How to Choose Home NAS Storage in 2024

Network-attached storage reviews always mention that NAS devices are among the best data-keeping solutions available in 2024.

The best network storage device is distinguished by its capacious, durable, usually expandable, and relatively cheap network-linked external file servers, which are becoming integral to every segment of business, corporate, and scientific life.

Choosing the best home network storage in 2024 is an easy task. The device must be reliable, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and not too bulky (although these factors are somewhat a matter of taste, right). Of course, we assume you do not want to pay a lot for modest performance or unnecessary features.

A good quality, affordable NAS with reliable software is all we need to enhance our home digital life.

Home NAS Storage: What Criteria Should We Use Before Making a Choice?

Network-attached storage (NAS) devices across various market segments share common traits, such as data capacity, the number and types of storage units (usually hard drives), compatibility with file systems, transfer protocols and operating systems used in the network infrastructure, built-in software options, and the types of network connections available.

Let's look at these criteria and understand how they can influence your choice.

• Capacity is often the most important attribute of any NAS. The first question to consider is how many terabytes of data your device can store. Some NAS devices offer expandability, allowing you to increase capacity by adding more hard drives or utilizing newer, larger drives.


• Storage units in the device can be of two types: hard drives (disks) and solid-state drives (flash memory).
  
  Hard disks (HDs) have many advantages over solid-state drives (SSDs). They are more reliable in the long term and offer significantly more read/write cycles before any memory cell degrades. HDs are also much cheaper, making them the preferred choice for most network-attached storage devices.
  
  SSDs have their own advantages. They are faster than HDs and have no mechanical parts, making them more shock-proof and resistant to vibrations. Although these qualities are valuable for direct-attached storage (DAS), they are less crucial for NAS devices, which typically remain stationary. Additionally, the speed of NAS devices is often limited by network bandwidth rather than the read/write speed of the storage units. Recent advancements have also made SSDs more affordable and durable, making them a viable option for NAS setups that prioritize speed.



• Number of storage devices can vary widely, but we recommend using NAS devices with more than one drive. This allows you to organize your NAS drives in a RAID 1 structure, which is more stable and error-resistant than using single disks. Other RAID configurations, such as RAID 5 or RAID 6, offer even more data protection and capacity efficiency.


• Most new NAS devices effectively address compatibility with other computers and operating systems in your network by supporting popular file-exchange protocols out of the box. Any NAS properly connected to your network can function as an external disk or other network device type with almost any operating system and hardware available today. However, complications may arise if you use an older OS, a vintage network device, or an obsolete NAS in your infrastructure. Different software and hardware versions can encounter "interaction issues." Fortunately, many solutions are available online for these cases. Additionally, modern NAS devices now support advanced features such as virtualization, containerization (e.g., Docker), and integration with cloud services, enhancing their compatibility and functionality.


• Built-in software can significantly simplify your life. For example, a built-in torrent client can download and share files without requiring any other computer to be active. Good backup software, when properly scheduled, can automatically save and secure your personal data on your NAS with minimal effort on your part. Review the software services provided by your preferred NAS and understand if and how additional software can be installed if needed. Newer NAS models also offer enhanced multimedia capabilities, such as 4K video streaming, media server functionalities (e.g., Plex), and AI-powered photo organization.


• Type of network connections is another crucial consideration. Almost all NAS devices connect to the network via Ethernet cable, which provides a stable and fast connection. If you prefer not to have a tangle of wires, consider NAS devices with built-in or optional WiFi connections. While WiFi is slower and less stable than Ethernet, it can eliminate the need for numerous cables and plugs in your home. Recent advancements in WiFi technology, such as WiFi 7, have improved the speed and reliability of wireless connections, making them a more viable option for NAS devices.

If you can navigate these questions successfully, you can choose a highly suitable NAS device for your needs.

The Best NAS for Home Use in 2024 (Examples)

When considering the most suitable home NAS storage in 2024, it's important to note that they aren't necessarily the ones with the highest price tags, but rather those that provide all the features you need.

A cheap home network storage device doesn't necessarily mean it's inferior—this is a truth borne out by experience. However, affordability shouldn't be the primary virtue when choosing a system to safeguard your precious personal data. This principle holds true for both businesses and modern homes, which often store a wealth of digital memories.

Western Digital My Cloud Pro Series PR4100: Empowering Small Businesses and Home Offices

The My Cloud Pro Series PR4100 from Western Digital is tailored for small businesses and home offices, offering a versatile solution with its four 3.5-inch hard drive bays. It supports third-party app integration, enhancing its functionality beyond basic storage. Available in capacities up to 8TB (expandable with larger drives), it features USB-A and Ethernet RJ45 connectors for versatile connectivity options. Compatible with Windows® and macOS, as well as DLNA®/UPnP devices for streaming, it requires a router with an Internet connection. This NAS is renowned for its reliability, making it a practical choice for users seeking efficient data management and accessibility. We recommend it if you're looking for a dependable NAS solution that integrates well with existing IT environments and offers scalable storage options.

Synology DS923+: Versatile NAS Solution for Robust Data Management

The Synology DS923+ NAS offers flexible storage expansion up to nine drives, including SSD support, and features fast networking with dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots. Powered by Synology DSM, it supports SATA III drives, runs on an AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU with up to 32GB RAM, and achieves speeds up to 625 MB/s read and 559 MB/s write. It includes USB 3.2 ports, eSATA for expansion, dual Gigabit Ethernet with link aggregation, supports RAID configurations, and is energy-efficient with scheduled power management. Ideal for robust data management, backups, and surveillance with comprehensive backup solutions and VM hosting capabilities.

With the ability to safeguard up to 6 TB of data and bundled with robust software like Handy Backup for home users, the DS923+ ensures reliable data protection and seamless operations. Reviews from online sources provide further insights into its suitability across diverse user needs, ensuring it meets the criteria of being a dependable choice for home NAS storage solutions.

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