, this 2-bay NAS provides an excellent balance of affordability and performance, making it a top pick for those on a budget [1].
Synology DiskStation DS223: A Step Up from DS223j
Similar to the DS223j, the DS223 offers better hardware, including 2GB RAM, making it a more suitable option if you want to run Plex streaming smoothly at home [1].
Synology DiskStation DS224+: Software Elegance
For those who prioritise software features, the Synology DiskStation DS224+ is the best 2-bay NAS. It offers Synology’s full software ecosystem, but lacks multi-Gigabit connectivity and M.2 slots [1].
UGREEN NASync DXP2800: Enhanced Connectivity
If you're looking for enhanced connectivity, the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 is a great option. This NAS server comes with a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, an Intel N100 quad-core CPU, and 8GB RAM, making it a good choice for daily backups and media streaming [1][4].
QNAP TS-230: A Modern Design for General Home Use
The QNAP TS-230 is a quiet, modern-design NAS with 2GB DDR4 RAM and 2 drive bays. It's suitable for general home use above entry-level NAS systems [2].
QNAP TS-451D2-4G: Advanced Home Use
For more advanced needs or data hoarders, the QNAP TS-451D2-4G is a suitable 4-bay NAS. It features more USB ports and stronger specs but lacks NVMe support [2].
Software Options for Home Use
When it comes to software, Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) remains the top software ecosystem for home users, offering many features for daily use [1][5]. Other popular options include TrueNAS SCALE/Core, Unraid, and OpenMediaVault [3].
The BeeStation: A Reliable Local Storage Solution
The BeeStation is an all-in-one unit with a 4TB hard drive, ideal for local storage. However, it lacks media streaming capabilities and software features found in most other NAS servers [6].
The AS5402T: A Powerful Media Streaming NAS
Powered by Intel's Celeron J5105 and featuring 4GB of RAM (upgradeable to 16GB), the AS5402T is a reliable 2-bay NAS with dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. It's a great choice for media streaming [7].
TerraMaster's F4-424 Max: A Powerhouse for Media Streaming
TerraMaster's F4-424 Max offers the best hardware in its segment, thanks to Intel's powerful Core i5 1235U, and two 10GbE ports. This makes it a true powerhouse for media streaming [8].
In summary, when choosing a NAS server for home use in 2025, consider factors such as budget, software requirements, and connectivity needs. The Synology DiskStation DS223j or DS223 are top picks for those on a budget, while the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 offers enhanced connectivity. For more advanced needs or multiple bays, consider the QNAP TS-451D2-4G. Choose the operating system based on your use (e.g., DSM for user-friendliness, TrueNAS for ZFS, Unraid for media/virtualization). These represent the top and most recommended NAS servers and software options for home use in 2025 [1][2][3][4][5].
[1] TechRadar. (2025). Best NAS servers 2025: The top network-attached storage devices for your home or small office. TechRadar. https://www.techradar.com/best/best-nas
[2] Tom's Guide. (2025). Best NAS Devices in 2025. Tom's Guide. https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-nas-devices,review-2265.html
[3] Digital Trends. (2025). The best NAS devices in 2025. Digital Trends. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-nas-devices/
[4] PCMag. (2025). The Best NAS Devices of 2025. PCMag. https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/302486/the-best-nas-devices
[5] Synology. (2025). Synology Introduces Strict Hardware Compatibility Requirements on Plus Series NAS. Synology. https://www.synology.com/en-us/press/news/2025/03/synology-introduces-strict-hardware-compatibility-requirements-on-plus-series-nas
[6] BeeStation. (2025). BeeStation NAS Review: A Reliable Local Storage Solution with a Few Shortcomings. TechRadar. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/beestation-nas-review
[7] ASUSTOR. (2025). ASUSTOR AS5402T Review: A Powerful Media Streaming NAS with Dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity. TechRadar. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/asustor-as5402t-review
[8] TerraMaster. (2025). TerraMaster F4-424 Max Review: A Powerful 2-Bay NAS with 8 M.2 Slots and 10GbE Connectivity. TechRadar. https://www.techradar.com/reviews/terramaster-f4-424-max-review
- In the realm of home lifestyle, the Synology DiskStation DS223j stands out as the best budget home NAS for managing and storing digital content, providing a balance of affordability and performance.
- For those who prioritize home-and-garden tech devices and enjoy shopping for advanced features, the TerraMaster's F4-424 Max offers the best hardware and is a true powerhouse for smooth media streaming and enhanced connectivity.
