Tired of your movie nights being interrupted by buffering or struggling to find space for all your favorite shows? You’re not alone! Many of us love using Plex to organize and stream our media, but storing it all can be a real headache. It’s like having a giant library, but without enough shelves!
Choosing the perfect Network Attached Storage (NAS) for your Plex server can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many brands, features, and technical terms that it’s easy to get lost. You want something that’s fast, reliable, and can hold all your movies, music, and photos without breaking the bank. But where do you even start?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about NAS for Plex. We’ll explore what makes a NAS great for streaming, guide you through the important features to look for, and even suggest some top picks. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to pick the best NAS to power your Plex media empire.
Our Top 5 Network Attached Storage For Plex Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Network Attached Storage For Plex Detailed Reviews
1. Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL
Rating: 9.1/10
The Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL is a 2-bay network attached storage (NAS) enclosure. It’s a great way to store your files and access them from anywhere. This NAS is built with a powerful 1.7GHz quad-core processor from Realtek. It also has 1GB of DDR4 RAM. This lets you enjoy and stream your content, even in 4K. You can download and upload files easily. The NAS supports Wake on LAN (WOL), which means you can turn it on remotely. It also offers Btrfs/iSCSI snapshots for data protection. Plus, installation is a breeze with its tool-free design.
What We Like:
- The 1.7GHz quad-core processor provides good performance for everyday tasks.
- 4K transcoding capability is a nice feature for media streaming.
- Tool-free installation makes setting it up very simple.
- Btrfs/iSCSI snapshots offer robust data backup options.
- Wake on LAN (WOL) allows for convenient remote power management.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1GB of RAM might be a limitation for more demanding tasks or heavy multitasking.
- Only one 1GbE port might be restrictive for users needing higher network speeds or link aggregation.
Overall, the Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite AS1102TL is a solid choice for home users looking for simple and effective network storage. It offers good features for its price point, making it accessible for many.
2. BUFFALO LinkStation 210 6TB 1-Bay NAS Network Attached Storage with HDD Hard Drives Included NAS Storage That Works as Home Cloud or Network Storage Device for Home
Rating: 8.8/10
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 6TB 1-Bay NAS is a smart way to keep all your important files in one place. This device acts like your own personal cloud, letting you store photos, music, and videos. You can access your stuff from any device without paying monthly fees. It’s made in Japan, so you know it’s built with quality. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty and US-based support if you need help.
What We Like:
- It provides 6TB of storage, which is a lot of space for all your files.
- You get a subscription-free personal cloud, meaning no extra monthly costs to access your data.
- It’s designed for data security with a closed system to protect against threats.
- You can back up multiple computers automatically using the included software.
- Sharing files with family and friends is easy and secure with individual access settings.
- It connects directly to your router, making it simple for all your devices to share storage.
- It offers value with RAID for centralized storage and backup.
- The company provides 24/7 US-based support and a 2-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- This specific model, the LS200, doesn’t have the enhanced features or cloud capabilities of newer models like the LS700.
- The LS200 is not as fast as some other NAS options on the market.
This LinkStation 210 is a solid choice for anyone needing a simple and secure way to store and back up their digital life at home. It offers great value for centralized data management.
3. UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus 4-Bay Desktop NAS
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of juggling external hard drives and worrying about losing your precious files? The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus is here to change that. This powerful 4-bay desktop NAS acts as your own private cloud, offering a much better way to store, back up, and access your digital life. With its speedy Intel Pentium Gold processor and generous RAM, it handles everything from massive movie collections to thousands of photos with ease.
What We Like:
- Centralized Storage & Easy Backups: Keeps all your files in one place and automatically backs them up.
- Massive Storage Potential: Can hold up to 136TB, meaning you likely won’t run out of space for a long time.
- Super-Fast Transfers: Quickly move large files with its 10GbE network port.
- Secure Private Cloud: Your data stays safe with encryption, and you control who sees it.
- Smart Photo Organization: The AI photo album sorts your pictures by faces and scenes, making them easy to find.
- User-Friendly Access: Access your files from any device, anywhere, using a simple app.
- Wide Hard Drive Compatibility: Works with popular hard drive brands.
- Reliable Warranty: Comes with a 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Hard Drives Not Included: You’ll need to buy your own hard drives separately.
The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus offers a robust and convenient solution for managing your digital world. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking for secure, fast, and accessible storage.
4. UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay Desktop NAS
Rating: 9.1/10
The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 is a powerful and versatile 2-bay desktop NAS that brings your personal cloud storage to life. It’s designed for anyone who wants to store, manage, and access their digital life with ease and security, all without expensive monthly fees.
What We Like:
- You spend less money over time compared to cloud storage because it’s a one-time purchase.
- It offers massive storage potential, up to 76TB, so you can save all your photos, videos, and important files.
- The user-friendly app makes sharing files simple across all your devices like phones, computers, and smart TVs.
- Its AI-powered photo album automatically sorts your pictures by people, places, and things, and even finds duplicates to save space.
- You get complete control and security over your data with its private cloud features and advanced encryption.
- The Intel N100 processor and 2.5GbE port mean super-fast file transfers, getting a 1GB file in just 3 seconds.
- It’s compatible with many popular hard drive brands like Western Digital and Seagate.
- UGREEN offers a solid 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Hard drives are not included and must be bought separately.
This NAS offers excellent value and control for your digital storage needs. It’s a smart choice for a secure and expansive personal cloud.
5. QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage (DAS) with hardware RAID (Diskless)
Rating: 8.6/10
The QNAP TR-004 is a great way to add more storage to your computer or QNAP NAS. It’s a 4-bay drive enclosure that connects using a USB Type-C cable. This means you get fast data transfer speeds. You can use it to back up your files or to expand the storage space on your QNAP NAS. It supports different RAID setups, which helps protect your data. Plus, the drive bays lock for extra security.
What We Like:
- Fast connection with USB Type-C.
- Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux computers.
- Can expand your QNAP NAS storage.
- Supports hardware RAID (RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, individual disks) for data protection.
- Includes a USB Type-C to Type-A cable.
- Lockable drive bays keep your drives secure.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not compatible with older QNAP NAS models or those that can’t be updated to QTS 4.3.6 or later.
- It creates its own storage pool on the NAS and can’t be combined with the NAS’s existing storage.
- You can’t install NAS apps directly on the TR-004.
- Drives can only be moved between TR-004 units; moving them to/from a NAS won’t be recognized.
The QNAP TR-004 is a solid option for easily adding storage and protecting your data with RAID. Just be sure to check its compatibility with your existing QNAP NAS.
Your Guide to the Best Network Attached Storage (NAS) for Plex
Want to stream your movies, music, and photos to any device in your home? A Network Attached Storage (NAS) drive is your ticket. It’s like a private cloud for your digital stuff. When you use it with Plex, it becomes a super-powered media server. This guide will help you pick the right NAS for your Plex needs.
What to Look For in a NAS for Plex
Key Features
- CPU (Processor): This is the brain of your NAS. For Plex, a good CPU is super important. It helps Plex organize your library and play media smoothly. Look for Intel Celeron or higher. More cores and faster speeds mean better performance.
- RAM (Memory): More RAM helps your NAS run multiple things at once. For Plex, 4GB of RAM is a good starting point. If you plan to have many users or stream high-quality video, more RAM is better.
- Drive Bays: These are slots where you put your hard drives. Most home users need 2-4 drive bays. More bays mean you can store more media and have options for data backup.
- Network Speed: A Gigabit Ethernet port is a must. This ensures fast data transfer from your NAS to your devices.
- Transcoding Ability: This is how your NAS converts media files on the fly so they can play on different devices. If you stream to phones, tablets, or older computers, transcoding is vital. Look for NAS devices with hardware transcoding support. This makes streaming much smoother.
Important Materials
NAS drives are usually made of sturdy plastic. This keeps them lightweight and helps with cooling. The internal components, like the motherboard and hard drives, are high-quality electronics. The hard drives are the most important part for storing your media.
What Makes a NAS Great (or Not So Great)
- Performance: A powerful CPU and enough RAM will make your Plex experience fast and seamless. Slow devices can cause buffering and long loading times.
- Storage Capacity: The size of your hard drives determines how much media you can store. Larger drives mean more movies and music!
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface makes setting up and managing your NAS much easier. Good software support is key.
- Noise Level: Some NAS drives can be noisy. If your NAS will be in a living area, look for quieter models.
- Power Consumption: NAS drives run 24/7. Lower power consumption saves energy and reduces heat.
User Experience and Use Cases
A NAS with Plex is perfect for families who want to share a media library. You can stream movies to your smart TV, listen to music on your phone, and view photos on your tablet, all from one central place. It’s also great for people with large media collections. You can store all your favorite shows and movies without filling up your computer’s hard drive. It’s a simple way to keep all your digital memories organized and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the most important feature for a Plex NAS?
A1: The CPU is the most important feature. It handles all the heavy lifting for Plex, like organizing your library and converting files.
Q2: Do I need special hard drives for my NAS?
A2: You should use NAS-specific hard drives. They are built for 24/7 operation and are more reliable than regular desktop drives.
Q3: Can I use my NAS for more than just Plex?
A3: Yes! Many NAS drives can also be used for backing up your computers, storing photos, and even running other apps.
Q4: How much storage do I need?
A4: This depends on how much media you have. Start with at least 4TB and consider a NAS with multiple drive bays so you can add more storage later.
Q5: Is setting up a NAS difficult?
A5: Most NAS brands have easy-to-follow setup guides. It’s usually a matter of installing drives and following on-screen instructions.
Q6: What is transcoding and why is it important for Plex?
A6: Transcoding is when the NAS converts a media file into a format that your device can play. It’s important because it ensures smooth playback even if your device doesn’t support the original file type.
Q7: Do I need to buy hard drives separately?
A7: Often, yes. NAS drives are sold as “diskless” units, meaning you need to buy your hard drives separately. Some models come with drives pre-installed.
Q8: Can I access my Plex library from outside my home?
A8: Yes, with Plex Pass and proper network setup, you can stream your media from anywhere with an internet connection.
Q9: How many drive bays should I get?
A9: Two drive bays are good for redundancy (RAID). Four bays offer more storage and better backup options.
Q10: Will a NAS make my Plex server faster?
A10: A NAS can make your Plex server faster and more reliable, especially if your computer is older or not powerful enough to handle Plex tasks.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Sean Kernan, the voice behind esteeringwheel.com.. With a passion for all things automotive, I created this platform to share my journey, insights, and expertise about cars. From the latest tech to timeless driving tips, my goal is to help fellow enthusiasts and everyday drivers navigate the fascinating world of automobiles. Welcome to my corner of the road—let’s steer toward knowledge and discovery together!